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In such a detailed illustration in regard to an ecosystem of entrepreneurship how people, programs and places have helped it grow.
{ one c ol or l o go
In Review
2014 – 2015
An Ecosystem of
Entrepreneurship
How people, programs and places have
helped it grow at Minnesota State Mankato
contents
6
Big Ideas Challenge
Students learn about entrepreneurship
first-hand by competing for up to
$10,000 in the College of Business’s
new competition.
3
4
Dean’s Message
Our Entrepreneurship Ecosystem
9
Enactus: Transforming Lives
and Developing Leaders
High Impact Learning
10 Experiences
Alumna and Mankato entrepreneur
16 Dr. Yvonne Cariveau teaches
entrepreneurship
College of Business 2015–2020
Advisory Council Welcomes
The Richard Schmitz Food
Distinguished Alumni: Jay Abdo ’96
Start it Up! Junior Achievement
19 Strategic Plan
14
18
20 Nine New Members
22 Entrepreneurship Lecture
24 & Linda Koerselman ’81
26 Camp Inspires Young Entrepreneurs
Innovators & Entrepreneurs
Teaching By Example
Amy and Maha Abouelenein return to
campus as the 2015 Morgan Thomas
Executives in Residence
Dr. John Kaliski’s entrepreneurial spirit
inspires students past and present
Dean, College of Business
Brenda Flannery
Printer
Minnesota State University, Mankato Printing Services
Editor/Writer
Greta Fennell
Print Coordinator
Doug Fenske
...............................................................................................
Contributing Writer
Sara Frederick
Joe Tougas
Graphic Designer
Terri Poburka
photographers
Greta Fennell
SPX Sports
Ginger Snaps Back Photography
Bethany Lutheran College
The mission of In Review is to inform and to connect the
reader to the College of Business community. In Review
welcomes story ideas supporting this mission.
In Review is copyrighted in its entirety. This volume and
all articles, images and photographs within may not be
reproduced in any form without written permission from
the editor.
2 // minnesota state university, mankato // college of business
College of Business
120 Morris Hall, Mankato, MN 56001
507.389.5420 | cob.mnsu.edu
A member of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities
System and an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity University.
This document is available in alternative format to individuals with
disabilities by calling the College of Business at 507-389-5420 (V),
800-627-3529 or 711 (MRS/TTY). BUSC131NE_8/15
Dean’s
Message
W
elcome to our 2014-2015 InReview, which celebrates
the entrepreneurial endeavors of Minnesota State
University, Mankato students, faculty, alumni and friends.
We increasingly refer to this innovative community as an
“entrepreneurship ecosystem,” a network of people, organizations
and communities that support the launch of new enterprises.
Entrepreneurship extends far beyond an individual with an idea.
Research shows that entrepreneurs thrive in environments that are
rich in human, financial and professional resources. The College
of Business is intentionally inventing, partnering and facilitating as
much of this ecosystem as possible for our students and alumni.
Our efforts to build that ecosystem ramped up during the past
year: We added several new advisory council members and
launched the Big Ideas Challenge (read more on page 6). We
revitalized our entrepreneurship courses, partnered with Junior
Achievement to create an entrepreneurship camp for high school
students (see page 26), and celebrated entrepreneurial alumni. We
aim to perpetuate the perspective that entrepreneurship is a way of
being, thinking and doing.
This spirit of doing and taking action is the core of our 2015-2020
Strategic Plan (page 19). Our vision to be the “clear business
school choice for those who want to engage in real-world
experiences” reflects Minnesota State Mankato’s big ideas, realworld thinking vision. It also confirms what many of us know
from our days of formal learning… we often learn best through
engaged experiences such as projects, internships, simulations,
study abroad and starting something.
Enjoy the stories of Maverick entrepreneurs. We invite you to be
part of the entrepreneurship ecosystem that helps students launch
their lives, careers, businesses and dreams!
Dr. Brenda L. Flannery
Dean, College of Business
Minnesota State University, Mankato
2014-2015 in review // 3
The College of Business
Entrepreneurship
ecosystem
For entrepreneurship to flourish, a system of resources needs to be accessible to all. Potential
entrepreneurs succeed most often in environments where they have access to human, financial
and professional resources. That’s exactly the kind of environment we have been working to
create in the College of Business. Our students are surrounded by entrepreneurial faculty,
staff and alumni. They are supported by the University and the community. And they have
opportunities to participate in programs designed to enhance their entrepreneurial ideas.
Programs
PEOPLE
Opportunities both in
and out of the classroom that
allow students to engage in
entrepreneurial activities.
Students, faculty, staff, alumni
and others who offer guidance and
support to entrepreneurs.
ORGANIZATIONS
Groups both on and off
campus that provide support,
encouragement and resources
to entrepreneurs
PLACES
Space where creativity and innovation
have room to grow, as well as room for
teams to work together.
COMMUNITY
Nurturing the entrepreneurial spirit
both on and off campus.
4 // minnesota state university, mankato // college of business
Entrepreneurship And Innovation
Fast Facts
$1.2 million in new
private support for
Mankato area is 3RD
ON FORBES 2014 list
entrepreneurship and innovation
of Best Small Places for Business
and Careers
2,500 Minnesota
State Mankato
alumni who are entrepreneurs
made the Big Ideas Challenge Finals
153 undergraduate
students have had a start-up
Mankato is the
2nd fastest growing
experience in the United Prairie Bank
Integrated Business Experience program
on the list of 50 largest communities in
greater Minnesota
33 high school
students participated
1 new campus-wide
minor (6 courses) in
in the first Start-it Up! Camp
entrepreneurship and innovation
5 student teams
7 scholarships
for entrepreneurial students
2014-2015 in review // 5
Innovative
Ideas in Action
New venture competition
rewards student business ideas
“W
hether you just have a fantastic idea, are a
start up or already operating successfully and
looking to expand… Shark Tank is just the show for
you” (abc.com). Minnesota State Mankato students now
have the same opportunity to showcase their innovative
ideas right on campus, through the College of Business
Big Ideas Challenge.
College of Business alumnus Craig Lloyd ’72, of Lloyd
Companies, generously supported this new venture, which
launched in November 2014. The Big Ideas Challenge is
a platform to support, celebrate and promote students’
innovative ideas. The competition proved to be an excellent
opportunity to advance student businesses and provide
financial support to the winners, with $10,000 in prize money
available.”It was a pleasure and honor to be a part of the Big
Ideas Challenge,” says Christie Ernst, Lloyd’s daughter.
“We were impressed with the innovative and
entrepreneurial spirit that we witnessed in the students. We
manage office and retail space for over one hundred businesses
and rarely see the level of professionalism in the business
cases and presentations like we observed at Minnesota State
Mankato. We are already looking forward to next year!”
When the competition began, ideas poured in from
individuals and teams. The students participated in a series
of workshops, consulting services and panel presentations
throughout the 2014-2015 academic year. “This entire
program simulated a real-life working environment,
collaborating with different colleges and disciplines,” explained
6 // minnesota state university, mankato // college of business
Katie McDonald, one of the participants. “The speakers
provided a plethora of valuable information and created
an even bigger network of individuals to work with as our
company evolved.”
STRAIGHT FROM ENTREPRENEURS
To make it possible for Big Ideas Challenge participants to
hear stories of local entrepreneurs, the College of Business
partnered with Made in Mankato to host the Entrepreneur
Film Festival during Global Entrepreneurship Week. The films
showcased 10 successful entrepreneurs within the community
and emphasized the diversity of small businesses in Mankato.
After the theater-style film presentations, Minnesota
State Mankato students and community members had an
opportunity to network with the featured entrepreneurs.
BIG IDEAS LIVE!
The competition continued with two rounds of judging in
which participants were evaluated on innovation, feasibility
and impact. They continued to prepare their business plans up
until the final competition, Big Ideas Live!
On May 1, 2015, the final five teams presented their ideas
to a panel of five judges. Judges were carefully selected, taking
into consideration their entrepreneurial expertise, success and
personal interests. Paul Hanson ’84, chief operating officer of
TrackIf, LLC, served as a judge. He has more than 30 years
of experience as a business and technology leader, having
founded small businesses and developed successful teams in
large corporations.
“Big Ideas Live! was very well run, for a first time event,” Hanson
says. “It modeled the show ‘Shark Tank,’ yet it was unique.”
Each team had 10 minutes to present their ideas, followed by a
10-minute question-and-answer session. Hanson explained that the
winners were “outstanding,” yet it was just as important to encourage
the other four teams and provide lasting advice. When talking about
entrepreneurship, Hanson says, “I think about freedom and you have to
be willing to let yourself try and fail and be okay with both of those.”
AND THE WINNERS?
Craig Lloyd himself presented Katie McDonald ’15 and Megan Chase
’15 with the $8,000 grand prize and the $2,000 People’s Choice award.
The two nursing students had presented their idea for Mankato
Pediatric Respite.
“Being an entrepreneur was nothing I ever saw myself being; I was a
nurse!” says McDonald. “After this experience, I can see that anyone can
be an entrepreneur.
Their idea came from a student project. “Megan and I identified an
area of need in this community,” explains McDonald.
Mankato Pediatric Respite provides complete and competent
family-focused respite care to families with medically fragile children.
Their vision is to give families a break from their daily caretaking
responsibilities by matching them with qualified nursing students at
Minnesota State Mankato who have a passion for pediatrics and fit well
with the family.
McDonald and Chase plan to officially launch Mankato Pediatric
Respite in the fall and hope to expand their idea to other colleges and
communities. “The Big Ideas Challenge has shown me anything is
possible and I can make my idea a reality,” McDonald says.
2014-2015 in review // 7
Big Ideas Challenge
5 Finalists
Gym Life
Anthony Ulrich ’15, Finance
John Engelhart ’15, Computer Science
Gym Life is an online fitness retailer
committed to providing high customer
satisfaction through excellent service,
quality fitness products and a fast, functional shopping experience at competitive prices.
NightOwl Technologies/
911 Emergency Help
Mohammed (Hassan) Shahid ’15,
Marketing
NightOwl Technologies provides
customized technology solutions for
business process improvement. The
current project, 911 Emergency Help, is
a system that allows a potential victim
to request help with a single touch of a
smartphone.
“I recommend all students to push their
mental limits and participate [in Big
Ideas Challenge]. It left me extremely
motivated, next time I’ll have the product ready and the pitch will be electric!”
VikasEd International
Christina Tchatchouang, Graduate Student, Counseling and Student Personnel
Charles Thiemele ’15, International
Business
VikasEd is an international admission
consulting agency that connects African
students with universities in the United
States. Services range from admission
consulting to visa assistance and airport
services. “This challenge was like having
one step in the real world, which is what
students should experience while in
school,” says Charles Thiemele.
WINNING IDEA
Mankato Pediatric Respite
Katie McDonald ’15, Nursing
Megan Chase ’15, Nursing
Mankato Pediatric Respite is a nonprofit organization that provides respite
care to families with medically fragile
children. The idea started as part of
a class project and quickly became
Growing
Entrepreneurship
Thinking, Doing, Creating
The College of Business is proud to recognize two
generous contributions received in 2015 to enhance the
ecosystem of entrepreneurship and innovation at Minnesota State Mankato. Dean Brenda Flannery explains that
these gifts benefit the College, University and community by supporting initiatives that may “unlock, for some
people, a path to the rest of their life that would never
have been unlocked before.”
8 // minnesota state university, mankato // college of business
much more. It uses nursing students to
provide care for the children, providing
a service to the families and real-world
experience to the students.
Telitox
Faud Gazal, Graduate Student, Electrical Engineering
Emmanuel Adeyemi, Junior, Manufacturing Engineering Technology major
Cynthia Ovadje, Junior, Math and
Environmental Science major
Telitox is a new age delivery service for
everyday goods, less than 22 pounds,
via an Autonomous Quadcopter Aerial
Transport Vehicle (AQEAT-V). It will
have docking stations at strategic locations that allow consumers to initiate
and receive deliveries. “Before the Big
Ideas Challenge, I didn’t know the
first thing about starting or running a
business. I have learned so much and
we now have resources to help us,” says
Cynthia Ovadje.
Richard ’64 and Mary Schmitz pledged $200,000 to endow
a graduate position within the Entrepreneurship & Innovation program. Entrepreneurship initiatives continue to gain
momentum. “That’s really what stimulated me,” Schmitz says.
He remembers his own entrepreneurial spirit when he began
building his grocery business at the age of 30 Establishing the
endowed graduate position is for “students who have a dream
to be an entrepreneur,” he says. “It’s refreshing to see them with
that ambition these days.”
Paul ’84 and Diane ’86 Hanson established a $50,000
endowment to support initiatives in the field of entrepreneurship and innovation. At 15, Paul began working with his
mentor, who gave him direction but let him explore the ways
of business. That experience set Hanson on a path toward
entrepreneurial success. “I know now what I was blessed with
Taking Action to
Improve the World
For students who want to “improve the world through
entrepreneurial action,” the College of Business formed a
new student organization to do just that. “Enactus is about
doing something and starting something,” explains Brenda
Flannery, dean of the College of Business. “It is beyond just
yourself; it is the intersection between what a student is
doing and what happens in the community.”
Enactus is a national community of students, faculty
members and business leaders that channels ingenuity and
talents toward community development projects. The goal
is two-fold: impact lives in the community and develop
students into effective, values-driven leaders.
Enactus spans across 36 countries, 1,700 universities,
and consists of more than 70,500 students. Teams implement nearly 5,000 projects that ultimately impact 2 million
people each year. Projects focus on three main areas:
entrepreneurship, social and learning experience.
“Students in Enactus will create new project ideas, develop communication skills, leadership skills, brainstorming and most importantly how to start a business idea from
the beginning, how to walk through each step and learn
from mistakes,” explains Lucas Fontana, Enactus founding
member. “We are willing to try and make a difference on
our campus and in the Mankato community.”
In its first year, the Minnesota State Mankato Enactus
team included 16 students who participated in a project
each semester. In Fall 2014, they partnered with Dream
Closet, another Minnesota State Mankato student organization, to develop marketing and fundraising strategies
for a free community shopping event. The team focused
on a potential start-up food business called The BackPack
Bar in spring 2015. Enactus members conducted target
market, production and financial projection research to
create, package, market and distribute the bar, with proceeds benefiting the local BackPack for Food program.
“Students who participate in Enactus should be willing to
talk, share ideas, and want to try something completely
new,” Fontana explained, “I guarantee they will learn a lot
during this experience.”
Future goals for the Enactus team include starting
and managing a student-run enterprise on campus. Early
ideas include a fair trade/organic coffee and chocolate cart or shop, an international gift center, a book
exchange service, a bike rental service and a student
business co-op working center. n
as a youngster. I didn’t know what it was at the time or what it
would start with me, but because of it I have been able to move
along in my career and it just seemed like a natural fit [to support entrepreneurial initiatives],” he says.
Current MBA student April Femrite is the first to accept
the Entrepreneurship & Innovation Graduate Fellow role. She
will manage a number of co-curricular programs within the
College, such as the Big Ideas Challenge, Enactus and events
focused on entrepreneurship and innovation.
New initiatives will help students in several ways, such
as practicing real-world applications of business concepts,
increasing self-awareness and acquiring new resources.
Hanson and Schmitz both recognize the importance of
creating entrepreneurial opportunities for students. “It helps
students use their brains to figure things out,” Schmitz says.
“Then they can do much better for themselves all their lives.” n
2014-2015 in review // 9
Providing
Students
with
Experiences
High-impact learning (real-world
learning experiences) is defined as
an investment of time and energy
over an extended period that has
unusually positive effects on student
engagement in educationally
purposeful behavior.
What they do:
• Require time and effort in
purposeful tasks that deepen
students’ investment and
commitment
• Build substantive relationships
through interactions with
faculty and peers
• Provide rich and frequent
feedback, inside and outside the
classroom
• Provide learning opportunities
in new situations where students
apply and test their knowledge
• Allow for reflection of one’s
values and beliefs to provide
students a better understanding
of themselves and the larger
world
1
5
9
1. Students in the Spring 2015 United Prairie Bank
Integrated Business Experience program dedicated 217
hours to raise almost $6,000 for the BackPack Food
Program.
2. The Entrepreneurship Organization attended the Lake
FX Improvisation and Innovation Expo presented by
Google in Chicago.
3. The Finance Organization visited The Northern Trust
Company during its annual trip to Chicago.
10 // minnesota state university, mankato // college of business
10
4. Students visited the Federal Reserve Bank in New York
City with Dr. Robert Zelin and Dr. Juan (Gloria) Meng.
5. Students, faculty and staff from both the College of
Business and the College of Science, Engineering and
Technology took part in a tour of Cambria’s facilities.
6. Dr. Kristin Scott took students to Belize on a Fair Trade
study abroad trip for the third time in 2015.
7. Students in the Fall 2014 Maverick Student Investment
Fund, taught by John Hylle, received hands-on
experience investing $407,000.
2
3
6
4
7
11
8
12
8. Two of Dr. John Kuzma’s students participated in the
2015 National Collegiate Sales Competition in Georgia,
the largest and oldest sales competition with 65 other
universities in attendance.
11. Marketing faculty members hosted a Social Media
Marketing Panel discussion for marketing students
to hear insights from seven panelists about careers in
social media.
9. Students in Dr. Leon Chen’s financial planning
class present financial management plans during a
Northwestern Mutual Financial Planning Competition.
12. The College of Business hosted its first Wall Street
Journal Street Smarts Jeopardy event, in which five
student organizations competed for prize money.
10. College of Business students present financial
management plans during a Northwestern Mutual
Financial Planning Competition.
2014-2015 in review // 11
“
Be involved outside of
class, have a positive attitude,
always give 110 percent and
strive to learn and develop.
Entrepreneurial
—Pratibha Dhamala
Student
spoTlights
Pratibha Dhamala
Hometown: Kathmandu, Nepal
Program: Master of Business Administration
Expected graduation date: 2016
.................................................................................
What was your first impression of Minnesota
State Mankato? I still remember my three-day orientation
when I walked into the College of Business planning room
with my major in mind. The advisors helped me plan my entire
course of studies and gave me insight on how to pair classes. I
found the people very helpful and welcoming.
Tell me about your experience studying in the
College of Business. I’ve met many great people. My first
advisor gave me great advice and direction on how to be
involved, develop myself as a business professional and reach
my goals. Dean Brenda Flannery also connected me with the
director of the Small Business Development Center, who turned
out to be a great mentor by teaching me to utilize my strengths,
overcome my weaknesses and reach my goals.
What programs/organizations have you participated
in during your time at Minnesota State Mankato?
I have been involved with the International Student
Association, where I have served as vice president and
director of public relations. I was also the president of the
Entrepreneurship Club, where I helped bring the organization
back to life, create a mission and vision, and bring together a
group of enthusiastic people with great business ideas. I also
participate in other organizations and activities on campus as
opportunities arise.
12 // minnesota state university, mankato // college of business
”
Are you working while pursuing your MBA? I am a
Graduate Assistant at the Small Business Development Center
and a Business Development Intern at Taylor Corporation.
Both of these jobs came my way because of my involvement
on campus and the networks that I have built here. These
opportunities have taught me so much and provided me with
all the learning opportunities that I could ask for.
What do you see yourself doing in the future?
I would like to continue working for Taylor Corporation. My
internship puts me on an exciting team that deals with a lot
of big ideas. I have a lot a variation in my job as we work with
different ideas, and that excites me to go to work every day. I
would also like to own my own business someday. This idea and
the challenges it holds keeps me motivated and moving toward
the future.
What is the biggest challenge about being in school?
Time management is one of the challenges. I have not yet
perfected it, but I have learned to prioritize things to bring a
balance to my life. For example, when I have an assignment or
an exam, I put everything aside and give all my attention to my
studies. If I have a social event, I work my calendar around it.
What advice would you give to incoming students?
Be involved outside of class, have a positive attitude, always give
100 percent and strive to learn and develop. Nobody is perfect
and everybody has room for improvement.
“
My favorite
part about Minnesota
State Mankato and the
College of Business has
got to be the abundance
of opportunities available to students.
”
—DeAndre J. Cunningham
DeAndre J.
Cunningham
Hometown: Minneapolis
Majors: Finance & Psychology
Expected Graduation Date: Fall 2015
.................................................................................
Tell me a little about yourself before coming to
Minnesota State Mankato. I was born in Chicago and raised
in Minnesota. Growing up I was involved in various activities,
including Cub Scouts, sports and music. In high school, I was a
three-sport athlete (football, wrestling and track & field) and also
played the viola in my high school symphony orchestra.
What made you decide to enroll at Minnesota State
Mankato? I wanted to play football in college, so I looked into
universities with a strong Division II football program. I decided
to enroll at Minnesota State Mankato after I attended their
summer football camp and really enjoyed the campus.
Why did you choose to pursue a major in Finance?
I originally studied Psychology because I wanted to help others
with the problems they faced. During my sophomore year I
developed a fascination with business/entrepreneurship and its
potential to leave a positive impact on the world and in peoples’
lives. It was then I decided I wanted to go into business upon
graduation. To support this, I pursued a minor in Business
Administration, followed by a major in Finance that I started my
junior year.
Tell me about your experience studying in the College
of Business. Students can expose themselves to so many
different people, ideas and cultures in and outside the classroom.
My favorite program was the Integrated Business Experience,
which gave me a taste of what it may be like to run a business and
give back to the community.
What programs/organizations have you participated
in here? I participated in the United Prairie Bank Integrated
Business Experience (IBE), where I had the opportunity to
serve as the company president for a semester-long student-run
business. I also founded a recognized student organization,
Minnesota State Mankato Consulting Group, where students
can gain exposure to businesses and business situations through
case competitions and company tours. Finally, I am a member of
Delta Sigma Pi, an international business fraternity, and will serve
as president of the Epsilon Iota chapter in the fall of 2015.
What do you hope to do after graduation? I hope to work
in a job where I make a lasting and positive impact. I can see
myself working as a management consultant for a large firm. One
day I want to found and operate a business that adds value to the
world and helps individuals through use of entrepreneurship and
innovation.
Do you have any advice for incoming students?
Study hard and then study harder, but don’t let your studies
interfere with your exposure to the world around you. Make time
to meet your professors and peers. Most importantly…go to
class! All of them! n
2014-2015 in review // 13
Success
IN Different
Forms
Amy and Maha AboUelenein share their stories
of innovation and entrepreneurship as the
2015 Morgan Thomas Executives in Residence.
This year was a first on two fronts for the College of Business: to host two
Executives in Residence, and to host women. Sisters and business executives
Amy Abouelenein and Maha Abouelenein ’91, ’95, returned to Mankato in
April for the Morgan Thomas Executive Lecture, sharing stories of success as
entrepreneurs and leaders in their fields. “We love to showcase individuals
with real executive and leadership experiences and students can see them as
role models,” explains Brenda Flannery, dean of the College of Business.
“We want to connect our alumni back to the university.”
14 // minnesota state university, mankato // college of business
T
he Morgan Thomas Executive Lecture has
developed a reputation of excellence in the
College of Business since it was established in 1982.
The annual lecture honors Morgan Thomas, who was
the dean of the College of Business Morgan Thomas
from 1960-82.
Amy and Maha were natural selections for the lecture
series. Both maintain deep roots in the Mankato community as daughters of the late Gaber Abouelenein, a former
faculty member (1968-90) and dean (1990-97) of the College of Business. During their two days on campus, Amy
and Maha reconnected with faculty and staff they knew
from their childhood and met with students in entrepreneurship courses, international students and interns at
Taylor Corporation.
Steady Path in Corporate
Amy is currently vice president of innovation, technology and quality for the Global Baking platform and the
Convenience & Foodservice segments of General Mills. She
is accountable for leading product development, quality in
General Mills’ retail baking business and its away-fromhome business.
Amy shared her experiences working for a global
Fortune 500 company and possible careers that can stem
from an education at Minnesota State Mankato. “I also
spoke a lot about challenges facing the food industry and
how an entrepreneurial mindset is the key to competing in
today’s marketplace—the need to be agile and responsive to
consumer’s changing needs,” she explains.
At work, Amy encourages her team to integrate with
customers so they understand “what problem our products
are trying to solve.” She relates it to entrepreneurs’ strong
passion and having consumer empathy, which begins with
opportunities in an educational setting. “As I think about
the keys to success in the business world today, getting realworld experience, learning entrepreneurial behaviors and
innovation are all keys to learning how to drive business
growth,” she says.
Blazing the PR Trail
Maha is the founder and managing director of Organizational Consultants, a communications firm based in Cairo,
Egypt, that provides strategic communications for clients
in the United States and Middle East. She has more than
22 years of experience advising government and corporate
leaders and was Google’s head of global communications
and public affairs for the Middle East and North Africa
region from 2011-2014.
Maha grew up on campus and completed both her
undergraduate and graduate degrees at Minnesota State
Mankato. She left for the Middle East in 1997 and started
her career in public relations, which involved consulting
with high net worth individuals and CEOs and handling
communications through crises.
Her four years at Google in Dubai came at an interesting time, because they coincided with the beginning of the
Arab Spring. “I quickly became part of the story,” Maha
says. “It was a critical time to be at Google because the
Internet was now a catalyst for change, it was a really big
liberating force for people.”
She managed business for Google across the region up
until her resignation in August 2014, when she returned
to her communications firm. “I knew I had a really good
network and what I believed I could do on my own was
stronger than what I could achieve at Google,” Maha says.
Now, Maha draws on passion to keep her business
moving forward. “Passion is a currency,” she says. “You
can teach a student how to be passionate, but you should
teach them to go for what really makes them thrive and
makes them happy because that’s what is going to carry
them through.”
A second life lesson is something Maha’s father instilled
in her: education is everything. “Always be a life-long
learner,” she says. “Everyday I need to learn. I need to learn
what’s going on. I need to learn what’s happening in business. And I never stop learning.”
The College of Business strives to add new and fresh
elements each year to the Executive in Residence series.
“This year we highlighted women—and to have that
dynamic between them really made it a fun and unique
experience,” Flannery says. “We continue to shake it up a
bit and keep expanding the number of people who can be
part of that experience.” n
“
Always be a life-long learner.
Everyday I need to learn. I need to
learn what’s going on. I need to learn
what’s happening in business.
—Maha Abouelenein
”
2014-2015 in review // 15
Entrep
A
business plan is the roadmap to success, with a strategy,
a model and anticipated scenarios. But there are things
that even the best business plan can’t predict. “Bad things
happen,” explains Dr. Yvonne Cariveau, adjunct professor of
Management 443, Entrepreneurship. “By thinking this through
as you’re doing your business plans you begin to realize, ‘what
should you do?’”
Cariveau isn’t only talking about business plans; she is also
referring to her experience teaching the Entrepreneurship
course at Minnesota State Mankato last fall.
Cariveau’s success began back in 1994 when she created
Internet Connections and introduced the Internet to southern
Minnesota. Within six years, she sold the service provider
portion to HickoryTech (now Consolidated Communications),
retained the website development portion and renamed it
VoyageurWeb.
Fast-forward to 2014, and Cariveau’s role with VoyageurWeb
had settled into a maintenance point. “I’ve accomplished what I
wanted to,” she explains. “I had been doing some soul searching
and was thinking about teaching.” At that point, she was
approached by College of Business Dean Brenda Flannery to
bring her expertise into the classroom.
What Cariveau thought was perfect timing turned into a test
of her business—and life—plans.
As she was preparing for the class, one of those
unanticipated scenarios happened. Cariveau’s father, an
entrepreneur and her long-time mentor, unexpectedly passed
away. She turned her grief into a learning opportunity for her
16 // minnesota state university, mankato // college of business
class. “My dad would have wanted me to continue on and teach
others about entrepreneurship,” she says.
Cariveau approached the class with a new look and a fresh
start. “I told the students, ‘I’m going to react to you.’ It’s going
to be more work for me but it’s going to be awesome,” she
remembers. “Out of this bad thing, something really good is
going to come.”
Students used specialized business plan software to create
robust business plans. Cariveau read every plan each week,
making comments and suggestions along the way. Based on
content in the plans, she selected resources, such as speakers or
workshops, to “fix” what was missing.
“She teaches in an untraditional manner in the most
incredible way. I actually got excited to go to class,” says Kylen
Feltes ’15, a Management and Marketing major. “Instead of a
lecture, she demanded that we get actively involved, and that’s
how you grow as a student and as a person.”
Cariveau noticed students helping each other. “When you
have 36 people in a room who are all smart and capable and
creative,” says Cariveau, “then it’s foolish for them to be sitting
there and listening to me.”
Management 443 is one of six classes in the Entrepreneurship
and Innovation minor, which blends marketing, management,
finance, sales and other skills students’ pick up throughout
their education. “The students’ development in the class has
been really interesting,” explains Cariveau. One thing she hopes
students get out of the class is confidence. “This is an achievable
thing; they can build a business, they can do this.”
Teaching
epreneursHIP
Alumna and successful Mankato entrepreneur
Dr. Yvonne Cariveau ’82, ’86 shares her experiences with students.
Ashley Vetter and Kylen Feltes, along with many other MGMT 443 students, are now using resources from the class to turn their
business ideas into a reality. “Not only did I learn a lot in Dr. Cariveau’s course, I also enjoyed developing my business plan and
feel inspired and motivated to open my own business,” says Vetter. “This class helps students to develop the well-rounded skill
that is needed by future entrepreneurs.”
Ashley Vetter, Fall ’15
Kylen Feltes, ’15
Major: Management;
Minors: Marketing and Business
Administration
Major: Management and Marketing;
Minor: Business Administration
Hometown: Fargo, N.D.
Future Goals: Opening a store that
provides a unique jewelry experience
Business Idea: “It’s what I call a Jewelry Bar—the formal name
right now being Ashley Elizabeth’s Jewelry Bar. The Jewelry Bar
is a boutique-style jewelry store based on a Netflix-for-jewelry
monthly subscription mentality where customers rent pieces
for a period of time. One of my goals is to establish a unique
customer experience by providing one-on-one consultants and
a beverage service, and by cultivating a social setting for groups,
as well as establishing a strong social media presence.”
Entrepreneurship: “The course helped me think of many
things that I wouldn’t have considered in my business plan
on my own. It also helped me realize what goes into starting a
business, such as patents, permits, suppliers, loans, location, et
cetera. Each group’s business plan was so different. We had the
opportunity to listen to other students’ plans and offer them
ideas and opinions, as well as receive feedback on our own
plans. It’s amazing how sharing my plan with just a couple of
fellow students gave way to many more ideas and developments.
There really is power in numbers!”
Future Goals: Implement an internship
program with current business, Dream
Closet (www.dreamclosetmankato.com)
Business Idea: “Dream Closet is so portable. Every community
that holds a Dream Closet event will have an amazing and
completely unique experience. I know this idea can help many.
It helps individuals clean out their closets, it helps individuals
that need a hand to get some clothing, and it helps students
learn. I have learned through it all and I know that as long as I
am working on Dream Closet, that learning will never stop. I
plan to never stop learning and improving myself. I knew from
the start of my college career that I wanted to be in business. The
work ethic and professionalism attracted me to the programs at
the College of Business. When I saw there was a course geared
specifically to students who think in that unique perspective, I
knew I had to get involved.”
Entrepreneurship: “This course has absolutely changed
my perspective on success and what that actually takes. I
realized how much work goes into a business. It isn’t lucky
people who find success, it is those who are willing to work
tremendously hard and follow a dream that they believe
in. The only way to actually fail is to quit. Perseverance will
eventually lead to success.” n
2014-2015 in review // 17
Teaching by Example
Dr. John Kaliski’s serial entrepreneurial spirit inspires students
Dishes clank and customers chatter during breakfast at
Weggy’s, an all-day diner near Minnesota State Mankato. It’s
too loud for a soft-spoken guy like Dr. John Kaliski, associate
professor of management, to be heard well. He suggests
moving to the quieter loft area, but a small rope supporting a
“Reserved” sign is stretched across the bottom of the stairs.
He grabs one end of the rope and moves it aside. “It’ll be
fine,” he says.
Kaliski is known as a champion for Minnesota State
Mankato students who want to go into business for
themselves. As he talks about his approach to helping those
students and his own experience as an entrepreneur, his
dismissal of the reserved rope makes perfect sense.
“When I started here I was exactly the opposite person of
who I am today,” Kaliski says. “I was very much an ivorytower guy. Research-driven, heavy math, heavy theory, that
sort of thing.”
His approach changed when he teamed up with John
Weir, the director of development for the College of
Education at that time, to form Anlon, an online learning
company that they ran for 10 years before selling it to
another company.
“That’s when things in the classroom changed, because
I honestly couldn’t teach the way I taught before, where it’s
theoretical, read-the-chapter, take-the-test,” Kaliski says.
“That wasn’t my business experience, that wasn’t my life.”
At about that time, Josh Ritzer ’98 was a freshman
at Minnesota State Mankato. Ritzer interned with Anlon
as its web developer and became a software developer
in California. He recently reunited with Kaliski on a
new business venture: the development of an app called
CloseByNow, which allows small businesses and service
organizations to offer last-minute discounts on a daily basis.
The software was tested in Mankato during the winter and
spring of 2015.
Among those who worked on CloseByNow was Jack
Bostrom, a marketing major. Bostrom managed marketing
and sales for the app and enlisted more than 40 businesses to
take part in the program’s trial.
Kaliski currently operates two businesses: Oak Tree
Simulations, a worldwide business simulation company
for entrepreneurial instruction, and a wood products
manufacturing company. Listening to students’ own ideas for
starting or saving businesses is a frequent and favorite part of
his job, he says.
18 // minnesota state university, mankato // college of business
“Ideas don’t come from the ether,” he says. “They’re
spawned out of 100 different conversations that are all
cross-pollinated and all jumbled together and you just create
this swirl of ideas and conversations and thoughts and
relationships.”
The idea is to provide students with more than a degree
to take into a job interview.
“I’m looking at all these people and thinking, they’re
going to expensive places and coming out with big bills,”
Kaliski says. “And man, if they don’t have something in their
back pocket that they can actually bring to the market, what
the heck are we doing here?”—Joe Tougas n
A screen shot from the testing phase of CloseByNow, a venture
Kaliski started with former student and alumnus Josh Ritzer.
2015 – 2020
College of Business
Strategic
Plan
vision
Premiere Partnership
Receives Recognition
The College of Business partnership with the Taylor
Corporation Innovation Center received the Brian Fazio
Business Education Partnership Award during the 2014
Greater Mankato Business Awards and Hall of Fame
event held last November.
“[Receiving this award] was a tremendous honor,”
says Glenn Bottomly, Ph.D., Senior Vice-President, Online Marketing and Innovation, Taylor Corporation.
Since the partnership began in early 2014, Lucas
Howk, College of Business Internships & External Partnerships Coordinator has been able to provide students
with great internship opportunities that serve a realworld purpose at Taylor. “Our partnership with Taylor
Corporation allows our students to be part of a company
that is committed to being innovative,” says Howk.
Taylor has provided more than 30 internships,
including 14 in the Innovation Center. “We look forward
to our continued deep partnership with the College of
Business to focus on one over arching goal: improve the
student experience through real-world educational opportunities,” says Bottomly.
The Taylor Corporation Innovation Center brings students of varying disciplines together in a modern thinktank environment and in collaborative teams to work
on real-world projects for Taylor Corp companies. Such
projects have included an e-commerce website, extensive
market research and building social media presence.
The clear business school choice
for those who want to engage in
real-world learning experiences.
mission
We are an AACSB accredited College
of Business committed to exceeding the
expectations of those who want to engage
in learner-centered education, applied
research and high-impact mutually
beneficial partnerships.
• Our primary focus is on diversified
undergraduate education with
expanding opportunities in graduate
education and continuing professional
education.
• We engage in collaborative research
to advance knowledge of business
practice, to further impact student
learning and advance business theory.
• We create relational partnerships as a
way to benefit students, business and
community.
core values
In the College of Business, we are
committed to these guiding principles:
Our core values of being
• student-centered
• innovative, and
• professional
are always pursued in a spirit of
• inclusion,
• collaboration, and
• collegiality
Recipients (L to R): Glenn Bottomly, Sheila Kramer,
Brenda Flannery and Lucas Howk. Photo by SPX Sports
2014-2015 in review // 19
9New Members
The College of Business Advisory Council Welcomes
The advisory council is an integral connection between
the College of Business and the community. “It is invaluable
for industry and alumni engagement,” explains Brenda
Flannery, dean of the College of Business. “Given our new
strategic plan, partnership with the advisory council is core to
the College achieving its strategic plan.”
............................................................................................................
The mission of the College of Business Advisory
Council is to provide advice in the development
and implementation of the College of Business’s
Strategic Plan and assist the College in connecting
with the business community to achieve its goals.
............................................................................................................
The advisory council appointed nine new members in
2015 to carry out that mission. “I believe the exciting part for
the new members was digging in and working on the College
of Business strategic plan,” says Don Kreye, chairperson of
the advisory council. “They had the opportunity to offer
their experience and expertise, and that is what engages our
council and makes a difference to college and university.”
The council’s membership committee considered several
criteria when reviewing new members and looked specifically
for College of Business alumni. “The process of selecting new
members is important to the overall success and value of the
council,” explains Mike Mitchell, membership committee. “A
long list of candidates was generated with special attention
to diverse backgrounds, skills, experiences and especially
passion for Minnesota State Mankato and the College of
Business. We are very excited for the new members to join
the existing committed members.”
Flannery worked closely with the membership and
executive committees to revisit the by-laws in the last year
to begin revitalizing the advisory council. “We created a
statement of expectations that confirmed importance of
the advisory council and its values—presence, knowledge
and generosity,” explains Flannery. The committees plan to
welcome three to five additional new members over the next
few years.
“I’m excited to see this advisory council work together,”
adds Flannery. “Our new members bring insights, energy and
resources that have already made a difference and will help
the College go to the next level.”
Advisory Council Current Members
Don Kreye – Business Development Manager, Abdo Eick & Meyers
Advisory Council and Executive Committee Chairperson
.............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
Keith Bauer – Director of Human Resources, Mankato Clinic
Brad Brolsma – President, Merchants Capital Resources, Inc.
Louise Dickmeyer – President, People Driven Performance, Inc. (PDP Solutions) Advisory Council Executive Committee
Chad Ellman – First Vice President and Financial Advisor, MorganStanley SmithBarney
Curtis Fisher – Broker/Owner, Coldwell Banker Commercial Fisher Group Advisory Council Executive Committee
Jean Fitterer Lance – Senior Vice President and Chief Compliance Officer, Boston Scientific Corporation
Norb Harrington – Regional President (Retired), Wells Fargo Bank
Douglas Holtan – Systems & Procedures, Mayo Medical Center
Greg Lea – Senior Vice President, DFO and COO, EntreoMedics
Suresh Mathews – Senior Vice President and CIO, Unisys Corporation
Dennis Miller – President and CEO (Retired), Key City Ventures Member
Mike Mitchell – President, MSM Financial Advisory Council Membership Committee
Brad Peters – President, Bremer Bank Advisory Council Membership Committee
Ryan Spaude – Financial Advisor, Eide Bailly Financial Services, LLC Advisory Council Membership Committee
20 // minnesota state university, mankato // college of business
Advisory Council New Members
Jay Adams ’91
Owner, Cranky Ape
“[The advisory council] can get
some things going where I can help
with conceptualizing and take the
entrepreneurship program higher. That’s
the key, to keep the energy going.”
Trudie Gustafson ’81
Vice President,
Greater Mankato Growth, Inc.
“It is important to me as a College
of Business alum to contribute back
to Minnesota State Mankato, be it
time, talent and/or financially. It is
stewardship.”
Lisa Hyland ‘88
Director of Human Resources,
Federated Insurance
“Great employers are looking for people
who embrace entrepreneurial attributes
like an orientation toward continuous
improvement, curiosity, adaptability and
creative problem solving. This strategic
[plan] is preparing students for career
success.”
John Kind ’79
Executive Director,
Mankato Family YMCA
“If we are to attract the best students,
those with ‘big ideas,’ we need to provide
opportunities that match their interests.
I believe those students would have a
higher than normal inclination to be an
entrepreneur so our direction should lead
to the success of not only the College of
Business, but also the students we serve.”
DR. Janet Moldstad
Vice President of Marketing,
The Occasions Group at Taylor
Corporation
“I believe the College of Business is
heading in a critical direction with regard
to integrating education and real world
experience, particularly developing
entrepreneurship. The College is also
well positioned to leverage this direction
being able to draw on the history of strong entrepreneurship
experience in Mankato, as well as its surrounding communities
and alumni base.”
Paul Rasmussen ’92
President and CEO,
Zepol
“Being an entrepreneur myself, I love the
direction and initiatives [the College of
Business is taking]. We need to see that
graduates are ready—not only go out and
work in the “real world”—but also to take
a leadership position within the region.”
Bron Scherer ’79
Founder and Partner,
Protein Sources
“I wouldn’t be where I am today without
the outstanding education and experience
I received as an accounting major at
Minnesota State Mankato. Supporting the
current faculty, students and Dr. Flannery
via the advisory council is something that
I was excited to be involved when asked.
Professionally and personally, I hope I’m able to contribute in
a meaningful manner to the extent I’ve already benefited from
getting to know my fellow advisory council members.”
Kyle Smith ’01
Principal,
TAILWIND Group
“I would like to see the College of
Business continue the success it has had
to date, and see sustainable growth and
retention for Minnesota State Mankato
students moving into the future.”
Glenn Stolt ’89
President and CEO,
Christensen Farms
“I look forward to working with Dean
Flannery, the other council members and
others across the College of Business to
develop and advance the future strategic
direction of the college. As a 1989
graduate, I am honored to serve on this
committee with the opportunity to give
something back to a quality institution that helped to launch my
career so many years ago.”
For more information about the College
of Business Advisory Council, please visit
cob.mnsu.edu/college/advisory
2014-2015 in review // 21
Providing Food to
a Growing World
Alumnus and Christensen Farms CEO Glenn Stolt presents
the 2015 Food Entrepreneuership Lecture
Glenn Stolt
The Christensen Farms leadership team and Minnesota
State Mankato alumni who work there at the event.
22 // minnesota state university, mankato // college of business
G
lenn Stolt ’89 serves as president and chief
executive officer of Christensen Farms, or CF.
After more than 20 years with large, publicly-held
businesses, Stolt joined CF in 2010 as vice president
and chief financial officer. He took on the permanent
role of CEO in 2013, upon the unexpected passing of
company founder Bob Christensen.
As Executive in Residence, Stolt met with a variety
of groups throughout his day on campus. Four CF
team members joined him for a presentation in the
Business Policy and Strategy course, where students
learned about communications, human resources,
marketing and logistics, and managing finances for the
company. Stolt participated in an Agriculture Forum,
hosted by the College of Business in collaboration with
Greater Mankato Growth. It was an open setting for
local agribusiness leaders to discuss workforce needs
in the industry and how Minnesota State Mankato can
continue to prepare students for the demand.
That evening, more than 300 attendees took seats
in Ostrander Auditorium for Stolt’s presentation, “A
Legacy of Entrepreneurialism—Providing Food to
a Growing World.” Stolt spoke about the company’s
high-quality, integrated pork production, from farm
to fork. “In an ever-volatile industry from a markets
perspective, we must be relentless in being a top 10
percent performer in the industry,” he explains. “We
need to continue to respect and support our obligation
to industry leadership with uncompromising respect
toward animal care, environment impact, employee
safety and food safety.”
Stolt spoke about the entrepreneurial spirit that
Christensen instilled in the company’s culture. It has
shaped CF over the past 40 years and will continue to
create success in the future through solid core values
and employee development opportunities. “Embedded
in that process is a focus on innovation, embracing
change and strategic thinking, all key ingredients
of entrepreneurialism,” he explains. “A focus on
collaboration and teamwork can be a powerful
combination that drives personal success for our team
and business success for the organization.”
Stolt ended the lecture with a message about
career opportunities in the agribusiness industry.
He challenged students to be engaged in activities
and to take on higher roles and new opportunities.
“I encourage individuals to own this themselves,”
he says. Use resources on campus to “build your
own toolbox,” as he describes the collection of skills,
capabilities and experiences that everyone should
have. “Create capacity for yourself and take advantage
of opportunities that either present themselves or
opportunities you can create for yourself.” n
The Richard & Mary Schmitz Food Entrepreneurship Endowed Lecture
In 1999, Richard ’64 and Mary L. Schmitz funded an endowment meant to
support a lecture series at Minnesota State Mankato. Each year, an expert in
food industry comes to speak on campus—giving the College of Business an
opportunity to engage the growing sector of agri-business and to educate the
community about the needs in the agricultural world.
The Schmitzes had a vision to share with students insights about food
retailing, an industry they knew well from Richard’s professional successes as
both an executive and business owner in food retailing. Recent speakers have
included Dan and Angie Bastian from Angie’s Artisan Treats, Dave Rettig from
Rembrandt Foods and, the most recent, Glenn Stolt from Christensen Farms.
“This has allowed us to support students interested in the food industry,
bring executives from the food industry onto campus, have students spend a
week in a shadow experience at my business and now to have Glenn Stolt share
his experience and business,” says Schmitz ’64.
Richard Schmitz
2014-2015 in review // 23
Honoring our Distinguished
Accounting Alumni
JAY ABDO ’96
Jay Abdo (Accounting ’96) is no stranger to Minnesota State
Mankato. “I grew up in the shadows of upper campus,” he
remembers. A cornfield stood where the Performing Arts
Center parking lot is now. “We would stomp down the weeds
and build a baseball field with a chicken-wire backstop. All
the neighborhood kids would play there.”
Abdo’s grandparents were Lebanese immigrants who
established themselves in Mankato. “They opened a Lebanese
grocery store and sold penny candy, milk and bread,” Abdo
says. His father, a Korean War vet and the youngest of 13
children, started Abdo Eick & Meyers in 1963. He borrowed
his mother’s life savings to get
it off the ground. “You’re
looking at close to 500
employees in Abdo
companies with that little
$13,000 loan, that was it.”
Today, Abdo is the Senior Partner at Abdo, Eick &
Meyers, with more than 43 years of experience in accounting,
taxation and litigation. He is passionate about helping small
business owners and consults with clients on a regular basis.
On Entrepreneurship
Since Abdo joined his father’s firm in 1974, he has reinvested
in the company and its employees. “A true entrepreneur
provides security and longevity for employees, they are our
partners,” he explains.
Abdo continues to be involved in professional and
nonprofit organizations. He received the 2003 Edina Business
Person of the Year Award through involvement in the Edina
Chamber of Commerce. “If you’re going to be involved, do
it because you want to do it, you want to give back, and be
active,” he says. “Good things happen when you do it for the
right reasons.”
On Giving Back
One charity has a deep and personal meaning to Abdo: St.
Jude Children’s Research Hospital. His son was diagnosed
with two brain tumors when he was 12-years-old. Through
treatment at St. Jude, he beat the tumors and is in full
remission. Abdo set a goal to raise $50,000 through a letter
writing campaign. “The response was overwhelming. We
received more than $92,000.” He was honored in 2014 as
the National Volunteer of the Year from St. Jude Children’s
Research Hospital.
Distinguished Alumni Award
Jay Abdo
24 // minnesota state university, mankato // college of business
Abdo’s firm continues to look to the College of Business to
recruit top talent. “Our company’s future depends on the
college and the really great, bright students that come from it.”
His long-standing connection with the college was recognized
as a recipient of the 2015 Distinguished Alumni Award. “It’s
extremely humbling that I was able to get that honor. I’m
proud of the fact that I earned it because I have been very
active in charitable organizations.”
Abdo currently lives in Bloomington, Minn., with
his wife Julie, who also graduated from Minnesota State
Mankato. They have been married for 43 years and have
four children. n
Since 1961, Minnesota State Mankato’s Alumni Association has recognized more than 200
alumni who have achieved high rank or honor in their profession and have a widespread effect
on their communities. This year, two exceptional alumni from the College of Business were
honored at the Distinguished Alumni Award ceremony on April 24.
LINDA KOERSELMAN ’81
Linda Koerselman (Accounting ’81) joined Wolf Etter
& Co. right after graduation. “We were held to a high
standard, dependence and trust, and that has always
stayed with me,” Koerselman says about her education at
Minnesota State Mankato’s College of Business. In 2006,
Wolf Etter joined with Eide Bailly, and Koerselman helped
it become one of the top accounting firms in the nation.
Growing in the Industry
Koerselman is currently the partner in charge of Eide
Bailly’s Mankato office and the chairman of the board,
the first woman to hold that post. She was named a Super
CPA by Twin Cities Business Monthly and a Top Woman
in Finance by Finance and Commerce magazine. “I never
dreamed that I would have the success that I’ve had over
the past 35 years. I received support and encouragement
when I was a student at [Minnesota State Mankato],”
she said. “The education I received at [Minnesota
State Mankato] gave me the confidence that I could do
anything.”
Koerselman is a member of many banking industry
groups and a frequent speaker at conventions and
meetings around the Midwest. Her experience includes
an emphasis in working with banks on strategic planning
and regulatory matters.
Business professors for a private lunch. “Their passion
for making sure their students get the best education
preparing them for the business world was impressive,”
she says.
Koerselman credits colleagues, friends and family
who supported her along the way for the award.
“Receiving the award was a highlight of my career,” she
says. “I will always be thankful for the great education and
professors that helped my along the way.”
Koerselman and her husband, Vern, whom she met at
Minnesota State Mankato, currently live in Mankato. They
have four children. When not hard at work, Linda likes to
enjoy a freshly pressed cup of coffee at their lake home in
northern Minnesota. n
Key to Success
To be a successful accountant, Koerselman says, “More
than anything you have to want to help others.” That
attitude, combined with her education from Minnesota
State Mankato and the strength of her family, has helped
her achieve great success. She says she owes a lot of that to
her mom, Loretta. After her father passed away, her mom
was left to raise five kids on her own. “There aren’t many
people I respect more than my mother,” she says.
Distinguished Alumni Award
Receiving the Distinguished Alumni Award was
a very humbling and emotional experience for
Koerselman. Prior to the award ceremony on
April 24, 2015, she joined current College of
Linda Koerselman
2014-2015 in review // 25
Start it up!
Junior Achievement Camp Inspires Young Entrepreneurs
“I’m grateful for all the
friends, advising, inspiration
and excitement the [Junior
Achievement Entrepreneurship]
Camp brought me.”
— Jordyn Morris, Mankato West
High School Senior
26 // minnesota state university, mankato // college of business
Not all summer camps involve campfires, hiking
or music. For 33 high school students at the weeklong
Start It Up! entrepreneur camp in June, it involved
pitching an original product idea to a panel of judges
and answering questions about market competition
and markup prices.
Junior Achievement of the Upper Midwest
partnered with the College of Business at Minnesota
State Mankato to develop the camp, which was made
possible by a grant from Otto Bremer Foundation
and several local sponsors. Lucas Howk, College
of Business internships & external partnership
coordinator, was the project manager for the camp.
“I was humbled to be surrounded by such a highoctane team that came together to provide young
entrepreneurs the tools and skill sets to be successful
in their start-up efforts,” Howk says.
Led by Management Department faculty Dr. Kathy
Dale and Dr. Cheryl Trahms, faculty at the University
collaborated with local businesses and entrepreneurs
to develop a comprehensive curriculum filled with
networking, field trips, and team building exercises.
Activities included a visit to the Taylor Corporation
Innovation Center and kayaking down the
Minnesota River.
Dr. Shane Bowyer, another business professor
in Southern Minnesota, was the camp director. He
understands the importance of inspiring students
before they go to college. “The whole point of the
camp was building that entrepreneurial spirit in
students and building those business skills,” he says.
In-between activities, campers developed their
product ideas, including a short video and elevator
pitches, to present on the final day. The team that won
the Future Entrepreneurs Award came up with a plan
for a product called “Remember the Date.”
Students commented on the new friends,
opportunities and inspiration they gained. “I really
like how it gave us a world view on entrepreneurship,
says Natalie Konopka, a senior at Sleepy Eye High
School. “It helped me start my path to owning my
own business.” n
2014-2015 in review // 27
{ one c ol or l o go
Looking to the future:
Please join the College of Business as we help students
expand their future. Whether through technology, coursework,
partnerships, student organizations or internships, our
faculty, staff, alumni and external partners team up to create
opportunities for students that could not be achieved alone.
Be a part of our future. Contact Nick Linde, director of
development, at [email protected] or 507-389-5420.
Ways to Connect:
Facebook: www.facebook.com/MSUMankatoCOB
LinkedIn:http://www.linkedin.com/groups/
Minnesota-State-University-Mankato-College-124122
cob.mnsu.edu
doc_532495079.pdf
In such a detailed illustration in regard to an ecosystem of entrepreneurship how people, programs and places have helped it grow.
{ one c ol or l o go
In Review
2014 – 2015
An Ecosystem of
Entrepreneurship
How people, programs and places have
helped it grow at Minnesota State Mankato
contents
6
Big Ideas Challenge
Students learn about entrepreneurship
first-hand by competing for up to
$10,000 in the College of Business’s
new competition.
3
4
Dean’s Message
Our Entrepreneurship Ecosystem
9
Enactus: Transforming Lives
and Developing Leaders
High Impact Learning
10 Experiences
Alumna and Mankato entrepreneur
16 Dr. Yvonne Cariveau teaches
entrepreneurship
College of Business 2015–2020
Advisory Council Welcomes
The Richard Schmitz Food
Distinguished Alumni: Jay Abdo ’96
Start it Up! Junior Achievement
19 Strategic Plan
14
18
20 Nine New Members
22 Entrepreneurship Lecture
24 & Linda Koerselman ’81
26 Camp Inspires Young Entrepreneurs
Innovators & Entrepreneurs
Teaching By Example
Amy and Maha Abouelenein return to
campus as the 2015 Morgan Thomas
Executives in Residence
Dr. John Kaliski’s entrepreneurial spirit
inspires students past and present
Dean, College of Business
Brenda Flannery
Printer
Minnesota State University, Mankato Printing Services
Editor/Writer
Greta Fennell
Print Coordinator
Doug Fenske
...............................................................................................
Contributing Writer
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Graphic Designer
Terri Poburka
photographers
Greta Fennell
SPX Sports
Ginger Snaps Back Photography
Bethany Lutheran College
The mission of In Review is to inform and to connect the
reader to the College of Business community. In Review
welcomes story ideas supporting this mission.
In Review is copyrighted in its entirety. This volume and
all articles, images and photographs within may not be
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2 // minnesota state university, mankato // college of business
College of Business
120 Morris Hall, Mankato, MN 56001
507.389.5420 | cob.mnsu.edu
A member of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities
System and an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity University.
This document is available in alternative format to individuals with
disabilities by calling the College of Business at 507-389-5420 (V),
800-627-3529 or 711 (MRS/TTY). BUSC131NE_8/15
Dean’s
Message
W
elcome to our 2014-2015 InReview, which celebrates
the entrepreneurial endeavors of Minnesota State
University, Mankato students, faculty, alumni and friends.
We increasingly refer to this innovative community as an
“entrepreneurship ecosystem,” a network of people, organizations
and communities that support the launch of new enterprises.
Entrepreneurship extends far beyond an individual with an idea.
Research shows that entrepreneurs thrive in environments that are
rich in human, financial and professional resources. The College
of Business is intentionally inventing, partnering and facilitating as
much of this ecosystem as possible for our students and alumni.
Our efforts to build that ecosystem ramped up during the past
year: We added several new advisory council members and
launched the Big Ideas Challenge (read more on page 6). We
revitalized our entrepreneurship courses, partnered with Junior
Achievement to create an entrepreneurship camp for high school
students (see page 26), and celebrated entrepreneurial alumni. We
aim to perpetuate the perspective that entrepreneurship is a way of
being, thinking and doing.
This spirit of doing and taking action is the core of our 2015-2020
Strategic Plan (page 19). Our vision to be the “clear business
school choice for those who want to engage in real-world
experiences” reflects Minnesota State Mankato’s big ideas, realworld thinking vision. It also confirms what many of us know
from our days of formal learning… we often learn best through
engaged experiences such as projects, internships, simulations,
study abroad and starting something.
Enjoy the stories of Maverick entrepreneurs. We invite you to be
part of the entrepreneurship ecosystem that helps students launch
their lives, careers, businesses and dreams!
Dr. Brenda L. Flannery
Dean, College of Business
Minnesota State University, Mankato
2014-2015 in review // 3
The College of Business
Entrepreneurship
ecosystem
For entrepreneurship to flourish, a system of resources needs to be accessible to all. Potential
entrepreneurs succeed most often in environments where they have access to human, financial
and professional resources. That’s exactly the kind of environment we have been working to
create in the College of Business. Our students are surrounded by entrepreneurial faculty,
staff and alumni. They are supported by the University and the community. And they have
opportunities to participate in programs designed to enhance their entrepreneurial ideas.
Programs
PEOPLE
Opportunities both in
and out of the classroom that
allow students to engage in
entrepreneurial activities.
Students, faculty, staff, alumni
and others who offer guidance and
support to entrepreneurs.
ORGANIZATIONS
Groups both on and off
campus that provide support,
encouragement and resources
to entrepreneurs
PLACES
Space where creativity and innovation
have room to grow, as well as room for
teams to work together.
COMMUNITY
Nurturing the entrepreneurial spirit
both on and off campus.
4 // minnesota state university, mankato // college of business
Entrepreneurship And Innovation
Fast Facts
$1.2 million in new
private support for
Mankato area is 3RD
ON FORBES 2014 list
entrepreneurship and innovation
of Best Small Places for Business
and Careers
2,500 Minnesota
State Mankato
alumni who are entrepreneurs
made the Big Ideas Challenge Finals
153 undergraduate
students have had a start-up
Mankato is the
2nd fastest growing
experience in the United Prairie Bank
Integrated Business Experience program
on the list of 50 largest communities in
greater Minnesota
33 high school
students participated
1 new campus-wide
minor (6 courses) in
in the first Start-it Up! Camp
entrepreneurship and innovation
5 student teams
7 scholarships
for entrepreneurial students
2014-2015 in review // 5
Innovative
Ideas in Action
New venture competition
rewards student business ideas
“W
hether you just have a fantastic idea, are a
start up or already operating successfully and
looking to expand… Shark Tank is just the show for
you” (abc.com). Minnesota State Mankato students now
have the same opportunity to showcase their innovative
ideas right on campus, through the College of Business
Big Ideas Challenge.
College of Business alumnus Craig Lloyd ’72, of Lloyd
Companies, generously supported this new venture, which
launched in November 2014. The Big Ideas Challenge is
a platform to support, celebrate and promote students’
innovative ideas. The competition proved to be an excellent
opportunity to advance student businesses and provide
financial support to the winners, with $10,000 in prize money
available.”It was a pleasure and honor to be a part of the Big
Ideas Challenge,” says Christie Ernst, Lloyd’s daughter.
“We were impressed with the innovative and
entrepreneurial spirit that we witnessed in the students. We
manage office and retail space for over one hundred businesses
and rarely see the level of professionalism in the business
cases and presentations like we observed at Minnesota State
Mankato. We are already looking forward to next year!”
When the competition began, ideas poured in from
individuals and teams. The students participated in a series
of workshops, consulting services and panel presentations
throughout the 2014-2015 academic year. “This entire
program simulated a real-life working environment,
collaborating with different colleges and disciplines,” explained
6 // minnesota state university, mankato // college of business
Katie McDonald, one of the participants. “The speakers
provided a plethora of valuable information and created
an even bigger network of individuals to work with as our
company evolved.”
STRAIGHT FROM ENTREPRENEURS
To make it possible for Big Ideas Challenge participants to
hear stories of local entrepreneurs, the College of Business
partnered with Made in Mankato to host the Entrepreneur
Film Festival during Global Entrepreneurship Week. The films
showcased 10 successful entrepreneurs within the community
and emphasized the diversity of small businesses in Mankato.
After the theater-style film presentations, Minnesota
State Mankato students and community members had an
opportunity to network with the featured entrepreneurs.
BIG IDEAS LIVE!
The competition continued with two rounds of judging in
which participants were evaluated on innovation, feasibility
and impact. They continued to prepare their business plans up
until the final competition, Big Ideas Live!
On May 1, 2015, the final five teams presented their ideas
to a panel of five judges. Judges were carefully selected, taking
into consideration their entrepreneurial expertise, success and
personal interests. Paul Hanson ’84, chief operating officer of
TrackIf, LLC, served as a judge. He has more than 30 years
of experience as a business and technology leader, having
founded small businesses and developed successful teams in
large corporations.
“Big Ideas Live! was very well run, for a first time event,” Hanson
says. “It modeled the show ‘Shark Tank,’ yet it was unique.”
Each team had 10 minutes to present their ideas, followed by a
10-minute question-and-answer session. Hanson explained that the
winners were “outstanding,” yet it was just as important to encourage
the other four teams and provide lasting advice. When talking about
entrepreneurship, Hanson says, “I think about freedom and you have to
be willing to let yourself try and fail and be okay with both of those.”
AND THE WINNERS?
Craig Lloyd himself presented Katie McDonald ’15 and Megan Chase
’15 with the $8,000 grand prize and the $2,000 People’s Choice award.
The two nursing students had presented their idea for Mankato
Pediatric Respite.
“Being an entrepreneur was nothing I ever saw myself being; I was a
nurse!” says McDonald. “After this experience, I can see that anyone can
be an entrepreneur.
Their idea came from a student project. “Megan and I identified an
area of need in this community,” explains McDonald.
Mankato Pediatric Respite provides complete and competent
family-focused respite care to families with medically fragile children.
Their vision is to give families a break from their daily caretaking
responsibilities by matching them with qualified nursing students at
Minnesota State Mankato who have a passion for pediatrics and fit well
with the family.
McDonald and Chase plan to officially launch Mankato Pediatric
Respite in the fall and hope to expand their idea to other colleges and
communities. “The Big Ideas Challenge has shown me anything is
possible and I can make my idea a reality,” McDonald says.
2014-2015 in review // 7
Big Ideas Challenge
5 Finalists
Gym Life
Anthony Ulrich ’15, Finance
John Engelhart ’15, Computer Science
Gym Life is an online fitness retailer
committed to providing high customer
satisfaction through excellent service,
quality fitness products and a fast, functional shopping experience at competitive prices.
NightOwl Technologies/
911 Emergency Help
Mohammed (Hassan) Shahid ’15,
Marketing
NightOwl Technologies provides
customized technology solutions for
business process improvement. The
current project, 911 Emergency Help, is
a system that allows a potential victim
to request help with a single touch of a
smartphone.
“I recommend all students to push their
mental limits and participate [in Big
Ideas Challenge]. It left me extremely
motivated, next time I’ll have the product ready and the pitch will be electric!”
VikasEd International
Christina Tchatchouang, Graduate Student, Counseling and Student Personnel
Charles Thiemele ’15, International
Business
VikasEd is an international admission
consulting agency that connects African
students with universities in the United
States. Services range from admission
consulting to visa assistance and airport
services. “This challenge was like having
one step in the real world, which is what
students should experience while in
school,” says Charles Thiemele.
WINNING IDEA
Mankato Pediatric Respite
Katie McDonald ’15, Nursing
Megan Chase ’15, Nursing
Mankato Pediatric Respite is a nonprofit organization that provides respite
care to families with medically fragile
children. The idea started as part of
a class project and quickly became
Growing
Entrepreneurship
Thinking, Doing, Creating
The College of Business is proud to recognize two
generous contributions received in 2015 to enhance the
ecosystem of entrepreneurship and innovation at Minnesota State Mankato. Dean Brenda Flannery explains that
these gifts benefit the College, University and community by supporting initiatives that may “unlock, for some
people, a path to the rest of their life that would never
have been unlocked before.”
8 // minnesota state university, mankato // college of business
much more. It uses nursing students to
provide care for the children, providing
a service to the families and real-world
experience to the students.
Telitox
Faud Gazal, Graduate Student, Electrical Engineering
Emmanuel Adeyemi, Junior, Manufacturing Engineering Technology major
Cynthia Ovadje, Junior, Math and
Environmental Science major
Telitox is a new age delivery service for
everyday goods, less than 22 pounds,
via an Autonomous Quadcopter Aerial
Transport Vehicle (AQEAT-V). It will
have docking stations at strategic locations that allow consumers to initiate
and receive deliveries. “Before the Big
Ideas Challenge, I didn’t know the
first thing about starting or running a
business. I have learned so much and
we now have resources to help us,” says
Cynthia Ovadje.
Richard ’64 and Mary Schmitz pledged $200,000 to endow
a graduate position within the Entrepreneurship & Innovation program. Entrepreneurship initiatives continue to gain
momentum. “That’s really what stimulated me,” Schmitz says.
He remembers his own entrepreneurial spirit when he began
building his grocery business at the age of 30 Establishing the
endowed graduate position is for “students who have a dream
to be an entrepreneur,” he says. “It’s refreshing to see them with
that ambition these days.”
Paul ’84 and Diane ’86 Hanson established a $50,000
endowment to support initiatives in the field of entrepreneurship and innovation. At 15, Paul began working with his
mentor, who gave him direction but let him explore the ways
of business. That experience set Hanson on a path toward
entrepreneurial success. “I know now what I was blessed with
Taking Action to
Improve the World
For students who want to “improve the world through
entrepreneurial action,” the College of Business formed a
new student organization to do just that. “Enactus is about
doing something and starting something,” explains Brenda
Flannery, dean of the College of Business. “It is beyond just
yourself; it is the intersection between what a student is
doing and what happens in the community.”
Enactus is a national community of students, faculty
members and business leaders that channels ingenuity and
talents toward community development projects. The goal
is two-fold: impact lives in the community and develop
students into effective, values-driven leaders.
Enactus spans across 36 countries, 1,700 universities,
and consists of more than 70,500 students. Teams implement nearly 5,000 projects that ultimately impact 2 million
people each year. Projects focus on three main areas:
entrepreneurship, social and learning experience.
“Students in Enactus will create new project ideas, develop communication skills, leadership skills, brainstorming and most importantly how to start a business idea from
the beginning, how to walk through each step and learn
from mistakes,” explains Lucas Fontana, Enactus founding
member. “We are willing to try and make a difference on
our campus and in the Mankato community.”
In its first year, the Minnesota State Mankato Enactus
team included 16 students who participated in a project
each semester. In Fall 2014, they partnered with Dream
Closet, another Minnesota State Mankato student organization, to develop marketing and fundraising strategies
for a free community shopping event. The team focused
on a potential start-up food business called The BackPack
Bar in spring 2015. Enactus members conducted target
market, production and financial projection research to
create, package, market and distribute the bar, with proceeds benefiting the local BackPack for Food program.
“Students who participate in Enactus should be willing to
talk, share ideas, and want to try something completely
new,” Fontana explained, “I guarantee they will learn a lot
during this experience.”
Future goals for the Enactus team include starting
and managing a student-run enterprise on campus. Early
ideas include a fair trade/organic coffee and chocolate cart or shop, an international gift center, a book
exchange service, a bike rental service and a student
business co-op working center. n
as a youngster. I didn’t know what it was at the time or what it
would start with me, but because of it I have been able to move
along in my career and it just seemed like a natural fit [to support entrepreneurial initiatives],” he says.
Current MBA student April Femrite is the first to accept
the Entrepreneurship & Innovation Graduate Fellow role. She
will manage a number of co-curricular programs within the
College, such as the Big Ideas Challenge, Enactus and events
focused on entrepreneurship and innovation.
New initiatives will help students in several ways, such
as practicing real-world applications of business concepts,
increasing self-awareness and acquiring new resources.
Hanson and Schmitz both recognize the importance of
creating entrepreneurial opportunities for students. “It helps
students use their brains to figure things out,” Schmitz says.
“Then they can do much better for themselves all their lives.” n
2014-2015 in review // 9
Providing
Students
with
Experiences
High-impact learning (real-world
learning experiences) is defined as
an investment of time and energy
over an extended period that has
unusually positive effects on student
engagement in educationally
purposeful behavior.
What they do:
• Require time and effort in
purposeful tasks that deepen
students’ investment and
commitment
• Build substantive relationships
through interactions with
faculty and peers
• Provide rich and frequent
feedback, inside and outside the
classroom
• Provide learning opportunities
in new situations where students
apply and test their knowledge
• Allow for reflection of one’s
values and beliefs to provide
students a better understanding
of themselves and the larger
world
1
5
9
1. Students in the Spring 2015 United Prairie Bank
Integrated Business Experience program dedicated 217
hours to raise almost $6,000 for the BackPack Food
Program.
2. The Entrepreneurship Organization attended the Lake
FX Improvisation and Innovation Expo presented by
Google in Chicago.
3. The Finance Organization visited The Northern Trust
Company during its annual trip to Chicago.
10 // minnesota state university, mankato // college of business
10
4. Students visited the Federal Reserve Bank in New York
City with Dr. Robert Zelin and Dr. Juan (Gloria) Meng.
5. Students, faculty and staff from both the College of
Business and the College of Science, Engineering and
Technology took part in a tour of Cambria’s facilities.
6. Dr. Kristin Scott took students to Belize on a Fair Trade
study abroad trip for the third time in 2015.
7. Students in the Fall 2014 Maverick Student Investment
Fund, taught by John Hylle, received hands-on
experience investing $407,000.
2
3
6
4
7
11
8
12
8. Two of Dr. John Kuzma’s students participated in the
2015 National Collegiate Sales Competition in Georgia,
the largest and oldest sales competition with 65 other
universities in attendance.
11. Marketing faculty members hosted a Social Media
Marketing Panel discussion for marketing students
to hear insights from seven panelists about careers in
social media.
9. Students in Dr. Leon Chen’s financial planning
class present financial management plans during a
Northwestern Mutual Financial Planning Competition.
12. The College of Business hosted its first Wall Street
Journal Street Smarts Jeopardy event, in which five
student organizations competed for prize money.
10. College of Business students present financial
management plans during a Northwestern Mutual
Financial Planning Competition.
2014-2015 in review // 11
“
Be involved outside of
class, have a positive attitude,
always give 110 percent and
strive to learn and develop.
Entrepreneurial
—Pratibha Dhamala
Student
spoTlights
Pratibha Dhamala
Hometown: Kathmandu, Nepal
Program: Master of Business Administration
Expected graduation date: 2016
.................................................................................
What was your first impression of Minnesota
State Mankato? I still remember my three-day orientation
when I walked into the College of Business planning room
with my major in mind. The advisors helped me plan my entire
course of studies and gave me insight on how to pair classes. I
found the people very helpful and welcoming.
Tell me about your experience studying in the
College of Business. I’ve met many great people. My first
advisor gave me great advice and direction on how to be
involved, develop myself as a business professional and reach
my goals. Dean Brenda Flannery also connected me with the
director of the Small Business Development Center, who turned
out to be a great mentor by teaching me to utilize my strengths,
overcome my weaknesses and reach my goals.
What programs/organizations have you participated
in during your time at Minnesota State Mankato?
I have been involved with the International Student
Association, where I have served as vice president and
director of public relations. I was also the president of the
Entrepreneurship Club, where I helped bring the organization
back to life, create a mission and vision, and bring together a
group of enthusiastic people with great business ideas. I also
participate in other organizations and activities on campus as
opportunities arise.
12 // minnesota state university, mankato // college of business
”
Are you working while pursuing your MBA? I am a
Graduate Assistant at the Small Business Development Center
and a Business Development Intern at Taylor Corporation.
Both of these jobs came my way because of my involvement
on campus and the networks that I have built here. These
opportunities have taught me so much and provided me with
all the learning opportunities that I could ask for.
What do you see yourself doing in the future?
I would like to continue working for Taylor Corporation. My
internship puts me on an exciting team that deals with a lot
of big ideas. I have a lot a variation in my job as we work with
different ideas, and that excites me to go to work every day. I
would also like to own my own business someday. This idea and
the challenges it holds keeps me motivated and moving toward
the future.
What is the biggest challenge about being in school?
Time management is one of the challenges. I have not yet
perfected it, but I have learned to prioritize things to bring a
balance to my life. For example, when I have an assignment or
an exam, I put everything aside and give all my attention to my
studies. If I have a social event, I work my calendar around it.
What advice would you give to incoming students?
Be involved outside of class, have a positive attitude, always give
100 percent and strive to learn and develop. Nobody is perfect
and everybody has room for improvement.
“
My favorite
part about Minnesota
State Mankato and the
College of Business has
got to be the abundance
of opportunities available to students.
”
—DeAndre J. Cunningham
DeAndre J.
Cunningham
Hometown: Minneapolis
Majors: Finance & Psychology
Expected Graduation Date: Fall 2015
.................................................................................
Tell me a little about yourself before coming to
Minnesota State Mankato. I was born in Chicago and raised
in Minnesota. Growing up I was involved in various activities,
including Cub Scouts, sports and music. In high school, I was a
three-sport athlete (football, wrestling and track & field) and also
played the viola in my high school symphony orchestra.
What made you decide to enroll at Minnesota State
Mankato? I wanted to play football in college, so I looked into
universities with a strong Division II football program. I decided
to enroll at Minnesota State Mankato after I attended their
summer football camp and really enjoyed the campus.
Why did you choose to pursue a major in Finance?
I originally studied Psychology because I wanted to help others
with the problems they faced. During my sophomore year I
developed a fascination with business/entrepreneurship and its
potential to leave a positive impact on the world and in peoples’
lives. It was then I decided I wanted to go into business upon
graduation. To support this, I pursued a minor in Business
Administration, followed by a major in Finance that I started my
junior year.
Tell me about your experience studying in the College
of Business. Students can expose themselves to so many
different people, ideas and cultures in and outside the classroom.
My favorite program was the Integrated Business Experience,
which gave me a taste of what it may be like to run a business and
give back to the community.
What programs/organizations have you participated
in here? I participated in the United Prairie Bank Integrated
Business Experience (IBE), where I had the opportunity to
serve as the company president for a semester-long student-run
business. I also founded a recognized student organization,
Minnesota State Mankato Consulting Group, where students
can gain exposure to businesses and business situations through
case competitions and company tours. Finally, I am a member of
Delta Sigma Pi, an international business fraternity, and will serve
as president of the Epsilon Iota chapter in the fall of 2015.
What do you hope to do after graduation? I hope to work
in a job where I make a lasting and positive impact. I can see
myself working as a management consultant for a large firm. One
day I want to found and operate a business that adds value to the
world and helps individuals through use of entrepreneurship and
innovation.
Do you have any advice for incoming students?
Study hard and then study harder, but don’t let your studies
interfere with your exposure to the world around you. Make time
to meet your professors and peers. Most importantly…go to
class! All of them! n
2014-2015 in review // 13
Success
IN Different
Forms
Amy and Maha AboUelenein share their stories
of innovation and entrepreneurship as the
2015 Morgan Thomas Executives in Residence.
This year was a first on two fronts for the College of Business: to host two
Executives in Residence, and to host women. Sisters and business executives
Amy Abouelenein and Maha Abouelenein ’91, ’95, returned to Mankato in
April for the Morgan Thomas Executive Lecture, sharing stories of success as
entrepreneurs and leaders in their fields. “We love to showcase individuals
with real executive and leadership experiences and students can see them as
role models,” explains Brenda Flannery, dean of the College of Business.
“We want to connect our alumni back to the university.”
14 // minnesota state university, mankato // college of business
T
he Morgan Thomas Executive Lecture has
developed a reputation of excellence in the
College of Business since it was established in 1982.
The annual lecture honors Morgan Thomas, who was
the dean of the College of Business Morgan Thomas
from 1960-82.
Amy and Maha were natural selections for the lecture
series. Both maintain deep roots in the Mankato community as daughters of the late Gaber Abouelenein, a former
faculty member (1968-90) and dean (1990-97) of the College of Business. During their two days on campus, Amy
and Maha reconnected with faculty and staff they knew
from their childhood and met with students in entrepreneurship courses, international students and interns at
Taylor Corporation.
Steady Path in Corporate
Amy is currently vice president of innovation, technology and quality for the Global Baking platform and the
Convenience & Foodservice segments of General Mills. She
is accountable for leading product development, quality in
General Mills’ retail baking business and its away-fromhome business.
Amy shared her experiences working for a global
Fortune 500 company and possible careers that can stem
from an education at Minnesota State Mankato. “I also
spoke a lot about challenges facing the food industry and
how an entrepreneurial mindset is the key to competing in
today’s marketplace—the need to be agile and responsive to
consumer’s changing needs,” she explains.
At work, Amy encourages her team to integrate with
customers so they understand “what problem our products
are trying to solve.” She relates it to entrepreneurs’ strong
passion and having consumer empathy, which begins with
opportunities in an educational setting. “As I think about
the keys to success in the business world today, getting realworld experience, learning entrepreneurial behaviors and
innovation are all keys to learning how to drive business
growth,” she says.
Blazing the PR Trail
Maha is the founder and managing director of Organizational Consultants, a communications firm based in Cairo,
Egypt, that provides strategic communications for clients
in the United States and Middle East. She has more than
22 years of experience advising government and corporate
leaders and was Google’s head of global communications
and public affairs for the Middle East and North Africa
region from 2011-2014.
Maha grew up on campus and completed both her
undergraduate and graduate degrees at Minnesota State
Mankato. She left for the Middle East in 1997 and started
her career in public relations, which involved consulting
with high net worth individuals and CEOs and handling
communications through crises.
Her four years at Google in Dubai came at an interesting time, because they coincided with the beginning of the
Arab Spring. “I quickly became part of the story,” Maha
says. “It was a critical time to be at Google because the
Internet was now a catalyst for change, it was a really big
liberating force for people.”
She managed business for Google across the region up
until her resignation in August 2014, when she returned
to her communications firm. “I knew I had a really good
network and what I believed I could do on my own was
stronger than what I could achieve at Google,” Maha says.
Now, Maha draws on passion to keep her business
moving forward. “Passion is a currency,” she says. “You
can teach a student how to be passionate, but you should
teach them to go for what really makes them thrive and
makes them happy because that’s what is going to carry
them through.”
A second life lesson is something Maha’s father instilled
in her: education is everything. “Always be a life-long
learner,” she says. “Everyday I need to learn. I need to learn
what’s going on. I need to learn what’s happening in business. And I never stop learning.”
The College of Business strives to add new and fresh
elements each year to the Executive in Residence series.
“This year we highlighted women—and to have that
dynamic between them really made it a fun and unique
experience,” Flannery says. “We continue to shake it up a
bit and keep expanding the number of people who can be
part of that experience.” n
“
Always be a life-long learner.
Everyday I need to learn. I need to
learn what’s going on. I need to learn
what’s happening in business.
—Maha Abouelenein
”
2014-2015 in review // 15
Entrep
A
business plan is the roadmap to success, with a strategy,
a model and anticipated scenarios. But there are things
that even the best business plan can’t predict. “Bad things
happen,” explains Dr. Yvonne Cariveau, adjunct professor of
Management 443, Entrepreneurship. “By thinking this through
as you’re doing your business plans you begin to realize, ‘what
should you do?’”
Cariveau isn’t only talking about business plans; she is also
referring to her experience teaching the Entrepreneurship
course at Minnesota State Mankato last fall.
Cariveau’s success began back in 1994 when she created
Internet Connections and introduced the Internet to southern
Minnesota. Within six years, she sold the service provider
portion to HickoryTech (now Consolidated Communications),
retained the website development portion and renamed it
VoyageurWeb.
Fast-forward to 2014, and Cariveau’s role with VoyageurWeb
had settled into a maintenance point. “I’ve accomplished what I
wanted to,” she explains. “I had been doing some soul searching
and was thinking about teaching.” At that point, she was
approached by College of Business Dean Brenda Flannery to
bring her expertise into the classroom.
What Cariveau thought was perfect timing turned into a test
of her business—and life—plans.
As she was preparing for the class, one of those
unanticipated scenarios happened. Cariveau’s father, an
entrepreneur and her long-time mentor, unexpectedly passed
away. She turned her grief into a learning opportunity for her
16 // minnesota state university, mankato // college of business
class. “My dad would have wanted me to continue on and teach
others about entrepreneurship,” she says.
Cariveau approached the class with a new look and a fresh
start. “I told the students, ‘I’m going to react to you.’ It’s going
to be more work for me but it’s going to be awesome,” she
remembers. “Out of this bad thing, something really good is
going to come.”
Students used specialized business plan software to create
robust business plans. Cariveau read every plan each week,
making comments and suggestions along the way. Based on
content in the plans, she selected resources, such as speakers or
workshops, to “fix” what was missing.
“She teaches in an untraditional manner in the most
incredible way. I actually got excited to go to class,” says Kylen
Feltes ’15, a Management and Marketing major. “Instead of a
lecture, she demanded that we get actively involved, and that’s
how you grow as a student and as a person.”
Cariveau noticed students helping each other. “When you
have 36 people in a room who are all smart and capable and
creative,” says Cariveau, “then it’s foolish for them to be sitting
there and listening to me.”
Management 443 is one of six classes in the Entrepreneurship
and Innovation minor, which blends marketing, management,
finance, sales and other skills students’ pick up throughout
their education. “The students’ development in the class has
been really interesting,” explains Cariveau. One thing she hopes
students get out of the class is confidence. “This is an achievable
thing; they can build a business, they can do this.”
Teaching
epreneursHIP
Alumna and successful Mankato entrepreneur
Dr. Yvonne Cariveau ’82, ’86 shares her experiences with students.
Ashley Vetter and Kylen Feltes, along with many other MGMT 443 students, are now using resources from the class to turn their
business ideas into a reality. “Not only did I learn a lot in Dr. Cariveau’s course, I also enjoyed developing my business plan and
feel inspired and motivated to open my own business,” says Vetter. “This class helps students to develop the well-rounded skill
that is needed by future entrepreneurs.”
Ashley Vetter, Fall ’15
Kylen Feltes, ’15
Major: Management;
Minors: Marketing and Business
Administration
Major: Management and Marketing;
Minor: Business Administration
Hometown: Fargo, N.D.
Future Goals: Opening a store that
provides a unique jewelry experience
Business Idea: “It’s what I call a Jewelry Bar—the formal name
right now being Ashley Elizabeth’s Jewelry Bar. The Jewelry Bar
is a boutique-style jewelry store based on a Netflix-for-jewelry
monthly subscription mentality where customers rent pieces
for a period of time. One of my goals is to establish a unique
customer experience by providing one-on-one consultants and
a beverage service, and by cultivating a social setting for groups,
as well as establishing a strong social media presence.”
Entrepreneurship: “The course helped me think of many
things that I wouldn’t have considered in my business plan
on my own. It also helped me realize what goes into starting a
business, such as patents, permits, suppliers, loans, location, et
cetera. Each group’s business plan was so different. We had the
opportunity to listen to other students’ plans and offer them
ideas and opinions, as well as receive feedback on our own
plans. It’s amazing how sharing my plan with just a couple of
fellow students gave way to many more ideas and developments.
There really is power in numbers!”
Future Goals: Implement an internship
program with current business, Dream
Closet (www.dreamclosetmankato.com)
Business Idea: “Dream Closet is so portable. Every community
that holds a Dream Closet event will have an amazing and
completely unique experience. I know this idea can help many.
It helps individuals clean out their closets, it helps individuals
that need a hand to get some clothing, and it helps students
learn. I have learned through it all and I know that as long as I
am working on Dream Closet, that learning will never stop. I
plan to never stop learning and improving myself. I knew from
the start of my college career that I wanted to be in business. The
work ethic and professionalism attracted me to the programs at
the College of Business. When I saw there was a course geared
specifically to students who think in that unique perspective, I
knew I had to get involved.”
Entrepreneurship: “This course has absolutely changed
my perspective on success and what that actually takes. I
realized how much work goes into a business. It isn’t lucky
people who find success, it is those who are willing to work
tremendously hard and follow a dream that they believe
in. The only way to actually fail is to quit. Perseverance will
eventually lead to success.” n
2014-2015 in review // 17
Teaching by Example
Dr. John Kaliski’s serial entrepreneurial spirit inspires students
Dishes clank and customers chatter during breakfast at
Weggy’s, an all-day diner near Minnesota State Mankato. It’s
too loud for a soft-spoken guy like Dr. John Kaliski, associate
professor of management, to be heard well. He suggests
moving to the quieter loft area, but a small rope supporting a
“Reserved” sign is stretched across the bottom of the stairs.
He grabs one end of the rope and moves it aside. “It’ll be
fine,” he says.
Kaliski is known as a champion for Minnesota State
Mankato students who want to go into business for
themselves. As he talks about his approach to helping those
students and his own experience as an entrepreneur, his
dismissal of the reserved rope makes perfect sense.
“When I started here I was exactly the opposite person of
who I am today,” Kaliski says. “I was very much an ivorytower guy. Research-driven, heavy math, heavy theory, that
sort of thing.”
His approach changed when he teamed up with John
Weir, the director of development for the College of
Education at that time, to form Anlon, an online learning
company that they ran for 10 years before selling it to
another company.
“That’s when things in the classroom changed, because
I honestly couldn’t teach the way I taught before, where it’s
theoretical, read-the-chapter, take-the-test,” Kaliski says.
“That wasn’t my business experience, that wasn’t my life.”
At about that time, Josh Ritzer ’98 was a freshman
at Minnesota State Mankato. Ritzer interned with Anlon
as its web developer and became a software developer
in California. He recently reunited with Kaliski on a
new business venture: the development of an app called
CloseByNow, which allows small businesses and service
organizations to offer last-minute discounts on a daily basis.
The software was tested in Mankato during the winter and
spring of 2015.
Among those who worked on CloseByNow was Jack
Bostrom, a marketing major. Bostrom managed marketing
and sales for the app and enlisted more than 40 businesses to
take part in the program’s trial.
Kaliski currently operates two businesses: Oak Tree
Simulations, a worldwide business simulation company
for entrepreneurial instruction, and a wood products
manufacturing company. Listening to students’ own ideas for
starting or saving businesses is a frequent and favorite part of
his job, he says.
18 // minnesota state university, mankato // college of business
“Ideas don’t come from the ether,” he says. “They’re
spawned out of 100 different conversations that are all
cross-pollinated and all jumbled together and you just create
this swirl of ideas and conversations and thoughts and
relationships.”
The idea is to provide students with more than a degree
to take into a job interview.
“I’m looking at all these people and thinking, they’re
going to expensive places and coming out with big bills,”
Kaliski says. “And man, if they don’t have something in their
back pocket that they can actually bring to the market, what
the heck are we doing here?”—Joe Tougas n
A screen shot from the testing phase of CloseByNow, a venture
Kaliski started with former student and alumnus Josh Ritzer.
2015 – 2020
College of Business
Strategic
Plan
vision
Premiere Partnership
Receives Recognition
The College of Business partnership with the Taylor
Corporation Innovation Center received the Brian Fazio
Business Education Partnership Award during the 2014
Greater Mankato Business Awards and Hall of Fame
event held last November.
“[Receiving this award] was a tremendous honor,”
says Glenn Bottomly, Ph.D., Senior Vice-President, Online Marketing and Innovation, Taylor Corporation.
Since the partnership began in early 2014, Lucas
Howk, College of Business Internships & External Partnerships Coordinator has been able to provide students
with great internship opportunities that serve a realworld purpose at Taylor. “Our partnership with Taylor
Corporation allows our students to be part of a company
that is committed to being innovative,” says Howk.
Taylor has provided more than 30 internships,
including 14 in the Innovation Center. “We look forward
to our continued deep partnership with the College of
Business to focus on one over arching goal: improve the
student experience through real-world educational opportunities,” says Bottomly.
The Taylor Corporation Innovation Center brings students of varying disciplines together in a modern thinktank environment and in collaborative teams to work
on real-world projects for Taylor Corp companies. Such
projects have included an e-commerce website, extensive
market research and building social media presence.
The clear business school choice
for those who want to engage in
real-world learning experiences.
mission
We are an AACSB accredited College
of Business committed to exceeding the
expectations of those who want to engage
in learner-centered education, applied
research and high-impact mutually
beneficial partnerships.
• Our primary focus is on diversified
undergraduate education with
expanding opportunities in graduate
education and continuing professional
education.
• We engage in collaborative research
to advance knowledge of business
practice, to further impact student
learning and advance business theory.
• We create relational partnerships as a
way to benefit students, business and
community.
core values
In the College of Business, we are
committed to these guiding principles:
Our core values of being
• student-centered
• innovative, and
• professional
are always pursued in a spirit of
• inclusion,
• collaboration, and
• collegiality
Recipients (L to R): Glenn Bottomly, Sheila Kramer,
Brenda Flannery and Lucas Howk. Photo by SPX Sports
2014-2015 in review // 19
9New Members
The College of Business Advisory Council Welcomes
The advisory council is an integral connection between
the College of Business and the community. “It is invaluable
for industry and alumni engagement,” explains Brenda
Flannery, dean of the College of Business. “Given our new
strategic plan, partnership with the advisory council is core to
the College achieving its strategic plan.”
............................................................................................................
The mission of the College of Business Advisory
Council is to provide advice in the development
and implementation of the College of Business’s
Strategic Plan and assist the College in connecting
with the business community to achieve its goals.
............................................................................................................
The advisory council appointed nine new members in
2015 to carry out that mission. “I believe the exciting part for
the new members was digging in and working on the College
of Business strategic plan,” says Don Kreye, chairperson of
the advisory council. “They had the opportunity to offer
their experience and expertise, and that is what engages our
council and makes a difference to college and university.”
The council’s membership committee considered several
criteria when reviewing new members and looked specifically
for College of Business alumni. “The process of selecting new
members is important to the overall success and value of the
council,” explains Mike Mitchell, membership committee. “A
long list of candidates was generated with special attention
to diverse backgrounds, skills, experiences and especially
passion for Minnesota State Mankato and the College of
Business. We are very excited for the new members to join
the existing committed members.”
Flannery worked closely with the membership and
executive committees to revisit the by-laws in the last year
to begin revitalizing the advisory council. “We created a
statement of expectations that confirmed importance of
the advisory council and its values—presence, knowledge
and generosity,” explains Flannery. The committees plan to
welcome three to five additional new members over the next
few years.
“I’m excited to see this advisory council work together,”
adds Flannery. “Our new members bring insights, energy and
resources that have already made a difference and will help
the College go to the next level.”
Advisory Council Current Members
Don Kreye – Business Development Manager, Abdo Eick & Meyers
Advisory Council and Executive Committee Chairperson
.............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
Keith Bauer – Director of Human Resources, Mankato Clinic
Brad Brolsma – President, Merchants Capital Resources, Inc.
Louise Dickmeyer – President, People Driven Performance, Inc. (PDP Solutions) Advisory Council Executive Committee
Chad Ellman – First Vice President and Financial Advisor, MorganStanley SmithBarney
Curtis Fisher – Broker/Owner, Coldwell Banker Commercial Fisher Group Advisory Council Executive Committee
Jean Fitterer Lance – Senior Vice President and Chief Compliance Officer, Boston Scientific Corporation
Norb Harrington – Regional President (Retired), Wells Fargo Bank
Douglas Holtan – Systems & Procedures, Mayo Medical Center
Greg Lea – Senior Vice President, DFO and COO, EntreoMedics
Suresh Mathews – Senior Vice President and CIO, Unisys Corporation
Dennis Miller – President and CEO (Retired), Key City Ventures Member
Mike Mitchell – President, MSM Financial Advisory Council Membership Committee
Brad Peters – President, Bremer Bank Advisory Council Membership Committee
Ryan Spaude – Financial Advisor, Eide Bailly Financial Services, LLC Advisory Council Membership Committee
20 // minnesota state university, mankato // college of business
Advisory Council New Members
Jay Adams ’91
Owner, Cranky Ape
“[The advisory council] can get
some things going where I can help
with conceptualizing and take the
entrepreneurship program higher. That’s
the key, to keep the energy going.”
Trudie Gustafson ’81
Vice President,
Greater Mankato Growth, Inc.
“It is important to me as a College
of Business alum to contribute back
to Minnesota State Mankato, be it
time, talent and/or financially. It is
stewardship.”
Lisa Hyland ‘88
Director of Human Resources,
Federated Insurance
“Great employers are looking for people
who embrace entrepreneurial attributes
like an orientation toward continuous
improvement, curiosity, adaptability and
creative problem solving. This strategic
[plan] is preparing students for career
success.”
John Kind ’79
Executive Director,
Mankato Family YMCA
“If we are to attract the best students,
those with ‘big ideas,’ we need to provide
opportunities that match their interests.
I believe those students would have a
higher than normal inclination to be an
entrepreneur so our direction should lead
to the success of not only the College of
Business, but also the students we serve.”
DR. Janet Moldstad
Vice President of Marketing,
The Occasions Group at Taylor
Corporation
“I believe the College of Business is
heading in a critical direction with regard
to integrating education and real world
experience, particularly developing
entrepreneurship. The College is also
well positioned to leverage this direction
being able to draw on the history of strong entrepreneurship
experience in Mankato, as well as its surrounding communities
and alumni base.”
Paul Rasmussen ’92
President and CEO,
Zepol
“Being an entrepreneur myself, I love the
direction and initiatives [the College of
Business is taking]. We need to see that
graduates are ready—not only go out and
work in the “real world”—but also to take
a leadership position within the region.”
Bron Scherer ’79
Founder and Partner,
Protein Sources
“I wouldn’t be where I am today without
the outstanding education and experience
I received as an accounting major at
Minnesota State Mankato. Supporting the
current faculty, students and Dr. Flannery
via the advisory council is something that
I was excited to be involved when asked.
Professionally and personally, I hope I’m able to contribute in
a meaningful manner to the extent I’ve already benefited from
getting to know my fellow advisory council members.”
Kyle Smith ’01
Principal,
TAILWIND Group
“I would like to see the College of
Business continue the success it has had
to date, and see sustainable growth and
retention for Minnesota State Mankato
students moving into the future.”
Glenn Stolt ’89
President and CEO,
Christensen Farms
“I look forward to working with Dean
Flannery, the other council members and
others across the College of Business to
develop and advance the future strategic
direction of the college. As a 1989
graduate, I am honored to serve on this
committee with the opportunity to give
something back to a quality institution that helped to launch my
career so many years ago.”
For more information about the College
of Business Advisory Council, please visit
cob.mnsu.edu/college/advisory
2014-2015 in review // 21
Providing Food to
a Growing World
Alumnus and Christensen Farms CEO Glenn Stolt presents
the 2015 Food Entrepreneuership Lecture
Glenn Stolt
The Christensen Farms leadership team and Minnesota
State Mankato alumni who work there at the event.
22 // minnesota state university, mankato // college of business
G
lenn Stolt ’89 serves as president and chief
executive officer of Christensen Farms, or CF.
After more than 20 years with large, publicly-held
businesses, Stolt joined CF in 2010 as vice president
and chief financial officer. He took on the permanent
role of CEO in 2013, upon the unexpected passing of
company founder Bob Christensen.
As Executive in Residence, Stolt met with a variety
of groups throughout his day on campus. Four CF
team members joined him for a presentation in the
Business Policy and Strategy course, where students
learned about communications, human resources,
marketing and logistics, and managing finances for the
company. Stolt participated in an Agriculture Forum,
hosted by the College of Business in collaboration with
Greater Mankato Growth. It was an open setting for
local agribusiness leaders to discuss workforce needs
in the industry and how Minnesota State Mankato can
continue to prepare students for the demand.
That evening, more than 300 attendees took seats
in Ostrander Auditorium for Stolt’s presentation, “A
Legacy of Entrepreneurialism—Providing Food to
a Growing World.” Stolt spoke about the company’s
high-quality, integrated pork production, from farm
to fork. “In an ever-volatile industry from a markets
perspective, we must be relentless in being a top 10
percent performer in the industry,” he explains. “We
need to continue to respect and support our obligation
to industry leadership with uncompromising respect
toward animal care, environment impact, employee
safety and food safety.”
Stolt spoke about the entrepreneurial spirit that
Christensen instilled in the company’s culture. It has
shaped CF over the past 40 years and will continue to
create success in the future through solid core values
and employee development opportunities. “Embedded
in that process is a focus on innovation, embracing
change and strategic thinking, all key ingredients
of entrepreneurialism,” he explains. “A focus on
collaboration and teamwork can be a powerful
combination that drives personal success for our team
and business success for the organization.”
Stolt ended the lecture with a message about
career opportunities in the agribusiness industry.
He challenged students to be engaged in activities
and to take on higher roles and new opportunities.
“I encourage individuals to own this themselves,”
he says. Use resources on campus to “build your
own toolbox,” as he describes the collection of skills,
capabilities and experiences that everyone should
have. “Create capacity for yourself and take advantage
of opportunities that either present themselves or
opportunities you can create for yourself.” n
The Richard & Mary Schmitz Food Entrepreneurship Endowed Lecture
In 1999, Richard ’64 and Mary L. Schmitz funded an endowment meant to
support a lecture series at Minnesota State Mankato. Each year, an expert in
food industry comes to speak on campus—giving the College of Business an
opportunity to engage the growing sector of agri-business and to educate the
community about the needs in the agricultural world.
The Schmitzes had a vision to share with students insights about food
retailing, an industry they knew well from Richard’s professional successes as
both an executive and business owner in food retailing. Recent speakers have
included Dan and Angie Bastian from Angie’s Artisan Treats, Dave Rettig from
Rembrandt Foods and, the most recent, Glenn Stolt from Christensen Farms.
“This has allowed us to support students interested in the food industry,
bring executives from the food industry onto campus, have students spend a
week in a shadow experience at my business and now to have Glenn Stolt share
his experience and business,” says Schmitz ’64.
Richard Schmitz
2014-2015 in review // 23
Honoring our Distinguished
Accounting Alumni
JAY ABDO ’96
Jay Abdo (Accounting ’96) is no stranger to Minnesota State
Mankato. “I grew up in the shadows of upper campus,” he
remembers. A cornfield stood where the Performing Arts
Center parking lot is now. “We would stomp down the weeds
and build a baseball field with a chicken-wire backstop. All
the neighborhood kids would play there.”
Abdo’s grandparents were Lebanese immigrants who
established themselves in Mankato. “They opened a Lebanese
grocery store and sold penny candy, milk and bread,” Abdo
says. His father, a Korean War vet and the youngest of 13
children, started Abdo Eick & Meyers in 1963. He borrowed
his mother’s life savings to get
it off the ground. “You’re
looking at close to 500
employees in Abdo
companies with that little
$13,000 loan, that was it.”
Today, Abdo is the Senior Partner at Abdo, Eick &
Meyers, with more than 43 years of experience in accounting,
taxation and litigation. He is passionate about helping small
business owners and consults with clients on a regular basis.
On Entrepreneurship
Since Abdo joined his father’s firm in 1974, he has reinvested
in the company and its employees. “A true entrepreneur
provides security and longevity for employees, they are our
partners,” he explains.
Abdo continues to be involved in professional and
nonprofit organizations. He received the 2003 Edina Business
Person of the Year Award through involvement in the Edina
Chamber of Commerce. “If you’re going to be involved, do
it because you want to do it, you want to give back, and be
active,” he says. “Good things happen when you do it for the
right reasons.”
On Giving Back
One charity has a deep and personal meaning to Abdo: St.
Jude Children’s Research Hospital. His son was diagnosed
with two brain tumors when he was 12-years-old. Through
treatment at St. Jude, he beat the tumors and is in full
remission. Abdo set a goal to raise $50,000 through a letter
writing campaign. “The response was overwhelming. We
received more than $92,000.” He was honored in 2014 as
the National Volunteer of the Year from St. Jude Children’s
Research Hospital.
Distinguished Alumni Award
Jay Abdo
24 // minnesota state university, mankato // college of business
Abdo’s firm continues to look to the College of Business to
recruit top talent. “Our company’s future depends on the
college and the really great, bright students that come from it.”
His long-standing connection with the college was recognized
as a recipient of the 2015 Distinguished Alumni Award. “It’s
extremely humbling that I was able to get that honor. I’m
proud of the fact that I earned it because I have been very
active in charitable organizations.”
Abdo currently lives in Bloomington, Minn., with
his wife Julie, who also graduated from Minnesota State
Mankato. They have been married for 43 years and have
four children. n
Since 1961, Minnesota State Mankato’s Alumni Association has recognized more than 200
alumni who have achieved high rank or honor in their profession and have a widespread effect
on their communities. This year, two exceptional alumni from the College of Business were
honored at the Distinguished Alumni Award ceremony on April 24.
LINDA KOERSELMAN ’81
Linda Koerselman (Accounting ’81) joined Wolf Etter
& Co. right after graduation. “We were held to a high
standard, dependence and trust, and that has always
stayed with me,” Koerselman says about her education at
Minnesota State Mankato’s College of Business. In 2006,
Wolf Etter joined with Eide Bailly, and Koerselman helped
it become one of the top accounting firms in the nation.
Growing in the Industry
Koerselman is currently the partner in charge of Eide
Bailly’s Mankato office and the chairman of the board,
the first woman to hold that post. She was named a Super
CPA by Twin Cities Business Monthly and a Top Woman
in Finance by Finance and Commerce magazine. “I never
dreamed that I would have the success that I’ve had over
the past 35 years. I received support and encouragement
when I was a student at [Minnesota State Mankato],”
she said. “The education I received at [Minnesota
State Mankato] gave me the confidence that I could do
anything.”
Koerselman is a member of many banking industry
groups and a frequent speaker at conventions and
meetings around the Midwest. Her experience includes
an emphasis in working with banks on strategic planning
and regulatory matters.
Business professors for a private lunch. “Their passion
for making sure their students get the best education
preparing them for the business world was impressive,”
she says.
Koerselman credits colleagues, friends and family
who supported her along the way for the award.
“Receiving the award was a highlight of my career,” she
says. “I will always be thankful for the great education and
professors that helped my along the way.”
Koerselman and her husband, Vern, whom she met at
Minnesota State Mankato, currently live in Mankato. They
have four children. When not hard at work, Linda likes to
enjoy a freshly pressed cup of coffee at their lake home in
northern Minnesota. n
Key to Success
To be a successful accountant, Koerselman says, “More
than anything you have to want to help others.” That
attitude, combined with her education from Minnesota
State Mankato and the strength of her family, has helped
her achieve great success. She says she owes a lot of that to
her mom, Loretta. After her father passed away, her mom
was left to raise five kids on her own. “There aren’t many
people I respect more than my mother,” she says.
Distinguished Alumni Award
Receiving the Distinguished Alumni Award was
a very humbling and emotional experience for
Koerselman. Prior to the award ceremony on
April 24, 2015, she joined current College of
Linda Koerselman
2014-2015 in review // 25
Start it up!
Junior Achievement Camp Inspires Young Entrepreneurs
“I’m grateful for all the
friends, advising, inspiration
and excitement the [Junior
Achievement Entrepreneurship]
Camp brought me.”
— Jordyn Morris, Mankato West
High School Senior
26 // minnesota state university, mankato // college of business
Not all summer camps involve campfires, hiking
or music. For 33 high school students at the weeklong
Start It Up! entrepreneur camp in June, it involved
pitching an original product idea to a panel of judges
and answering questions about market competition
and markup prices.
Junior Achievement of the Upper Midwest
partnered with the College of Business at Minnesota
State Mankato to develop the camp, which was made
possible by a grant from Otto Bremer Foundation
and several local sponsors. Lucas Howk, College
of Business internships & external partnership
coordinator, was the project manager for the camp.
“I was humbled to be surrounded by such a highoctane team that came together to provide young
entrepreneurs the tools and skill sets to be successful
in their start-up efforts,” Howk says.
Led by Management Department faculty Dr. Kathy
Dale and Dr. Cheryl Trahms, faculty at the University
collaborated with local businesses and entrepreneurs
to develop a comprehensive curriculum filled with
networking, field trips, and team building exercises.
Activities included a visit to the Taylor Corporation
Innovation Center and kayaking down the
Minnesota River.
Dr. Shane Bowyer, another business professor
in Southern Minnesota, was the camp director. He
understands the importance of inspiring students
before they go to college. “The whole point of the
camp was building that entrepreneurial spirit in
students and building those business skills,” he says.
In-between activities, campers developed their
product ideas, including a short video and elevator
pitches, to present on the final day. The team that won
the Future Entrepreneurs Award came up with a plan
for a product called “Remember the Date.”
Students commented on the new friends,
opportunities and inspiration they gained. “I really
like how it gave us a world view on entrepreneurship,
says Natalie Konopka, a senior at Sleepy Eye High
School. “It helped me start my path to owning my
own business.” n
2014-2015 in review // 27
{ one c ol or l o go
Looking to the future:
Please join the College of Business as we help students
expand their future. Whether through technology, coursework,
partnerships, student organizations or internships, our
faculty, staff, alumni and external partners team up to create
opportunities for students that could not be achieved alone.
Be a part of our future. Contact Nick Linde, director of
development, at [email protected] or 507-389-5420.
Ways to Connect:
Facebook: www.facebook.com/MSUMankatoCOB
LinkedIn:http://www.linkedin.com/groups/
Minnesota-State-University-Mankato-College-124122
cob.mnsu.edu
doc_532495079.pdf