Saint Mary's Newsroom
Campus ConnectionAn update from the president to alumni and parents
Philanthropic gifts fuel our work, advance our strategic plan
This past fiscal year, through the generosity of our alumni and friends, as well as the hard work of the Advancement team under the leadership of Gary Klein, we have received a number of inspirational and sizable gifts.
These gifts help the university advance its strategic plan and serve our students in the best way possible. As a university, we are grateful to those who so selflessly support this university because they support our mission, they had a wonderful experience and want to see others have that same experience, they believe in our work, and they understand we are a sound investment.
Here are just a few of their stories:
- Bob Skemp ’49, a lifelong generous supporter, was inspired by a story in our alumni magazine about his classmate Robert Stiever ’49 and his wife Lucille Stiever, who left a $5 million estate gift to Saint Mary’s. Also wishing to leave a lasting legacy behind at Saint Mary’s, Mr. Skemp confirmed a $1 million estate gift toward scholarships and started an annual scholarship this fall.
- Jack and Mary Ann (Wera) Remick CST’64 — who helped found the First Generation Initiative — recently made a $3.5 million five-year pledge toward scholarships for this transformational program.
- We’ve recently also received over $1 million in motivational commitments toward the completion of Aquinas Hall, bringing the total raised thus far to nearly $8.5 million. We are extremely thankful for the generosity that continues to support this project.
- Nancy Wiltgen ’75, former major and planned gifts officer in our Advancement Office, has pledged $150,000 in her estate gift for scholarships, the Saint Mary’s Fund, First-Generation Initiative, and the Education Department. As an alumna, Wiltgen was one of our pioneering first women, and in her previous position, she helped secure numerous planned gifts to support Saint Mary’s. She continues to lead by example through this thoughtful planned gift.
- Walter Riebenack has given $100,000 to the M.A. Philanthropy & Development (P&D) program, which is being relaunched with the first cohort in 2023. The program is particularly meaningful to Walter as his daughter Kristen A. Riebenack graduated from this program in 1997 and worked in the field of Philanthropy for 16 years as a development director at the University of Saint Francis in Fort Wayne, Ind. Kristen lost her battle with cancer in 2013. Walter and his late wife Mary Ann established two endowed scholarships to support students in the P&D program.
- A family that wishes to remain anonymous has gifted the university $1 million for men’s and women’s hockey. Their gift has been transformational to the program in making rink improvements, as well as acquiring new apparel and equipment.
Elected to national leadership position, graduate student is a strong advocate for social justice
Quincy Guinadi, an international student and fourth-year counseling psychology doctoral (Psy.D.) student at Saint Mary’s Minneapolis campus, formed her worldview during her first year in the program. She was born in Jakarta, Indonesia, moved to Singapore at age 5, and came to the U.S. in 2012 to begin her undergraduate studies in Child Psychology at the University of Minnesota.
“Saint Mary’s Psy.D program was a huge change from the U. It’s a small program, very open and welcoming, and I .made lots of friends,” Guinadi says. “I also benefited by learning from strong, multicultural feminists who formed my foundational worldview – how to be human in this world – and to really understand and see things through the lens of social justice.”
Quincy Guinadi
Her social justice journey recently took an important turn as Guinadi was elected 2022 chair-elect of the American Psychological Association of Graduate Students (APAGS), which serves as the main body and voice for Psy.D. students nationwide. During her three-year term, when she will serve as chair-elect, chair and past-chair, Guinadi plans to be a force in advocating about student loan debt; finances/financial support, scholarships and grants; and equity in graduate training programs.
Taking a leadership role within prestigious organizations in her field is nothing new for Guinadi. She’s been a leader in Saint Mary’s Psy.D. program and active in the Minnesota Psychological Association’s Student Division where she served as co-chair as a first-year Psy.D. student.
“A friend told me about Saint Mary’s Psy.D. program. I wanted a clinical, rather than a research emphasis, and I’m training to be a clinician at Saint Mary’s,” says Guinadi. “The early entry option, clinical focus, and the ability to graduate in six, rather than seven years, were huge motivators. Saint Mary’s faculty and my classmates have been influential in my growth as a clinician and leader, and they’ve been supportive since day one.”
As chair-elect, Guinadi will provide oversight for several APAGS task forces and committees, and be a liaison for other committees. She’ll also participate in legislative activities, meeting with U.S. Senators and Representatives in Washington, D.C., to advocate for the psychology profession.
Guinadi is excited (and admittedly a bit terrified by the huge responsibility) about the opportunity to bring her voice and advocacy to the national level, and connect with top influential leaders in psychology. She also plans to advocate for equity in graduate training programs.
“Due to COVID, there’s been a drop in the number of internships offered nationwide. Having an internship is a requirement for graduation, typically after completing all coursework,” Guinadi says. “If internships aren’t available, Psy.D. students lose a year and delay their profession (getting licensed) and income. They’d also have to pay internship application fees again the following year – a massive additional financial burden.”
Guinadi hopes to use her APAGS experience to develop her skills as a social justice advocate and ethical leader, meet other leaders, and exchange ideas for personal and professional growth. She also hopes to use her voice to uplift and advocate for others.
Her career goals are to be a good human and a psychologist who’s well informed, ethical, and engaged in evidence-based work, assisting and empowering clients to stand in their dignity as they explore their personal growth journey toward healing.
“Quincy is totally awesome, the type of student we hope to recruit and retain to become a counseling psychologist. To have a Saint Mary’s student in a national leadership role is an honor for our program,” program director and professor Ashley Sovereign says. “Our goal is to develop graduates who are committed to social justice, and Quincy truly represents the aims of our program. Quincy’s going to do such a good job. She’s just amazing.”
Employee awards recognize staff dedication to Saint Mary’s
Employees on both the Winona and Twin Cities campuses were recognized recently for their contributions and dedication to the university. These staff members are living our mission in their day-to-day work and setting examples of strong character for all those who work alongside them and for our students.
Honored Dec. 8 on the Winona Campus were:
Barb Schmidtknecht, administrative assistant to the provost and dean of faculties
Adjectives used to describe Barb Schmidtknecht include quick, concise, organized, and helpful. After working more than 35 years for the university, she has vast experience and a wealth of institutional knowledge that contributes greatly to the effective and efficient operation of her area. Most recently, she’s worked diligently to address and anticipate needs in academic affairs, specifically related to the pandemic. Moreover, she has continued to demonstrate her signature good cheer and a positive attitude during what has been a stressful time. She also has contributed willingly to the launch of Saint Mary’s nursing program by supporting our efforts to hire administrative staff for that area.
Winona Campus maintenance team
This past summer, the maintenance team put in long hours and worked hard to set up the newly renovated Aquinas Hall
classrooms and workspaces on the Winona Campus. The project required preparing the 50,000-square-feet facility for use by faculty, staff and students — and included the single largest simultaneous move of faculty and staff offices in the history of the university (including seven departments and 53 faculty and staff members). While moving furniture, photographs, bulletin boards, and whiteboards — as well as testing the HVAC system and doing landscaping, they were ever pleasant, upbeat, and helpful, setting a superb example of working together and by association. Accepting this award was Lisa Jonsgaard, custodial supervisor; Judd Botcher, building maintenance supervisor; and Les McElmury, head of skilled trades.
Honored Dec. 14 on the Twin Cities Campus were:
Val Upsher, curriculum and assessment coordinator
Val Upsher has been serving and supporting Saint Mary’s faculty and students for nearly 25 years. In her current role, she
organizes and oversees a number of critical processes to assist faculty with submitting curriculum and assessment. She also oversees the vast and unwieldy process of editing the course catalog every year. Credited with being the first to volunteer for projects related to annual reporting, she takes on University Program Planning organization, facilitating LifeCycle redesign. Completely organized, never flustered, and never frustrated, Upsher brings a gentle calmness to whatever she does. In her quiet and unassuming way, she has navigated the scope and complexity of change at Saint Mary’s over her 25 years and has helped faculty and staff by remaining patient, caring, and steadfast.
Erika Kim, assistant director of financial aid
Erika Kim is a vital part of the SGPP campus who has played a number of positions: program coordinator, a senior student
services specialist learning the basics of international student advising, and now assistant director of financial aid. Her performance in all these roles is characterized by going above and beyond to serve students, consistently providing thorough and accurate responses in a timely manner. Regardless of how stressful a situation becomes or the volume of work in front of her, she is always kind, calm, and compassionate with students, taking the time to get to know them and their stories. A team player, she checks in regularly with her colleagues to be of service, and always has a kind word for those around her.
Abram Hedtke, director of Instructional Technology
Students, faculty, and staff are all beneficiaries of Abram Hedtke’s dedication and commitment to serving those directly involved
in teaching and learning. Hedtke has guided the university from multiple learning management systems to a single LMS, Canvas. Then, he developed training for two different faculty bodies to advance uniquely different teaching and learning approaches for both using Canvas. He also created an orientation course so students could guide themselves through the transition to Canvas. And, he lent his expertise to help pilot closed captioning for Access Services, provided tech support for the Fall Faculty Conference and the CELT website, as well as created an online professional development series focused on inclusion and human dignity. During a period of workforce restructuring, he also willingly and successfully took on additional direct reports on other campuses and a more visible leadership role.
Wieser discusses recent research on Saint Mary’s Currents podcast
Over the last few months, research by Michelle Wieser, Ph.D., dean of Saint Mary’s University’s School of Business and Technology, has been making headlines in national and international press. The research findings reveal inequities in the experience and outcomes of female and minority MBA students and graduates at top-tier business schools. Wieser’s research looked at an array of topics, including diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts in MBA programs and the gender pay gap for MBA graduates. Dean Wieser joined Saint Mary’s Currents host Ben Rodgers to discuss the research and how it can be used to address the inequities it found.
If you enjoy the show and the topics discussed, please be sure to subscribe to Saint Mary’s Currents on Apple Podcast, Google Podcast, Spotify, or wherever else you listen to podcasts. You can also listen to previous episodes by visiting the Saint Mary’s Newsroom.
Saint Mary’s University welcomes community to its Winter Weekend musical performances
With the holidays right around the corner, Saint Mary’s University would like to welcome the greater community to its Winter Weekend events. Planned for Dec. 10 through Dec. 12, students, staff, faculty, and visitors will have the opportunity to hear Christmas classics from the university’s jazz bands, choirs, and concert band during three unique events.
There is no admission cost for these three events, however, registration is required. Those planning to attend can register at Saint Mary’s Winter Weekend website.
Information for each event can be found below:
Jazz at Saint Mary’s presents ‘Holiday Hits’ – Dec. 10
The Jazz Ensemble and Jazz Combo 1 will present “Holiday Hits” on Friday, Dec. 10, at 7:30 p.m. in Page Theatre on the Winona Campus. The concert will feature festive jazz favorites selected by the student musicians from performances over the past 10 years. This in-person performance will offer limited seating, but the concert will also be livestreamed.
‘Lessons and Carols’ Christmas service – Dec. 11
The Saint Mary’s University Department of Music will present “Lessons and Carols” on Saturday, Dec. 11, at 7:30 p.m. in the Chapel of Saint Mary of the Angels in Winona, Minn. The performance will feature the Saint Mary’s Concert Choir and Chamber Singers and the Immaculate Heart of Mary Seminary Schola and will reflect on the Christmas story through short readings, hymns, and familiar Christmas carols sung by the choirs and audience. Seating for this in-person performance will be limited due to COVID-19 restrictions.
Saint Mary’s Concert Band presents ‘Celebrate Christmas’ – Dec. 12
The Saint Mary’s Concert Band will present “Celebrate Christmas” on Sunday, Dec. 12, at 4 p.m. in Page Theatre on the Winona Campus. The concert, which will feature holiday favorites from around the world, will include many smaller ensembles from within the band as well as full concert band selections. Seating for this in-person performance will be limited due to COVID-19 restrictions, but overflow seating will be available in the Recital Hall, and the concert will also be livestreamed.
‘Giving keeps the spirit going’
Giving time and financial support are common ways people give back to their alma maters. Saint Mary’s graduate Veronica Hiza M’15, M’17 does just that by serving as a member of the school’s alumni board.
But she gives back in another way as well.
The double master’s graduate is a cheerleader for the college and goes out of her way to spread the message of her experience at Saint Mary’s. And that has paid off.
Hiza has seen her husband and son, David Hiza Sr. ’16, M’17 and David Hiza Jr. ’17, M’21, graduate with master’s degrees from Saint Mary’s. Her daughter, Natalia Hiza, is currently pursuing an M.S. in Business Intelligence and Data Analytics.
And the list of family members who have attended Saint Mary’s doesn’t end there.
“I can probably name eight to 10 other family members,” Hiza chuckled. “It’s because I talk about Saint Mary’s, I like to advertise it. I’m pro-education as much as I can be.”
Before choosing Saint Mary’s for two master’s degrees, Hiza had been working full time in project management for the state of Minnesota. Knowing she needed to take the next step in her career, Hiza decided to take the Project Management Professional certification exam. Having known multiple people who had to take the exam more than once, Hiza decided going back to school would be one of the best ways to prepare.
After receiving her M.S. in Project Management, she felt the call to continue learning, so she enrolled once again at Saint Mary’s in the M.S. in Information Technology Management program.
Hiza says the most beneficial part of attending Saint Mary’s was learning from professionals who work in the same field as her.
“It was like being taught by a colleague,” Hiza said. “It just made it so conversational. It was always a nice opportunity to discuss real-life things and things that were happening in my job.”
After earning two graduate degrees from Saint Mary’s, she has seen the payoff: her ability to learn concepts that were included in the Project Management Professional certification process helped her through the exam. She’s also seen the real-world concepts taught in the classroom aid her in her job with Minnesota IT Services.
Not long after graduating, she was contacted about serving on the alumni board. Hiza was torn at the time because she had also been asked to serve on the alumni board of her undergraduate alma mater, the College of Saint Benedict. Ultimately, she felt her time would be better served at Saint Mary’s.
Hiza says there are many things that helped inform her decision, one of the biggest being the different perspective she’s able to bring to the table at alumni board meetings.
With a key focus on engaging with graduate students and getting them to give back to Saint Mary’s, Hiza says she’s able to share the experience of students at the Twin Cities Campus with the alumni board. A native of Tanzania, she says she is also able to bring the perspective of an international student from her experience as an undergraduate.
“I think I’ve been a voice for both perspectives,” she said.
Serving on the alumni board has also given Hiza a better understanding of the decisions made by the university.
“There are a lot of conversations people don’t think about,” she said. “For instance, how much of a struggle it is to raise funding to build a science center. If you’re not close to it, you’re not going to know.”
What drives Hiza to give her time, as well as financial contributions, to Saint Mary’s comes down to one simple belief: “Giving keeps the spirit going. That way, someone can benefit in the same way you did.”
Hiza has done her best to use her position with the alumni board to strengthen the university and support its students. This includes the opportunity to mentor two of Saint Mary’s First Generation Initiative students as they entered graduate school.
“I really enjoyed helping in that way because I do that for my kids: teach them what to do in this life after school,” she said. “So, I like to do that to other students who have graduated from Saint Mary’s or are currently going to Saint Mary’s.”
Another highlight for Hiza while serving on the board was the chance to address graduates during a commencement ceremony at the university’s Twin Cities Campus.
“It was very fulfilling just to see the excitement in their faces and to be on the other side watching that,” she said.
During her speech, Hiza urged the graduates to remain active with the university, even after receiving a degree. And it’s something she encourages all graduates to do.
“The more engaged we are in giving back to our school, the healthier and richer the school gets in teaching and thinking outside of the box. And Saint Mary’s has always been very good about thinking outside of the box,” she said.
Catholic Latin American Sisters visit Winona Campus
As part of Saint Mary’s Lasallian Catholic mission, the university was excited to welcome 40 religious sisters from Latin America to its Winona Campus the week of Nov. 14.
The sisters’ visit was made possible through the U.S.-Latin American Sisters Exchange Program, a partnership between Catholic Extension and Saint Mary’s. As a part of the program, the sisters serve as missionaries in underserved Latino communities across the U.S. while also receiving degrees from Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota.
The sisters (42 total) have been enrolled in the university’s Health and Human Services programs online since 2019, with 28 of the students working toward an online bachelor’s program and 14 completing a master’s degree. Once the sisters complete their degrees, they will take their knowledge, and their newfound Lasallian charism back with them to their home countries, where they will lead and nurture their congregations.
Because of COVID-19 travel restrictions, this was the first time the sisters were able to visit Saint Mary’s. The group of enthusiastic and friendly women were welcomed with a full week of events.
The sisters completed one class, while also becoming acquainted with students, staff, and faculty. Experiencing Winona Campus life to the fullest, they enjoyed meals in the dining hall, enjoyed a mariachi band, and attended the university’s student musical variety show, Blue Angel. The sisters also celebrated Mass with Father James Burns, IVD, Ph.D, Saint Mary’s president, and the Most Rev. John Quinn, AFSC, D.D., Bishop of the Diocese of Winona-Rochester, and visited the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe in La Crosse, Wis.
A fun and useful connection, the sisters interacted with students from Karen Sorvaag’s Advanced Literacy Methods course. During the meeting, the sisters pracited their English conversational skills and learned about Minnesota and the Midwest. The meeting was a kick-off to the spring semester Conversation Partner experience that the Advanced Literacy Methods students will facilitate with volunteers from the U.S.-Latin American Sisters Exchange Program. As a part of the experience, students will have the chance to practice a variety of multilingual learning strategies while the sisters will continue to practice their English skills.
The visit also provided these women with an opportunity to learn firsthand about Lasallian traditions and values. Brother Larry Schatz, FSC, provided the sisters with a lesson on the school’s Lasallian heritage, and they also had the opportunity to share dinner with the De La Salle Chrsitian Brothers.
“The sisters were able to identify with the Lasallian charism and values, and now they can carry that on in their mission,” said Robertolino Vargas Guerrero, program director for the initiative. “Leaving Saint Mary’s, they feel more Lasallian.”
While in Minnesota, Catholic Extension also thought it was important for the sisters to visit George Floyd Square, where they prayed and sang in memory of George Floyd. Their visit to the memorial was covered by KSTP-TV and the Catholic Spirit, the official newspaper of the Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis.
Those on campus who were able to interact with the sisters say it was rewarding, citing the excitement they felt from the sisters the moment they stepped foot on campus.
“The sisters were very upbeat, positive, and so appreciative of anything we did the whole time. They were just ecstatic of the experience. I think they inspired themselves, and they inspired us because they were so positive and wanted to know about Saint Mary’s and the culture of Minnesota,” said Susan Jarosak, who oversees the academic programs the sisters are enrolled in. “Their visit was the highlight of my year. With COVID-19 and everything else, having all these inspirational women on campus, praying, singing, and dancing, it was wonderful.”
Midwest Academy of Management by Lelna Desta
During a colorful fall weekend, the Midwest Academy of Management hosted its annual conference at St. Ambrose University in Davenport, Iowa. With the academy board deciding that “teaching and researching must continue on,” this year’s conference was hosted in-person with hybrid attendance on Zoom. The conference took place between October 14 – 16, 2021. This year’s conference was well attended by students from various programs across the nation. Ten students pursuing a Doctorate in Business Administration (DBA) attended the conference from St. Mary’s University of Minnesota, with several students receiving scholarships from the academy. The conference was also attended by Dr. Matt Nowakowski and Dr. Jennifer Schultz.
It kicked off with the Doctoral Consortium which had informative sessions on “Teaching Effectiveness” by Dr. Tim Peterson and “Research Productivity” by Dr. Monica Forret. Activities included a panel discussion and a working lunch in small groups with faculty. The day ended with the group going on the Mississippi River Cruise on a sunny fall afternoon.
During the conference, second year students, Keith Anderson, Lelna Desta, and Andrew Rhoads presented their paper titled “Fearless Whistleblowing – Backing Down the Schoolyard Bullies.” Students and professors also led and moderated six workshops and one symposium during the three day conference. Topics included:
- Teaching with the Scripted and Unscripted: Using TV and Reality TV in the Classroom
- Practitioners in the Classroom: Sharing Best Practices and Added Value
- The Diversity Grand Challenge: Myths and Legends
- Program Pride – Networking with Former Program Alumni: A Conversation Corner
- Academy of Management Ombudsperson Team: Professional Collaborations Workshop
- Considering Administrative Roles: Alternative Career Paths in Academia is One Right for You?
- Apps n Apps: Using Mobile Applications in the Business Classroom
The variety of topics covered and the ability to network with researchers and faculty members was valuable. The following two quotes were shared with attendees during the conference:
- “Creativity dwells in the mind, but one must be careful because so do the boundaries.” – Unknown [Quote shared by Dr. Tim Peterson during the “Teaching Effectiveness” Presentation]
- “It is very hard to let go of what was successful, for what you don’t know will succeed.” Dr. Michael Hitt [Keynote Speaker]
Several sessions asked attendees to reflect on one question: What do you value? […in your life, career, research, teaching, etc.]
Returning back to an in-person conference proved to be successful for the students and faculty who attended this year’s Midwest Academy of Management’s annual conference. The board announced that next year’s conference will take place in Fall of 2022 in Detroit, Michigan!
Lelna Desta
Generosity by Raj Beekie
As in my essay on silence, my first lessons on generosity came from my parents. While both parents were known for being generous in the community, it was my mother’s lesson I clearly remember, and it has guided me through the years.
When I was young, my mom, Isha, would cook lots of food at various times of the year. As a family we would visit the Alms House and share the food with the less fortunate. Preparing the many pots of food was a lot of hard work, but my mother told us it was almost a life requirement.
She got this from her father who was a Muslim. One of the tenants of Islam is Zakat. This is charity generally given to the poor or needy. My grandfather felt being generous was a duty. My mother, even though she became a Christian, retained the tenant of Zakat. While my grandfather saw Zakat as a duty, I see being generous as a way of enriching my own life and having peace of mind knowing I made life easier for another person.
I can remember after sharing the food with over 100 people many recipients would thank my mom profusely. On the drive home, my mom made the comment, “All of the people were very thankful, but ironically, I am the bigger beneficiary of the food given away.” One of us replied, “How?” My mom replied, “For starters, I feel good we were able to give some people a home cooked meal. This feeling will last for weeks, even years. However, in a few hours, the people who received the food will be hungry and the satisfied feeling they have right now will fade away. I, on the other hand, will remain satisfied. The giver is often the person who gains the most. The benefits last a lifetime.”
Medically, my mother was on to something. Feelings of goodness release endorphins in the body. These hormones trigger a better stress response, increase feeling of happiness, etc. Surprisingly, being generous has tremendous emotional wellbeing benefits. A quick Google search links being generous to:
- Lower blood pressure.
- Increased self-esteem.
- Less depression.
- Lower stress levels.
- Longer life.
- Greater happiness and satisfaction.
In the EQ class I teach, one of the 12 things I generally recommend is being generous. It does improve one’s EQ and life’s coping abilities.
People generally give when they feel good and are less likely to give if they feel stressed, unhappy, anxious, etc. Ironically, a way to overcome the negative feelings is to give. Being generous has great therapeutic benefits, but we first must overcome our desire to have more or even save/protect what we have. When the focus is on helping others, it takes the focus off the things that weigh us down. It gives us space to breathe and see things from a healthy perspective.
So, what are some of the generous things I do? I have a large garden and a community plot. Every year, I give away a lot of tomatoes, kale, collard greens, etc. In giving away the vegetables, I believe it adds in a small way to a better diet. I also help people with their gardens. At the community garden where I have a plot, I volunteer to water and help plant the gardens of other members when they are on vacation or busy doing other things.
Another thing I do is offer to pay the grocery bill for someone directly in front or behind of me in the checkout line. Surprisingly, this is much harder to do than you can imagine. Some are very thankful. However, most people have politely refused the offer. Some have looked at me suspiciously or as if I am nuts. On the seldom occasion I have received curt responses like, “No, I can pay my own bill.” I don’t know, but the overall rejection rate could also be influenced by my race, gender, accent, etc.
Even though I have had many refusals I continue to ask people every now and then when I feel moved by the spirit. The good stories allow me to continue. I will share two stories. One day, I was in Aldi’s and the lady behind me had a few bananas, oranges, beans, milk, bread, and some other things on the belt. After exchanging quick pleasantries about the weather, I asked her if it would be okay to pay her bill. I anticipated it would be less than $20. She accepted the offer and as she was leaving, she thanked me and said, “I am unemployed, and I am down to my last few dollars. This really helps. Thank you so much.”
Another story that has stayed with me happened at Cub Foods. It was a Friday, and I went to pick up a rotisserie chicken. Dinner was going to be chicken, rice, and green beans. On entering the store, a man and I approached the door simultaneously from different directions. We gave each other the cursory head nod and entered the store. Even though I only wanted a rotisserie chicken I decided to look at the fresh vegetable section. I then picked up the chicken and headed to the checkout line. As I was waiting in line, the man who I saw on entering came in line behind me. We exchanged head nods again.
As the cashier was ringing up my item, I told the man, “Give me your item.” He gave it to me, and I gave it to the cashier to add to my bill. I did not even ask him permission. This surprised me. I normally ask permission. After returning the item to the man he thanked me and left. I took a while after checking out as I carefully placed the chicken level in a bag before heading to my car. As I was leaving, the man was waiting for me outside. I must confess that my first thought was that he was going to ask me for some money. Instead, the man said, “I thanked you in the store, but I wanted to thank you again. The last few weeks have been really rough. What you did has made me feel a whole lot better. Much appreciated.”
Now, I did not pay attention to what to what I bought for him, but as soon as I got into my car, I checked the receipt. It was a box of corn muffin mix. This costs less than a dollar, yet the man was so thankful. In this case, it was not the money. It was the gesture that really matter to this man.
A mantra I have incorporated into my life is “Make life easier for the next person.” I have also shared this with our kids. Being generous with time, money, kind words, etc., all can make life easier for the next person. This sentiment is shared by many famous people.
Below are some of my favorite quotations on being generous.
Giving frees us from the familiar territory of our own needs by opening our mind to the unexplained worlds occupied by the needs of others. Barbara Bush
Service to others is the rent you pay for your room here on earth. Mohammed Ali
The simplest acts of kindness are by far more powerful than a thousand heads bowing in prayer. Mahatma Gandhi
Kindness in words creates confidence. Kindness in thinking creates profoundness. Kindness in giving creates love. Lao Tzu
No one has ever become poor by giving. Anne Frank
We all should give what we have decided in our hearts to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 2 Corinthians 9:7
In this world it is not what we take up, but what we give up, that makes us rich. Henry Ward Beecher
As you live your life, I encourage you to give joyfully and be generous. As my mother stated, the giver is the bigger beneficiary in the exchange process. These benefits can change the trajectory of your personal health and lead you to a path of peace, happiness, and wellbeing. It can also give others hope.
Make life easier for the next person.
Dr. Raj Beekie is an associate professor in the DBA department at Saint Mary’s University, MN. To learn more about our DBA program here is the address https://www.smumn.edu/academics/graduate/business-technology/programs/doctor-of-business-administration-dba
Whether one agrees or disagrees with the thoughts and ideas expressed, he hopes they provide a broader foundation for discussion. Dr. Beekie received his bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and Organizational Communication from Concordia College, Moorhead, MN, master’s degree in Intercultural Communication from North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND, and doctorate in Organization Development from the University of St. Thomas, Minneapolis, MN.
Dr. Beekie also consults in the areas of career coaching, leadership development, diversity, emotional intelligence, and effective communication. To offer your feedback or contact me, I can be reached at rbeekie@smumn.edu
The Rev. James P. Burns, IVD, Ph.D.
President
Saint Mary's University of Minnesota
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