BEST Board S’24: Don’t Let Expectations Become Your Limits Says Student Gov’t President

BEST Board S’24: Don’t Let Expectations Become Your Limits Says Student Gov’t President

Recognized for her commitment to bettering the lives of Minnesota State Mankato students and the campus community, Sierra Roigers, the 2023-24 Student Government President, has taken the necessary steps to grow as a leader. “I have been impressed by her ability to make connections with others – especially individuals in higher levels of leadership,” her BEST Board nominator said. “She has elevated student voices with care while taking the time to understand the nuances of how many of our processes work.”

BEST Board S’24: Involvement Helps Quinten Wilson Discover Full Potential; Servant Leadership

BEST Board S’24: Involvement Helps Quinten Wilson Discover Full Potential; Servant Leadership

“Get comfortable with being uncomfortable” are words offered by Quinten Wilson when sharing the importance of getting involved. For Quinten, experiences gained as a presidential scholar, finding opportunities for servant leadership or assisting the MSU Mavericks Baseball Team as a student coach have helped shape is life and future. The Spring 2024 BEST Board honoree uses his own experiences to encourage others to take a “leap of faith” and try something new.

BEST Board S ’24: Career-Wise Confidence Landed Annelise Miller Two Internships

BEST Board S ’24: Career-Wise Confidence Landed Annelise Miller Two Internships

Annelise Miller’s nominator disagreed when Annelise said she didn’t do anything to deserve BEST Board recognition. It was that unassuming demeanor mixed with Annelise’s passion for writing that earned her a place on the BEST Board. Her prolific writing that fuels the weekly MAVERICK INSIDER student e-newsletter serves to keep all fellow Mavericks informed and engaged.

S’24 BEST Board: Johnny Ferede Says Embrace Every Chance for Personal, Professional Growth

S’24 BEST Board: Johnny Ferede Says Embrace Every Chance for Personal, Professional Growth

As a graduate advisor in Student Activities, Johnny Ferede found himself as the point person during a time of staff transitions. Putting his leadership and mentoring skills to work, he assisted the day-to-day activities of more than 200 Recognized Student Organizations while coordinating such activities as the annual Student Leadership Awards with over 60 nominations. His efforts that demonstrated resilience, strategic thinking and thriving under pressure earned him Spring ’24 BEST Board recognition.

MavPASS: Students Helping Students Academic Program Earns National Recognition

MavPASS: Students Helping Students Academic Program Earns National Recognition

MavPASS, a rapidly growing Minnesota State Mankato student support program in which students help students learn difficult content in challenging courses has received national recognition. The program will receive the Exemplary New Supplemental Instruction award for 2024 from the International Center for Supplemental Instruction. The award will be presented at a June conference in Baltimore, Maryland.

MORGAN RUSLER: Stepping Up and Into Leadership Roles Earns the Respect of Others

MORGAN RUSLER: Stepping Up and Into Leadership Roles Earns the Respect of Others

Being a leader sometimes means making tough decision. The best leaders make those decisions and maintain the respect of others without asking for it. Morgan Rusler’s nominator saw that in her and thought it deserving of BEST Board recognition. “She has not sought out recognition for her accomplishments and contributions, and this honor would be very befitting of her during her last semester at MSU. Morgan has been an exemplary student leader, and there aren’t many I would consider as deserving of this honor as she is.”

MASAKI HARA: His Leadership Grows From His Word-is-His-Bond Confidence and Responsibility

MASAKI HARA: His Leadership Grows From His Word-is-His-Bond Confidence and Responsibility

In the BEST Board nomination of Masaki Hara, he was recognized for his assistance to incoming international students, particularly from Japan. His trustworthiness helps him gain the confidence to lead others. “Masaki has been a leader with Bridges International for the past 2 academic years. He helps organize community building events and is always a welcoming face to new international students joining Bridges events. If he says he’ll do it, he will,”

‘They Bleed Purple and Gold:’ Celebrating a Decade of the Rejuvenated Maverick Machine

‘They Bleed Purple and Gold:’ Celebrating a Decade of the Rejuvenated Maverick Machine

While the University’s marching band dates back to 1929, the rebooted and retooled version known as the Maverick Machine evolved in 2013. A decade later it has grown from 30 members from across campus to more than 150 strong. Much of that credit goes to Director Michael Thursby, who members refer to as “dad” for his insight and instruction. A 10-year celebration was planned during Homecoming Week.

MAVERICK MINUTE: Campus Hub

MAVERICK MINUTE: Campus Hub

In the latest MAVERICK MINUTE video, President Edward Inch visits with Amy Roemhildt about the Campus Hub as a student resource for addressing questions about financial aid and billing. The MAVERICK MINUTE is a bi-monthly video hosted by President Inch that shares valuable campus resources available to all students.

RYAN LEISTIKOW: Enhancing Students’ Campus Experience is a Driving Force for Involvement

RYAN LEISTIKOW: Enhancing Students’ Campus Experience is a Driving Force for Involvement

BEST Board honoree, Ryan Leistikow, found a path to his career in Recreation and Parks Leadership through his involvement with the Student Events Team. That passion for keeping others engaged grew during the pandemic when, as President of the Student Events Team, he lead planning and coordination of virtual events. For Ryan, that involvement was an extension of his Maverick Pride.