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College of Business and Management

John Bendoraitis ’97, Fort Lauderdale, Florida, has been named to the YMCA of South Florida Board of Directors. John is currently the chief operating officer of Spirit Airlines.

Evon Inyang ’16, Minneapolis, recently launched her own private practice, ForwardUs Counseling, specializing in couples counseling and perinatal mental health.

Amara Mackey ’15, Saint Paul, was recently promoted to chief financial officer at Ideal Credit Union.

Nadia Mohamed ’20, Saint Louis Park, was elected mayor of Saint Louis Park in November 2024. Nadia is America’s first elected Somali American mayor.

Jennifer Ryan ’98, Orr, was recently named senior commercial lender with Security State Bank of Hibbing.

Sarah Fjellanger ’18, Savage, recently released a book titled, “Last Chance Stop.” Sarah’s book is a work of historical fiction that takes place in the year 1900, about a young family of immigrants from Norway. The book is currently available on Amazon.

Kristine Rodgers ’16, Red Wing, recently joined Red Wing Public Schools as a Special Education teacher.

College of Nursing and Health Sciences

Mandi Dickey ’04, Plymouth, has been selected for inclusion in Marquis Who’s Who for expertise in the health care industry. Mandi has been the chief executive officer of Brain Wellness Solutions since 2024, where she provides patients with specialized treatments such as transcranial laser therapy.

College of Individualized Studies

Mary Gaasch ’08, Lauderdale, recently became the executive director of Crescent Cove, which provides care and support for children with shortened life expectancies. Mary was also reelected to her fifth term as mayor of the City of Lauderdale.

Tom Gitaa ’96, Minneapolis, is the founder, editor-in-chief and publisher of Mshale, which reports on news and culture of African immigrants in the United States. Tom also serves on the board of the United Nations Association.

Jim Lukaszewski ’74, Richfield, was recognized by PRSA Midwest District with the 2024 Platinum Award, celebrating achievements in furthering the practice of public relations.

Mel Robinson ’81, Columbia Heights, completed a degree in Human Development at Metro State in 1981 and had a long and successful career with tech companies training new employees. After retirement, Mel became involved with the American Legion and Gideon organization, along with volunteering with SACA Food Shelf and Meals on Wheels.

Elaine Wynne ’76, Minneapolis, was recently featured in a story by Minnesota Women’s Press about “Perseverance for Veterans.” The article shares Elaine’s long effort to make EMDR trauma therapy available at no cost to anyone in Minnesota who served or is serving in the military.

College of Community Studies and Public Affairs

Audra Klinkner ’23, Lynd, is currently leading The Action Foundation, a nonprofit focused on enabling individuals with mobility challenges to access the outdoors.

Agitu Wodajo ’97, Atlanta, Georgia, was recently showcased in Small Business World Magazine’s “Think Globally, Read Locally.” She has been recognized by the governor of Minnesota, �鶹ֱ��, and others for her transformative work in healthcare, women’s empowerment, and social policy.