Kurt Richter (B.S. ‘73) was named 2015 Employee of the Year for Innovation at the University of North Carolina, Charlotte. Richter was recognized for his innovative approach to faculty development through his Active Learning Academy program.

Zer Vang (M.S.W. ‘13) is an academic advisor for the University’s College of Liberal Arts.

Kate McCleary (Ph.D. ‘13) is a program director at the University of Minnesota working jointly for the Learning Abroad Center and the College of Food and Natural Resource Sciences.

Joanne Manlove (M.A. ‘72), dedicated special education teacher in Robbinsdale, MN, passed away April 24, 2015.

Candance Doerr-Stevens (Ph.D. ‘13) is an assistant professor of curriculum and instruction at the University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee.

Krystel Calubayan (B.S. ‘11) is director of events at the Saint Paul Area Chamber of Commerce.

Douglas Woog (B.S. ‘67) was recently honored with the 2015 Cliff Thompson Award, presented by the Minnesota Hockey Coaches Association to a recipient recognized for an outstanding, long-term contribution to the sport of hockey in Minnesota.

Scott Alger (Ph.D. ‘11) was named as the new director of human resources for Orono Public Schools.

Alyssa Siech (B.S. ‘09) is an associate development officer at the University of Minnesota Foundation.

Clark C. Peterson (A.A. ‘67) was the guest presenter at a meeting of the University of Minnesota Duluth Seniors Alumni Association in 2015. He spoke on the Great Hinckley Fire, the Oklahoma City bombing and flag etiquette.

Pahoua Yang (Ph.D. ‘08), director of community mental health at the Wilder Foundation, was one of five leaders honored with the 2015 IMPACT Award at the Hmong National Development Conference.

Demian Jackman (M.Ed. ‘08) teaches art at Kenyon-Wanamingo Elementary School in Kenyon, MN.

Emily Warren (M.S.W. ‘07) received the Doris Duke Fellowships for the Promotion of Child Well-Being. Warren was one of only 15 Doris Duke Fellows named and will receive funding to finish her dissertation and research.

Chad Schmidt (Ph.D. ‘06) is the director of learning for South St. Paul Public Schools.

Adam Keim (B.S. ‘06) received the Ed Meyers Award for Outstanding Contribution to the WestEd Community. Keim is a member of WestEd’s Comprehensive School Assistance Program that provides research and evidence based assistance to education agencies.

Teri Staloch (Ed.D. ’02) was named superintendent of the Prior Lake-Savage Area Schools.

Jill Johnson (’02), received a 2015 DiscoverE Educator Award for her leadership and efforts to bring STEM learning opportunities to under-served students in Minneapolis and St. Paul.

Reggie Bicha (M.S.W. ’00) was recognized with the 2015 State Member Award from The American Public Human Services Association.

Amanda Haertling Thein (Ph.D. ‘05) co-authored the book, Identity-Focused ELA Teaching: A Curriculum Framework for Diverse Learners and Contexts.

Verne Gagne (‘48), legendary wrestler and promoter, passed away on April 27. Gagne was a two-time NCAA wrestling champion and is a member of four major wrestling hall of fames.