Reflections Fall 2010 by Saginaw Valley State University

REFLECTIONS SVSU MAGAZINE FALL 2010

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ON SERVING STUDENTS: KEEPING THE FAITH It’s fall and once again SVSU has opened its doors to a new class of freshmen. It’s hard to believe that it has been 20 years since I attended my first class at SVSU. How different the university looks today! I have been a student here for the past two decades, earning a bachelor’s degree in 1994, and a master’s degree in ’98. SVSU has provided me with many educational experiences, the most rewarding being selected as a member of the 2007-08 Gerstacker Fellowship. The yearlong class allowed me to network with 12 other educators from around the region. SVSU personnel and notable business leaders instructed us on a variety of subjects. The capstone was an opportunity to visit China and Japan for two weeks and study education from a global perspective. The experience taught me firsthand about diversity and the importance for all educators to help create opportunities for their students to be critical thinkers and observers and, most importantly, global citizens. I have also learned the need for connectedness, not only across the region, but also around the world. The problems we face can’t be solved in isolation. The Gerstacker experience was so powerful that the members of the first three cohorts expressed an interest in continuing it, and SVSU made it happen. Informally called “Gerstacker Plus,” we meet monthly for professional development on educational issues, both on local and international levels. Many of these issues were also highlighted in June when SVSU hosted The Great Lakes Bay Summer Leadership Academy. More than 200 educators from around the region met for three days to further the region in its pursuit of academic excellence. Midland High School plans to put this global vision and pursuit of excellence into practice this year by participating in IEARN (International Education and Research Network), the largest non-profit global network that enables students and teachers to collaborate on international projects. Students will exchange knowledge with partners from around the world, which reflects IEARN’s motto: “Learning with the world, not just about it.” SVSU has embraced that same theme and continues to be a positive force in education, whether it’s providing quality opportunities for pre-service teachers or establishing partnerships with school districts around the region. As a principal, I am always happy to host a student teacher or hire an SVSU graduate. The field experience offered to SVSU students is second to none; these future educators are well prepared for the job. The Great Lakes Bay Region is indeed fortunate to have Saginaw Valley State University – the area’s leader in delivering a world-class education.

Janet Greif, 1994, B.A.; 1998, M.Ed. Principal, Midland High School

REFLECTIONS MAGAZINE

Volume 5, Number 2 • Fall 2010

Table Of

STAFF

CONTENTS

SENIOR CONSULTANT Andy Bethune, B.B.A., ’87 EDITOR J.J. Boehm, M.A., ’06 MANAGING EDITOR Tim Inman, B.A., ’89, M.Ed., ’96 WRITERS J.J. Boehm Tim Inman Sara Kitchen, B.A., ’09 Jan Poppe, M.A., ’01 Carlos Ramet GRAPHIC DESIGNER Jill Allardyce, M.A., ’06 PHOTOGRAPHERS Adam Baudoux, B.A., ’08 Geoffe Haney Tim Inman CONTRIBUTORS Andy Bethune Emmie Busch, B.A., ’89, M.A., ’93 Pamela Clifford, B.B.A., ’92 Joseph Vogl, B.B.A., ’76, M.B.A, ’82

7 svsu officially opens doors to health & human services building

ADVISORY BOARD Jill Allardyce J.J. Boehm Pamela Clifford Tim Inman Jan Poppe Carlos Ramet Kevin Schultz, B.A., ’92

13 Focus on employee wellness earns SVSU recognition

REFLECTIONS Magazine is published twice a year. Comments, suggestions and inquiries contact: Alumni Relations at Saginaw Valley State University 7400 Bay Road • University Center, MI 48710 Phone: (989) 964-4196

CONTACT THE UNIVERSITY ADMISSIONS admissions@svsu.edu; P: (989) 964-4200 ALUMNI RELATIONS alumni@svsu.edu; P: (989) 964-4196 SVSU FOUNDATION foundation@svsu.edu; P: (989) 964-4052 CAREER SERVICES careers@svsu.edu; P: (989) 964-4954

20 Cardinals Complete Clinton Scholarship Trifecta

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31 “Cardinal Forever” kicks off

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Stephanie 2009, B.A., and Scott Lah

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SAGINAW VALLEY STATE UNIVERSITY

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Horror d The Rocky “riot.” I attende ring the 1979 off steam. It g du n tin let ma sh nts fre de I was a a bunch of stu iliar with and witnessed us were not fam Picture Show t’s all. Most of tha owing – thr ht d fig rte d sta foo ople was a massive tion. When pe pected interac re food and ex mo g the sin or tos vie the mo just reacted by and when water, people out the movie rice, toast and really know ab n’t did llection of ly co re ive na no e have water back. W shakers, but I d an d foo ar ck ound til recall the own – and I stu to do what! I chairs being thr as ch su r, ge anything big red to leave! we were orde lice cars were how many po . I don’t recall rm do tion was! As my ac to al d the re I returne t that’s where spring bu , ow nd wi at r ed SVSU,” outside of ou ticle (“Snowball ar s on s turned cti en fle sir d an the Re mentioned in mpus with lights to close our eeding onto ca ed sp fus me re ca d y an e 2010) the ed the polic feeling tes and I watch got the distinct on. My suitema officers. We the by t know at to no d re did orde ; we drapes when by the students re intimidated we rs ce offi that the “riot.” t the rumored the time abou de our the show outsi kept watching ed down, we lice car backed lm po ca e s On ng . thi vie After e Kops mo d a dead s like a Keyston er police car ha window. It wa damage. Anoth ing police were us e ca Th r. er, ca right into anoth p from another jum ry tte ba m! a eded watching the battery and ne laughing faces essed with the less than impr ces. old acquaintan ad about some It was fun to re Best Regards,

83, B.B.A. Nancy Milton Richards, 19

My wife Stephanie and I are currently teaching English as a second language in Ulsan, South Korea, located in the southeast of the peninsula, right on the coast of the East Sea. It has been an enriching, enlightening, and amazing experience so far. It is awesome to be immersed in a new cultural experience, to learn a new language (little by little), and interact with our students in a meaningful and real way. Besides that, it is surreal to be living in a metropolis of over 1 million people, and still be surrounded by breathtaking scenes of lush, forested mountains and winding rivers. It truly is an experience of a lifetime. SVSU was an essential factor in our journey to South Korea. I finished the TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) program in June, literally a week before my wife and I left for South Korea. With my certificate and my wife’s degree in education, we quickly found a recruiter on SVSU’s Cardinal Job Network. They then set us up with our current positions, and here we are in South Korea. I encourage you to visit SVSU’s Website and look up more information on the TESOL Program and its benefits, and/or contact the coordinator of the program, Kerry Segel, professor of English. Many opportunities await those with the courage, intelligence, and determination to pursue them. Best regards,

Scott Lahmann, 2007, B.A.

NEWS BRIEFS

Former athletes, administrators earn hall of fame distinction

During the past two years, a committee worked out the guidelines for who would be eligible for induction into the newly-created Cardinal Athletics Hall of Fame. At last, on Sept. 17, a banquet was held that celebrated the inaugural class of inductees, which included: Robert T. “Bob” Becker, Steve Brady, Gail Goestenkors, Eugene Marve, Norwaine Reed, Frank “Muddy” Waters, and the 1982 Men’s Indoor Track and Field Team. Robert T. Becker worked for 30 years during SVSU’s formative period, and retired as athletic director at the end of 1998. He was the head coach of the Saginaw Valley State College men’s golf team from 1969-1989 and guided the Cardinals to 14 NAIA National Tournaments, including a runner-up finish in 1984. He was selected as the “National Golf Coach of the Year” in 1980, and was inducted into the NAIA Men’s Golf Hall of Fame in 1986. Steve Brady competed in men’s golf from 1977-80. A two-time allconference, all-district selection and three-time team MVP, Brady earned All-American honors in the 1980 season. He went on to have a stellar professional career as well; Brady is a two-time Michigan PGA Champion and three-time Michigan Open Champion. Gail Goestenkors was a member of the women’s basketball team from

1981-85. Goestenkors was selected as an NAIA All-American in 1984 and 1985 and was named the GLIAC Most Valuable Player after the 1985 season. She played in 126 career games as a Cardinal, scoring 1,158 points, while recording 469 assists and 348 steals in her career. Goestenkors was an outstanding student as well, earning Academic All-Conference honors. SVSU posted an 114-13 record during her playing tenure, highlighted by an NAIA National runner-up finish in 1984-85, as well as a third-place finish in 1983-84. Eugene Marve was a member of the football team from 1978-81. Marve was selected to the All-GLIAC team in 1979, 1980 and 1981, and was named an NAIA First Team All-American in 1980 and 1981. Marve also played 11 seasons in the NFL with the Buffalo Bills (1982-87), Tampa Bay Buccaneers (1988-91) and San Diego Chargers (1992). Norwaine Reed was a member of the men’s basketball team from 196972. Reed earned All-American honors in college, averaging just under 30 points per game in his final two seasons. As of 2010, Reed is fourth in school history in scoring, third in field goals made, fourth in free throws made and seventh in career rebounds. Frank “Muddy” Waters accepted an opportunity in 1975 to build and

coach the school’s football program. After just five years, he led his team to its first GLIAC Championship in the 1979 season, and was voted the Michigan “Coach of the Year” for the eighth time in his career. During his time at Saginaw Valley, Waters also served as athletic director. The 1982 Cardinal men’s indoor track and field team captured the university’s first National Championship. A well-rounded and talented team that was led by head coach Doug Hansen put the track and field program on the national scene. The 1982 team had 10 athletes recognized as All-Americans, and of the many records that were established that season, six remain the program’s standards to this day. For more information on the Cardinal Athletics Hall of Fame, including forms for future nominees, go to athletics.svsu.edu. 5

SAGINAW VALLEY STATE UNIVERSITY

n Members of the 2010 inaugural Hall of Fame who were recognized at halftime Sept. 18 in Wickes Memorial Stadium.

NEWS BRIEFS

svsu signs agreement with msu for early assurance program for pre-med students

SAGINAW VALLEY STATE UNIVERSITY

SVSU and Michigan State University’s College of Human Medicine have signed an agreement that will provide an enhanced opportunity for SVSU pre-med students to attend medical school. Officials from both universities finalized the Early Assurance Program for admission during a signing ceremony September 30 in SVSU’s Roberta Allen Reading Room. “MSU is committed to ensuring a continuous pipeline of well-qualified students from Saginaw Valley State University to the College of Human Medicine,” said Randy Hillard, M.D., MSU associate provost for human and health affairs. “This is a long-term vision for enhancing health care in the region and beyond, as many of these students will complete their third

and fourth years of medical school in Saginaw or Midland and likely return to the area to practice.” “We’re very pleased to partner with Michigan State University in a manner that will benefit both institutions, the people of this state, and most importantly, our students,” said Donald Bachand, SVSU provost. “In recent years, we have seen a significant increase in the number of SVSU students seeking and gaining admission to medical school. This agreement provides enhanced opportunities for them to study and ultimately practice medicine within our state.” MSU College of Human Medicine’s partnership with SVSU is part of a growing network of collaborations MSU has established

with local institutions. The a longterm vision is to enhance health care in mid-Michigan. Preference for the Early Assurance Program will be given to SVSU students interested in caring for underserved populations. Candidates will complete a program of enriching clinical and service experiences, as well as academic advising directed toward admission to MSU College of Human Medicine. During their junior year, SVSU students who excel in the program may apply to the College of Human Medicine; selected students will be assured of admission and begin a relationship with MSU College of Human Medicine during their senior year of college. Two-to-three seats per year will be reserved for this program.

n Randy Hillard (left), MSU associate provost for human and health affairs, and SVSU provost Donald Bachand shake hands after signing the Early Assurance Program agreement in the Roberta Allen Reading Room Sept. 30. 6

NEWS BRIEFS

svsu officially opens doors to health & human services building

n The Health & Human Services Building officially opened August 16, 2010.

essential in the health professions where graduates are expected to be proficient in the latest techniques. “Our field evolves incredibly quickly and the equipment and technology advance at a rapid rate,” said Josh Ode, B.A., 2001, assistant professor of kinesiology. “This facility provides our students with a tremendous opportunity to gain an advantage when they go into the field.” The building’s nursing labs include mannequins outfitted with the latest computer technology to exhibit a variety of symptoms. “That improves our ability to use simulation as a learning tool, and that makes our students better prepared when they go into the community to care for others,” said Ava Lewis, B.A., 1979, B.S.N., 1985, professor of nursing.

n Students from the College of Health & Human Services.

“For faculty and students, having the different health disciplines in the same building allows us to collaborate and take a truly holistic approach to health care.” In addition to its educational features, the building has been constructed to achieve a silver rating for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design. Its aquathermal heating and cooling system is the largest in Michigan and expected to result in energy savings of around $85,000 per year. Some 22 miles of coiled piping have been submerged in a nearby retention pond; it is filled with 10,000 gallons of DOWFROST, an environmentally safe propylene glycol product donated by The Dow Chemical Company.

n Dr. Karu cuts the ribbon at the Health & Human Services building dedication. 7

SAGINAW VALLEY STATE UNIVERSITY

When Saginaw Valley State University opened the doors to its new Health & Human Services Building for the first day of fall semester Aug. 30, more than 2,000 SVSU students who have declared majors in the Crystal M. Lange College of Health and Human Services quickly filled the $28 million facility’s 90,000 square feet of floor space. The building provides a dozen classrooms and 13 laboratories for students in disciplines such as athletic training, exercise science, nursing, occupational therapy and social work. Health care and health care education have gone high-tech; the labs feature equipment that is state-of-the-art. Two professors who also are SVSU alumni say that is

NEWS BRIEFS

Traveling stage production appeals to war veterans

SAGINAW VALLEY STATE UNIVERSITY

As a theatre student, Jeff Domagala has learned that much of “acting is believing.” To train as an actor to tell a story, to make it believable, Domagala imagines himself on stage as if “my imaginary surroundings were real.” This, he believes, is the true test of his acting abilities. Based on the reviews from his most recent role, Domagala is passing the test. As one of two performers for “Military Memories,” Domagala had to read a monlogue about Canadians serving overseas in World War II, as told through a series of letters between the troops abroad and their families back home. The dramatic readings were accompanied by illustrations projected on a movie screen and by music of the period.

The show, which is reminiscent of the popular production “Love Letters,” is the brainchild of Janet Rubin, professor of theatre, and John Wright, an archivist at the University of Calgary’s military museum. It combines materials from the museum’s collection with the talents of SVSU actors, namely Domagala, a communication and theatre education major from South Lyon; and Amanda Mueller, a theatre major from Saginaw. In addition to the performance in SVSU’s Rhea Miller Recital Hall, the cast traveled to Calgary to perform for audiences consisting of Canadian WWII veterans. The SVSU Foundation and the University of Calgary provided

funding support for the project. “I not only gained acting experience but I was able to define my purpose as an actor,” Domagala said. “After traveling to Calgary, I was able to work against my obstacle — not being alive during any World War. “During one of my monologues, I was able to describe everything around me, and in order for me to do that, I had to submerge myself into an imaginary battlefield of images as I sustained the belief of all those who sat below me in the audience,” he said. “I was able to develop meaning behind each line to tell a story and portray an action, and attitude, and make the audience believe it also.”

n Jeff Domagala

NEWS BRIEFS

Photo book a tribute to the aesthetic beauty of SVSU’s campus

Show Show your your

many parts. Organized according to “the measure of the year,” the book demonstrates the unending renewal of the college experience, and the pageantry of life lived by old and young at SVSU. Athletics, academics, student life and visiting scholars – the pages evoke what it means to be a Cardinal. Saginaw Valley State University: A Seasonal Portrait depicts the beauty of a campus set in a part of the country known for the splendor of its seasons.

$29.99

For more information on how to order your copy, contact the Office of University Communications at bordeaux@svsu.edu.

RED PRIDE!

At svsu.edu/bookstore, we carry a variety of officially licensed apparel and spirit items that you can add to your own collection; these also make great gift ideas for your alumni friends, relatives… and future Cardinals. Order SVSU apparel and Cardinal gift items at

svsu.edu/bookstore

When purchasing items in person, show your Alumni Association membership card (see perforated card on back cover of this issue of Reflections) to receive a 10% discount.

SAGINAW VALLEY STATE UNIVERSITY

Located in the heart of Michigan’s Great Lakes Bay Region, the campus of Saginaw Valley State University is a memorable destination for visitors and guests as well as for countless students and graduates, faculty and staff, and all who have called it home. A hard-bound book with a striking collection of photographs beautifully captures the energy and vitality, the contrasts and coincidences, the diversity of backgrounds and sweep of the seasons that keep the university forever young. Established in 1963, and with an eye to the 50th anniversary of its founding, SVSU remains a collection of neighborhoods, and the more than 300 photographs included in the volume express the friendliness, the discovery, the camaraderie, the joy and the learning that occur in its

NEWS BRIEFS

Marshall Fredericks Sculpture Museum hosts “Artists Portray Artists” exhibition The Marshall M. Fredericks Sculpture Museum, located on the SVSU campus, is hosting the exhibition “Artists Portray Artists” through January 29, 2011. This Kresge Art Museum collection presents an exhibition of 35 portraits and self-portraits by artists from the 20th century. The Kresge Art Museum is on the campus of Michigan State University. Through paintings, photographs, prints and drawings, “Artists Portray Artists” explores the various approaches to portraiture by a variety of artists including Man Ray, Milton Avery, Käthe Kollwitz, Jim Dine, Larry Clark, Chuck Close, and Cindy Sherman. Former Kresge Art Museum Director Susan J. Bandes says, “I believe visitors will be surprised at the enormous variety of portraits on view from the conventional to the conceptual. The purposes of portraits and their contexts vary greatly, offering a wide range of representations.” “This is a fine example of two of Michigan’s state universities partnering to bring interesting works of art to a broader audience,” said Marilyn Wheaton, director of the Marshall Fredericks Sculpture Museum. For more details about the exhibit, including museum hours, visit marshallfredericks.org, or call (989) 964-7125.

n Courtney Taylor, a docent in the MFSM, displays gift items available for sale to the public.

Searching for a unique gift for that hard-to-shop-for individual on your list? The Marshall M. Fredericks Sculpture Museum gift shop carries many unique gifts, in a price range that fits nearly any budget. Included are books, ceramics,

glass items, jewelry, bronzes, wood craft, and Marshall Fredericks accessories. For a complete list of products, go to svsu.edu/mfsm, and click on the Gift Shop link.

SAGINAW VALLEY STATE UNIVERSITY

Storytelling at the Museum While the Marshall M. Fredericks Sculpture Museum normally focuses on the visual arts, another art form — storytelling — is being introduced. The program is designed for children ages 5 to 10 (who must be accompanied by an adult). The Museum recruits volunteer storytellers, who select a book of their choice that may relate to animal sculptures in the Museum, such as the Friendly Dragon, Boy n Mike Watson, athletic director, was a guest reader at the MFSM.

and Bear, Baboons, or they may select stories that relate to important global issues that affect all of us, such as the environment. Lively discussion following the reading is encouraged. Each storytelling program lasts for one hour. The program is free and open to the public. The 2011 schedule for Storytelling at the Museum is: Jan. 22, Feb. 5, March 12, April 9 and May 14.

NEWS BRIEFS

Make SVSU your first choice for cultural events Did you know that SVSU offers a full slate of arts and cultural events — from theatre productions and art exhibitions to musical performances and lectures by prominent experts in a variety of professional fields? To see what’s coming up on the SVSU events calendar, go to:

svsu.edu/main/resources/community.html

What is a “green job,” exactly? Well, it must be something important, if you consider that President Obama has promised to spend $150 billion over 10 years to create 5 million new green-collar jobs. One report by the RAND Corporation found that producing 25 percent of all American energy from renewable sources by 2025 would generate at least five million new green jobs. Essentially, green-collar jobs represent one of the newest sectors of employment focusing on reducing waste and pollution, and putting America on the path to a cleaner, more energyefficient future. That’s why SVSU’s Office of Continuing Education, in partnership with Everblue

Training Institute, has launched Green Training Programs that are delivered by some of the country’s leading training professionals. Among the offerings are: LEED Green Associate Exam Course – includes a complete review of the LEED rating systems, hundreds of simulated exam questions, worksheets, and strategies for passing the exam. Everblue Training Institute is an official education provider for the U.S. Green Building Council and is approved by the American Institute of Architecture. BPI Building Analyst/ Energy Auditor Certification – provides nationally recognized Building Performance Institute (BPI) training and Energy Auditor

certification. The BPI Building Analyst classroom training covers topics relevant to home energy inspections and provides participants with the essential knowledge and credentials to perform a home or light commercial energy audit. At the conclusion of this course, participants will complete a two-hour, 100-question written examination, and a two-hour, one-on-one field examination to earn the BPI Energy Auditor Certification. BPI Envelope-Shell Training – will make your company eligible to apply for accreditation (if your company is in an industry field such as insulation, weatherization, window installation company, etc.). Accreditation can be useful for acquiring various incentives in states throughout the U.S. Solar PV Bootcamp – includes a combination of lectures, handson solar training, as well as onthe-job solar training. Learn basic knowledge of solar photovoltaic (PV) cells, modules, and system components; electrical circuits; PV system design, estimation, and code requirements; solar electric products and applications; an understanding of energy conversion from sunlight to electricity, and working with solar conversion equipment. If you’re interested in enhancing your current job, or switching from a white- or blue-collar to a greencollar career, contact SVSU for more information on Green Job Training. Go to svsu.edu/green, or call (989) 964-4048 for details on how to register for the courses. 11

SAGINAW VALLEY STATE UNIVERSITY

SVSU introduces new “Green Job” Certificate Programs

NEWS BRIEFS

Honorary Alumna Jo Stanley retires from SVSU

n Jo A. Stanley

“When you talk about home, this place is home,” Jo Stanley says through a cracked voice and with eyes that well with tears, adding, “At the end of the day, I love this place.” After three decades, Stanley retired in August 2010 from her post as administrative assistant to President Eric Gilbertson. Years of daily multitasking, last-minute fact-checking and managing processes and protocols of busy administrative offices will be replaced by much less stressful activities, such as “taking life easy, catching up on my reading and gardening,” Jo said. Eventually, she sees herself volunteering and occasionally traveling throughout

the U.S. with her husband, Louie. In recognition of her service to the university, the SVSU Board of Control granted emeritus status to Stanley, placing her in select company of former faculty and staff who have also served SVSU with distinction. Her new title is “Secretary to the Board of Control Emerita.” Since she first joined the staff in 1979, Stanley undeniably has made a difference at SVSU, in a variety of ways and in a range of positions. In the

early years, she was a senior accounting clerk and executive secretary for the vice president for development and college relations. University president Jack Ryder then offered her the position of coordinator of alumni relations and special events. Stanley looks back fondly on the years she spent in that position and shares that she was made an honorary alumna in 1985. “I’m very proud of that,” she said. Eight years from the start date of her first job at SVSU, Jo became the administrative assistant to Jack Ryder and served in that role until June 30, 1989. In summer 1989, Jo met thenpresidential candidate Eric Gilbertson; she recalls her first impression: “It was interesting to see how he related to people, and the depth of knowledge he had on so many things.” In 2002, she assumed the additional responsibilities of secretary to the Board of Control. “Jo Stanley touched the lives of countless individuals and earned the affection of those with whom she served,” Gilbertson said. “She will be fondly remembered by the many members of the Board of Control whose stewardship of the university she assisted, and by the many student workers she trained and guided.”

“At the end of the day,

I love this place.”

SAGINAW VALLEY STATE UNIVERSITY

Maurovich accepts new assignment at SVSU Robert Maurovich delivered the Commencement address to graduates August 16. After announcing his retirement as vice president for student services and enrollment management — the position he has held since first joining SVSU 14 years ago — he has agreed to remain with SVSU in a new capacity, including co-director of the Gerstacker Fellowship, a leadership development program for K-12 educators. In June, Maurovich traveled with the Gerstacker Fellows to China; his remarks to the graduates centered on five imperatives that appear on the n Robert Maurovich

façade of a Chinese middle school and, as Maurovich said, “capture the spirit and essence of what an education is all about and what it means to be an educated person.” Those imperatives are: Learn to know; Learn to change; Learn to be; Learn to do; and Learn to live together. In related news, plans have been announced to dedicate the Robert Maurovich Student Life Center when renovations are completed and the facility reopens to students in fall 2011. He also was named SVSU’s 2010 Honorary Alumnus.

NEWS BRIEFS

SVSU has been recognized for the second consecutive year by the American Heart Association as a Start! Fit Friendly Company. SVSU is one of only two colleges or universities in Michigan that has achieved this “gold” standard. The American Heart Association recognizes employers who champion the health of their employees and work to create a culture of physical activity and health in the workplace. The criteria for a Gold Status Start!Fit Friendly Company is that a company must: • Offer employees physical activity support; • Increase healthy eating options at work; • Promote a wellness culture; • Employ a minimum of 25 people; • Implement at least six activities

in the “Physical Activity” area, at least two activities in the “Nutrition” area and at least one activity in the “Culture” area. According to Cynthia Bala, associate director of human resources at SVSU, the university’s Healthy U Program is an incentive-based approach to healthy living. “Our participation rate is more than 40 percent of all benefiteligible employees,” Bala notes. “The foundation of the program is based on education, prevention and exercise.” She added that employees earn points for participation in wellness activities; the points are accumulated each calendar year, and redeemed for gift cards in the amount of $50, $75, $100 or $150, depending on the total amount of points earned. Additionally, the program offers

a Weight Loss Challenge, “Battle of the Valleys” (SVSU vs. Grand Valley State University) Pedometer Challenge, free fitness assessments and other competitive incentive-based opportunities to earn Healthy U points. October marked the third annual Healthy U Cardinal Family 5k Run/ Walk on campus; the event was also opened to the public for the first time. “Lunch and Learn” programs, which are free to all employees, cover topics ranging from healthy eating habits and heart education, to stress reduction and many more. Bala said each year a Wellness Fair is held on campus, and more than 50 health vendors from the Great Lakes Bay Region attend. Free cholesterol testing, blood pressure and other health services are made available at this fair.

n Healthy U Winners: MIke Major, Matthew Margres, Mike Pazdro.

n Chef Mike Stickler highlighted healthy food options at the wellness fair.

n Mike Andrzejewski tests his vision at the wellness fair.

SAGINAW VALLEY STATE UNIVERSITY

Focus on employee wellness earns SVSU recognition

NEWS BRIEFS

Read about SVSU online In this age of shrinking newsrooms for traditional news outlets, online news sources are growing in popularity, providing people an opportunity to access and share information rapidly. Recently, news about SVSU was included on the Web sites for CNN, the New York Times, United Press International, as well as best-selling author Ken Follett. A study supervised by assistant professor of kinesiology Josh Ode, B.A., 2001, was posted on CNN.com in June 2010. “Does increased activity mean higher GPA?” caught the attention of CNN’s medical associate producer Georgiann Caruso, who discussed the research on her blog (http://pagingdrgupta.blogs.cnn. com/2010/06/03/does-increasedactivity-mean-higher-gpa). In fact,

information about the project was also picked up by several other major media outlets, including the New York Times (http://well. blogs.nytimes.com/2010/06/03/ vigorous-exercise-linked-withbetter-grades), Medical News Today (medicalnewstoday.com/ articles/190883.php), and United Press International (upi.com/ Health_News/2010/06/04/ Study-Exercise-could-raise-grades/ UPI-84321275669770). The spring 2010 issue of Reflections magazine included an article (page 7) on British author Ken Follett, whose books have sold more than 116 million copies. Follett was so pleased with the material that he established a separate online link to SVSU: ken-follett.com/biography/ archives.html.

SAGINAW VALLEY STATE UNIVERSITY

Community Partners Contribute to Intellectual Programs Dr. Debasish Mridha of Saginaw provided new financial support for the 2010 Edwards Lecture in Philosophy and Religion. David Rosenthal, professor of philosophy and linguistics and coordinator of cognitive science at the City University of New York, presented “The Poverty of Consciousness” September 15. Saginaw’s Field Neurosciences Institute remains a co-sponsor of the annual James E. O’Neill Lecture. Award-winning author and business scholar Michael Roberto presented “Why Great Leaders Don’t Take Yes for an Answer: Managing for Conflict & Consensus” October 28.

October Event Trunk-OrTreat Around the Track

Next CKC Event December 11, 2010 “Passport Event” Fast-Track & Photo opportunity at the Volleyball & Football Community Youth Day, 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Men’s & Women’s Basketball Games vs. Findlay 1 & 3 p.m. with free admission for Cardinal Kids Club members and parents.

The Cardinal Kids Club is a program sponsored by the Saginaw Valley State University Department of Athletics that launched on August 1, 2009. The intent of the program is to bring the families with young children in the Great Lakes Bay Region to the campus of SVSU to engage in the Cardinal Athletics experience. Members will be exposed to not only the athletic contests and discounts on camps; rather, they will have opportunities to directly interact with athletes, coaches and the Cardinal (mascot) throughout the year in a variety of capacities.

n Kristina Stilson received a $3,000 grant from the Student Research & Creativity Institute to research organic pesticides.

Some of SVSU’s most creative and scholarly students have received financial support for their projects through the university’s Student Research and Creativity Institute. Six separate initiatives received awards, including a study of how to protect potatoes without pesticides, building a news network to highlight environmental activity, and studying cultural differences between the English and French populations in Quebec. Each student project was eligible to receive up to $10,000. Students serve as the primary researcher, author or creative agent for each project but are guided by SVSU faculty and staff. The following students were selected to receive funding for their projects: Bethany Benson, a French major from Essexville, received $8,782

to fund travel and other expenses related to a research project investigating the cultural differences between Canadians of French and English heritage in Quebec City. Her findings may provide insight into how minority language groups can best integrate in a multicultural society. Benson’s plans included a 45-day trip to Quebec in July and August that included language immersion, archival research and interviews with city officials regarding the recent celebration of Quebec’s 400th anniversary. Maegan Byer, a communication/ multimedia graduate student from Bay City, was awarded $1,313 to study the rise in popularity of the audio cassette culture in the 1980s. During that time period, some consumers would record songs from the radio, leading to charges of piracy,

long before file-sharing controversies arose in the 21st century. Creating “mix tapes” as a form of personal expression, especially to significant others, also flourished during the 1980s. Byer has traveled to research libraries in the Midwest to examine these phenomena and their effect on popular culture. Sisters Julie and Lisa Luce, who are both professional and technical writing majors from Bay City, received $2,522 to develop a “Green News Network” to report on environmental news at SVSU. The funds would be used to purchase video equipment and build a Web site to capture and disseminate appropriate news material in video, print and online formats. In addition to Julie and Lisa, up to five additional students would serve as reporters for the site. Timothy Pionk, a biology and psychology major from Bad Axe, received $1,006 for his study of procrastination in college students. He intends to build on previous research to identify the factors that influence procrastination, which could improve the design of future programs designed to reduce the behavior. Kristina Stilson, a presecondary education major from Morley, was awarded $3,000 for her research into natural methods of protecting potatoes from insects. She will study whether compounds from the Jerusalem artichoke will deter Colorado potato beetles from attacking potato crops and could serve as a substitute for toxic pesticides. Jordan Vincent, a communication and marketing major from Manistee, received $1,276 to study how video game companies’ presentations at major industry events influence customer behavior, especially among “core” video game players who comprise a large market segment. He used those funds to travel to the Electronic Entertainment Expo in Los Angeles June 15-17 to survey attendees. SVSU has committed $50,000 annually to fund outstanding student projects. For more information, go to svsu.edu/srci. 15

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Students receive funds for research projects

Education and Health & Human Services: Positive Community Partners — by Sara Kitchen

SAGINAW VALLEY STATE UNIVERSITY

This is the first in a three-part series examining each of SVSU’s five colleges. In the spring, we will take a look inside the College of Arts & Behavioral Sciences.

Education and health care. Each is essential to the well-being of individuals and communities, and SVSU plays an increasingly indispensable role in making people in the Saginaw Valley – and the region as a whole – healthier and better educated. “A sound mind in a sound body is a short but full description of a happy state in this world.” Much has changed since the 17th century English philosopher John Locke offered that observation, but regional leaders in the 21st century agree that the fundamental premise holds true. “Education and health care are pillars of any successful community,” said David Gamez, president and CEO of Health Delivery, Inc. in Saginaw and a member of SVSU’s Board of Control. Clark Volz, superintendent for the Midland County Educational Service Agency, remarked “Education will always be a priority for everyone, in any region, as long as we have children and as long as we have adults committed to helping them secure a happy fulfilling future.” At SVSU, the colleges of Education and Health & Human Services are dedicated to preparing students to educate and care for others. The colleges now share a campus footprint in adjoining buildings, but they have much more in common than mere proximity. Their students often feel a deep calling to pursue a career that improves others’ lives. They work in an environment rife with government regulations and public scrutiny. Perhaps most importantly, they serve as a resource to enhance the quality of precious resources in the Great Lakes Bay Region.

Michigan, a Saginaw-based health care provider that draws patients from more than 70 counties in Michigan. It’s a blending of two worlds—academia meets the professional workforce—and it’s an essential relationship, described Kay Wagner, manager of Workforce Development at Midland-based MidMichigan Health, a clinical site for SVSU nursing students and other health field majors. “As a health care organization, we have a responsibility to address the needs of the community—not just hospitals,” Wagner said. “It’s important to keep the workforce moving and to partner with the university to keep students rotating through the clinical setting.” SVSU has increased its number of available positions in the nursing program per semester, teaming up with the region to establish more clinical placements opportunities for students’ fieldwork. Regional hospitals currently have limited job openings, but a health care workforce shortage is still on the horizon, especially in nursing, and Jore—a former manager of human resources at St. Mary’s—says working with the regional university provides an important advantage. “SVSU ranks ‘way up there’ on any list for providing extremely well-prepared graduates,” he said. “In every program they offer, they turn out very good students. They’re technically astute, as well as being great problem solvers.” For SVSU faculty and staff, “It’s kind of a mutual admiration,” said Jan Blecke, who recently retired after serving seven years as dean of the Crystal M. Lange College of Health & Human Services, the culmination of 34 years at the university. “They need us and Pick a major health care facility we need them.” Blecke played a or school district within SVSU’s leading role in the development of service area; chances are there the new Health & Human Services are partnerships at work, some are building from its conception new and innovative. Others are five years ago to its opening in established and well-honed. August. The need for SVSU to As early as the mid-1990s, “It stay current with its curriculum, – Bernie Jore, director of Neuroscience & became clear to me that for us to she says, is paramount, as a attempt to partner with SVSU was Trauma Services at St. Mary’s of Michigan primary obligation of the college a great benefit to our school district,” is to serve the public—a principle said Craig Douglas, superintendent that applies to both educators and of Carrollton Public Schools. Dozens of SVSU students pass through health professionals and rides on the dedication of all involved. It begins and the halls of Carrollton schools each year, observing and leading lessons ends with students—those developing professionals who have a passion for in conjunction with their required fieldwork. Traffic moves in the opposite their work. direction as well; Carrollton teachers use SVSU facilities and resources for their own developmental goals, often gathering at the university to discuss best practices – most recently for a grant-funded workshop targeting algebra From teachers to therapists to principals to nurses, any such occupation and other specific areas of mathematics. requires a type of professional who is dedicated to helping others on the front Volz says SVSU has been at the center of improving regional education lines, directly impacting the lives of others on a daily basis. As a result, the by hosting summits and workshops, examining complex issues, and sending education and health fields aren’t for everyone. Just ask SVSU graduates its students into the field. “The intermediate school districts and the local Ryan Klawon and Tori Oxley. school districts are developing a stronger relationship with SVSU, and SVSU Klawon, 2007, B.A., who hails from Ubly in Michigan’s Thumb, graduated is gaining greater insights into the K-12 education needs for our region. This in 2007 with a Bachelor of Science and pursued a career in athletic training. is a great win-win for our students, their teachers and their future teachers.” His interest in sports from a young age led him to pair his passion with a SVSU is “a strategic partner for our entire region,” in health care, too, said degree program that would keep him involved with athletics. “I knew that the Bernie Jore, director of Neuroscience & Trauma Services at St. Mary’s of demand was kind of on the rise for health care,” he said, “But initially, when I

A sense of calling

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Partnerships Yield Results

“SVSU ranks ‘way up there’ on any list for providing extremely well-prepared graduates,” ...“In every program they offer, they turn out very good students. They’re technically astute, as well as being great problem solvers.”

SAGINAW VALLEY STATE UNIVERSITY

n Ryan Klawon serves as an athletic trainor for Bullock Creek High School in Midland.

went into the program, I didn’t really consider that a lot. I just knew that’s where I wanted to start out and see what it led to.” For Klawon, it led to graduate school at Western Michigan University and a full-time position at MidMichigan Medical Center in Midland. There, he splits his duties between an outpatient rehabilitation center and at Bullock Creek High School, where Klawon is the go-to man for sports injuries at practice or competition. Having recovered from a knee injury in high school, Klawon understood the need for health professionals in the sports sector. In his fieldwork as an undergraduate, he worked first hand rehabilitating athletes from the high school to semi-pro and even professional levels. The work is challenging, he said, but necessary to have athletes back in action as quickly as possible. This goal rang especially true when Klawon assisted personal trainers with the Saginaw Spirit hockey team, which competes in the highest level of hockey in North America for 16-20 year olds. “You need to take your thought process and skills to the next level,” he said. “It’s the players’ jobs you’re dealing with. And it challenges you because it’s so much tougher to challenge them. We need to get injured athletes back as soon as possible, and you try to do everything you can to make that happen.” Like Klawon, Oxley recognizes the calling associated with her profession. The northern Michigan (Cheboygan) native and 2008 secondary education graduate said she took an interest in teaching at a young age, leaning toward English as she gained exposure to the subject. “After a while I couldn’t imagine teaching anything else,” Oxley said. And she wouldn’t have to; Oxley now teaches high school English in Williamsburg, Virginia. While in college, Oxley learned that Michigan had one of the greatest surpluses of English teachers in the country, but she remained committed to her degree program. She was seeing the benefits of bringing enthusiasm and innovation into the classroom. During her student-teaching semester at Bay City Central High School, Oxley found her youth often made it easier to relate to students. “I could tell it was something the students appreciated,” she said. “It’s a big benefit to the community that these kids get access to all sorts of different

teachers.” This summer, Oxley took her three-and-a-half years’ experience working as a tutor at SVSU’s Writing Center and sought to continue her education through the Eastern Virginia Writing Project Summer Institute. She hopes to launch a high school writing center in her Virginia classroom, much like the one she founded and led at Bay City Central High. Although far from the Great Lakes Bay Region where she would have liked to stay, Oxley still finds value in collaborating for continuous education. “I’m finding through the program that the more opportunities you have to talk with someone about your writing, the better,” she said. Oxley’s dedication isn’t uncharacteristic of SVSU education majors, according to College of Education officials. “I believe that teaching is more of a calling rather than just a job,” interim dean Susie Emond said. “We are really seeing students who truly have that sense and that desire to become teachers, no matter what the job market is like.”

SVSU and the Saginaw Valley: An interdependent relationship Klawon and Oxley are quick to credit the diverse opportunities the Great Lakes Bay Region offered them as undergraduates. The region stands to benefit just as much. When SVSU student teachers are thrown into the mix, “Our students see the most modern and the most creative lessons and applications of the latest technologies,” Carrollton Schools’ Douglas said. “It causes conversations among our faculty and our students on what’s important. “They’re posing questions on topics like ‘How do we get our kids to catch up?’ ‘Howdowetakecareofkidswhohavetheirworkdoneandarebored?’”hecontinued. “These are fundamental, core questions that become conversation topics.” “The region is an incredible partner for the placement of our students,” said Carolyn Wierda, interim associate dean at SVSU and retired superintendent of Bay City Public Schools. “Diversity of the school districts in terms of their size and type provide a tremendous continuum of experience from rural to urban environments.”

Ties between SVSU and local ISDs and school districts through the program’s field placements are strong, Wierda said. During the 2009-10 academic year, the College placed 907 students in Bay, Midland and Saginaw county school districts. Faculty and staff work hard to maintain ongoing dialogue with partners in school systems throughout the region. The benefits of ongoing dialogue reach further. After cuts in government funding for education resulted in public schools receiving $165 less per pupil in 2009-10, Douglas and others reached out to the university to organize a summit for education leaders. In February, the university teamed up with a panel of representatives from the region and produced a written document, turning many voices into one collective voice for education, ready to be heard in Lansing. “Without SVSU, this wouldn’t have happened,” Douglas said. The type of response he received from the community and the university doesn’t come from the state government, he added, “But now we have something to offer in Lansing.” Likewise, in the health care field, a strong partnership between academia and practice is the ticket to growth and success in the community, Wagner and Blecke agree. “It’s not possible in this day and age for professors in health and human services to be as completely knowledgeable as they need to be to do the best job,” Blecke said. “We need help from our clinical agencies.” And vice versa. “SVSU and MidMichigan Health have always had a very strong partnership,” Wagner explained, “And I just see it getting better. Now more than ever, I think we’re dropping barriers and working together to bring the best health care and academics to the region.” The new Health & Human Services building, Wagner added, “is just one more venue for professionals to come together and collaborate and create new ideas to stimulate the area.” As the workforce continues to evolve, aging health professionals in the area will need to be replaced, as will a dwindling population of faculty in health care education. In anticipation of the nursing shortage, SVSU has increased its positions available. In 2004, the number of nursing students admitted into the program stood at 197; the total has jumped to 364 today. As a result, classrooms

and clinical settings are filling up, requiring cooperation to move forward effectively. Wagner acknowledges the difficulty in finding clinical placements for a growing number of students and relies on the partnership with SVSU to create opportunities. “We need to continue to stay in the loop with one another,” she said. “That’s the only way it’s going to work.” And the agencies are often more than willing to cooperate, Blecke said, as ripe entry-level employees are often the result of connecting with the region early. “They really have come to rely on us to provide prepared employees for them,” Blecke explained. “Part of the ability to grow in this area has been the result of having a really highly qualified employment pool.” And through this collaboration, local health agencies are getting what they hope for, Wagner said. “The students are very, very professional,” she explained. “SVSU is preparing its undergraduates. We truly benefit from having students rotate through.” Nursing students who complete externships get even farther ahead with increased clinical exposure. “It helps the organization when we can hire nurses who have a great deal of experience under their belt,” Wagner said. “It truly is a win-win situation because we can put out better prepared nurses.” Leaders agree that a high standard for preparedness in both education and health fields is what keeps these pillars of the community standing tall. As the fight to stay current and respond to the region’s needs continues, those inside and outside the university find that a strong partnership is key. “I see SVSU as a way of keeping all schools current and on an improvement track,” Douglas said. “I don’t subscribe to the moaning in the media that the sky is falling. ... SVSU helps me feel that way with the way they prepare their teachers.”

The spring 2011 edition will look inside the College of Arts & Behavioral Sciences. 19

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n Tori Oxley teaches English at Bruton High School in Williamsburg, Va.

n Lisa Maroni, far right, joined other Clinton Scholars for a photo with the former president.

SAGINAW VALLEY STATE UNIVERSITy

Cardinals Complete Clinton Scholarship Trifecta Some 7,000 miles separate Saginaw in the United States and Dubai in the United Arab Emirates. It’s a distance Caren Crossen couldn’t wait to travel. “I’d been waiting for something n Caren Crossen like this for a long time. It was really exciting.” Despite her fear of flying, the history major and Millington native hopped on a plane in September to spend a semester as a William Jefferson Clinton Scholar, joining nine others selected from across the U.S. to study at the American University in Dubai. Crossen finds herself in elite company. Harvard. Stanford. Tufts. UCLA. Those are the first schools that came to mind for Lisa Maroni, 2010, B.A., a 2009 Clinton Scholar, when naming those she met in Dubai. “That was a cool part of the experience,” she said. So was having a Nigerian princess for her roommate. Crystal Dillard, 2008, B.B.A., began SVSU’s 20

three-year run as its first Clinton Scholar in 2008. The significance of the honor and the education cannot be overstated. “I was so thankful for the opportunity,” she recalled. “That was a n Chrystal Dillard defining moment in my life. It was then that I realized I could do what I dreamed. If I dreamed it, I could find a way to make it happen.”

Joy, Influence and Blessings Crossen had no such dreams after a trying freshman year that bears no resemblance to her current reality. She had been a solid student at Millington High School, but she lost her focus and struggled academically. “I had no direction,” she conceded. “I felt confused.” Crossen withdrew from SVSU for a year. During that

time, she found herself captivated by events in the Middle East. When Crossen returned, she took courses that examined Middle Eastern history and culture. “Then it happened,” she said. She had found her calling. Crossen credited her history professors (especially Brad Jarvis, Nameeta Mathur and Thomas Renna) for encouraging and challenging her. “They were really influential,” she said, adding her courses in Arabic convinced her she could accomplish any academic pursuit. Upon learning of her selection, Crossen was overcome with glee. “I found out at 11 p.m. I started jumping up and down. I always wanted to go abroad, and I knew how hard I worked, but I didn’t think I had a chance.” Overjoyed. That also described Dillard two years earlier. “I was ecstatic! I received the e-mail very early in the morning and woke my roommate up from screaming so loud,” she said. Maroni arrived at SVSU having already traveled to Mexico and Scandinavia while in high school, and there was no question the

international studies major would give her passport a workout. “My first day on campus, I walked into the International Programs office and asked ‘How soon can I study abroad?’” Maroni spent a semester in Taiwan and returned there as a Roberts Fellow (a leadership program for select SVSU students) before departing for Dubai. Drawing on her past experience in Model United Nations, she helped American University in Dubai start its own program. “The students were wildly successful,” she said. “It was very rewarding to coach them.” Staffers with the Clinton Scholars program speak highly of “Lisa” (she’s known on a first name basis) because of that service, participation at international conferences, and continued involvement with the program. She has had the opportunity to meet the former president on two occasions. Maroni knows her undergraduate résumé is extraordinary and it is a result of both her own determination and the faculty and staff who inspired her. “A lot of blessings have come into play because I sought them out. That

wouldn’t have happened had I not come to Saginaw Valley.”

Springboard to Success

The trio of scholars know their studies have just begun. Dillard is now a graduate student in the social sciences at the University of Michigan-Flint. She hopes to work overseas for an international company or perhaps for the U.S. government.

After a year teaching English in South Korea, Maroni plans to pursue graduate study in counseling psychology with the intention of working with students at the high school or college level and encourage them to elevate their ambitions and set their sights abroad, just as others have done for her. Crossen has her sights set on graduate school to pursue a master’s degree or Ph.D. in history and, though her experience as a Clinton Scholar has just begun, its immeasurable value is already evident. “It gives me more motivation and self-confidence,” she said. “I feel like I can do anything.”

n Lisa Maroni with former president Clinton.

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n Lisa Maroni in Dubai

Formative Faculty Fondly Recalled STILL TEACHING AND REACHING

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g 22

In its relatively short history, Saginaw Valley State University has been SVC, SVSC and SVSU. Additionally, it has grown into the comprehensive university envisioned at its inception, with more than 10,600 students and a campus that is more new than old, with almost 70 percent of it having been constructed in the past 15 years. In this issue of Reflections, you’ll have a chance to read about some “common denominators” that might have existed for students who were here as long as 30 years ago, or as recently as the last few years. A starting point is faculty who have taught general education courses before 1980, and who still teach. But this story is about more than a listing of long-serving professors; rather it showcases profiles of faculty who are not only still teaching, but have spent a lifetime shaping lives, and who still engage students in the classroom, still make an academic difference. This sampling hopefully will spark a few additional memories, bring knowing nods and smiles to alumni and serve as a reminder of what makes SVSU a special and unforgettable place: its people. Basil Clark, professor of English, has been teaching at SVSU since 1975, and former students from each of the decades he has taught shared their impressions. Elizabeth Niergarth, 1977, B.A., was typical of many young women of her generation. She had forgone her college education to get married and raise a family; it was in 1975, professor Clark’s first year at SVSU, that Elizabeth decided to go to college. She recalls an early British literature class and an independent study on the poet Robert Frost. “Since I am

a native Vermonter, I am an especially big fan of Robert Frost. Dr. Clark played the devil’s advocate and made me question the reasons why the poet was so universally admired and loved. From this independent study and time spent discussing the poet with Dr. Clark, I gained more understanding and insight into my favorite poet.” And to this day, Elizabeth stays in touch with Basil and his wife, Margaret. Elizabeth Rodriguiz, 1981, B.A., recalls her study with Clark when he chaired the Honors Program. She was introduced to the work of C.S. Lewis, “whose writing I continue to quote and recommend. Through my interactions with Dr. Clark, I began to see myself as a reader who knew how to think, and I began to see that there were places in the world for people like me.” Angela Lawrence, 1996, B.A., notes that she “never knew anyone named after a spice that I faithfully add to my spaghetti each time I prepare it.” Fortunately, Angela recalls a bit more than the name, Basil. “He was a kind man, approachable, never made me feel as though my questions were pointless; and he could clearly spell out to me where I went wrong when writing a paper, answering a question or completing a project.” Amy Cook, 2009, B.A., when asked about the biggest academic or life lesson she learned from a memorable professor, responded, “I learned that I wanted to be a teacher like Dr. Clark. We knew he cared about us as a class and individually. I learned a lot about British literature (ENGL 311 Literature of Great Britain to 1660) but somehow the class was never burdensome.” And when asked if

Through my interactions with

Dr. Clark, I began to see myself

as a reader who knew how to think, and I began to see that there were places in the world for people like me.” — Elizabeth Rodriguiz, 1981, B.A.

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there were illustrative instances about Clark’s style or personality, the same memorable take-away from professor Thaler. Alison Amy adds, “One time in class he became so immersed in Champeau, 2007, B.A., and Reginald Blockett, 2007, B.A., the British literature we were studying (probably Beowulf or recall “Professor T’s ‘Tips for College Success.’” Blockett Canterbury Tales) that added, “These tips, along he began acting a with some of the course Professor T’s: “Tips for College Success” part from the text and material, stuck with me 1. Go to class. That’s what college is all about. actually lay down on through my time at SVSU, 2. Get enough sleep. But not in class. the floor behind the into my graduate work 3. Schedule your study time. Don’t wait until you have “extra” time, or until you “feel like” studying (it might never happen). podium. We (students) and as a professional.” 4. Read the textbook. Duh! It usually has something to do with the course, looked at each other, (Reggie is a residential life the lectures and the exams. wondering if he would coordinator for Rutgers, 5. Ask for help, when you need it. That’s what we are here for – to help you. be able to get up again.” The State University 6. Get a “college education” not just a “college degree.” Gain knowledge and skills, not just credit hours. Take advantage of visiting speakers and special events. (For those interested, of New Jersey.) And on 7. Limit alcohol consumption. You need all your still-developing brain cells. he did and now is in his a lighter note, Blockett 8. Keep in touch with your parents and family. Goes without saying … 36th year of teaching.) fondly recalls Thaler’s your most important friends and supporters. According to his humor. “Professor Thaler A Few Other Considerations: own calculations, came to our archeology • Being a student is your job (treat it that way). • Have a sense of personal integrity and standards. Robert (Bob) Thaler, class dressed up as Indiana • Take care of your health (exercise, diet, cleanliness, appearance). assistant professor of Jones. He had the hat, the • Be wary of making life-altering mistakes. sociology, thinks each clothing, even dust all over • Your future is made in the present – make good choices. year he has taught an him, and a handful of • Be open to new possibilities. • Life doesn’t owe you anything (but if life offers you an opportunity, take advantage of it). average of 300 students, rocks! My classmates and I • The world will assume that you did your best in college (even if you didn’t). many of whom have were literally laughing out • What you will eventually become really is up to you (starting now). taken introduction loud! to sociology and This goes to show introduction to anthropology. That figure, multiplied by the 33 how he was dedicated to educating students and keeping us years he has taught, gives Bob an opportunity to have taught engaged in the classroom.” and engaged more than 10,000 students over the years. And How do you make economics interesting, engaging and fun? what do students recall? Uncannily, two alumni agreed on According to Matt Roe, 1995, B.B.A., and Vicraant A. Kela,

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n Bob Thaler

“Sam Sarkar was always willing to take the extra time to ensure his students had a good understanding of key concepts.” — Matt Roe, 1995, B.B.A.

2002, M.B.A., you take one of Sam Sarkar’s classes. Matt, a purchasing team leader with The Dow Chemical Company, says that he actually took three classes from Sarkar because “he was always willing to take the extra time to ensure his students had a good understanding of key concepts. He was always approachable and maintained a good sense of humor.” Matt added that Sarkar “displayed a great sense of care and concern for his students, which is one of the main reasons I chose SVSU for my education.” When asked about lessons learned, Kela noted that Sarkar taught both classroom and life lessons. “Not only did he teach me economics, but he also taught me lots and lots of (other) lessons. He taught me how to talk to people, how to present myself and how to read people.” Kela, who currently resides in India, added, “He even gave me tips to improve my game of tennis.” Other students, from various disciplines and decades, recalled various aspects of faculty. Paul Anderson, 1979, B.S., remembers several physics classes he took from professor Hsuan (Frank) Chen; the fact that when Chen would return exams to students, he would write the various grades on the board and then draw lines, stating “these get an ‘A,’ these get a ‘B,’ these a ‘C’ and these get … (silence).” In a Digital Electronics course, Paul explained that “there were only two of us in the class. After the midterm, he wrote the grades on the board and said, ‘I (am not allowed to) tell you who got what, but one was a 92 and one a 95.’ He drew a line under the 92 and said, ‘These two get an ‘A,’ everyone else gets an ‘F.’ I got an ‘A’ for the class.” Education major Jennifer Lazarz, 1987, M.Ed., and Freeland

Learning Center teacher, was reminded about Susie Emond, professor of teacher education and interim dean of the College of Education, and her “challenging” classes – “We had to earn our ‘A.’” History professors Robert (Bob) Braddock, who joined SVSU in 1970, and Eric Petersen, who started teaching at SVSU in 1969, each drew comments from past students. Stanley Wan, 1991, B.S.E.E., recollects Braddock in two contexts: As a teacher, Braddock taught Wan “how to see this world from different aspects.” As an example of Braddock’s personality and style, Wan shares that it was Braddock who was the first person to meet him at MBS International Airport. When Wan’s only suitcase somehow didn’t make it on the flight from Detroit to MBS, “Dr. Braddock talked with the airline staff and told me to relax and when my suitcase was in, he would go to pick it up with me. He was my hero.” Rodriguiz also remembers professor Braddock – for both his teaching as well as his work as faculty advisor to the Valley Vanguard in the late 1970s. As a teacher, she says “he totally loved his material. He spoke about the people as though he had sat in their parlors and had tea and cookies with them. When he talked about scandals, it was as though he’d read the tabloid versions of them.” Rodriguiz recalls that as the student newspaper advisor, Braddock “would offer calm advice, point me in directions I should consider looking, and encourage me to persevere.” George Bousfield, 1974, B.S., started as a history major but switched to physical science. He reminisces about his neighbor, Eric Petersen, with whom he occasionally car-pooled to campus.

“(Braddock) would offer calm advice, point me in directions I should consider looking, and encourage me to persevere.”

n Susie Emond n Frank Chen n Bob Braddock

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— Elizabeth Rodriguiz, 1981, B.A.

n For many years, George Eastland, who joined the chemistry faculty in 1969, taught the first class of the fall semester. He continues to teach introductory chemistry courses.

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Current Faculty Serving SVSU for 30 Years or More: Art Andrewes, 1976, chemistry Shiv Arora, 1977, marketing Robert Braddock, 1970, history Hsuan Shen Chen, 1969, physics Basil Clark, 1975, English Anna Dadlez, 1976, MFL David Dalgarn, 1978, biology Sally Decker, 1980, nursing George Eastland, 1969, chemistry Gamal Elashhab, 1969, educational leadership Susie Emond, 1978, teacher education Margaret Flatt, 1976, nursing Eldon Graham, 1970, mechanical engineering Mary Graiver, 1978, nursing Doug Hansen, 1976, teacher education Barron Hirsch, 1970, art Louis Jacoby, 1980, accounting Larry Kickham, 1974, accounting Wayne Mackie, 1977, finance Albert Menard III, 1980, physics Eric Nisula, 1978, music Hong Youl Park, 1975, economics Jose Ricardo Pastor, 1977, MFL Charles Pelzer, 1969, biology Eric Peterson, 1969, history Albert Plaush, 1967, chemistry Robert Platt, 1973, kinesiology Altaf-Ur Rahman, 1980, electrical and computer engineering Thomas Renna, 1970, history Janet Robinson, 1972, psychology Sam Sarkar, 1969, economics Robert Thaler, 1974, sociology Gary Thompson, 1979, English Richard Trdan, 1976, biology Matthew Zivich, 1976, art

“I was complaining that one of the things I didn’t like as a history major was all the writing. Since I had changed majors, I was surprised to find all the writing that was required for lab reports in the sciences. Eric started laughing so hard that the car swerved and we almost drove over the curb. Good thing there was no traffic, and the university was much smaller in those days. But Eric was correct to laugh – all I do now is write. Manuscripts for publication, grant proposals to obtain funds to support research in my lab and reports to various agencies and companies.” (Bousfield, Ph.D., is the Protein Core Laboratory director and professor of biological sciences at Wichita State University.) Anderson also fondly remembers the only class that he ever aced: Petersen’s “War and Politics” course yielded Anderson perfect grades on a term paper, the midterm and the final exam. “Petersen asked for a six-page report on a famous battle; I gave him a 40-page report on the Battle of Midway.” What better, most iconic way to remember any of our most influential professors than the way Anderson recalls Petersen: “At graduation, when we were lining up for the processional, I remember him showing up in the upper level of the gym to get in line. He was wearing his cap and tassel; he had his gown draped over his arm, and he was puffing on an un-lit pipe. Quite a memorable professorial image.”

n Eric Petersen

n The Jaime family of Saginaw made a gift in 2009-10 to provide scholarship support to social work students through The Robert Castro Jaime Endowed Scholarship. Named in honor of the family patriarch from Monterey, Mexico, who moved to the U.S. in 1918, the gift reflects Robert Castro Jaime’s love and compassion for others, especially the less fortunate. Pictured (from left to right) are: Emerson, Jason, Jim, 1984, B.A., Patricia, Justin, Gabriel and Lindsey.

n Kenneth Kousky, Dow entrepreneur-in-residence, has received statewide awards for his work with SVSU students at entrepreneurial competitions and for his leadership in Michigan investor groups.

Campaign Concludes, Promises Bright Future for SVSU and Region

“We are very fortunate to have so many good friends who supported this campaign, especially during a time of economic hardship for so many,” said Andrew Bethune, executive director of the SVSU Foundation. “Their gifts are an investment and a vote of confidence, and we appreciate their commitment. They are leaving a legacy that will benefit our university, our region and its people for many years to come.” The campaign attracted several major endowments, such as: • $3 million from Dr. E. Malcolm Field to create two new endowed chair positions: the Clifford Spicer Chair in Engineering and the Malcolm and Lois Field Chair in Health Science. • $2 million from the Herbert H. and Grace A. Dow Foundation to establish an Entrepreneurship Institute and to endow an entrepreneur-in-residence position.

• •

$1.5 million from the Rollin M. Gerstacker Foundation to establish the Gerstacker Fellowship, which provides leadership training to select K-12 educators. (See welcome letter from Janet Greif, pg. 2.) $1.5 million from the Harvey Randall Wickes Foundation to establish the Ruth and Ted Braun Fellowship. (See review, pg. 30.)

In addition, more than 50 new scholarships were also created through the campaign. In all, nearly $3 million in scholarship support was raised, much of it to help students with demonstrated financial need. “In these times when SVSU is serving more students than ever – while state support continues to decline – it is critical for us to provide increased scholarship opportunities to make college affordable,” Bethune said. The $23 million “Promise for Tomorrow” campaign is the largest in SVSU’s history. The “Campaign for Distinction” raised more than $13 million from 1997-99, and the “Creating the Future” campaign from 2000-02 exceeded $9.5 million. 27

SAGINAW VALLEY STATE UNIVERSITY

The Saginaw Valley State University Foundation has completed its “Promise for Tomorrow” campaign, raising more than $23 million to provide enhanced opportunities for its students and faculty, as well as for regional professionals. That total exceeds the goal of $20 million set when the campaign began in 2005.

“It’s really gratifying to know that other people value music education. They get what I do. Hopefully, when I graduate, I’ll be able to help people down the line.”

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Sarah Bernia Father knows best. Sarah Bernia found that to be true when her zoology labs made it clear that biology was not the major for her. “My dad said, ‘Sarah, music is the thing that’s always made you happy.’” It only takes a moment for that to become apparent. Bernia’s energy and enthusiasm for the discipline are infectious. Now a music education major, she hopes to pass on those attributes to future generations. “I really like the teaching aspect because you can get kids excited about it. If I could do anything I wanted to do, I would want to teach music to elementary kids. They’re so fun. We can sing silly songs together, but really, you’re teaching them a whole array of different things, and they don’t even know it. I think it’s a really good emotional outlet. It’s a tool to discover who you are, what you feel, what you like, what you don’t like.” 28

From the tiny town of Akron 20 miles away, Bernia says SVSU’s affordability was a key factor in her college choice, but it was still a struggle to find funds each fall — until she was awarded the James and Rosemary Hill Scholarship in Music. “That was a huge burden lifted. I was running out of other resources and didn’t know how I was going to make ends meet. Because of that scholarship, I was better able to focus on my studies here. I appreciate it so much.” Bernia joined the Cardinal Singers ensemble to further pursue her passion for music and expand her repertoire beyond her primary instrument, the piano. On track to graduate in May, Bernia understands her good fortune comes from the generosity of others she has never met. It’s a lesson she intends to preserve and perpetuate. “It’s really gratifying to know that other people value music education. They get what I do. Hopefully, when I graduate, I’ll be able to help people down the line.”

“Even though you don’t even know these people, they’re willing to give you the means to pursue your dreams.”

Chris Younk had been a heavily-involved high achiever at Sanford Meridian High School. After graduating as valedictorian, he wanted to avoid over-committing to extracurricular activities at SVSU. That held true for a year or two. Then he met professor Brooks Byam and was introduced to the Cardinal Formula Racing team, which competes against other colleges and universities from around the world and has recorded four top-20 finishes since 2002, including this past year. “I was impressed with how the team was put together,” Younk said. “Their record was to be admired, for sure.” Soon he was driving to campus from Midland six days a week to attend classes and work on the race car. “The opportunity to learn, the opportunity to work with other students on something completely outside the curriculum, helped me make the most of my education. We spend a lot of time with each other, and we really do help each other learn, build and grow.” Prior to completing his studies in August, Younk accepted a job as estimating department manager for J.E. Johnson, a mechanical contracting company in Midland and one of his employers while in school.

“I manage six other people and basically coordinate the lifeblood of our company,” he explained, noting the importance of the estimators’ work to the company’s overall success. Younk earned a Presidential Scholarship by virtue of his academic performance in high school, and throughout college, he worked either full or part time to help finance his education. But it still was a struggle to make ends meet, so he was both grateful and honored when he received the Douglas Zielinski Memorial Scholarship in Mechanical Engineering. “It’s not just the scholarships and the money and how smart you are that gets you through,” he said. “Those things help, but it’s the people who are giving these scholarships. Knowing that somebody is there, trying to back you up. Even though you don’t even know these people, they’re willing to give you the means to pursue your dreams.” Younk plans to stay connected to his alma mater, especially to the race team. He also pledges to remain mindful of the legacy he inherited and is able to pass on. “I graduate with a debt, not just to the bank, but also to society.” 29

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Chris Younk

The Ruth & Ted Braun Fellowship Program The Ruth and Ted Braun Fellowship Program was established in 2005 to honor and support outstanding SVSU faculty. The Saginaw-based Harvey Randall Wickes Foundation created an endowed fund through the Saginaw Community Foundation that provides these select faculty with up to $37,500 over the course of three years to further their scholarly and professional activities. It is named for Ruth and Ted Braun of Saginaw, who have combined service of 24 years on SVSU’s governing board, and have supported exceptional student writing through the annual Braun Writing Awards.

2009

Enayat Mahajerin, mechanical engineering, who plans to author a textbook tailored to 21st century needs in the areas of mathematical modeling, contemporary numerical methods and computer programming.

2008

Joseph Ofori-Dankwa, management and marketing, who is studying the emerging economy of West Africa to more fully describe the scope and opportunities associated with the West African market and to identify factors that influence successful firm performance, which have not been comprehensively identified previously.

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2007

Eric Gardner, English, whose work on uncovering the work of black American writers during the 19th century resulted in his book, Unexpected Places: Relocating NineteenthCentury African American Literature, and other scholarly work. 30

M. Patricia Cavanaugh, English, who is researching the history of tutoring and multiple existing techniques in the U.S. and abroad, as well as the psychological basis for successful tutoring.

Zhidong “Patrick” Pan, mathematics, who is examining the properties of mathematical transformations, which have quite practical applications. Scientists use transformations for understanding and predicting natural phenomena ranging from earthquakes and volcanoes to weather systems.

2006

Gretchen Owocki, teacher education, whose efforts toward improving childhood literacy and providing enhanced resources for teachers resulted in her book, The RTI Daily Planning Book, K-6: Tools and Strategies for Collecting and Assessing Reading Data & Targeted Follow-Up Instruction.

Jesse Donahue, political science, who examined the intersection of politics, science and art in public spaces, especially zoos and aquariums during the New Deal. She has authored or coauthored three books on the topic.

Thomas Renna, history, who continues his extensive research on medieval history and Popes Boniface VIII, Clement V and John XXII, some of the most significant popes during the Middle Ages. Renna already has presented elements of this research at a dozen academic conferences.

“CARDINAL FOREVER” PROGRAM INTRODUCED AT 2010 FRESHSTART graduation. “This provides students an affordable and meaningful opportunity to participate in creating a scholarship fund for their peers — and maybe even themselves,” Clifford said. A registered student organization on campus, the Student Alumni Connection emphasizes the importance of building what will become a lifelong relationship between incoming freshmen and their university, she added. “By fostering a strong sense of ‘Red Pride’ among these students, the SAC hopes to support the university’s student success efforts and enrich the students’ future relationship with their alma mater once they become alumni.”

2010 Cardinal Forever Scholarship Recients (from left to right)

• Shantel Anderson, an international business major from Belleville • Zachary Becker, a social work major from Vassar • Brooke Mainville, from Lachine who is undecided for a major • MacKenzie Williams, an elementary education major from Linden

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A new twist was added to this year’s orientation program for new freshmen at the beginning of the school year. At the conclusion of the day-long FreshStart program that all new freshmen attend before the first day of classes, students had the opportunity to contribute $1 or more to a scholarship fund that was awarded during the ceremony. The names of the four recipients were drawn randomly, earning each winner a $250 scholarship. According to Pamela Clifford, advisor for the Student Alumni Connection, the “Cardinal Forever” student scholarship will encourage “a spirit of philanthropy” long before the students become part of the SVSU Alumni Association after

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SAGINAW VALLEY STATE UNIVERSITY

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SAGINAW VALLEY STATE UNIVERSITY

n Andy Bethune

ALUMNI PROFILE

Catching up with...

Guillermo

Silva

A native of Mexico, Guillermo Silva Roderigo (2006, B.A.) completed his masterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s degree from California State University-Fullerton in 2010 and plans to complete a Ph.D. in psychology.

How did SVSU prepare you for advanced studies? Nine years ago, when I arrived in the

United States, I did not speak English at all. I needed an interpreter at SVSU to register for ESL (English as a Second Language) classes. Every class and every professor in the ESL program helped me to overcome that singular stress I experienced as a result of being exposed to a different culture and a language I did not understand. After successfully completing the ESL program, I was admitted to the psychology program at SVSU.

What made you pursue psychology as a field of study? Psychology is a field for persons who like

SAGINAW VALLEY STATE UNIVERSITY

science, history, research, and are curious about how thought impacts perceptions. Although two of my sisters are chemical engineers and one of my brothers is an electrical engineer, I was curious about philosophy and the complex nature of thought.

Please tell us about your academic interests and pursuits. During the next several months, I will start with the admissions process to pursue a Ph.D. in clinical or counseling psychology. This will build on my bachelorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s degree from SVSU and my Master of Science in marriage and family therapy at California State University-Fullerton. I have also started accruing hours as an intern to get my license as a marriage and family therapist and have worked for one of my former professors as an agency clinician. 34

You obviously have a passion for psychology to be considering a Ph.D. program. What is the source of that passion? My passion for psychology goes beyond my understanding but is a constant source of motivation and personal growth. It comes from a feeling that by being alive I have a great opportunity to transform my life in whatever way I want on the road of self-realization.

Could you tell us about some of the individuals at SVSU who were most influential? The two most important persons in the

ESL program were (Senior ESL Specialists) Jacquie Osborn and Jeannine Lorenger. Another important person who helped me improve my English proficiency and writing skills was Diane Boehm, Director of the Writing Center. Someone who always believed in me, advised me, and encouraged me was Hideki Kihata, who is the chair of the Art Department. These four distinguished persons gave me the strength and confidence to overcome the barriers to learn English. Every professor I had at SVSU had virtues such as passion, motivation, commitment, and willingness to guide me and give me the foundation for my advanced studies. In the psychology department were Drs. Cohen, Dutta, Hatcher, Margres, Peterson, Robinson, and Swihart. Thanks to all of them I had the greatest source and foundation of knowledge to develop a vision of success.

OFFICIAL SVSU RING COLLECTION “FOREVER RED”

This exclusive collection of Saginaw Valley State University rings is an opportunity for students and alumni to participate in a valued tradition among colleges and universities – one that represents school pride, allows alumni recognition and provides a lifelong reminder of your timeless journey and ultimate achievement. The SVSU Alumni Association is honored to introduce this unique collection that represents the pride and tradition of Saginaw Valley State University. It will symbolize a special time and place in your life while linking the past to the future. The top of the ring features the SVSU logo in a red stone that signifies “Forever Red.” Traditional designs for men and women include your graduation year and “Cardinal” on one side. The other side features your degree letters and both the Gazelle Fountain and the SVSU seal. The contemporary ring design will include your degree, graduation year, “Cardinals” and a personalized banner. Wearing this ring means you belong. Forever. To order your exclusive SVSU ring, please contact your Jostens Representative: Gina Moorman Office: 616-554-1477 • Email: gina.moorman@jostens.com

NEWS FROM ALUMNI

Email your alumni news to pacliffo@svsu.edu; Mail to SVSU, Alumni Relations, 7400 Bay Road, University Center, MI 48710; Submit Online at svsu.edu/alumni

GUIDE TO DEGREES

Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) Bachelor of Business Administration (B.B.A.) Bachelor of Professional Accountancy (B.P.A.) Bachelor of Science (B.S.) Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering (B.S.E.E.) Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering (B.S.M.E.) Bachelor of Science in Nursing (B.S.N.) Bachelor of Social Work (B.S.W.) Education Specialist (Ed.S.) Master of Arts (M.A.) Master of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T.) Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.) Master of Education (M.Ed.) Master of Science (M.S.) Master of Science in Nursing (M.S.N.) Master of Science in Occupational Therapy (M.S.O.T.)

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CLASSNOTES

1960s

1980s

Roselyn Argyle, 1966, B.A., first graduate of SVSU, is the proud owner of A&D Health Care Professionals and A&D Home Health Care. A&D Health Care Professionals celebrates its silver anniversary Roselyn Argyle, ’66, with son, Dr. Michael Argyle this year of providing 25 years of service to 10 counties in the Mid-Michigan region with more than 300 employees. Thomas R. McKeag, 1973, B.A., is employed at Forbo Adhesives LLC as eastern regional sales manager. Francisco A. Itzaina, 1971, B.A., has been named the 2010 Solomon Wodajo, 1975, B.A., SVSU Distinguished Alumnus. retired from Anheuser-Busch after He will be presented the award a 27-year career. He is enjoying at this year’s Alumni Celebration, his retirement by traveling to Nov. 6. Itzaina, regional directorEthiopia (where he was born), South America for Rolls Royce Europe, North and West Africa, International, also received Dubai, India, Japan and China. “Commander of the Order of He is married with two daughters the British Empire,” an order of and resides in California. chivalry. He has lived in Brazil since 1975 and has four children. Catherine Baase, 1977, B.A., has been named the 2010 SVSU Outstanding Alumna for the College of Science, Engineering & Technology and will be presented the award at this year’s Alumni Celebration, Nov. 6. She is the Global Director of Health Services for The Dow Chemical Company.

Michael DuCharme, 1981, B.A., president of the SVSU Alumni Association, completed the Boston Marathon April 19 with a final time of 3 hours, 35 minutes and 4 seconds.

1970s

Sue A. Grzegorczyk, 1977, B.A., is principal at St. John School, Essexville, Mich.

SAGINAW VALLEY STATE UNIVERSITY

Fran cisco A. Itza ina, ’71 Marylin E. Atkins, 1973, B.A., was reappointed by the Michigan Supreme Court to an unprecedented sixth term as Chief Judge of the 36th District Court in Detroit. She was first appointed Chief Judge in January 2000 and has been on the 36th District Court bench since 1991. Peter Briguglio, 1973, B.A., is the executive director at Calvert Hospice in Prince Frederick, Md. He has more than 25 years of experience in the hospice industry. 36

Richard Herm, 1977, B.S., 1981, B.S.N., 2004, M.S.N., has been named the 2010 SVSU Outstanding Alumnus for the Crystal M. Lange College of Health & Human Services and will be presented the award at this year’s Alumni Celebration, Nov. 6. He is a clinical research specialist at St. Mary’s of Michigan and president of Herm & Associates. Richard and his wife Ann celebrated their 30th wedding anniversary July 26, 2010.

Steven Zott, 1981, B.A., has been named the 2010 SVSU Outstanding Alumnus for the College of Education and will be presented the award at this year’s Alumni Celebration, Nov. 6. He is the superintendent for Almont (Mich.) Community Schools. Janice Smith, 1982, B.A., is working in the Ann Arbor area as an occupational therapist. She recently celebrated her 20th anniversary of service in the United States Army. Nancy Milton Richards, 1983, B.B.A., is president of New Experiences Inc., an online resource for events and activities for families in the area of Palm Beach County, Fla. Ray Wightman, 1983, B.A., is back in the Tri-Cities with his 11-year-old son, Kelantae. He was recently named pastor at Fremont Avenue United Methodist Church in Bay City, Mich. Billy Dexter, 1984, B.A., has been named the 2010 SVSU Outstanding Alumnus for the College of Arts & Behavioral Sciences and will be presented the award at this year’s Alumni Celebration, Nov. 6. He is a partner at Heidrick & Struggles, a leadership advisory firm. Terry Lutz, 1985, B.B.A., chief financial officer at Scheurer Hospital, was inducted as secretary for the Pigeon Rotary Club. He is also a member of the executive committee of the SVSU Alumni Association. Terry is a member of the Bill Denbrock Big Band and resides with his wife, Linda, in Pigeon, Mich.

Robert Stafford, 1985, B.B.A., has been named the 2010 SVSU Outstanding Alumnus for the College of Business & Management and will be presented the award at this year’s Alumni Celebration, Nov. 6. He is a first vice president of business development at Chemical Bank. Kurt A. David, 1986, B.A., producer of the “From Glory Days” television show, announced it is slated for syndication this fall on PBS, entering its second season. Lynn (Ittner) Klammer, 1986, B.A., author, has several published books available at national bookstores including God and Me, volume 3, and Frankenmuth: A Guide to Michigan’s Little Bavaria, which is the first national travel guide published on Frankenmuth. Pamela R. (Hoover) Forbus, 1987, B.B.A., is vice president of consumer strategy and insights at Frito-Lay. She resides in Plano, Texas. Clifford Suing, 1987, B.B.A., is CFO for the Home Division of Mohawk Industries, located in Calhoun, Ga. Todd Cramer, 1988, B.B.A., is executive director of Bluewater Thumb Youth for Christ. He also is a business consultant for Nietzke & Faupel, PC. Shannon M. (Reinert) Emery, 1988, B.A., who is married to Jason Emery, 2002, B.A., is a social worker and discharge planner at Huron Medical Center, Bad Axe, Mich. Jason is a survey technician for Wade Trim, Flint, Mich. Patrick McInnis, 1988, B.A., is CEO of Fathead LLC, a Livonia-based company that produces life-size wall graphics of sports stars, superheroes and musicians. Sandra Covaleski, 1989, B.B.A., is the principal associate broker of Commercial Equities, a commercial real estate company, and is also owner of ITB Accounting Services, Inc.

Barb (Freier) Butler, 1978, B.A., and Greg Butler, 1979, B.A., have retired from teaching after 30 years. The couple resides in Paw Paw, Mich.

John Tymes, 1989, B.S.E.E., is owner of JustInTymeSports (youtube.com/justintymesports), manufacturer of extreme mini basketball hoops.

Robert T. Becker Jr., 1979, B.A., is superintendent of schools at Pulaski County Public Schools in Southwestern Virginia.

Sand ra Cova leski, ’89

CLASSNOTES

Vincent (Wu-Tien) Lin, 1993, M.B.A., and the Taiwan SVSU Alumni Association welcomed the 2010 SVSU Roberts Fellows in Taipei. More than 50 Taiwan alumni attended the gathering.

Patrick D. Mayette, 1990, B.A., is president of Painters Supply & Equipment Co., headquartered in Troy, Mich. Kenneth Roznowski, 1990, B.B.A., past president of the SVSU Alumni Association, ran the 114th Boston Marathon April 19. He completed the course in 3 hours, 38 minutes and 37 seconds.

Sherlynn (Dopp-Arnold) Kerns, ’92 Sherlynn (Dopp-Arnold) Kerns, 1992, B.S.W., is a medical social worker for A&D Home Health Care. Vincent (Wu-Chih-Chi (Jeffrey) Chung, 1994, M.B.A., is a specialist in software platform for service-oriented architecture.

Kirsten (Southward) Lee, 1994, B.A., director of business development for Clinical Resources Group, Scottsdale, Ariz., was named to the board of directors for the Arizona Chapter of Hugh O’Brien Youth Leadership. Ron Bacon, 1996, B.A., 2002, M.A., is a therapeutic business manager for Baxter Bioscience based in Lansing, Mich. Matthew J. Reid, 1998, B.A., was one of only 54 K-12 teachers in the U.S. to receive the 2010 Milken Educator Award. Matt R. Reinbold, 1998, B.B.A., is a commercial loan officer for Independent Bank in Bay City, Mich. He has two sons, Austin and Landin, and is married to Carrie Reinbold. Vicki Soule, 1998, M.B.A., was named CEO for Treasure Coast Community Health, Indian River County, Fla.

2000s Che-Hung (Jeff) Kuo, 2000, M.B.A., is a division manager for Foxconn and is responsible for I-Pad NPI and MP operation.

Su (Sussan) Yatzu, 2000, M.B.A., is married with two children, resides in Taipei, and is an associate finance analysis manager for Acer Taiwan. Mary E. (Bracey) Foster, 2001, B.F.A., is a new member of the SVSU Alumni Association Advisory Council. She is a photography artist and educator in Saginaw, Mich. Lisa (White) Koski, 2001, B.A., completed a fellowship with The Henry Ford Hospital in Dearborn, Mich., and was one of 10 fellows chosen to participate this year.

Mary Foster, ’01

Chris Ebright, 2003, B.A., is head baseball coach for the Hornell Dodgers, a member of the New York Collegiate League. Chris Hennessy, 2004, B.A., is married to Meghan Cherry and they have a daughter, Madeline. Chris is a regional manager for U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow, responsible for 10 counties, including the Great Lakes Bay Region.

Meghan Cherry and Chris Hennessy, ’04

Thomas C. Henthorn, 2004, B.A., is the Wyatt Professor of U.S. History at the University of Michigan-Flint. Bridget Long, 2004, B.A., graduated from Bowling Green State University in May 2010 with a Ph.D. in communication studies.

Su (Sussan) Yatzu, ’00

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1990s

CLASSNOTES Krista (St. Aubin) Trevithick, 2005, B.A., and her husband, Ryan Trevithick, 2009, B.B.A., have moved to Lapeer, Mich. Krista is an executive team leader of human resources for Target; Ryan is a marketing representative for Federated Insurance. Michelle Carpenter, 2006, M.A.T., was the first recipient of the Harold W. Peterson Excellence in Teaching Award from SVSU. She teaches at Jerome Elementary School in Saginaw and received the award in April 2010. Michelle Foster, 2006, B.A., is the founder and director of Ferndale TimeBank (ferndaletimebank.org), a networking/tracking system for service sharing.

Michael Barber, 2009, B.S., is a laboratory technician at Larkin Laboratory, The Dow Chemical Company, Midland, Mich. DeAnne (Dailey) Lawrence, 2009, B.A., is a new 7th grade English Language Arts teacher at Surline Middle School, West Branch, Mich. Nicole Nagy, 2009, B.A., completed a year of national service through the Michigan Campus Compact AmeriCorps*VISTA program and is currently the first-yearexperience assistant at Madonna University, Livonia, Mich.

Joseph Light, 2006, M.S., is working as a lab controls and automation engineer at The Dow Chemical Company, contracted through Kelly Engineering & IT. He resides in Bay City, Mich. Scott Lahmann, 2007, B.A., and his wife, Stephanie (Bostwick) Lahmann, 2009, B.A., are teaching English as a Second Language in Ulsan, South Korea. Shannon M. Lee, 2007, B.A., navy seaman, completed U.S. basic training at Recruit Training Command, Great Lakes, Ill. Jeanne Lesinski, 2007, T.C., is president of 360 Main Street Inc. (360mainstreet.com), an awardnominated online magazine serving Mid-Michigan.

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Marisa E. Hecht, 2008, B.B.A., has received a Certified Public Accountant license and is employed at Yeo & Yeo. Julie Phenis, 2008, B.S.W., received a Master of Education in community development and action in May 2010 from Vanderbilt University. Ashley Armstrong, 2009, B.B.A., is employed as a resourcer for Elwood Staffing, Hillsdale, Mich. 38

NEW CARDINALS

Jeramie Morris, 2004, B.A., announces the birth of his son, Parker James.

Jeramie holding his son, Par

ker James

Emma Grace Fodrocy

Nico le Nagy , â&#x20AC;&#x2122;09 Jennifer Rosser-Nesbit, 2009, B.A., and Michael Nesbit, 2007, B.S., celebrated their first wedding anniversary. Jennifer is employed at Wildfire Credit Union. Catherine (Hutter) Powers, 2009, B.A., was a presenter for the Summer Math and Science Camp for Kids at the North Saginaw Charter Academy. Brenda Lee-Farnum Wachner, 2009, B.S.W., graduated August 2010 with a Master of Social Work from the University of Michigan. Amie Wilson, 2009, B.S.N, spent five weeks in 2010 on a medical mission trip to the Cheshire Home in Jharkhand State in northeastern India.

Jessica (Swartz) Fodrocy, 2006, B.S.N. and her husband, Daniel Fodrocy, 2006, B.A., announce the birth of their daughter, Emma Grace Fodrocy, born February 2010 in Fargo, N.D.

WEDDINGS Anna Piazza, 2008, B.S., announces her engagement to Dan Gardner. A May 2011 wedding is planned. She received her Master of Science degree in exercise physiology from Purdue University in May 2010.

STAY CONNECTED WITH SVSU Send your email address to alumni@svsu.edu

IN MEMORIAM David D. Seidenstucker, 1971, B.A., February 2010 Geraldine M. Reynolds, 1981, B.A., June 2010 Daniel L. Boyer, 1983, B.S., June 2010 Raymond Hollingsworth, 1985, M.A.T., June 2010 Deborah A. Wells, 1988, B.A., May 2010 Mary Lou Banda, 1988, B.A., July 2010 Kenneth R. Wiese, 1990, B.B.A., July 2010 Jennifer Jusco, 1991, M.Ed., July 2010 Robert A. Schluckbier, 1992, M.A.T., June 2010 David W. Bowlsby, 1992, B.A., April 2010 Angelis C. Beavers, 1995, B.B.A., March 2010

IN THEIR OWN WORDS

The Last Word with

Brian Piacentini Saginaw Valley has been my home for four years. When I graduated in August, I was reminded how much I was going to miss this campus and the surrounding area. I came to SVSU with the intention to get a college degree; I am leaving with much more than that: a college education. As a recipient of the Walter T. James Memorial Scholarship, I was able to focus on my studies, taking advantage of all that SVSU can offer. Serving as a leader on and off campus, I learned the importance of working in the surrounding community. As president of the Criminal Justice Society, I organized students to volunteer for the Saginaw Arson Watch program, a community effort to prevent arson in the City of Saginaw on Halloween. It was incredible to see the community volunteers come together, work with the fire and police departments, and address citizensâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; needs. My hope is that when students interact with the greater community, they will see the communityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s needs and find ways to help. I have always had a strong passion for helping others. When I was accepted into the Roberts Fellowship program, a class assignment challenged us to develop a community service project.

We decided to help organize the silent auction for the Underground Railroad in Saginaw, which serves victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. After securing more than 200 items for the auction, our group helped the Underground Railroad achieve a record fundraising total. During the event, I was asked to speak to the audience. Looking at hundreds of people, I first backed away, but then I pulled together all the confidence I had gained from my SVSU experiences. I spoke to the room, asking people to participate and reminding them that the money goes to the Underground Railroad. Putting into practice what I learned about communication in leadership was rewarding. It demonstrated that communication can be an effective tool. This event was a great opportunity for us to practice our leadership skills and to give back to the community. The Roberts Fellowship program has given me a deep appreciation for leadership in the community and has inspired me to reach new heights. With a degree in criminal justice, I aspire to help others in the community commit to service with a high level of integrity. 39

SAGINAW VALLEY STATE UNIVERSITY

Brian Piacentini graduated in August with a degree in criminal justice. While in school, the Fenton native completed an internship for the U.S. Secret Service, and he hopes one day to work for the agency. In the meantime, he has accepted a security position at the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor.

7400 Bay Road â&#x20AC;˘ University Center, MI 48710

SATURDAY AT THE VALLEY SATURDAY, DECEMBER 4TH, 2010 PROGRAM BEGINS AT 10 AM Go on a tour, talk to the student service offices, and have lunch with the cardinal! RSVP by calling 1.800.968.9500 or signing in at www.svsu.edu/choice.