Jeri Bates, Chair - CSP Alumni Council, Membership Committee
Edina, Minnesota
September 2021
I am most passionate about serving the University where I graduated from – Concordia University St Paul. I have served as an active member on their alumni council in some way/shape or form since 2001. I had an amazing 4 years at Concordia, and I love being able to help and share the University with others.
I have been in human resources and recruiting for my career and it was the one place where I felt I made a difference. You connect with some many people as they assess their own journey, be it work or education, in life and you make connections which are amazing!
It’s not one word, but more of a focus for what Concordia does, and that is "equip students for life". That covers a lot, from education, to understanding their role and mission in their lives and the lives of others. To have the capacity to educate not only for future careers but future living is inspiring to me.
Yes, it is all about people connections. I love to meet people, to see what their focus and plans are, and how they want to achieve them, and, in some way, be able to help guide that.
Watching Viking football; yes, I know that we almost always almost win, but I love football.
It’s probably less of a specific person, and more of knowing that there are people that can stand up to injustice, and do the right thing.
I am in love with pasta, but my favorite restaurant is a little, small space called Hudy’s, which has the very best breakfast food ever!
Warm outside, and sunny, but not hot. Time to read a book or two and enjoy the sounds of outside in the neighborhood. Meet up with family or friends for dinner and drinks, and then just sink into the end of the day.
Outgoing, supportive, fun, funny, hard worker, focused and organized, caring, full of energy.
Katherine Majkrzak, Miss Chain of the Lakes Scholarship
I grew up in a farmhouse my grandparents built in the Red River Valley a few miles northwest of Crookston, Minnesota. I’ve been in the Twin Cities for the past 30ish years, so it is truly home to me now.
It’s hard to pin down an exact time: As a child, my parents involved me in church activities, 4-H, community theater, and performing in nursing homes. They demonstrated an attitude of helping out wherever you see the opportunity. In adulthood, my volunteer activities followed my children, forming a babysitting co-op through Early Childhood Family Education, volunteering with Boy Scouts and Minnesota Youth Symphony.
My daughter got me involved in the Miss Minnesota Organization, which is a preliminary competition to Miss America. The organization is branded as apolitical, encouraging young women to take their passions for improving the world into their academic and career goals. What makes this organization unique is that it supports contestants who have strong opinions. It helps them learn to interact with those who may have quite differing views. Those of us who volunteer in the organization recognize that we are not in an echo chamber, which opens our eyes to new ways of seeing things. My local organization, MISS CHAIN OF LAKES SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM, established in 2013, has grown from sending one young woman to the state competition to now sponsoring six contestants. For each of them, I provide scholarships to support their academic pursuits. It is my pleasure to open doors for them whenever I can.
There is nothing more fulfilling than helping someone recognize how remarkable they are. As I learn the journey someone has been on, I see how they have responded to adversity, problem solved to make the way smoother for others, and celebrated accomplishments.
FUTURE. My work with young women reminds me of how much progress has been made in my own lifetime and it inspires me to think that these young women will use their passions to make the world a better place. They give me incredible hope for our future.
Before I retired, my work involved coaching people on problem solving and how they communicated their plans to resolve a problem. I loved seeing people transform as they turned bad problems into opportunities for taking the next leap forward. Prior to my corporate career, I was a freelance musician and composer. My experience with creating performances grounded me in running a local Miss America competition every year and coaching performers to bring their best to the stage.
A farm girl at heart, I am happiest when I’m in my garden listening to a podcast or eBook. In that flow state I can spend hours before I realize it is time to go back in the house. My husband has had to remind me to come in when a thunderstorm rolls in.
Many people inspire me as I learn their stories of overcoming obstacles. Specifically, and personally, I am inspired daily by my children: watching them build their careers and create a beautiful life fills me with great joy.
Life is such a series of enjoyments; I don’t really pick favorites. I make my own yogurt, so that might be a favorite food. A dinner I love making is a curry chicken with rice, yogurt sauce with raisins. It has lots of curry, garlic, and paprika. I’ll whip up a batch of naan, add some homemade wine: so enjoyable!
One that is not over scheduled so I can lose track of time and get lost in creating something.
Here are some words I got back when I queried my group chats: motivated, curious, generous, creative, organized, empathetic, sincere, charismatic, reliable are a few of the words that were used.
Kimberly Brown with Get Up Get Movin'
Born in Houston, Texas, but raised in Minnesota since the age of 2.
It actually began in the spring (May) of 2011, but I eventually placed it on the back burner, and then in recent years revived it.
I am the Creator, the Founder of what I hope will be a motivational movement for people everywhere. This charge to Get Up and Get Movin' with put people on a journey to better health, and even beyond that inspire them in other areas of their lives.
That's easy, whether it's through singing or speaking bringing joy, hope and encouragement to people, and knowing that something I did brought a little sunshine into their life!
MOTIVATION. I think of motivation because that is a large part of my purpose, and the mission of Get Up Get Movin'. The organization's goal is to motivate people living sedentary lives to become physically active and improve their health. It also extends beyond physical activity, into complete wellness. Ultimately, our goal is to motivate people towards complete wellness: physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. Life is hard, and sometimes difficult to navigate, and just a bit of motivation can make all the difference in the world. If I can bring a little peace, or a little to someone's life, then it simply makes my day. I am also a proud ambassador for Jesus Christ, and part of my purpose is to be a blessing to others.
Spending time with my family is number 1, but also singing, traveling, eating and sleeping (lol) I love them all!
Another easy one, my parents! The lessons they taught me, the instructions and love they've given me, and the life that they've lived before me has all formed me into who I am.
If you think it's CHICKEN, then BINGO!
Sleeping in, late brunch, and hanging out with my family/friends. I love the care-free feeling of a day off.
Fun-loving and always positive, busy, but excited about it, caring, giving, and loving--at least that is what I'd hope they would say.
Ann Sheldon at University of Minnesota
Park Falls, Wisconsin
August, 2017
I’m chair elect for the Board, preparing to become the Alumni Board Chair in April, 2022.
Helping people find their passion and watching them take action to achieve it.
Dedication. Because everyone I’ve met through the UMAA (employees and volunteers) are dedicated to their work and the U.
Yes, in both places, I am serving people. At the U, it’s students and alumni. At Medtronic, it’s patients and employees.
Cooking and baking
Brené Brown. She’s not afraid to talk about any topic, ask hard questions and become a better person. I love her quote “I’m not here to be right, I’m here to get it right.”
Pizza with fresh toppings - a spinach side salad. :-)
Being outside, active and in nature - in any season.
I see the good in the world, I want to make a difference and I like to celebrate the simple things in life with others.
Cheffing Good - Dine Good - Do Good
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