Ed Bok Lee, Winner of the American Book Award “every mind is an
Transcription
Ed Bok Lee, Winner of the American Book Award “every mind is an
buzz Metropolitan State University FOR ALUMNI AND FRIENDS S P R I N G 2 0 13 V O L U M E 5 , N O . 2 Ed Bok Lee, Winner of the American Book Award “every mind is an unfinished story” Poppies I Watercolor Carol Lowe (’79) has painted with watercolor paints for more than 15 years. She studies at Ghost Ranch, New Mexico, with Pamona Hollanback and in Wisconsin with Karla Holman. A member of the Attic Artists for almost 10 years, she finds inspiration and support from other artists. Cover photo by Tom Roster ToM RoSTeR View From New Main Metropolitan State continues to grow in size, stature and structure. In December, Twin Cities Business ranked Metropolitan State University first in the state by enrollment growth. We graduated 1,214 students at our winter commencement, and this May we will celebrate our 35,000th graduate. We now serve more than 11,000 students a year, and our enrollments continue to grow at a steady, healthy pace. We are growing in stature as well. The American Council on Education—a prestigious professional association—recently published a report from the National Commission on Higher Education Attainment which cites Metropolitan State as a national model of excellence in giving adult learners the flexibility they need to complete their degrees. The Commission recommended that other universities and colleges follow Metropolitan State’s innovative lead in providing adult students with an accessible, affordable and truly extraordinary education, and it is most gratifying to see our model recognized as vital for America’s future. Metropolitan State University’s home campus, perched atop the scenic Dayton’s Bluff in Saint Paul, will grow as well over the next few years. A beautiful, state-of-the-art science education center—MnSCU’s top-ranked construction project for the whole state—will be built to house our rapidly growing science majors, undergraduate research and a new professional graduate degree. A Student Center will provide amenities for our busy adult learners as well as space for student organizations and activities, studying and group work. This summer we will open the truly amazing David Barton Reflective Garden and Community Labyrinth on the grounds just west of the library. I invite you to walk through the labyrinth and garden the next time you visit campus. Finally, this summer we will begin construction for a new parking ramp to meet the needs of a growing urban campus. To keep pace with all this growth, we have authorized 10 new faculty positions in biology, chemistry, criminal justice, alcohol and drug counseling, library science, management, nursing, political science and psychology. In an era when so many other universities are contracting, to be expanding in this fashion sends a message of vibrant energy and growth which will attract top talent, and I look forward to welcoming these new faculty in the fall. We also have begun new initiatives to more vigorously market the university, expand continuing education, and reach future students for whom Metropolitan State is “the perfect fit.” In the past year we undertook a diligent process to identify and acquire the facilities necessary to expand our service to and presence in the West Metro region. Our goal is to be able to offer our most popular majors in both the East Metro and the West Metro areas. Unfortunately, no appropriate site for a major campus was found at that time, so we continue to explore options. In the meantime, we will significantly expand our course offerings in the West Metro by partnering with Normandale Community College in Bloomington. We will offer both daytime and evening classes on the Normandale campus, including whole degreecompletion options. Finally, we continue to grow as a strong community of friends and colleagues. This spring I was delighted to join 45 other Metropolitan State faculty, staff, alumni and students for our annual “Metro at the Met” event. We enjoyed the Metropolitan Opera production of Rigoletto—broadcast in high definition and dolby sound—at the Marcus Oakdale Theatre. It is such fun to enjoy great opera, great fellowship, and popcorn or nachos, all at the same time. Next year, please join us for our next “Metro at the Met” event, sponsored by our Metropolitan State University Alumni Association. Thank you for your sustained interest in and support of Metropolitan State, America’s premier university for lifelong learning. Sincerely yours, Sue K. Hammersmith, President Metropolitan State University BUZZ 3 TAbLE oF CoNTENTS 3 View from New Main 6 10 14 18 26 Super Alumni Four Things About Four Things Finding Gems in the Rough What Are You Studying? VoLUMe 5 NUMBeR 2 SPRING 2013 Metropolitan State University BUZZ is published twice a year by Metropolitan State University, Alumni Relations office, University Planning and Advancement Division for alumni and friends of the university. Metropolitan State University is a member of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system. editor Vicki Lofquist Alumni Relations and Annual Giving Director Art Director Diane DeRosier Douglass (’05, ’09) Managing editor Susan Amos Palmer Publications/News Services Director Associate editors Maureen Acosta Darlene esko Matthew Spillum (’06) Contributing Writers Stephen Burgdorf (’10) Harvey Meyer Matthew Spillum (’06) Photographers Anne Hodson (’07) Tom Roster Assistants Chiara Marano Noriko Ramberg Lisa Ghylin (’11) Everything’s Going Swimmingly for Katie Koenig (’12) Correspondence should be sent to Alumni Relations, Metropolitan State University, 700 east Seventh Street, Saint Paul, MN 55106-5000. Phone: 651-793-1808, Fax: 651-793-1825 or e-mail [email protected]. An equal opportunity educator. FSC LOGO HERE ALUMNI ASSoCIATIoN Greetings! I want to share with you some ways we can help each other. Professional development is a key reason many earn their degrees at Metropolitan State. In that regard, alumni can be a resource to our students and other alumni taking the next step in their careers. There are several ways to do that. Alumni can be mentors to students. The G.E.M.S. program is one way to do that. For more information about mentoring in the G.E.M.S. program, see the article in this issue by Matty Spillum (’06) who spoke to mentor Larry Collette (’99) and mentee Anne Rusley (’12) about their experiences in the year-long mentoring program. In this fast-paced world, you may not have the time to volunteer in a year-long program such as G.E.M.S., but you may have time to volunteer to be a networking contact. Anyone can be a networking contact and I encourage you to become one. You can sign up to be a networking contact on our streamlined Web link to the Professional Network, which is a Metropolitan State-specific directory of professionals, alumni and mentors who can be matched with an individual’s specific career path and/or academic interests. The link is: https://metrostate-csm.symplicity.com/mentors If you have questions, call the folks at Career Services at 651-793-1528 or e-mail [email protected]. Also, I want to thank the more than 700 alumni who’ve supported the Annual Fund so far this fiscal year. If you haven’t yet made a gift, I hope you will consider doing so before the June 30 deadline—it makes a real difference in the education we can offer our students. And stay connected with our alumni community—there are more ways to serve and ways to be involved and you can find out about them on the Web site: www.metrostate.edu/alumni and through the Metropolitan State alumni groups on Facebook and LinkedIn. Also, be sure to sign up for the monthly E-newsletter by sending a message to [email protected]. Happy spring! Regards, Basha Shaik (’07) President, Alumni Association Board Alumni Association Board Members Shirley Cain (’85) Tim Doherty (’94) Anna Gryczman (’99, ’10) Andrea Jenkins (’99) Robbie Johnson (’03) Ochen Kaylan (’08) Akmed Khalifa (’08, ’10) Caroline Lowe (’02) ANNe HoDSoN James Lukaszewski (’74) Back Row (L-R) Jim Lukaszewski, ochen Kaylan, Virginie Sanchez, Basha Shaik Front Row (L-R) Tim Doherty, Victoria Reinhardt, Sue K. Hammersmith Victoria Reinhardt (’96, ’99) James Rogers (’94) Virginie Sanchez (’05) Basha Shaik (’07) Nancy Wolf (’07) B U Z Z Z Z B U Z Z Z Z B U Z Z Z Z B U Z Z Z Z B U Z Z Z Z B U Z Z Z Z B U Z Z Z Z B U Z Z Z Z B U Z Z Z Z B U Z Z Z Z B U Z Z Z Z B U Z Z Z Z B U Z Z Z Z B U Z Z Z Z B U Z Metropolitan State University BUZZ 5 Super Alumni 1,214 students received degrees in December 2012. At the Dec. 18 commencement ceremony, these alumni were honored for being outstanding students. Photos by Anne Hodson Jeremy Green Jeremy Green relied on his detailoriented and analytical skills to notch a 4.0 GPA and be selected the outstanding student in the School of Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice. Moreover, the results of Green’s capstone project, which discovered considerable fraud in higher-education financial aid, will be tendered to a professional journal. The Elk River resident is a public safety officer who oversees a 10-member staff at North Hennepin Community College, where he earlier graduated with academic honors. Community-minded, Green volunteers at a food shelf and elementary school, and helps coach youngsters in several sports. He hopes to pursue a master’s degree and, perhaps, even teach in college. 6 BUZZ Metropolitan State University Ben Greiling Nirvana for Ben Greiling, the easygoing and committed outstanding graduate student in the College of Health, Community and Professional Studies, is partaking in a tight-knit community where people socialize and support each other. The Dayton’s Bluff homeowner and community activist is working to make that happen in his neighborhood. As part of his graduate studies in psychology, he examined the effects of vacant housing in Dayton’s Bluff. And he hopes to launch a farmer’s market and renovate neighborhood homes. Greiling, a mental health worker at Regions Hospital, Saint Paul, earlier graduated from the University of MinnesotaMorris with a general psychology degree. Not surprisingly, his future plans revolve around community, including perhaps doing vacant-lot gardening in Dayton’s Bluff and participating in other neighborhoodimprovement activities. Dawn Hansen Dawn Hansen’s Metropolitan State classmates might react with a doubletake when the legal administrative assistant for a Minneapolis law firm boards a metro bus for her Vadnais Heights home. The low-key business major and some of her “bus buddies” occasionally break into song, enlivening otherwise mundane commutes. Community service has long been a hallmark of the College of Management’s outstanding undergraduate student. Hansen has served as a Girl Scout leader, volunteered at her children’s elementary school and taught Bible School at her church. The North Hennepin Community College graduate and mother of four also launched and facilitated an autism parents’ support group. Eventually, she hopes to pursue a master’s degree and work professionally helping older children and adults with autism. Laura Hern For most of her 54 years, Laura Hern dreamed about attaining a college diploma. Unfortunately, life circumstances intervened, including her late husband’s two-year battle with pulmonary fibrosis. Hern candidly wrote about those struggles in a 2012 book called Transplanted Faith. It wasn’t until she moved from Texas to Willmar, Minn., in 2009 and remarried that Hern sought a Metropolitan State degree online. She not only ended up achieving her dream while majoring in nonprofit management and education; Hern was selected both outstanding student in the College of Individualized Studies and student commencement speaker. Not to say all is hunky-dory for the licensed insurance agent, community volunteer and mother of two. Hern is still adjusting to Minnesota’s frigid weather, acquainting Minnesotans with her Southern drawl and calculating how to achieve another higher-education dream— obtaining her Ph.D. by age 62. Vance Holmes Vance Holmes, who earned a graduate certificate in the School of Urban Education, has a passion—teaching urban youth. Holmes’ academic and professional credentials are in theater. He earned a West Virginia University undergraduate degree in music theater and a University of Minnesota graduate degree in directing for the theater. The downtown Minneapolis resident penned several musicals and served as a long-time Twin Cities-area actor, director and choreographer, both for the Minneapolis Children’s Theatre and as an independent contractor. In his spare time, Holmes even launched a Web site about missing college students that garnered considerable publicity. But taking center stage for Holmes these days is his passion to head up a classroom. Catherine Miller It wouldn’t be surprising these days if Catherine “Cat” Miller is humming a popular 1970s tune titled “Year of the Cat.” The Savage resident with the feline nickname has marked an exceptional year. The writing major was prose editor for Metropolitan State’s student literary magazine, wrote for the student newspaper and secured a Student Senate scholarship. Moreover, Miller was selected the College of Arts and Sciences outstanding undergraduate student. Outside of Metropolitan State, Miller has had plenty to sing about, winning customer service and other awards as a full-time hairstylist for JCPenney. Committed to giving back, she offers free hair cuts to cancer-stricken customers and is active with Amnesty International. The future may prove equally, if not more, promising for the Inver Hills Community College graduate as the married Florida native plans on seeking a master’s degree. Metropolitan State University BUZZ 7 Migmar Wangchuk Even when he was a Tibetan refugee for 29 years in southern India, Migmar Wangchuk was all about serving community. He mentored refugee children and built desks for them and raised funds for fellow camp residents. So perhaps it’s not surprising that since arriving in the United States in 2004, the team-oriented School of Nursing outstanding undergraduate student has refreshed his community service. A registered nurse and certified public health nurse, Wangchuk has performed bloodpressure screenings of Minnesota State Fair visitors and volunteered for Project Homeless Connect, the Brain Injury Association of Minnesota and the Minneapolis YWCA. Future plans for the Columbia Heights resident include obtaining a master’s degree and working as a psychiatric nurse—and, of course, doing what he can for the community. 8 BUZZ Metropolitan State University Jocelyn Wiedow Serving and supporting youth is in Jocelyn Wiedow’s DNA. As a “sprockets network organizer” for the Saint Paul YWCA, the College of Management outstanding graduate student collaborates with other youth programs to help youngsters succeed. The energetic Wiedow, who earned a Master of Public and Nonprofit Administration degree, has coordinated and directed youth and family programs for about 15 years with three organizations. The professional and personal overlap for Wiedow, who assists with her son’s Boy Scout troop. She’s won a prestigious award for volunteer leadership and other long-time contributions to a YMCA Youth in Government program. More broadly, the married mother of two—who earned a 1994 undergraduate degree in community programs management from Metropolitan State’s then-First College—has served the community in both city government and Rotary posts. The future for the Oak Park Heights resident? Continue to make a difference for youth. Ross Womble “I’m honored,” said Ross Womble about being selected the outstanding undergraduate student in the College of Health, Community and Professional Studies. He was an alcohol and drug counseling major. Womble is a full-time drug and alcohol counselor at the Hennepin County Workhouse in Plymouth. “I have a knowledge and empathy for people who are duly diagnosed with chemical dependency and mental health issues,” said Womble, a member of the Minnesota Association of Resources for Recovery and Chemical Health. He previously worked as a chemical dependency technician at the Pride Institute in Eden Prairie where employees recognized him for excellence in his job. A Rockford, Ill. native, Womble graduated from Rockford East High School in 1987. Future plans may include enrolling in graduate school. Who’s at Metropolitan State? ed Bok Lee is an assistant professor, Communication, Writing and the Arts Department, College of Arts and Sciences. His poetry collection, Whorled, recently won both an American Book Award for Poetry and a Minnesota Book Award for Poetry. Lee studied Slavic and Central Asian Studies at the University of Minnesota; Kazakh State Al-Farabi University in Almaty, Kazakhstan; Indiana University and the University of California, and holds a Master of Fine Arts from Brown University. He spoke to Matty Spillum (’06). Was writing always a vocation for you, or did it grow on you gradually? I love books—everything about them: how each one smells, feels and how the good ones linger in the mind long afterward. So it’s almost more like a biological function of procreation. For a couple of years after high school, I traveled alone and worked temporary labor jobs in more than a dozen cities and towns throughout the United States, also spending time in Canada and Mexico. It was during that time, thanks largely to used-book stores and the people who ran them that I first started to fall in love with reading and keeping a journal. How does teaching at Metropolitan State University fit into your life as a writer? In the words of Muriel Rukeyser: “The universe is made up of stories, not atoms.” I’m constantly trying to imagine what a caveman would think if he could see all the various, fantastical forms our imaginations surrounded our lives with in 2013. It’s the same thing here (teaching at Metropolitan State). I’m constantly trying to encourage folks to see everything around us—books, films and TV, yes, but also furniture, architecture, styles, cereal boxes, gardens, graffiti, everything—is a story someone once invented as a kind of offering to the world. And that anyone can participate in both small and large ways, starting with each poem or story you begin, one word at a time. What was it like to receive an American Book Award? The American Book Award folks are bona fide angels. My publisher submitted the book for the award. I don’t know all the details, but I’ve been told they get hundreds of submissions a year, which are then judged by a national panel of writers and editors. Whorled takes on some very broad topics, like politics, culture and race, while communicating them through specific details. What advice “Find something would you give to writers trying to tackle big topics? Find something you are possessed to get down. Focus on the details and a poem or story’s greater context will eventually try to peer over your shoulder. you are possessed to get down.” Metropolitan State University BUZZ 9 Four Things about Four Things Expertise in a Nutshell 10 BUZZ Metropolitan State University Is it possible to distill expertise to a few succinct statements? Buzz magazine asked four members of the Metropolitan State University community to share four things. Four Things about Dental Hygiene Four Things about Relaxing By Louann Goodnough, coordinator of Metropolitan State University’s Advanced Dental Therapy Dental Clinic and a Minnesota licensed dental hygienist By Cynthia Austin, community faculty member in psychology who is teaching the course: Stress Management and Wellness 1. Your dental hygienist really can tell if you don’t floss! The indications may be different from person to person, but it is noticeable to a hygienist. It may be suspected due to an increase in cavities, inflammation of the gum tissue, halitosis (bad breath) or the type and location of the buildup found on your teeth. Generally, flossing is recommended because for most people it is the least expensive and easiest way to remove impacted food bits between teeth as well as to stir up the bacterial colonies which re-form every 12 hours. If flossing isn’t your thing, for the sake of your health, ask your hygienist about alternatives. 2. Be honest with your hygienist about your medical history, they’re not just nosey. Your medical history including recent surgeries, medications being taken, even a change in your diet can affect your oral health and the way your treatment proceeds for the day. A dental hygienist has the knowledge base to connect researchsupported systemic health issues to oral health and assist you with understanding these connections. 3. Confused when standing in the oral health aisle at the store? With all of the ads and commercials about the newest and latest, it can be very confusing! Your dental hygienist can help you make informed decisions about the best products specific to your needs. Science goes into the development of these products and your hygienist has the education and background to help you weed through the hype and empower you to make informed choices. 4. Hygienists typically like being told they are not liked! We hear it constantly, “I don’t like you!” A good hygienist takes this as a challenge to understand why dental visits are difficult for a patient, and attempts to adjust to the individual needs and situation. My favorite story is of a woman who was very inconsistent with her dental care, and the first time I met with her she was very gruff. After she spent 15 minutes telling me how horrible it was for her to come to dental visits, I asked the simple question, “Why?” The answer was a simple one, and I had to bite my tongue to keep from laughing, “No one EVER tells me when they are going to put the chair back, and it scares me!” After that I saw her every four months for years, and always with a big, beautiful smile! Dental hygienists love their sweets! On any given day in a dental office, there is likely a sweet for sharing in a break room. Our justification—we have an office full of toothbrushes and we aren’t afraid to use them! 1. Ordinary recreational and relaxing activities often don’t relax people enough to prevent or reduce muscular tension and stressrelated symptoms. Although a person may think they are relaxing when watching television or engaging in recreational activities— which may be enjoyable and distract one from stress—the truth is that often one’s arousal level remains too high to fully recuperate from stress. It’s that the person has forgotten how it feels to be deeply relaxed. 2. When a person learns to relax more deeply and intensively, she or he feels better, is more energetic, has better concentration, is calmer and more confident and feels as though their “batteries have been recharged.” Maintenance and repair of the body take place when we’re in the relaxed mode. 3. Relaxation exercises are a deceivingly simple, yet powerful, way to gradually reduce muscular tension and reduce the negative effects of stressed nerves and of other stressed parts of the body. This is because letting go of muscular tension leads to relaxation of other bodily systems that aren’t under our conscious control. 4. Techniques specifically designed to relax more deeply and intensively are often recommended to prevent and reduce stressrelated symptoms. Simple exercises like these can make a difference, if they are done regularly. Over time, the benefits of relaxation and meditation keep increasing because a person becomes more skilled and relaxes more deeply. Resources • Relaxation by Inner Health Studio Podcast. http://www.innerhealthstudio.com/relaxation-by-inner-healthstudio-podcast.html • Mayoclinic.com on how to begin meditating to calm your body, mind and spirit. www.mayoclinic.com/invoke.cfm?objectid=6DA127A9-D9BE421A-96ABD50B2262EC0D • Relax—Jacobson’s Technique http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z6VI5UfdmF4 • Total Relaxation—10 Minute Meditation http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=52-N3fSiXhc&feature=related Metropolitan State University BUZZ 11 Four Things about Working with Problematic People in the Workplace By Becky L. Omdahl, College of Arts and Sciences dean and co-author and co-editor of Problematic People in the Workplace, Volumes 1 and 2. 1. Over 99 percent of the people in our studies identify one or multiple people as problematic. Working with people who seem difficult is part of being in any organization. One of the best pathways is to fully engage in projects that contribute to the mission and encourage others to do the same. 2. Instead of focusing on the individual as problematic, we need to look at situations and structures that invite bad behavior. How can we structure our work and interactions so that we promote constructive behaviors rather than problematic ones? 3. When we are frustrated or hurt, we need to step away from the computers and phones and “do no harm.” In the moment in which another’s behavior makes us feel disrespected, hurt or frustrated, we often respond with behavior that makes the other feel “less than.” By getting back to better emotional spaces, we regain our ability to see the constructive kernel in what the other was attempting. Honoring the constructive action the person was trying to achieve is often a very effective way to open the door to a more complex conversation. 4. If we are bullied, demeaned or repeatedly pulled away from constructive work, we need to let responsible, trustworthy people know. Many people in leadership roles are working very hard to build healthy organizations. Four Things about International business By Roger Prestwich, professor of international business, College of Management As Target Corporation makes its first foray into the “global” marketplace (such as Canada!), we can take a moment to reflect on what “global” really means to all of us, not just to the large corporation. Since this short piece is not intended for a Chinese audience, we can at least feel comfortable identifying four key elements demanding our attention—not a good idea if we were trying to make the point in China, since the word “four” in Chinese sounds very close to the word “death”! 12 BUZZ Metropolitan State University 1. Globalization really is upon us, and it is imperative that we appreciate its current and future impact on our everyday lives— it may vary in intensity from day to day, or even year to year, just like the weather, but as with the climate, the overall trend is undeniable; we are increasingly subject to what is happening outside our borders, whether economic, social or political in nature, but we are also a key player, capable of substantially influencing the globalization process and its outcomes. 2. In an increasingly interdependent world, cross-cultural knowledge and competence will become critically important to mutually beneficial economic and political progress. This may come as a surprise, or disappointment, but not everyone out there is desperate to come to America. We do not always set a standard to which the rest of the world aspires, so we cannot assume that since everyone speaks English and is trying to emulate the American way of doing business (and way of life?) that there is no need for us to make any effort to understand their culture, language, history, society, politics and so on. 3. While we fret about the “fact” that foreigners now “own” most of our national debt, the truth is that we Americans own two-thirds of it—non-U.S. entities own one-third, and of that the Chinese and Japanese own one-third each, and all the other countries the remaining third of a third. So, what’s the panic? The very fact that foreigners are willing to use their hard-earned dollars to buy U.S. Treasuries is a huge vote of confidence in our national ability not only to survive economically but to prosper—why would anyone buy an asset that they believe is about to fall off the edge of a cliff? 4. So why not look on the bright side of globalization? The choices that we now enjoy in terms of products and services are unprecedented, thanks to decades of growth in international trade and investment, and contribute markedly to our quality of life and standard of living. If you’d like to know just how much you are helping to drive globalization, check the labels on everything you have purchased recently and look at the country(ies) of origin—it will be quite an education! An appreciation of the international factors that are directly and indirectly affecting the day-to-day operations and decisionmaking processes of your organization—whether it’s domestic-only or already internationally involved—is crucial if you want to give yourself some context for understanding your place in the world of tomorrow. Volunteer opportunities! Metropolitan State University encourages and appreciates graduate participation in volunteer activities. Alumni can be proud to say Metropolitan State is an active community partner and it regularly proves this commitment in a variety of ways. Opportunities available through the Institute for Community Engagement and Scholarship (ICES) are: The Literacy Corps The Literacy Corps is recruiting alumni to provide literacy tutoring at inner-city schools, libraries and learning centers. Tutors may choose to participate through a variety of programs throughout the Twin Cities that offer opportunities during the day, after school, evenings and weekends. Days and times are flexible. Free tutor training sessions are offered in partnership with the Minnesota Literacy Council and Saint Paul Public School Foundation Tutor Partnership Program to university students, faculty, staff and alumni. If you are interested in participating as a tutor or would like to learn more about the literacy and library programs, contact Awo Ahmed, literacy coordinator, Institute for Community Engagement and Scholarship, at [email protected] or 651-793-1288. Middle School/High School Campus Visits to Metropolitan State University Assist in the middle school and high school campus visits and create a fun and welcoming atmosphere for students at our Saint Paul campus. Secondary students have a college-like experience through a campus tour, registering and attending fun classes designed and taught by Metropolitan State students, alumni and community members. Metropolitan State alumni can choose to design and teach classes or serve as classroom assistants. Middle school/high school visits are a great opportunity to give back to our community and cultivate and explore the interests of our future generation. Upcoming spring campus visits are scheduled: June 10–14 and June 17–21. For youth outreach and Literacy initiatives, contact Awo Ahmed, literacy coordinator, Institute for Community Engagement and Scholarship, at [email protected] or 651-793-1288. First Saturday Science ICES and the Saint Paul Public Library piloted the First Saturday Science in spring semester. This program is for neighborhood children of all ages with a goal of offering accessibility of science and science literacy for everyone, along with the opportunity to discover and experience the many diverse and realistic options for future careers. This program is the first Saturday of each month, from noon–2 p.m. Contact Nathan Fell, library community outreach student coordinator, Institute for Community Engagement and Scholarship at [email protected] or at 651-793-1482. Meals on Wheels Help provide nutrition and a safety check to those who need it. Metropolitan State participates in the Meals on Wheels volunteer program. Alumni interested in becoming a volunteer should e-mail Jodi Bantley, community engagement coordinator, the Institute for Community Engagement and Scholarship, at [email protected] or at 651-793-1294. The meals are delivered between 10:30 a.m.–noon. The time commitment varies from one day a week to once a month, depending on your availability. Mary o’Neal (’10) The Alumni Relations Office often needs volunteers to help at Commencement, Grad Expo and other events. Contact us at [email protected] Metropolitan State University BUZZ 13 Finding Gems in the Rough: 14 BUZZ Metropolitan State University ToM RoSTeR GEMS Mentoring brings out the best in Students and Mentors Finding Gems in the Rough: GEMS Mentoring Brings Out the Best in Students and Mentors The GEMS Leadership and Mentoring Program is a yearlong mentoring program that offers Metropolitan State University students a chance to develop a close, positive relationship with a mentor who will empower students in their career interests, personal development and acquisition of life skills. To get an inside perspective on how GEMS accomplishes that, Larry Collette (’99), GEMS mentor, and Anne Rusley (’12), former GEMS mentee who worked with Collette last year, spoke to Matty Spillum (’06), Buzz writer. Collette served on the Metropolitan State alumni board from 2002–2008, including two years as president, and has worked in a variety of senior executive positions in both the private and public sectors, while also serving as an instructor at several institutions, including Metropolitan State. Rusley works as a contracted e-operations coordinator at 3M. How did you first hear about the GEMS program? Larry Collette: I’ve been mentoring all my life. For 40 or more years, I’ve been in business-related activities, and I’ve always been in management and leadership positions. In all my work and life situations, I’ve always been more of a mentor/coach rather than a supervisor, working with and collaborating with people to accomplish their individual goals and our collective or group goals. I saw an announcement in 2011 that GEMS was looking for mentors, and I signed up, applied for it, and the rest is history. Anne Rusley: I went to an etiquette dinner, and Curtis Hall IV (GEMS mentoring coordinator at that time) was there. He hit me up right away; I mentioned that I’d seen the posters, and he said “Oh, you should do that.” I didn’t think that I was necessarily a good fit for it, but after talking to him, he said, “Just apply, and we’ll find someone who will be a good fit for you.” Curtis was very talented at that. What was the mentoring process like in the GEMS program? Rusley: Once Curtis told me who my mentor was, things started to roll pretty quickly. It was actually fairly intense because Larry was willing to meet on a weekly basis. I think, for me, what was important was that Larry had the skills to identify my strengths. He gave me a sheet and had me label my strengths and challenges. As I am very hard on myself, it was encouraging to have someone say, “This is something you say you are not good at, and yet I see you doing well at this all the time.” Collette: Anne is a great example of the classic Metropolitan State student: coming back to school after having left a successful career to raise children, taking an opportunity to update her skill set and finish out her degree plan. The GEMS program fits with what Anne is doing and what Metropolitan State is doing. GEMS takes the time to train both the mentor and the mentee, making sure that we are on track. Metropolitan State goes that extra mile to encourage people to develop themselves, and GEMS is a good example of that. Why should someone get involved with GEMS as a mentor or mentee? Collette: I would encourage prospective mentors to provide some of their expertise and experience to assist younger people as a mentor. This knowledge is a “Metropolitan State great perspective for people, like students, who are dealing with goes that extra mile changes. Providing that kind of perspective is so important. It is to encourage really satisfying to know that you have something to share. people to develop Rusley: It is really about gaining a connection, not only to an themselves, and individual, who will mirror back GEMS is a good to you a bit of who you are from their perspective, but to a example of that.” community to become a part of. It is helpful to have a different perspective on your skills and challenges, and to have someone to help you gather your support network. GEMS really made me feel like I had a community here. In general, Metropolitan State can feel like less of a community without this kind of connection, and being part of GEMS gave me the support network that helped me feel a connection to the community. Interested in GeMS? For more information contact Adil Najmuddin, student peer leader and mentoring coordinator, Student Life and Leadership Development at 651-793-1550 or at [email protected]. Guiding, Empowering & Mentoring Success Metropolitan State University BUZZ 15 Institute for Professional Development open for business By Harvey Meyer For the first time, Metropolitan State is offering a one-stop shop where individuals, businesses and organizations can sign up for noncredit professional development courses, workshops and the like. Quietly launched fall semester, the Institute for Professional Development (IPD) helps address the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system’s resolve for MnSCU schools to more actively engage in state workforce development. The institute also bolsters Metropolitan State’s lifelong learning credentials, according to Bruce Lindberg, IPD’s interim director. “Noncredit continuing education has been “The institute fits in occurring on an ad hoc well with our and less-visible basis at Metropolitan State,” says tagline—‘where life Lindberg. With the IPD, people can learn about and and learning meet’— select from all the university’s continuing and represents another education opportunities from a central pathway to achieve administrative source. “The institute fits in well our primary mission.” with our tagline—‘where life and learning meet’—and represents another pathway to achieve our primary mission.” For now, the institute is housed in the Management Education Center on the university’s Minneapolis campus. The IPD shares staff and expertise with Advance IT Minnesota, a MnSCU Center of Excellence hosted by Metropolitan State that strives to boost IT graduates statewide and help their workforce readiness. 16 BUZZ Metropolitan State University The IPD’s offerings range from an eight-hour self-directed course on understanding mental illness for law enforcement personnel to an 80-hour “business architecture” program. Attendees are taught by everyone from university faculty to experts within particular professions. Most participants will receive documentation for completing “continuing education units” and some will obtain professional development certificates. Lindberg says some Metropolitan State departments may even offer optional academic credit. Lindberg says the IPD intends to piggyback on Metropolitan State’s stature as an affordable adult learning institution. It also plans on making available offerings in law enforcement, business, nursing, computer forensics and other areas where the university has developed a robust reputation. “For alumni, the IPD provides another opportunity for lifelong learning,” says Lindberg. “I also think alumni will appreciate how the institute raises recognition and visibility for Metropolitan State.” “We are facing some challenges with this new business venture,” he adds, “but we’re cautiously optimistic that we can create a viable entity here.” New Digital Media Lab brings the Legacy of Gordon Parks to the Modern Media Age By Matthew Spillum (’06) Metropolitan State University’s new digital media lab, located in Founders Hall L122, was born in a thought that occurred to Erica Rasmussen, associate professor, Communication, Writing and the Arts: “I thought if we were going to honor the celebrated American photographer Gordon Parks by naming our gallery after him, we had best teach photography on campus.” While analog photography had been taught using a rented darkroom in the community earlier in Metropolitan State’s history, any new offerings would have to focus on digital photography. Since the lab would require high end digital equipment and Macintosh workstations, outside funding was sought. In stepped The Nicholson Family Foundation and The Harlan Boss Foundation for the Arts, who together met the $100,000 budget for the lab with generous donations. Fully funded, the lab allowed the studio arts major to offer a photography track in addition to the drawing/painting track. In addition, Areca Roe was hired as community faculty to teach the 100 and 300 level photography courses. “I’ve had many students remark about how excited they were to see digital photography offered at Metropolitan State,” says Roe. “I think photography is a useful skill for students to have under their belts, whether they will continue to use it for artistic expression or in their jobs or home life in the future. Likewise, the imaging editing skills they learn on the computers are very valuable.” In addition, those same workstations make the lab a valuable resource for nonphotography classes. The 24 Macintosh workstations can run in both Mac OS and Windows environments, and have software suites suitable for web development, high-end desktop publishing and video production. As Dr. Craig Hansen, professor and director of the Master of Science in Technical Communication program, notes, “We have designed a flexible space that allows us to reconfigure the nonworkstation parts of the room, to accommodate spaces for photography and video shooting. Reaction from instructors and students has been overwhelmingly positive.” As a result of that built-in flexibility, the lab can accommodate many of the technical communication classes, document design and publishing-focused writing classes, film and video production courses and usability courses in addition to the digital photography classes that inspired the space. That inspiration, of course, continues to play a part in the life of the lab and the photography courses that are based there: “I’ve been able to bring my classes to the Gordon Parks Gallery as well,” says Roe, “making more students aware and appreciative of this resource.” Metropolitan State University BUZZ 17 What are you studying? Lisa Ghylin (’11) served in the U.S. Army for over eight years. As an intelligence specialist, she wrote and edited more than 2,000 intelligence reports a year. Two years ago she earned a bachelor’s degree from the College of Individualized Studies and she’s continuing her studies at Metropolitan State University in the technical communication master’s program. She spoke to Alumni Relations Director Vicki Lofquist about her involvement in the veterans community at Metropolitan State and about her military service. 18 BUZZ Metropolitan State University Why did you decide to study at Metropolitan State? I left for my basic training just after Sept. 11, 2001. Sept. 17 was when all the flights got to head out to wherever their destination was, and mine was South Carolina. Later I went to California and then I went to San Angelo, Texas—there is a little air force base down there and I learned to be an analyst. From there, I went to Augusta, Ga., where I was stationed for four years. I also got to go to a couple of different places for trainings. I did one deployment in Ethiopia and came home. Then they sent me to Arizona to go through interrogator training. I spent the last couple of years of my military career as an interrogator, which included one deployment to Afghanistan for a year. What was your life like in Afghanistan? I lived on an air field and we lived in wooden huts in the area that I was in. We were in a valley and we had some villages that were around us. When we had any kind of rocket activity, it was usually one village shooting over to the other village and missing us completely. If they did hit us, it was generally at the very far end of the air strip. We had one suicide bomber who showed up. He got to our front gate and didn’t get in further, thankfully. We were on a base with all the forces there. That was really great—I had friends who were Koreans, Australians and New Zealanders. I understand you’re now working on a television show? I was discharged from active duty in 2008 and joined the Minnesota National Guard. One of my fellow guardsmen said to me, “Why don’t you check out Metro State? It’s a really military-friendly school.” When I came here, I asked to talk with Bruce Holzschuh right away—he’s in charge of veterans services here. Bruce has “...the school truly been amazing when it comes to helping out veterans, and the has been focused school truly has been focused on on helping out vets. helping out vets. Our Veterans Center is one of the best I’ve seen. Our Veterans Center It’s really nice. This school has always been a good place for me is one of the best to hang out and to work. I’ve seen.” Were you involved in the student veterans group? Yes, I was the treasurer. I had no idea how much work it was going to be, and I was taking 16 credits per semester. I couldn’t keep everything straight, but I still managed to pull it off. Then I was asked to be president. I thought it was kind of crazy that they wanted me to be the president, but they talked me into it. It turned out that I could do it! When I ended active duty, it was a tough transition to come back into civilian life, to make all new friends and start life all over again after having lived a certain way for so long. It was worth it, everything that I did. It was just a completely different lifestyle. When I came here, I was forced to be more social. I had to get out of the shell that I had put myself in. In the student organization, I had to start taking care of other people again. That’s where anybody in the military thrives—when you feel responsible to take care of someone else, when you have people who you grow to care about. It was definitely something that was good for me. At Metro State, we are being advocates for our veterans, and veterans are 10 percent of this population. We’re able to say to new student veterans—thanks for everything you’ve done and welcome to what we’re doing. Yes I am. It’s called Veterans Update. We broadcast on over 100 stations here in Minnesota and also in 21 different states. Metropolitan State University BUZZ 19 books in brief By Matthew Spillum (’06) Breaking My Silence: Confessions of a Rat Pack Party Girl and Sex-Trade Survivor JANE McCORMICK with PATTIE WICKLUND (’85) In Breaking My Silence: Confessions of a Rat Pack Party Girl and Sex-Trade Survivor, McCormick and Wicklund shine an unflinching light on McCormick’s life as a fixture of Rat Pack era Las Vegas’ party scene, as well as the abusive childhood that led her down the path to high-roller prostitution. McCormick’s experiences paint a stark picture of the realities of the sex-trade, and her recounting serves less to intrigue than to show young women how easy it is to get trapped, while giving hope to those already living that life. Cowritten by Patti Wicklund, McCormick’s memoir is published by iUniverse, Bloomington, Ind. Cool Dead People SUZANNE NIELSEN (’97) Faculty member and alumna Suzanne Nielsen’s collection of essays celebrate weird, wild and wonderful things about inspirational and interesting people who have passed on. originally written as a regular column in Double Dare Press magazine, Nielsen’s essays give her unique take on the obituary, and, as fellow founding writer and former Metropolitan State instructor M. Laurel Walsh notes, create “a blend of memoir and homage sprinkled with humor.” Nielsen’s subjects range from literary figures to performers, promoters to reporters; the sole linking commonalities are that they are all dead, and they are all cool. Nielsen’s book celebrates the unique, the unusual and the unsung, and in doing so, offers an homage to the spirits who are “sacred to her, and travel with her through life.” Cool Dead People is published by So’ham Books, Ambala City, India. 20 BUZZ Metropolitan State University The Camel’s Shadow Has Four Humps: African Myth Urban Mystery AKMED KHALIFA (’08, ’10) Set in a struggling black neighborhood in Pittsburgh, Pa., Akmed Khalifa’s story follows the clever and well-regarded LeMar early as he tries to find his kidnapped friend Chip and his girlfriend Venetia, taken by a gang paid to snatch people for a scientific experiment. As LeMar searches, he is assisted by a smart and beautiful private investigator Prudence, and the wit and wisdom of neighborhood lore keeper Widemouth. Together, the friends face a gauntlet of street gangs, shady corporate interests and technologically modified humans out to take over the world as they call on every resource they have to find Venetia and Chip before it is too late. The Camel’s Shadow Has Four Humps is published by iUniverse, Bloomington, Ind. Reading Classes: On Culture and Classism in America BARBARA JENSEN (’83) Barbara Jensen sets out to discuss the difficult topic of class in America from both a personal and an academic perspective, weaving tales of her working class upbringing and observations from the field of psychology to challenge many of the myths about class that cloud discussion of the topic. In explaining the working class experience from both a cultural and psychological perspective, Jensen hopes to “show how class becomes classism,” and in doing so to take a step toward bridging a gulf that, she points out, leaves America “psychologically, culturally, economically and politically poorer than we should be.” Reading Classes is published by Cornell University Press, Ithaca, N.Y. Trail of Pebbles: No Time to Cry Fatal Remedy INGRID KVALL (’88) Based on the experiences of her aunt and uncle as recounted in personal letters and journals, Ingrid Kvall brings to life a true story of pain, suffering and cruelty endured by her relatives following their arrest by Soviet forces at the end of World War II. Beginning in Berlin, Trail of Pebbles relates the eight-year odyssey of Gisela and Itze Sato as they endured separation, incarceration in Gulags, squalid hospitals and endless train and truck journeys across eastern europe, Siberia and Asia. Kvall’s candid style reveals the nearly constant physical and mental abuse her aunt and uncle experienced, with rape and death a continual companion in their lives until the two were finally repatriated to her uncle’s homeland of Japan in 1953. Kvall wants the reader to learn from her relatives’ experiences, to see the aftermath of war, and to see their resolve to live in the face of it all. Trail of Pebbles is published by AuthorHouse, Bloomington, Ind. Lucky Lyle Ortiz GRANT PYLKA (’96) Lucky Lyle Ortiz follows Lyle ortiz, a 14-year-old growing up in Saint Paul, who tries to keep control of his own life and those of his younger sisters when their grandfather unexpectedly passes away. Pylkas’ novel deals with the questions of life and coming of age as Lyle tries to make things work on his own in the adult world, deals with interfering distant relatives and finally turns to the only teacher he ever trusted. As Lyle fights for control of his life, Pylkas treats the reader to an exploration of finding identity, recognizing limitations and growing up. ANTONIA FELIX (’89) Inspired by controversial antidepressant drug prescriptions for children and teens, psychiatric practitioner ethical scandals and the growing influence of Big Pharma, Antonia Felix’s first novel looks at the confluence of medicine, greed and lust in modern psychology. Following a Minneapolis psychologist’s efforts to shut down a sexually predatory psychiatrist, Felix’s story takes the reader through a chilling exploration of the darker side of the medical profession. Felix draws on extensive research into news stories and court cases around the country, condensing these “all-too-real secrets of modern medicine in a story of seduction, vengeance and murder.” Leading Ladies: How to Manage Like a Star MARIA B. MURAD and JAN McCARTHY (’83) Former faculty member Maria Murad and Jan McCarthy combine their more than 40 years of experience in the corporate world to provide women with guidelines for leading and managing effectively and ethically. Combining their insights into the corporate world, a desire to help women succeed in leadership positions and a love of theater, Murad and McCarthy provide an act by act approach to getting results. Leading Ladies gives both veteran managers and new rising stars an opportunity to reflect on the personal experiences of women who have found success with common-sense approaches, and is published by outskirts Press, Denver, Colo. Metropolitan State University BUZZ 21 Faculty Notes By Susan Amos Palmer Allen Bellas, associate professor, College of Management, and Ping Wang, advisor, College of Individualized Studies, formerly First College, were selected recipients of the 2011–2012 Carol C. Ryan excellence in Advising Award, the university’s top advising honor. The awards were presented at the 2012 Fall Faculty Conference. Donna Blacker, CAS advisor, won the Lifetime Achievement Award in Advising, becoming only the fourth advisor to receive the award in university history. Jennifer DeJonghe, associate professor, library services, and Alec Sonsteby, assistant professor, library services, published the article, “Usability Testing, User-Centered Design, and LibGuides Subject Guides: A Case Study,” in the Journal of Web Librarianship. The article describes the methodology and results of usability research conducted on the library’s online research guides. An abstract of the article is online at http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/1 9322909.2013.747366 or the full text is available via the library’s interlibrary loan service. This spring, Metropolitan State College of Management graduated its first cohort of Doctor of Business Administration students. According to Tim Delmont, program director and assistant professor, College of Management, these students have been prepared for postsecondary faculty positions in business disciplines as well as mid to senior level leadership and management positions in for profit and not for profit organizations. A new cohort of students will be admitted in 2013. For information about admission requirements, program format and open house schedules, see www.metrostate.edu/dba. 22 BUZZ Metropolitan State University James Densley, assistant professor, Law enforcement and Criminal Justice, will be publishing a new book, How Gangs Work: An Ethnography of Youth Violence, through Palgrave Macmillan. The book is available for pre-order on the Palgrave Macmillan United Kingdom website or on Amazon. Densley’s work in the area of youth and organized violence extends to both practical and academic perspectives. In addition to his work instructing at Metropolitan State University, he is also a trustee and director of Growing Against Gangs and Violence, an educational partnership with London’s Metropolitan Police Service. Everett Doolittle (’91), interim dean and associate professor, School of Law enforcement and Criminal Justice, was named a higher education administrator to the Minnesota Board of Peace officer Standards and Training by Governor Mark Dayton, effective April 2 through Jan. 5, 2015. The PoST board licenses peace officers, both part- and full-time, as well as establishes minimum qualifications and regulating standards for peace officer education. August Hoffman, psychology professor, College of Health, Community and Professional Studies, along with Professor Barbara Curchack, Inver Hills Community College, led Metropolitan State and Inver Hills students on a community garden project, which resulted in 1,500 pounds of food being donated to food banks and homeless shelters. Maythee Kantar, professor, College of Arts and Sciences (CAS), received the 2011–2012 excellence in Teaching Award. Mary Kirk, department chair and professor, individualized, interdisciplinary and lifelong learning, College of Individualized Studies (formerly First College), was recently invited to contribute a chapter to the second edition of John Dakers’ Defining Technological Literacy: Towards an Epistemological Framework, originally published by Palgrave Macmillan in 2006. Alice Magnuson (’76), advisor, College of Individualized Studies, was named advisor emerita following her fall semester retirement after 38 years at the university. David Means, associate professor, Communication, Writing and the Arts Department, College of Arts and Sciences, was in charge of the music and sound design for the Red eye Theater’s october production, “Meronymy” by Rachel Jendrzejewski. The theater is located in Minneapolis. Daryl Parks, associate professor, english education, School of Urban education, and president, Minnesota Council of Teachers of english, was cited in a Saint Paul Pioneer Press article, “Minnesota students prepare for tougher state reading tests,” by Mila Koumpilova. The article can be found at http://www.twincities.com/ ci_22667702/minnesota-students-preparetougher-state-reading-tests. Doug Rossinow, history professor, College of Arts and Sciences, was contacted by C-SPAN, the national cable TV network about filming one of his classes after they broadcast a lecture he presented at an American Historical Association annual meeting. In this particular class session, Rossinow discussed the Iran-Contra scandal. The course was HIST 344: From Reagan to obama: America since 1980. Social Sciences Professor Thomas O’Connell, College of Arts and Sciences, along with coauthor Tom Beer, was awarded the Solon J. Buck Award in November for the best article of 2011 in Minnesota History magazine by the Minnesota Historical Society. The article, “Father Francis Gilligan and the Struggle for Civil Rights,” appeared in the summer 2011 issue of the magazine. It was cited for its thorough, thoughtful exploration of the topic, showing the interplay between the personal and political aspects of the story, as well as placing the story in the broader context of its time. The Minnesota Historical Society’s Solon J. Buck Award is named for the society director who founded Minnesota History in 1915 at its annual meeting. Buck, who served as the magazine’s first editor, went on to become the second archivist of the United States in 1941, serving under Presidents Franklin D. Roosevelt and Harry S. Truman. Jose Santos, assistant professor, social science, College of Arts and Sciences, was a guest on Minnesota Public Radio’s Daily Circuit with Kerri Miller on Jan. 25. The discussion contained commentaries about President obama’s second term and the cultural divisions in the U.S. Santos also published a commentary piece, “If You Think Part-time Students Don’t Work as Hard, Think Some More,” on Minnesota Public Radio’s website on Feb. 15. The article, which debunks several myths about part-time and nontraditional students, can be found at http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2 013/02/15/santos. Two Metropolitan State faculty members who retired last fall have been designated professors emerita: Ellen Schultz, professor, School of Nursing, College of Health, Community and Professional Studies, and Kathy Wellington, professor, Communication, Writing and the Arts Department, College of Arts and Sciences. Schultz has been associated with the school for 26 years, 12 as a resident faculty member. Wellington served the university for 23 years as faculty and as an advisor. Jennifer L. Schultz, associate professor, human resource management, College of Management, was the keynote speaker at the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities Conference of Scholarly and Creative Activity in Mankato on April 8. This symposium is the second system-wide initiative aimed at providing a venue for undergraduate students to present research, scholarly and creative projects. Schultz spoke about the importance and transferability of scholarly and creative skills for undergraduate students. Susan Spring Shumer, director, Institute for Community engagement and Scholarship (formerly called the Center for CommunityBased Learning), was named director emerita following her fall semester retirement after 21 years at the university. Glen Spielmans, associate professor, psychology, College of Health, Community and Professional Studies, was lead researcher and author in a study published in the March PLOS Medicine Journal regarding the relative efficacy of antipsychotic medications on depressive symptoms in adults. Among the other investigators was Angela Perry, a Metropolitan State student. Metropolitan State University BUZZ 23 The David barton Reflective Garden and Community Labyrinth By Harvey Meyer Metropolitan State’s beloved library dean passed away last summer after a long battle with cancer. But David Barton’s memory lives on in a peaceful oasis next to the Library and Learning Center. The David Barton Reflective Garden and Community Labyrinth was inaugurated last fall. Metropolitan State employees and students and Dayton’s Bluff residents are already enjoying the labyrinth, about a two-fifths mile looped walking path that offers opportunities for both exercise and contemplation. A reflective garden surrounding the labyrinth will be installed this spring featuring crab, birch and evergreen trees, shrubs and seasonal flowers along with picnic tables, benches and additional paths. “The labyrinth and garden are synergistic; they work together and serve each other,” says Nancy Bagshaw-Reasoner, facilities director, who helps oversee the project. “Ultimately, it will be a special place, a peaceful refuge and small community park where you can walk or simply take a quiet break from work or study while enjoying beautiful flowers and other plants.” 24 BUZZ Metropolitan State University “Individually and combined, the garden and labyrinth offer a venue for university and community members to interact and reflect and relax—rare opportunities in today’s increasingly hectic world,” says August Hoffman, associate professor in psychology who helps lead the project. Some of Hoffman’s students will plant flowers and trees this spring while also benefiting from the labyrinth and garden. Metropolitan State faculty librarians Michelle Filkins and Jennifer DeJonghe, both of whom also spearheaded the project, say David would have been thrilled with the one-third acre labyrinth-garden. A tall, warm and witty man who favored colorful neckties, Barton served as library dean from 2002 until he died in June 2012. He cherished walking labyrinths and visited beautiful gardens around the world. He was also an avid gardener who often toted flowers from his meticulously-groomed home garden to the library. Barton also embraced the library’s community-building initiatives. Filkins and DeJonghe say he would have been delighted that the garden and labyrinth are designed to serve both the Dayton’s Bluff neighborhood and the university community. “The community connection was important to David,” says Filkins. “He very much saw the library as a community and university resource.” Labyrinths have been around for centuries as meditative spaces, according to Ellen Schultz, professor emerita, School of Nursing, who has walked dozens of labyrinths domestically and internationally. She has delivered many presentations on labyrinths and touted their value at health fairs and to students. “The first time I walked a labyrinth, I had a deep spiritual connection with it,” says Schultz, who installed a personal labyrinth at her Hudson, Wis., home. “I started studying it and found it was a wonderful tool for connecting with yourself and for problem solving and other reasons. Many also derive a spiritual experience from it.” The labyrinth’s design and installation was funded by university library endowment funds. For the project’s second phase, the reflective garden, individual donations in Barton’s name are now being accepted by the Metropolitan State University Foundation. Naming opportunities are also available for engraved brick pavers, benches, tables and trees. “We’re hoping for broad participation,” says Bagshaw-Reasoner. “Whether it’s $5 or $5 million, everyone can participate and feel joyous about their donation.” For more information about the labyrinth and garden, including photos and a link to donate, visit http://libguides.metrostate.edu/labyrinth. David Barton Annual Fund—the bedrock of Support for a bracing, Exciting Era for Metropolitan State As Metropolitan State grows and our innovative model gains national attention, we encourage you to support the university through the 2012-2013 Annual Fund. (The fiscal year ends on June 30, 2013.) If you can give $10 or $30 or $50 or more, you will strengthen the university. • Give online at www.metrostate.edu/foundation. • Mail your gift in the donor envelope enclosed with this magazine. • Call the Annual Fund hotline at 651-793-1808. If you have already given to this year’s Annual Fund, thank you! If not, please consider doing so. Metropolitan State University BUZZ 25 Everything’s Going Swimmingly for Katie Koenig (’12) By Harvey Meyer Everything is going, well, swimmingly, for Katie Koenig. Clad in a wet suit and scuba gear, she swims with and trains, monitors and feeds a dazzling collection of underwater creatures in Orlando, Fla. She also ushers guests on underwater tours and guides them in memory-making interactions with sting rays, sharks, eels and the like. That is, when she isn’t educating folks about the marine animals and performing other chores. 26 BUZZ Metropolitan State University Koenig pinches herself in her “dream job” as an aquarist for Discovery Cove, a section of Sea World.“I am able to do so many things I love in life,” says Koenig, a 2012 Metropolitan State graduate who majored in psychology. “It’s so much fun; I absolutely love it.” Koenig, 22, credits Metropolitan State for springboarding her career. A member of the student psychology club and a national honor society, she is grateful for learning psychology principles that guide her in contacts with both people and sea creatures. Particularly valuable was a four-credit Discovery Cove internship, which helped her land her job. A competitive swimmer since age four, Koenig spent youthful summers in the Fergus Falls area water skiing, tubing and enjoying other lake activities. At age seven, “…I can connect she and her family visited Sea World, where she told a dolphin trainer she people to aimed to follow in the employee’s footsteps. Koenig recalled that 1998 animals and encounter recently while chatting inspire them to with a youngster. “It was this little girl’s dream to chase after work with marine animals just as I did,” says Koenig. “I told her how their dreams...” I got my job, what I do and how she could do it, too. It was so much fun to see the excitement and passion she had for animals and the park itself. “It is so cool,” she adds, “that I can connect people to animals and inspire them to chase after their dreams.” Katie Koenig at Discovery Cove. “The internship was the biggest thing I could have done,” she says. “It gave me the specific animal experience and training I needed for the job. Plus, I got to build relationships with supervisors who could see my work ethic.” Katie Koenig underwater at Discovery Cove. Metropolitan State University BUZZ 27 News and Notes Note: All towns are in Minnesota unless otherwise noted. Jesse Bethke Gomez (’87), Woodbury, vice president of University Planning and Advancement, was invited to attend the Presidential Inauguration on Monday, Jan. 21. Vice President Bethke Gomez was invited in recognition of his work since June 2011 on the first-ever Hispanic Policy Summit hosted by the White House. Jennifer Cherry (’00), Centerville, was hired as District 11 Title IX coordinator for the AnokaHennepin School District. She has been working at the University of Minnesota as a teacher education coordinator and senior teaching specialist, and is currently finishing her Ph.D. in human resource education at the University of Minnesota. Lore Cisar (’12), Maple Grove, has been named the market manager for TopLine Federal Credit Union’s Bloomington branch location. She most recently served as manager of Guaranty Bank’s Shakopee branch and has more than eight years of financial services experience. Barbara Bicha (’94), White Bear Lake, has retired from her position as an administrative assistant at Delta Airlines after 39 years of service. Metropolitan State Alumna Touted as Among Elite in Social Media By Harvey Meyer Who wouldn’t be flattered to be saluted as one of your industry’s stars? Lisa Grimm (’08) is honored to grace lists like the “Top 25 Women Who Rock Social Media” and the “Top 30 Women in Social Media.” “Because it is so new, interesting, exciting but also misunderstood, more work needs to be done to establish social media principles and ethics and ensure it is properly integrated with other communications,” says Grimm, 30, who likens social media to digital word-of-mouth. “I love how dynamic digital is and feel so lucky to live during this time— to have opportunities to make a difference in shaping best practices for social media and communication. In 2010, Grimm was hired as the Mall of America’s digital PR specialist and was quickly promoted to digital brand manager. She oversaw a team that interacted with customers who posted online messages, helping to “humanize” the brand of the nation’s largest mall. Customer social-media engagement flourished under Grimm in part because of her knack for inventing attention-getting events like a pre-Christmas parking space auction on Twitter. Last May, she joined Imagination, a Chicago-based content marketing agency. As a senior social-media strategist, she was tasked with integrating social media with marketing and communication for Pillsbury, Betty Crocker and other highprofile General Mills brands. Grimm, who blogs under Communications Passionista, has flashed her social-media expertise at conferences like BlogWorld, Minnesota Interactive Marketers Association and others. Lisa Grimm But celebrity isn’t what stokes the director of public relations and emerging media for space150, a Minneapolis digital advertising agency. Grimm is crazy-passionate about working in environments where technology and communication intersect to connect people in meaningful ways. Perhaps that’s no shocker from a public relations major whose capstone project evaluated how social media affected PR. 28 BUZZ Metropolitan State University Grimm credits the university with giving her a solid foundation in marketing/communications. The former vice president of the university’s Public Relations Student Society of America characterizes as “super-awesome,” Metropolitan State’s diverse student body and nontraditional nature. In particular, she says several courses, especially one on interpersonal communications, “rocked my world.” “The university was easy for me to navigate,” she says, “I worked closely with advisors about where I should go and what was necessary for me to get there. Metropolitan State is a unique and encouraging environment where professors and instructors are working and experienced in their respective fields. I really loved my time there.” Jessica Kingston (’01) and Maggie Lorenz (’10) are Human Rights “HREEOs” By Stephen Burgdorf (’10) Two Metropolitan State alumnae are bringing their skill and drive for advocacy to the city of Saint Paul. Jessica Kingston (’01), the former chair of the edina Human Rights Commission, was appointed the new director of Saint Paul’s Department of Human Rights and equal employment opportunity (HReeo). Kingston most recently served as associate director for purchasing for Digital River Corporation. “I look forward to working in the city of Saint Paul and bringing my passion for diversity, equality and inclusion of all perspectives,” said Kingston. Maggie Lorenz Maggie Lorenz (’10), the American Indian admissions counselor and retention specialist at Metropolitan State, was recently appointed to a three-year term as a HReeo commissioner. Lorenz is excited, and “hopes to bring another perspective for equal rights and help the department meet its goals.” Lorenz’s efforts have also translated to success at her current job. Since 2011, she’s helped increase American Indian student enrollment at Metropolitan State by 23 percent and increased graduation rates by 53 percent. Lorenz strives to inspire others to similar successes. Jessica Kingston “At the individual level, connecting with people is important and stressing the work of the individual in the community.” Bob Hawkins (’97), Lakeville, was among the 2012 Burnsville High School Hall of Fame inductees. He served as Burnsville police chief since 2004 and recently retired after 30 years of service. Shirlesia “Lesia” Hawkins-Dembley (’09), Minneapolis, was appointed by Governor Mark Dayton to serve on the Governor’s Council on the Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday. She is among 13 appointees on the Council. Shirlesia “Lesia” Hawkins-Dembly Metropolitan State University BUZZ 29 Carrie Hoffman (’02), Chisago City, has been named high school associate principal for the Chisago Lakes School District. She had previously served as an emotional and Behavioral Disorders and Learning Disabilities special education teacher in the district from 2007 to 2011, and then as program director for Chisago Lakes District’s program, Pathway to Change. Sandy Pappas (’86), Saint Paul, was reelected to the Minnesota State Senate from District 65, and was named president of the state senate when the DFL took control of the chamber following the election. Pappas, who also is a community faculty member at Metropolitan State, has served in the Minnesota Senate for 22 years and the Minnesota House of Representatives for the previous six years. Judy A. Johnson (’92), Plymouth, was reelected to the Plymouth City Council, running unopposed for her Ward 1 seat. She has served on the Plymouth City Council since November 1997. Steve Piekarski (’03), Minneapolis, was named associate vice president for older adults at Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota (LSS). He has been a senior director at LSS since 2008, and worked extensively in that role to expand services and increase program enrollment. Joni Kopitzke (’95), Lakeville, received her Doctor of Nursing Practice degree from University of Wisconsin, eau Claire. She works as a nurse practitioner at Hennepin County Medical Center in the urgent care unit. Eric Lucero (’01), Dayton, was elected to the Dayton City Council. He works as a team lead within the computer security industry, and is the owner of two businesses in Dayton: Pride of Homes, LLC and Historic Village Properties, LLC. He is also a community faculty member at Metropolitan State teaching computer forensics, computer security, and voice and data communications courses. Sarah Lukemire (’07), Burnsville, was featured as a guest on Twin Cities Live from oct.-Dec. 2012. Lukemire, author of the Miss Candiquik blog and marketing director for Log House Foods, highlighted some of her easy and simple Candiquik desserts on the show. Olivia Moris (’04), Saint Paul, has been serving as the campus librarian at Globe University-Woodbury Campus since May 2010. John Reynolds (’89), Hamel, was named Ceo of Cielostar, formerly known as outsourceone, a national health care billing and benefit management technology company based in Minneapolis. Prior to this, he was president of FIS Healthcare, Government and Biller Solutions Division, where he helped FIS business lines become national market share leaders. Jenn Ryan (’98), Duluth, has been hired as a senior vice president commercial banker at National Bank of Commerce’s Duluth bank. She comes to the position with 15 years of banking experience, including the previous seven years as a commercial banker for US Bank’s Duluth branch. Bernice Sisson (’86), Saint Paul, has been honored as one of Century College’s Women of Distinction for 2012. She was recognized for her work with Sharon Rice Vaughan and Lois Severson in founding Women’s Advocates, the nation’s first shelter for battered women, in 1974. Metropolitan State University Deborah Tix (’12), Inver Grove Heights, was inducted by the United States Specialty Sports Association into the Softball Hall of Fame at their Nineteenth Annual Hall of Fame Banquet at Crowne Plaza in Brooklyn Center. Deb is an outstanding softball pitcher as well as the credentials evaluator and graduation coordinator, Registrar’s office, at Metropolitan State. Victoria Reinhardt (’96, ’99), White Bear Lake, was reelected to the Ramsey County Board of Commissioners from District 7, representing White Bear Lake, Maplewood, North Saint Paul and the Hillcrest neighborhood in Saint Paul. This will be her fifth term on the board, where she frequently chairs the county budget committee. Yussuf Shafie (’12), Burnsville, and his sister Ifrah have opened Tawakal Restaurant in Burnsville. The restaurant is the first Somali restaurant in Burnsville, and the two hope to both serve Burnsville’s growing east African population and expose other members of the community to a different cuisine. 30 BUZZ Sandra Sweep (’07), Burnsville, was reelected to a second term on the Burnsville-eagan-Savage School Board and is board chair. She was the top vote-getter in a seven-person race for three four-year seats on the board, getting 18.9 percent of the vote. Deborah Tix Pat Trotter (’00), Saint Paul, owner of Trotter’s Café, had her business featured in a Saint Paul Pioneer Press article profiling restaurants that offer healthy, locally-sourced foods at reasonable prices for those trying to meet their New Year’s resolutions. The article, by Jess Fleming, appeared in the Dec. 26, 2012 edition. Revering (’05) and Schwartz (’95) Earn Law Enforcement Promotions By Stephen Burgdorf (’10) Two seasoned law enforcement veterans have paid their dues and now hold new leadership positions. Tanya Schwartz (’95) was promoted to patrol captain of the Burnsville Police Department (BPD) after serving over 18 years on the force. Schwartz worked her way up, and feels fortunate to be part of the organization and looks forward to guiding the BPD into the future. “It is truly an honor and I am excited about providing solid leadership into the future,” says Schwartz. Stephanie Revering Stephanie Revering (’05) was promoted to chief of police for the Crystal Police Department. Revering has held numerous positions during her 15 year long career, including her previous position as deputy chief. She finds the job most rewarding when she gets to know the residents. “The most rewarding part is getting to know the citizens better. I get to meet more people and that’s the joy of the job,” says Revering. Law enforcement runs in the family. Her father was a police officer for 33 years and served 14 years as chief of police for the city of Anoka. Revering became interested after taking a criminal justice course at North Hennepin Community College. Schwartz also credits her interest in the BPD to a firearms course instructor at Metropolitan State where she earned a Law enforcement certificate. “If I had not been at Metro State and they had not provided such excellent instructors,” Schwartz says, “I may never have found my way to Burnsville!” Tanya Schwartz “I guess it’s in the blood,” says Revering. “This is what I’m supposed to do!” Metropolitan State University BUZZ 31 ToM RoSTeR Velasquez (’92) and Mano a Mano Receive Opus Prize for Social Innovation in Bolivia Segundo Velasquez (’92), Saint Paul, and the nonprofit he cofounded, Mano a Mano, were honored in November 2012 by the opus Prize Foundation for the organization’s work in Bolivia. Mano a Mano, recognized as one of the premier nongovernmental organizations in Bolivia, serves rural villages throughout that country by building and managing medical clinics, schools, roads and water retention and irrigation projects. The opus Prize Foundation identifies exceptional unsung social innovators, anywhere in the world, solving persistent social problems. Segundo Velasquez Wells (’92) Takes On Tough Problems, Addresses Economic Development Issues ToM RoSTeR Tené Wells (’92), Minneapolis, was selected as a Bush Fellow in 2012. The Bush Fellows, according to Martha Lee, manager of the Bush Fellowship Program, “take on tough, complex problems in their communities and are committed to making them better places for everyone.” Wells is addressing economic development issues during her fellowship. Since 2006, Wells has been a consultant specializing in community organizing, strategic planning, branding and business and nonprofit leadership development. She is the former president of WomenVenture and led that organization for seven years. Prior to joining WomenVenture, she served as executive director of the city of Minneapolis’ Youth Coordinating Board and of the Minneapolis Way to Grow services. Well’s corporate experience includes Honeywell and Medtronic. Tené Wells 32 BUZZ Metropolitan State University Zelko (’09), Super Star On Skis ToM RoSTeR Mary Zelko (’09), Buffalo, was honored as the 2011–2012 outstanding Alpine Patroller, an award given each year to one patroller of the 28,000-member National Ski Patrol. In addition to being a nurse at Delano elementary School, Zelko serves on the volunteer ski patrol at Powder Ridge in Kimball. At Powder Ridge, Zelko was named patroller of the year in 2008–2009, and was selected as instructor of the year for two consecutive seasons from 2010 to 2012. Mary Zelko Lora Walker (’95), Stacy, was reelected to the Chisago County Board of Commissioners from District 1. She has served on the county board for six of the past 10 years. Walker served on Metropolitan State Alumni Board from 1996 to 1997. Elizabeth V. Weir (’97), Wayzata, was reelected to the position of vice mayor of Medina. She is serving her third term in office. In Memoriam Errata Cynthia Ann Stephens Bessler (’90), Saint Paul Park, died Feb. 28 at the age of 57. Cynthia Ann, or Cindy, as she was called, worked at Metropolitan State University from 1993 to 2000 as a testing administrator in Academic Affairs. Survivors include her husband, two daughters, a grandson, mother and siblings. The Fall 2012 issue of Buzz, on page 32, we incorrectly reported that Jesse Bethke Gomez “is enrolled in the College of Management’s Doctor of Business Administration program.” More accurately, Bethke Gomez is accepted into the Doctor of Business Administration program, but has postponed enrollment at this time. We apologize for any confusion the error may have caused. Dashawn Norris (’12), Saint Paul, died oct. 11 at the age of 40. Norris is survived by her daughter and two brothers. Larry J. Rogers (’06), Woodbury, died Dec. 13 at the age of 58. Rogers served his community as a chemical health unit assessor for Ramsey County and also served in the U.S. Army for eight years. Known as “Dapper” to his friends and family, Rogers was preceded in death by his father and brother. He is survived by his mother, two brothers, a sister, his wife and his son. Metropolitan State University BUZZ 33 From You My University By Alice Magnuson (’76) “Always attend an accredited university.” “Your transcript will follow you wherever you go forever.” Those thoughts went through my mind as I entered the second floor of Walgreen’s Drugstore on Seventh and Saint Peter streets in downtown Saint Paul. It was the early 1970s and I was remembering what my parents taught my brothers and me about going to college. I entered the room to meet with John Berge about applying to become a student at Minnesota Metropolitan State College. This was a new, upper division only, college for adult students who had already earned at least 90 quarter credits, where they could finish their bachelor of arts degrees. The room was small and several other staff seemed to be working with other potential students too. I’m not sure if Mr. Berge was there or not but I clearly remember meeting with Elizabeth Shippee in admissions. Because I had not listened totally to my parents’ words about the transcript following-you-forever piece, Elizabeth said I could be admitted only after re-taking an English course and a chemistry course. I successfully repeated those classes, was admitted and then hired to be a student worker. My primary duties were sorting the mail and taking Phyllis Lee, the first registrar, between the Saint Paul Campus, then located in suite 121 of the Metro Square building at 34 BUZZ Metropolitan State University After my Metro State graduation I worked in the advising and students affairs area as an academic advisor, as a community faculty instructor for IEPC/Perspectives and Metro 101: Your Academic Journey. During this time the university went from being a two-year upper-division university to a four-year university that awards bachelor’s, master’s and applied doctoral degrees. We grew into four colleges and two schools that awarded degrees while we moved to the old St. John’s Hospital site (our main current Saint Paul site) a Minneapolis campus in the Management Education Center and the Midway Center site in Saint Paul. I have been reflecting on all of this for the past year since I notified the university that I would be retiring after the Dec. 18, 2012, graduation ceremony. I have spent the past 38 years working with the most incredible students at the most incredible university in the country. What an incredible privilege and opportunity this has been. Thank you. Seventh and Robert streets, to the basement of the IDS building in downtown Minneapolis each day to deliver student records and files. But, my main goal was to be a student who wanted to finish her bachelor’s degree. Students worked individually with a faculty member to develop their own individualized degree programs to earn competences to complete their degrees. Students were individually evaluated on each learning competence, and, when successfully evaluated by the faculty, they were nominated for graduation. This soon became a huge task for everybody, so, in fall 1974, “I have spent the I became part of the first Individualized Educational past 38 years working Planning class (IEPC), with the most now called Perspectives: Educational Philosophy incredible students.” and Planning. I graduated in 1976 and am pleased that the late Dr. David Sweet, the founding president, was at the ceremony and his signature is on my diploma. From there, I went on to earn my master of arts degree from Hamline University in 1994. Dates Xavier Tavera Photograph June 5 online Career Speaker Series, “Make Your Network Work for YoU!” with author Diane Darling. For more information go to www.metrostate.edu/career. Sept. 13–Oct. 4 Dulce Maria and Other Stories featuring the photographs of Xavier Tavera. Saint Paul Campus Library, Gordon Parks Gallery. Gallery hours are Monday–Thursday, 11 a.m.–7 p.m. and Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m.–4 p.m. The reception is Thursday, Sept. 12, 4:30–7 p.m. Oct. 17 Scholarship Luncheon in the Jackson Room at Travelers from 11:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m. Scholarship recipients, donors and alumni will be honored at this by-invitation event. For further information contact Maureen Acosta, development director, at 651-793-1804. For more information about events, sign up for the alumni e-newsletter at [email protected]. Dec. 17 Fall 2013 Commencement Ceremony, Roy Wilkins Auditorium at Saint Paul RiverCentre, 7–9 p.m. ceremony. If you would like to volunteer, contact Sue Amos Palmer, commencement coordinator, at 651-793-1823 or e-mail her at [email protected]. Metropolitan State University BUZZ 35 Nonprofit org. U.S. Postage PAID Twin Cities, MN Permit No. 4591 700 east Seventh Street Saint Paul, Minnesota 55106-5000 Our Garden (last panel) Diane DeRosier Douglass (’05, ’09) Watercolor and Ink