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#OurSCSU Archive
Cathy Coats
A passion for public service leads to a career in history
St. Cloud State University alumna Cathy Coats has always been drawn to the world of academia.
Dr. Patsy Koay
Alumna is an author, therapist and teacher
Dr. Patsy Koay graduated from St. Cloud State University in 2000 with a bachelor’s degree in mass communications and advertising.
Mandy Thalhuber
Passion for weather started at a young age for SCSU alumna
Weather has always been fascinating for Mandy Thalhuber.
Dr. Kari Turkowski
Alumna uses harrowing medical journey to help others navigate life’s hurdles
Dr. Kari Turkowski isn’t letting anything stop her — not even flatlining.
Holly Schreiner
Alumna proud to be director of athletics for her alma mater
Holly Schreiner stepped foot on the St. Cloud State University campus in the fall of 1996, and never left.
Emma Christianson
Student looks forward to starting career in construction management thanks to SCSU foundation
Emma Christianson is a dedicated third-year Construction Management student at St. Cloud State University and is expected to graduate in 2025.
Max Matthaei
Senior appreciates time with swim team, investment club as he approaches graduation
Max Matthaei is excited for the future, and credits his time at St. Cloud State University with helping him get there.
Dr. Laurie Putnam
Minnesota’s Superintendent of the Year works to make all students feel welcome
While Dr. Laurie Putnam was named the 2025 Minnesota Superintendent of the Year by the Minnesota Association of School Administrators, she said the recognition is thanks to not just her, but the team she works with in St. Cloud Area School District 742 as well as the community of St. Cloud as a whole.
Monique Russell
Facilitating connections by removing communication barriers
While Monique Russell initially transferred to St. Cloud State University to save on tuition, she found much more than an affordable education at the University. She found a home.
Craig Fuller
Alumnus works to support his community through role in casino industry
Craig Fuller didn’t initially find St. Cloud State University on his own; he found it by chance.
Now the senior director of casino operations at New York’s Akwesasne Mohawk Casino Resort, Fuller initially started college in his home state of New York.
Jill and Paul Renslow
Couple look back on time at SCSU and the careers the University helped launch
Both Jill and Paul Renslow’s connections with St. Cloud State University started long before either of them attended any classes.
Autumn Jotblad
Student, dance team member enjoys being involved in SCSU campus community
Autumn Jotblad is a dedicated student at St. Cloud State University, balancing a busy academic schedule with campus engagement. She is pursuing a double major in marketing and Spanish, along with a minor in business management.
Mohammad Elias
After building business from scratch, alumnus looks to support future workforce
Mohammad Elias may have founded one of the fastest growing private companies in the United States, but he remembers what it took to get there, and wants to help others achieve their goals as well.
Sara Biru
Helping others find their place
“As long as you do your best, your best is good enough” is a mantra Sara Biru lives by, and it’s one she shares with others as she helps guide them through their careers.
A career navigator in HR talent solutions for CentraCare, the St. Cloud State University alumna helps employees of the central Minnesota health care system find their niche within the organization.
Chad Germann
Marketing firm’s success stems from founder’s roots in advertising and Native American culture
An entrepreneurial drive, creative mindset and a desire to impact his community led Chad Germann to start his own business.
More than two decades later, his Red Circle advertising and media agency is the nation’s largest 100% Native-owned casino marketing firm.
Paul Tran
Software engineer looks to help others through mentoring as well as published book of financial advice
While computer and software engineering has long been a natural fit for Paul Tran, helping people has been an underlying passion.
Jess Von Bank
Alumna looks to revolutionize HR, make space for everyone in the workforce
“Punk is about revolting against a society that doesn’t think you deserve a revolution” is one of Jess Von Bank’s favorite quotes. While the quote’s source is unknown, the St. Cloud State University alumna and human resources industry revolutionary said its message couldn’t be more clear.
Michael Oliver
Alumnus wins another Emmy for work on ‘Welcome to Wrexham’
From the Super Bowl, to the Olympics and now one of the most popular sports documentary series in “Welcome to Wrexham,” Michael Oliver has enjoyed a storied career in sports editing.
Enkhsolongo “Solo” Sangibat
Nature-focused culture inspires student to study environmental science
Having grown up in Mongolia, St. Cloud State University junior Enkhsolongo “Solo” Sangibat’s life has always been intertwined with the natural world.
Bryce Daiker
Bringing drama back (in a good way)
A love of helping people is what drives St. Cloud State University junior Bryce Daiker to get involved on campus and pursue a career in biochemistry and molecular biology.
BearPaw Shields
Providing a home away from home for Indigenous students while educating the community
“We're still here. We’re not going anywhere. We’re beautiful people,” is a message BearPaw Shields continuously works to broadcast.
From the Assiniboine and Sioux Tribes of the Fort Peck Tribes in Wolf Point, Montana, the St. Cloud State University alumna is the Indigenous learning community program coordinator for SCSU’s American Indian Center.
Anna Panek Allen
Alumna looks to pay education, support forward for future generations
For as long as she can remember, Anna Panek Allen has wanted to be a teacher.
Chantal Oechsle
SCSU student intends to use degree to bring about positive change
Chantal Oechsle was inspired to go back to school after working in her community.
Nicholas Lengyel
Alumnus and veteran looks to support students through faculty role
From sergeant, to student, to teacher; life has come full circle for Nicholas Lengyel.
Shriyans Pradhan
Student government president enjoys connecting with SCSU community
Shriyans Pradhan is not only president of St. Cloud State University’s Student Government Association, but a productive member of the SCSU community and a perfect representation of what it means to be a Husky.
Dr. Lisa Fournier
Business background, life experience helps faculty member coach future business leaders
Dr. Lisa Fournier has had a storied career in business, leadership and education. Now an MBA career and leadership development coach with St. Cloud State University, she has been everything from a business founder and chief operating officer, to an implementer, consultant and professor.
Dr. J. Scott Baker
Educating future teachers on the humanity of teaching
Making connections and building relationships is a cornerstone of teaching. That’s what Dr. J. Scott Baker works to demonstrate for his students each day — sometimes dressed as Lumière, a “Bridgerton” character, a Care Bear, or one of the other 200-plus costumes at his disposal.
Adam Welle
Power of music a constant through life’s challenges
Music has always been a constant in Adam Welle’s life, through the ups and the downs. He might even go as far as saying music saved him on more than one occasion.
Gabrielle Brown
SCSU coach looks to make an impact on and off the track
When Huskies track and field and cross country head coach Gabrielle “Elle” Brown first visited St. Cloud State University, she knew she was home.
Jake Anderson and Mike Conway
Alumni campaign to be the next leader of St. Cloud
No matter the outcome on Election Day, the next mayor of St. Cloud will be another St. Cloud State University graduate.
Catharine Van Nostrand
A career dedicated to empowering women
A connection with St. Cloud State University that started during the second wave of the women’s movement will last for generations to come, if Catharine Van Nostrand has anything to say about it.
Nolan Newberg
Creating positive and engaging content through basketball storytelling
St. Cloud State University alumnus Nolan Newberg first started creating social media content when he was 13, and never stopped. In fact, Newberg and friend Joe Doerrer turned it into a career.
Kayla Stielow
Empowering others through museums and historical education
Kayla Stielow’s love for history has been a central theme throughout her academic and professional careers.
CJ Breen
Former baseball player uses versatility from the field to promote athletes in the trading card space
CJ Breen never wanted to give up playing baseball, but when the time came to consider career options, he found the next best thing.
Sarah Drake
Artist and humanitarian leads nonprofit with mission to create an equitable world
Sarah Drake first visited the continent of Africa in 2011. Her experiences meeting the women and children in the village of Tiébélé, Burkina Faso in West Africa would ultimately inspire the St. Cloud State University alumna to start the nonprofit herARTS in Action.
Eunice Adjei
Working to provide equal opportunities for underserved communities
Eunice Adjei has made it her mission to empower immigrant, ethnic and underserved communities. She said she started developing that passion during her time studying at St. Cloud State University, and it fits perfectly with her role as director of multicultural services at St. Cloud Financial Credit Union.
Dr. Larry Dietz
SCSU interim president comes out of retirement to lead University
The Husky pack has a new leader.
Dr. Larry Dietz was named interim president of St. Cloud State University on April 17, 2024, and assumed his responsibilities on July 1, 2024.
Gao Lee and Saengmany Ratsabout
Couple uses Southeast Asian roots to start coffee business, connect with community
As refugees and children of immigrants, Gao Lee and Saengmany Ratsabout know what it's like to be uprooted from their homelands. They said like the coffee plant — which is now grown all over the world and has thrived in new environments, refugees and immigrants create community wherever they put down roots.
Dr. Heather Brown
SCSU Women’s Center director looks to maintain, expand strong community of support
Dr. Heather Brown started as director of St. Cloud State University’s Women’s Center in July 2023, but her career in social justice started much earlier.
Jestine Ware
Alumna takes passion for writing and uses it to help her community
Jestine Ware is an editor and writer by trade. While she first made her mark writing children’s books that centered around historically underrepresented communities, she now also uses her skills to advocate for those in her own community.
Andy Roeser
Hockey coach enjoys giving his student-athletes a strong foundation for the future
For Andy Roeser, coaching hockey is a way to give children, teenagers and young adults tools and skills to help them build upon going forward.
Christina Steele
Helping those in the autism community find their voice
Everyone has a right to be heard.
Christina Steele grew up watching her cousin struggle to be understood by those around him. It drew her to a career dedicated to those in the autism community.
Drew Bunkers
Alumnus changes career paths to broaden his impact on others
While he started out in the business world, St. Cloud State University alumnus Drew Bunkers said working in education is his true calling.
Dr. Michael and Diane Smerdon
Couple who met at SCSU go on to impact communities
In the late-1960s Dr. Michael and Diane Smerdon were two St. Cloud State University students — one studying physics and mathematics, and the other elementary education. One night they met through mutual friends.
The rest is history.
Dr. Roz Tsai
Hunger to learn drives alumna’s success in teaching, leading others
For Dr. Roz Tsai, a passion for learning led her to not just St. Cloud State University, but the United States as a whole.
Joe Nayquonabe
Making dreams a reality for the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe’s economy and community
Joe Nayquonabe has spent his career reimagining and reinventing how American Indian tribal economies grow and prosper, and he’s just getting started.
Seal Dwyer
Breaking down barriers and creating space where everyone can thrive
Seal Dwyer’s mission is to give hope and healing a home in central Minnesota. Through Seal Dwyer Counseling LLC, that mission is accomplished for many in the LGBTQ community every day.
Jenny Neuharth
Alumna rebuilds her life bigger and better following harrowing injury, memory loss
The year 2020 was one of change for most of the world.
For St. Cloud State University alumna Jenny Neuharth, it was literally life-altering.
Kara Cowell
Soon-to-be graduate looks to continue advocacy in grad school and beyond
While her St. Cloud State University chapter is coming to a close, the future is nothing but bright for Kara Cowell.
The Huskies swim and dive team standout and SCSU Women’s Center champion will graduate with a major in biomedical science, a minor in gender and women’s studies, and a certificate in feminist leadership on May 3.
Nancy Dyson
Making the day-to-day easier for those living in the margins
Nancy Dyson has spent almost her entire adult life working with the homeless to make their lives easier in some way, whether making community meals, handing out supplies, offering a mobile shower service or starting the St. Cloud chapter of Laundry Love.
Lynn Younglove
Breaking the cycle of poverty by providing educational opportunities to the girls of Kibera
One fateful trip to Kenya changed Lynn Younglove’s life forever, but it also changed the lives of nearly 50 girls living in one of the world’s largest slums.
Well, nearly 50 girls so far.
Landen Parkin
Empowering students to lead and share their experiences
Making students feel valued and empowered is a daily goal for Landen Parkin.
The St. Cloud State University alumnus is an English language arts teacher and affinity group coordinator for Burnsville High School. Originally teaching ninth grade classes on English, acting and film studies when he first started with the school district, Parkin said his current role is the perfect fit.
Tarra Grammenos
Bringing together the Deaf Community and the criminal justice system through communication
Tarra Grammenos has been in the Deaf Community for over half of her life, and has built a career out of helping people feel seen and heard in the justice system.
The St. Cloud State University alumna first started taking American Sign Language classes in high school. She now works as a Minnesota court-certified ASL/English interpreter, largely in the Minnesota court system.
Hodan Omar
Alumna works to close the gap for underserved communities in local schools and beyond
Hodan Omar has built a career out of supporting others.
An educational outreach coordinator with St. Cloud Area School District 742, the St. Cloud State University alumna works to connect underserved individuals with the resources they need, whether it’s in school or out in the community.
Bret Hedican
Retired NHL player starts business to commemorate life’s big moments
From St. Cloud State University, to the NHL and beyond, it has been quite the journey for Bret Hedican.
Marit Ortega
Alumna looks to help both animals and people through role with humane society
In 2002, Marit Ortega was looking to take a break from school. She had just earned her degree in biology from St. Cloud State University and moved from part-time to full-time work at the Tri-County Humane Society to gain some more experience before attending veterinary school.
Twenty-two years later, she’s now the executive director.
Dr. Christopher Lehman
Professor works to create conversations, connections through teaching and research
For Dr. Christopher Lehman, to teach and research history is to find the humanity in generations past.
Mary Bruno
Artistic family pastime turns into career, vehicle to inspire the community
Art in some form or another has always been central in Mary Bruno’s life.
As a child she helped her father wash screens from his silk screen printing classes and visited his classrooms. When her dad started acquiring more letterpress equipment and built a studio onto their family’s one-car garage, Bruno could usually be found in that same studio with her dad, and would one day make it her own.
Sakina
Afghanistan refugee maintains hope despite turbulent 12 months
Courage is a characteristic that speaks through actions.
Sakina, a 2021 graduate of St. Cloud State University, has displayed it throughout her entire life. It took courage to attend university in her home country of Afghanistan, a path often not supported for women.
Jim Eisenreich
Retired MLB player uses platform to advocate for others with Tourette syndrome
Jim Eisenreich went decades without answers for why he felt the way he did. Why did he make noises or movements he didn’t want to make, drawing attention to himself that he didn’t want? Why did the symptoms only get worse the more he tried to control them?
Kelsey Bean
Following dreams throughout life’s unexpected moments
What started as a part-time job in high school became a lifelong passion for Kelsey Bean.
Owner of The Chocolate Ox, a candy and ice cream shop with two locations in Nisswa, Bean was first hired to work summers and weekends at the store when she was 15 years old. She never stopped.
Dick Bremer
A 40-year thrill-packed chapter with the Twins comes to a close
Dick Bremer didn’t grow up dreaming about becoming a sports broadcaster someday.
But that dream came true anyway.
Clare and Brandon Richards
Couple start company to make school supplies more accessible, affordable for families
Investing in the community leads to a brighter future for everyone.
That’s what Clare and Brandon Richards hope to achieve through their startup Impacks, a tech-powered company that simplifies back-to-school shopping by partnering with schools across the nation to give parents a streamlined way to buy school supplies online.
Dr. Tashiana Osborne
Building climate resilience to protect lives and ecosystems
For the last few centuries, humans have been too much of a driving force behind climate change, primarily through the burning of fossil fuels.
SCSU alumna Dr. Tashiana Osborne is working to change that.
Devon Bowker
Biology teacher with viral videos looks to inspire critical thinking in his students
While he may have reached viral stardom over the summer for his Keurig impression, Devon Bowker is much more interested in science and nature.
C Willi Myles
Comedian comes back to his alma mater for performance
Comedian and SCSU alumnus C Willi Myles returned to his alma mater to perform for the community in Ritsche Auditorium. It was a happy homecoming.
Nic and Paige Dowd
Creating new experiences for sensory sensitive fans
Thanks to SCSU alums Nic and Paige Dowd and their Dowd’s Crowd sensory kits, many families with sensory sensitivities are now able to enjoy the thrill of attending a hockey game together.
Diane Nelson
Bold breakthroughs through the art of weaving
Something incredible is going on at Annandale Art & Textile Center, and a St. Cloud State University alumna is helping to facilitate it.
Leah Neidecker
COSE education prepared alumna for a career in helping doctors save lives
For alumna Leah Neidecker, St. Cloud State University served as a launching pad for her career in helping physicians save lives. While it wasn’t the first university she attended, she’s thankful it’s where she ended up.
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