Past UESS Scholars
Thank you to all who completed the UESS Scholar Survey. Please submit updates when your information changes or if you have news to share. If you know of updates for other UESS Scholars, please email uessprogram@mnprivatecolleges.org
UESS Participants are encouraged to stay connected with current and former UESS Scholars through a variety of options including:
Online Scholar Survey (requested annually)
Facebook (Social Networking)
Linked In (Professional Networking)
| 2008 | 2002 |
| 2007 | 2001 |
| 2006 | 2000 |
| 2005 | 1999 |
| 2004 | 1998 |
| 2003 | 1997 |
Summer 2006
Erin Ancheta, St. Olaf College
Attending law school. Previously an Academic Advisor for the St. Olaf Upward Bound Program.
Surwat Ahmed, Concordia University
View E-Folio
Preparing for Praxis Exam.
James Autio, Hamline University
View E-Folio
Pilot Knob Elementary (Eagan, MN). Residency fellowship for poetry at the Vermont Studio Center in 2007. Recognition of Excellence from Educational Testing Service.
Bryana Bellard, St. Olaf College
Accepted into the Beijing New Oriental Foreign Language School at Yangzhou to teach English for one full year.
Julia Berry, College of St. Catherine
View E-Folio
Teaching English and Language Arts at Epsilon/HCHS - Intermediate District 287 (Minnetonka, MN)
Michael Bratsch, Concordia University
View E-Folio
Special Education Assistant for Minneapolis Public Schools.
Ernest Briggs, University of St. Thomas
View E-Folio
Bridges to Excellence in Urban Teaching and Pre-Service Teacher Coordinator at Hamline University, Center for Excellence in Urban Teaching. Previously School Success Program Assistant at Indian Education, Minneapolis Public Schools.
Jennifer Bynes, St. Olaf College
Graduated in May, 2007 with a BA in Social Studies Education and ELL licensure.
Frances Cleveland, Augsburg College
View E-folio
Still in school.
Stephen Cobb, Concordia University
Student Advocate with Chamlin Park High School (Champlin, MN)
Previously with Evergreen World Studies Elementary School (Brooklyn Park, MN)
Rolanda De Shield, Concordia University
View E-Folio
Fair Oak Elementary and Palmer Lake Elemetary - District 279 (Osseo, MN)
Kyoko Garrison, Concordia University
View E-folio
Eastview High School - District 196 (Apple Valley, MN)
Maggie Grage, Augsburg College
View E-Folio
Club Z Tutoring (Des Moines, IA)
Previously with Longfellow Elementary Humanities Magnet (SPPS). ETS Recognition of Excellence for PRAXIS II test scores NASA Undergraduate Space Grant, Spring 2007.
Shlynn Hayes, Augsburg College
View E-Folio
St. Louis Park High School (St. Louis Park, MN). Facilitates High Achievement Program, a support group for African American students in grades 9-12 meant to increase representation in advanced coursework at the senior high level. The group meets weekly with students who are registered for Advanced Placement, IB, or Honors for the first time. Members discuss barriers, successes, needs, etc. The students are supported in study skills, tutoring, study groups for exams, advocacy with instructors.
Lawrence Johnson, Concordia University
Teaching with Duval County Public Schools (Jacksonville, FL).
Anthony Larkin, Augsburg College
View E-Folio
Randolph Heights (SPPS)
Pa Kong Lee, Hamline University
Volunteer Coordinator with AmeriCorps Vista. Received a scholarship recognizing women who "Beat the Odds".
Misty Martinez, College of Saint Benedict
View E-folio
Spanish teacher at Montgomery County Public Schools (Rockville, MD).
Wanda McKenzie, Concordia University
View E-Folio
Emplyed in the Special Ed LD department at Robbinsdale Area Schools, (New Hope, MN).
Previously at Area Learning Center, ISD 196
Veu Thor, Concordia University
Ames Elementary School (SPPS). Assists different grades with small group focus in reading, writing and math. Assist parents with registrations and school related home visits. Nominated as paraprofessional of the year in 2004 and 2005. Awards from St. Paul School District for outstanding job in field of educational assistance in 2003, 2004 and 2005. In 2006 the funding for the awards ceremony was discontinued.
Ashleigh Tillman, Hamline University
Teaching 9th and 10th grade English at Dunwoody Academy Charter School (Minneapolis, MN).
Previously North Community High School (Minneapolis, MN).
Melissa Wilson, Hamline University
View E-Folio
Enrolled in graduate school at Hamline University.
Previously with Admission Possible at North Community High School.
Summer 2005
Vincent Almeda, Concordia University
Pursuing Licensure. Physical Education (K-12) and Health (5-12).
Mary Alvarez-Jackson, College of St. Catherine
View E-folio
Relocated to Arizona. Previously with Department of Safety at the College of St. Catherine.
Sousada Chidthachack, University of St. Thomas
View E-folio
Math teacher at Dunwoody Academy Charter School (Minneapolis, MN)
Sonali Das, College of St. Catherine
Substitute Teaching.
Ahmed Elmi, Hamline University
Lighthouse Academy of Nations Charter School (Minneapolis, MN)
Vee-Musa Fofana, University of St. Thomas
Administrator of Fofana Education Fund.
Linda Gibbs, Augsburg College
View E-folio
Avalon School in St. Paul. Formerly at Urban League Academy High School (Minneapolis, MN). Recognized as Educator of the Year in 2003 at Street Academy High School.
Nou Her, College of St. Catherine
Teaching at Jackson Preparatory Magnet Elementary School (SPPS). Previously served as Education Director at the Boys and Girls Club in the Twin Cities. Formerly an Assistant Language Teacher in Japan.
Daphne Ho, University of St. Thomas
View E-folio
Previously AmeriCorps Volunteer Coordinator at North High.
Ahmed Kenyan, Hamline University
Teaching at Roosevelt High School (Minneapolis, MN).
Denee Kuykendall, Hamline University
View E-folio
Dunwoody Academy Charter School (Minneapolis, MN).
Jonathan Lee, Bethel University
View E-folio
Valley View Elementary (Bloomington, MN)
Sarah Leitner, St. Olaf College
View E-folio
Charles Lemon, Augsburg College
Joyce Marrie, Augsburg College
View E-folio
Executive Director at Crossroads Panorama -Youth Education Through the Arts. Marrie has many years of experience in drama, which includes operating a community theater group; offering drama therapy to Educational facilities, community settings, helping students to excel in their academics, resolve conflict and writing, producing, directing numerous youth drama activities; portraying historic character and mini presentations.
Edna McKenzie, University of St. Thomas
Special Education at West Metro Education Program (WMEP) District 6069
Adrian Mitchell, Concordia University
Alvin Mitchell, Hamline University
View E-folio
Children and Families Outreach Coordinator at Mounds Park United Methodist Church.
Allan Olvera, Hamline University
View E-folio
Student teaching at Southwest High School (Minneapolis, MN).
Marcus Rupert, Concordia University
Government Education Account Manager at Best Buy
Myji Shopa Olsen, College of St. Scholastica
United Health Group
Lonal Van, Concordia University
UPS Sales Support Representative
Cheng Vang, Hamline University
View E-folio
Sandra (Xiong) Vang, College of St. Catherine
View E-folio
Teaching 7th grad English at Humboldt Jr. High, (SPPS). Previously at Arlington High School (SPPS).
Latillia Warren, College of St. Catherine
Still in school.
Summer 2004
Christina Ashford, Hamline University
Graduate School, College of St. Catherine
View E-folio
Completing Masters Education K-8 licensure. Previously at Ramsey Junior High (SPPS)
Chris Chaney, Concordia University
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Alberta Chang, Concordia University
View E-folio
Fumni Fadirepo, Concordia University
View E-folio
Teaching 2nd grade at Longfellow Elementary (Eden Prairie, MN).
Sholanda Flowers, Concordia University
AVID/MYP Outreach Coordinator (SPPS). Previously Cultural Specialist at Capital Hill Gifted and Talented Magnet (SPPS)
Wesley Hill, Concordia University
Life Skills Worker/Mental Health Practitioner at Generations Community Support Services in the Twin Cities.
Courtney Humm, St. Olaf College
After teaching at Woodstock International School in Mussoorie, India for two years Courtney is earning a Master's of Education at the Harvard Graduate School of Education.
Angeline Ibarra, College of St. Catherine
View E-folio
Substitute teacher. (SPPS)
Eman Ibrahim, Concordia University
View E-folio
Tiza Academy (Inver Grove Heights, MN).
Ubah Jama, Concordia University
View E-folio
Wellstone Elementary (SPPS)
Krisann Johnson, College of St. Catherine
View E-folio
Substitute teaching. Will be the Executive Director of Children's Defense Freedon School in Jult 2009. (Georgia). Other roles include Research professional in Atlanta, GA. Syllables LLC, a tutorial business and developing curriculum to work with students who are failing reading and writing in school.
Brendan Lucio, University of St. Thomas
View E-folio
Reserve Teacher, (Minneapolis Public Schools)
Shirley Merriett, Augsburg College
View E-folio
Osseo Area Schools
Jazz-Lyn (Burch) Parlet, Augsburg College
Parenting
Josh Prigge, Concordia University
View E-folio
Soonchunhyang University in Korea.
Perrilyn Rittman, Augsburg College
View E-folio
Still in school.
Ben Skoglund, Saint John's University
View E-folio
Student at University of Minnesota Law School. Previously with Indian Mounds Elementary (Bloomington, MN). Published article in the Star Tribune on a lesson about Rosa Parks.
Yarzue Slowan, Augsburg College
Theresa Thao-Yang, Concordia University
Teacher at Oakdale Elementary School, ISD 622 (Oakdale, MN).
Angelica Torralba, St. Olaf College
Augsburg Fairview Academy, (Minneapolis, MN)
Chang Vang, Hamline University
View E-folio
Sheryl Wallace Holman, Augsburg College
Special Education Assistant at Northrop Elementary (Minneapolis Public Schools)
Mee Xiong, Hamline University
View E-folio
Pa Kou Yang, Augsburg College
Youth Program Coordinator at Hmong Youth Education Services.
Bao Yang, Concordia University
View E-folio
Hayden Heights (SPPS).
Summer 2003
Natasha Brown-Guhin, Hamline University
View E-folio
Hopkins West Junior High (Minnetonka, MN).
Chris Dennis, Concordia University
Undergraduate Recruitment at University of California, Riverside (CA)
Larry Dunigan, Augsburg College
View E-folio
Katina Edwards, Concordia University (Graduate School)
Teaching first grade at Eastern Heights Elementary School (SPPS). Previously at Soul Academy Charter School (Minneapolis, MN).
Rikiee Ellis, Concordia University
Parenting.
Lauren Everett, Hamline University
Certification Specialist, MN EMS Regulatory Board
Heather (Graff) Salberg, Concordia University
Valley View Elementary (Bloomington, MN)
Maxine Hall, Hamline University
Robin Harmon, Concordia University
Director of Union Gospel Mission Childcare Center (St. Paul, MN)
Kelina Her, Augsburg College
Japanese Exchange and Teaching Program. Previously Mentor Program Coordinator for Hmong Youth Education Services (HYES). Summer 2007 UESS Program Associate.
Mai Doua "Nancy" Her, Gustavus Adolphus College
Not Teaching
Michael Houston, Concordia University
Roger Kerbage, Hamline University
View E-folio
High school ESL teacher at Ubah Medical Academy Charter School (Hopkins, MN).
Brian Massie, Augsburg College
Reserve Teacher, (Minneapolis Public Schools)
Nicole Nelson, St. Olaf College
Currently Interim Principal/Assistant Director. Social studies teacher at Minnesota International Middle School (Minneapolis, MN) where she is also a board member. Nicole served as the Summer 2007 UESS Program Fellow.
Henriette Ngo-Bissoy, Hamline University
French Immersion (SPPS).
Apelila (April) Peniata, Macalester College
Graduate School at Hamline University.
FAIR School West Metro Education Program (WMEP), (Minneapolis, MN)
Steven Rajewsky, University of St. Thomas
View E-folio
Intercollegiate Athletics at Ball State University (Muncie, IN)
Marcela Sanchez, Hamline University
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Brian Swann, Carleton College
Assistant Dean of Admission at Carleton College. Previously Pre-Service New Teacher Coordinator.
Nao Thao, Concordia University
Jackson Preparatory Magnet School (SPPS).
Chao Vang, Concordia University
Battle Creek Elementary (SPPS).
Esther Vang, Concordia University
Lesly Vang, Bethel University
Chua Xiong, Concordia University
Wijit Xiong, Concordia University
Washington Technology Middle School (SPPS).
Yang Xiong, Concordia University
Phalen Lake Elementary (SPPS).
Enitan Yarbrough, Augsburg College
View E-folio
Teaching at Emerson Spanish Immersion (Minneapolis Public Schools). Previously (SPPS).
Anna Young, Saint Mary's University of Minnesota
Program Coordinator, Chosen to Achieve (SPPS).
Summer 2002
Lily Ailabouni, Concordia University
Expo Elementary (SPPS). Previously at Monroe Community School (SPPS).
Dega Ali, Augsburg College
Don Bradford, Saint Mary's University of Minnesota
FCC (Rochester, MN)
Lupita Forsyth, St. Olaf College
Sandra Forsyth, St. Olaf College
Hamline University, M.A.
Assistant Director of Admissions, Full-timeUST MBA Programs, University of St. Thomas
Mayuko Iwaki, Bethel University
ESL teacher at Folk Arts-Cultural Treasures Charter School. (Philadelphia, PA).
Andrea Kleven Croaston, Gustavus Adolphus College
Jitendrapal Kundan, Augsburg College
On Leave, previously Windom Open, (Minneapolis Public Schools).
Tien Le, Hamline University
Kindergarten teacher at Adams Spanish Immersion (SPPS)
Alana Lucio, University of St. Thomas
Whittier International Elementary School (Minneapolis Public Schools).
Susanne Maldonado, College of Saint Benedict
Harding High School, (SPPS)
Sharon Nelson, Concordia University
Carmen Pouncy, Concordia University
Michelle Rodgers, Augsburg College
Last known: Webster Open School (Minneapolis Public Schools).
Yia Rosie Thao, Augsburg College
New Millenium Academy (Minneapolis, MN)
Alice Vang, Hamline University
Grade 1 LA/ELL teacher at Bruce F. Vento Elementary School (SPPS).
Joanne Vang, Concordia University
District Headquarters (SPPS).
Ying Vang, Concordia University
Teaching at Mississippi Creative Arts School (SPPS). Previously at Maxfield Elementary (SPPS).
Nouny Vu, University of St. Thomas
Zong Vue, Concordia University
Transportation, (Minneapolis Public Schools).
Elizabeth Xiong Young, University of St. Thomas
Ascension School (Minneapolis, MN)
May Lor Xiong, Concordia University
Longfellow Elementary Humanities Magnet (SPPS).
Summer 2001
LaJune Cain, University of St. Thomas
Admissions at Minneapolis Community and Technical College.
Larone Greer, Augsburg College
Social Worker in Wright County, MN. Previously with Project Kofi (St. Paul, MN)
Rachelle Kerschbaum Davila, College of St. Catherine
Self-Employed. Previously with SPPS.
Pao-Yang Lee (Pao Kong Thao), Concordia University
Teaching at Skyview Middle School. ISD 622, (Oakdale, MN)
Nitika Lynum, Augsburg College
In Arizona
Lyndzee McDaniel, Augsburg College
In Florida
Barbara McDavid, Hamline University
Mary Moua, Gustavus Adolphus College
Student Placement Center (SPPS)
Partick Mushale, Hamline University
In Ohio
Ngan Nguyen, Bethel University
(SPPS)
Amanda Norman, College of St. Scholastica
Elk River School District 728 (Elk River, MN)
Onique Phillips, University of St. Thomas
Shalinda Sherrod, Augsburg College
Teaching at Birch Grove Elementary, ISD 279 (Brooklyn Park, MN)
George Sorrells, Augsburg College
Behavior Support at Loring School (Minneapolis, MN)
Vidya Sivan, Gustavus Adolphus College
Communication Coordinator at Harvard Kennedy School (Boston, MA). Previously Academy of the Pacific Rim Charter School (Hyde Park, MA)
Christine (Stang) Palmquist, St. Olaf College
Hazel Park Middle School (SPPS)
Kelly Vang, Concordia University
Kindergarten teacher at Prairie Seeds Academy. (Brooklyn Park, MN) Previously at Southeast Asian Community Council (Minneapolis, MN)
Lee Vang, Concordia University
Hazel Park Middle School (SPPS)
Summer 2000
Tayyibah Amatullah, College of St. Catherine
Roosevelt School District (Phoenix, AZ). Previously taught at Mounds Park Academy (St. Paul, MN)
Ruth Baires, College of St. Catherine
Graduate School, Capella University
Diversity Program Manager, Mayo Clinic School of Medicine
Evan Bass, Macalester College
In Arizona
Cori (Beecham) Thompson, Hamline University
Graduate School, Hamline University Graduate School of Education
6th grade Social Studies teacher at Valley View Middle School (Bloomington Public Schools).
Rosina Bennett, Bethel University
Kimberley Burrows, College of Saint Benedict
In Bahamas
Mariana Campbell, Hamline University
ALC Gordon Parks High (SPPS)
Bethany Dawson, Hamline University
Tondaleria Fair, Augsburg College
In Arizona
Patricia Hampton, College of St. Catherine
Woodson Institute for Student Excellence (Minneapolis, MN).
Amanda Herr, Concordia University
Pang Kang, Concordia University
Phalen Lake Elementary (SPPS)
Flora Lee, Concordia University
Previously (Minneapolis Public Schools).
James Lewis, University of St. Thomas
Akbar Muhammad, Concordia University
Teacher at St. Paul Academy and Summit School
Koryn Saunders, Concordia University
Arlington High School (SPPS)
Vilai Tchaa, Concordia University
Financial Service Officer, Affinity Plus Credit Union
Kher Thao, Concordia University
Karis Thompson, Concordia College (Moorhead)
Redeemer Center for Life, a non-profit organization which directs you and housing programs. (North Minneapolis, MN)
Lia Vang, Concordia University
Sweeny Elementary Shakopee Public Schools - District 720
Stephanie Vibar, University of St. Thomas
Kor Xiong, University of St. Thomas
President, Hmong Wisconsin Radio
Tammy Xiong, Concordia University
Kindergarten teacher at Farnsworth Aerospace Magnet Elementary (SPPS)
Teng Xiong, Concordia University
Summer 1999
Gregory Barrett, Augsburg College
American Indian Magnet (SPPS)
Billy Chan, Concordia University
Teaching at Linwood A+ Elementary (SPPS). Previously at Murray Junior High (SPPS)
Tracey (Burns) Cross, Augsburg College
5th grade teacher at Galtier Magnet Elementary School (SPPS) and Milken Family Foundation National Educator Award, 2008. Additional Article from SPPS.
Denise Erickson, College of St. Catherine
Robbinsdale Area Schools
Margene Guerrero, Macalester College
In New York
Stephen Heimer, St. Olaf College
Program Director for Ysleta Lutheran Mission, a non-profit that works with at-risk children and youth. (El Paso, TX).
Marcee (Mackbee) Harris, University of St. Thomas
Community of Peace Academy Charter School (St. Paul, MN)
Wali Osborne, St. Olaf College
Lynn Pham, University of St. Thomas
Evening Enrichment Coordinator, Title 1 Homeless Program (SPPS). Previously with the Student Placement Center.
Peter Rockwell, Bethel University
Working with family business in Illinois. Previously at Monroe Achievement Plus Community School, (SPPS).
Amanda Rudolph, Macalester College
Sara Schwebach, Concordia College
Leyden Streed, Augsburg College
Pada Thor Yang, Concordia University
Patient Financial Services, Fairview Hospital
Tammy Wilson Newell, College of St. Catherine
Emily Yanez Suedbeck, College of Saint Benedict
Khou Yang, Augsburg College
Child Care Provider, Self-Employed
Summer 1998
Dewi Angkasa, Hamline University
Heidi (Barklow) Saari, College of St. Benedict
Heritage Middle School, ISD 197
Maria Bucio, Carleton College
Attending Graduate School at Northeastern Illinois University and employed by Illinois Student Assistance Commission.
Sarah Carter, University of St. Thomas
Graduate School, College of St. Catherine
Formerly North End Elementary (SPPS). Left to pursue a new career as a librarian.
Jeremy Cotton, University of St. Thomas
Last known: St. Peter Claver School (St. Paul, MN)
James de Leon, Saint John's University
Tonika Garibaldi, St. Olaf College
Maria Graver, Carleton College
Chinda Gregor, University of St. Thomas
Washburn Elementary (Bloomington, MN)
Michelle Highman, Concordia College
Teaching in Fargo, ND.
Barbara Keith Bliss, St. Olaf College
Graduate School, University of St. Thomas
5th grade teacher at Vadnais Heights Elementary School (White Bear Lake Area Public Schools - ISD #624).
Katherine Link, Bethel University
Monica Love, Augsburg College
Last known: Washburn High School, (Minneapolis Public Schools).
Socorro Moss, College of St. Catherine
Last known: Jackson Preparatory Magnet, (SPPS).
Sankream Prak, Concordia College
Murray Junior High, (SPPS).
Valeria Schenck, Hamline University
Jesse Stobb, Bethel University
Last known: Oakdale Schools, District 622
Vong Thor, Concordia University
Scout Reach District Executive, Boy Scouts of America
Thanh Tran, St. John's University
Graduate School at Saint Mary's University of Minnesota.
Teaching at Arlington High School (New Brighton, MN). Lead teacher for the school. Works with 4th graders who are struggling in reading, writing, and math.
Chao Yang, Concordia University
May Yang, St. Olaf College
Last known: Humboldt Sr. High, (SPPS).
Michael Zuniga, Gustavus Adolphus College
Serve Minnesota
Summer 1997
Adayle Andrews, Augsburg College
Battle Creek Middle School, (SPPS)
Alicia Bowman, Macalester College
Elena Contreras Gullickson, Carleton College
Parenting, Formerly Harding High School, (SPPS)
Mark Fierst, Gustavus Adolphus College
Spring Lake Park High School, District 16
Nou Lee, Concordia University
Last known: Jordan Park Elementary School (Minneapolis Public Schools).
Alberto Lopez, Concordia College
In Illinois
Stacie Moore, College of St. Catherine
Last known: Wellstone Elementary, (SPPS)
Isis (Roper) Buchanan, Bethel University
Graduate School, Hamline University
Milken Family Foundation National Educator Award, 2006. Teaching at Crossroads Elementary (SPPS). KARE 11 Sunrise Snapshot Honoree, 2003. Recognized as a community member that goes above and beyond to help in the community.
Jeneva Sam, St. Olaf College
Alaskool, (Alaska)
Shawn Stibbins, Hamline University
Graduate School, Hamline University
Roseville Area School District, ISD 623
Athletic Staff, Augsburg College
Jenny Stock, University of St. Thomas
Last known: Blessed Trinity School (Richfield, MN)
Angela Tonia, College of St. Scholastica
Last known: Computer/Ojibwe Language Specialist, American Indian Magnet (SPPS)
Thanh Tran, Saint John's University
4th grade teacher at North End Elementary, (SPPS)
Stephanie Webster-Thomas, Augsburg College
Graduate School, Saint Mary's University of Minnesota
Anishinabe Academy- a Native American school (Minneapolis Public Schools).
Angela Wenker, College of Saint Benedict
Wheelock School, (SPPS)