Alumni Asssociation - November 2009 Update

2nd Annual Alumni Association Meeting
On Saturday, November 14th, 2009 alums came together for the 2nd Annual MSUSA Alumni Association meeting. At the meeting they learned more about MSUSA's history and it's strategic plan for the future, discussed why they were interested in being involved and how they could help MSUSA's students. Elections were held and the winners will be announced, pending Bylaw approval by the MSUSA Board. The Alumni Association will be focusing on expanding a networking program, advocacy efforts, and a mentorship program in the next year. Alums joined students for dinner that evening.

Alumni Spotlight: Paul Hetland
MSUSA Alum Paul Hetland was featured in this months Alumni Spotlight. He served as the MSUSA State Chair from 1995-1996 and Bemidji State University Student Body President from 1994-1995. He currently works as the City Administrator in Freeport, MN. Click here to read more about Paul.

Jim Schmidt wins State Chair Challenge!
MSUSA State Chairs were challenged to bring the most alums to the Penny Reception. Jim Schmidt won and will be awarded with a Kelly Asche homebrew for bringing 5 alums with him. On a side note, 9 Winona State University Student Body Presidents were present at the event!

Penny Reception a Success!
The 22nd Annual Penny Program Reception & Silent Auction was held on Friday, November 13th, 2009 at the Minnesota Zoo. Over 200 supporters were in attendance and helped to raise over $8,500! Nearly twenty alums attended the event. Click here to see photos and video from the event.

Penny Program receives record number of applications
The Penny Program Advisory Board received 37 applicants for their November 1st application due date. Interviews with the top student applicants will be conducted soon and award winners will be announced in December.

Raise Money for the JPS Scholarship Using GoodShop
Easily raise money online for the Jared P. Stene Student Leadership Scholarship this holiday season using GoodShop. Every time you buy items online through GoodShop (same idea as GoodSearch) 2% of your purchase will be donated to the scholarship. Purchases through stores such as ITunes, Amazon, Ebay, Expedia, etc. can be done through here!

MSCSA Leadership Scholarship Fundraising Dinner
The MSCSA Leadership Scholarship Fundraising Dinner will be held on Friday, January 8th, 2009 in Bloomington. The reception, silent auction, and cash bar will begin at 5:30 p.m. and the dinner and program will begin at 7:00 p.m. Contributions are $60.00 for and individual and $110.00 for a couple. Click here for more information.

Strategic Plan Release Party
MSUSA will be holding it's strategic plan release party at St. Cloud State University the weekend of February 5th. Save the date to join us for this exciting event!

Minnesota Student Leadership Summit
Students from Minnesota's state universities and community colleges gathered October 16th - 18th in Bloomington for the Minnesota Student Leadership Summit. Student leaders had the opportunity to talk about the big issues facing higher education and to train on how to become tomorrow's leaders. Senator Al Franken joined the students to discuss higher education issues at the federal level. Some of the dozens of workshop topics include: Running an Effective Meeting, Conflict Resolution, Time Management, and Marketing your Student Government. Click here to see photos from the summit.

St. Cloud State University alum and Executive Director of the League of Women Voters, Keesha Gaskins, lead a Community Engagement session.

Bemidji State University alum Jamie Barthel lead the sessions Attitude and Goal Setting: Your Roadmap to a Successful Life.

Donate TODAY! It's Give to the Max Day!

Today is "Give to the Max Day" on www.GiveMN.org, powered by Razoo. Please search for "MSUSA" on GiveMN.org to find us and then ask everyone you know to donate as well!

From 8:00 a.m. on November 17th through 8:00 a.m. on November 18th every donation made during Give to the Max Day will receive a portion of the match. A number of charities are picking up the transaction costs for donations today only. In addition, donations are being matched $0.25 to every dollar donated. There is a $10 minimum on donations.

You can choose to have your donation go to any of MSUSA's wonderful programs, including: The Penny Program, The Jared P. Stene Student Leadership Scholarship, or The Alumni Association. Please click the check box at the top of the page titled "Add a Designation" and type your donation area preference in the text box.

Alumni Association - 2nd Annual Meeting!

All MSUSA alums are invited to participate in the 2nd Annual MSUSA Alumni Association meeting. It will be held on Saturday, November 14th, 2009 at Metropolitan State University. The meeting will begin at 3:00. A complimentary dinner will be served at 7:45 p.m. with the students at the Country Inn & Suites in Woodbury.

Please RSVP to Alumni@msusa.org if you will be attending.

At the meeting you'll hear the Board's proposal for the future, learn more about where MSUSA is currently, find new ways to become involved, participate in elections, and have some fun! The Alumni Association Board will be presenting their priorities for the next year which include networking, establishing a mentorship program, and advocacy and lobbying.

At www.msusa.org under the Alumni tab you'll find a schedule, which includes the Penny Reception on Friday evening, and an agenda for Saturday's meeting. The following positions will be elected at the meeting: Secretary/Treasurer, Mankato Board Member, Bemidji Board Member and Moorhead Board Member. Please see the "Elections Procedure" document about how to apply. You do not need to be present at the meeting to run for a position. On our website you will also see the proposed amendments to the Bylaws and a Financial Update.

MSUSA Alums can receive MSUSA's group rate on hotel rooms. Please contact Tracy Jasberg at the Woodbury Country Inn & Suites to make a reservation at 651-702-2764.