March 2018 Midland Minute

March 2018 Midland Minute

Saturday, March 31, 2018

Pinnacle Bank, Midland, Honor High School Leaders

On Friday, March 23rd, inside Midland's Wikert Event Center, Pinnacle Bank and Midland University honored 50 high school juniors for their accomplishments in the classroom and in their communities with the 2018 Pinnacle Bank Outstanding High School Leaders Award.

Midland also presented each recipient a $25,000 scholarship for each of the student's four years at the university, an award worth a total of $100,000.

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Midland Alumnus Rico Munn '93 to Speak at Commencement

Midland alumnus Rico Munn '93, superintendent of Aurora Public Schools in Colorado, will be the honorary speaker at the 2018 Commencement Ceremony on Saturday, May 12th.

"We are thrilled that Rico Munn will be our commencement speaker this year," President Jody Horner said. "His leadership experience and community involvement embodies Midland's mission and vision, and we are excited for the opportunity for our graduates to hear his message."

Munn is a 1993 graduate where he received his B.A. in secondary education and was named Student Teacher of the Year. He received his Juris Doctorate from the University of Denver, Sturm College of Law. Munn has served in a variety of leadership roles in Colorado's legal and business communities. He has been married to his wife Kay since 1998, and they are the proud parents of two APS students.

Click here to read his complete biography.


Thank You to Everyone Who Attended the "Share Your Warrior Pride" Dallas Event!

More than 75 people were in attendance at the "Share Your Warrior Pride" event held on March 24th in Dallas. A special thank you to alumnus Roger Lambourn '72 for hosting the event at The Highland Dallas. The event was a wonderful opportunity for prospective students and their families, current Midland students, and administration to gather while connecting with alumni living in the Dallas area!


Midland University Choir 90th Anniversary Concert Featuring the Midland Reunion Choir

Midland University will celebrate 90 years of music at Midland with a special anniversary concert featuring the Midland Reunion Choir at 7 pm on April 14. Admission is free and open to the public. Alumni, friends, and community members are welcome!

Guest directors and soloists for the concert feature many Midland greats, including Mr. Gene Nelson, who led the Midland University (then Midland Lutheran College) choir from 1962-1976. Nelson will be traveling from the state of Washington to direct "Beautiful Savior."

Additional directors will include Dr. Scott Peterson '74, Larry Monson '65, Marjorie Simons-Bester '79 and Patrick Hays '16. Assistant Music Director and alumna, Kat Ohm Sodawasser '15, will direct two pieces in memory of the late Jim Elsberry, who served as choir director at Midland for more than three decades.

Soloists will include alumni Delene Hays McConnaha '75 and Ryan Dusso '14. The Midland University Choir is directed by Mr. Jim Logue, Director of Choral Activities at Midland University. The Clef Dwellers are directed by Mr. Dan Hays, Director of Theater Activities.


With Purpose Speaker Series: Lawrence Chatters '02

Alumnus Lawrence Chatters, '02, spoke to students, faculty and staff at Midland University on March 9th. Chatters is no stranger to adversity. Born with albinism and significant vision impairment, he has worked hard to "see" the uniqueness in his condition and think positively about his struggles. After earning his Bachelor's Degree in at Midland Lutheran College in Psychology and Master's Degrees in Counseling and Psychology from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, he has dedicated himself to serving others. Click here to see his presentation.


Mission Day Planned for April 10th

Midland University sets aside one day each spring for students, faculty and staff to give back to the Fremont community. This year's Mission Day on April 10th will kick off with guest speaker Garry Clark, Executive Director of Greater Fremont Development Council, and Midland student Torrey Escamilla.

"Mission Day has traditionally been one of the most impactful days here on the campus every year," said Merritt Nelson, Vice President for Student Affairs. "Our hope is that Mission Day becomes an attitude and a lifestyle for students as they move on in their lives in service to others and the community."

Seventeen organizations will be participating in this year's Mission Day. If you are involved in a Fremont area organization that would like to participate, please email Andrea Swett at swett@midlandu.edu for more information.


Calendar of Events

Midland School of Education Alumni Reunion
Thursday, April 12th | Midland University Private Dining Rooms
6:00-9:00 p.m.

Midland Alumni Choir Reunion Weekend | April 13th-14th

Midland Softball Alumnae & Family Tailgate
Saturday, April 14th | 12:00 p.m. | Christensen Field (East Parking Lot)

With Purpose Speaker Series: Jennifer Bixby
Friday, April 20th | Midland University Private Dining Rooms | 12:00 p.m.

Immanuel-Midland Nursing Alumni Reunion
Saturday, April 21st | Midland University Luther Library and Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Wahoo

Midland University Men's Soccer Alumni Game
Saturday, April 28th | 6:00 p.m. | Heedum Field

Booster Club Golf Tournament
Monday, June 4th | Fremont Golf Club

Save the Date: Homecoming and Family Weekend 2018
September 28th-30th