Shannon Cunningham

1. Are you involved currently in community or volunteer work? If so, what types of projects:

Yes! Being involved in my community above and beyond my career was something I learned to treasure from my MSCSA days. I previously spent time on the Board of Directors for MSUSA, the Bemidji State Alumni Board, Bemidji State Foundation and Hostelling International-Minnesota board. Currently, I am on the City of Roseville Civic Engagement Taskforce and both an Adoption Placement Coordinator and a Foster Parent for Midwest Animal Rescue.

2. Current job:

Government Affairs and Public Policy Specialist for the Minnesota Nurses Association.

3. Where did you attend college?

Hibbing Community College –AA

Bemidji State University- BA

University of Minnesota- Duluth (Masters)

4. Major:

Political Science (Undergrad)

Advocacy and Political Leadership (Graduate School)

5. What position(s) did you hold while in MSCSA?

Student Senator, GA Delegate

6. What drew you to become involved in MSCSA?

At first, I was drawn in by the all the fun that those involved seemed to be having. However, I learned very quickly the power of organizing and working together to achieve a common result.

7. What did you learn from your experience in MSCSA that positioned you for future success?

I could probably write a book on this question but the five most important things I learned were:

1. 1. How to interact on a professional level
   2. The power of networking (some of the people I met through MSCSA are still my best friends!)
   3. How the legislative process works, both statewide and federally
   4. How to formulate and win a debate
   5. That if a group of rambunctious students are loud enough, eventually people start to listen!

8. What advice would you like to share with current/future members?

Get involved and stay involved! Although what you learn in your coursework is important, it is what you will learn in your extracurricular activities that will truly teach you how to be a more effective and powerful citizen in both your personal and professional life!

9. Proudest MSCSA moment?

Organizing the largest ever group of students from Hibbing Community College to attend the MSCSA lobby day at the Capitol. For most students, this was their first ever trip to the Capitol and an eye opening experience!

10. What leader inspires you?

Nelson Mandela. Despite facing a lifetime of adversity, he has risen above all expectations to be a voice of reason in a conflict of uncertainty. I could only dream to be one millionth as effective as him.

"I can only rest for a moment, for with freedom comes responsibilities, and I dare not linger, for my long walk is not ended. " -Nelson Mandela

Travis Petschl

1. Are you involved currently in community or volunteer work? If so, what types of projects? I volunteer for a local greenhouse.
2. Current job? I am the Legislative Assistant to Senator Michelle Fischbach (R) District 14.
3. Where did you attend college? – Century College and the University of Minnesota
4. Major? Political Science and Horticulture
5. What position(s) did you hold while in MSCSA? Student Senate President and Metro North Regional Representative
6. What drew you to become involved in MSCSA? The larger voice that MSCSA represents at the State level.
7. What did you learn from your experience in MSCSA that positioned you for future success? The collaboration with other colleges was something that has helped me in my career. Noticing the differences in other ideas and working together to achieve a common purpose was a great learning experience for me.
8. What advice would you like to share with current/future members? Get involved as much as you can. There are so many opportunities with MSCSA that will ultimately help you achieve success in whatever you decide to do. Also, don't forget to have some fun along the way.
9. Proudest MSCSA moment? My proudest moment was when our college president Dr. Litecky won the "College President of the Year" award.
10. What leader inspires you? Nelson Mandela

Vincent Ijioma (center) with Vicki Schoenbeck (left) and Patty McCann (right) from the MnSCU office of the Chancellor

1. Are you involved currently in community or volunteer work? If so, what types of projects:
   I'm involved in the community in many different ways, from work (varies) and at Church where I serve in the television broadcast of the Speak The Church for a live global broadcast.
2. Current job: Quality Engineer
3. Where did you attend college? Hennepin Technical College, Dakota County Technical College and the University of Minnesota.
4. Major: Electronics Technology and Nanoscience Technology
5. What position(s) did you hold while in MSCSA? Hennepin Technical College Representative and MSCSA Student-at-Large. Minnesota Representative to National student bodies/events
6. What drew you to become involved in MSCSA? The incredible increase in tuition drew me in.
7. What did you learn from your experience in MSCSA that positioned you for future success? Parliamentary procedure has been very helpful in my career. And I also learned to be a more patient person.
8. What advice would you like to share with current/future members? You should definately attend all meetings-especially the break-out sessions. Low turn-out for an event isn't always a bad thing. Turn it into a positive-it magnifies your importance. Never sign any pledge that starts with "no." Such as a "no tuition hike pledge" or a "no new taxes pledge." "No" and "oppose" and other negative words has a way to cement your feet into concrete and closes many doors.
9. Proudest MSCSA moment? A Governing Council meeting at Northland Community & Technical College-Thief River Falls when I voted against a motion so I could recall it later in another session.
10. What leader inspires you? Sir Winston Churchill (1874-1965)

Former MSCSA President Scott Formo on his last day of office in 2008Are you involved currently in community or volunteer work? If so, what types of projects: I am very active in my community and do a lot of volunteering including the Pope County Sheriff’s Posse, Glenwood Rotary Club, Wing’s Family Supportive Services, Glenwood Chamber, Pope County Community Expo Coordinator, Non-Denominational Ordained Minister, West Central Wellness and Waterama.

Current job:

Glenwood Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce, Executive Director

Where did you attend college?

Alexandria Technical College:

Paralegal: May 2007 (A.A.S.)

Legal Administrative Assistant: May 2008 (A.A.S.)

Business Administration: May 2008 (A.S.)

Southwest Minnesota State University

Business Management: Anticipated Date of Graduation December 2011 (B.A.S.)

• What position(s) did you hold while in MSCSA?
• West Central Regional Representative: 2005-2006
• President: 2006-2007
• President: 2007-2008
• MnSCU Foundation Board of Directors: 2007-2009
• MnSCU Foundation Board of Directors: 2009-2011

What drew you to become involved in MSCSA?

After some upheaval in my personal life, I decided to make some major changes and pursue some of the dreams that I had while in high school, which included law, religion, politics, business, and keeping involved in community groups.

I wasn’t sure exactly where to start, so I started my classes at Alexandria Technical College, joined the Student Senate and BPA (Business Professionals of America) and volunteered in the community at several activities – all while also continuing to be as much a part of my son’s life and activities as possible.

Towards the end of the first term of office in the Alexandria Technical College Student Senate, I had just been elected as the State President of Business Professionals of America, College Division and joined their Board of Directors, but believed that I could do even more.

The student senate advisor mentioned that I should look into MSCSA. After hearing more about MSCSA’s involvement in the betterment of students at the state and federal levels, I was hooked. The rest is history!

What did you learn from your experience in MSCSA that positioned you for future success?

I learned so much during my time with MSCSA: I learned that I can and do make a difference to others in almost anything that I choose to do. I learned that stepping outside of my comfort zone and attempting new things in life can open doors. I learned that if you put your mind to something and keep striving to reach your goals, there may be twists, turns, and compromises along the way, but the end result is very rewarding. I learned that when there is a crack in the door, the person that can stop you from opening the door wider and walking through is typically you. Finally, while I was with MSCSA my confidence levels raised, my circle of friends expanded, and when you surround yourself with great people, working towards great goals, great possibilities can come true!

What advice would you like to share with current/future members?

Everything you do in life, no matter how small, will ultimately touch several other people with a ripple effect. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, make a plan, and then just go and ‘Git ‘R Dun” folks! I did it and so can you! Every little bit counts, so take pride in your contributions, no matter how small or insignificant you may feel they are!

Proudest MSCSA moment?Scott Formo at a hearing around textbook legislation

My proudest moment was when Governor Tim Pawlenty signed the Minnesota Textbook legislation into law and I was featured in the State Legislature's magazine as a proud contributor to what soon became a model piece of legislation.

I did months of research, drafted what I felt was the ideal piece of legislation, utilized the MSCSA resources to critique it, worked to get it introduced, negotiated for months with other interested parties, modified the legislative language in areas that seemed to make sense and issued regular press releases and press conferences about the legislation.

Following the Minnesota law being signed by the Governor, I worked with the Minnesota Department of Higher Education, the Office of the Chancellor and the MnSCU system to get it implemented and made regular presentations to other states and federal policy/lawmakers over the next couple of years.

The only thing that topped this experience was leaving the organization and feeling like it had ultimately grown stronger as a result of the contributions that I made as well as hearing from other students how much of an impact I had on them.

I still love to help out when I can and am a regular visitor at the fall/spring conferences and fundraisers because of this and continue to make a difference even years later!

What leader inspires you?

My greatest inspiration comes from those that give selflessly for the greater good and protection of others. These include our military, law enforcement, fire fighters, emergency personnel, and those that volunteer or work for virtually nothing in the non-profit sector because its not about the position they hold, but about the common goal - to make the world a better, safer place. It’s about working together and giving a helping hand, while avoiding total chaos in the world. I take my hat off and truly respect everyone out there who fits into this role, no matter how insignificant they may feel their contributions are. Together we can make a difference each and every day, and I think we are.