Oles in Economics: 2000-2009
To jump to a specific class year, click one of the following links:
Erin O’Donnell Dotzler (’00): Masters in Public Policy, Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University, 2006At present, I am the Director of Public, Practice and Scientific Affairs for the American Academy of Periodontology, in Chicago. Thanks to Becky Judge for introducing me to the fascinating world of public policy and teaching me how policy can be applied in many different contexts, and to David Emery for encouraging me to pursue my graduate degree.
I married a fellow Ole, Sam Dotzler (00') in 2005. Together we host the monthly Around the World Around Chicago dinners for St. Olaf Alumni in the Chicagoland area. If you are in Chicago, come meet fellow Oles over dinner at an ethnic restaurant!
Jay Picconatto (’00): I have been working at General Mills since I graduated from Saint Olaf in 2000. I took a two-year leave-of-absence and got my MBA from Stanford Graduate School of Business ('05) but returned to Minnesota and to General Mills. Currently lead global marketing for Häagen-Dazs shops worldwide.
Erik J. Romslo (’00): St. Olaf -- BA 2000
New York University School of Law -- JD 2003
Attorney at Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson LLP -- New York City -- 2003-2005
Attorney at Faegre & Benson LLP -- Minneapolis -- 2005-current
Eric Wilbur (’00): I refreshed my economics knowledge and learned a few new things as well during evening MBA courses at the University of St. Thomas (2006). I have been working at Best Buy since graduating from Olaf with math and econ degrees. Best Buy has been an exciting company to work for where new technology and gadgets keep work fun and engaging. I have worked in different capacities within our supply chain organization and am currently managing a project team that supports the demand planning organization (people and systems that balance supply and demand). Feel free to contact me at Eric.Wilbur@BestBuy.com.
Eric W. Anderson (’01): I have been helping clients achieve their financial goals since 2001. I attended Breck School and graduated from St. Olaf College with degrees in economics and finance. I hold the Series 7 and 66 licenses and am life and health insurance licensed. I have earned RBC Wealth Management’s Summit Award, which is given to the “top tier” of financial consultants within their first five years of business. I was also recognized as a “Five Star Best in Client Satisfaction Wealth Manager” by Minneapolis St. Paul Magazine. Once a month, I conduct “What You Need to Know” educational seminars on various investment and lifestyle topics.
Born and raised in Minnesota, I live in downtown Minneapolis with my wife Jillian and our dog, Darby. I enjoy being involved with various organizations in the community. I serve as an Ambassador for the Minneapolis Regional Chamber of Commerce, am the chair of the DRIVE Emerging Leaders Committee, and served as a Breck Alumni Executive Council Board Member. I am also a member of the Minneapolis Club and Wayzata Country Club. My interests outside of work include golf, hockey and travel.
Nick Beissel (’01): Since graduating from St. Olaf in 2001 and obtaining a degree in economics and management, I have advised clients in all areas of financial planning specializing in investment management, tax planning, estate planning, and retirement planning. After becoming fully licensed in securities and insurance I obtained the Certified Financial Planner designation (CFP). Presently, my title is Vice President, Financial Advisor at Wealth Enhancement Group, an independent financial planning firm in Plymouth, MN. I am a three time “Five Star Best in Client Satisfaction Wealth Manager” as shown in the Minneapolis/St. Paul and Twin Cities Business magazines.
Currently, I reside with my wife, Shelly, son, Brayden, and Beagle, Ole, in Maple Grove, MN.
Nicholas C. Beissel, CFP®
Vice President - Financial Advisor
Wealth Enhancement Group
505 North Highway 169, Suite 900, Plymouth, MN 55441
(763) 417-1780 (800) 492-1222 Fax (763) 417-1787
Erin (McMurtry) Buysman (’01): After graduating from St. Olaf I spent 5 years in the Division of Health Care Policy and Research at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester as a statistical programmer analyst. Through a partnership Mayo has with Iowa State, I was able to get my MS in Statistics at ISU while working at Mayo, and I graduated in December of 2005.
In 2006 I married Jason Buysman, a fellow Ole, and moved up to the Twin Cities. Since then, I have been working as a researcher at i3 Innovus in Eden Prairie, which is a group that does health care research. We primarily do outcomes research using health claims data for pharmaceutical companies.
Mario G. Paez (’01): Graduate Education - MA in Politics, Economics, Business (MBA Equivalent), Claremont Graduate University School of Politics & Economics & Drucker School of Management.
Vice President - Business Development Officer, Wells Fargo Insurance Services, Inc.
Timothy Rupert (’01):
Tim Rupert ‘01
Hedge fund analyst (present)
MBA from Columbia University (2009)
Private equity investor at TA Associates (2004 to 2007)
Investment banking analyst at Lazard Freres & Co. LLC (2001 to 2004)
Captain John Taylor (’01):
United States Army
Fort Wainwright, Alaska
Aviation Operations Officer
CH-47D Chinook Helicopter Pilot-in-Command
J.D., University of South Dakota School of Law (2006)
Leslie Taylor (’01): I'm a 2001 Ole alum with a Mathematics/Economics major (and Statistics concentration). I received an MS in Biostatistics (2004) and a PhD in Biostatistics (2008), both from the University of Washington in Seattle, WA. I currently work full time as a Mathematical Statistician at the Veteran Affairs (VA) Puget Sound Health Care System in the divsion of Health Services Research and Development.
For personal information, I have been married to Wajih Yahyaoui since January 2003, and we have a beautiful 2.5 year old daughter Noufeesa (which means "precious" in Arabic).
Luke Anderson ('02): After college, I spent four years at Piper Jaffray in Minneapolis as a bond research analyst, earning the CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst) designation along the way. I then took a turn into college administration, spending two years at St. Olaf and then joining the Office of Treasury Management at Harvard University in 2008. Here I am part of the team that raises capital in the bond markets, and manages the liquidity and non-endowment assets and liabilities of the University. I am also earning an Ed.M. in Higher Education from the Harvard Graduate School of Education. Keeping my other interests alive, I continue to speak to K-12 and college audiences each year on the history of the number pi (on or near Pi Day, 3/14), and support math teachers with classroom activities and entertainment via my website, TeachPi.org. I am married to Kelly (Banks) Anderson '03, and we have two little ones, Henry and Miriam, who keep us busy and give us a great excuse to explore New England together.
Kevin Clausen (’02): I have been working for Cargill since graduation. I was hired by Ole alumni that worked for Cargill. They came to campus my senior year to interview for Commodity Merchant jobs. I was hired in November of my senior year and have worked for them ever since. I am very thankful for St. Olaf's Career Center support during the application and interview process. It was an excellent oppty to connect with a great company like Cargill and the St. Olaf alum from Cargill that were "coming back to the well".
Eric Droher (’02): “Received an MBA from U of MN - Carlson School of Management in 2010. Currently a Buyer at Target Corporation and previously held various positions within Merchandising at Target. Product categories include Luggage, Sporting Goods, Infant Apparel, Men’s Apparel, Perishables, and, as of now, Women’s Apparel”
Elizabeth Holmes ('02):
Economics and English Major
I am a reporter at The Wall Street Journal in New York. I joined the paper in 2006 and currently write about retail and fashion. Previously, I was a Washington-based campaign trail reporter covering the 2008 presidential election for the WSJ. My journalism career has also included a stint as an on-air television reporter in rural Michigan and a newspaper reporter in Gary, Indiana. I graduated with honors from Columbia University's Graduate School of Journalism in 2004.
On a more personal note, I am happily engaged to a man I met on the campaign trail (a fellow journalist, now an MBA student). We are in the midst of planning our wedding, set for August 2011 in my hometown of St. Charles, Illinois
Emily Koehler (’02): After graduation, I worked at a public accounting firm in Minneapolis. While the auditing and advising experience was surprisingly hard to part with, the Minnesota weather was not. I am now in sunny Seattle, Washington and enjoying the life out here.
I have the pleasure of working for one of the best companies on earth – Nordstrom. My main function at the corporate offices is to perform viability (financial, market) analysis for the third parties with whom we do business. If I’m not at Nordstrom, on the golf course or the ski slopes, I’m sitting in a business class. It’s been great comparing the experience with some of my fellow Oles who are also in business school. Congrats to my many classmates for the amazing work you have done so far! I’m impressed and humbled with your stories and experiences.
I hope this finds the St. Olaf community doing well. Thanks again for all of the great memories and a colossal thanks to the faculty (and golf coach/spiritual guide, Jerry Ericksen). After being out in this ‘real world’, I have come to appreciate the unique and fortunate experiences I had on the Hill.
Ross MacMullan (’02):
Current Employer: The Clorox Company
Current Position: Category Supply Chain Manager
Previous Employer: Target Corporation - 6 years (Marketing, Merchandise Planning, and Finance)
Wendy Martin (’02):
Current Employer: Conway, Deuth & Schmiesing, PLLP
Current Position: Senior Accountant
Conway, Deuth & Schmiesing, PLLP
Certified Public Accountants & Consultants
331 Third Street SW, Ste 2 | PO Box 570 | Willmar, MN 56201
Phone: (320) 235-3311 | Toll free: (888) 388-1040 | Fax: (320) 235-7071 | www.cdscpa.com
Direct: (320) 214-2904 | E-mail: wmartin@cdscpa.com
Kolbjorn (Kully) Nelson (’02): Education: MA, International Economics & Finance, Brandeis International Business School
Current employment: U.S. & Foreign Commercial Service (locations: U.S.
Embassy Beijing 06-07, San Francisco 07-09, U.S. Consulate Guangzhou 08-09)
Past employment: Goldman Sachs (Hong Kong, 2006)
Jeffrey Olson (’02): Education
Institution: University of Minnesota – Carlson School of Management
Degree: Master of Business Administration (MBA)
Awarded: December 2006
Emphasis: Finance & Management
Employment
Company: General Mills Incorporated
Title: Senior Financial Analyst
Timing: October 2006 – Present
Company: Emerson Process Management
Title: Financial Analyst
Timing: June 2002 – September 2006
Sarah J. Olson (’02): After graduating St. Olaf, I joined Securian Financial Services for a wonderful few years before deciding to explore a professional interest in the health care industry. I moved to Boston for a health care consulting firm, Health Advances, and then left to pursue an MBA from The Wharton School of Business. I am currently a product manager at Medtronic, Inc. and would be happy to speak with any students interested in the medical device industry. My St. Olaf experience and Economics education created such a strong foundation for my career. I can’t thank the faculty enough (especially Mary Emery and Bruce Dalgaard!) for the academic rigor, career development, and ongoing support.
Jake Rath ('02): Since graduating in 2002: Received my MS in Accounting from the University of Virginia, obtained my CFA designation, currently work for Voyageur Asset Management as a credit analyst.
Steph Schiller Wissink (’02): Following graduation, I began as an equity research analyst for Piper Jaffray & Co and spent 8 years on the Consumer (retail) team. I enjoyed becoming an industry “expert” on youth spending, including spearheading our bi-annual Taking Stock With Teens proprietary research survey. The role required full emersion in the lifestyle of teens – visiting high schools, mall and store visits every week, and conferences and events around the world focused on media, influence, and fashion. In June 2010, I was promoted to Associate Director of Global Investment Research for Piper Jaffray, working closely with newly appointed Director of Research, Jeff Klinefelter (a 1990 Olaf graduate). I look forward to recruiting and hiring more Oles in the future. My husband Nate and I have an 18 month old daughter, Julia, and live in the Linden Hills neighborhood of Minneapolis.
Erik Johnson (’03): After graduating from St. Olaf in 2003 with majors in economics and math, I worked for the Federal Reserve Board in Washington DC and then entered a PhD program at the University of Michigan in Economics and Public Policy. I am currently working toward finishing my PhD with my dissertation work focusing on environmental economics, and econometric issues in empirical industrial organization.
I would be happy to talk to any students that are contemplating enrolling in a PhD program in economics.
David Pelka (’03): I currently am a Director at CarVal Investors, located in Minnetonka, MN, where I manage investments in credit intensive assets. CarVal Investors is a leader in managing opportunistic value investments and began in 1987 as an organic development of Cargill’s proprietary high-yield trading operations. Today, CarVal Investors manages $10 billion in assets. Prior to joining CarVal in 2005, I worked in Piper Jaffray’s investment banking group, where I focused on merger and acquisition advisory. I’m more than happy to talk to students or other alumni; my information is available in the alumni database.
Andrew Spottiswoode ('03): After graduating in 2003 I began working for Cargill as a Commodity Merchant. I was responsible for managing cash and futures price risk management for Cargill’s Flour Milling Division. I started off trading cash feed-grains and corn futures; after 1.5 years I was promoted to trade wheat and manage the wheat supply chain for many of the largest flour mills in the country. Two years later I moved into Cargill’s Energy platform as a Power Trader, responsible for executing trades and transmission of real-time electricity across the United States and Canadian power grids. After almost two years of trading electricity I moved with my wife to Chicago in mid-2008 and assumed a role as Economist of market research and product development for the CME Group; the CME Group is the largest derivatives exchange in the world, comprised of the Chicago Board of Trade, Chicago Mercantile Exchange and the New York Mercantile Exchange. I am pursuing the designation of Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) and will take the level two exam in 2009. I am also a member of the class of 2011 at the University of Chicago’s Graduate School of Business. None of this would be possible without the knowledge I obtained from the professors in St. Olaf’s economics department.
Bradley Baglien ('04): After graduating from Olaf in 2004, I attended law school at the University of Chicago. I finished law school in 2007 and began working at Sidley Austin LLP, a large law firm in Chicago. I practice general commercial litigation. I'd be happy to discuss my experiences with any current students or alumni.
Casey Charlson (’04): I first worked for Wells Fargo Financial in Maple Grove MN as a Credit Manager until 2005. I am now in the business of helping people manage the risks of everyday life, recover from the unexpected, and realize their dreams. I am a State Farm Agent in Bloomington, MN. Check out my website for more information - <www.caseycharlson.com> My passion will always be ski racing. I coach for Team Afton, a USSA program I grew up with. You can find us at www.teamafton.com.
Michelle Crottier (’04): I started in the Treasury Services department of TCF Bank in March 2006 and got a front-row view of the financial crisis. I've worked my way up through interest rate risk analysis to balance sheet and net interest income forecasting to capital forecasting and preparing presentations for the Board of Directors. I am also active in Toastmasters International, sing in the Minnesota Chorale, am on the Board of Directors of Zenon Dance Company and School, and volunteer as a Class Funding Agent for St. Olaf.
Bradley Fisher (’04): Spent 2+ years with UnitedHealth Group as a Health Care Consultant (September 2004 – February 2007), Currently employed by Piper Jaffray & Co. working as an Equity Research Analyst covering Health Care (February 2007 - Present), Volunteer engagements include People Serving People & Make-A-Wish Foundation of Minnesota.
Nate Gruys (’04):
Education:
St Olaf, Class of 04, Economics and Management Studies
Arizona State, Class of 07, WP Carey MBA
Professional Experience:
Wells Fargo, 04 - 07, Branch Manager, Tempe AZ
Oracle, 07 - Present, Business Development Manager, Minneapolis MN
Michael Jewison ('04)
After graduating from Olaf, I spent two years working and studying in Beijing, China. The last year of my time in China was spent working as a contractor in the agricultural section of the U.S. Embassy in Beijing. In 2007, that then transitioned into a job in Washington, D.C., where I have been working at USDA's Foreign Agricultural Service since. My past position involved U.S. – China agricultural trade policy, while my current job involves conducting supply and demand analysis of the various grains in foreign countries, which are then published in USDA's monthly World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates report. I am currently completing an MBA at Georgetown University and expect to graduate in May of 2011. I have been married to Bai Xue since July 2007, and we currently reside in Alexandria, VA. I would be happy to discuss my experiences with any current students or alumni.
Robert “Bobby” Klein (’04): -Currently completing a Master's degree in Economic Geography (expected Spring 2009) at The Ohio State University with plans to go on for a PhD
-Also involved in music composition for film, television, and commercial use and music publishing (Tone Junket Music, LLC)
Brenda McKinney ('04): {Economics and Norwegian Double Major} After college, I spent two years working as an analyst for a large Minnesota company. In 2006, I moved to Kobe, Japan where I spent three years teaching at a public, Japanese high school through the Hyogo Prefecture Board of Education. I was also on the national board for the Association for the Japanese Exchange and Teaching (JET) Program, where I served as the advertising liaison, and have spent time teaching students in China, Cambodia and Brazil. In 2009, I returned to the US and completed a Masters in Curriculum and Instruction with a focus on Policy at Boston College. I currently reside in Chicago and am a Juris Doctor Candidate and Civitas ChildLaw Fellow at Loyola University School of Law.
Aniq Sajjad ('04): Economics/Management Studies
MBA-Hamline University 2008
Current Position: Business Systems Analyst (Consultant), RCIS
William A. Stanton II (’04): Graduated 2004
Since then have worked for Target Corporation
In February 2008 I moved to Bangalore, India for Target as an MP Manger. My contract is though Jan 2010.
Pete Zupfer ('04): After graduating from St. Olaf in 2004, I accepted a position with Ziegler Caterpillar as a leasing coordinator in Bloomington, MN. In 2006, I took on a new role as a Heavy Construction Equipment Salesmen with Ziegler at their Marshall, MN location. I work with a number of St. Olaf grads at Ziegler.
Peter Zupfer
Ziegler CAT
Territory Manager
1200 N. Hwy 59
Marshall, MN 56258-0864
Phone: 507.532.4403
Cell: 507.828.9300
Fax: 507.537.1519
Email: peter.zupfer@zieglercat.com
Mark E. Archer (’05): After graduating from St Olaf, I worked as a Security Consultant for Accuvant for two years. Looking for a new challenge, I then moved to United Health Group where I am currently a Senior Security Engineer.
Kayla Clark (’05): After graduating in 2005 I began working at Benfield Inc (now Aon Benfield Inc after a merger with Aon Corporation) where I continue to work today as a Senior Accounting Analyst. I received my Associate in Reinsurance (ARe) designation in 2008 and my Associate in Insurance Services (AIS) designation in 2009. I completed another undergraduate degree in Accounting at Augsburg College in 2009 in order to pursue the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) licensure. I will sit for the fourth and final required CPA licensure exam in October 2010. I married fellow Ole graduate Chris Clark (’06) in May of 2009 and we currently reside in Burnsville, MN.
Kayla S. Clark, ARe, AIS | Senior Accounting Analyst
Aon Benfield | Client Services
8200 Tower | 5600 West 83rd Street | Suite 1100 | Minneapolis, MN 55431
t +1.952.886.8052 | f +1.952.886.7962
Kayla.Clark@aonbenfield.com | aonbenfield.com
Matt Green (’05): I Graduated in 2005 with a BA in Economics and an Area of Emphasis in Management. I was also Captain of the Baseball team at St. Olaf. After graduation I worked as a Sr. Financial Consultant with Ameriprise Financial in Minneapolis, where I did financial planning with clients . Since February 2008, I have been a Internal Wholesaler with RiverSource Investments. I continue to play baseball in the Summer and enjoy spending time at my cabin just north of the cities.
Elizabeth Ball Holmquist (’05): Moved to Washington DC right after graduation to work at the Federal Reserve Board. I started as a research assistant in the Research and Statistics Division and became a financial analyst two years later. My current focus is to help produce and improve the Flow of Funds Accounts of the United States, a quarterly publication that tracks the sources and uses of funds between sectors of the U.S. economy. I married Carl Holmquist (St. Olaf - 05) in July 2006 and we currently live in Arlington, VA with our rambunctious dog, Mellby (named for Mellby Hall).
Brian Linné ('05):
Real Estate Investor at Turnstone Group LLC (2010 to present)
Consulting Analyst / Senior Consulting Analyst at Prime Therapeutics LLC (2008 to 2010)
Business Analyst / Consultant at Deloitte Consulting LLP (2005 to 2008)
Phone: 612-325-6558
Email: brian.linne@gmail.com
Brian Peters (’05): I'm currently working as a consultant for Fidelity Investments. We primarily operate in the arena of employer sponsored benefits. My area of expertise is retirement benefits, and I've attained my associateship in the society of actuaries (ASA), and looking forward to obtaining the FSA designation shortly.
Cara Tharp (’05): graduated with my Economics degree in 2005 and began working for Boeing in Seattle as a Finance Estimating Analyst immediately after graduation. I had some unique and interesting opportunities while working on the 787 Program, which is Boeing's fuel efficient aircraft model that should be flying later this year.
Fellow St. Olaf alum (and then-boyfriend) Paul Tharp moved to Seattle at the same time I did and began working in sales for a health care company. He and I became engaged in 2006 and a few months later, we learned that he was going to be transferred to San Francisco for a promotion opportunity within his company. So, in the matter of a few months' time, we moved to San Francisco after two years in Seattle, changed jobs, and finished up planning our wedding in Minnesota.
After getting married and settling in San Francisco, I took a job as a Senior Financial Analyst for Abbott Laboratories focusing on the diabetes management products. Paul continued his work in health care sales, and after being in California for a year we were transferred to Tampa, FL for Paul's work.
Florida was not the place for us, we soon learned, and we were very happy to have had the opportunity to relocate to Minneapolis for Paul's work. We just bought a house in St. Louis Park and don't plan on moving again anytime soon! I'm in the job search and interview process and hope to have a role in finance secured before too long.
Keith Townsend (’05): Graduated in 2005 and continued employment from my summer internship at Target Corporation in the Information Technology pyramid. Still with Target and will be (did) complete my MBA from Minnesota in March 2009. Engaged (married) to Jan Kapsner in June 2009 who graduated from St. Olaf in '04.
Michelle (La Berge) Baguhl ‘06: I’m currently working towards my MBA at Harvard Business School. After graduating from St. Olaf, I spent three years in marketing at General Mills on brands such as Trix, Chex, Betty Crocker, and Nature Valley. Upon completion of my MBA this spring, I’ll be moving back to Minnesota and returning to work at General Mills.
Matthew Carter (’06): since graduation I have been working at Target HQ in the Merchandise Planning pyramid. I started as a Business Analyst in July 2006 and I am now a Replenishment Expert for the Men's apparel division. I am staying busy and enjoying the busy life after St. Olaf, but I do miss the Pause pizza…
Nate Espiritu (’06): Worked in Eagan for roughly 2 years, then had the opportunity to move to Dubai, U.A.E. in the Middle East with United Arab Shipping Company helping them develop their organizations Logistics and Freight Forwarding Divisions.
Erik Hembre ('06): For the past 2 years I've been a research assistant at the Federal Reserve Board in Washington, DC, working primarily with national household mortgage data. Next year I will begin the PhD economics program at Wisconsin.
Angie Huh (’06): The following fall after graduation I began working at GE Capital Solutions - Fleet Services in Eden Prairie, MN as a Remarketing Program Specialist. I was promoted into a Customer Support Specialist role in November of 2008.
I became a licensed Real Estate Sales Agent in May of 2008 and am currently doing part time residential and commercial real estate for Capital Concept Partners, a small private brokerage in Eden Prairie.
Ted Koshiol ('06): Upon graduating from St. Olaf in 2006, I went to law school at Chicago-Kent College of Law, in Chicago, IL. There, as an Honors Scholar, I was a recipient of a full-tuition scholarship. Because of my academic success, I also became a member of the Chicago-Kent Law Review and the Chicago-Kent Moot Court Honor Society. Additionally, I participated in the school's Environmental Law Society and was a member of the executive board for the school's public interest student group, the Kent Justice Foundation. Last year, along with a classmate, I won the 2008 Evan A. Evans Constitutional Law Moot Court Competition at the University of Wisconsin in Madison, WI. I returned this past year, as coach of a duo that successfully defended our title. In May, I received my J.D. from Chicago-Kent with High Honors and with a certificate in environmental and energy law.
Most pertinently, perhaps, as part of a seminar course at the law school, I recently wrote an academic piece concerning legal aspects of the new Housing Valuation Code of Conduct. The paper is slated to be published this month in The Journal of Applied Economy.
I have accepted a position beginning in January as an associate attorney at Fredrikson and Byron, P.A., a large corporate law firm in Minneapolis. I will be working with the firm's banking and securities practice group, concentrating on transactional matters.
Michelle La Berge (’06): Since graduating in 2006, I've been working at General Mills as a Marketing Associate. I've had a great experience leading some fun projects, like changing Trix Cereal from fruit shapes back to balls (which everyone born before 1983 remembers), launching the first mainstream gluten-free cereal (Rice Chex), and currently managing our baking business at Walmart and a new Betty Crocker cookie mix (in stores next Fall!). However, my three years as a marketing associate are about to come to a close and I'll be off to business school in the fall – I'm in the process of deciding between Harvard or Stanford. On a more personal note, I'm engaged to be married August 2009 to Falko Baguhl, a helicopter pilot from Hamburg, Germany. If any students or young alumni are interested in marketing, General Mills, business school, or simply life & opportunities after the Hill, please feel free to contact me.
Maida Swenson-Fortune (’06): After graduating from Olaf, I started working in Finance at General Mills. I spent four great years there, and had rotations in Sales, Supply Chain and Global Internal Audit. I am currently getting my MBA at the University of Chicago and hope to graduate in 2012.
William Wetterlin ('06): I attended William Mitchell College of Law in St. Paul, MN, graduating in May, 2009. I was admitted to the Missouri Bar in September, 2009 and now reside in St. Louis, Missouri. I am currently practicing in a small firm that concentrates in real estate law. Engaged to Jessica Peterson.
James Bechdol ('07): I currently work for Lowe's Home Improvement in their largest distribution center just north of Charlotte, NC. I am the receiving supervisor and oversee the handling of all Lowe's items sold that are neither an appliance or large bulk item. We distribute to over 150 Lowe's stores in the southeast region. After college, I recruited for a staffing firm focusing on positions in distribution and supply chain. From there I went to work for a grocery distributor before I landed the position with Lowe's. I hope to move to their corporate office and focus more on supply chain strategy and operations from this point on. james.r.bechdol@lowes.com
Chad Dehmer (’07): I received my Masters of Healthcare Administration at the University of Minnesota in May of 2010. Currently I am an Administrative Fellow at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center in Pittsburgh Pennslyvania.
John Forsythe (’07): University of Texas School of Law (J.D. Expected 2010)
Texas Young Lawyers Association Interscholastic Mock Trial Team (2008-2009)
Summer Associate Lane Powell Spears Lubersky (Seattle, WA Summer 2009)
Summer Clerk United States Attorneys' Office District of Montana (Billings, MT Summer 2008)
Jake Leibold (’07): For 2 1/2 years I worked as a Sourcing Specialist at Target Headquarters on the Toys team. I am now part of a one-year Masters of Education program with Bard College in New York City. I am part of the 2010 Math for America cohort - it is a 5 year program where in the first year I earn my masters in secondary mathematics education and in years 2 through 5 I will be teaching in New York City and surrounding areas. Currently I am living in Astoria, an area of Queens, and student observing and taking classes at International Community High School in the South Bronx.
Jennifer Marsh (’07): graduated in 2007 and started with General Mills as a Financial Analyst. I am currently the Assistant Financial Operations Manager at a Cheerios plant in Cedar Rapids, IA.
Tony Mason (’07): Currently working for Thrivent Financial as a financial representative in Edina MN. I have recently received my FIC distinction in this field. Have been on this career path since June of '07.
Mark Morris (’07): I was fortunate to be hired by Epic after graduation, a computer software company in the healthcare industry located in Madison, Wisconsin. We create, implement, and support software for nearly all aspects of a healthcare system, from scheduling and registration to the emergency department and operating room. My job involves providing long term support for existing customers. This really amounts to half programming-focused work and half customer service-oriented tasks. We are always looking for new candidates – the common traits at Epic seem to be “bright and friendly”, which makes Oles a natural fit! I’m happy to talk to anyone looking for more information (see the alumni directory for contact info…). Um Ya Ya from Madison!
Ryan Nintzel (’07): While attending Olaf I ran a successful Lawn and Landscape business in the summer, spring and fall. After graduation I sold my business and started working at a reinsurance broker (insurance for insurance companies) in the accounting and claims dept. After a year of accounting and claims, I moved over to our agricultural brokering team as a Risk Analyst. We specialize in Crop and Livestock reinsurance. While at Olaf I skied on the Alpine Ski Team. I have continued to be involved in Alpine Ski Racing through coaching at St. Thomas Academy and at Team Afton. In the future I plan on attending graduate school for business or economics.
Andrea Otteman ('07): After graduating I went to work for Medtronic MiniMed in Northridge, CA as a part of the insulin pump sales team. Currently I work for Genesis10 as a associate consultant in their Accelerated Career Program: http://genesis10.com/services/g10-associates-program.html. Wells Fargo Home Mortgage is my current client and I am located in Des Moines, IA.
Kelsey Skogland (’07): I work for a computer software company called Epic in Madison Wisconsin. I am attaching the website to Epic for further reading on what we do and who we are. http://www.epic.com/
Vanessa Witt ('07): I worked at Target as a Business Analyst in Merchandise Planning, from June 2007-July 2008. I then went on to be the Full-time and Part-time MBA Student Affairs Coordinator at the University of Minnesota Carlson School of Management from September 2008-October 2009. I am presently a Promotions Specialist at Supervalu Northern Region in Hopkins, MN. I negotiate bakery and deli ads and promotions for independent retailers for the Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, Washington, Oregon, Montana, Alaska, Hawaii, Idaho, Ohio and Indiana markets. Um Ya Ya.
Anning Yung (’07):
I was a St. Olaf graduate in Economics and Asian Studies in 2007. Following graduation, I started my job at Northwest Airlines as a Marketing Analyst in Pricing Analysis. I am still employed with the company at present. Due to my job, I have the opportunity to travel the world. In the past year and half, I have the opportunity to not only travel domestically where Northwest flies, but also to Paris once and China seven times!
I would be happy to speak with any students interested in a career in business or the airline industry.
Erik Brekke (’08): I am working at IBM in Rochester, MN as a financial analyst. Over the past 2 and a half years, I have supported various areas within IBM finance, but am currently working in the services sector of IBM. I am primarily responsible for providing financial support and analysis on contracts that IBM has with a wide variety of customers.
Jeff Budish (’08): Working at CB Richard Ellis Commercial Real Estate in their downtown Minneapolis office. I am working on the Downtown Corporate Services team mainly focused on Target's Distribution facilities, internationally.
Lynn Chermak (’08): I have been working at RBC Wealth Management since graduation in downtown Minneapolis. I worked for 2 years in the Margins and I'm now in Investment Advisor Operations.
Sharon Grawe (’08): Sharon is a 3L at the University of Minnesota Law School. She spent last summer as a summer associate at Leonard, Street & Deinard. Next year, she will be clerking with Judge Louise Bjorkman on the Minnesota Court of Appeals. She looks forward to traveling to Asia later this year.
Sarah Hawkenson (’08): After graduation, I worked for Northwest Airlines in Eagan, MN for six
months as a Pricing Analyst. After my department announced it would
be relocating to Atlanta, Georgia I began to look elsewhere for job
opportunities. I am now currently employed at Ovations, a business
group of UnitedHealth Group, in Minnetonka, MN as a Product Analyst
where my main focus is on Medicare Products.
Daniella Voysey Olson (’08): I'm currently working as a Marketing Associate at General Mills in new products for the cereal division.
Jordan M. Bechdol ('09)
Degree: Economics with a Management Studies Empahsis
Concentration: Media Studies
Employment: Quad/Graphics
Postition: Corporate Trainee
2009-Present
Since graduation I have been with Quad/Graphics, a major compeditor in the US print industry. I have been part of a unique program rotating through various departments learning the business of print. I look forward to continue my rotations through the company and the opportunity to live in a different city every few months.
Vera Belazelkoska (’09): Since graduation, I have been teaching at the University of Chiang Mai, Thailand, as well as working as a peer adviser and test taking tutor at the Academy of Education, USA, also in Chiang Mai, Thailand. After exploring the rest of South East Asia for a few months, I will be heading off to Buenos Aires, Argentina to study in the Social Economy and Local Development program at the University of Buenos Aires. While taking postgraduate courses, I also plan to work with a local, non-governmental organization that aids women engaged in the informal sector of the economy through microloans and skills trainings.
Megan Reishus (’09): I'm working as the Production and Communications Specialist for the Learning and Professional Development department at McGladrey. As a department, we put on continuing education programs for McGladrey's CPAs and tax and consulting specialists; I am in involved in producing the course materials for participants and leaders of these programs.