Wall of Distinction Program

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Shereen Askalani Clemens: 1996 Graduate
Wall of Distinction Inductee Class of 2024

Shereen received her Bachelor of Arts degree from Minnesota State University, Mankato, graduating Magna Cum Laude, with majors in Political Science and Speech Communication. She received her Juris Doctorate in 2002 from the Hamline School of Law. After earning her law degree, she worked at the Ramsey County Attorney's Office for the next fourteen years, working in the Child Support Enforcement, Juvenile, and Criminal Divisions. As an Assistant Ramsey County Attorney, she prosecuted criminal sexual conduct, child abuse, domestic assault, and homicide cases. Shereen received the County Attorney Recognition of Excellence Award-- Outstanding Performance, 2005. In 2016, Shereen was appointed by Governor Mark Dayton, and elected in 2018, to the position of Hennepin County District Court Judge, serving as the trial court judge for the Fourth Judicial District, and she remains on the bench today. Professional organizations to which Shereen has been a member include: Minnesota Supreme Court Juvenile Rules Committee, Fourth Judicial District Domestic Violence Steering Committee, Juvenile Delinquency Eliminating Racial Disparities Committee, Fourth Judicial District Equal Justice Committee, Minnesota District Judges Association, Fourth Judicial District Family Violence Council Co-Chair, and Minnesota Board of Judicial Standards (appointed by Gov. Walz). In addition to her legal career, Shereen has volunteered her time in many ways to the community. She is a past member and president of the Minnesota State University-College of Social and Behavior Science Board. She also gives of her time as a high school and college debate, speech, and mock trial judge, and a mentor for the St. Thomas School of Law and Hopkins High School Professionals Providing Experience for Life. Shereen also volunteers for the Wayzata Girls Traveling Basketball program, Girls on the Run, National Charity League, and the Anne Bancroft Foundation Grant Committee.

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Nancy Gullickson: 1979 Graduate
Wall of Distinction Inductee Class of 2024

Nancy attended Bethany Lutheran College earning an Associate of Arts degree, and followed that with a Bachelor of Science degree from MSU, Mankato; a Master of Arts degree in Educational Administration from California State U., San Bernardino; and a Doctor of Education in Organizational Leadership from California University of La Verne. Nancy began her career as an elementary school teacher in California, spending nine years in the classroom. From there she moved into administration, first as a principal and later as superintendent-thus not only impacting students, but also teachers and staff for many years. As Chuck Kind said, "Her legacy will last for a long time for the great work she did in communities in California." During her career in education, Nancy received many honors including Teacher of the Year in Palm Springs, Administrator of the Year in Beverly Hills, and Administrator of the Year for Region Two in California. She provided the leadership in several state-wide conferences and forums on education. Her participation in several educational organizations include: California School Administrators, California Superintendents Assoc., California School Board Assoc., North Coastal Consortium for Special Education in CA., and AASA (National School Superintendents Assoc.) Among the many contributions outside of her educational career, Nancy was co-founder in starting the charity, Give Back to Humanity, an organization focused on improving the lives of children and their families in impoverished areas of the world. This has included building schools in Belize, Kenya, Zambia, India, and Uganda, as well as furnishing free dental and health clinics in the outreach. Nancy and her husband, Tom, have also provided significant funding to the charity. The organization is 100% nonprofit, made up of volunteers, and every dollar donated goes directly to the project. Nancy and Tom are involved in the day-to-day operations, including fundraising and administration. They are constantly traveling to the various countries and are involved directly working with the staff and children that they serve. As a staff person commented, "the kids look to Nancy and Tom as Grandma and Grandpa!!!

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Craig Dahl: 2003 Graduate
Wall of Distinction Inductee Class of 2024

Craig Dahl was one of the most accomplished three-sport athletes at Mankato East, but it was football that determined much of his future. He attended North Dakota State University, majoring in mechanical engineering. He was a four-year starter on the football team and was named to the All-Great West Conference. Drafted into the NFL by the New York Giants, Craig played strong safety for the Giants as they won the Super Bowl. Craig continued his career with the St. Louis Rams, followed by the San Francisco 49ers. He closed out his nine-year NFL career with the New York Giants. His NFL statistics were most impressive---229 tackles, 4 forced fumbles, 4 sacks, 17 pass deflections, and 5 interceptions. After retiring from football, Craig transitioned into business. He began with the Tailwind group in Mankato and expanded his ventures to Dallas, Texas, where he and his wife, Breelyn, live with their two sons. His business interests include property development, with projects such as a retail strip center in Dallas, short-term rental properties in Oklahoma, and a medical device distribution company, Advanced Medical Solutions. Craig's commitment to philanthropy is evident through his various contributions. He has supported youth football programs in Mankato by coaching and donating equipment, established an endowment at NDSU for math and science scholarships, and engaged in charitable work with Operation Homefront and the 49ers' outreach program. In Dallas, he helps veterans with war injuries and people with disabilities to cope with everyday life, reflecting his belief in positively impacting others.

At home, Craig and his family enjoy their ranch near Dallas, where they raise cattle. He is actively involved in his sons' activities, coaching their soccer, football, lacrosse, and T-ball teams. Craig's blend of athletic success, business acumen, and philanthropic efforts underscores his dedication to making a meaningful difference in both his professional and personal life.

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John Otis: 1980 Graduate
Wall of Distinction Inductee Class of 2024

John Otis got his start in journalism at Macalester College where he was a writer and arts editor for the student newspaper and graduated with an English degree in 1985. He spent his junior year abroad at Westfield College in London, studying Shakespeare and writing for the London Student newspaper. He then interned at the Twin Cities Reader and freelanced for City Pages, writing about Minneapolis politics, the AIDS epidemic, and sports as well as a cover story exploring why The Beatles' 1965 concert at Met Stadium was their only U.S. show that failed to sell out. Latin For the past 35 years John has reported on America, often taking serious personal risks to cover guerrilla wars, drug cartels, the destruction of the Amazon rainforest, and dictatorships in Venezuela and Nicaragua. He worked for The Houston Chronicle, Miami Herald, UPI, and Time Magazine and is currently the Latin American correspondent for NPR. As a consultant for the Committee to Protect Journalists, John is also a leader in the defense of press freedom. He has investigated death threats, arrests, and killings of journalists in Latin America and went undercover in Cuba to explore how journalists on the island evade government censorship. He covered U.S. military operations in Iraq and Afghanistan and is the author of the book "Law of the Jungle," a history of Colombia's guerrilla war. John frequently speaks about Latin American politics and press freedom at universities and has volunteered for education and house-building projects, and for a program to prevent youth recruitment into drug gangs. He has been honored by the Inter American Press Association and the Overseas Press Club of America, and won Columbia University's 2024 Maria Moors Cabot Award for distinguished reporting on Latin America.

Charles Kind
Jane Maschka
Thomas Miller
Jean Taylor

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Charles Kind: 1979 Graduate
Wall of Distinction Inductee Class of 2022

Chuck joined the military in 1983 as an infantryman with Combat Support Company 3 of the Reserves. On active duty in 1985, he was selected for Warrant Officer Flight Training. An Honor Graduate and second in his class, he attended Officer Candidate School. In 1989 he received his commission and served as a Blackhawk pilot assigned to Fort Bragg, NC, and Fulda, Germany. His regiment patrolled the East German border and was present when the Wall came down. His deployments included Honduras, Guatemala, El Salvador, and also Iraq and Turkey during the first Gulf War. He was involved in delivering relief supplies and setting up security zones for the Kurdish people. While piloting, Chuck flew four Chairmen of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, which included Colin Powell. He also flew the Vice-President of the United States in El Salvador. In 1993, Chuck graduated from Minnesota State University with a BA in Finance and Accounting. He entered the financial service business as an independent Financial Advisor. He helped small business owners with operations and retirement. Chuck joined Wells Fargo as a Trust Officer in 1997. He became a Certified Financial Planner in 1998 and a Certified Trust and Financial Advisor of the American Banking Association in 1999. He served as regional Brokerage Manager for Southern Minnesota and coach for the Great Lakes region. He served as Senior Director of Planning and led highly credentialed attorneys, CPAs, and CFPs in providing planning for wealthy clients. Chuck also held national roles for Wells Fargo providing coaching to advisors across the country. He is currently teaching for Cannon Financial and training Trust Officers in Retirement and Financial Planning. Chuck's community involvement includes the United Way of Mankato, the Ecumen Board, and Crossview Covenant Church Board and Financial Officer. Chuck and his wife, Ailene, reside in Hardeesville, S.C. They have two adult sons, Andrew and Alex, along with two grandsons.

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Jane Maschka: 1995 Graduate
Wall of Distinction Inductee Class of 2022

Jane attended the University of Virginia receiving her B.A. degree in Economics. She furthered her education at the Harvard Law School, graduating cum laude in 2004. Jane's career began with a highly coveted Judicial Clerk assignment for the Honorable Lanier Anderson III, with the United States Court of Appeals. From there, she was employed as an associate with the firm of WilmeHale, in Washington, D. C. Jane currently is the Finance Litigation Partner and Leader of the Finance Litigation Group with Faegre Drinker, which is Minneapolis' largest law firm and one of the 25 largest law firms in the country. Jane is a member of the Federal Bar Association and the Minnesota Women's Lawyers. Jane represents clients in complex financial disputes and specializes in situations involving fraud and insolvency. She navigates some of the most complex financial cases in the country. In the last several years, Jane has returned millions of dollars to corporate victims of financial fraud. She also defends her clients from bet-the-company risks involving insolvency, bankruptcy, and receiverships. She is the go-to litigator anytime a case involves claims of fraud, fraudulent transfer, alter ego or successor liability. Honors of Jane's dedication include: One of the "Power 30 Business Litigation Attorneys;" "Notable Women in Law" selection by Twin Cities Business Magazine; Pro Bono Honor Roll from Faegre Baker Daniels; Minnesota Super Lawyers Rising Star in business litigation; Minnesota State Bar Association recognition as the North Star Lawyer for her volunteer services to low income clients or nonprofit organizations that serve the needs of low-income persons. Additionally, Jane is on the Board of Directors of Youthlink, working with homeless youth in Minneapolis. Jane and her husband, Brian, a high school teacher in Maple Grove, have two children.

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Thomas Miller: 1978 Graduate
Wall of Distinction Inductee Class of 2022

After Art school at Laguna Beach, CA, Tom moved to Boulder, CO. in 1981, where he carved Alfred Packer for the University, now displayed at the State Capitol. This received national attention including NBC, CBS, and newspapers including the New York Times. Paul Harvey ran a story on it. In 1984, he started a sculpture of Chief Niwot on Boulder Creek as a tourist attraction. In 1985, Tom spent the summer in Estes Park, CO. carving the founder, Joel Estes. Both of these projects were a big tourist attraction. Tom was also commissioned to carve an Isabella Lucy Bird sculpture at Rocky Mountain National Park. In 1987 Tom started the Winter Warrior sculpture in Mankato to honor Native Americans. Buses of students came to see the process and learn the history lesson. In 1989, Tom sculpted the World War II Veterans Memorial in Wheeler Park, North Mankato. That fall Tom studied as an apprentice in Pietrasanta, Italy, working with the great stone carvers of the world. Tom's carvings include: a Vietnam Veterans Memorial on Stoltzman Road, Mankato; a larger than life sculpture of Sitting Bull in North Mankato; a Veterans Memorial at the Lyon County Courthouse; the Korean War Memorial in downtown Mankato; the Vietnam Veterans Memorial at the State Capitol in St Paul; the bison in downtown Mankato on the actual site of the largest mass execution in United States history in 1862; the twenty-foot tall sculpture of Christ ascending to heaven at the Chapel at Bethany College, Mankato; the U. S. Seal at the U. S. Embassy entrance in Moscow; a Benaroya Music Hall sculpture in Seattle, WA; and "In the Hands of God" sculpture for the Mankato Lutheran Home. Tom was the Master Carver during the renovation of the Capitol in St. Paul. Much of Tom's work connected with Churches and Veterans groups is done voluntarily. He believes in paying it forward. Tom resides in Mankato with his wife, Jill. They have two adult children, Cassidy and Riley, graduates of Mankato East High School.

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Jean Taylor: 1981 Graduate
Wall of Distinction Inductee Class of 2022

Jean received her B.A. degree, graduating summa cum laude, from Augsburg University and her MBA from the Carlson School, University of Minnesota. Jean's career has focused on providing vision and leadership in a variety of businesses. She began her career at E. W. Blanch Co., leading client support and developing innovative technology services. She was an executive at Taylor Corporation for 16 years, serving as President and CEO for 10 years, and led the organization in broadening its core purpose and core values, and transformed it from the successful printing business into an innovative communications, marketing, and interactive solutions provider. Jean has been co-owner of ten Which Wich sandwich shop franchises, served as board chair of e-touch menu - an early stage technology company, and was a consultant advising business owners in small to midsize family businesses. As Chair of the Board for Star Tribune Media, she provided counsel and vision in transforming the 150-year-old firm from traditional newspaper to digital media company. Having served on the Boards of Trustees since 2013, Jean was named President and CEO of the American Public Media Group in 2021. APMG is the second largest public radio organization in the country and parent of Minnesota Public Radio, American Public Media, and Southern California Public Radio. Jean has been honored as a top business leader in Minnesota, including "Forty under Forty," "200 Minnesotans You Should Know," and "People to Know in 2020." Jean has volunteered with Non-Profit Board Service, with a passion and emphasis on education. These include: Chair of the Board for Augsburg U., Minnesota Private College Council, Minnesota Early Learning Foundation, Co-founder of Greater Mankato Early Learning Initiative, Minnesota Science Museum, and Minnesota Zoo Foundation. Jean enjoys travel, theater, church choir, long walks with a podcast in her ear, and time with her two adult children.

Jane Gilles
Chad Surprenant
Matthew Swanson
Steven Towner

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Jane Gilles: 1980 Graduate
Wall of Distinction Inductee, Class of 2020

1980 Graduate | Wall of Distinction Inductee Class of 2020 Jane attended MSU, Mankato, where she was active in theater, band, and choir, and was inducted into Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society. She graduated summa cum laude with a degree in English and speech/theater education. At the University of Minnesota, Jane earned a master's degree in English education and a Ph.D. in education policy. Jane was selected as a fellow in the Institute for Educational Leadership's Educational Policy Fellowship Program. Jane began her career as a high school English teacher and theater director. Following her service as a classroom teacher, Jane focused her career on teacher development and education policy. She led the staff development program for the Forest Lake Area Schools, coordinated educator preparation programming at the University of Minnesota, and served as a policy specialist at Education Minnesota. During the last part of her career, Jane established an independent consulting practice focused on bridging policy to practice; she served clients in both PreK-12 and higher education. Over the years, Jane was appointed to many state committees and often was called upon to present to policymakers or testify at the state. She conducted research in multiple states, offered professional development training in rural, suburban, and urban settings, presented at state, national, and international conferences, and taught for the University of Minnesota and Hamline University. She received many honors throughout her career. Jane volunteers for several organizations, and she is active in her church as a committee member, confirmation mentor, choir member, and frequent soloist. In honor of her parents, Jane established the May and John Gilles Nursing Scholarship Endowment at MSU, Mankato, which awards an annual scholarship to a senior nursing student. Upon retirement, Jane has pursued a long-held dream of writing fiction; her first short story was published in a literary journal in 2022. Jane and her spouse Kathy enjoy outdoor activities and all forms of travel.

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Chad Surprenant: 1988 Graduate
Wall of Distinction Inductee, Class of 2020

Chad received his Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering from Iowa State University in 1993. He was a civil engineer at ISG from 1993 to 2001, at which time, he became the President and CEO of ISG. He held that position for twenty years, and then moved into the position of Board Chairman of ISG. He led ISG from a 10-person, one office firm, to a 475-person, eleven office firm, which is presently located in four states. It is one of the fastest growing architecture and engineering firms in the nation, currently the 250th largest. Over the years of his career, Chad has contributed to society in several areas, including: Iowa State University's Civil, Construction, and Environmental Engineering Advisory Board in 2017; Minnesota State University, Civil Engineering Advisory Board, Founding member in 2001, and Board Chair in 2012; Mankato Area Foundation Board member and donor to Shared Spaces Non-Profit Center; Two large donations to MAPS (Mankato East High School in particular); Donation to Brandon Valley High School; Donation of the Surprenant Ingenuity Lab to Iowa State College of Design in 2019; Volunteer/Board member of Habitat for Humanity; South Central College Foundation President and Board member; Founding Board member of Greater Mankato Growth 2007-2020; Green Seam Agricultural Industry Cluster Board member; and Mankato Area Youth Baseball Association Board member and Coach. Chad is presently part-owner and President of the Northwoods League Mankato Moondogs Baseball Club, part-owner of the Northwoods League Rochester Honkers Baseball Club, part-owner of the Chankaska Winery, and other local ventures. Chad and his wife, Tara, live in Sioux Falls, S.D. They have three children who all attended Mankato East High School.

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Matthew Swanson: 1996 Graduate
Wall of Distinction Inductee, Class of 2020

In graduating from East High School, Matt was selected to attend the United States Air Force Academy, in which he graduated in the top ten percent of his class. He received his Master's Degree at the University of Nebraska. Matt's military service included 3400 flying hours as a Fighter Pilot, Instructor, and Evaluator of the F-15E. He commanded an F-15E Fighter Squadron of 24 aircraft in a deployment to Southwest Asia fighting the ISIS in Syria and Iraq. He had four combat tours to Afghanistan, Syria and Iraq, for which he was awarded 14 Air Medals. Matt has had a distinguished military career, and has received special military recognitions, including the Defense Superior Service medal, four Meritorious Service medals, promotion to Lieutenant Colonel (two years early), promotion to Colonel (one year early), the Air Force Achievement Medal for developing and conducting a leadership forum for Nebraska Air Force ROTC cadets, the Schilling Award as top squadron of 78 people, and nominated and served as Vice-President Biden's Senior Military Aide (2014-2016). Among his contributions to his community and society, Matt mentored high school students on military and academy service in 1997 - 2000. Matt also mentored area military Pilot Training graduates who flew the F-15Es. During his service, he published an Op-Ed for the Citizens' Housing and Planning Association. As deployed Commander, he developed new techniques to uncover ISIS smuggling routes that led to one of the largest ISIS electronic caches in southwest Asia. Matt has been involved with volunteering for Catholic charities, USO, and affordable housing. Matt is married to his wife, Sheila, and they have three children.

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Steven Towner: 1975 Graduate
Wall of Distinction Inductee, Class of 2020

Steve graduated from St. Olaf College in 1979. From there, he graduated from the Mayo Medical School, followed by his residency at the University of Utah internal medicine. Listed among his work accomplishments include: chief medical resident at the University of Utah; a volunteer faculty member for the U. of Utah Medical School for 34 years, including teaching physical diagnosis students, and outpatient-care students; volunteer for state and local programs on a variety of quality initiatives including diabetes care, immunizations, and medical record standards; adult primary care clinical program leader for the Intermountain Health Care for 15 years, successfully changing the way medical knowledge is applied to patients with chronic diseases, which resulted in dramatic improvement in quality of care across the state of Utah; writing articles on the quality of care for chronic diseases, resulting in national recognition through the peer-reviewed medical journals; Medical Director for a team of 15 providing medical care for the Olympic family during the 2002 Winter Olympics. Steve received the honor to carry the torch on one of the legs for the Olympics. Steve's volunteer commitments have included institutional administrative and committee consulting services for the Salt Lake Clinic, the Intermountain, as well as the state of Utah in medical research and education. For his medical work and research in improving patient quality care, Steve was awarded the distinguished Intermountain Healthcare-Osler's Cloak (the only primary care physician to ever receive this award). Because of his career-long commitment to the medical field, Steve is highly regarded as one of the finest doctors in the state of Utah, and he has been recognized at medical conventions nationwide. Steve is married to Lisa and they have three adult children.