Save the Date: Fall Events!

Alumni Newsletter Minnesota Evans Scholars

In this issue: - Fall Alumni

Events

- Scholar Spotlight: Josh Romportl

- Alumni – Scholar Mentorship

- Alumni Spotlight: Swannies Footwear

Note from the President Hello all, So far the year has gotten off to a year start. Everyone has moved into the house and our new scholars are getting acclimated. They're settling into their rooms and growing accustomed to all the new changes that come with a college lifestyle. We have high hopes for them as they strive for the freshman grade trophy, as well as high hopes for the house after our performance last year. We're looking forward to another great year and bringing the grade trophy back to where it belongs. Thank you as always for your continued support of the house and the scholarship. -Charlie Bulger

Michigan Game Tailgating! Oct. 31st 1pm

Career Night! Nov. 16th 8pm Come offer insight into your career for the scholars! See

below for details.

F A L L 2 0 1 6

- Evans House @ 1pm Lunch

- 3pm Tailgate in St. Paul

MINNESOTA EVANS SCHOLARS FALL 2016

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Scholar Highlight: Josh Romportl

Studied abroad Spring ‘15 in Singapore, at

Singapore Management University

School Highlights Josh studied at Singapore Management University (SMU) in the heart of the city. He took on 16 credits in classes of marketing, accounting, and international economics and finance. Josh had the unique opportunity to start a business as a part of the coursework at SMU, the proceeds of which went to mistreated individuals in Singapore. “I learned how to analyze site traffic and grow a customer base, things I had little knowledge of previously,” said Josh, “It was great to get ‘hands-on’ experience in an international

setting.”

Travel Highlights While he was not involved with coursework, Josh traveled to 9 different countries! These ranged from China to the north to Indonesia to the south. “If I had to pick a favorite, I couldn’t; each country brought a different experience to try.” Some of the locations he traveled to were Mui Ne (Vietnam), Siem Reap (Cambodia), Gili Islands and Bali (Indonesia), and Beijing (China). “I saw many people and cultures, the first-hand experience showed me just how interconnected they are. I would back in a heartbeat!”

Some of Josh’s takeaways from being abroad were learning to value independence, gawking at the Singaporean cleanliness, and appreciating the ways that the South Asian countries are different.

MINNESOTA EVANS SCHOLARS FALL 2016

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Alumni – Active Mentorship Program

Take part in a brand-new WGA initiative!

For more information about the program, contact Amy Lillibridge at

lillibridge@wgaesf.org

Who: All current Actives and Alumni!

What: A mentorship opportunity!

When: Ongoing, new mentorship matches each year!

Where: Meeting in-person and virtually around the country!

Why: To foster a learning opportunity for scholars and a way for alumni to give back. To give scholars an opportunity to explore different careers and get real advice on desired career paths.

MINNESOTA EVANS SCHOLARS FALL 2016

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Alumni Spotlight: Swannies Footwear

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Kickstarter, winning the Carlson School “Biz Pitch” competition, and participating in a Shark Tank audition.

All this success can be credited a lot to the founders’ background with the Evans program. “Without the Evans Scholarship, building the company would not have been possible.” Said Hau.

With product set to be released in early 2016, Swannies is bound to make a splash! The versatile sandal is making the game more friendly…and fun! More information can be found on the Swannies site at swanniesfootwear.com

Upcoming Event: Career Night

Monday November 16th - 8pm Start - Introductory Speech from Featured Alum - Break out groups with scholars with

relevant majors - Contact Josh Kelley at kell1155@umn.edu

to sign up!

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One of the recent success stories to come out of the Minnesota Evans chapter in the last few years is Swannies Footwear, a small business dedicated to bringing consumers “Golf Wear For Anywhere”. This is a world-class sandal for golf. Founded by Matthew Stang (Class of ‘13), Joe Hau (Class of ’13), and Sam Swanson earlier this year, Swannies has already seen success this year. “The whole idea behind the product is that you as the golfer don’t have to go out and dress up to play. Comfort is key.” Said Mike Hau, Swannies’ marketing guru.

The new company was voted “Best New Product” at the 2015 Minnesota Golf Show as well as receiving full backing from a successful