I decided to attend the University of Minnesota after I was discharged from the U.S. Air Force. I knew I wanted to go to college, but I was hesitant because I was a first-generation student and had never taken my studies seriously. But once I was accepted I never looked back.

I explored my love of art until my wife Kathy asked me one day, “what are you going to do with that degree?” so I switched my focus to accounting and went into business.

My time at the University has impacted me so much both personally and professionally. Professionally, it gave me a world-class business degree that I used to launch my career in finance and consulting that has lasted over 40 years and is still going! Personally, it is the place that molded and enriched the lives of my three children and set the direction for their careers, making it a very special place for our whole family.