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.”
Tag: BEST Board at Minnesota State University Mankato
For Joseph Roeser, one of eight Spring 2024 BEST Board honorees, the crowning moment of his college career was creating and completing the Stomper Bookcase Project which launched a project for placing children’s books on established bookcases in Mankato area laundromats. For Joseph, it was just part of a lifetime of memories formed as a member of his Sigma Nu fraternity.
Whether it was creating educational events with the Women’s Center, the LGBT Center or Veterans, Atlas James sought Student Events Team programming that sought to show commonality and opportunities to connect among students from all backgrounds, genders and sexual orientations.
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.
Spring ’24 BEST Board honoree Jake Hauser is spending his semester before graduation leading a local March book drive as part of National Reading Month. The drive seeks to become a new Maverick Tradition benefitting local libraries. In addition, Jake serves as secretary for Mavs in Action promoting volunteerism in the greater Mankato area.
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.
Crystal Watts has the BEST Board distinction of being both a graduate student and an interim Student Activities assistant director of the Community Engagement Office. Her active involvement in CEO has advanced new and existing projects for students’ community service.
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.”
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,”
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.
On Jonah Maurer’s application for the lead role among Maverick Bullpen student staff, he was asked what he would do to ensure a high standard for customer experience. “The one thing I would do to ensure a high standard of satisfaction at the Bullpen is being consistent.” That consistency has led other Bullpen staff to state “they are the new Jonah” in recognition of the high standard he set.