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

Student Success

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

03/14/202403/15/2024 by Lenny Koupal

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: Stomper Bookcase Project was Real-World Experience for Joseph Roeser

BEST Board S’24: Stomper Bookcase Project was Real-World Experience for Joseph Roeser

02/23/202402/26/2024 by Lenny Koupal

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.

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

Student Success

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

02/09/202402/09/2024 by Lenny Koupal

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.

BEST Board S’24: Jake Hauser Leads March Book Drive as a New Maverick Tradition

Student Success

BEST Board S’24: Jake Hauser Leads March Book Drive as a New Maverick Tradition

02/01/202402/09/2024 by Lenny Koupal

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.

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

01/26/202402/09/2024 by Lenny Koupal

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: Just Say ‘Yes.’ Great Opportunities Will Present Themselves

CRYSTAL WATTS: Just Say ‘Yes.’ Great Opportunities Will Present Themselves

10/20/202310/20/2023 by Lenny Koupal

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.

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

10/06/202310/20/2023 by Lenny Koupal

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

10/02/202310/12/2023 by Lenny Koupal

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,”

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

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

09/22/202309/22/2023 by Lenny Koupal

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.

MADISON VANDERSEE: “Take time to explore your interests and connect with the groups who share those interests”

MADISON VANDERSEE: “Take time to explore your interests and connect with the groups who share those interests”

02/17/202302/17/2023 by Annelise Miller

Madison takes on tasks within our area with a keen attention to detail, perseverance, coordination, collaborative attitude and positivity.

JENNA ANDERSON: “It’s scary at first but once you get settled everything comes together. It’s worth it and you won’t regret it”

JENNA ANDERSON: “It’s scary at first but once you get settled everything comes together. It’s worth it and you won’t regret it”

02/09/202302/09/2023 by Annelise Miller

Jenna joined the Bullpen staff during the pandemic, and quickly stood out as a reliable and capable staff member.

SUHAN BUDHATHOKI: “The circle you hang out with will determine your route to the future.”

SUHAN BUDHATHOKI: “The circle you hang out with will determine your route to the future.”

02/02/202302/02/2023 by Annelise Miller

Suhan is always a great sounding board for ideas, not afraid to disagree or offer other approaches and strategies.

MOLLY NHEAN: “My campus involvement at MSU has truly helped me grow to love myself more and more.”

MOLLY NHEAN: “My campus involvement at MSU has truly helped me grow to love myself more and more.”

03/02/202303/02/2023 by Annelise Miller

Molly is one of the shining stars in the Fraternity and Sorority Life Community. She is one of those individuals you count on to show up to events and take leadership roles.

MITCHEL POMIJE: “My college experience has molded me into the leader I am today.”

MITCHEL POMIJE: “My college experience has molded me into the leader I am today.”

02/24/202302/24/2023 by Annelise Miller

Mitchel has been a driving force of leadership in the residence hall, at the regional level, and within Maverick Machine performances.

FINLEY ALEXANDER: Get Involved: ‘You never know what you might enjoy.’

FINLEY ALEXANDER: Get Involved: ‘You never know what you might enjoy.’

01/26/202301/26/2023 by Annelise Miller

Finley has been essential in aiding in the development of staff training plans within our Technical Services team.

EMMA ZELLMER: ‘Get involved in as much as you possibly can’

EMMA ZELLMER: ‘Get involved in as much as you possibly can’

01/20/202301/21/2023 by Annelise Miller

BEST Board Recipient EMMA ZELLMER was nominated for her “rock star” leadership: “She’s thoughtful. She’s determined. She’s political (in a good way). She’s respected. She sees the big picture. She has a natural ability to think through an issue before acting too quickly. She understands what it takes to get the work done.”

ASHRIT SURESH: ‘Campus Involvement is Necessary to Grow As An Individual’

ASHRIT SURESH: ‘Campus Involvement is Necessary to Grow As An Individual’

01/13/202301/13/2023 by Annelise Miller

Before Ashrit was booked to the max with his coursework, he took significant responsibility in the International Festival planning. In 2019, he and one other student were the sole planners for Children’s World. He recruited international RSOs and friends to set up age-appropriate children’s booths that taught cultural lessons. In addition, he is an active member in the Computer Engineering department and other STEM organizations.

“I began realizing that sometimes all you need to be a leader people can trust, is to just be present” -Maria Rios

“I began realizing that sometimes all you need to be a leader people can trust, is to just be present” -Maria Rios

10/28/202210/28/2022 by Annelise Miller

Maria Rios believes that campus involvement has helped her experience the value of teamwork and dedication. Without campus involvement, Maria imagines her life would be solely academics and work which would have limited her horizons.

“Find People That Are There For You And Share a Vision With You” – Joey Casey

“Find People That Are There For You And Share a Vision With You” – Joey Casey

10/21/202210/21/2022 by Lenny Koupal

Joey Casey has made an impact on the community and his Phi Kappa Psi chapter. Joey shares his experiences and advises students to follow their guts to find people that share the same vision and interest to boost college experience.

‘FSL has given me challenges and experiences that shaped me into an amazing teacher’ -Lisbeth Magdaleno Garcia

‘FSL has given me challenges and experiences that shaped me into an amazing teacher’ -Lisbeth Magdaleno Garcia

10/07/202210/07/2022 by Suhan Budhathoki

Lis went above and beyond to change the face of the Tri Sigma chapter, and to improve its operations from the inside out. Going from…