Profile, winter/spring 2023

Beyond

a

Land Acknowledgment

By offering this land acknowledgment, we affirm tribal sovereignty and express respect for Native peoples and nations.

The University of Minnesota Morris is located along Owobopte Wakpa—a place from which Dakota turnips have been dug river—on the edge of mashkode akiing—prairie land. This land has been cared for and called home by the Dakota people, and later the Ojibwe people and other Native peoples from time immemorial. Our state’s name, Minnesota, comes from the Dakota name for this region, Mni Sota Makoce the land where the waters reflect the skies.

Acknowledging the land and our history in this place is an offering of solidarity with and respect for Native nations and peoples. In doing so, we—The University of Minnesota Morris—reaffirm our commitment to our responsibilities rooted in the history of our campus site as a Native American boarding school, our distinctive mission as a public liberal arts college within Minnesota’s land-grant university, and our recognition as a Native American-Serving Nontribal Institution.

GIVING

In partnership with the University of Minnesota Foundation, gifts designated to UMN Morris are received by and invested in the Morris campus. The Foundation serves as the legal, charitable entity for the University system. For more information on giving to UMN Morris, contact:

Susan Schmidgall, senior director of advancement 320-589-6160 | sschmidg@morris.umn.edu

Erin Christensen, senior development officer 320-589-6067 | erinc@morris.umn.edu

Jennifer Zych Herrmann, development officer 320-589-6048 | zychja@morris.umn.edu

Cover: McKenna Langerud ’23 during her trip to Italy’s South Tyrol, just one of many beyond-the-classroom activities supported by the Morris Academic eXperiences (MAX) Fund. Read more on page 8.

Profile

Winter/Spring 2023

Volume XXVII, Edition II

Editorial Staff

Kari Adams ’03

Sue Dieter ’86

Lisa Walker

Grace Gallant ’26

Finals Prep with a Taste of Fun

Students in Associate Professor of Biology Tracey Anderson’s entomology class celebrated the final day of fall semester by enjoying a honey tasting. The group tested ten types of honey, produced by bees that lived among different plants.

Funded in part by the University of Minnesota Morris Alumni Association and the Office of the Chancellor, Profile is published twice per year. Alternative formats are available upon request.

Update your address at alumni.morris.umn.edu/stay-connected 320-589-6066 alumni@morris.umn.edu

The University of Minnesota Foundation is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization soliciting tax-deductible private contributions for the University of Minnesota. Financial and other information about University of Minnesota Foundation’s purpose, programs, and activities may be obtained by contacting the Chief Financial Officer at 200 Oak Street SE, Suite 500, Minneapolis, MN 55455 (612) 624-3333, or for residents of the following states, as stated below. Maryland: For the cost of postage and copying, from the Secretary of State. Michigan: MICS No. 50198. New Jersey: INFORMATION FILED WITH THE ATTORNEY GENERAL CONCERNING THIS CHARITABLE SOLICITATION AND THE PERCENTAGE OF CONTRIBUTIONS RECEIVED BY THE CHARITY DURING THE LAST REPORTING PERIOD THAT WERE DEDICATED TO THE CHARITABLE PURPOSE MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE ATTORNEY GENERAL OF THE STATE OF NEW JERSEY BY CALLING (973) 504-6215 AND IS AVAILABLE ON THE INTERNET AT www.njconsumeraffairs.gov/charity. New York: Upon request, from the Attorney General Charities Bureau, 120 Broadway, New York, NY 10271. Pennsylvania: The official registration and financial information of University of Minnesota Foundation may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling toll-free, within Pennsylvania, 1-800-732-0999. Virginia: From the State Office of Consumer Affairs in the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Affairs, P.O. Box 1163, Richmond, VA 23218. Washington: From the Secretary of State at 1-800-332-4483. The registration required by the state charitable solicitation act is on file with the Secretary of State’s office. West Virginia: West Virginia residents may obtain a summary of the registration and financial documents from the Secretary of State, State Capitol, Charleston, WV 25305. CONTRIBUTIONS ARE DEDUCTIBLE FOR FEDERAL INCOME TAX PURPOSES IN ACCORDANCE WITH APPLICABLE LAW. REGISTRATION IN A STATE DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION OF UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA FOUNDATION BY THE STATE.

Profile Mission

Profile connects alumni and friends of the University of Minnesota Morris with informative, engaging, and enjoyable stories about campus life and beyond that reflect the value and success of the liberal arts education model, enabling our audience to act as proud advocates of the institution they know and love.

Her Campus, Her Cause Helen Jane Morrison: 1921–2022

by Susan Schmidgall senior director of advancement

Helen Jane Morrison, who passed away in December, was one of the founders of the University of Minnesota Morris and its champion and benefactor for over seven decades. She was among the group of determined local citizens, the West Central Educational Development Association, who, in the late 50s, led a grassroots movement to reinvent the Morris agricultural boarding high school as a public liberal arts university.

In 1960 UMN Morris opened its doors. In Helen Jane’s words, “My husband Ed and I spent countless hours in St. Paul trying to convince the legislature to open another University of Minnesota campus right here in Morris. It was a dream come true when Morris was chosen and UMM opened its door to its first class of students. From the beginning, UMM attracted talented students. It went on to become the great public liberal arts college we know today.”

That dream, of a brighter future for the students who one day would make UMN Morris their home, is Helen Jane’s greatest gift—for the 24,000 (and counting) UMN Morris alumni who live and work around the world, and for Morris and the region.

For more than 70 years, Helen Jane supported and served the University of Minnesota Morris—most recently as honorary co-chair of UMN Morris’s A model for living and learning campaign. She was proud to work with every UMN Morris chancellor and many University of Minnesota presidents.

Helen Jane’s love for UMN Morris and the arts is evident in the rich and enduring Morrison legacy at UMN Morris: the Edward J. and Helen Jane Morrison Performing Arts Center and the performing arts series, originally created by Helen Jane in UMN Morris’s first year; the Edward J. and Helen Jane Morrison Gallery; and, most importantly to Helen Jane, the students.

The first of three Morrison scholarships was awarded in 1965. There are hundreds of Morrison Scholars in the world today, and that number grows every year. Today, those Morrison scholarship recipients are leveraging their liberal arts educations as teachers, business owners, opera singers, engineers, coaches, professors, editors and publishers, counselors, chemists, elected officials, lawyers, doctors, and members of both the military and the clergy.

Through the students, alumni, buildings, and programs of UMN Morris, Ed and Helen Jane’s legacy will live on in perpetuity. “Supporting UMM has given me an amazing opportunity to help build something wonderful from the ground up,” Helen Jane once said. “I have been proud to be part of this now and in the future.”

Dinner with scholarship recipients and Acting Chancellor Janet Schrunk Ericksen in 2022

Edward and Helen Jane at the 2013 dedication of the Edward J. and Helen Jane Morris Gallery in Humanities Fine Arts

Dedication of the Edward J. and Helen Jane Morrison Performing Arts Center in the Student Center in 2018: Jim E. Morrison, Helen Jane, Jim Morrison, Liz Morrison

Gift of Rare Maps

Five rare Nordic antique maps have found a new home at the Rodney A. Briggs Library, thanks to a generous gift to the University of Minnesota Morris by Chancellor Emeritus David C. Johnson this past year. About donating them to UMN Morris, Johnson said, “giving them up was akin to seeing my kids fly away from the nest, but it has to come, and I’m going to say it again and again, I’m so grateful that they will be in a place where they will be loved.” UMN Morris is grateful too. “The gift of the maps is wonderful for Briggs Library, and we are really honored to receive and host them,” said Briggs Library Director Angela Vetsch.

Three of the maps from the collection were personally owned by Johnson. They include Peter de Wit’s 1539 Norvegia and Peirre du Val’s 1530s Danemark, both purchased in Oslo, Norway, in 1966.

Johnson said that when he decided to give his maps to UMN Morris, he wanted to be sure they represented all Nordic nations. So he purchased two additional maps specifically for Briggs Library to complete the map collection. One is an 1806 copy of Herman Moll’s map of Denmark, Sweden, and Suomi Finland, which shows Laplanders engaged in various activities. The other is a map of Iceland drawn by Georgio Carolo Flandro and published in the mid-1600s.

Vetsch commented that hosting the maps at Briggs aligns nicely with the library’s mission of serving students, faculty, and staff, along with the intellectual and cultural needs of the community and west central Minnesota. “We feel [the maps] are an asset to campus and the greater west central community,” said Vetsch. Having them displayed at the library makes them accessible, and she anticipates them being incorporated into future coursework and projects for students.

Scholarships Foster Study Abroad and Experiential Learning

Grateful for the positive impact UMN Morris had on their lives, Ron Lachelt ’71 and Cheryl Thornes Lachelt ’73 wanted to “pay it forward.” Both felt that they had received a strong liberal arts education at UMN Morris. “It’s helped us throughout our lives, both professionally and personally,” says Cheryl. Ron adds, “We feel that UMM is able to nurture and develop individuals into dynamic, caring, well-rounded, and socially conscious world citizens.” So they decided to give back to their alma mater.

To do that, they established the Thornes Family Travel Scholarship and, later, the Ronald Lachelt and Cheryl Thornes Lachelt Scholarship. The travel scholarship supports a UMN Morris student who is studying abroad for the first time, while the Lachelt scholarship is intended to help students reach their academic goals. The Lachelts are excited about the first Lachelt Scholarship recipient, Mckenna Domka ’25, a psychology major, being awarded the scholarship in 2022. “We’re so happy that the scholarship is being put to good use,” says Cheryl.

For both Ron and Cheryl, the decision to attend UMN Morris came down to size and reputation. Intimidated by the idea of going straight from high school to a large university, they were each drawn to UMN Morris for its smaller campus and academic reputation, along with the desire to earn a degree from the University of Minnesota.

Ron recalled how he didn’t think he’d be able to go to college because of his family’s economic circumstances, but with the help of loans, scholarships, and part-time work, he not only was able to attend college, but to focus more on his studies without the financial worry. The Lachelts want to help ensure that other UMN Morris students won’t have to worry either.

Johnson, who served as the third chancellor at UMN Morris from 1990 until 1998, spoke about the maps during a reception held in October 2022 in Briggs Library.

UMN Morris Chancellor Search

Since July 1, 2021, Janet Schrunk Ericksen has been serving as the acting chancellor of UMN Morris. In September 2022, University of Minnesota President Joan Gabel announced the national search for the next UMN Morris chancellor. Peh Ng, acting dean and vice chancellor for academic affairs at UMN Morris, and Michael Rodriguez, UMN Morris alumnus and UMN Twin Cities dean of the College of Education and Human Development, are the co-chairs of the search committee.

President Gabel stated, “We are committed to a fully consultative process, including ensuring substantial Morris representation on the search committee and considering input from the entire campus community, in alignment with the UMN Morris constitution.”

The leadership transition is planned for the summer of 2023.

For up-to-date information, visit chansearch.morris.umn.edu.

UMN Morris Leaders through the Years

Rodney A. Briggs (1960–69)

John Q. Imholte (1969–90)

David C. Johnson (1990–98)

Sam Schuman (1998–2006)

Jacqueline R. Johnson (2006–17)

Michelle Behr (2017–21)

Janet Schrunk Ericksen (acting 2021–23)

Burks Appointed to National Transportation Study Committee

UMN Morris Professor of Economics and Management

Steve Burks has been appointed to the Impacts of Alternative Compensation Methods on Truck Driver Retention and Safety Performance Committee.

The committee was established as part of the 2021 Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, and is sponsored by the U.S. Department of Transportation. Members were selected, and the committee is being operated, by the Consensus and Advisory Studies Division of the Transportation Research Board, a division of The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM). NASEM was founded as a nonprofit in 1863 by President Abraham Lincoln as a way for federal agencies, Congress, and others to have an independent research organization to investigate issues of importance to the nation. The 10-member ad hoc study committee will examine the impacts of existing methods of compensation on commercial motor vehicle driver retention and safety performance in the U.S. long-haul (150 miles or more) trucking and inter-city bus sectors.

Over the next two years, the committee will collect primary data as needed and to the extent possible, such as by conducting case studies of trucking and bus companies and interviews of drivers and owner-operators. The committee will produce a final report with findings and conclusions about what is currently understood about the effects of compensation methods and other relevant factors on driver retention and safety performance. The report will contain recommendations to the sponsor and potentially to Congress on a research agenda that outlines the kinds of analytic methods, data gathering, and study designs

that would be helpful for expanding and strengthening this understanding.

Burks joined the UMN Morris faculty in 1999. In 2005, he co-founded the Truckers & Turnover Project, a multi-year study in the field of behavioral personnel economics conducted by a team of Morris faculty and students as well as faculty from other institutions, in cooperation with trucking industry partners. Burks has studied the trucking labor market since driving big rigs between stints in graduate school. It was due to his experience as a truck driver in the early 1980s that he decided to become an economist.

Education Building Renamed in Honor of Bill and Ida Stewart

In December, the University of Minnesota Board of Regents unanimously approved a proposal to rename the Education building on the UMN Morris campus as William B. and Ida B. Stewart Hall, in honor of William (Bill) and Ida Stewart.

Bill Stewart was hired by UMN Morris Provost Jack Imholte in 1973 to address the inequities in education for students of color. He served as the director of the minority (now multiethnic) student program (MSP) until 1998. The program, the precursor to the current Office of Equity, Diversity, and Intercultural Programs, grew exponentially during Bill’s tenure, from 23 students to 291. Bill touched the lives of thousands of UMN Morris students and championed the concerns, needs, and accomplishments of students of color. Under his leadership, the MSP provided academic assistance, financial aid, and student support services to improve minority student opportunities and success on campus.

Ida Stewart joined UMN Morris in 1972 and served as a faculty member, education coordinator, and academic adviser. She is known for establishing World Touch Cultural Heritage Week and the Women of Color Association, as well as connecting the campus to large university communities.

Following Bill’s death in 2020, MSP alumni began the process to honor the Stewarts’ campus legacy.

Kimberly Jones ’92 and Judge David L. Kelly ’95 are among the alumni who worked to advance the effort to name the Education building for the Stewarts. “While we can certainly measure the quantitative impact of Bill and Ida’s service to UMN Morris, we may never fully grasp the qualitative impact of learning, living, and working at a university with a student body diverse in race, ethnicity, national origin, gender and thought. This experience undoubtedly transformed the lives of countless UMN Morris students, faculty,and staff members, as it certainly transformed our lives. Bill and Ida had a significant role in creating and nurturing this multicultural, interdependent campus community, and we believe it is fitting that their lives’ work be honored in this way.”

Josie Johnson, a retired professor, vice president, and former member of the University’s Board of Regents, added that Bill’s “mission remained consistent throughout his career at the

University of Minnesota Morris. His impact and efforts leveled the playing field for minority students at UMM and all campuses. He strategically built relationships and alliances with University administrators to make systemic changes to university policies that would last beyond his tenure. University of Minnesota students in the 21st century are benefiting from Bill’s commitment to make the University of Minnesota a more equitable place to learn and grow.”

Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs Sandy Olson-Loy worked closely with the Stewarts. “The Stewarts’ work exemplifies the highest aspirations of the University of Minnesota’s mission and our guiding principles—particularly those of providing an atmosphere of mutual respect, free from racism, sexism, and other forms of prejudice and intolerance, creating and supporting partnerships within educational systems and communities to achieve common goals, and inspiring, setting high expectations for, and empowering the individuals within our community.”

UMN Morris Acting Chancellor Janet Schrunk Ericksen agrees that it is particularly appropriate that the Education building carry the Stewart name. “Bill and Ida believed in and lived by the values of equity and access in education. Both Bill and Ida lived lives full of support, in their formal roles and well beyond them, including long after retirement. Bill and Ida’s leadership was foundational, transformative, and inspirational in creating and sustaining the commitments to equity, diversity, and inclusion that are now cornerstones of the UMN Morris experience.”

Stewart Hall Dedication

Above: Bill and Ida Stewart at Bill’s retirement celebration in 1998

Right: William B. and Ida B. Stewart Hall (formerly the Education building).

Recent Rankings

Last fall, Money magazine named the University of Minnesota Morris as one of the “50 best liberal arts institutions in the U.S.” in its rankings for 2022–23. The article states: “Liberal arts colleges focus on undergraduate education in the arts, humanities, natural sciences, and social sciences. They offer small classes and the freedom to explore different academic interests.” UMN Morris was ranked #41 overall.

In an analysis of the Money ranking, University Business magazine further cited UMN Morris as a standout for affordability, ranking it at the top for lowest average full cost after grants: [T]he University of Minnesota Morris at No. 41 had the lowest cost of attendance of any in the Top 50 after grants at just $11,800. Students who attend see a great return of investment of more than $47,000 early in their careers.

Here are just a few of the other rankings UMN Morris has received recently.

College Raptor

• Most Affordable Hidden Gem Colleges for the Middle Class 2023

• Best STEM Hidden Gem Colleges 2023

Degree Choices 2022

• 2022 Best Colleges in Minnesota, #1 in Liberal Arts

Fiske Guide to Colleges 2023

• “Best and most interesting” colleges and universities in the US, Canada, and UK

US News & World Report 2022–23

• Top Ten Public Liberal Arts Colleges

• Top Performers in Social Mobility, National Liberal Arts Colleges

UMN Morris Included in HHMI Grant

UMN Morris is one of 104 colleges and universities from throughout the U.S. that will receive a six-year grant through the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s (HHMI) Inclusive Excellence (IE3) initiative. This grant challenges U.S. colleges and universities to substantially and sustainably build capacity for student belonging, especially for those who have been historically excluded from the sciences. The IE3 grants total more than $60 million over six years and are a part of HHMI’s national portfolio of experiments aimed at improving the introductory undergraduate science experience.

In preparing their IE3 pre-proposals, each school picked one of three broad challenges to address:

• How can we make the content of the introductory science experience more inclusive?

• How can we evaluate effective inclusive teaching, and then use the evaluation in the rewards system, including faculty promotion and tenure?

• How can we create genuine partnerships between two- and four-year colleges and universities so that transfer students have a more inclusive experience?

UMN Morris is addressing the first challenge. Associate Professor of Biology Heather Waye is leading the IE3 efforts at Morris, along with colleagues Rachel Johnson, Shaina Philpot, Barry McQuarrie, and Kerri Barnstuble.

“Our goal is to find the barriers that STEM students are facing and figure out how to tackle them,” Waye said. “This is an opportunity for us to change the system, not the student, so that the benefit of the grant will last beyond the scope of the grant.”

One of the first goals is to establish a quantitative learning center (QLC) on campus, a dedicated space where students can build their quantitative skills with technologies used in their STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) classes. Waye stressed that student input is a key part of planning for this. In addition to providing practical help, the QLC would help students feel supported, valued, and confident in their STEM abilities.

Collaboration is the organizing principle of IE3. The HHMI team has implemented a new strategy to reinforce and catalyze learning and sharing—grouping the 104 schools into seven learning community clusters, or LCCs, with each LCC comprising approximately 15 schools.

Waye said that it’s unusual for a grant to be inclusive in its funding, rather than competitive between institutions. She says that the colleges have been collaborating for two years, mostly through Zoom meetings.

Johnson says the grant will also positively impact the academic environment for faculty members by providing an opportunity to work with others in the same field and benefit from the expertise and support of all involved.

UMN Morris is grouped with Elon University, Fairfield University, Fisk University, Fort Lewis College, Hamilton College (New York), Oglethorpe University, Otterbein University, Portland State University, Simmons University, University of Alaska Anchorage, University of Iowa, University of New Mexico-Main Campus, and Xavier University (Ohio).

Sloan Foundation Grant to Increase STEM Opportunities for Native American Students

The University of Minnesota Morris, in partnership with the University of Minnesota College of Biological Sciences (CBS), has received a $69,616 grant from the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation to increase the number of Native American students participating in graduate-level science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) programs.

The goal of this one-year planning grant is to develop a pathway for Native American students at UMN Morris to CBS graduate programs on the Twin Cities campus. The effort will focus on identifying the barriers to enter STEM careers that Native American students encounter and developing approaches to remove those barriers. It will also involve outreach to UMN Morris students to identify their interests in STEM, making contacts with Tribal Colleges to build on existing relationships with UMN Morris, and development of a hands-on, one-week lab course for UMN Morris students.

Associate Professor of Biology and Acting Chair of the Division of Science and Mathematics Rachel Johnson is working with Meg Titus and Laurie Parker, both from CBS, on this

project. They are excited for this multi-campus effort to build a strong pathway for Native American students into STEM careers. The Alfred P. Sloan Foundation is a philanthropic, not-forprofit grantmaking institution based in New York City. Established in 1934 by Alfred Pritchard Sloan Jr., then-president and chief executive officer of General Motors, the foundation makes grants in support of original research and education in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and economics. This grant was made through the foundation’s diversity, equity, and inclusion program, which aims to increase the quality, diversity, inclusion, and equity of higher education in STEM fields.

Homecoming 2022

Alumni, students, and friends of UMN Morris gathered the first weekend in October for Homecoming 2022. There was a lot to celebrate, including new Distinguished Alumni Award winners and Cougar Hall of Fame inductees (see page 24), Roland Guyotte’s 50+ years of teaching, the 50th anniversary of KUMM, and the dedication of the new softball complex, home of Cougar softball.

Save the date for

Homecoming 2023: September 8–10.

Shannon Fahey ’02 and Joey Patterson ’04

The Cougar football team celebrates their Homecoming win over Finlandia.

Community softball complex dedication

KUMM 50th anniversary concert

Distinguished Alumni Award recipients Amy Powers ’96 and Jennifer Westendorf ’91 with UMMAA President Randy Koopman ’78

Acting Chancellor Janet Schrunk Ericksen, Professor of History Roland Guyotte, Barbara Posadas, Acting Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs and Dean Peh Ng

MAXIMIZING THE MORRIS EXPERIENCE WITH HELP FROM THE MAX FUND

The Morris Academic eXperiences (MAX) Fund supports educational opportunities for students who wish to enhance their academic career through activities like internships, study abroad, community-engaged learning, and undergraduate research. These four students made use of MAX funding to expand their educational experiences.

McKenna Langerud

’23, East Grand Forks health and wellbeing science major, biology minor

Among the many reasons I chose the University of Minnesota Morris is the many academic scholarships that make undergraduate study and all of the additional opportunities accessible and affordable. For me, the MAX scholarship meant studying abroad in South Tyrol, Italy. I lived at Brunnenburg Castle and studied art and archaeology of the Alps, as well as castles of South Tyrol. I visited numerous museums, archaeological sites, and castles that allowed me to further conceptualize the material I was learning in the classroom. I participated in a sustainability practicum, where I assisted with various tasks on Brunnenburg Castle’s organic farm/vineyard. Those included tending to the land, animals, and plants, harvesting a wide variety of produce, and processing the produce to taste the fruit of our labors.

This has been a program that has really enhanced my education by opening my eyes to different cultures, different ways of life, and helping me learn how to be a global citizen. After graduation, I plan to attend naturopathic medical school to pursue a career as a naturopathic doctor.

Lindsey Roemeling ’23, Luverne economics and management: financial and organizational management double major

I chose to attend UMN Morris because of my campus tour. I went on the tour with my mom and loved the small community, as it reminds me of home. I went on a separate visit with my friend, who also ended up going to Morris, and we were able to talk to management faculty. It was great to know that the faculty, staff, and students seemed to genuinely care about the campus community. This is what drew me into committing as a student here.

Because of the MAX scholarship, I have been able to work with an organization called 100 Rural Women. I grew up in a rural area, so this organization’s mission is important to me. I have had the opportunity to network with so many amazing women leaders. I learned how to use many different platforms for team communication and event planning, as well as enhanced my communication skills. My leadership skills and confidence have improved more than I can say. After graduation, I plan on attending graduate school for human resources and industrial relations.

Elsa Eaves ’25, Hinckley environmental studies major

What makes Morris different from other colleges is the special connection you build with the community and faculty. Having a smaller sized campus is wonderful when working with faculty on research projects who are asking questions about their area of study. There is much going on with the campus, and one of the perks about smaller classes is getting to know your professors and their research opportunities.

The MAX scholarship allows me to invest more into books needed for research in order to have stronger knowledge and stronger outcomes. So why does this scholarship matter? It not only allows a little more freedom with finances to explore and do what we are passionate and interested in, but it also shows that people are rooting for the students at Morris, and it adds encouragement for what we want to do next.

There’s so much progress and creativity happening through the University of Minnesota Morris, and I am so grateful for the support of the MAX scholarship.

Kiley Rodarmel ’24, Sartell

Spanish and communication, media, and rhetoric double major

I chose UMN Morris because of the small size. I knew that a larger university would not fit me. I was recruited to play tennis, which was one of my main deciding factors coming here. This year I am doing Morris Academic Partnership research, taking on the role of Morris Intercultural Education Initiative student leader, and playing tennis. At a bigger school, I may not have these same opportunities.

My MAX scholarship supported employment with both the Morris Intercultural Education Initiative and Uniting Cultures. The work that I am doing helps the communities with ESL classes and documenting the diversity of the city of St. James. This allowed me to practice my Spanish in a new way and expand my vocabulary. I had never done something like this. Thanks to the MAX scholarship I can list Spanish transcriber on my resume because of the work that I did this summer. This could be helpful for a job in the future. In addition, the position provided me with funding to support my college education.

Environmental Studies Internship Leads to Job

Whatever you might think an environmental studies major prepares you for, Mars Rigenhagen-Risch ’22, wants you to know that it can also include making hammocks for baby raccoons and charcuterie boards for baby bears.

Rigenhagen-Risch spent six weeks in July and August of 2022 working at the Aspen Valley Wildlife Sanctuary in Rosseau, Ontario. Aspen Valley is a nonprofit wildlife rehabilitation center that cares for injured and orphaned wildlife.

Rigenhagen-Risch knew he wanted to learn more about wildlife sanctuaries, so he also looked into internships in Colorado and British Columbia before choosing to intern at Aspen Valley.

“Most of the wildlife sanctuaries are nonprofits, which means the internships are unpaid. The Aspen Valley internship included on-site housing, however, which was important for me. I was fortunate to receive financial support from the environmental studies department, which was critical to my being able to complete this internship.”

Rigenhagen-Risch also liked the idea of living in Canada for the summer. “This also added some challenges to the internship, as I needed to get a passport, and figure out transportation to and from Ontario. Professor Ed Brands provided a lot of assistance.”

Once he got to Aspen Valley, he got right to work.

“I started off in the raccoon unit. There were more raccoons than any other animals at the sanctuary. I would feed them, weigh them, and clean their cages.”

The raccoons ate a mixture of puppy kibble, eggs, and fruit mixed with formula. Later, Rigenhagen-Risch worked in the small animal nursery, which was similar work to the raccoon unit, but included birds, mice, turtles, and skunks. The hardest part of working with the small animals was figuring out how to safely hold them for the feedings.

But he found there were challenges with working with the larger animals too. The volunteers needed to limit their interactions with the animals so that the animals didn’t develop a dependence on the humans.

“A couple of bear cubs were brought to the sanctuary who had lost their mom. We had to figure out how to feed them in the most natural way possible. So, one of the other volunteers got some bark and I would put honey or peanut butter on it, then add grapes, bananas and bird seed.”

These improvised charcuterie boards were popular with the cubs.

There were other challenges for the volunteers. Rigenhagen-Risch said the hours were long and he was on-site all of the time. Also, there were some animals that were brought in that were too injured to be rehabilitated. A few would become permanent residents of the sanctuary, but many would have to be euthanized.

“It’s hard to watch a living creature suffer.” But Rigenhagen-Risch wasn’t discouraged by this aspect of the job.

“Working with wildlife fit really well under my environmental studies degree. One of my goals for this internship was to decide if this is what I want to do for my career. I was so happy that the faculty were able to help me complete that opportunity.”

Rigenhagen-Risch admits that it might seem unusual to attend a liberal arts college to prepare to work with animals, but he feels it’s important to get a broader view to understand how things like economics affect climate change, which in turn, is affecting wildlife.

While Professor Ed Brands provided some very practical support, RigenhagenRisch also credits Professor Heather Waye’s “Vertebrate Natural History” class with preparing him for the internship.

He also enjoyed the opportunity to volunteer at the Stevens Community Humane Society, something he encourages other UMN Morris students to consider.

“My advice for students starting at UMM would be to try a bunch of different things, even if it’s not related to your major, because you’ll never know what you might end up liking. Before I came to Morris, I really wish that I had known how many exciting opportunities I was going to be given here.”

Rigenhagen-Risch eventually wants to open his own wildlife sanctuary. But for now, he has a job lined up at the University of Minnesota Veterinary Medical Center in St. Paul, along with an internship at the Wildlife Rehabilitation Center in Roseville.

EAT LIKE A BEAR

Share this easy recipe with your human cubs, and snack like bears!

Ingredients

grapes, sliced banana, sliced blueberries

sunflower seeds, shelled peanut butter or honey crackers

Directions

Spread peanut butter or honey on crackers. Add sliced grapes, banana, and blueberries. Sprinkle with shelled sunflower seeds.

Enjoy!

Try your own healthy combinations of fruit and nuts to find your favorite flavors.

Hear more from Mars about his experience at Aspen Valley and his time at UMN Morris.

z.umn.edu/More-From-Mars

A research project focused on community music ensembles across Minnesota got an international twist during fall semester, with the addition of student intern Krystyna Krupko.

Krupko joined Associate Professor of Music Denise Odello on the Musical Minnesota research project to identify and amplify the benefits of community music ensembles in greater Minnesota. The project is supported in part by the Center for Small Towns, which is part of the Clifford J. Benson Center for Community Partnerships and the University of Minnesota Morris.

Now in the second year of the project, Odello is surveying ensemble leaders on how to support and amplify the cultural benefits of these groups. She says Krupko was a tremendous asset in that regard.

Krupko is an exchange student from the University of Potsdam, a public university in Potsdam, capital of the state of Brandenburg, Germany. She arrived in Morris in August of 2022 and was looking for American cultural experiences.

Krupko is interested in music and was a member of UMN Morris Concert Choir. She chose to participate in this research project in part because, even though she is fluent in several languages, music is the most accessible.

“I had an idea in my head what the United States would be

International Student Brings New Perspective to Music Research

like, and working on this project gives me the cultural experience I was hoping to have. I am looking at how community music ensembles are organized and their value to their citizens in Minnesota.”

The purpose of the community music project is building the connection among small towns to sustain cultural growth. Krupko believes that can be achieved through interaction between these different “small worlds,’’ which have their own lives and their own problems. “The exchange of information among them would lead to understanding of what might be done better.”

Krupko is originally from what she describes as a small town in eastern Ukraine, and has been attending college in Germany. Although, she admits that she had to adjust her idea of what a small town is after arriving in Morris.

“Morris is a very small town in comparison. My hometown has 150,000 people and is quite different economically. There are many factories, it’s much more industrial.” But Krupko notes there were not many cultural activities available there.

As part of her work on the project, Krupko continued to add community ensembles to the database. By the end of the semester, more than 100 groups had been identified throughout Minnesota. At this time, 50 of those groups were included on a map that

can be used to find ensembles in all parts of the state. Krupko stated that “more ensembles means more possibilities to create communities.”

Odello says community ensembles are often intergenerational and are a good way to bring a community together in a very focused way. She points out that these ensembles often bring together people who normally wouldn’t interact socially.

Krupko found that one of the biggest issues facing community music ensembles is the lack of public transportation in outstate areas. “There is more isolation for musicians in smaller, rural communities, making it harder to interact.”

Lack of transportation was something that had an impact on Krupko’s overall experience at UMN Morris. Without a car of her own, Krupko had to stitch together rides on shuttles, buses, and on occasion, rides from her professors and other students to get to and from Morris.

Odello agrees with Krupko’s assessment about the public transportation void. Odello routinely travels an hour each way to participate in a regional symphony orchestra, an opportunity that is only possible because she has her own vehicle.

“One of the goals of this research project is to try to find ways to connect musicians across generations and across the

rural landscape,” Odello said. “It can be hard to see progress on the long path of research. But Krystyna brought a whole new perspective to the project and was able to see things in the survey data that will impact how we proceed.”

One of the cultural connections that was most significant involved UMN Morris Concert Choir. While the group was selecting the music for their annual holiday concert, Krupko suggested a popular Ukrainian song, “Rushnyk.” A rushnyk is a long and elaborately embroidered rectangular cloth that is presented by parents to their children as a blessing for a good path. The song by itself is about gratefulness to your mother who gave you this path. Associate Music Professor Wes Flinn arranged a version for the choir to perform, which was an emotional moment for both.

Krupko had started planning her trip to the U.S. months before the war in Ukraine started. When asked to sum up her thoughts about her time in the U.S., Krupko said she had a wonderful experience of studying, working, and traveling in this part of the world.

“There’s an important thing which I understood thanks to travels: you need to interact with completely different people to have a possibility to see what can be done better.”

“One of the goals of this research project is to try to find ways to connect musicians across generations and across the rural landscape.

—Associate Professor of Music Denise Odello

Visit Musical Minnesota online to see progress in mapping Minnesota community music groups.

Renewable Energy Trail Leads Student to a New

“Environmental studies is relevant. It puts you in a place where you can start to see how to have an impact.”

PHOTO DAVID COWARDIN

When Cameron Berthiaume ’23, Eagan, was looking for a summer internship, they really didn’t have too far to look. They found it at the UMN West Central Research and Outreach Center (WCROC), just across Highway 59 from the UMN Morris campus.

Berthiaume is passionate about environmental policies and programs and was looking for something that aligned with those interests. The WCROC project was to design a self-guided trail through the WCROC grounds to highlight the various renewable energy research projects being conducted there.

New Experience in a New Setting

“The goal of the trail is to engage and educate the public about renewable energy systems and showcase how WCROC research on farm energy use can benefit agriculture,” Berthiaume said.

So, their first task was to learn about all of the renewable energy projects. The list includes solar agrivoltaic panels, solar thermal panels, energy efficiency projects in the swine and dairy barns, the ammonia and hydrogen production plant, and the wind turbine.

“I got to talk with many different people at WCROC, and they have a lot going on! I also learned a lot.” For instance, before working on this project, “I knew about solar photovoltaic panels, but I didn’t know about solar thermal panels.”

In addition to collecting details about the renewable energy projects, Berthiaume also had to research materials for the signs, sign placement, and accessibility for the trail.

Ultimately, the trail project boiled down to research and communication, which Berthiaume really enjoyed. That research went beyond the contents of the sign to include what kind of signs would work best, where they should be placed, several accessibility issues, and, finally, how to succinctly and accurately describe the research.

Construction of the trail is expected to be completed during the summer. Funding for the interpretive signage and pathway construction is supported by the sale of excess electricity produced by the wind turbine.

The trail will begin at the administration building, go across the road to the swine barns and all the way to the wind turbine. This meant Berthiaume spent a good portion of their day outside, and they discovered the view from the WCROC administration parking lot was amazing. “You look out over the gentle hills in the Pomme de Terre River Valley, you can see the solar panels and the cows grazing, maybe a few birds. It’s nice.”

Having grown up in a Twin Cities suburb, Berthiaume never imagined working in an agricultural setting. The only agriculture in their background was an animal science class in high school. But they really felt drawn to the project because of their passion for sustainability.

Berthiaume had initially planned to major in political science, but by their second year on campus, had switched to an environmental studies major, with a political science minor.

“Lucky for me, UMN Morris has great connections in sustainability work.”

Sustainability is in large part why Berthiaume chose UMN Morris. “The small classes and opportunities to work closely with faculty were solid factors in my decision to attend Morris. But the campus reputation for sustainability was what really made it the place for me.”

After receiving an email list of potential internships, Berthiaume thought this project would be a good fit— they could apply information from their courses outside the classroom, and they could literally work outside of a classroom.

Berthiaume admitted that they had never been to WCROC before but felt the three-month internship offered exactly the kind of experience they were hoping to have. As a bonus, it was so close they could ride a bike to work nearly every day.

Berthiaume hopes to work with an environmental nonprofit after graduation, something that would combine both sustainability and politics. “Environmental studies is relevant. It puts you in a place where you can start to see how to have an impact.”

Cameron Berthiaume ’23

This is just one of the many gems you can find in the online Prairie Portal. The caption notes that the photo was taken during a political science study abroad trip in 2010 and identifies those pictured. Top (L to R): guide, Ian Patterson, Tony McGerr, Matt Nelson, Andrew Showalter, Ryan Klawitter, Kevin Daly, Michael Peters, Sarah Buchanan, Sheri Breen, Meaghan Young-Stephens, Julie Drennan, Mallory King, pyramids security guard. Bottom (L to R): guide, Winnie Lindstrom, Zak Forde, Kirsten Tharalson, Caitlin Smith, DeAnna Ricci, Amanda Dunbar, Kaitlin Thompson, Jing Li.

UMN Morris Archives Offers Online Trip Back in Time

The University of Minnesota Morris Archives maintains many digital collections that are available online. Check them out today!

Buildings and Biographies

Learn how the buildings on campus have changed over the years. The UMN Morris Archives contains written histories of historic campus buildings available at archives.morris.umn.edu. You’ll also find heavily researched biographies highlighting important faculty and staff at UMN Morris. While the collection is nowhere near complete, there are currently 17 biographies to explore and more coming each semester.

Prairie Portal

Visit contentdm.morris.umn.edu to view the UMN Morris Prairie Portal, which houses our extensive photo collection highlighting student life and the history of this campus. It also contains digital copies of all the WCSA and UMN Morris yearbooks, as well as the campus newspaper from 1960–present. You can also view the art showcased on campus in our UMN Morris Campus Artwork collection.

Digital Well

The Digital Well at digitalcommons.morris.umn.edu is the UMN Morris institutional repository that houses important digital documents, audio, and videos from the campus. Listen to oral histories about UMN Morris or the west central Minnesota region in our Oral History collection (which includes 539 oral histories). Read documents from the founding of UMN Morris or explore digital UMMAA meeting minutes and Saddle Club records in the UMM Archives collection. Watch public lectures and videos of special events in the Public Lectures, Events, and Conferences collection. View past issues of alumni newsletters in the Alumni Newsletters (Profile, etc.) collection, which includes newsletters from 1964–present. There’s so much to explore and more added every week!

If you have items that you think would make a great addition to the UMN Morris Archives, please contact archives@morris.umn.edu.

UMMAA Board of Directors

Randy Koopman ’78, president

Don Brabeck ’84

Martin Conroy ’92

Robert Dalager ’71

David Eckmann ’78

Seth Elsen ’13

Holly Gruntner ’13

Jennifer Houtman ’94

Kay Keskinen ’70

Jake Lunemann ’07

Jena Magee ’09

Becky Newell ’97

Khondoker “Ahnaf” Prio ’19

Jennifer Westendorf ’91

Office of Alumni Relations

Jennifer Zych Herrmann ’00, director of alumni engagement

Gwen Rollofson ’99 executive office and administrative specialist alumni@morris.umn.edu

320-589-6066 alumni.morris.umn.edu

Randy Koopman ’78, UMMAA President

As I write this, it is a beautiful winter day with a winter storm expected to hit tonight and tomorrow. By the time you read this, we should be well into spring and hopefully some warm weather to thaw us out after what has been a year of challenging winter weather.

On March 1 we held the UMMAA Midwinter/Annual Meeting in the Twin Cities after a postponement from late February, due to weather. It was great to see many alumni at the meeting where we elected new members to the UMMAA Board of Directors and, most importantly, spent time socializing and reminiscing. For those of you who have not attended a Midwinter meeting in the past, I encourage you to keep your eyes open for the invite to next year’s meeting. It is normally held in mid-February in the Twin Cities area.

Soon we will be preparing for UMN Morris’s 60th Commencement, to be held on May 13. A shout out to those alumni who graduated last spring. We welcome you as part of the UMMAA and hope you have found success and satisfaction in the pursuit of your new adventures.

This past year the Board has been focused on several projects. We have established some committees within the Board to help you keep connected with UMN Morris, provide information and support in pursuit of your careers, and to promote alumni events. Our Board is currently well staffed at 14 members. If you have interest in serving on the Board, please let me or another Board member know. It is a gratifying experience and a service to both UMN Morris and your fellow alumni.

Also coming up, and it will be here sooner than we think, is Homecoming 2023. It will be held a little earlier than normal this year, September 8–10. One of the driving factors for the earlier date is to have more athletic events scheduled on campus that weekend, giving you and your friends a variety of things to do and see. This was in response to input received and now, responded to. Homecoming 2022 was, in my opinion, the best Homecoming I have attended. There was a great deal going on and the atmosphere was vibrant and welcoming. I had the opportunity to share the weekend with several of my past classmates and roommates which really makes a difference. And, yes, I did get to Don’s Café! I encourage you to arrange to meet your Morris friends at the next Homecoming for an enjoyable weekend, and I look forward to seeing many of you soon.

As always, stay safe, stay happy, stay connected!

Randy Koopman ’78

Upcoming Alumni Events

April 27

Morris on the Move to Boston

May 13 6oth Commencement

May 16

June 15

July 22

September 8–10

Gathering of UMN Morris Alumni

Working at UMN Twin Cities

Morris on the Move to Washington, D.C.

U of M Day at the Minnesota Twins

Homecoming 2023

For the most current event information, visit alumni.morris.umn.edu or watch upcoming editions of the Morris Matters newsletter.

Homecoming Highlights

September 8–10, 2023

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 8

Annual Alumni and Students Networking Event—11:30 a.m. Distinguished Alumni Award Recognition Event—5 p.m.

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 9

Cougar Hall of Fame Recognition Event—10:30 a.m.

William B. and Ida B. Stewart Hall Dedication Event—3 p.m.

Hotel rooms in Morris go fast, so make your reservations today! A block of rooms is being held at the GrandStay Hotel under the group name Alumni Relations until August 7, 2023.

Watch alumni.morris.umn.edu or contact Alumni Relations at 320-589-6066 or alumni@morris.umn.edu for more details.

Look Who’s Back!

Whether you’re stopping by to revisit memories, returning to campus to speak to students, or bringing your children for a campus visit, stop by and chat with Alumni Relations in the Welcome Center. We’re always happy to see you!

James “Doc” Carlson Tribute Concert

On October 29 more than 60 Alumni Jazz musicians joined with the UMN Morris Big Band and X-Tet to pay tribute to James “Doc” Carlson, professor of music and founder of the UMN Morris jazz program.

To view a recording of the concert, visit z.umn.edu/CarlsonTributeConcert or scan the code at right with your cell phone camera.

Susan Olson Capano ’71

2022 Joseph J. Latterell Visiting Alumnus Joey Iverson ’07

Miriam Gieske, assistant professor of biology, with Alex Carroll ’21

Tarlynn Tone-Pah-Hote ’18

Alumni Jazz Band

Professor Emeritus Ken Hodgson

UMN Morris Jazz Ensemble

Geven ’87 and Kathryn Rabe

Morris Area Alumni

Although February 2 was a chilly day, it was perfect for a cozy gathering of alumni and friends at alumni-owned Stone’s Throw Cafe in Morris. We celebrated the many accomplishments of our students, campus, and local community, and enjoyed time for catching up and reconnecting after a long winter.

Midwinter

In March, alumni, friends, and members of the campus community gathered for Midwinter at Jax Cafe in Minneapolis. The annual event, hosted by the University of Minnesota Morris Alumni Association (UMMAA), starts with the annual meeting of the board and continues with food, drinks, and reminiscing about Morris. During the meeting, several members of the board were elected, and those ending their terms were thanked for their service. See page 17 for the list of current board members.

Vicki and Bob ’71 Dalager with Jana Koehler ’00

Faculty member Athena Kildegaard and Professor Emeritus Gordon McIntosh

Jim Dieter ’84 and faculty emerita Joan Reicosky

Stone’s Throw Cafe

Jim Odden ’71, Acting Chancellor Janet Schrunk Ericksen, and Ann Carrott

In Memoriam

Luke Ludwig ’02

Rebecca Hosker Ludwig ’02

Lee Temte ’69

Charlotte Werpy, Tom Bollman, Ward Werpy, and Dan Bollman

Tom Bollman ’68 celebrated his 80th birthday last fall with many fellow UMMers, including Jim Herzog ’67 and his wife Joan Herzog ’67, Owatonna, Dan ’70 and Marie Dokken of Rochester, and Dan Bollman ’67 of Denver, Colorado. Also coming from Marshall, Michigan, were Ward Werpy ’68 and his wife Charlotte (WCSA ’62). The party was hosted by his four children and their spouses, Jenn, Alex, Kate, and Abbie, at the historic Creamery building in Pine Island. Tom came to UMN Morris in January 1963 after serving three years in the Navy and was enthusiastically involved in the new student government, football, and various theater productions. He retired from teaching health, speech, and theater in Pine Island in 1999 and continues to work parttime while being involved in volunteer activities in his church, the Lions, and the American Legion. He has been especially active in the school and community theater scene, directing more than 80 plays since 1972!

Kay Keskinen ’70 was inducted into the Idaho State Horseshoe Pitchers Hall of Fame at their September 2022 state singles tournament in Coeur d’Alene. She earned her induction with three state women’s championships, lifetime 54.5% ringer average, 12 years as state newsletter editor, an achievement award from the National Horseshoe Pitchers Association, service as webmaster and tournament director, and leader of pitching clinics. A retiree of the University of Idaho (UI), Kay has been an active supporter of the UI Women’s Center since it opened in October of 1972. During its 50th anniversary celebrations this academic year, Kay served on the anniversary planning committee. At the celebratory gala event in December, she was surprised with being presented with the inaugural Women’s Center Feminist Founder Award. The Center’s director, when announcing the award, said, “Kay’s been a phenomenal role model and mentor for many generations of students and staff affiliated with the Women’s Center, providing guidance, advocacy, and resources whenever they’ve been needed.”

Beth Gillespie Hallauer ’87 is currently assistant director of Wittenberg University Honors Program in Springfield, Ohio, and adjunct faculty in geology, Sinclair Community College–Dayton, Ohio. She is also a new first-time grandmother to Henry Clark Hallauer born on March 30, 2022.

Mark Kraft ’79 shared this photo from the Beta Sigma Psi Alumni Association’s 11th annual golf outing.

Megan Peterson ’12 accepted a new position as faculty associate of English composition at Arizona State University.

Sarah Wilm Hunter ’02 graduated in December with her master of science in nursing from Maryville University. She is certified as a family nurse practitioner through the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners. Sarah and her husband Chris “Muskie” Hunter ’95 live in Sauk Centre.

Morris alumni got together in July of 2022 to celebrate the expansion of their families since March of 2020. Joe Kreisman ’13 and Allison Wolf ’15 with their daughter Cora Kreisman and son Isaac Kreisman, Zac Van Cleve ’13 and Erika Van Cleve ’13 with their son Soren Van Cleve, Mike Sorensen ’13 and Lauren Seashore ’13 with their son Patrick Seashore, and Josie Kahlenbeck ’13 and Jarrod Cicha ’13 with their daughter Grace Cicha.

Fondly Remembered...

May P. Jesseph, librarian at the circulation desk at the Rodney Briggs Library from 1971 until 1997, passed away on July 30, 2022.

Lisa Landwehr Phipps ’92 Gramma Used To 2022

Daniel O’Brien ’87 Japanese Ghost in America (Friesen Press, 2018)

Jeffrey Sauve ’87 Murder at Minnesota Point (North Star Editions, Inc., 2022)

Judy Tiesel-Jensen, PhD ’87 Invitation to Intimacy: What the marriage of two couples therapists reveals about risk, transformation, and the astonishing healing power of intimacy

(Et Alia Press, 2021)

alumni@morris.umn.edu

Josephine Carroll ’12 and husband Justin welcomed a healthy baby girl late spring of 2022.

Men’s Soccer

The men’s soccer program finished the 2022 season with a record of 3-11-5, setting a program record for most ties in a single season. The Cougars were competitive in the UMAC, finishing in fifth place and just one spot back from a UMAC tournament berth. UMN Morris played a huge part in determining how the conference tournament played out as the Cougars earned a 1–1 draw with Bethany Lutheran on the road and then defeated the Vikings, 2–1, on Senior Day here in Morris. Those two results kept BLC from the regular-season championship. At the conclusion of the season, Lucas Harmon ’23 and Carter Watkinson ’23 were named Second Team All-UMAC, while Carson Friestad ’23 and Cooper Jones ’25 were Honorable Mention selections. Harmon also became the program’s all-time leader in career saves with 354.

Football

A midseason five-game winning streak set the stage for a big finish for Cougar football until key injuries in the final two games saw a potential UMAC title slip away. Nevertheless, it was a second consecutive 5–5 season for UMN Morris and one that saw the introduction of two new highimpact players. Chayce Meyer ’26 was named the UMAC Defensive Player of the Year in his freshman season after leading the conference in tackles for a loss (16.5) and sacks (9.5). In addition, Meyer set a school record with six forced fumbles on the year. On the offensive side of the ball, Izayah Boss ’25 ran for 825 yards and 10 touchdowns in his sophomore campaign. Both players were First Team All-UMAC performers, and each was named Third Team All-Region by D3football.com.

Volleyball

Women’s Soccer

In the program’s 25th season of competition, the women’s soccer team ended with an overall record of 4–12–3, missing out on the UMAC tournament due to a tiebreaker scenario. Monica Calderon ’23 and Jay Kwateh ’24 were each named Second Team All-UMAC at the end of the season, while Bernadette Cienik ’23, Kim Peters ’24, and Jadyn Sondrol ’24 were awarded Honorable Mention. Calderon finished her four-year Cougar career ranked fifth all-time in goals (33) and points (83), while Cienik broke the school’s all-time record for career saves (458).

Despite being hampered by injuries at times during the year, UMN Morris volleyball wrapped up its 2022 season with a 13-13 overall record, including a 10–4 mark in the UMAC that tied for second place in the regular season standings. Maggie Jones ’23 was the UMAC co-Player of the Year, leading the Cougars in kills per set (2.27), hitting percentage (.300), and blocks per set (1.04). Jones also was a First Team All-UMAC selection along with Alyssa Ukestad ’22. McKenzie Newton ’24 was a Second Team selection, and Laura Wellbrock ’25 earned Honorable Mention status. Late in the season, Ukestad became the all-time leader in digs at UMN Morris and she finished her career with 2,077.

Boss

Harmon Jones

Calderon

Women’s Golf

Holding a two-shot lead heading into the final round, the UMN Morris women’s golf team matched the final round score of 371 shot by the University of Northwestern and took home a dramatic conference championship to earn a bid into this spring’s NCAA Division III Championship in Florida. Justine Day ’24 finished second individually in the tournament, followed by a fourthplace finish from Hannah Selig ’25, and a 10th-place showing from Payton Sierra ’23. All three of those golfers were First Team All-UMAC, while Shelby Maloney ’23 was awarded All-UMAC Honorable Mention. Head Coach Jana Koehler ’00 was also honored as the UMAC co-Coach of the Year.

Men’s Golf

The Cougar men’s golf team finished sixth at the 2022 UMAC Golf Championship. Brady Raph ’23 was the individual conference champion for the second year in a row, running away with an eight-stroke victory and repeating as UMAC Golfer of the Year. For the fall season, Raph was either the medalist or the co-medalist in five tournaments and finished with an average score of 73.73 over 11 rounds.

Women’s Cross Country

Women’s cross country had a fifth-place finish at the UMAC Championships that included a pair of All-UMAC performances from Ilsa and Zoe Hoaglund. Ilsa Hoaglund ’25 ran the 6K course in 25:36.9 and was sixth overall in the race to take First Team honors. Zoe Hoaglund ’25 was ninth overall and earned a spot on the Second Team All-UMAC squad after running a 26:12.3. The team had its best finish of the season on October 14 when they placed third at the St. Boni Invite.

Men’s Cross Country

The men’s cross country team finished third at the UMAC Championships with three members racing to All-UMAC honors in the event. Greg Peterson ’24 finished third overall in the 8K race with a time of 27:46.4, while Rory Shackelford ’23 was one spot back in fourth place in 28:15.2. Both Peterson and Shackelford were First Team All-UMAC by virtue of a top-eight finish in the race, while Joel Knopp ’23 was Second Team All-UMAC after crossing the finish line in ninth place in a time of 29:00.7. Earlier in the season, the Cougars claimed a team title at the St. Boni Invite, beating out a field of five other teams.

Ilsa Hoaglund

Shackelford, Peterson

Raph

Cougars to Launch Men’s Swimming & Diving Program in 2023–24

The University of Minnesota Morris has announced the addition of men’s swimming & diving, to begin competition in the 2023–24 academic year. Sponsorship of men’s tennis will end following the 2023 season.

“There were over 2,750 boys swimming & diving in 120 Minnesota high school programs in 2021–22. As Minnesota’s only public NCAA Division III university, UMN Morris is uniquely positioned to launch a competitive men’s swimming & diving team,” stated Sandy Olson-Loy, vice chancellor for student affairs. “Men’s tennis has been a second sport opportunity for most of our athletes. We are excited to provide terrific academic and sports experiences for more students via swimming and diving.”

Recruitment for men’s swimming & diving began this spring. “There is no better coach to launch a new men’s collegiate swimming & diving program than Dave Molesworth,” said Director of Intercollegiate Athletics Matt Johnson ’03. “Coach Molesworth established our successful women’s swim and dive program in 2004, is highly regarded amongst his peers across the country, and has great connections in Minnesota’s swimming and diving community.”

“I am very excited to see this new opportunity for men’s swimmers and divers, and to have the chance to lead our growing UMN Morris swimming & diving program,” said Molesworth. “I am looking forward to creating a fun, competitive environment for men to join a great collegiate sport.”

COUGAR CLUB

Cougar Hall of Fame Honorees

The 2022 Cougar Hall of Fame inductees were honored at the Homecoming banquet and at halftime the following day during the football game. Pictured above left are members of the 2003 women’s soccer team with Head Coach Christian DeVries. Above right is Head Coach Tim Grove, former Assistant Coach Amy Balk and members of the 2010–11 women’s basketball team. At right is Scott Cooper ’92, winner of the 1991 NAIA Indoor Track and Field championship long jump. Not pictured is Jill Druley Brown ’99, standout member of the inaugural Cougar women’s soccer team.

Molesworth

Spring Is in the Air

It’s not too long now until Pomp and Circumstance rings across the campus mall once more, and we celebrate our 60th class of graduates.