Index of University Press Releases

June 12, 2006

Alumni Days set for June 15-17 at DWU, six to be honored

MITCHELL, S.D. – Alumni Days, June 15-17 at DWU, is a celebration expected to bring many alumni back to Mitchell. It will include tours of the George and Eleanor McGovern Library, classes in Alumni College and concludes with six alumni receiving awards for lifetime achievements.

The 11th Annual Patrons’ Banquet, where alumni and friends of the university are recognized for their financial contributions, is planned for 6 p.m., Thursday, June 15, in the Sherman Center. Reservations are required for the banquet which includes a concert by the Sidoti Quartet. Separate tickets for the concert are available for $10 (balcony seats only). The public is invited to the concert.

The registration table is open from 8 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. on Friday, June 16 and Saturday, June 17. Alumni Colleges, sessions presented by this year’s alumni award winners, kick off the Friday’s events.

“The 14 Dynamics of Building a Cash Cow ™,” is the 9:30 a.m. session, presented by Bob Benson ’67, 2006 Alumnus of the Year. Learn what he believes are the essential dynamics of building a business that generates a steady, dependable flow of cash, enabling it to fund growth and development. Benson lives in Castle Rock, Colo., and has developed seven businesses, including one that ranks in the top 10 of its kind in America. This session is presented in conjunction with the Mitchell Area Chamber of Commerce and the Kelley Center for Entrepreneurship.

“‘Math Is a Four-letter Word’ Who Needs This Junk Anyway?” will be presented by the co-recipient of the 2006 Outstanding Educator award, Myron Fuerst ’64, Sioux Falls. “Fractions are your friends.” Fuerst’s approach to occupational math is practical and relevant. You will walk away a genius. Fuerst’s session is at 11 a.m.

E. LaVerne Moe Olson ’49 shares her experiences of teaching and volunteering in rural South Dakota in her session, “What Didn’t I Teach?” In some cases, she taught several generations of families, many of whom attended Dakota Wesleyan. Laugh with her as she spins some humorous tales about folks we know. Olson is the co-recipient of the Outstanding Educator award. Her session is at 2:30 p.m.

“My Tanzania Mission Trip” is presented by 2006 Humanitarian of the Year, William Thayer ’64. Meet the people, experience the land and appreciate the culture. Understand how volunteers make a difference across the globe. Thayer’s session is at 3:30 p.m.

Tours of campus and the Dakota Discovery Museum complete the afternoon, with a reception and alumni class dinners to close out the evening.

Saturday morning begins with an inspirational message led by Brandon Vetter, DWU campus pastor, in the Wagner Chapel at 8:30 a.m., followed by the final two alumni college sessions.

“Food, Sleep and Medication in Children” is the 9 a.m. session and is presented by Michael Baer ’64, recipient of the 2006 Outstanding Professional Achievement award. Baer is a renowned clinical psychologist and psychotherapist. He has done extensive research and consulting in the areas of treatment of family issues. He will offer insights as he presents sound research on the effects the environment has on child rearing.

“Sacrifice or Service” is the final alumni college session and is scheduled at 10 a.m. What can you do to make a difference? Lisa Pekas Rentschler ’90, recipient of the Outstanding Service to Alma Mater award, and her husband, Marc ’90, will explain their personal approach to living the Dakota Wesleyan motto.

A special tribute is planned to honor Jean Weston ’21, DWU dietician from 1946 to 1970. The Buffalo Barbeque at noon Saturday will be a time to remember Weston and share stories.

Alumni Days 2006 concludes with the annual Alumni Awards Banquet, set for 6:30 p.m. in the Sherman Center, where Benson, Rentschler, Fuerst, Olson, Baer and Thayer will be honored by the university.

For more information on Alumni Days 2006, contact the alumni office at (605) 996-2603 or visit www.dwu.edu/alumni/alumni_days.htm. All DWU alumni are welcome.