2015 College Fairs

• Iowa
• Illinois
• Minnesota
• North Dakota
• South Dakota
• Wisconsin

Iowa Fairs

Day	Date	Location	City	State	Time	Representative
Monday	March 2, 2015	West Des Moines-Valley	West Des Moines	IA	6:00-7:30 p.m.	Colleen
Tuesday	March 3, 2015	Gilbert High School	Gilbert	IA	1:00-2:30 p.m.	Colleen
Wednesday	March 4, 2015	Storm Lake High School	Storm Lake	IA	10:00-11:30 a.m.	Colleen
Thursday	March 5, 2015	Estherville (NWICC)	Estherville	IA	9:00 a.m.-10:30 a.m.	Colleen
Thursday	March 5, 2015	Algona High School	Algona	IA	1:30-3:00 p.m.	Colleen
Friday	March 6, 2015	NIACC (Mason City)	Mason City	IA	9:00-11:15 a.m.	Colleen

Illinois Fairs

Day	Date	Location	City	State	Time	Representative

Minnesota Fairs

Day	Date	Location	City	State	Time	Representative
Thursday	January 8, 2015	Metro Schools	Minneapolis	MN	10:00-12:00 p.m.	Colleen
Monday	January 12, 2015	Chisago Lakes High	Lindstrom	MN	6:30-8:00 p.m.	Sarah
Wednesday	January 14, 2015	Sauk Rapids High	Sauk Rapids	MN	4:00-7:00 p.m.	Sarah
Wednesday	January 21, 2015	Community of Peace Academy	St. Paul	MN	5:00-7:00 p.m.	Colleen
Wednesday	February 4, 2015	Andover High School	Andover	MN	8:30-10:00 a.m.	Colleen
Monday	March 16, 2015	Eagan High School	Eagan	MN	4:00 -6:00 p.m.	Colleen
Tuesday	March 17, 2015	St. Louis Park High School	St. Louis Park	MN	10:00-12:00 p.m.	Matt
Tuesday	March 17, 2015	Wayzata High School	Plymouth	MN	6:00-8:00 p.m.	Colleen
Wednesday	March 18, 2015	Edina High School	Edina	MN	11:00-1:00 p.m.	Matt
Wednesday	March 18, 2015	Farmington High School	Farmington	MN	4:00-6:00 p.m.	Colleen
Thursday	March 19, 2015	Hopkins High School	Hopkins	MN	12:00-2:00 p.m.	Matt
Thursday	March 19, 2015	Chaska High School	Chaska	MN	6:00-8:00 p.m.	Matt
Tuesday	March 24, 2015	Blaine High School	Blaine	MN	8:00-10:00 a.m	Colleen
Tuesday	March 24, 2015	Mahtomedi High School	Mahtomedi	MN	6:00-8:00 p.m.	Colleen
Wednesday	March 25, 2015	Champlin Park High School	Champlin	MN	12:00-2:00 p.m.	Colleen
Thursday	March 26, 2015	Anoka High School	Anoka	MN	8:00-10:00 a.m.	Colleen
Thursday	March 26, 2015	Coon Rapids	Coon Rapids	MN	12:00-2:00 p.m.	Colleen
Monday	April 20, 2015	Cretin-Derham High School	St. Paul	MN	7:00-9:00 p.m.	Colleen
Tuesday	April 21, 2015	Benilde-St. Margaret	St. Louis Park	MN	7:00-8:30 p.m.	Colleen
Wednesday	April 22, 2015	Academy of Holy Angels, St. Thomas Academy	Mendota Heights	MN	6:00-8:00 p.m.	Colleen
Thursday	April 23, 2015	Totino-Grace High School	Fridley	MN	TBD	Colleen

North Dakota Fairs

Day	Date	Location	City	State	Time	Representative

South Dakota Fairs

Day	Date	Location	City	State	Time	Representative
Wednesday	April 8, 2015	Lincoln High School	Sioux Falls	SD	8:45-11:30 a.m.	TBD
Wednesday	April 8, 2015	University of Sioux Falls	Sioux Falls	SD	12:30-2:00 p.m.	TBD
Thursday	April 9, 2015	Washington High School	Sioux Falls	SD	8:25-11:20 a.m.	TBD
Friday	April 10, 2015	Roosevelt High School	Sioux Falls	SD	8:45-11:30 a.m.	TBD

Wisconsin College Fairs

Day	Date	Location	City	State	Time	Representative

Michael Altomari – Admissions Officer

Phone Number: 507-389-5855
E-mail: michael.altomari@mnsu.edu

Advice to incoming Mavericks: It's repetitive but get involved and step out of your comfort zone! When I was in high school I always wanted to play lacrosse but was worried that I wouldn't cut it on the club team in high school. I came to campus and called the team up. The team was awesome! It was one of the best decisions I made in college! I didn't just learn lacrosse; I learned time management, leadership, and effective communication skills.
The most frequently played song on your iPod: My musical tastes are all over the place, but I tend to lean a bit more towards heavier music like Metallica or Led Zeppelin. I grew up listening to bands like the Beach Boys, Beatles, and Rolling Stones; those bands have a really special place in my heart.
What was your first job: Working at a gymnastics gym registering people for classes and helping to answer questions and in the off chance that one of the coaches weren't there I had to sub for them, which is really scary…I don't know how to do any gymnastics so when I did sub it was basically just 50 minutes of play time!
What job would you have if you listened to your 6 year old self: I was born in Michigan and they have Coney Island hot dog restaurants all over the place. Apparently I aspired to be a Coney Island chef.
The best thing about MSU is: The people! The faculty and staff genuinely care about the students' success here, which creates a great atmosphere and a tremendous learning environment.
Describe MSU in one word: Supportive
Cookies…crunchy or soft: Definitely soft.
When you aren't working what are you doing: I spend a ton of time with my family. We like to stay as active as we can. I play a lot of golf and softball during the summer as well as fish. During the winter we love snowmobiling and ice fishing.

Diane Berge, Ph.D. – Associate Director of Admissions

Phone Number: 507-389-1702
E-mail: diane.berge@mnsu.edu

Education: B.A. Education (French and Vocal Music), University of Minnesota-Morris M.S. Counseling and Student Personnel, Minnesota State University, Mankato Ph.D. Educational Policy and Administration, University of Minnesota
Favorite thing about Minnesota State University, Mankato: The large but personal flavor of our small campus with challenging programs from liberal arts to high technology.
Favorite thing about the community: A comfortable, smaller town feel but with many amenities of larger cities
Favorite Campus Activity: I have enjoyed shotokan karate training and Madrigal singers.

Sarah Schliesmann – Admissions Officer

Phone Number: 507-389-5855
E-mail: sarah.schliesmann@mnsu.edu

Advice to incoming Mavericks: Learn how to effectively use a planner! College is all about trying new things, learning new things, and getting to experience new things. Finding a balance between classes, homework, activities, organizations, meetings, jobs, friends, catching up on Game of Thrones, and everything else can be daunting. Learning how to keep track of everything right away will keep you from missing out on anything and just makes your life a whole lot easier!
The most frequently played song on your iPod: I’m a little bit of an Indi freak, so I’m all about the Indi/Pop covers. My current obsession is Tom Odell’s cover of Roar!
What was your first job: I was a customer service associate at a grocery store in high school.
What job would you have if you listened to your 6 year old self: I would currently be trekking around the world as a photojournalist for National Geographic.
The best thing about MSU is: That no matter the department you’re in, the students are always our number one priority!
Describe MSU in one word: Inspiring
Cookies…crunchy or soft: Soft and gooey on the inside, warm and crunchy on the outside.
When you aren't working what are you doing: You would probably find me outside either biking, hiking, or doing one of my favorite past times: hammocking!

Brian Jones – Director of Admissions

Phone Number: 507-389-2422
E-mail: brian.jones@mnsu.edu

Education: B.S. Mass Communications, Minnesota State University, Mankato M.S. Educational Leadership, Minnesota State University, Mankato
Favorite thing about Minnesota State University, Mankato: The Touchdown Tent during Homecoming
Favorite thing about the community: The North Mankato Fun Days Parade
Favorite Campus Activity: Intramural Soccer

Paulette Kimber – Admissions Officer

Phone Number: 507-389-3279
Email: paulette.kimber@mnsu.edu

Advice to incoming Mavericks: My advice to incoming Mavericks would be to be open minded. College is a great time to explore what your interest are, try new things, and meet new people from all over the globe. It may seem at first, but trust me… If you stick to it, you will have a lifetime of memories!
The most frequently played song on your iPod: I can't choose just ONE! I'm a big R&B junkie. I love Fantasia, Jennifer Hudson, Brandy, Letoya Luckett, Usher, Tamar Braxton, Toni Braxton, Monica, Elle Varner… and the list goes on!
What was your first job: My first job was working with a company called Tree Trust. Outside cleaning up highways and planting, long story short I quit after 3 days!
What job would you have if you listened to your 6 year old self: If I listened to my 6 year old self Oprah would have a run for her money! I would be the best talk show host on television. Watch out daytime, here comes Ms. Paulette! =)
The best thing about MSU is: On campus fairs because it's almost always a guarantee that there will be free. Also, I love when it gets warm out and everyone is outside barbequing, rollerblading, on walks, and doing other activities. It just makes Mankato feel a little more like home.
Describe MSU in one word: MAVPRIDE
Cookies…crunchy or soft: Not a huge cookie person. CANDY all the way. If I had to choose a cookie, I would say crunchy on the outside and soft in the inside.
When you aren't working what you are doing: When I'm not working or thinking about work (which often happened ;) I'm singing so loud my neighbors can probably hear me, on my cell phone (go figure), shopping, cooking, camping (I know right!), hanging out with family and friends, and enjoying life.

Carolyn Peterson Nelson – Assistant Director of Admissions

Phone Number: 507-389-5889
E-mail: carolyn.nelson@mnsu.edu

Education: B.S Political Science Minnesota State University, Mankato;
Pursuing M.S. Educational Leadership Minnesota State University, Mankato
Favorite thing about Minnesota State University, Mankato: The people—All the amazing faculty, staff, and friends I've met here!
Favorite thing about the community: Fall colors in the Minnesota River Valley. It's beautiful!
Favorite Campus Activity: Just one? There's so many! Alpha Chi Omega sorority, Campus Rec intramurals and aerobics, hockey (Go Mavs!) and free movies in the Student Union.

Colleen Hansen – Twin Cities Recruiter

Phone Number: 507-381-8676
E-mail: colleen.hansen@mnsu.edu

Advice to incoming Mavericks: Get involved with campus activities and organizations! Meet as many people as you can - it will make your college experience!
The most frequently played song on your iPod: Anything and everything Coldplay
What was your first job: Lifeguard
What job would you have if you listened to your 6 year old self: Doctor
The best thing about MSU is: The amazing faculty, staff, and students.
Describe MSU in one word: Remarkable
Cookies…crunchy or soft: Soft

Abby Ellis – Admissions Officer

Phone Number: 507-389-5038
E-mail: abby.ellis@mnsu.edu

Advice to incoming Mavericks: Get to know your professors, meet with your advisor every semester, stay organized, get involved on campus, and take advantage of every opportunity!
The most frequently played song on your iPod: "I'm in a Hurry" Alabama.
What was your first job: My first job was nannying which I did for 6 summers.
What job would you have if you listened to your 6 year old self: I would be a day care provider.
The best thing about MSU is: The opportunities that come from the diversity of majors, student organizations, and people on campus.
Describe MSU in one word: Self-empowering
Cookies…crunchy or soft: Soft!!!
When you aren't working what are you doing: I am on Pinterest, pretending I will be able to accomplish the crafts I pin! I also enjoy going for walks around Mankato, spending time at my parents cabin on weekends, and scrapbooking.

Matt Sidmore – Assistant Director

Phone Number: 507-389-5039
E-mail: matthew.sidmore@mnsu.edu

Advice to incoming Mavericks: Get involved! We have over 200 clubs/organizations to choose from, and the quickest way to get connected to the campus and meet others is by getting involved right away.
The most frequently played song on your iPod: I love all kinds of music, and being from Boston, we had an awesome music scene. Minneapolis has been no different, and I have found some awesome local bands out here. Lately my most played song has been "Rough" by Apollo Cobra a band coming out of Minneapolis.
What was your first job: I was 13, and I had two paper routes. I actually made a lot of money for a 13 year old kid…
What job would you have if you listened to your 6 year old self: Professional Golfer. I have played since I was a kid. Unfortunately, I love the game more than the game loves me.
The best thing about MSU is: The top-notch education our students get in conjunction with our amazing facilities and programs.
Describe MSU in one word: Opportunity
Cookies…crunchy or soft: Soft… Right out of the oven.
When you aren't working what are you doing: Grilling, exploring Minnesota, anything sports related, Spending the majority of my time with my wife, my golden retriever, and my family.

Jolissa Yonker – Graduate Assistant