Jennifer Hairrell (MEd ’07) receives Fulbright Award

The U.S. Department of State and the Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board are pleased to announce that Jennifer Hairrell (MEd ’07) of Maple Grove Middle School in Minnesota has received a Fulbright Teachers for Global Classrooms Program award.

As a Fulbright recipient, Hairrell will share knowledge and foster meaningful connections across communities in the United States and abroad. Fulbrighters engage in cutting-edge research and expand their professional networks, often continuing research collaborations started abroad and laying the groundwork for forging future partnerships between institutions. Upon returning to their classrooms in the United States, they share their stories and often become active supporters of international exchange, inviting foreign scholars and educators to their school or campus and encouraging their colleagues and students to go abroad. Read more.

Northern Lights receives Google Gift to develop Indigenous Computer Science curriculum

Northern Lights Collaborative for Computing Education in the College of Education and Human Development at the University of Minnesota was recently awarded a Google Gift to support the development of an Indigenous Computer Science (CS) curriculum unit incorporating Ojibwe and Dakota languages and cultures. The collaborative will provide up to 15 schools with significant Native American student populations with stipends to attend a workshop, implement the CS curriculum unit, and provide feedback to improve the materials.

The University of Minnesota was one of only three universities across the country to receive funding from Google to increase access and participation in CS for Indigenous students from K-12 through postsecondary.

Northern LIghts Director Jennifer Rosato

“Representation of Native Americans in STEM fields like engineering and computer science continues to be the lowest of any demographic group. We have a long way to go until all students receive the same opportunities in computer science (CS). There is a need for more resources, teacher support, and culturally responsive and sustaining curriculum to close this equity gap,” said Northern Lights Collaborative Director Jennifer Rosato.

Northern Lights Collaborative for Computing Education develops evidence-based programs and resources in collaboration with educators and partners that support inclusive K-16 computing education. Visit the Northern Light’s website and follow them on LinkedIn to learn more about their work.

Dr. Larry Guggisberg (MA ’86) Receives MASA Polaris Leadership Award

Congratulations to Dr. Larry Guggisberg for being named the recipient of the 2023 MASA Polaris Leadership Award by the Minnesota Association of School Administrators (MASA). Dr. Guggisberg was honored for his exemplary school leadership and a lifetime of achievement in education and the wider community at a statewide recognition ceremony at the 2023 MASA Fall Conference in October.

Alum recognized by APA

Congratulations to Elizabeth Welfel (PhD ’79, educational psychology), who was given the 2022 Lifetime Achievement Award in Ethics Education by the American Psychological Association for her teaching and research while on the faculties of Boston College and Cleveland State University.

Student spotlight: Kennedy VanderLoop

Hailing from Stevens Point, Wisconsin, Kennedy VanderLoop is a senior studying physical activity and health promotion (PAHP) within the School of Kinesiology. Her dream job? A pediatric occupational therapist. VanderLoop’s college education and experiences are preparing her to achieve this goal.

VanderLoop started out as a dance major when she came to the University of Minnesota, but was looking to add another program to her schedule. Eventually, VanderLoop added the PAHP program as a second major as it paired well with her interests of exercise, bodily function, and health advocacy. Later on, VanderLoop added a public health minor which also connected to the PAHP major. The PAHP program’s flexibility is one of VanderLoop’s favorite aspects of the program.

This major is great for anyone who wants a wide platform of educational opportunities to explore concepts of physiology, public health, psychology, and kinesiology. I have had the opportunity to choose elective courses that coincide with my second major of dance and my minor of public health.

VanderLoop most enjoyed the health promotion course within the PAHP major. In this class, she was challenged to analyze case studies and think about how it relates to the perplexities in promoting health programs and policies in the community. VanderLoop also took an exercise physiology course. Here, she liked the interactive lab sessions, especially the hydrostatic weighing component.

VanderLoop has also taken on experiences outside of the classroom to support her future career. She works at the University’s RecWell center, gets observation hours at Twin Cities hospitals in rehabilitation settings, and does research with the School of Kinesiology’s Disability and WELLness laboratory (DWELL). Within her research experience, VanderLoop has learned the interventions occupational therapists use with post-stroke patients. Her work includes conducting reviews on an telehealth-based intervention.

Beyond the School of Kinesiology, VanderLoop is thankful to be a part of the greater University of Minnesota community. She enjoys all of the opportunities the University offers in addition to the ability to create a small, tight knit groups with a strong sense of belonging.

Currently, VanderLoop is in the process of applying and interviewing for occupational therapist programs. As she ventures on into her post-undergraduate phase of life, VanderLoop’s advice to current students is to embrace challenges, get out of their comfort zone, and participate in research.

Experiencing the major through working in a research team who have similar interests as you will expand your knowledge and outlook immensely.

Alumna Emily Dane-Staples: Kinesiology PhD graduate publishes first book

Emily Dane-Staples, PhD, alumna of the School of Kinesiology, recently published her first book titled, “The sport management educator: Strategies for teaching.” The book aims to support those new to teaching and those who want to become a better educator. It discusses multiple topics including course planning, student engagement, teaching with technology, and more.

Dane-Staples was inspired to write this book based on her own experiences. During her first teaching job, the first semester didn’t go as well as she had hoped. Dane-Staples was determined to improve but realized there was a gap in teaching resources for sport management educators like herself. This book fills in this gap, compiling important information in a concise and accessible way. “This is the book I wish I would have had prior to day one of teaching,” Dane-Staples revealed.

Currently, Dane-Staples is a professor of Sport Management and Active Learning Fellow at St. John Fisher University in Rochester, NY. She received her PhD in kinesiology from the School of Kinesiology in 2006.

Alumna Brogan Comstock: Former kinesiology student pursues graduate studies in prosthetics and orthotics

Brogan Comstock is a kinesiology alumni who is pursuing her dream career. Currently, she is a graduate student at California State University Dominguez Hills studying prosthetics and orthotics. Brogan’s undergraduate experience at the School of Kinesiology prepared her for graduate studies and the continuation of her career.

Comstock grew up in the surrounding suburbs of Minneapolis. Throughout her childhood, she always knew she wanted to be in medicine. Being a doctor, nurse, or helicopter medic were some of her dream occupations. As she moved on to high school, these science-focused interests prevailed, but she also wanted to study something that had a human application. This led her to the kinesiology program within the School of Kinesiology. 

Comstock had many positive experiences throughout her undergraduate career both inside and outside of the classroom. She recalls many fond aspects of the kinesiology major, especially the interactions with her peers and committed faculty members.

“Kinesiology ended up being a small major, so you knew almost everyone in your classes. The faculty were extremely enthusiastic about what they were teaching, I do not think I ever had a negative experience in a kinesiology class. The environment was very sports based, which was fun because there was always a group going to a game or for a run or hitting the gym after class “

Comstock was active outside of class to gain different experiences to support her future career. One position she held was at the University’s McNamara Alumni Center to help run events. Within this role, she was given a packet of information and would be expected to implement an event and build a relationship with the respective client. Comstock revealed at the time, she didn’t think this position was relevant to her career. Since then, she’s found that planning process prepared her for future clinician roles.

“Looking through medical notes before you see a patient is almost exactly the same procedure as reviewing the alumni center’s information packet.”

Besides working at the alumni center, Comstock also held an undergraduate research position at Minneapolis Veterans Affairs Health System in their Motion Analysis Laboratory. This position allowed her to gain experience in prosthetics and orthotics while being involved in the Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program (UROP). The UROP program allows students to gain research experience under a mentor, build connections in their desired profession, and publicly present their research findings within a semester. After Comstock’s UROP ended, she continued to research with this lab for course credit. She’s had such a positive experience with them that she continues to volunteer with them virtually.

Comstock enjoyed her time at the University of Minnesota, especially with the abundance of opportunities on campus and in the surrounding communities. As a student, her favorite memory was meeting her freshman year roommates.

“We were four girls randomly assigned to one room. In most cases, that would be a recipe for disaster but they became my best friends. We still talk weekly and they have come out to visit me in California.”

Since graduating from the School of Kinesiology, Comstock has found her way to California to further her education. Her undergraduate kinesiology degree and research experiences helped her decide that prosthetics and orthotics was the field she wanted to get a master’s degree in. She eventually landed on California State University Dominguez Hills because the program focuses heavily on patient interaction, requiring 300 more clinical hours than similar programs. Comstock referenced how her undergraduate degree helped her get into the graduate program. 

“My undergraduate career helped me build a basis of knowledge for orthotics and prosthetics. This includes every liberal arts class, not just kinesiology. As a soon-to-be clinician, knowing my patient’s religious background, motivation, physical activity, etc. in addition to their physical condition and the process behind the devices was exceptionally important. I did not realize how applicable all the classes were to patient care until I used that knowledge.”

Comstock aspires to be clinician after completing graduate school, hopefully working abroad. Beyond that, she hopes to get a PhD in orthotics and prosthetics or rehabilitation science and pursue research.

Her advice to current kinesiology students: “Most professionals want to help people get into their field, so do not hesitate to reach out for any questions or opportunities. Getting a “no” is rare and is not the end of the world.”

OLPD alumni Amy LaDue and Peter Olson-Skog receive the MASA Richard Green Scholar Award

Dr. Peter Olson-Skog and Dr. Amy LaDue

Dr. Amy LaDue and Dr. Peter Olson-Skog, alumni of the Department of Organizational Leadership, Policy, and Development’s (OLPD) Education Policy and Leadership PhD program, received the 2023 Richard Green Scholar Award by The Minnesota Association of School Administrators (MASA).

According to MASA, the Richard Green Scholars Program was established in 2006 “to honor the scholarly work and professional development of Minnesota school leaders. The program is an annual recognition of the research, writing, and presentation of a paper reflecting the practice of excellent school leadership.”

Dr. LaDue is the Associate Superintendent for Instruction for Minnetonka Public Schools and Dr. Olson-Skog serves as the Superintendent for West Saint Paul-Mendota Heights-Eagan Area Schools.

Dr. LaDue and Dr. Olson-Skog will present their research from their dissertation, “Leading Leaders: Helping Principals Grow,” at the 2023 MASA Fall Conference, October 9-10, in Duluth, MN.

CEHD Alumnae Honored

Congratulations to Angela Lewis-Dmello (MSW ’10) and Larissa Loden (MEd ’09) on their U of M Alumni Association recognitions! Lewis-Dmello, President and CEO of Northeast Youth & Family Services, has received the Community Leader Award, and Loden, founder and CEO of her namesake jewelry company, has received the Entrepreneurial Spirit Award. They were honored at the campuswide Alumni Awards Affair on September 28.

Eyenga Bokamba appointed Director of the Minnesota Institute for Trauma-Informed Education (MITIE)

The Minnesota Institute for Trauma-Informed Education (MITIE), a joint partnership of the University of St. Thomas School of Education and Morrison Family College of Health, has named Eyenga Bokamba as its new director. Bokamba is a leader in education and the arts with over 20 years of experience advocating for healthy, creative communities. Ms. Bokamba graduated in 1988 from the College of Education and Human Development with a 7th-12th grade language arts licensure. Read more.

Chelsea Petree (PhD ’13) publishes third book in College Ready series

Chelsea Petree (PhD ’13) recently published the book titled, College Sophomore Ready: Expert advice for parents to navigate the sophomore year of college. This book supports parents through the “sophomore slump” and covers topics such as academic challenges, early career prep, student identity, mental health, and new adult responsibilities. This is the third book in the College Ready series. Chelsea is the Parent and Family Programs Director at Rochester Institute of Technology.

Dr. Amy Jean Knorr (MS ’45) obituary

Amy Jean Holmblade Knorr passed away July 24, 2023. Amy Jean was born November 28, 1916 on a farm in Rochelle, Illinois and grew up on her parent’s farm in Whitehall, Michigan. She earned her B.S. Degree from Michigan State University, her Masters in Home Economics Education from the University of Minnesota, and her Ph.D. in Higher Education from Michigan State University. She worked for the Agency for International Development and the Arizona Department of Vocational Education until 1970 when she joined the faculty of the University of Arizona in the School of Home Economics. While actively involved in many aspects of the academic program she was dedicated to her role as an educator and had significant influence on her many students as a caring and committed teacher, advisor, and mentor. Read more.

Alisha M. Hardman (Ph.D.’14) Elected to NCFR Board of Directors

Curriculum and Instruction alumna Alisha M. Hardman Ph.D, CFLE, was elected to the National Council on Family Relations’ (NCFR) Board of Directors. 

Dr. Hardman is currently an associate professor in the Department of Applied Human Sciences at Kansas State University and a Certified Family Life Educator (CFLE). Her research has focused on promoting relational health to prevent and protect against the harmful effects of adverse childhood experiences and other types of trauma.


Read more about Dr. Hardmans nomination.

Posbergh publishes in Critical Studies in Media Communication

Anna Posbergh, PhD, President’s Postdoctoral Fellow in the School of Kinesiology and fellow with the Tucker Center for Research on Girls & Women in Sport, has recently published an article in Critical Studies in Media Communication, titled “Caster Semenya as a “can-do” hero for “at-risk” girls: Analyzing Nike’s neoliberal postfeminist advertisements” with Dr. Samuel Clevenger (Towson University) and Caitlin Kane (University of Maryland). The article examines three Nike advertisements from 2018 featuring Caster Semenya, focusing on how each incorporates the purportedly universal ideal of “girl power,” which can be understood as a Western-centric, neoliberal, postfeminist branding strategy that reinforces existing social inequalities.

Alumnus Tristen Ruesch: Gopher superfan and SMA President

Tristen Ruesch is a graduate of the School of Kinesiology, and so much more. During his tenure with the School of Kinesiology he was President of the student-led Sport Management Association, lead intern for Gopher Sport Marketing, and an honors student. 

Ruesch, though born in Minnesota, grew up in South Dakota. As he got older and closer to college applications, he had decided that he wanted to study sport management. This desire led him to the University of Minnesota. 

“I knew that this was the place for me. All of the connections with a Power 5, Division I athletic department, all of the professional teams in the area, all of the volunteer opportunities, the reputation of the program, and the connections to the Sport Management Association. It was not a hard sell.”

Immediately after beginning his freshman year, Ruesch’s life was abuzz with activity. He credits his advisor, Tracey Hammell, for her assistance in navigating academic life. Certain that he wanted to get involved with some sort of club or student organization, Ruesch was immediately drawn to the Sport Management Association. After his first meeting, he met with SMA board members and applied for a board position. He was accepted and stayed in a board position until graduation.

“My biggest accomplishment was probably helping the group grow from 10 members in the first year back [in-person] from COVID and seeing it grow to 70 members in my senior year. There is no way I would have been able to accomplish it without the best board SMA has ever seen.”

Ruesch recalls fond memories and helpful opportunities during his education, particularly noting the impact of guest speakers and lecturers in his classes. It was one of these speakers that led Ruesch to his first sport-related job, a position at Huntington Bank Stadium. Later, he worked as an intern for Gopher Sports Marketing, eventually becoming Lead Intern.

“I learned so much about how the production of an event happens. Everything from who makes the graphics, who runs the scoreboard, how they get cued, who makes things happen on court, etc.”

Having graduated this spring, 2023, Ruesch’s next move is graduate studies. He will be joining the University of Mississippi’s graduate program seeking a master’s in Integrated Marketing Communications. He has also accepted a position as a marketing assistant in their athletics department. Having just recently relocated to Mississippi, he is spending time acclimating to his new position and surroundings. 

Ruesch enjoys spending time with friends and family, fishing, and water sports. His enthusiasm for sport is not only academic, and he enjoys watching sports in his freetime. A self-described superhero nerd, he is an avid reader of DC, Marvel, and Star Wars comics. 

As for dreams, Ruesch hopes to continue working in sport marketing.

“Hopefully [I will] work my way up to an Assistant Athletic Director of Marketing and Fan Engagement at a Power 5 institution. Perhaps even Athletic Director. Maybe even return to the University of Minnesota, too. Ski-U-Mah!”

His advice to School of Kinesiology students is, “Network as much as you can. It really is who you know more than what you know. So many people have so much good advice and connections that you would never expect. Take advantage of it as much as you can.”

He lives by Bill and Ted’s famous mantra, “Be excellent to each other, and party on dudes!”

Alumnus Neil Mendonça: International student and commencement speaker

Neil Mendonça’s is a story that, while entirely unique to his experience, contains elements common to many students in the School of Kinesiology. Hailing from Hong Kong, Neil traveled to Minnesota to attend college. He was uncertain of his academic direction until was able to find his place and carve out a spot for himself. His support system, he says, was crucial to his success in the Sport Management M.Ed. program. 

Neil grew up in Hong Kong, an experience that has uniquely shaped his perspective and experience. His stories and memories of the city are, of course, numerous. His favorite memories involve hiking, playing basketball, late night kebabs, and working at a trampoline park. 

“Growing up in Hong Kong is what prepared me for everything in life. While growing up, I was lucky to be able to be surrounded by people from all over the world. We all called Hong Kong home, but our ethnic backgrounds varied.”

Though he grew up in Hong Kong, Neil has roots in Bangalore and Goa, India. He would often visit India during his summer breaks, storing up memories of eating kathi rolls, traditional Indian sweets, and drinking coffee in a shop near his grandparents’ house. 

“The lessons I learned from being around everyone and sharing our cultures came into play when I moved to Minnesota in 2016, as it helped with acclimatizing to the local culture.”

Neil found himself in Minnesota after his experience at a community college in Hong Kong. While he was there, he realized that he would need to look outside Hong Kong to achieve his educational goals. Experiences with family friends in New Jersey and traveling with his parents brought him to Mankato. There he began to establish his Minnesota roots. 

“I was also moving to Minnesota low on confidence—despite portraying otherwise—and trying to figure out who I was and what I wanted to do with life.”

Neil finished out his undergraduate studies at Minnesota State University, Mankato, and graduated in 2021. Times were uncertain and he was having trouble finding a job. He had already planned to get his master’s, but was convinced to do so directly after graduation.

“The M.Ed. program at the U gave me the opportunity to start in January, and I decided to apply.”

Neil did a lot of work to integrate himself within the SoK community and build up his support network. He credits this network with much of his success. In those moments where he felt like he was at his wits’ end, he had friends and family that helped ground him. 

“Every single time I wanted to give up or lost sight of the light at the end of the tunnel, there has been a moment where someone from my support system stopped me from spiraling.”

In the School of Kinesiology’s M.Ed. program, Neil found himself afforded a wealth of opportunities. Volunteering with the Wild and at the Women’s Final Four at Target Center, he was able to meet sport management leaders. Filled with healthy debates, his classes challenged him. Thoughts were provoked and, with the liberty to express these thoughts freely and ask questions, he always left with a deeper understanding of the concepts covered. Neil found that the faculty were always supportive and willing to help. His favorite memories from the program were doing research projects with Drs. Clint Warren and Mitch McSweeney in his final year. In addition to his studies, he worked at the Lindahl Academic Center with Gopher student athletes, a position he recommends for those interested in athletics. 

“All professors had an open-door policy, made time to ensure that I felt supported, and provided opportunities and real-world advice. I always felt like I could reach out to them and ask for advice, even if it wasn’t directly related to assignments.”

Having recently graduated, these days Neil is enjoying a reprieve from the demands of academics. Despite this, he has been staying busy applying to jobs, keeping up with research, spending time with friends, and volunteering at a nearby food shelter.

During his time at Mankato, Neil set out to pursue the long-time goal for himself of becoming a commencement speaker. This goal was interrupted by the lack of in-person commencements during COVID-19 restrictions, but that didn’t stop Neil from sticking to his goal. He decided to try again at the School of Kinesiology. As graduation approached this year, he once again began the process of applying to be a speaker. The process included submitting a draft speech and résumé, answering a questionnaire, and doing a brief interview. Shortly after the interview, he was selected to speak at the ceremony. 

“I wanted to represent the international student community. The joy of being in a new environment and having a unique opportunity to create a life from scratch often masks the struggles that come with being an international student, from finding a voice, to having identity crises, to missing family, and many other things. I am very fortunate to have created a community for myself, but that may not be the case for everyone.”

“I spend a lot of time creating lists on Google Maps of sites and restaurants in cities I want to visit.”

He likes to walk and hike, often starting the day with a stroll around Lake of the Isles. He began learning to cook when he came to Minnesota and realized he missed the tastes of home. 

“Recently I’ve been more experimental with the cuisines that I attempt to cook, but my favorite things to cook all have roots in Hong Kong or the Indian subcontinent—cha siu, dal, paneer, nihari, dosa, biryani.” 

As he looks to the near future, Neil is well prepared with his Project 24–a life plan with a set of 24 goals he plans  to complete by 2024. After getting some experience under his belt, he also plans on getting his PhD in Sport Management. This desire is rooted in the realization of the impact that educators can have on students’ lives. A dream of his is to build youth sport facilities in countries recovering from natural disasters or conflict. 

Amber Manke (MEd ’12, PhD ’15) appointed to Pat Tillman Foundation Board of Directors

The Pat Tillman Foundation (PTF) announced the appointment of Dr. Amber Manke (MEd ’12, PhD ’15), a 2012 Tillman Scholar, to its Board of Directors. Manke earned her Ph.D. in organizational leadership, policy, and development and a M.Ed. in adult education from the University of Minnesota – Twin Cities and leads leadership development programs for clinicians through the Provider Development Institute at Optum, part of United Health Group. She is the first Tillman Scholar to serve as a member of the foundation’s board.

“I was deeply honored to have been chosen as a Tillman Scholar, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to provide a voice and lead inside the foundation as a member of the board,” Manke said. “I feel just like I did when I got the call to join this community in 2012 — humbled, surprised and energized. I’m ready to bring my experience and passion for organizational leadership and development to make a difference.”

Manke helped launch the foundation’s regional captain program, which builds engagement with Tillman Scholars through volunteer service projects and social events throughout the U.S. She ran for Team Tillman in the New York Marathon and Chicago Marathon to raise the amount of her scholarship and support the foundation. Manke has also served for several years on the foundation’s selection committees at the local and national level.

In addition to her work at Optum, she continues to serve as a lieutenant colonel and battalion commander in the Minnesota Army National Guard, where she leads warrant officer and officer candidate school to commission the next generation of officers. In this position, she inspires future leaders to carry on the legacy of leaders like Pat Tillman. She lives in the Twin Cities with her spouse, Sam, and their German dogs, Zetus and Fenix.

“Amber exemplifies an ethos of leadership through action as a Tillman Scholar, in her humble leadership at Optum, in service as a battalion commander in the National Guard, and now as she amplifies the impact of this community on our board of directors,” said Dan Futrell, CEO and 2011 Tillman Scholar. “I’m grateful to be able to partner with her in this next chapter on board. I look forward to her expertise in organizational development and adult education and the role she’ll play to drive the long-term strategic direction of our foundation.” Learn more on the Pat Tillman Foundation website.

David Peterson (BS ’67) publishes book

David Peterson (BS ’67) published the book, A Mind of His Own: An Autobiography. David spent his formative years in Minnesota. He holds a BS in Spanish Secondary Education from the University of Minnesota and an MA in Spanish American Literature from the University of Wisconsin that led to his appreciation of Latin American culture. He traveled the globe extensively on his own and as an employee of two airlines. Peterson had a diverse career and retired as a writer and editor of hospital software. His book is available for purchase on Amazon.com.

Tim Delmont (PhD ’80, educational policy & administration) publishes new book

Tim Delmont (PhD ’80, educational policy & administration) published the book Everyday Dad: A Memoir About Single Parenting. It is the story of his first ten years as a single parent of his ten-week-old daughter and five-year-old son, following the unexpected death of his wife at age thirty-three. Tim shares his mistakes and joys as a fully engaged father and the lessons learned from his unpredictable, life-changing experience. His book is available for purchase as a paperback, e-book, and audiobook from Amazon, the U of M bookstores, and other independent bookstores.