September 2017, LSBE Newsletter, Volume 13, Issue 1

INSIDE THEMARGINS
A PUBLICATION FOR ALUMNI, FRIENDS, AND STUDENTS
SEPTEMBER 2017
VOLUME 13 ISSUE 1

INSIDE Suzanne Anderson, Labovitz School of Business and Economics’ new development officer, and her son Jimmy, an LSBE sophomore.

4

FINANCIAL
MARKETS WIN
LSBE students earn first
in regional competition

5

MARKETING
ALUMNI EVENT
Graduates from over the
years strengthen bonds
at annual event

7

GRADUATE SUCCESS
Skills and knowledge
are transformed into
entrepreneurial success

DEVELOPMENT OFFICER DELIGHTED
TO BE BACK AND GIVE BACK

UMD alum and Bulldog supporter, Suzanne Anderson (’92) returned to
campus in October to utilize her 25 years of experience in the retirement
field as LSBE’s development officer. Prior to coming to LSBE, she was
the director of planned giving at Essentia Health Foundation.

Also joining LSBE's Development Office is Kevin Stanke. See Transitions on the back page.

Since starting, Anderson has been busy getting acclimated with the University’s development
processes, meeting as many alumni and donors as she can, and working with the Dean and
faculty in the creation of a sales program and center along with an entrepreneurship center
that aligns with LSBE’s entrepreneurship major.

“It has been an amazing learning process. I have been meeting with so many wonderful
people, inside UMD, out in the community, and around the country,” says Anderson.

cont. p. 2

CONTINUED

Her zeal for planned giving runs deep. She finds it rewarding to GET TO KNOW SUZANNE
pair a donor’s hopes, dreams, legacy, and passion with programs
and opportunities at an institution. Favorite thing to do in Duluth
Walking on the Lakewalk with my family
“When passion intersects with opportunities, it’s just truly
beautiful,” she said. “I really enjoy helping people plan their Favorite Duluth restaurant
legacy and pay it forward.” Tavern on the Hill

“We’re so fortunate to have Suzanne join LSBE,” said LSBE Dean Best part about raising a family in Duluth
Amy Hietapelto. “Her extensive planned-giving expertise and The laid-back atmosphere and family-friendly city
community knowledge will enable alumni and friends of LSBE
to support our school in myriad ways.” Favorite thing about being a UMD alum
I am proud of my alma mater and being able to give
A short-term goal of Anderson’s is to visit UMD’s remodeled spaces back in this way (and my nephew – #67 – playing
and reorient herself to the University’s layout. “While UMD has football at UMD).
always been a stately college, the efforts to update and modernize
areas have resulted in absolutely beautiful spaces,” she said. Favorite place at UMD
Looking out my office window into the beautiful and
But it’s LSBE that she appreciates the most with its open areas bright LSBE atrium
and abundance of natural light. “It’s such a happy place.”
“UMD has always been such a pillar of our community. As someone
CONTINUING EXCELLENCE who bleeds maroon and gold, I feel strongly about trying to keep
graduates in the area,” she said.
Anderson is filling the position left by Lawrence “L.J.” Johnson,
who, after 12 years as senior director of development at LSBE, Anderson admits that this is where she belongs. “Coming to LSBE
moved on to Carroll University. “He was an amazing supporter feels like such a natural fit,” she said. “I feel like I’ve come home.”
of the LSBE business community,” said Anderson. “He had long-
standing relationships with alumni and businesses, and I hope
I can continue to grow and expand those relationships as well
as create new ones.”

Growing and building relationships coupled with LSBE’s
organizational strength fuel Anderson’s excitement for her new
position. “I'm so impressed with the faculty and staff and how
they collaborate as a team. I’m also impressed with the advisory
council and the role they play in ensuring the curriculum prepares
students for the business world.”

CONTAGIOUS UMD ENTHUSIASM

Not only does Anderson hold UMD and LSBE in high regard but her
family does as well. Her husband, Mark, is also a ’92 alum, having
attained his undergraduate degree and MBA from LSBE, and their
son Jimmy is enrolled in LSBE as a sophomore. “He’s open to the
abundant possibilities that are offered at the School,” said Anderson.

Over the years, she and her family have been involved with the
University by attending alumni gatherings, going to sporting
events, and helping connect students with area professionals.

2

DEAN’S UPDATE

At LSBE, we believe continuous improvement
is critical to success. That’s why we are always
seeking ways to better serve our students and
the business community.

Programming and personnel are driving even more
opportunities for excellence in the School.

Recent hires and new appointments speak to this.
Internship Director Angie Soderberg has increased
internship participation by 18 percent. Director of Graduate
Studies Al Roline is pursuing MBA programs that will
provide more options to students. Business Development
Officer Suzanne Anderson and Development Assistant
Kevin Stanke have been working tirelessly to provide
alumni and friends with more opportunities to give
back to the school, and Academic Advisor Trent Nelson
has been guiding students through the various new
requirements and other issues.

Innovative new majors, including entrepreneurship,
financial planning, marketing analytics, and the
collaborative marketing and graphic design (with the
School of Fine Arts), have already proven successful.
We are exploring new programs, including professional
sales and business analytics, which would allow us to
continue to respond to the needs of business.

Much student learning takes place outside the
classroom environment. We provide numerous
opportunities for students to learn in collaboration with
the business community, bridging the gap between
academic programming and business practice. Possible
new initiatives, such as a proposed Sales Center and an
Entrepreneurship and Innovation Center, could allow us
to strengthen linkages between the business community
and our programs even further.

We continue to thrive. LSBE’s enrollment growth, student
retention, time to degree, placement rates, and portfolio
of programs are exceptional, and we will continue to seek
ways to bring more value to those we serve.

Yours in gratitude,

AMY B. HIETAPELTO, DEAN
LABOVITZ SCHOOL OF BUSINESS AND ECONOMICS
UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA DULUTH

3

FINANCIAL MARKETS BIG WIN MBA ALUMNUS

LSBE’s financial markets program team of Stephen Espel, Curt REFLECTS IN ROCHESTER
LaChappelle, Matt Hansen, Luke Stone, and Alex Glockner (pictured
left to right) earned first place in the Upper Midwest local final of the Over 20 undergraduate and
Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) Institute’s Annual Research Challenge MBA alumni met, networked,
in Minneapolis this past spring. and rekindled past friendships in
Rochester, Minnesota, this past June.
Fifteen university teams from four states conducted an extensive financial
analysis on the selected subject company of Vascular Solutions Inc. A final The event was the first UMD-wide alumni
battle of the top five teams resulted in LSBE advancing to the Americas event in Rochester jointly sponsored by the
Regional round in Seattle, Washington. alumni office and LSBE. Dan Gateno was
one of the many alumni who attended. After
Taking that competition and then the overall title in the Global Final working for IBM in Latin American for two
was Barna Business School from the Dominican Republic. years, Gateno returned stateside and began
to pursue his MBA in LSBE’s Rochester
The CFA Research Challenge helps develop best practices for future program. After attaining his degree,
investment professionals and provides an opportunity for experienced he became the business unit executive
practitioners to give back to the next generation. overseeing IBM Systems technical sales
support for all of Latin America.

While working as business unit executive for
that region, he found how valuable his LSBE
education is. “The Labovitz MBA curriculum
was invaluable to me during my time in that
role,” said Gateno. “Not only did it teach
advanced topics around the core disciplines
of business, but through real-life case studies
and examples, it taught me how to look at
problems from all sides and determine more
than one plausible solution.”

A CLOSER LOOK AT HEALTH CARE CAREERS

Business majors seeking information Participating businesses also Internship Program, LSBE’s health
on careers or internships in the health connected with LSBE staff and care management faculty, and
care industry had a unique opportunity faculty, further strengthening UMD’s Career & Internship Services.
to interact with local health care- relationships between the LSBE Plans are underway to expand the
related businesses this past spring. and health care communities. The 2018 event.
A health care career day brought event was a partnership with LSBE’s
businesses to LSBE’s atrium where they
provided information and materials
to approximately 75 students.

Some students, like Rachael
Ignasiak, even secured an internship
opportunity. Visiting with the
various employers brought Ignasiak
to UDAC’s table, whereby ensuing
discussion secured her a fall internship.

4

BONDS STRENGTHENED AT SHARK TANK

MARKETING ALUMNI EVENT WINNER

LSBE marketing graduates convened this past spring at the SportsEngine FREEZES OUT COMPETITION
in Minneapolis. This gathering held a bit of something special as approximately
100 graduates spanning several decades were present. What do entrepreneurs, freezer
frost, and UMD have in common?
“I was delighted by the fact that so many of our alumni took the time to The 2017 UMD Shark Tank
come and connect with us when they all have busy lives with work and family competition!
obligations,” said Rajiv Vaidyanathan, marketing department chair. “I took
particular pride in that we had alumni attending from the 1990s, 2000s, This annual spring event brings student
and 2010s. It was clear that they value the relationship they have with our entrepreneurs together to compete for
department as much as we value our connection to them.” prize money for their innovative product,
service, or business.
Hosting this event has become an annual occurrence and is one of several
ways that the marketing department stays connected to its alumni. “A large Nathan Lipinski, UMD medical student,
number of alums move to the Twin Cities after they graduate,” said Vaidyanathan. wowed judges with his Freezer Friend
“This is part of our efforts to build better, long-term relationships with our defrost indicator and garnered first place
students after they graduate.” and $1,500. Additional winners were
Adam Kirsch (second place) with the
The strong bonds forged by alumni and the department are evident. “Several Ducer Drag, a tool for ice fishermen who
of these alumni are in a position to help current students and do so in a variety use transducers; Sebastian Nemec (third
of ways,” said Vaidyanathan. “They are often interested in knowing more about place) with Folx, an e-commerce retail
what is happening in the department, and we use this opportunity to update store for transgender people; and Cole
them on new initiatives and programs.” Ehresmann and Zack Gapinski (audience
choice) with a web platform for the online
If you’d like to speak in a class, sponsor an event or scholarship, provide action sports community.
tours of your business, or help in other ways, contact Executive Office and
Administrative Specialist Georgina Spears at 218-726-7757 or [email protected]. The competition, organized by
Also, keep your contact information current at UMD’s Alumni Relations Office – entrepreneurship students Mitch Brown
218-726-7164 or [email protected]. and Natasha Perkerwicz, was sponsored
by LSBE and judged by Patrice Bradley,
This past spring approximately 100 LSBE marketing CEO of Swim Creative; Monique Forcier
graduates — spanning several decades — convened of Titanium Partners; Ben Mork, co-owner
at the SportsEngine in Minneapolis. of Mainstream Fashions for Men; serial
entrepreneur Stevie Paulson; and Curt
Walczak of the UMD Center for
Economic Development.

If you or your business would like to
be involved with next spring’s UMD Shark
Tank through a sponsorship or other
means, contact Event Co-Director Mitch
Brown – [email protected].

5

LSBE DEAN’S BUSINESS LSBE DEAN’S BUSINESS
ADVISORY COUNCIL ADVISORY COUNCIL

PROFILE COUNCIL MEMBERS
Debora Almirall, B.A. ’81, M.B.A. ’94
MARK PHILLIPS President/CEO, Minnesota Power Employees
Credit Union
One of the longest standing members of the Karen S. Andresen
LSBE Dean’s Business Advisory Council, Mark Retired President/Owner, Human Resources Consulting
Phillips (’73) has been part of the council since Steve Burgess
it was founded more than 20 years ago. CEO, National Bank of Commerce
He currently serves as commissioner of the Tom Conrad, B.B.A. ’81
Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation Vice President & CFO, BendTec
Board (IRRRB), a Minnesota development William Drazkowski
agency located in Eveleth. Exec. VP National Sales Account, Fastenal Company
Joseph Dusek, B.Acc. ’83
What is LSBE’s greatest asset? Senior Vice President and Regional Brokerage Manager,
The fact that the School is accredited. There are only a few other business Wells Fargo Private Client Services
schools in Minnesota that are accredited. This distinction sets LSBE apart from David Gartzke
other business schools. Retired Chairman & CEO, ADESA Corp.
David A. Goldberg, B.A. ’57
What perspective/value do you bring to the council? President, Dave Goldberg Investments
My career spans more than 35 years in business development, economic Bob Heimbach
development, and business finance. I have my ear to the ground in what the Account Executive, Otis-Magie Insurance Inc.
business community is looking for as far as an educated workforce. Being in Rick Hollander
tune to the business community helps the council and School determine what VP Manufacturing & Supply Chain, Cirrus Aircraft
specialty programs to create. Michael Howe, B.Acc. ’76
President/CEO, Howe Associates
What are some of your biggest accomplishments while serving on Nicole Johnson
the council? Director, Compensation and Benefits, ALLETE, Inc.
The three main successes that stand out are achieving accreditation, completing Mark Labovitz, B.B.A. ’85
the new building, and establishing specialty programs, such as retail marketing President/CEO, Labovitz Enterprises
analytics and financial markets. Dennis Maki, B.A. ’64
Retired Executive, Herff Jones
Why is LSBE an important asset in our community? Tania A. New, B.B.A. ’97
I can’t imagine the region without UMD. Higher education institutions are the Former Director of Sales, Kraft Foods
engine that keeps our economy strong. They impact workforce development, North America
educate people to be able to fill positions, and attract industry that requires Dan Peterson
an educated workforce. VP of Technical Development, AMSOIL
Mark Phillips, B.B.A. ’73
What is your advice to LSBE students? Commissioner, IRRRB
Stay active with the School after graduation. As an alum, you’re part of a good Tom Renier
club. There are connections into many different industries. Staying involved with Retired President, Northland Foundation
the School can only help your career. Phil Rolle, B.B.A. ’77, M.B.A. ’99
Owner, PDR Consulting
6 Susan Ross
Executive VP of Human Resources, maurices
Brendon J. Schrader, B.B.A. ’97
President/CEO, Antenna
Bill Spang
Regional Business Manager, Northern State Bank
Judy Weber, B.S. ’64
CEO, Inter City Oil Co., Inc.

EX OFFICIO MEMBERS
Amy B. Hietapelto
Dean, LSBE
Praveen Aggarwal
Associate Dean, LSBE
Suzanne Anderson, ’92
Development Officer, LSBE
Joel S. Labovitz, B.A. ’49
Chairman, Labovitz Enterprises
Senior Fellow, LSBE
Richard S. Brown
CEO, JNBA Financial Advisors Inc.
Senior Fellow, LSBE
Lendley C. Black
Chancellor, UMD
Fernando Delgado
Executive Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, UMD
Stephen Keto
Vice Chancellor of Finance and Operations
Rolf Weberg
Director, Natural Resources Research Institute

SPOTLIGHT ON Privately funded scholarship benefits
economics student’s educational experience.
GIVING
DONOR: DAVID A. AND
ROBERTA J. VOSE SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENT: LUKE LECHTENBERG

With a firm belief that economics provides a foundation for the As an LSBE senior majoring in economics with a political science
development of analytical and critical thinking skills, David and minor, Luke Lechtenberg fully appreciates the advantages the Vose
Roberta Vose developed a scholarship for deserving students with Scholarship afforded him. “Receiving scholarship funding means
a declared economics major. I am able to spend more time studying, attending campus events, and
getting to explore Duluth for a full college experience,” Luke said.
During the course of David’s higher education teaching and
administrative leadership career at LSBE, the couple continued Luke also appreciates that scholarships not only reduce financial
to see the rising costs of a college education and the importance burdens but also acknowledge “the hard work students put into
of privately funded scholarships. “We felt that it’s important for their classes, which can sometimes go unrecognized.” He is grateful
students to get a broad, well-rounded education, an education that for the Vose Scholarship as he looks forward to graduation this fall.
prepares individuals for a life of learning, in addition to preparing He is currently evaluating offers at several prestigious law schools
them for a career,” Roberta said. “There is satisfaction in knowing as he seeks to continue his education with a law degree.
you are helping students from all backgrounds have access to
a well-rounded, high-quality education.” If you are interested in creating a scholarship fund,
contact Suzanne Anderson, development officer:
218-726-6696, [email protected]

GRADUATE LSBE business and accounting degree proves to be
the impetus for one student’s entrepreneurial success.
SUCCESS
When Nick Guse (’14) graduated from LSBE, it was with the Guse, who studied business and accounting, credits the School
knowledge that we live in a time when just about anyone has the with teaching him fundamental business knowledge, including
access and ability to start their own business or pursue their passion. the accounting and business analytics skills needed to keep his
He took that idea seriously and got to work building TipToe Tech, a day-to-day business and finances in order.
company that provides indoor positioning and data analytics to retail
and corporate markets. What was most important to Guse, however, was the
entrepreneurship skills. These included “how to determine trends,
“TipToe Tech’s products and services allow businesses to truly the ability to research and see how the market is changing. That
understand their operational strengths and weaknesses. Also, it is especially important in the technology and mobile app space my
shows them opportunities they are missing, thereby increasing their business operates in. Technology is always changing and, therefore,
growth and providing greater returns on their market research and my business is always changing,” said Guse.
efficiency,” said Guse.

7

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B Read about faculty-published research and presentations.
B Learn about students, faculty, and staff who received awards.
B Read full versions of the articles showcased here.
B Find out how sustainability is taught for business in one LSBE classroom.

For details on these stories, visit lsbe.d.umn.edu > About > LSBE Newsletter

TRANSITIONS RETIREES

NEW HIRES When she retired in January, Candy Furo had been
working at UMD for a total of 43 years, most recently
Trent Nelson joined LSBE as an academic advisor as an academic advisor in LSBE. Furo also completed
in February. He has been advising students regarding credit checks for seniors, advised the Student
degree requirements, engagement opportunities, and Organization Coordinating Council, and volunteered for numerous
building personal and professional skills. Additionally, committees. Her passion for advising students and getting to know
he assists faculty with policies/procedures and completes degree them was amazing – as evidenced by flowers sent to her office
requirement checks. A native of Newfolden, MN, Nelson came to from appreciative MBA students. Retirement plans for Furo include
LSBE from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign where traveling and spending time with her children and grandchildren.
he held a similar position. He holds a master’s degree in educational
leadership from the University of North Dakota and a BA in geography Professor of Finance Dr. Shee Wong, Ph.D., who
from Bemidji State University. retired in May, became a living legend at UMD during
his 35-year career. Dr. Wong earned the rank of full
Kevin Stanke began as development assistant in professor in 1992, FMIS Department Chair in 2004,
February where he handles front line and back end and the 2005 Faculty Advisor of the Year award. In 2010, he developed
administration initiatives of the LSBE Development the successful LSBE financial planning program. Dr. Wong also served
Office under the lead of Suzanne Anderson, LSBE on numerous UMD and LSBE committees. With a passion for golf,
development officer. (See front page article.) Prior to joining LSBE, Dr. Wong will be spending time on the green in retirement.
Stanke, a native of Northfield, MN, worked in financial aid at the
University of St. Thomas and St. Catherine. He earned a BS Cliff Taylor, who retired in April after serving 13 years
in communications from the University of Wisconsin-River Falls.  at UMD, was lauded by co-workers as fun loving, a
comedian, and a social butterfly. As an LSBE custodian
The University of Minnesota is an equal opportunity educator and employer. for most of his UMD career, he ensured that the school
shone. While he excelled at his work, his extroverted personality
and notable high jinks will be missed most. In retirement, he'll be flying
drones and fishing. He and his wife would like to move to Costa Rica.