Meet the PresidentConnie J. Gores

SMSUFocUSA magazine for alumni & friends of Southwest Minnesota State University

Fall 2013 Edition | Insert: 2012-2013 Foundation Annual Report

SMSUFocUSA magazine for alumni & friends of Southwest Minnesota State University

SMSU Recognized forAffordability and Value

Two separate groups have recognized Southwest Minnesota State University’s affordability and educational value.

AffordableCollegesOnline.org (AC Online) ranks SMSU sixth among colleges and universities in Minnesota for Best Lifetime Return on Investment.

A total of 145 Minnesota colleges were analyzed, and just 22 were ranked. Graduates from the ranked schools enjoy the largest earning gap between non-degree holders over 30 years, and earn more on average than graduates from other Minnesota schools.

SMSU is the highest-ranked of the seven four-year institutions within the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities (MnSCU) system. According to the rankings, SMSU’s tuition and fees are $8,074, with a Return on Investment of $630,600. SMSU has the third-lowest tuition and fees cost of the ranked schools.

The College Database has recognized SMSU as one of a dozen state colleges and universities with the highest return on investment. It placed SMSU in its “20-30 Club,” which recognizes 12 colleges and universities that have an annual tuition rate below $20,000 and new graduates who earn more than $30,000.

According to the College Database criteria, SMSU has a tuition rate of $6,679 and its recent graduates earn an average starting salary of $36,000 per year.

“We’re happy to be recognized for our affordability and educational value,” said SMSU President Connie J. Gores. “When you consider how successful our graduates have been at finding employment, it’s clear we are preparing our students well for their futures.”

Ninety-nine percent of recent SMSU graduates are employed, and 95 percent found jobs in their area of study (2012 data).

FAll 2013 | Vol. 33, No. 1

Table of Contents 1 Around Campus: Howard Mohr Reading 2 Mustang Mosaic Paints the Town 3 Introducing Southwest Stories 4 Alumni Spotlight: Brau Brothers Brewing Co. 6 Campus Spotlight: HLC Reaccreditation 7 Feature: Meet President Connie J. Gores 11 Mustang Athletics 12 Alumni Connections 14 Class Notes 16 Foundation Annual Report 2012-13

PresidentDr. Connie J. Gores

Vice President for Advancement/Executive Director of FoundationBill Mulso ’93

Director of Alumni RelationsMichael VanDrehle ’08/MBA’10

Focus Editor and DesignerMarcy D. Olson ’93/MBA’05

Senior Writer and PhotographerJim Tate

ContributorsDr. Lori BakerStacy Frost ’93Karen Kaas ’94Kelly Loft ’97/MS’11Mary MeadenEmily Neperman ’12Erik Vogel

All cities and towns are located in Minnesota unless otherwise noted. Year(s) after names reference degrees obtained at SMSU. Year of undergraduate degree is listed first. Year of graduate degree is listed after MBA or MS.

FOCUS (USPS 565-770) is published twice each year for alumni and friends of Southwest Minnesota State University by the Office of Communications & Marketing at SMSU. Opinions expressed in FOCUS do not necessarily reflect official University policy.

To make name changes and address corrections, call (507) 537-6266 or email alumni@SMSU.edu.

Feature stories may be reprinted with the written permission of the editor at Marcy.Olson@SMSU.edu. Other articles may be reprinted without permission provided that credit is given to SMSU.

Southwest Minnesota State University is an equal opportunity/affirmative action educator and employer. A member of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system. ADA Accessible.This document can be made available in alternative formats to individuals with disabilities. Request by calling 507-537-6255, 1-800-260-0970, or through the Minnesota Relay Service at 1-800-627-3529.

Visit us online www.SMSU.edu and SouthwestAlumni.comFollow the latest SMSU news at www.SMSU.edu/today

Send correspondence and story ideas to: SMSU Communications & Marketing, Attn: FOCUS1501 State Street, Marshall, MN 56258 Contact the Focus Editor: Marcy.Olson@SMSU.edu or 507-537-7374

[ around campus ]

FOCUS | 1

An Evening with Author Howard MohrHoward Mohr put into words the way Minnesotans talk, in a way that

no one else had done.The former SMSU English professor gave a rare public reading Sept.

19 of his new book How to Talk Minnesotan: Revised for the 21st Century. Over 200 people attended the Conference Center reading and book signing, and a long line of fans waited patiently for the author to sign a copy of his book before and after the reading.

For any author, that’s a pretty good deal.His original How to Talk Minnesotan was released in 1987 and is an

insightful lampoon of Minnesotans’ speech and mannerisms. It was originally meant to guide those from out of state on how to not stick out too much in Minnesota.

His latest book includes discussions about technology that wasn’t around 26 years ago. The author himself admits he has not fully embraced that technology. “I’m not in the 21st century myself,” he said. “I ended up taking stuff out that wouldn’t be missed, and adding stuff that appeared to me, and probably was, in the 21st century.”

“You bet,” “that’s different” and “whatever” are the workhorse phrases of Minnesota language, or, as Mohr says, “The building blocks of all dialogue.”

Mohr came to SMSU in 1970 and taught for 14 years. At that time he had also taken the plunge as a writer for non-broadcast shows being done by Garrison Keillor. Soon thereafter, Keillor’s “A Prairie Home Companion” radio show took the country by storm, and Mohr was a big part of it. “I was writing these Minnesota Language System ads,” he explained. He ultimately left teaching to write full-time and it was the ‘fake’ ads that would become the cornerstones of the original How to Talk Minnesotan.

Mohr returned to teach a number of workshops at Southwest in the late ‘80s and early ‘90s before his foray into musical theatre with the popular “How to Talk Minnesotan: The Musical” and “How to

Talk Minnesotan: The Winter Musical.” The musicals were staged and produced by Troupe America with material adapted by Mohr and music by Drew Jansen.

Mohr has a keen eye and ear when it comes to his surroundings and his understated humor delighted the audience during his reading.

literary Newsmakers at SMSUANTHONY NEIL SMITH

Associate professor of English Dr. Anthony Neil Smith is having one of his books, Hogdoggin’, made into a film.

Smith, when he is not in the classroom, is a noir crime author who has penned seven novels, including the Billy Lafitte series — Yellow Medicine, Hogdoggin’ and The Baddest Ass. His book All the Young Warriors was named Best Novel of 2012 by Spinetingler Magazine in its “Rising Star” category.

Smith has signed a deal with Minnesota production companies Killing Joke Films and Pounding Heart MultiMedia to create the film. Killing Joke Films’ owner, writer and director Paul von Stoetzel met Smith online after learning of Smith’s work and reading Yellow Medicine.

The book follows the trail of rogue ex-cop Billy Lafitte as he returns home to Yellow Medicine County, Minn., and dodges a revenge plan by an FBI agent he once assaulted.

Hogdoggin’ is scheduled for production in 2014 and release in early 2015.

JAMES ZARZANAEnglish Professor Dr. James Zarzana has released the first book of a

four-book science fiction series.The e-book is entitled The Marsco Dissident, and Zarzana said “it feels

good to have it done” after working on the book, and the series, for 17 years.

The four-book series is entitled “The Marsco Saga.” The Marsco Dissident is set in Sac City, Calif., in 2092. The storyline

revolves around an all-powerful company, Marsco, which controls the world because it controls computers, and determines who may use them. “Marsco controls information, and access to that information. It’s not too far fetched—just read the news today,” he said.

Zarzana’s second book in the series will be released in December 2013, the third book in August 2014 and the final, in August 2015.

The Marsco Dissident is available from Amazon for $5.99. Amazon also has a lending library, as part of its Prime membership, where the book can be borrowed for free.

Howard Mohr reading (above) and signing a book .

2 | FOCUS

[ around campus ]

Family Weekend Brings the Mustang Family TogetherFamily Weekend proved to be very

popular Sept. 20-22 as parents and siblings visited campus to spend time with their sons and daughters and learn more about their life as an SMSU student.

A number of activities took place, starting with a tailgate get-together prior to the Mustangs’ victory over Minot State on Sept. 20.

The campus was bustling on Sept. 21. Not only did the university host Family Weekend, but it was also

the site of the Mustang Stampede in the morning, and the Pursuit of Excellence marching band competition in the evening. Campus tours, a Chemistry Club show and family game night were all options. Many parents and siblings spent time in the residence halls visiting and meeting their student’s friends. Over 250 people attended the barbeque lunch on Saturday.

Family Weekend participants also had an opportunity to watch women’s soccer, volleyball and golf teams, as all hosted home events during the weekend which concluded Sept. 22 with music and scripture at the Campus Religious Center.

Plans are already underway for next year’s Family Weekend scheduled for September 12-14, 2014. Information will be posted when it becomes available: www.SMSU.edu/family

A “Mustang Mosaic” inspired by the 2013 Homecoming theme of “Paint the Town Brown & Gold” has been created by 200 SMSU students.

Two-hundred half-foot canvas tiles were painted by students from Sept. 16-20, mostly over lunch time. Alumni Director Mike Van Drehle and his graduate assistant Tyler Yule numbered the tiles, which were then laid out on a Founders Hall conference table.

An outline of a running Mustang was drawn on the tiles, which were then separated and made available to students for painting. Students could paint anything they wanted on each tile, but were asked not to disturb the Mustang outline, which appeared on parts of some tiles.

The individual tiles were then taken to the Physical Plant, where a trio of talented employees helped put them together in a frame for display in the Student Center. The mosaic was unveiled in time for Homecoming Week. It is on permanent display near the rear double doors that lead into the spine walkway to the R/A Facility.

Gene Verschelde made the frame for the project, and Layne Turner painted the frame. Tory Schreurs put a minimum of two screws into each

tile so they would hold snug against the half-inch plywood backing.“It took the better part of three sheets of plywood,” said Verschelde.

“Every time you look at it, you see something you hadn’t seen before.”Students embraced the concept. “I think that once people saw the

crowds at the tables, that drew more people. Students were sharing on Twitter and Instagram, that generated excitement, too,” said Marcy Olson, Publications Editor.

The mosaic is 5 feet x 10 feet. In the frame, it is 6 feet x 11 feet.The idea was hatched during a brainstorming session between Olson,

Van Drehle and Bill Mulso, Vice President for Advancement. “We had the ‘Paint the Town Brown & Gold’ theme and were looking for some sort of community paint project,” said Olson. “We tossed around ideas, and this is what we came up with. I’m excited about how awesome it looks. Just to see it all come together is pretty impressive.”

“It represents all that our students bring, collectively, to the campus and the greater Marshall area,” said Mulso. “It really turned out nice.”

Mustang Mosaic helps ‘Paint the Town’ for HomecomingFrom left: Tory Schreurs, Gene Verschelde and Layne Turner.

All ages enjoying game night during SMSU’s Family Weekend, Sept. 20-22.

Theatre Undergoes Major Renovation over the Summer“It’s like having a new theatre.” That’s the way Nadine Schmidt,

Associate Professor of Theatre, describes the recently completed SMSU Theatre renovation.

The project began July 10, 2013 and included replacement of the seats in the theatre, along with carpeting on the stairs and in the Fine Arts lobby area.

A crew from Rockford, Mich., dismantled the old green seats, and a total of 303 new red seats were installed. The project went smoothly, much to the relief of alumnus Jodie Stensrud ‘12, who married Jacob Forstein on the stage in August. The two met when they were working on the play A Secret Garden.

The first production in the renovated theatre was The Triangle Factory Fire Project, which opened Oct. 24.

The renovation project received financial support from the “Curtain’s Up” campaign through the SMSU Foundation. Theatre patrons purchased a seat to honor a person, organization or business. The name is engraved on a brass plate affixed to seats throughout the theatre. Seats can still be purchased in support of the project.

Call the SMSU Theatre Program at 507-537-7103 or visit us at www.SMSUFoundation.org for more information.

FOCUS | 3

[ southwest stories ]

“What’s Your Southwest Story?” That’s a question being asked

at SMSU as we engage the University community and explore what

makes SMSU such a great place to learn, live and work. There are

over 18,000 Southwest Minnesota State alumni, and that number

grows each year following commencement. SMSU wants to share these

Southwest Stories, like the one of senior David Legnani, who will join

the ranks of alumni this coming May. Here is his Southwest Story.

David Legnani was looking at colleges, and a relative in the

region suggested Southwest Minnesota State.

It wasn’t a short drive to campus for a visit, either. Legnani,

a senior Speech Communication: Radio/TV major from Berlin,

Conn., drove the 1,409 miles to Marshall, Minn., to take a firsthand

look at SMSU.

He liked what he saw. And in his mind, it was the right decision.

Legnani has his sights set on a television career. He interned

at WTIC-TV in Hartford, Conn., last summer, and is the student

manager of KSSU Television on campus. He was recently elected one

of two student governors to the 10-person National Broadcasting

Society (NBS) national board of governors.

“The Radio/TV program at SMSU is really hands-on, not just

theory. And the upperclassmen help the underclassmen a lot. At

other universities, they don’t have the quality of equipment we do

here, and they don’t let you get involved with productions and other

things until your junior year. Here, everyone helps one another, and

they let you jump in and work with the equipment.”

Legnani has learned a lot about the TV industry, and about

people from different parts of the country. “People here are a little

different. I’m direct in how I address people, but around here you

have to have people warm up to you. That’s a total 180 from what I’m

accustomed to. Marshall is a little oasis in southwest Minnesota, it’s

got everything, and SMSU is a great university. It’s small enough to

know everyone, but big enough to have your own sense of identity.”

What’s your Southwest Story? Share it with us today at www.

SMSU.edu/go/SouthwestStories.

SMSU Senior David legnani Tells His Southwest Story

SOUTHWEST STORIESIntroducing...

David Legnani

[ alumni spotlight ]

4 | FOCUS

It’s only appropriate that the Brau Brothers Brewing Company opened its doors in Marshall on Homecoming weekend, Oct. 5.

After all, over half of its 30 employees are either SMSU graduates or current students, estimates Dustin Brau. Dustin is one of three brothers who own the brewery and taproom, located in the old Running’s building in Marshall, near the intersection of Highways 59 and 23.

The Brau Brothers are Dustin, Trevor and Brady, all Lucan natives. Dustin ‘99 and Trevor ‘93 are SMSU alumni, as are their wives, Mary (Kallevig ‘10) and Joe Lee (Steffensmeier ‘99).

Dustin is the face of the business. He handles the day-to-day management. “Trevor has a day job, he works nights and weekends mostly,” said Dustin. “He is our logistics person, and handles ordering, receiving, inventory and packaging concerns.”

Brady lives in Hibbing and is a computer programmer for a company in Nierenberg, Germany. “He writes software for us, and helps with the financials,” said Dustin.

The new location has the space they were looking for. The brewpub features beautiful wood booths and serves Brau Brothers beer, of course, along with sandwiches and other beverages. The business moved from its old location in Lucan, where Brau Brothers was brewed as part of the Brauhaus Restaurant. They’ve sold the restaurant, mostly because of state regulations at the time that did not allow a brewery to have a taproom, as well.

“We started brewing in 2000,” explained Dustin. “I had a hotel-restaurant degree, bought a small town restaurant and added a small brewing system. Our point was to get people to drive to Lucan from Marshall and Redwood Falls to eat. It was food driven. But then beer became our shtick. We outgrew our system, and added on

to the brew house. We eventually focused on distribution because we had such a call for our beer in other areas. We became production and distribution focused and that’s when the brewing part of the company took over.”

Their beer was becoming popular, especially in the Twin Cities area, and they simply outgrew their former site. “This is 37,000 square feet. We had 5,000 square feet in Lucan. Our cooler here is almost as big as the brewery in Lucan. We are in love with this facility and building.”

Brau Brothers typically brews eight beers at a time, said Dustin. “We started with what they call drinkable, or easy-going beers,” he said. “We found that within the brewing community, those beers don’t get you a lot of publicity. They had names like Pale Ale, Pilsner, Cream Stout, Scotch Ale, all named by style.” That changed, and today you’ll find, for instance, Sheephead, Ivan the Great, Rye Wyne Ale and Old 56 on tap.

“Overall, our beers tend to be malty, and a little on the sweeter side,” he said. “We go crazy with the hops once in a while. We found that even first-time craft beer drinkers don’t dislike the beer, but don’t like the bitterness of the hops. We brew a lot that don’t push the hops. If you want hops, or acquire that taste, you can move on to other beers in our portfolio.”

They grow their own hops at the upper Midwest’s largest hop yard, near Lucan. “We grow 11 different varieties,” he said. “All of the varieties go into our beer 100 Yard Dash, which was named because that’s how far it was from the brew kettle (in Lucan) to the hop yard. It might be 100 rods now,” he joked.

Forty percent of Brau Brothers beer is put in kegs and served almost exclusively in bars and restaurants. The rest is bottled and sold in liquor stories in a seven-state area. The brewing capacity in Lucan was 6,000 barrels per year. In the new location, it’s about 11,000. A barrel is 31 gallons, or two kegs. “To put it in perspective, Schell’s and

BRAU BRoTHERS BREWING Co.Brau Family of Alumni Bring Their Brew Business to Marshall

[ alumni spotlight ]

FOCUS | 5

Holly (Henriksen) Johnson ‘10 is the new SMSU program director and relationship series presenter at New Horizons Crisis Center.

Johnson has a degree in Sociology from SMSU and joins New Horizons Crisis Center after over four years at REM in Marshall.

“I am very excited and grateful for the opportunity to work for New Horizons,” said Johnson. “I am looking forward to getting back on the campus of SMSU and connecting with the students and faculty to better serve the community.”

Johnson will be responsible for working with students and faculty on the SMSU campus to promote safety as well as work with victims of crime. She will also be presenting the Relationship Series to students in Murray and Pipestone counties.

Johnson is originally from the Glenwood, Minn. area and lives in Marshall with her husband.

New Horizons Crisis Center’s mission “is to build a safer rural Minnesota for children, women and men. We are dedicated to empowering crime victims, promoting healthy relationships, preventing assault and abuse, and providing education, parenting time and crisis nursery services.” New Horizons Crisis Center has offices in Marshall, Redwood Falls, Slayton, and on the campus of SMSU.

Alumna Johnson to lead Campus New Horizons Crisis Center

Summit brew 130,000 barrels per year, with plans to double that. We’re still small, but bigger than we used to be.”

Half of what they produce goes to the Twin Cities market.

Their kitchen is staffed exclusively by Culinology students from SMSU, said Dustin. “The college is such an asset. We can find, hire, and retain very talented people.”

The centerpiece of the brewpub is a 1956 fire engine, purchased about seven years ago from the Lucan Fire Department. It is the inspiration behind “Old 56” beer. It sits behind the bar, and the various beers are poured from taps on the side. “I fought fires on that,” said Dustin, a fireman for 10 years. “It’s an antique, but one with a purpose. We purchased it and

it was a lawn ornament (in Lucan), people would take pictures by it. It was always the plan to use it to serve beer out of some day, some how. When we got into this space, we put it in here, and there’s your conversation piece right there.”

The move to Marshall has proven to be a good business decision. “We want to focus on being a local brewery and having a solid foundation for the business,” Dustin said. “Moving here gave us a home territory. We’re the only brewery in southwest Minnesota.”

Dustin and Mary are the parents of three children: Sandra, Eli and Orin.

Follow the Brau Brothers on Facebook: Brau Brothers Brewing Co. and on Twitter: @BrauBeer.

Dustin Brau ‘99

Holly Johnson ‘10

I AM SMSU. And I know that every alumnus reading this magazine is SMSU too. I imagine many donors to the University consider themselves SMSU as well, even if they did not attend SMSU.

Why? What makes us all identify with SMSU? For many of us, we recognize the integrity of how SMSU conducts and presents itself as an institution; we know we benefited from the academic offerings and all of the related co-curricular activities that shaped our experience at the university; and we recognize the value and worth of SMSU’s mission in serving southwest Minnesota and the greater region.

Integrity, Academics, Mission. These are the vital components to SMSU’s success. Fortunately for SMSU, they are also the key criteria to maintaining university accreditation.

Approximately every 10 years, the University must undergo an external review by our regional accrediting agency, called the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), in order to reaffirm our accredited status. Why is accreditation important? For one thing, without accreditation, the University would lose all of its Title IV federal funding. This would essentially shut the University down, as these funds are integral to students and offset other spending allocations. Accreditation is an important feature that students and employers look for; without it, for example, courses will not transfer to other accredited institutions, and more importantly, the quality of the education is in doubt.

Fortunately, SMSU has a strong record of being accredited since first being granted candidacy status; the University earned its first accreditation in 1972 and has been fully accredited since then. The HLC last reviewed SMSU in 2004 and awarded it the maximum 10

year accreditation. Last year, given the turnover in the presidency of the institution, SMSU was granted an additional year extension to prepare for its next review. An HLC review team will be on campus Oct. 20-22, 2014, to conduct the next evaluation.

Members of the University have been hard at work preparing for this evaluation. The University must produce a self-study, a reflective self-analysis based on the HLC’s five criteria for accreditation and all of the related core components. These five criteria include a careful examination of the University mission, the University’s integrity, teaching and learning, assessment, and resources and planning. ALL aspects of the University must be included, from academic programming to finances to building maintenance to residence life. The self-study is sent to the HLC review team members before their arrival; when they come to campus, they explore any issues brought up in the study and ascertain whether SMSU is indeed meeting all of the criteria.

We will be asking for your help in making certain that our self-study is accurate and complete. Later in the spring semester, we will be posting the self-study document online and asking for your suggestions. In the summer, we will be posting a link for feedback that goes directly to the HLC offices, as they solicit any comments that anyone would like to make about the University in preparation for the HLC review team coming to campus.

SMSU always seeks to continuously improve its offerings and its service to the region. As alumni and donors, your input is highly valuable. We look forward to hearing from you!

SmSUI am

HLC Visit Branding Concepts“I am SMSU” Concept Variations

HLC SITE VISIT FOR REACCREDITATION • OCTOBER 20-22, 2014

SmSUI am

HLC�SITE�VISIT�FOR�REACCREDITATION�OCTOBER 20-22, 2014

I am SmsuI am

SmSUHLC SITE VISIT FOR REACCREDITATION • OCTOBER 20-22, 2014

Primary Graphic mark, Circular, balanced, centered:

Variation 3, Long horizontal (banners, timeline, pens, etc):

Variation 2, Compact horizontal (banners, footers, web, pens, etc):

WWW.SMSU.EdU/GO/HLC

A message from Dr. lori Baker, HlC Self-Study Coordinator, and SMSU English Professor since 1998.

6 | FOCUS

[ guest column ]

Southwest Minnesota State University welcomed a new president this summer. Dr. Connie J. Gores is the ninth permanent president of SMSU. Since starting in July, she jumped into the Mustang Family and the Marshall community whole-heartedly. She maintains a hectic schedule to meet with individuals, campus groups and community leaders in order to better grasp the strengths and to clearly identify SMSU’s potential.

But to fully understand how President Gores will lead SMSU into the future, it’s important to understand how her past shaped her, both personally and professionally, and how education became an important focal point in her life and her career. She understands first-hand the transformative possibilities education can offer.

President Gores grew up on a farm near Cando, N.D., population 1,150. The town slogan there is painted on the side of the former bank building —“You Can Do Better in Cando.” She was the second child of four, the oldest daughter, to her parents, Glenn and Minnie Gores.

“My father was valedictorian of his class, president of FFA and had dreams of going to

college,” she said. “He had several scholarships, but he was unable to go because his mother, my grandmother, asked him to farm. He was the responsible son.” He died of polio when he was just 28 years old.

Her mother later married a widower, Al Fosaaen, with five children of his own. Together, they had two more children to bring their blended family to a total of 11 children.

“As my mother’s oldest daughter, I knew I had a special responsibility in the family,” said President Gores. Her mother understood that responsibility, having been six-years-old when her own mother died.

“She talks about boiling her first pot of potatoes before she was 10. She later went out and worked on threshing crews as a

cook. “Growing up, my mother read a lot; education

has always been very important to her. She continually reinforced that education was paramount to everything; that it was going to be our path to a different life. She always talked about how she could tell the difference between people who went to college, and those who didn’t. She said they talk differently, they use a different vocabulary, and they carry themselves differently.”

FOCUS | 7

Meet the PresidentConnie J. Gores

President Gores could see that education was at the core of the unfulfilled dreams of both of her parents. She recalled one occasion, “I went to my mother’s high school—it was for a band competition or some theatre event. I was looking on the walls at the pictures of all the graduating classes, and I couldn’t find my mother’s photo. She told me, ‘We were too poor, honey, I couldn’t get my photo taken.’ Later, she told me the real story: she didn’t graduate. I knew she was ashamed and embarrassed.”

That left a deep and lasting impression on President Gores. Knowing both her parents aspired to continue their educations but because of difficult life circumstances could not, she saw then the transformative power of education and knew she always wanted to have opportunities and possibilities ahead of her. She carried with her the message from the building in Cando: You can do better.

There weren’t a lot of female role models then, let alone in higher education. “Teachers, nurses or secretaries,” said President Gores. “My mom’s dream was for me to become a home economics teacher, but that wasn’t my calling. I thought I’d be an English teacher and coach theatre. Mr. Johnson — his name is Roger but to this day, I can only call him Mr. Johnson — was an influence on me. He was my English teacher, drama coach and guidance counselor.”

President Gores remembered discussing the results of her ACT test in Mr. Johnson’s office. One of the questions asked a student’s highest degree goal.

“I remember checking the box in front of Ph.D.,” she said. “I didn’t know anyone with a Ph.D. I don’t think I even knew what it was. Mr. Johnson asked me, ‘Are you sure you want a Ph.D.?’ But it was the highest level and I thought ‘Why not?’ I believe in setting high goals, working hard, focusing and making a difference. I tell our students that all the time.”

With the encouragement from her mother, the guidance from Mr. Johnson and the generous support of a theatre scholarship, President Gores began her higher education journey as a theatre major at Valley City State (N.D.).

“I didn’t have the fire in my belly for theatre. I was mature enough to know that if I got discouraged by not getting a part I wanted, I wasn’t cut

out for it. I became fascinated with sociology and the study of people and groups and values and customs.”

She transferred to North Dakota State, where she earned a degree in Sociology. As an undergraduate, she was a resident assistant, a work-study student and involved with campus activities and programming. “I fell in love with the college environment,” she said.

“I don’t know why I did this, but one day, I made an appointment with the associate dean of students, Ellie Kilander. I asked her how she got there, and for advice. She told me her story. And that’s when I knew what I wanted to do. It was a ‘light bulb’ moment for me.”

President Gores went on to earn a master’s degree in College Student Personnel Administration from Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colo., then spent 17 years on the West Coast — five in Oregon, twelve in Washington. She was married, had two children, and worked in higher education administration, enrollment and student affairs at Portland

Top photo: Helping many new students on Move-In Day. Center photo: With Dorene Kronke-McCourt ‘73 at the University Gala. Inset photo: Speaking on the KMHL Radio Show “Campus Update.” Bottom photo: Harvesting with Adam Oeltjenbruns of rural Marshall.

8 | FOCUS

State University, Portland, Ore.; Willamette University College of Law, Salem, Ore.; and Cornish College of the Arts, Seattle, Wash. She earned her Ph.D. in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies, Higher Education Administration, from the University of Washington during that time.

She then moved to the East Coast, where she was the Vice President for Enrollment at Randolph-Macon Woman’s College, Lynchburg, Virginia, and then Project Director and Onsite Consultant at Longwood University, Farmville, Virginia.

A close colleague called her about a position at Winona State University, and though she wasn’t looking, she jumped at the chance to get back to the Midwest. She accepted the position of Vice President for Student Life and Development at Winona State University in 2007, and served as Interim President of WSU in 2012. She officially joined the Mustang Family on July 1, as SMSU’s ninth permanent president, and the first female to lead the University.

She will be the first to tell you that family is important. She lights up when talking about adding the title “Nana” following the birth of her first grandchild. Born in October, Stuart is the son of her daughter Tempa Klinegores Peters and her husband, Austin, of Richmond, Virginia. Her daughter, Kasha Klinegores recently earned her master’s degree and is the Assistant Director of Admissions at Roanoke College in Salem, Virginia.

“I’ve always been close to my mother and siblings. My kids know no other Christmas than in Minnesota or North Dakota. We have always come back several times a year. My kids tell me we don’t take vacations, and I tell them, ‘Yes, we do. Others take a vacation, we come back home to the Midwest.’”

Coming to SMSU is a homecoming of sorts for President Gores. Growing up in north central North Dakota, she cherishes the vast expanse of the prairie and relishes the view of cornfields from her new home in Marshall. Prairies are full of possibility, as she has quoted from Bill Holm’s essay “Horizontal Grandeur.” The prairie is home for President Gores and she couldn’t be happier to be here.

President Gores quickly demonstrated that she is not afraid to jump in and roll up her sleeves. She brings with her a spirited work ethic. Her keen sense of humor and her personable manner have been well received by the campus community and friends of the University since her arrival.

Her sincere interest in and engagement with the students, faculty and staff are refreshing. When someone is recognized for an achievement, or does something special, President Gores takes the time to pen a personal note.

“In this age of electronic communication, I think it’s very important to take the time to send a personal note whenever possible. We don’t get to see a person’s handwriting very often any more. If this were a perfect world—and I had more time in my day—I would write more notes.”

She believes authenticity, gratitude and engagement with people on a personal level make a huge difference. During Homecoming week this fall, President Gores journeyed to the Physical Plant. She wanted to personally thank the maintenance staff for helping make the University grounds look so

Top photo: Directing the Southwest Minnesota Orchestra in rehearsal. Inset photo: A handwritten note. Center photo: Visiting with Karen (Jacobsen) Nimmo ‘71, the first Homecoming parade coordinator. Bottom photo: Speaking at the Women’s Homecoming Tea.

FOCUS | 9

manicured for alumni and visitors who would be arriving for the weekend. “That loyalty, commitment to the University, sense of family and

community truly do not exist anywhere else like they do here at SMSU. We had to be visionary; we had to persevere through challenges to start this university, and that helped create a remarkable community that brings people together.

“We’re so young as an institution, and we have a perfect base on which to build a strong future. We have good people, and a sense of purpose,” she said.

“We’re better than we think we are. Much better,” she said. “I know we’re all good Midwesterners, but now’s not the time to be humble. We have remarkable alumni with remarkable stories to tell. We need to tell their stories. I recently met someone who has been back to 43 straight Homecomings. That says so much about the strength of our relationships with our alumni.”

Connecting with alumni is important to President Gores. “The relationship alumni have with the university is real, and I’d like to build on it,” she said. “I’d like our alumni to refer students to us, to share our word with young people and returning adults. We have alumni who can help provide internships and experiential learning opportunities. They could be guest lecturers on campus, provide workshops and share their skills and their treasures with us.” President Gores understands that by identifying their passions for SMSU, she can match alumni with giving opportunities that allow them to help students in profound ways.

To further connect with alumni and help SMSU tout its successes, she prompted an initiative entitled “My Southwest Story.” President Gores encourages alumni and students to share their own story, with her and anyone who will listen. She has already spoken to many groups in the community to engage with people who have a “Southwest Story” to tell.

President Gores fills her schedule with opportunities that allow her to connect with people one-on-one. Her calendar could make you tired just reading it. She’s been a parade marshal, introduced herself to the early-morning coffee fraternity down at Mike’s Café, conducted the Southwest Minnesota Orchestra, read to elementary school children and rode in a combine to help a local farmer with harvesting. She is reinforcing and strengthening SMSU’s presence in the region by reaching out to leaders and decision-makers and asking how the university can best partner with groups in southwest Minnesota. She’s everywhere, and she means to be engaged in meaningful ways, to share the Southwest Story wherever there are people to listen.

She set the bar high for herself early in life, and wants to set the bar equally high at SMSU. In her first formal address to the university she paraphrased the purpose of higher education very succinctly:

“We change lives. We provide an environment in which students gain knowledge and skills that greatly enhance the quality of their lives and the quality of our lives. Forever.”

“It’s my passion,” she said, “knowing that this university makes a difference in the lives of so many students who go here, and those who will come after. It’s not about me; it’s about the greater good; it’s about making a difference. Higher education is a transformational experience, it changes lives and families, and it’s the best part of the American dream.”

Top photo: Reading to Park Side second graders as part of “Read for the Record” event. Center photo: Director of Diversity and Inclusion Jefferson Lee IV ‘96/’11(left) and MnSCU Board of Trustees Chair Clarence Hightower ‘77 (right) at the Diversity and Inclusion Office open house. Bottom photo: Enjoying the Homecoming parade in downtown Marshall.

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[ athletics ]

Mustang Soccer Program Makes History The SMSU women’s soccer team set several

high goals during preseason practice this past August in preparation for the upcoming 2013 campaign. Following a 2012 season in which the program recorded seven victories – the highest mark in eight seasons – and nearly qualifying for the NSIC postseason tournament, the Mustangs wanted to prove that 2012 wasn’t a fluke and to show that the SMSU program was on the rise.

The 2013 Mustangs, under the direction of third-year head coach TJ Buchholz, have reached those preseason goals and then some, putting together the best season in the program’s 18-year history and reaching the NCAA tournament for the first time ever.

SMSU opened the season with a record-setting 11 straight victories and earned the program’s first-ever national ranking on Sept. 24, debuting at No. 18. SMSU ran its record to 14-1-1 and despite losing its last regular season game and dropping a quarterfinal game in the NSIC tournament, SMSU felt it played well enough all season to earn an at-large bid to the NCAA Central Region Tournament. On Nov. 11, SMSU received the news it wanted, earning the No. 5 seed in the six-team tournament. SMSU defeated No. 3 seed University of Central Missouri in the first round.

SMSU upset No. 1 Minnesota State-Mankato for a trip to the finals against University of Minnesota-Duluth on Friday, November 22. The Bulldogs provided to be a formidable opponent and defeated SMSU 2-0, ending their historic run.

For their efforts in the regular season, Buchholz was named the NSIC Coach of the Year, while freshman Brienna Dehkes was named the NSIC Goalkeeper of the Year and first team All-NSIC. Sophomore Miranda Cadena – the team’s leading scorer – also garnered first team All-NSIC accolades.

Miranda Cadena has also been named Daktronics All-Central Region Player of the Year. Cadena, along with goalkeeper Brienna Dehkes were named to the All-Central Region first team, while defender Danica Requejo was named second team. Cadena, Dehkes and Requejo became the first Mustangs to be named

to the All-Region team in program history.The team also earned recognition from the National Soccer Coaches

Association of America with the 2012-13 Team Academic Award for their performance in the classroom. SMSU was one of 593 women’s college soccer teams across all divisions to earn the award. In order to qualify, the team must collectively achieve a grade point average minimum of 3.0 during the 2012-13 academic year.

Mustang Football Appearing in First-Ever Bowl Game The SMSU football team will continue its 2013 season for one more

game as they accepted a bid to play in the 48th Mineral Water Bowl on Dec. 7 in Excelsior Springs, Mo. SMSU will face Pittsburg State (Kan.) from the Mid-American Intercollegiate Athletics Association (MIAA) with kickoff slated for 12 p.m. at Tiger Stadium.

It’s the first-ever bowl appearance for SMSU and just the third postseason game in the program’s 46-year history. SMSU lost its previous two postseason games, 49-7 at home to Mesa State (Colo.) in the first round of the 1987 NAIA playoffs and 35-6 at Carson-Newman (Tenn.) in the first round of the 1990 NAIA playoffs.

“We are thrilled to have the opportunity to play one more football game in 2013,” said Cory Sauter, SMSU head football coach. “It is a great

reward for all the hard work that our players have invested in this season. We were able to finish strong with four straight wins to put us in position for postseason play.”

The Mustangs also set a handful of NSIC records. As a team, SMSU football set the NSIC record for total plays (930), total offense yards (5,892) and 34 passing TDs. Anthony Dean 17 TD receptions, Tyler Tonderum rushing yards (1,979) and attempts (315). Quarterback Charlie Kern set the NSIC record with 515 offensive attempts.

SMSU finished the regular season 7-4 overall, tying for the third highest win total in program history and highest since moving to NCAA Division II in 1995. The Mustangs closed the regular season winning its final four games—its longest winning streak since 1999.

FOCUS | 11

SMSU’s Tonderum Selected as Finalist for Harlon Hill AwardSMSU junior running back Tyler Tonderum has

been selected as a finalist for the Harlon Hill Award, which is given annually to the top player in Division II football. Tonderum, a 5-foot-10, 191-pound junior from Armstrong, Iowa, is the first SMSU player in program history to be named a Harlon Hill regional finalist.

Players are nominated and voted on by the sports information directors at the 168 NCAA Division II football-playing institutions. Tonderum was one of the top two players from each of the four NCAA regions to advance to the national ballot. Three finalists are then selected. The National Harlon Hill Award

Committee will announce the winner at the 25th annual Harlon Hill Trophy Presentation Banquet on Friday, Dec. 17, in Florence, Ala.

About Tyler Tonderum: Tonderum closed the regular season ranked second in Division II and third in all of NCAA football with 1,979 yards rushing on 315 attempts with 18 touchdowns. He has also caught 32 passes for 274 yards and one touchdown. In the final regular season Division II statistics, Tonderum ranks second in rushing yards, third in all-purpose yards (209.3), 10th in rushing touchdowns and 14th in scoring (10.4). He has rushed for more than 100 yards in nine of 11 games and more than 200 yards four times, including 343 yards, which is the new SMSU school record.

SMSU Volleyball: At-large Bid to NCAA Tourney / Attendance Record Set in 2012 For the latest headlines, post-season results, and winter sports: visit SMSUMustangs.com

Five individuals in three separate categories were honored by the Alumni Association during SMSU Homecoming on Oct. 4-5.

ALUMNI ACHIEVEMENT AwARDSChuck Howe

Chuck Howe graduated with a Geology degree in 1975 from what was then Southwest Minnesota State College and today, is chief engineering geologist for the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT). He lives in Forest Lake with his wife Mary (Tholen), a class of 1977 alumna and Tracy native. They have three children.Homer Chan

Homer Chan, a 1977 alumnus, a native of China, graduated from Southwest with a degree in Business Administration. He moved to California to start his own accounting firm. Today, he is the managing partner of the CPA firm Chan & Zhang, LLP, located in San Gabriel, Calif. He married his wife, Betty, in 1979. They have one child, Wayne.Dr. Mark Nook

Mark Nook graduated in 1980 with degrees in Math and Physics. He got his master’s in Astrophysics at Iowa State University and, later, his doctorate in Astronomy at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Today, Nook is the Senior Vice President for Academic & Student Affairs for the University of Wisconsin System, a higher education system encompassing 13, four-year institutions. Nook met his wife, Cheryl (Londgren), a Marshall native, his junior year at SMSU. Nook and his wife are the parents of three children: Mehgan Clark, Aaron and Cory.

HONORARY LIFETIME MEMBERSHIp AwARDDr. Ron wood

Dr. Ron Wood served two years as interim president of SMSU after the retirement of President David Danahar in 2011. Wood had been retired as president of Minnesota West Community and Technical College for

three years, following a successful 10 years in that position. Minnesota West has campuses in Granite Falls, Canby, Pipestone, Worthington and Jackson.

Wood’s term as interim president concluded on June 30, 2013. He continues to serve on the Worthington City Council. Wood and his wife have four children and three grandchildren.

GRADUATE OF LAST DECADE (GOLD) AwARDDr. Darlene Guse

Darlene Guse is a Janesville, Minn., native and 2005 alumnus. She is currently a plastic surgery resident at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center. It’s a six-year program, and she’s in her fourth year. With a medical school degree (2010) from the Mayo Medical School, she began her residency at University of Cincinnati Medical Center. She also does work for the Cincinnati Children’s Hospital.

For the complete biographies of this year’s award recipients, visit us online at www.SouthwestAlumni.com/Awards

[ alumni connections ]

2013 Alumni Award Recipients

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Becky Bot ’02, PresidentSara Granheim ‘02/’04 Vice PresidentDavid Sanderson ’78,

Secretary/Treasurer

Michael VanDrehle ‘08/’10 Executive Director

Neal Wahlman ‘75Tom Quarnstrom ‘75Doug Franzen ‘82

Karen VanKeulen ‘87Jason Holland ‘95Becky Gerdes ‘98Melissa Moulton ‘98Erica Bly ‘02

Josh Scholten ‘05Tracey Mork ‘06Ty Brouwer ‘07

AlUMNI BoARD oF DIRECToRS

Each year SMSU recognizes alumni and friends who have made significant contributions of time, talent or financial resources to help advance and bring positive recognition to Southwest Minnesota State University. The SMSU Alumni Association is seeking nominations for next year’s award recipients. If you know of anyone who fits the criteria, please nominate them for one of the following awards: ALUMNI ACHIEVEMENT AwARD

This award is presented to a graduate in recognition of their remarkable professional success and the positive reflection made on the reputation of all graduates of SMSU.

HONORARY LIFETIME MEMBERSHIp AwARDThis award is presented to an individual or couple who are not alumni, but give their time, talents, and enthusiasm as if they were.

GOLD (Graduate of Last Decade) AwARDThis award is presented to an individual who has graduated from SMSU within the last ten years. The GOLD Award is to recognize recent graduates with exceptional achievement and significant contribution to their profession, community, or university.

JOHN & KATHY pAXTON SERVICE AwARDThis award is presented to recipients who demonstrates outstanding service to Southwest Minnesota State University.

For more information on these awards, to view past recipients, or to nominate someone for one of these awards, please call the Alumni Office at 507-537-6266 or visit our website for the nomination form:

www.SouthwestAlumni.com/Awards

Nominations Now Being Accepted for 2014 Alumni Awards

Front row (l-r): Homer Chan ‘77, Dr. Connie J. Gores. Back row (l-r): Chuck Howe ‘77, Dr. Ron Wood, Dr. Mark Nook ‘80, and Dr. Darlene Guse ‘05.

[ alumni connections ]

The journey came full circle 40 years later for Clutch and the Shifters.The ’50s band, which was formed on the campus of SMSU in 1973

in an effort to win $50 in a Homecoming talent contest, played a 40th reunion concert during Homecoming 2013.

The event brought together a trio of the original band members, including Pat Rasmussen and Lee and Don Kanten.

The original band members included those three, along with Gary Peterson, Fairmont, Minn.; Isiah Whitlock, Jr., South Bend, Ind.; Jerry Lindberg, North St. Paul, Minn.; Joe Keyes, Pipestone, Minn.; and Keith Hocking, Ellsworth, Minn. Whitlock — today a successful actor on the big and small screen — left shortly after the group started to concentrate on theatre. Chris Nolte, Fairmont, Minn., had a short stint with the band, also.

Keyes was Clutch. “He started it all,” said Rasmussen. The band did three songs to win that talent contest back in 1973, and would later tour the country playing music from 1974-76. Their music and showmanship were instrumental in their induction into the Mid-America Music Hall of Fame.

“Because so many of us had a theatre background, we were really a show band. We’d have comic routines, choreography. At times there was more to the performance than the music. We were very visual,” said

Rasmussen.That style was

on display during their Homecoming performance at Shay’s, in the Marshall Ramada. The band likes to develop a real rapport with the audience and plenty of friends were on hand to listen to the reunion music.

“It was great fun,” said Rasmussen. “We were able to reconnect with a lot of old friends. The university was where it all began. Who would have guessed that trying to win that talent contest would lead us where it did? It blossomed out of nothing.”

There is a display of Clutch and the Shifters in the Alumni Heritage Gallery on the second floor of the Student Center.

Teresa Berndt, an English teacher at Mitchell High School who earned her Master’s in Education from SMSU in 2009, has been named the 2014 South Dakota Language Arts Teacher of the Year.

“It was the best experience in education I’ve had in my life,” she said of the two-year master’s cohort group, based in Mitchell.

“We met once a month, on a Saturday and Sunday, and I met great people I still have in my world because of the fact we bonded. It put me in a position to really analyze, and make thoughtful and focused decisions.”

Teresa likes to get to know her students on a personal basis, and figure out how each best learns. “Giving a student a ‘0’ doesn’t teach them. I give them extensions, and push them to be accountable. That doesn’t always fit into others’ philosophies.”

How does she get to know her students better? “Through journaling,” she said. “I find out a lot about the family dynamics, and we have a lot of discussions in class. I get to know them personally, not just a paper coming across my desk. And I strongly tell them to communicate with me, let me know what’s going on in their world.”

Teresa lives on a farm with her husband, Aaron, and son, Bailey, 9. It’s her second time in the Mitchell system — she spent time in

the middle school there before leaving for six years to teach in her hometown of Tripp. After six years, she returned to the Mitchell district. She teaches at the high school her second go-round.

Social media has changed the way many students communicate, and Teresa thinks of it as a positive. “Social media exists, I use it, we all do.

How do we teach them the etiquette? Facebook is a bash mash now, there’s a lot of drama, and bullying. “

As for Twitter, “You have to ask yourself, ‘How do I write in 140 characters or less;’ you have to use the technology that’s there but how do you implement it, because they’re using it anyway.”

English is not an easy language to master, and she feels learning the strengths and weaknesses of her students helps in her approach. “I think kids struggle with aspects of English, but they’re not unattainable. They can speak, write, but not always grammatically correct. They have common skills, but there are grammar rules, and they don’t all write as fluently as others.”

Her SMSU experience was a positive one. “We all invested time, met face-to-face, and the conversation was good. There were people from the district I did not know well who are now my best friends, and it’s allowed us to have a similar mindset about leadership, how we grow, and professional development.”

Clutch and the Shifters Reunite for Homecoming 2013

Berndt (MS ’09) Named SD Teacher of the Year MUSTANG PRIDE in Amazing Places

Pamela (Brown) Meyer ‘77 traveled to Australia to show her Mustang Pride. She writes: “Taken December 19, 2012 aboard the Royal Caribbean cruise ship Rhapsody of the Seas in Sydney, Australia harbor. I traveled with three friends beginning on Nov. 28 to Auckland, New Zealand for one week and an 11-day cruise along the eastern shoreline of Australia. We traveled on the cruise ship from Syndey north to Cairns and back again, returning to the U.S. on Dec. 20, 2012. The Syndey harbor bridge is behind me.”

Congratulations to Pamela Meyer! You’ve won a $50 gift card to the Barnes & Noble Campus Store that you can use in the store or online at smsu.bncollege.com to pick up more Brown & Gold gear!

Do you have a photo of yourself wearing your Mustang gear in an amazing place or while on an incredible adventure? If so, submit online at www.SouthwestAlumni.com/AmazingPlaces. Winners will see their photo published in FOCUS and receive a $50 gift card to the SMSU Barnes & Noble Campus Store. To be considered, photos must be high resolution, clear, with “SMSU” or a Mustang logo clearly visible.

FOCUS | 13

Teresa Berndt MS’09

Clutch and the Shifters performing their reunion concert.

1972Annette Atkins presented on the expulsion of Dakota people from the state of Minnesota on Sept. 17 at Central Lakes College, Brainerd campus. She teaches history at St. John’s University and the College of St. Benedict.

1973Steven Malecek completed a Ph.D. in Water Law and Policy from the University of Dundee in Scotland, UK. He graduated on June 19, 2013. His thesis was entitled “A legal framework for local private sector participation in urban water services: An approach to assessment and reform.”

1979Jean peterson is the superintendent for the Independence Community School District in Independence, Iowa. Independence is located approximately 20 miles east of Cedar Falls-Waterloo.

1982Karla and Kevin Anundson received the 2013 Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference Noel Olson Volunteer of the Year Award, which is given to individuals who have made significant contributions to the NSIC. The couple was honored during the 14th annual NSIC Hall of Fame banquet on July 10, in St. Cloud, Minn. Both Kevin and Karla have been active members of the Southwest Minnesota State athletic community, involved not only in Mustang Booster

Club activities, but also with many programs involving SMSU student-athletes, coaches and staff members. They reside in Minneota, Minn., and have four children between the ages of 16 and 22.Tina (Anderson) Richards’ exhibit “Many Dreams - One Hope” was on display at the Marshall Area Fine Arts Council’s Arts Center in the spring of 2013. She has taught art at the Westbrook-Walnut Grove school district since 2002 and lives in Walnut Grove, Minn.

1983Scott Emmons has been named dean of the Peck School of the Arts at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, where he has been a professor of music education since 1992. He served as interim dean of the Peck School during the 2012-13 Year of the Arts at UWM, a celebration of the Peck School’s 50th anniversary, and is a widely sought clinician in the field of technology for music educators.

1984Lloyd Nelson was named senior vice president/private banking officer at Bell State Bank & Trust in Golden Valley, Minn. He has 28 years of experience in banking and finance in the Twin Cities market and most recently worked as an executive director and senior vice president for private banking at JPMorgan Chase & Co.

1987Dr. Steven Titus became the 29th president of

Iowa Wesleyan College in Mount Pleasant, Iowa, on July 1, 2013. Previously, Titus served in executive roles at Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota, Pacific Lutheran University, Gustavus Adolphus College and Midland University, where he served as president and distinguished professor of leadership and change. Prior to his administrative career, Titus served on the faculty at SMSU and as a U.S. Army officer and attorney in the Judge Advocate General’s Corps.

1992Lieutenant Colonel Aaron Schultz is the Professor of Military Science for Army ROTC at SDSU. He has over 26 years of military service and he is a veteran of Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Desert Storm. He resides in Sioux Falls, S.D., with his wife and three sons.

1994Brenda Carlson joined the Chisago Lakes School Board. Her education philosophy is to always put kids first and do what is best for them.Doug Simon, SMSU political science professor, has been named a Policy Fellow at the Humphrey School of Public Affairs for the 2013-14 program. He is one of 38 individuals selected for the unique educational experience, designed to help participants hone their leadership skills, build their professional network and define their unique role in the policy process. Simon has been on the

faculty at SMSU since 1998.

1995Bremer Bank promoted Tyler Bowen (MBA ‘08) to vice president, leading Bremer’s Investment, Management and Trust business for the Willmar and Marshall areas. Bowen joined Bremer in 2012 and will oversee Bremer’s IM&T business and assist clients with all their investment management, trust administration and financial planning needs. Bowen is an active member of the Marshall community, serving on the Kiwanis and Marshall Hoops boards and volunteers his time with the Marshall Area YMCA and Junior Achievement.

1996wayne Hawkins was inducted into the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference Hall of Fame on July 10, 2013, at the NSIC’s 14th annual Summer Kickoff event in St. Cloud, Minn. Hawkins resides in Plymouth, Minn. with his wife, Kari, and they have five children. He owns a commercial cleaning company that he started 17 years ago.

1998Scott and Becky (Evers) Gerdes proudly announce the birth of Grace Becky Gerdes. Grace was born on May 2, 2013, at 2:56 a.m., weighing 7 pounds, 14 ounces. Big brothers Nathan and Matthew welcomed baby Grace home to the family’s Rochester, Minn., home.Sara (McCarty) Mix

accepted the position of security officer and facilities manager at Northwest Bank, based in Spencer, Iowa. She and her husband, Mike, and three children live in Estherville, Iowa.

2002Marty Oian and his wife, Erin, welcomed a baby boy, Benjamin, on Nov. 15, 2012. The family resides in River Falls, Wis.

2004Satyajit Dattagupta, who earned his MBA from SMSU in 2007, joined Washington College as V.P. of Enrollment on July 1, 2013. Prior to his new position, he was the University of Rochester admissions director of enrollment communications.

2005Brian-paco Bertrand-Cyr and his wife, Bridget (Von Cordes, ‘10), welcomed a baby boy on April 30, 2013.Betty Roers, who earned her MBA from SMSU in 2005, retired from her position as director of Senior College and director of distance learning at SMSU to pursue a job with Roers’ Investments, which is owned by her two sons, Kent and Brian.

2006Todd Biedenfeld and his wife, Michelle, are the proud parents of Andrew Curtis. Andrew was born on Aug. 13, 2013.Melissa (Stydel ‘07, Master of Science ‘10) and Tyler Gall welcomed a son, Henry Andrew, on June 24, 2013. Henry joins

[ class notes ]

14 | FOCUS

Are you a Mustang4life? Share your love for SMSU with the Mustang Referral ProgramDo you know a student who would be a good match for SMSU?

If so, please participate in our Mustang Referral Program. Alumni referrals are a great source of qualified applicants because of your unique understanding of the type of student who would thrive here at SMSU. We truly value and are very grateful for your referrals.

If you know someone who might be interested in attending

SMSU, participating is as easy as completing our quick online form at the website listed below.what else can you do to help spread the word about SMSU?• Share your own experience with potential SMSU students.• Direct them to our website: www.SMSU.edu.• Encourage them to attend a special event or plan a visit.

www.SouthwestAlumni.com/referral

a big sister Lydia.Samuel Haag married Ashley Davidson on July 20, 2013.Lisa Carlson married Luis Marin on Sept. 7, 2013.Justin McMartin married Kari Winter on July 6, 2013.Travis VanOverbeke is the head coach of the football team at Murray County Central High School in Slayton, Minn.

2007Joshua and Corrie (Cox) Bertrand welcomed their daughter, Eleanor Alan Bertrand, on Aug. 13, 2013.Tara (Haar, ‘08) and Ty Brouwer became parents of a baby boy, Taber Michael, on July 8, 2013.Kristine Schaff married Trent Baker. The couple resides in Walnut Grove, Minn.

2008Krista (Bakewell) Johnson and her husband, Tyler, welcomed a daughter, Keira Renae, on June 8, 2013.Elizabeth (Johnson) and Jeff Folkerts welcomed a son, Ledger Paul, on June 12, 2013.Scott Voss accepted a position as a coordinator in SMSU’s Residence Life department in April 2013. He married Kaitlyn Konz (‘13) on August 17, 2013.Ben Nwachukwu (MBA ’10) and his wife, Stella, welcomed a son on Dec. 25, 2013. Baby Chimdi was welcomed home by his big sister, Adaugo.Bryan and Kasey (Loeslie, ‘09) Nikkel welcomed a baby girl named Sloan on October 16, 2013.

2009Emily (Dyste) and Ryan Jaeger (‘08) welcomed their daughter, Hadley Serenity, on August 29, 2013.Tiffany (Harstad) and Kendall Bailey welcomed a baby boy, Liam John, on April 4, 2013. Jacob and Amy (Shirey) Hix are the proud parents of Adelynn Jean Hix.

Abby Oakland was named assistant women’s basketball coach at SMSU after spending the last season as an assistant coach and recruiting coordinator at Bemidji State University.Ben and Jenna (Schrupp) Rodman welcomed their son, Jace Milton, on August 1, 2013.Jacob Speer accepted a position in the Communication Office at the University of Wisconsin-LaCrosse.

2010Abbie Alllison is now working as a front desk supervisor at the Radison Blu Mall of America. Erin Eichten (MS’13)took a new position with the Boise State Office of Admissions.Heather Gass married Brock Nelson on April 13, 2013, in Marshall. Heather works as a claims representative for the Social Security Administration in Marshall, where the couple resides.Neal Utesch, who received his master’s in education with emphasis in leadership/curriculum from SMSU, is the associate high school principal at Le Mars Community Schools in Le Mars, Iowa.

2011Anthony Holwerda married Stephanie Tulibaski (‘13) on May 17, 2013 at Zion United Methodist Church in Danube, Minn. Anthony works at North Star Mutual in Cottonwood, Minn.

2012Katie Vermeer married Jason Bobbin on July 20, 2013.Derek Klinkner is now head coach of the SMSU wheelchair basketball team after serving as a both a player and assistant coach for the program.Jodie Stensrud married Jacob Forstein on Aug. 10, 2013, on the stage of the SMSU Fine Arts Theatre.

Adrienne Kletscher took an English teaching position at Westbrook-Walnut Grove High School in Westbrook, Minn. She and her husband, Adam (‘06), have a one-year-old son, Hank.

2013Amy Dreessen received an NCAA Postgraduate Scholarship, which will provide a $7,500 grant to pursue her post-graduate education. She was one of 29 female spring student-athletes to receive the award, which is one of the highest academic honors a student-athlete can receive.Elise Kazmerzak and Laura Johnson joined the SMSU Office of Admission as admission counselors.Brian Bau took over as director of the End O’ Line Railroad and Museum in Currie, Minn.

FACULTY/STAFFDr. Jeff Kolnick, SMSU professor of history, wrote a MinnPost article on why universities have lost their moral courage. The article was entitled “Colleges, universities should show less caution, more courage and challenges.”Professor emeritus of history Dr. Thaddeus Radzilowski received the Piast Institute’s Lech Walesa Media Award for the promotion of Polish Culture. Dr. Radzilowski is President of the Piast Institute, a research and policy center devoted to Polish and Polish American affairs, which he co-founded in 2002.Professor of English Dr. Anthony Neil Smith signed a deal with Minnesota production companies Killing Joke Films and Pounding Heart MultiMedia to turn one of his popular novels, “Hogdoggin’,” into a film slated for release in early 2015.Associate Professor of Physical Education Marilyn Strate was named Special Olympics Minnesota’s Outstanding Coach for 2013 at the

Distinguished Service Award banquet during a Special Olympics Minnesota leadership conference on Sept. 21, 2013. SMSU Financial Aid Director David Vikander was elected president of the Minnesota Association of Financial Aid Administrators (MAFAA) and was presented its Distinguished Service Award in May 2013.Former SMSU president Dr. David C. Danahar has been named interim provost and vice president of academic affairs at Valdosta State University in Valdosta, Ga.Former SMSU women’s basketball coach Kelly Kruger has been named the new head coach of the women’s basketball program at Ashford University in Clinton, Iowa. He most recently coached at Adams State University in Alamosa, Colo., where he led the Grizzlies’ women’s basketball team to a 96-101 record from 2006-2013.

IN MEMORIUMDeloris (Grohmann) Gacke (‘71) passed away on June 10, 2013 in Hendricks, Minn.Keith D. Burau (‘73) passed away on March 27, 2013, of complications from cancer.Stephen LaCroiz (‘73) passed away peacefully

at St. Mary’s hospital in Duluth, Minn., on Jan. 14, 2013.Ardith Reishus (‘78) passed away on June 17, 2013.Craig Boelter (‘90) passed away in Pipestone, Minn., on Jan. 6, 2013.Jacob “Jake” Hanson (‘02 and Masters of Science in Education ‘10) passed away on June 27, 2013, after battling cancer.Linda Bach, who was the administrative assistant in the SMSU physical plant, passed away on Sept. 17, 2013.patricia Ebner, former SMSU Veteran’s Center coordinator, passed away on Oct. 4, 2013 at the Sunwood-Good Samaritan Society in Redwood Falls, Minn.Former SMSU Football coach Mike Freidel passed away on Oct. 6, 2013. A scholarship fund has been set up in his honor. Please contact the SMSU Foundation/Alumni office for more information.

[ class notes ]

FOCUS | 15

WHAT’S YoUR SToRY?There are many ways to share your news with other alumni:email alumni@SMSU.educall 800-260-0970click SouthwestAlumni.com mail SMSU Alumni Office 1501 State St. Marshall, MN 56258

Kristine Kvanli ‘96 and Jim Nelson ‘09 returned to SMSU to emcee the University Gala on Friday, October 4, 2103. Kvanli is a host on ShopHQ. Jim Nelson is sports director at KVRR Fox in Fargo, ND.

Annual ReportFoUNDATIoNDear Fellow Alumni and Friends,

It is my pleasure to share with you this annual report for the Southwest Minnesota State University Foundation. You, our alumni and friends, once again stepped up with an amazing level of support through your financial contributions and volunteer efforts. We can proudly say that we as SMSU alumni give back like no other as we once again had the highest percentage of alumni giving of any public institution in Minnesota!

This past year over $3,926,050 was raised through contributions, revenue and support made possible by our generous donors. The Foundation was able to give back just over $3 million to the University with over $800,000 going directly to student scholarships. As a result, the total net assets of the Foundation grew from $9,757,887 to $11,035,097, increasing the Foundation’s capacity to fund scholarships, projects and activities that support SMSU.

This year the SMSU Foundation is part of a campaign across the Minnesota State Colleges & Universities system to raise awareness of the work that we do in support of our students and universities. The “Access to Excellence” campaign that you will hear about over the next two years strives to collectively raise $20 million in scholarship support across the entire MnSCU system through our respective foundations. Southwest has a rich history of support for these kinds of initiatives and we are confident that this campaign will bring awareness to that rich history as we grow the support for the students at SMSU. Many of you may have already received that phone call or mailing asking for your support again this year. If you haven’t made a contribution I would encourage you to consider the SMSU Foundation in your year-end giving plans. Your gift today will ensure additional value and support for our students in the year ahead.

Every gift to SMSU, no matter the size is important and appreciated. While this report lists the many individuals and businesses that have so generously supported SMSU this past year with a gift of $100 or more, please be sure to stop by the Alumni Heritage Gallery the next time you are on campus to see a complete listing of everyone who made a contribution this past year.

On behalf of the SMSU Foundation Board of Directors and the students, faculty and staff at SMSU, thank you for all that you do to make Southwest Minnesota State University a great University!

Sincerely,

Bill MulsoVice-President for AdvancementFoundation Executive Director

16 FOUNDATION ANNUAL REPORT 2012-13

Foundation Support for FY 2013$3,068,921

Scholarships $806,093

Academic and program Support

$614,089

Total Net Assets and Foundation Support FY 2009–FY 2013

$5,338,918

$3,087,727

FY 2009

FY 2010

FY 2011

FY 2012

FY 2013

$2,578,221

$2,704,687

$3,068,921

$6,682,038

$6,839,030

$8,600,180

$9,757,887

$11,035,097

Foundation Support

Total Net Assets

Foundation Support for FY 2013$3,068,921

Fundraising $425,379

University Development $1,223,360

Scholarships $806,093

Academic and program Support

$614,089

Total Net Assets and Foundation Support FY 2009–FY 2013

$5,338,918

$3,087,727

FY 2009

FY 2010

FY 2011

FY 2012

FY 2013

$2,578,221

$2,704,687

$3,068,921

$6,682,038

$6,839,030

$8,600,180

$9,757,887

$11,035,097

Foundation Support

Total Net Assets

FOUNDATION ANNUAL REPORT 2012-13 17

Diane Taylor ‘75President

Dorene Kronke-McCourt ‘73

1st Vice President

Roger Madison2nd Vice President

Ken Mukomela

Secretary/Treasurer

Dan Koster ‘85Past President

Tim Alcorn ‘89

Robert AufenthieKyle Berndt ‘13Julie Bleyhl ‘84

Deb Boulton ‘93Carol Bragg

Vicky BrockmanTim Burns ‘72Bill DeLay ‘85Lee French ‘72

Robert Gunther ‘77Sheldon Haaland

Brian Knochenmus ‘00Maren Larson

Marilyn McLaughlinMary MeadenRoger Mohr

Orian Muecke ‘75Kristi Mukomela ‘80

Chuck MyrbachJan Nelson ‘73

Mike RichBruce Saugstad ‘89Karen SweetlandBill Toulouse ‘94

Brad Winkelman ‘91

Board of DirectorsFoundation

July 1, 2012-June 30, 20132012-2013

Honor Roll of Donors 2012-2013presidential Benefactors Society $1,000,000 + cumulativepresidential patrons Society $500,000 - $999,999 cum.presidential Fellows Society $250,000 - $499,999 cum.

Cornerstone Society $100,000 - $249,999 cum.Landmark Society $50,000 - $99,999 cum.Benefactors Society $25,000 - $49,999 cum.

University Society $10,000 - $24,999 cum.president’s Society $5,000 - $9,999 cum.

Bellows Club $1,000 - $4,999 annualFounders Club $500 - $999 annualCentury Club $100 - $499 annual

presidential Benefactors SocietyBusiness

Aramark CorporationSchwan’s Corporate Giving

FoundationSchwan’s Shared Services,

LLCThe Schwan Food Company

presidential patrons SocietyAlumni & Friends

Deeann Griebel ’80Business

Oscar and Cora Sather Farms

presidential Fellows SocietyAlumni & Friends

Karen LeShufyBusiness

Archer Daniels Midland Company

Bremer BankMinnesota Corn Growers

AssociationOtto Bremer FoundationUS Bancorp

Cornerstone SocietyAlumni & Friends**David & Cecelia Danahar

Mark Edelmann ‘75Brian Gruhot & Kristin

Gruhot ‘93Robert LockwoodThomas McCourt & Dorene

Kronke-McCourt ‘73Dorothy McGuigganOrian Muecke ‘75 & Sue

MueckeBusiness

Bremer Financial Corporation

Buuck Family FoundationCHS FoundationEcolab IncHy-Vee Food StoreMinnesota Soybean

Growers AssociationRalco Nutrition, Inc.Ralph Manwarren

Charitable TrustSouthwest Initiative

Foundation

Upper Midwest Employers Association

Landmark SocietyAlumni & Friends**Doug & JoAnne

FraunfelderSheldon & Margery HaalandRichard & Marilyn

Kontz ‘71**Robert & Premjit Larsen**Kenneth & Gwen

MukomelaThomas & Linda Sanders

**Dan Snobl & Mary Snobl ‘88

** Joseph & ** Eileen VanWieBusiness

AgStar Financial ServicesAnnexstad Family

FoundationAvera Marshall Regional

Medical CenterBank of the West - MarshallCarr PropertiesD & G ExcavatingEast River Electric Power

CooperativeFirst USA Bank, N.A.Great Plains Natural Gas

CompanyHardeesHormel Food CorporationKHC Construction, Inc.KMHL BroadcastingLeAnn C. Tolk Charitable

FundLockwood Motors, Inc.Lyon-Lincoln Electric

CooperativeMarshall Public School

District 413McLaughlin & Schulz, Inc.R & G ConstructionSlumberland of MarshallSouthwest Marketing

Advisory CouncilThe McFarland CompanyWells Fargo Foundation

Benefactor SocietyAlumni & Friends**Joseph & Cathy Amato

Bradley BauneDiane Cohen ‘72 & Jerrold

Cohen

David Grong ‘76 & Linda Grong

**William Hezlep**Jack & ** Mary Hickerson* Christopher Hmielewski ‘98

& Mary Jo Hmielewski ‘04

Robert Jacobson & Jill Vroman

Dennis Larson ‘71 & **Maren Larson ‘89

John (Jack) McLaughlin* William Mulso ‘93 & *Stacie

Mulso ‘94 * David Pichaske & Michelle

Payne Pichaske ‘88 Doug Pilgrim & *Jan LoftLenny & Judy Pippin

**Lloyd & Linnea Raymond* Michael & Arlene Rich

Kim & Carolyn RunholtThomas SandBruce Saugstad ‘89 & Linda

Saugstad ‘90 ** David & Marlys Simpson** Michael & **Karen Sterner**Mary Jane Striegel

Dan & Kathy SussnerKaren Sweetland Michael Thomas & Jennifer

Thomas ‘95* Beth Weatherby & *Steven

KramerDarrel Wiener ‘75 & Karen

Wiener ‘74 Ronald & Sandra WoodDale W. YoungernBusinessAffiliated Community

Medical CenterAmeriprise Financial - Tom

VanderHagenBarnes & Noble College

Booksellers, LLCBasin Electric Power

CooperativeBisbee Plumbing & HeatingBorch’s Sporting Goods, Inc.Bremer Trust Company of

MNBuffalo Ridge Concrete, Inc.Burger King of MarshallCattoor Oil Company,Inc.CHS, Inc.Davisco Foods

International, Inc.

Edelmann Management Company

Great River EnergyHeartland Consumers

Power DistrictHelena Chemical Company

- MarshallHenle Printing CompanyHoffman & Brobst, PLLPING ReliaStar Life

Insurance CompanyK.T.’s Kitchens, Inc.Land O’Lakes FoundationLand Service CompanyMardag FoundationMarshall IndependentMaterial Distributors, Inc.Merck Partnership for

GivingMidwest Ag Enterprises,

Inc.Midwest United InsuranceMinnesota Farm Bureau

FoundationMinnesota Pork BoardMinnwest Bank, M.V.Northwestern Mutual Life

Foundation, Inc.PPG Industries FoundationQuarnstrom & Doering,

P.A.Rock-Tenn CompanyRunnings Farm and FleetSchott FoundationSouthwest Tour & TravelState Farm Companies

FoundationSubwayThe Farm Credit System

Foundation, Inc.UniPro Foodservice, Inc.US Bancorp FoundationViking Coca ColaWells Fargo Bank

Minnesota, NAWestern Printing Company

University SocietyAlumni & Friends

** Randy Abbott & Jill Buitendyk ‘92

* Timothy Alcorn ‘89 & Bobbi Alcorn

* Debra Almer ‘76 & Frederick Almer

Michelle Anderson ‘88Harvey Angel ‘73Kevin Anundson ‘82 &

Karla AnundsonRobert ArchboldRobert Aufenthie &

Ramona NagelBonnie BabcockMichael Bjerkesett ‘71

* Paul & Nancy BlanchardGreg Boerboom & Paula

Boerboom ‘91 Charles & Katherine BonifasTyler Bowen ‘95 &

Susan Bowen ‘95 Brian & Kathy BrandtLeland Bush ‘73 &

Pamela Bush ‘72 **Edward & Linda Carberry

Duane Carrow & *Debra Carrow ‘94

Jim & Kim Christianson* Scott & *Laura Crowell* Terrence Culhane ‘78 &

Sandra Culhane ‘78 Donald & Phyllis DanielsonFran & Syl DeBaereDebbie DenbeckRick & Linda DennisJohn DeVos & Stephanie

DeVos ‘12David & Carol DrownEric Eben &

Neenah Eben ‘04Terry & Roxanne Eberle

**Conrad & Marcia EckstromWillard & Colleen Engel

**Ed & ** Connie EvansRobert & Sandra FenskeDaniel Fischer & Jan Nordin-

FischerTerrence Fogarty ‘82 & Karen

FogartyNeil Frost ‘93 &

*Stacy Frost ‘93 Darrell & Marilyn FuhrJim & Jan FuhrmannMitch Glover ‘85 & Jane

Glover ‘84Mabel GrongRobert Gunther ‘77 & Jill

McCartneyLois Henkel ‘72Tom & Fran Hill

**Keigh & Arlene Hubel

This Honor Roll of Donors lists annual contributors of gifts of $100 or more for the period between July 1, 2012 and June 30, 2013, and cumulative gifts and pledges of $5,000 or more. While gifts of any amount are very much appreciated, this report contains only those in the Century Club or higher. Great care has been taken to ensure the accuracy of this report.

If you see any discrepancies, please contact the SMSU Foundation. A complete listing of donors is available in the Alumni Heritage Gallery in the Student Center on the campus of SMSU.* Denotes SMSU employee **Denotes Retired SMSU Employee

18 FOUNDATION ANNUAL REPORT 2012-13

James Hubley ‘74 & Barbara Hubley ‘75

* Brent Jeffers & Mary Jeffers ‘02

Randy & **Deb JohnsonViolet JohnsonEileen JonesRichard Jorgensen ‘72 &

Barbara Jorgensen**Charles Kauffman* Debra Kerkaert ‘88 & James

KerkaertJohn Kern ‘75 & Lynda

Kern ‘77 * Jeff Kolnick & Rosa Tock

Michael Kramer ‘94 & Alecia Kramer ‘94

Vincent & Anne LaPorteTherese Larsen Gregory & Rebecca LecyChet Lockwood & Nicole

Lockwood ‘10 Rena LockwoodJohn & Kathy LoeJoe & Kim LudoweseSusan MadsenRichard & Irene MaertensSally A. Magnuson & Burton

M. Magnuson ‘04C. Paul & Carole MartinBill & Roz McCormackMarilyn McLaughlinTom & Liz McLaughlinHarvey McVey

**George & Rise Mitchell* Debra Mitlyng ‘85 & Bruce

Mitlyng**Roger & Constance Mohr

James MolineGordon & Jenice MolitorDoug Mosch & **Sandy

Mosch ‘79 Charles Muller & *Rosalie

Muller ‘85**Charles Myrbach

James Ness & Carole ‘80 Toft-Ness

Kenneth & Janice NoyesJohn Paxton ‘71 & Kathy

Paxton ‘69Vincent & Marcy PellegrinoStella PetersonKarl Porisch ‘03 & Shirley

Anderson-PorischWarren & Ardella

Quarnstrom**Thaddeus Radzilowski

Leland & Norma RaskeDennis & Adele ReedDavid & Bette ReederThomas Roberts & Deanna

Getschel Roberts*Don Robertson ‘84 & Marci

Robertson**Alvin & **Joan Rusk ‘82

Steve & Juli SandersMichael Springman ‘73 &

Tracey Springman* Tim & Christy Steinbach

Mark & Claudia Stenson

Jim & Teah SwensonDiane Taylor ‘75 & David

Taylor** Eileen Thomas* Gerald Toland & Mary

Toland ‘96William Toulouse ‘94 &

Traci ToulouseDoug & Carole TreadwayKaren VanKeulen ‘87 & Pat

VanKeulenRobert Walker ‘98 & Nancy

Walker ‘02 Patrick Wands ‘85 Mike & **Lorraine WeverkaDaniel & Carleen Wiersma

* Nathan & Lori Wolf* James & *Marianne ZarzanaBusiness

3M FoundationAgriBankAgStar Financial ServicesAlltel CorporationAmerican Legion Post #113Breyfogle Auto SalesBurger King CorporationCarlson & Stewart

RefrigerationCars LimitedCoca Cola Bottlers’

FoundationCottonwood Co-op Oil

CompanyCowles Media CompanyCredit Bureau of Marshall,

Inc.Domino’s PizzaDuane Anderson CharteredFirst Independent BankGranite Falls BankGreat Plains Sports, LLCGregory G Lecy, D.D.S.Heartland Corn ProductsHitching Post of Marshall,

Inc.Hubbard FoundationJennie-O Turkey StoreJohn V. or Esther

McLaughlin FoundationKyle B. Petersen FarmsMarshall Area Chamber of

CommerceMarshall Convention and

Visitors BureauMcNeely FoundationMDU Resources FoundationMeier Electric, Inc.Midwest AviationMinn-Dak Farmers

CooperativeMinnesota Pork Producers

AssociationMinnwest Bank, M.V.National Collegiate Athletic

AssociationNational Endowment For

The HumanitiesNationwide FoundationNB Golf Cars, Inc.

North Star Mutual Insurance Company

Papa John’s PizzaPerkin’s Family RestaurantPrairie Pride CooperativePreferred OnePrudential FoundationRamada MarshallRed Rock Rural Water

SystemReinhart Food Service, LLCResearch Chefs AssociationShooters Sporting ClaysSkewes JewelrySmile DesignersSouthern Minnesota Beet

Sugar CooperativeSouthwest Ophthalmology

Associates, P.A.State Farm Mutual

Automobile Insurance Company

Strategic Marketing Services, Inc.

Titan MachineryTraveler’s Lodge MotelUnited FCSVeterans of Foreign Wars

Post #742Wachovia Foundation

president’s SocietyAlumni & Friends

Bruce & Mary Ahrendt* John Alcorn ‘89 & Susan

AlcornTony Alcorn ‘90 & Patricia

Alcorn ‘91 David Anastasi ‘82 & Joyce

AnastasiBrad & Monica AndersonAdrian Anderson & Claudia

Anderson ‘81Douglas AndersonJoseph & Helen AndriesWilfredo & Alice ApostolShirlee BaileyLee Barrett ‘83 Gregory & Mary Bartz

* Daniel Baun ‘83 & *Linda Baun ‘85

Gary & Marjory BeckerDale Berkner ‘78 & Dianne

BerknerEli & Mary BerrySteven Binder ‘79 & Debbie

BinderThomas & Gayle BirathBrian Bjella &

Krista Bjella ‘96 Michael Blum ‘77 & Louise

BlumJerald Bly ‘71 &

Ricke Bly ‘73 Todd & Jane BockJeff Bonnstetter & *Rhonda

Bonnstetter ‘96Greg & *Carol BossuytMark Boulton & Deborah

Boulton ‘93

* Patricia BraceCal & Deb Brink

**Glen Bruns ‘85 & Mary Bruns ‘75

Thomas Brutscher ‘85 Don & Susan BuhlJulie CaronDavid Caslavka ‘91Greg & Sue CattoorJohn Chute ‘77 & Debbie

ChuteStanley & Katherine

ClaussenEdmond & Nina Conway

* Verna CornishBruce Cox & Constance

Smith-CoxChad Crow ‘72 & Marilyn

Crow**Hugh & Linda Curtler

Jeremy DaberkowKevin & Nancy Dahlman

**Carmen DeKosterTim Deutz &

Jennifer Deutz ‘84 Betsy & Martin DraperHarlan & Teri DreessenJohn & Patricia

Drown ‘71Tim & Marlene DufaultFaye EckternachtEric & Brandy EidsnessJoe & Sarah Ektanitphong

**Robert & **Maryann Eliason

Curtis Enestvedt ‘71 & Debra Enestvedt

Bradley Engebretson ‘76 & *Jill Engebretson

James & Michele EngelsCameron & Joanne FanfulikWilliam Fenske ‘84 & Anne

Fenske* Sara Fier ‘93 & Bryan Fier

Oliver & Mary FordShawn Foy

**Gary Frandson & Mary Frandson ‘71

* B.C. & James FransonJoann Fredrickson ‘84 Charles Freiss & Catherine

Schlagel ‘76Steve & Linda FruechteRandy Galbraith & Pamela

Galbraith ‘80 * Stuart Galstad ‘72

Everett Garlisch ‘72Julia Gaskell ‘83 & Pete

Gaskell**Pat & LaVern Gawarecki* Vaughn Gehle ‘82

David & Linnea GenereuxGeorge Goblish & Jenifer

Goblish ‘99 * John Gochenouer &

*Denise Gochenouer ‘02Thomas Good ‘73 & Annette

GoodForrest Gorter ‘73 & Mary

Ferron

Curtis & Kristy GriffinJoanne Groenewold ‘76Randy Groff ‘84 & Patty

GroffJason Gruhot ‘88 & Danielle

GruhotSharon GruhotBarbara HabstrittWilliam Hanson ‘77 & Jan

Hanson ‘75 Shane Hastings ‘92 & Penny

HastingsJosh Hawkinson & Michelle

Hawkinson ‘03 Darin & Nancy Hegland

**Don Hein & **Julie Hein ‘71

Patrick & *Sharon HennenJames & Deb HeyMarvin & Jan HeyMichael Hickman ‘74 &

Sharon HickmanMark Hodder ‘87 & Xunyu

Qian**Sandy Hoffbeck ‘74* Daniel & Ronaele Hoffman

Brian & Sandi HoffmanKen Holm &

*Cynthia Holm ‘79 Michael Holmes ‘85Bryon Hotzler ‘72 & Laura

Hotzler ‘72* Marcia & Jerry Hubner

Owen Jensen ‘71 & Darlene Jensen

James John & **Ann John ‘77

David Johnson ‘72 & Lourdes Vasquez De Johnson

Richard & Margaret JolstadRandy & Susan KaathLyn KaczmarekRalph & Mena KaehlerRandy & Susan KamrathMarc & Melissa KlaithCarlos & Jean KnakmuhsTodd Konietzko ‘85 & Kelly

Konietzko ‘84**Michael Kopp & *Vicky

Brockman ‘82 George & Jane Korver

* Charles Kost & *Elizabeth (Betsy) Desy

David Krull & *Brittany Krull ‘04

Russ & *Debra Labat**Marilyn Leach

Daniel & Kim Lippert* Kelly Loft ‘97 &

Kari ‘96 Loft**Max & Mary Lord

Sander & Peggy LudemanJoel MathiowetzDarlene Mattke ‘74David Meier ‘84 & **Nancy

Gerber-MeierPerry & Lou Ann MeyerKeith Miller &

Cheryl Miller ‘89

* Denotes SMSU employee **Denotes Retired SMSU Employee

FOUNDATION ANNUAL REPORT 2012-13 19

Tim Moberg ‘71 & Judy Moberg

Dwight & Dawn MorkLarry & Michelle MuffKristi Mukomela ‘80David Musser ‘81 & Tammy

Musser ‘81 Diane Nagel ‘73 & Gregory

Posch**David & Judith Nass

Jan Craig Nelson ‘73Paula Nelson ‘72 & Stephen

KrumpeDaniel Nesdahl ‘97Ron & Karen Obermoller Thomas Odland ‘72 &

Pamela Odland**Girard Parnell ‘71 & Diane

Parnell* David & Marica Patterson* William Pavot

Mary & George PeichelCraig Pellerin

**Lloyd Petersen & Rennae Petersen ‘86

Les Plumley & Mary Jo Plumley ‘81

Duke PogatchnikMaJa PogatchnikDon & Mary PolflietNathan Polfliet ‘00 & Angel

PolflietJohn & Kathy PollockDavid Potter ‘77Anne Pryor ‘82Thomas Quarnstrom ‘75Lisa Rademacher ‘93 &

Brian RademacherDaniel Reed ‘76**Roger & Karen ReedeRobert Reinhart ‘75

**Jean ReplingerMichael & Rosemary RizzoJoe Roers ‘05 & **Betty

Roers ‘05 Marsha Rose ‘94Anthony & Michelle

Rossman**James & Aileen Rowe

Larry & Dawn SchiavoMike & Susan SchneiderMatt SchnoorSteven & Loronda Schuler

* Robert Schwoch ‘02* George & Peggy Seldat

Randy Serryn ‘82 & Roxanne Serreyn ‘82

**Lew & Judith Shaver ‘95Richard & Mary Shearer

**Sherwin Skar & **Kathy Jones

James Smalley & Sara Runchey

* Connie & Paul SmisekAlan Smith ‘71 & Evelyn

SmithCynthia Sorenson ‘80

**Richard Spencer & Carol Spencer ‘97

Gregory Stemen ‘01

David Strom ‘75 & Vicki Strom ‘75

Mike & *Elizabeth StruveJohn & Margaret Suedbeck

* Pamela Sukalski ‘95 Mark Sunwall ‘74 &

Deborah SunwallJerry & Linda SvobodaLonnie & Jeannie SwensonRandy & Leann TatgeDoug Theis

* William Thomas & Candace Thomas ‘08

David ThomasJeff & Colleen ThompsonEric & Tamara ThornBruce & Ann TiffanyPaul & Cindy TorkelsonThomas Vandendriessche

‘77 & Janet Vandendriessche

Mark & Rita VandeputteJoseph & Shirley

VanOverbekeDavid Verkinderen ‘90 &

Krista Verkinderen* Eugene & Brenda

VerscheldeTimothy & Mary Jean

Waibel* Ross Webskowski ‘02 &

Heather Webskowski ‘98

Kim & Kristin WegnerMark & Michelle WilcoxJoe & Jane WillettScott & Terri WilliamsHarmon Wilts & Gina Kelly-

WiltsBradley Winkelman ‘91 &

Alison Winkelman ‘91Michael & Susan WudelChad & Sandy WyffelsTerry Wynia ‘87 & *Lori

WyniaHans & Shana ZahrbockThomas & DeVonna ZeugJohn & Karen Zimmerman James & Emily Zwach

Business212 Strategies, LLCA & W & Kentucky Fried

ChickenAction Sports, IncAlden Merritt Enterprises

LLCAll My FavoritesAlliance Pipeline L.P.American Hotel Foundation,

Inc.AmericInn Motel & SuitesAmeriprise Financial -

Randy GroffAwards Plus of Southwest

Minnesota, Inc.BENCO Electric

CooperativeBeverage Wholesalers, Inc.Big Stone Therapies

Marshall, LLC

Bladholm Construction, Inc.Brownlee & Hayes, Inc.Buysse Roofing Systems &

Sheet Metal Co.Caldo Italian KitchenCharter Communications

CompanyChase Manhattan

FoundationChemical BankChevron Humankind

Matching Gift ProgramCity LooksCommunicating for

AgricultureComplete Health CenterDaley Farm of Lewiston,

LLPDental Health CenterEickhoff Enterprises, Inc.The Equitable FoundationF & M Bank Minnesota Farmland FoundationFirst Independent BankFloor to Ceiling StoreFran’s CommunicationsGene’s Sporting Goods, Inc.

of MarshallGene’s Sporting Goods, Inc.

of MinneotaHarvest Land CooperativeHome Federal Savings BankHormel Foods Charitable

TrustHorty Elving & Associates,

Inc.IBM Matching Grants

ProgramJ.R. Farms, Inc.Jim’s Clothing & Sporting

GoodsJohnson’s Paint & Wallpaper

CenterKruse Auto SalesLarson’s Home Furnishings

- MarshallH.W. LinderLockheed Martin

CorporationLudowese A E Inc.Lyon County Farm

Service JVLyon Lodging, LLCMarcotte Jewelry LTDMarshall Area YMCAMarshall Pizza Partners,

LLCMcDonald’s of Redwood

FallsMedtronic FoundationMike’s CafeMinnesota FFA FoundationMinnesota Turkey Growers

AssociationMinnesota Turkey Research

& Promotion CouncilMinnesota Valley

Communications, Inc.Mister Cool’s ClothingMonsanto Company

Moving Forward Advisory Council, Inc.

NE Foods, Inc.New Life Farms, LLLPNorthrop Grumman

FoundationNorthwestern Farm

ManagementOlson & Johnson

International, Inc.On Campus Marketing,

LLC.Pepsi Cola Bottling

CompanyPine Lake Wild Rice FarmPioneer Hi-Bred

InternationalPrairie’s Edge CasinoPrinsco, Inc.R & R Imdieke FarmsRandall W. Johnson, D.D.S.Sanford HealthSherman Chiropractic &

RehabilitationSilvercrest CharolaisSMSU Accounting ClubSMSU Alumni AssociationSMSU HRS/CulinologySMSU President’s OfficeSMSU Theatre DepartmentSouthwest Cattlemen’s

AssociationSouthwest MN Arts &

Humanities CouncilSouthwest PalletsSouthwest SanitationState Farm Insurance

Company - Kevin Anundson

Stearns County Soil & Water Conservation District

Stoneberg Giles & Stroup, P.A.

Tanner Systems, Inc.Thalmann Seeds, Inc.The Rosen Family

FoundationTip Top TuxTrue Value Home CenterTRW FoundationTSPTwin Oak AcresUnited FCSUnited Southwest BankUS BankWherley Moving & StorageWilson O’Brien RealtorsYellow Medicine East

Independent School Dist. 2190

Bellows ClubAlumni & Friends

Lawrence & Elizabeth BaunDavid & Pam BednarGreg BladholmChad Eickhoff ‘01 & Tina

Eickhoff ‘98Colleen Feucht

Marc Fritz ‘03 & Amanda Fritz ‘02

Dan & RaeJean Gee* John & Leanna Ginocchio

Tom HandelandMike HenleBrian Kor & Nancy Kor ‘83Robert & Donna KruseDavid & Marlyce LoganTodd Mentzer ‘92 & Bev

MentzerGregory & Cheryl NemecBrian & Tiffany RodningClayton Schwerin ‘77 &

Tami SchwerinJason & Lisa ShermanBrandon & Lauri SkewesRandy & Elaine SookHarold & Roxanna SorknesAlison & John TauerHelen WandsJoyce & Oscar WeiszhaarJeff Witt

BusinessBirath Wealth Management,

LLCEast River Electric

CooperativeInspec, IncJimmy John’s Gourmet

SandwichesMotivation By Design, LLC.MRLF Tractor PullPepsico FoundationRambowSleepy Eye Lions ClubStaples Enterprises, IncSussner Construction, Inc.Varsity Pub

Founders ClubAlumni & Friends

Steven & *Linda BachFrank Belmont ‘76 &

Rebecca Belmont* Noelle Beyer ‘97 & James

Beyer ‘97Eric Bly ‘02 & Erica Bly ‘02Thomas Boerboom ‘74 &

Susan BoerboomKimberly BrehmerBrian Bromen ‘72 &

*Melissa Bromen ‘74* TJ & Candace Buchholz

Tracy & Thomas BuzzellSusan Carlson ‘98 & Kevin

CarlsonTina Cartwright ‘97 & Chad

Cartwright* Sean Culhane ‘05

Rassoul Dastmozd ‘83Dave Deines ‘93 & Kimberly

Deines ‘95Todd & Brenda DirckxGreg Dobrenski ‘86 & Janet

DeVos-DobrenskiScott Dubbelde ‘84 & Diane

Dubbelde ‘87Bruce Egeland

* Denotes SMSU employee **Denotes Retired SMSU Employee

20 FOUNDATION ANNUAL REPORT 2012-13

* Brian Ehlenbach ‘01 & Shawna Ehlenbach

Charles Ehlers & Kari Ehlers ‘99

Michael & Pamela Ellingson

Kimberly Fier-Abraham & Kim Abraham

Kurt FishtornQuentin Fixen & Carla

Fixen ‘11Craig Gifford ‘71 & Ann

Marie Gifford ‘71Sara Granheim ‘02Jonathan Harley ‘72 &

Donna HarleyMark & Jodi HollemanDavid Horstmann ‘77 &

Lisa HorstmannJames & Susan IversonGary Johnson ‘75 & Susan

Johnson* Maria Kingsbury

Michael Klein ‘86 & Jenifer Klein

Karen & Don KlinknerDallas & Gale KluksdalKerry & Becky KnakmuhsGary & Joleen Koch

* Allison KrugerSteve & Carol KrugerBruce & Vicki LamprechtMark Maiers ‘88 & Cindy

MaiersArt Matthys

* Michael McHugh* Jessica Mensink ‘04 & Tony

MensinkGunner MensinkDavid Meulebroeck ‘76 &

Karen MeulebroeckThomas Meulebroeck ‘73 &

Veronica MeulebroeckTimothy Michals &

Stephanie McKeeChris & Mindy MoedeJim & Mary MuchlinskiJeff & Melanie Mueller

* Ken Murphy ‘88 & Sandra Murphy

Beth NelsonCraig & Debra NorlandMark & Lori OlsonSteven Otto ‘79 & Teresa

OttoMark PriegnitzGary Rychley ‘72 & Wendy

RychleyElaine Sandager ‘74

* Cory & Amy SauterNorman & Gail Schnieder

**Frank & Mitsue ShindoJack Skjoldager ‘72 &

Marlene SkjoldagerBradley StrandWilliam TauerKristina Taylor ‘87Andrew Thangasamy ‘98Christopher Theobald ‘86

& Elisa Theobald

Robert & Harriette TholenDustin Vierstraete & Sonia

Vierstraete ‘01Adam Willert ‘05 &

Heather WillertDavid Wolter ‘78 & Dianna

Wolter ‘80Business

Ag Country Farm Credit Auri

BASF North AmericaBoulder EstatesDoom & Cuypers, Inc.Extra InningsGrandview Financial, Inc.Happy FeetHomeTown BankHouston County Farm

BureauIBM International

FoundationIndependent Lumber of

MarshallKey Largo Restaurant &

LoungeP & J Products Co.Pine Hills Golf ClubSchlenner Construction CoState Farm Insurance -

Charlie AufenthieThe Baxter International

FoundationThe Bike ShopValley Discount Liquor

Century ClubAlumni & Friends

Bruce Aamot ‘76 & Lori Aamot

Chad Adams ‘96 & Ann Adams ‘97

Elizabeth Adams ‘84Jason Adams ‘94 & Kami

Adams ‘95Mary Adkins ‘74 & Buddie

Adkins* Jorun & Alan Ahmann* Frances AlbitzBen Alcorn ‘02Sonya Alexander ‘89 &

Robert AlexanderJeff & Bonnie AllenLinda Allen ‘84 & Jeffrey

AllenDaniel Amundson ‘96 &

Kari Amundson ‘96A. Eric AndersonBrent Anderson ‘83 &

Rebeca AndersonBrian Anderson ‘74 & Lea

AndersonJennifer AndersonNancy AndersonPaul Anderson ‘93 & Julie

AndersonBradley Angell ‘72 & Erna

AngellJoyce Arends ‘98 & Paul

Arends* Bridget Arkell ‘00 &

Richard Arkell ‘06* Kathleen Ashe & John

BungeAnnette Atkins ‘72 & Tom

JoyceEric Baertsch ‘98 & Lori

BaertschScott BahlerJane Balch ‘70Anastasia BaldowinLarry Balfanz ‘75 & Mary

LeopoldDebra Banks ‘75 & Richard

BanksCalvin BarnettJeffrey Bartz ‘85 & Jill BartzJean BaunGary & Teresa BeckerKevin Beekman ‘84 &

Joanne SchollmeierLarry & Lynne BeelerAmy & Brett BeernaertRichard Bendt ‘90 &

Shawna BendtRena Benedict ‘72Ryan & Kaycee BenedictRoger Benson ‘78 &

Deborah Benson ‘76Charles Beranek ‘96 &

Heidi Beranek ‘96Dale & Marlene Berg

* Marcia & Scott BeukelmanCynthia Bighley ‘83 &

Milton BighleyDavid Binder ‘83 & Yu-min

ChiouHarry BirathMichael Bird ‘95 & Jodi

Bird ‘95Nancy & Kevin BittermanJulie Bleyhl ‘84

**Allen Blitstein & **Carole Blitstein ‘88

Dean Bloemke ‘73 & JoAnn Bloemke

Kurt BlomgrenJohn Blomme ‘90 & Kristin

Blomme ‘89Adam Blume ‘06Jeffrey & Candice

BobrowiczReuben & Judy BodeRicky Boelter ‘95 & Nicole

Boelter ‘04Dean & Jeanette BoerboomJason Boerboom ‘95

& Holly Williams-Boerboom ‘97

Mike BoerboomEric Born ‘93 &

Danita BornJohn & Margaret BornhoftMark & Elizabeth BostwickMark & Jeanette BosveldJohn Bot ‘95 &

Becky Bot ‘02Jon Bot ‘80 & Susan BotTimothy & Kathy Boyd

* David BraatenDale Bradtke ‘85

Patrick Brady ‘71Carol BraggPatti Breyfogle ‘92 &

Eric BartalottoPeter Breyfogle ‘80 &

Nancy BreyfogleThomas Brockberg ‘72 &

Cheryl BrockbergBruce BroderiusLee Broderius ‘84 &

Geralyn BroderiusAlan Bronnenberg ‘10

* Jay & Judy BrownRon Brown ‘79 & Carla

BrownMelissa BruggemanDarlyne BrunsvoldChristina Brusven ‘02 &

Daniel BrusvenKristie BrusvenJim Budahn ‘75 & Amy

BudahnFloyd & Judith

BuddenhagenLevi Bullerman ‘10 &

Alarie BullermanJerry & Michelle BunkersThomas BurkeLonna & Bruce BurmeisterDoris BurtonJohn Burton ‘72 & Sandra

Burton ‘71Velmer BurtonJohn Buseth ‘86 & Vicki

BusethSteve Bush ‘76 & Sonya

BushCharles Buysse ‘82 &

Sharon BuysseJeff & Rhonda BuysseLarry & Valerie BuysseMike BuysseRodney Cardinal ‘71 &

Mary Cardinal ‘71Brett Carlson ‘92 & Loretta

CarlsonMary Alice Carlson

* Patricia Carmody ‘80 & Sean Carmody ‘81

Alan Carpenter ‘72 & Anne Carpenter ‘75

Bill & Suzanne CarrJames & Gail CarrKristina Carrow ‘05 &

Nicholas Carrow ‘03Marri Carrow ‘08Elizabeth Carstens ‘74Steven Casavant ‘03 &

Catherine CasavantGregory Casey ‘71 &

Barbara CaseyEdward CaudilloCharles Chalberg ‘73Dean Champine ‘74 &

Karen Champine ‘77Jeff & Janet ChapmanValerie & Robert CherryJames & Judith ChittickPaul Choudek ‘82 & Julie

Choudek ‘84

David Christensen & Julie Anne Solberg Christensen

Nancy Clark ‘00Jay ClasingJohn Compton ‘80 & Renee

ComptonKari Condezo & *Gustavo

Condezo ‘01Christy Coudron ‘92 &

Steven CoudronJennifer Coudron ‘98 &

Ron CoudronDarrell Courneya ‘73 &

Celeste CourneyaMichael Cox ‘73 & Cheryl

CoxMatthew Crellin ‘76 & Joan

CochranMary CrossRichard Crumb ‘81 &

Helen CrumbTimothy Cundy ‘97Larry & June DaellenbachButch & Margie DahlNathan Dahlager ‘98 &

*Cori Ann Dahlager ‘98Michyl Dalager ‘01 &

Karen Dalager ‘01Brent & Jane Davidson

* Stephen & Carrie DavisPeter & Elizabeth Davis

* Stewart Day & Rebecca Day ‘11

Jane DeAustin ‘73 & Bob DeAustin

* Emily DeaverRoger & Deb DeBaereBernie DeCock & Julie

DeCock ‘81Gayle & Lois DeglerWilliam DeLay ‘85 & Lori

DeLayAlan DeLeeuw ‘76 & Jane

DeLeeuwJames Denevan ‘83 & Betsy

DenevanBrent & JoAnne DeruyterSusan DeSaer ‘83 &

Timothy DeSaerDouglas & Helen

DevereauxBrian & Dorothy DeVosMark Diekmann ‘83 &

Deborah DiekmannMary Jo Dierickx ‘84Carolyn Dindorf ‘83Richard Dinello ‘78Bradley Dirckx ‘76 &

Margaret DirckxTammy Distad ‘86Daryll & Kathleen DobeshNicholas & Michelle

DoelingTracy Doherty ‘80 & Lisa

DohertyKenneth & Marie DolanLon Dopp ‘93 &

*Jill Dopp ‘93

* Denotes SMSU employee **Denotes Retired SMSU Employee

FOUNDATION ANNUAL REPORT 2012-13 21

Janel Dressen ‘97 & Chad Dressen

Michael DulasGreg & Jody DuskeGlenn & Darcy EbenAngela & Randy EbrightGary & Catherine

EcalbargerPeter Egan ‘74 & Carol

Egan ‘74Margaret Eichenlaub ‘89 &

Robert EichenlaubPatrick Eichten ‘93 & Jenny

EichtenGary Eickhoff ‘73 & Joyce

EickhoffDavid EischensJoyce Eischens ‘87Gary & Carolyn EliasonChristopher Ellingson ‘01 &

Andrea Ellingson ‘98Terry Endres

* Lori Engebretson ‘06 & Michael Engebretson ‘07

David Engel ‘72Timothy Engeldinger ‘98

* Bonnie & Gordon Engesmoe

Tyler Engquist ‘02 & Jill Engquist ‘02

Sarah Ericksen ‘97Christine Erickson ‘73 &

James EricksonEvelyn Ernst ‘71 & Carl

ErnstMerlyn & Ann EubankStacey EvansJacob Fahl ‘03 & *Angela

Fahl ‘04Craig Feldman ‘99 & Stacey

Feldman ‘98Arnold & Joyce FenclChuck & Pamela FennellDale Ferguson ‘71 & Betty

FergusonDarrel FeuchtJohn Fischer ‘89 & Mary

FischerKevin & Monica FischerMark & Beth FischerSteve Fleck ‘90 & Cindy

Fleck ‘92Neil & Carol FletcherTom & Karen FrancisDennis Frederickson &

Marjorie Frederickson ‘79

* Lee French ‘72 & Joann French ‘75

Daniel Fuchs ‘75 & Denise Fuchs

John & Michelle FullAnnette FultsJerry FuryDavid Garman ‘76 &

Nancy GarmanGeorgene GarmanJulie Garrow &

Jon Garrow ‘96James Garvin ‘84 & Debra

Garvin ‘84

* Brett Gaul ‘00 & Anita GaulLarry Gavin ‘81 & Patricia

GavinThomas Gelhar ‘78 & Lynn

GelharBrian GilbertScott Gilbertson ‘90 &

DeAnn Gilbertson ‘90* Gary & Patricia Gillin

Daryl Gillund ‘96Robert Gilman ‘84 & Tracy

GilmanWilliam Gimmestad ‘07 &

Paula Gimmestad ‘86Jerome Girton ‘73Brent Gish ‘73 & Gayle GishShirley Gladitsch ‘75 &

Miles GladitschJohn Glasgow ‘72 & **Jo

Anne Glasgow ‘71Thomas Goblirsch ‘75 &

Lisa GoblirschPeter GoedtkeRaymond & Twyla GoedtkeRichard Goehring ‘94Al & Kären GoergenDiane & Terry GonnermanKay Gonzales ‘73 & Jamie

GonzalesMason GoodenowRachelle Graham & Eric

Pierskalla ‘80Amy & Kory GrantPaulette Grausam ‘76 &

Greg GrausamLeah Grobove ‘87 & Marvin

GroboveJerry Groen ‘85 & Marcella

Groen ‘85Patrick & Patti GroffJosh Gronli ‘08Richard Groothuis ‘78 &

Jane GroothuisMatthew GrossAlan Grube ‘90 & Barb

O’Connor-GrubeTim Gudal

* Christian & *Kim GuentherJeffrey Gunderson ‘88 &

Cynthia GundersonDarlene Guse ‘05Angela Gutxmer & Kevin

GutzmerMary Jo HaalandMark Hacker ‘74 & Marilyn

Hacker ‘77* Mari Haecherl ‘81 &

David HaecherlSteven HagenPatrick & Debra

HaggenmillerMichael Haig ‘76Douglas & Charis HamiltonDorothy Hamman ‘93

* Carrie Hansen ‘08Trevor & Melissa HansonWayne & Janet HansonAnnette Harding ‘71Daniel Harms ‘89 &

Heather HarmsBrian Hart

Jean Hartman ‘76 & James Hartman

Jeanette HauschildSteve HawkinsonCarlos & Criquet HazimCynthia Hebrink ‘95 &

Randall HebrinkLarry Hebrink ‘72 & Linda

HebrinkSteven Hedberg ‘71

* Shawn Hedman ‘86 & Nancy Jo Hedman ‘87

Lisa Hedrick ‘87 & Mark Hedrick

Carol Heen ‘71 & Charlie Boone

Lowell & Gladys HelliePeter Hellie ‘84 &

Joy Hellie ‘88Thomas Hellmann ‘81 &

Diana HellmannChristopher Helvig ‘83 &

Lisa HelvigPepper Henkel ‘91Larry & Barbara HenleJohn & Terry HennenSteve & Melissa HennenMichael Henning ‘91Robert Henrichs

* Kristine Henspeter ‘74 & Kim Henspeter

* Rick HerderDan & Deb HerrmannMarcellan & Kevin HertzThomas Hey ‘86 & Jennifer

Hey ‘86Greg Higdem ‘77Lucas & Jessica HilgemannJeffrey Hill ‘77 & Amy HillScott & Shirley HillerMax Hinneberg ‘78 &

Michele HinnebergLisa Hochhalter ‘89 & Barry

HochhalterThomas Hoff ‘87 & Cheryl

Hoff ‘87Dennis Hoffbeck ‘03Jason Hoffman ‘99 & Pam

HoffmanJennifer Hoffman ‘99James Hofmann ‘84Tim Holinka ‘87 & Kris

HolinkaSharon Hollatz ‘01 & Tom

Hollatz* Diana Holmes ‘12

Karen HolmesCarl HolmquistDennis Hoogeveen ‘85 &

Brenda Hoogeveen ‘88David Horn ‘78Linda Horsager ‘71 & Les

HorsagerJames Horton & Kerri

Delaney-HortonQuinn Horvath &

Kari Horvath ‘98Mark Hotzler ‘80 & Jane

HotzlerCarol & Mark HrubyMark Huebsch

Angie & Courtney HughesJason Huss ‘97 &

Dongi HussSteve Iano ‘77 &

Pamela IanoLee Isenberg

* Jeffrey & Nicolle JenningsMark Jennings ‘77 &

Dorothy TischerDennis Jensen ‘71Kevin Jensen ‘01Mary Joy Jensen ‘84 &

Mark JensenNeil Jensen ‘71 &

Karen JensenRobert & Sharron JensenLaura Jenson ‘08 & Jake

JensonJon & Jill Jeseritz

* Denise Jesse ‘98 & Paul Jesse ‘98

Philip Jessen ‘84 & Gayleen Jessen ‘85

Brad Johnson ‘73 & Deborah Johnson

Curtis Johnson ‘81 & Ruth Johnson

Joel & Stacy JohnsonMarcia Johnson ‘72 & Van

JohnsonNancy Johnson ‘73Paul & Lois JohnsonSteve JohnsonThomas Johnson ‘72 &

Kathleen Johnson ‘71Thomas Johnson ‘75Thomas Johnson ‘80 &

Kristen JohnsonDarrel JohnsrudDavid JohnsrudRichard Jones ‘73 & Jeanne

Jones ‘86Gary Jongerius ‘77 & Debra

Prairie ‘79* Karen Kaas ‘94* Sharon & Dave Kabes

Gary Kahl* Daniel Kaiser &

*Sheryl Kaiser ‘06Merlyn Karjala ‘80 &

Linda Karjala ‘82Janell Kassel ‘04 & Tyson

Kassel ‘02Gary & Candy KellenPaula Kelly ‘89 & John KellyTimothy Kerkaert ‘92 &

Carol KerkaertKeith & DeNell Kern

* Anthony & Ami KerrGary & Lorie KidrowskiRichard Kidrowski ‘94Mark & Carol KiemeleElmer & Joyce KienitzLinda Kimber ‘83

* Stephen KingsburyChristy Klatt ‘92 & Bob

Klatt ‘92LeAnn & Jason KleinAndy Kleindl ‘83 & Julie

Kleindl

Gary Klimmek ‘73 & Marion Klimmek ‘74

Bradley KlinkefusNicole KlinkefusDouglas Kmetz ‘77 & Susan

Kmetz ‘79Brian & Andra KnapekKathy & Tim KnapekKevin Knetsch & Mary

Knetsch ‘05Rick Knoll ‘05Maxine KnoxMarlys & Ken KnuthJudith KochTeresa KockWayne & Kerry KoeppJames Koewler ‘72 & Vicki

Koewler ‘76Thomas Kolb ‘09 & Emily

Kolb ‘10Christine Konold ‘87James Konradi ‘73 &

Roberta KonradiJim & Jill KontzGary Koosmann ‘73Andrea Kopfmann ‘07Ronald Kopischke ‘82 &

Judy Kopischke ‘81Roger Koster ‘84 & Joan

Koster ‘86Curt & Luci KovashMichael Kraemer ‘70 &

Candice KraemerEmily Kram ‘06Michael & Mary KrantzDavid Krause ‘84 & Carolyn

KrauseTom Kremer ‘72Tom KrenikRobert Krogman ‘87 &

Tamara KrogmanRyan Krome ‘09Ryan Krueger ‘01 & Tessa

Krueger ‘03Brian & Bonnie KruseAndrew Kubat ‘76 & Dona

Kubat ‘76Douglas Kunde ‘83 &

Marissa KundeShane Kussatz ‘96 &

Heather KussatzDaniel Labat ‘82Dick & Kathy LabatDuane & Gerri LabatKirk & Jane LandmanRolf & Sheryl Lang

**Cletus & Lorraine LannersDave & *Maggie LarsenDanny & Tracy LarsonDeborah Launer ‘77 &

Russell LaunerSteven Leaf ‘76Steven Lecy &

Marsha Lecy ‘88Daniel Lee ‘83 & Karolee

Knudson-LeeDarwin Leek ‘79 & Virgean

LeekMichael Leischner ‘09Tharan Leopold ‘92 & Ruth

Lillquist

22 FOUNDATION ANNUAL REPORT 2012-13* Denotes SMSU employee **Denotes Retired SMSU Employee

* Diane Leslie ‘91 & Bill LeslieJudith Letrud ‘77 & Dan

DallmanLavilla LevtzowRonald LevtzowMelissa Lies ‘92 & Jeff LiesKelly LindemanPeter Linder ‘94 & Rhonda

LinderGary Lindert ‘75 & Mary

LindertKaye Link ‘73Robert Long

* Janice Louwagie ‘79 & Jerry Louwagie ‘77

**Jo & Joe LouwagieJames Louwagie ‘86 & Julie

LouwagieKirk & Valerie LovsnessBrian Lucker ‘77 & Janeen

LuckerDoug Luepke ‘73Brian Luke ‘75 & Jane Luke

‘75Barbara Lynch ‘75Vito & Lisa MacchioTodd Madden ‘86 & Karen

MaddenRoger & Donna MadisonJolayne Madson ‘87Jon Maker ‘78 & Rhonda

MakerJanine & Keith MalbrueSteven Malecek ‘73 & Roxane

Malecek ‘75* Karen & Jim Malmberg

Ralph & Debra MalzCherie Manderschied ‘71 &

Randall ManderschiedPatricia MarisDavid Marquardt & Julie

MarguardtJohn & Diane MarshallRichard & Carol MartinWilbur MasatDon MassaBrad Mathiowetz ‘92Jeffrey Mauland ‘78 & Lynn

MaulandBruce Maus ‘74David Mbonu ‘80 & Emilia

MbonuBecki & Mike McGlauflinKevin & Pamela McGuire

* Susan McLeanKathryn McNally-Bova ‘93 &

Gregory BovaPerry & Kristin McNeil ‘05Michael Meier ‘98 & Cat

Abbott ‘09Beau Meinert ‘93 & Tracy

MeinertSteven & Karen MeisterDavid Meyer ‘93 & Becky

MeyerDaniel & Rosmari MihinJanna & Marc MilbradtAlan & Shelly MillerJames MIllerRoger & Julie MillerMichael Mills

Alan Miner ‘84Karen Minge ‘88 & David

MingeJulie Miramontes ‘83 &

Thomas MiramontesE.J. Moberg ‘98 & Shannon

Moberg* Regina & Jeffrey Modica

Thomas Moehn ‘76 & Olga Moehn

Brad & Linda MohnsJames & Laura MolenaarMelvin & Susan MonsenLawrence & Lavonne MoorseBruce Morgan ‘73 & Anne

MorganScott Morin ‘76 & Mahree

MorinRandy Morken ‘80 & Mary

Morken ‘78Julie Mortier ‘91 & CJ

MortierPaul Muecke ‘09Kristi Muller ‘89

* Michael Munford ‘05 & Cinara Munford

Rebecca Munns ‘93 & Thomas Munns

Denise Myhrberg ‘81Lawrence NaberGary & LouAnn NagelMichael Nash ‘75 &

Elizabeth NashKeith Nelsen ‘71 & Jane

Nelsen ‘88* Jesse & Julie Nelson* Linda Nelson ‘92 & Jon

NelsonJess & Linda NelsonKeith Newman ‘88 & Tamara

Newman ‘90Jackson NicholsJennifer NielsenElisabeth NoelMark Nordrum ‘78 &

Barbara NordrumDale Norell ‘74 &

Deborah LienMichael Norgaard ‘02 &

Susan NorgaardJim Norton ‘78 & Cynthia

NortonTracy Oey ‘02 &

Alexander Oey ‘03Erling & Charlotte Oie

* Julia & Dean Olson* Marcy Olson ‘93 &

Ryan Wendland ‘02Brad OlsonJerry & Suzanne Olson

* Raphael & Lillian Onyeaghala

* Ray & Jane OsterLoren OvergaardMabel OvergaardMark OvergaardSandra OwensTodd Pack ‘77 &

Debi Pack ‘89Tom & Denise PalmerMark & Colette Patzer

Kevin & Barb PaulsenDavid PaulsonAllison PayneMary & Gary PayneThomas PearcyAndrew Peschong ‘10Michael & LeaAnn PeschongPaul Petan ‘86 & Rebecca

PetanShawn Peterka ‘04Nathan Petersen ‘00Svend & Maren Petersen

* Scott & Peggy PetersonBryan & Jill PetersonGary Peterson ‘77 & Patricia

PetersonMary Lou Peterson ‘71Sue Peterson ‘89 & Bradley

PetersonWayne & Colleen PetersonScott Petrich ‘87 & Connie

Petrich ‘87Kevin Pfingsten ‘81 &

Ra’Keeta PfingstenWilliam & Tamara PierceBrian Pioske ‘87 & Patricia

Pioske ‘87Karen Pirozzoli ‘80 &

Michael PirozzoliPhillip & Alonna PointonJames Polejewski ‘87 & Gail

Polejewski ‘93Steven Polkow ‘71 & Linda

PolkowErik Porter ‘05 & Andrea

PorterRoberta Porter ‘79Duane Possail ‘87 & Jeanna

Possail ‘89Prudence PrecourtNickolaus PribylJerry Priester &

Sara Priester ‘86James & Jane ProkopMike & Jodi ProkopCarol PurringtonDaniel Radel ‘08 & Kelli

Radel ‘93Warren Radel ‘89 & Melissa

Radel ‘90Charles Rahm ‘72Karl Ramey ‘91 & Karen

RameyDale Raschke ‘75Dennis RasmussenSteven & Peri RasskePaul & Marcia RehkampTodd Reif ‘84 &

Mary Reif ‘85Jerry & Renae ReuCarol ReuversRoger Reuvers ‘81 & Linda

Reuvers ‘82Lee Richmond ‘80 & Jeffrey

Richmond* Heather Rickgarn ‘07 & John

Rickgarn ‘06Mark Riebel ‘85 & Kathy

RiebelDennis & Lois Ries

Timothy Rignell ‘76 & Kristine Rignell

Dan & Marie RitterBrad & Gina RobertsAnn Roemen ‘84 & Daniel

BeacomRichard RoeslerBrian Rowell ‘77 & Susan

RowellChristopher Rowell ‘05 &

Michele Rowell ‘07Russell Royce ‘78Thomas Runck

* Eric & Anna RunestadTom & Muriel RunholtBetsy Ruppert-Kan ‘91 &

Dan Ruppert-KanChelsea & Dustin RussellDolores Rysdahl ‘71Thomas Sahlstrom ‘83 &

Cindy SahlstromPeter & Jackie SamesMichael & Nancy SandagerRuth Sanders ‘73 & Doug

SandersRussell Sanow ‘76 & Deidre

Sanow ‘77Scott & Staci Saugstad

* Kathy J Schaefer ‘84 & Jerry Schaefer ‘12

Kevin Schaefer ‘94 & Linda Schaefer ‘96

Alan Schafer ‘73 & Juliane Schafer

Benjamin & Kristel Schamber

John Schatzlein ‘71 & Helen Schatzlein ‘71

Ronald Schilling ‘72 & Donna Schilling

Terry Schiro ‘75 & Susan Schiro

Terry Schleif ‘76 & Robin Schleif

Andrew Schlichting ‘06Corey Schmid ‘89 & Julie

Schmid* Nadine & Karl Schmidt

Kelly SchmidtKent Schmidt ‘85 & Shaneen

SchmidtTroy & Erica SchmittDan SchneiderAngie Schneiderman ‘98Joshua Scholten ‘05 &

Melissa Scholten ‘07Paul & Nancy SchonsDean Schoolmeester ‘94 &

*Wendy Claussen ‘87David SchoperTracy Schramm ‘01Wayne & Darlene SchreursAlex Schuh ‘08Dianna Schultz ‘07Kirk SchultzCharles & Patricia

SchuveillerMary SchuveillerBradley Schwartz ‘78 &

Deborah SchwartzNick & Jill Schwarz

Dave SeidlerLinda Seifert ‘73 & Michael

SeifertRichard SetherMarie Setnes ‘02 &

Kristopher SetnesKrishna Shah ‘97Laurie Shaw ‘82 & Michael

QuallsCraig Shea ‘80 & Barb SheaColleen Shupe ‘86 & Dean

ShupeBruce Siegling

* Douglas Simon ‘94 & Molly Simon ‘07

Greta & Harley SimonsonAnn Simpson & Aju FennBrian Skalbeck ‘73 & Dee

SkalbeckBrad Skoglund ‘83 & Teresa

SkoglundJohn Skogstoe ‘73 & Susan

Skogstoe* Anthony Smith

John Smith ‘74 & Becky Smith

Kirk Smith ‘79 & LouAnn Smith ‘77

Steven & Rhonda Smith**Gary Sneide

Scott Snobl ‘94 & Saundra Snobl

John & Pam SoderholmMaureen Sorensen ‘80 &

Grant SorensenElvera SpechtChad & Joy SpringborgSharon Springer ‘71 & Ron

SpringerSteven Squibb ‘92 & Kelly

SquibbGary St Aubin ‘82 & Wendy

St AubinGary & Jean StaefflerDaniel Stanley ‘82Craig & Mary StaufackerKathy Steffen ‘83 & Robert

SteffenDennis StemenBetty Ann Stensgaard ‘70

* Conni & Stan Stensrud* Michele Sterner & Oak

KelseyRod StevensLeon Stoel ‘89 & Tammy

Stoel ‘90Mark & Janelle StreedNorma Streich ‘80Mark Stumm ‘82Timothy & Julie Stupka

* David & Gwen Sturrock* Matthew Suby &

Deanna Suby ‘09Becky Suedbeck Harbarth

‘97 & Jon SuedbeckJim Sullivan ‘83 & Terry

SullivanMatt & Linnea SurprenantApril Sutor ‘80Valerie Swanson ‘76 & Neil

Sussenguth

FOUNDATION ANNUAL REPORT 2012-13 23 * Denotes SMSU employee **Denotes Retired SMSU Employee

24 FOUNDATION ANNUAL REPORT 2012-13

Shane Sweetland ‘94Peter Swenson ‘90 & Bonnie

SwensonJames & *Sheila Tabaka

* James & Mary TateLoren Tauer ‘73 & Janelle

TauerDan & Michele TennissenJeff Tetrick ‘72 & Chris

TetrickTodd & Julie ThedensBradley TheisAndrew Theisen ‘80 & Carol

TheisenRobert & Julie ThielLyle Thies ‘77 & Joyce ThiesRalph & Kari ThissenAlan Thom ‘71 & Sharon

Peterson-Thom ‘73* Gloria Thompson

Jennifer ThompsonMatthew Thompson ‘06 &

April Thompson ‘06Ronald & Becky ThompsonWayne & Mary ThompsonJohn Thomsen ‘02Justin Thordson ‘98 & Jamie

Brink-Thordson ‘06Bradley ThorsonMatthew Tiffany ‘03Gary Tigges ‘78Barbara Tighe ‘98 & Earle

TigheDelmar Timm ‘73 & Pat

TimmJanel Timm ‘01 & Joel

TimmTerry Timm ‘71 & Rebecca

TimmConstance

Tinklenberg-Hays ‘71Steven Titus ‘87 &

Sara Titus ‘87Richard Toews ‘75 & Jeanne

Toews ‘74Kent & Jennifer TonsagerWade Tornquist ‘81 & Mary

TornquistThomas Trollen ‘78 &

Lynn TrollenLee Trotman ‘07 & Kara

Brockett ‘08* Joan & Steve Tutt

Paul & Lola TwedtKaren Utt ‘90 & Michael UttRodney VanderZiel ‘80 &

Kimberly VanderZiel ‘80* Michael VanDrehle ‘08* Debbie VanOverbeke ‘89 &

Gary VanOverbekeGary Veenstra &

Diana Veenstra ‘72Steve Venteicher ‘89Lisa Verschaetse ‘83 &

Randall VerschaetseTerry & Cindy Verschaetse

Joel VinkemeierJohn & Stacey VoitJane VoldMichael Voss ‘72Jason & Jill VoteSteve WaldsteinKathy Waletzko ‘81 &

Gerald WaletzkoDoug Wallace ‘77 & Debra

Wallace ‘79Eugene Walter ‘83 & Nancy

WalterJack Warnemunde ‘73 &

Jodi WarnemundeLawrence WarnerMark & Shawna WarnerJohn Warnert ‘86Phillip & Mischelle WattsMichael & Debra WegRonald & Donna WeidauerHarry & Jaen WeilageMichael Weinand ‘94 &

Rachelle Weinand ‘93John & Pat WeirBradley Wendland ‘89 &

Pamela Wendland ‘90Ray & Marcia WenkDevlon Werkman ‘01 &

Bobbi WerkmanBruce Werner ‘77 & Beverly

WernerTom & Melanie WernerJocelyn Wester ‘02 & Tim

WesterAmy WestermeyerDwayne Westra & Beth

Westra ‘74Randy & Sima WewetzerMatthew & Kristi WickettRyan WiemanSandy Wilcox ‘82 &

Timothy WilcoxJason Wilhelm ‘02Mark Wilson & Elaine

HalversonRobert Wilson ‘76 & Mary

Kay Wilson ‘76Marlin & Beverly

WinkelmanBruce Winter ‘79Steve & Mary WintherWilliam WojcikRonald Woldengen ‘72 &

Karol WoldengenReginald WolskyTeresa Woodworth ‘79 &

Mark WoodworthRoberta Wyatt & Edwin

YerkaGary & Elaine WyffelsGreg Wymer ‘95 & Amy

WymerGary Wynia ‘75 & Joan

WyniaKevin Wynia ‘84 & Sara Lee

Wynia ‘89

Timothy & Beth WynneMichael & Kellie YackleyJames York ‘82 & Rosemary

YorkBrian Yost ‘93 & Nicole YostThomas & Cheryl ZagerDonald Zierke ‘77 &

Barbara ZierkeBusiness

25th Street Storage, Inc.AB Vacuum CenterActiveaid, Inc.AgVenture Feed & Seed,

Inc.Alliant Techsystems,

Operations, LLCAmericInn-MarshallAmerican Family InsuranceArcher Daniels MidlandAvon Products Foundation,

Inc.B & A SundanceBancwest Investment

Services Inc.Barnes and NobleBASFBH Electronics, Inc.Bramhall Golf Shop, Inc.Canterbury ParkCaseys General StoreComputer Man, Inc.Computers and BeyondDaniels-Peterson

Construction, Inc.Deruyter PalletsDodge County Farm BureauDow Corning Matching

Gifts ProgramDulas ConstructionDybsetter Farms, Inc.Eastern Farmers

CooperativeEdward D. Jones - Neil FrostEnterprise Rent A CarFirst National BankFirst Security BankFirst Security BankFreeborn County Farm

Bureau AssociationFulda Area Credit UnionGoods EavespoutingGuthrie TheaterHamilton Funeral HomeHampton InnHiller Commercial FloorsHiller RentalsHostelling Int’l - American

Youth Hostels, IncIllinois Tool Works

Foundation

INGInsurance Service AgencyJackpot Junction CasinoJeseritz ElectricJim Brust, Inc.Johnson Family Dental CareJohnson Trenching Co.KAB Farms, LLCKesteloot EnterprisesKluksdal Piano TuningListul SeedsLockwood Motors

EmployeesM & B Farms, Inc.Malz Bros. FarmMarcoMarshall Aquatic CenterMarshall Area Stage

CompanyMartin County Farm

BureauMassa Dental Offices, P.C.Maurices, Inc.Mayo Employees Federal

Credit UnionMcDonald’s of MarshallMDIMinnesota Association for

Teachers RetirementMinnwest Bank - DawsonNicollet County Farm

BureauNolting Farms IncorporatedNorm’s GTC - Car QuestNorth Dakato State

UniversityOrphanage Antiques-

Strawberry FieldsPatzer’s Hardware HankPAX - Program of Academic

ExchangePehrson FarmsPNC FoundationPurple Iris Yarn ShopRalph Olson & Sons, Inc.Rehkamp & Horvath

Funeral DirectorsRice County Farm Bureau,

Inc.Runholt Family Farm

PartnershipRycan Technologies,Inc.Sanken SeedsSchneider Development,

Inc.SMSU Admission OfficeSMSU English DepartmentSMSU Faculty AssociationSole-Mates, LLCSouthwest Pro Painting LLC

Star FoundationState Farm InsuranceState Farm Insurance -

Mark PriegnitzSteele County Farm Bureau

AgencyStudio BStueven FarmsSunsational TanningThe Daily GrindThelen Funeral HomeThirty-One, Ami KerrTK SteakhouseToni’s DepotTown & Country AgencyTyler Golf ClubUnited Ag Resource LLCVanderHagen Skogrand &

AssociatesVanderZiel Tax &

Accounting ServiceWerkman Mechanical, LLCWinona County Farm

Bureau FederationWitzel’s Pronto Auto Parts

& ServiceWood Lake LumberWrolson Grain UnitZiegler Inc.

Heritage Society ‡ Michelle Anderson ’88Michael Bjerkesett ’71John & Jean BrobstTimothy Burns ’72 & Julie

BurnsMarylee Dallman ’94 &

Dennis DallmannDavid & Cecelia DanaharDonald & Phyllis DanielsonMitch Glover ’85 & Jane

Glover ’84Deeann Griebel ’80Chris Grosz ’82Sheldon & Margery

HaalandJason Hoffman ’99 & Pam

HoffmanRichard Jorgensen ’72 &

Barbara JorgensenGrant & Nancy JoyMarilyn Kontz ’71Sally A. Magnuson &

Burton M. Magnuson ‘04Marilyn McLaughlin

**Charles MyrbachDoris Olson

‡ Heritage Society was established to recognize and honor, during their lifetime, those persons whose vision and generosity move them to support SMSU through an estate plan gift.* Denotes SMSU employee **Denotes Retired SMSU Employee

Located in the depths of Founders Hall on the campus of Southwest Minnesota State University exists a critical operational center for the SMSU Foundation — the Call Center. Nearly every night, a group of talented and dedicated SMSU students clock-in, log-on, and aim to “Get LinkedUp!”

“Get LinkedUp!” — the theme for the 2013-14 SMSU Alumni Fund Drive Phonathon campaign — is a unique way for SMSU student fundraising associates to connect with alumni.

“Our theme of ‘Get LinkedUp’ sprung out of the LinkedIn® concept,” said Erik Vogel, Director of Annual Giving and SMSU Foundation Call Center staff manager.

LinkedIn® has become a major online professional network, connecting professionals all over the world. While the Phonathon is the SMSU Foundation’s largest annual fundraising initiative, it also serves as a way for SMSU students to get exposed to the history of the university through the stories of its alumni.

“We have made it a priority for our student fundraising associates to capture these stories,” said Vogel. “The students helped to create the theme ‘Get LinkedUp’ and incorporate it into the Phonathon.”

The result so far: over 150 stories shared by SMSU alumni across the country.

“We have heard some incredible stories,” said Abby Rist, a junior Social Work major from St. Cloud, Minn., and Call Center Student Supervisor.

Here is how it works: Each caller writes the Southwest Story they are told over the phone on a different color of paper, or “link.” Then, Rist “LinksUp” all of the collected Southwest Stories from each call session, creating a massive chain of historical anecdotes on the Mustang Wall in the Call Center.

At the end of the year, the caller with the most Southwest Story links will receive the elite award, “Best Story Catcher.”

“It is really fun to hear from our alumni about all the interesting and sometimes crazy things they did while they were students here,” said Rist. “To think that we share some of the same experiences with alumni who were students here 10, 20, or even 40 years ago does form a special bond.”

The SMSU Alumni Association plans to create a bank of Southwest Stories that can be used in communication pieces highlighting SMSU alumni. In the future, an online repository of these stories will also be available for viewing through the Alumni Association web site.

The Alumni Fund Drive will continue throughout the school year. If you have not done so already, please make your gift to support SMSU students through The Southwest Fund at www.SMSUFoundation.org.

Alumni Fund Drive focuses on capturing Southwest StoriesGET lINkED UP

Front row (l-r) Murielle Shimba, Anja Bjorklund, Marissa Mann. Back row (l-r) Rachael Posusta, Abby Rist, Kassi Hague.

SMSU Alumni Office1501StateStreet•Marshall,MN56258

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If FOCUS is addressed to a son or daughter who has graduated or no longer maintains a permanent address at your home, please email alumni@SMSU.edu to provide the current address or call toll-free 1-800-260-0970 to notify us of the change.

2013November 29— Minnesota Wild, Xcel Energy Center, St. Paul (SOLD OUT)December 1-8— Western Caribbean (SOLD OUT)December 14— The Wizard of Oz, Ordway Theater, St. Paul

2014 February 1— Hawaiian Night, SMSU, MarshallFebruary 14— Mustang Gold Rush, SMSU, MarshallApril 11— The Inauguration of President Gores May 10— SMSU Commencement, MarshallJuly 25 — Minnesota Twins Event, Target Field, MinneapolisSeptember 12-14 — Family Weekend at SMSUOctober 11— Save the Date: Homecoming 2014

UPCoMING EVENTS