President’s Column: Alumni in Arizona
Greetings from VCSU!
As I write this week’s column from the warmth of my office, the temps outside are at the lowest of the season. It harkens me back to our early February alumni visits and events held in Arizona.
I joined Kim Svenningsen-Hesch and Cory Anderson from our Foundation and Alumni office and ventured south to host and meet several alumni over a three-day period from Feb. 2 to Feb. 4. We began our trip with a small event hosted by Bob and Deanne Horne in Mesa on the evening of Feb. 2. It was such a pleasure to have the chance to reconnect with longtime supporters and former VCSU staff. The hospitality was tremendous.
The next day we ventured to Peoria to host an alumni event for those living or wintering in the northwest part of the Valley of the Sun. We gathered at the Links Neighborhood Grill to enjoy conversation, campus updates and lunch. Later that evening we convened a group of “newer” alumni (graduates of the past decade) at a restaurant in Mesa.
On Saturday, Feb. 4 we had an alumni and friends social and luncheon at the Terrace Green in Mesa. This event brought more than 45 folks together to reminisce, share good conversations and stories and reconnect over the common bond of their shared VCSU experiences. There was lots of laughter and amazing stories were told, some perhaps “augmented” a bit from their original form. We were even treated to an impressive vocal duet featuring the talents of Don Lemnus and Al Dosch. It was a highlight of the day and an event that will live long in the hearts and minds of all in attendance.
We’ve hosted a similar schedule of events for several years, but this year’s traffic and airport congestion was noticeably more significant, perhaps due to two very large sporting events happening the next week; the Waste Management Phoenix Open and Super Bowl LVII. Despite the increased traffic, the events were well worth the time. I sincerely appreciate the efforts of our Foundation and Alumni office for their outstanding work in organizing and creating such an informative and enjoyable opportunity for our alumni and supporters to gather and reconnect. One common theme emerged the relationships made at VCSU are long-lasting and important to the lives of our students, faculty, staff, coaches, and alumni. We look forward to continuing this exciting tradition in 2024!
Go Vikings!
Mesa Gatherings
Back L to R: Terry Dunphy ‘68, Brad Rice ‘75, Dave Hodgson ‘73, Steve Rice ‘75, President Al and Kari LaFave, Judy Mathias, Jane Lemnus, Bob Horne ‘59, Bill Schaller ‘74, George Berger ‘74, and Al Dosch ‘55. Front L to R: Georgia (Vaughn) Rice ‘75, Marilyn (Orn) Hodgson ‘73, Rod Olin 74, Leorna and Curt ’62 Olson, Don Lemnus ‘58, Deanne (Roseth) Horne ‘60, and Carol Schaller.
Back L to R: Larry Hodgson ‘69, Dale Hillstrom ‘69, Tom Kinn ‘87, President Al and Kari LaFave, Jeff Bopp ‘99, Chad ’94 and Kelly (Olson) ’96 Anderson, Jim Egeberg and Cory Anderson ‘89. Front L to R: Dee (Isensee) Hillstrom ‘69, Mr. and Mrs. Joe ’67 Welder, Deb (Hill) Bopp ‘77, Gary and Lori Thompson, Pat Egeberg, and Krisit (Tait) Anderson ‘93.
Mesa Young Alumni Gathering
L to R: Cory Anderson ’89, Klay Donaldson (holding Kooper Donaldson), Erick and Barb (Ector) Dameron ’16, Kaitlyn (Langdon) Donaldson ‘16, Aurissa (Martens) Brinson ’15, Kim Svenningsen-Hesch ’91, Sierra (Even) ’15 & Thomas Cortez ’15 and Kristi (Tait) Anderson ’93.
Peoria Event
Front L to R: Dan ‘65 & Pat (Sheldon) ’67 Parish, Glen Engle ‘61, Linda (Sander) ’70 and Bob ’68 McKenzie, Dan ‘72 & Marion Schlecht, Marie (Vining) ’74 and Jerry ‘74 Topp. Back row L to R: President Al and Kari LaFave, Cory ’89 and Krisit (Tait) ’93 Anderson and Dave ’71 & Linda (Olson) ’72 Koschney.