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Meet the Newest Young Professionals
Rachel Bode | Customer Service Representative, Chris Willaert Farmer's Insurance Agency
 | What do you do in your current position? In my position I service current and potential client needs as well as assisting with marketing and day to day operations of the agency. Education and course of study (certificates, licenses, etc.) I have a bachelor's degree in corrections. I am licensed in property and casualty insurance. In addition, I am getting licensed in life and health insurance. What are you most looking forward to about being in the Young Professionals program? I am looking forward to networking and making connections with the young professionals of Mankato. Tell us some exciting news about yourself! I am engaged and planning on getting married August 16, 2019. |
Allison Blazek | Digital Media Specialist, Lime Valley Advertising
 | What do you do in your current position? - Research, create and continuously improve Google Ads campaigns - Implement Search Engine Optimization (SEO) plans - Serve as editor an editor for projects - Write copy for marketing materials - Perform research for public relations, advertising, and web projects Education and course of study (certificates, licenses, etc.) Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration from Bethany Lutheran College What are you most looking forward to about being in the Young Professionals program? I am looking forward to the opportunity to network and learn new things. Tell us some exciting news about yourself! I am engaged and planning on getting married August 16, 2019. Joined January 2019 |
Murphy Grotewold | Optometrist, Carlson Tillisch Eye Clinic
 | What do you do in your current position? I provide comprehensive eye care examinations to assist people in their eye care needs while evaluating their ocular health. This includes: -writing prescriptions for glasses and contact lenses -providing medical health examinations including care and management various conditions such as: glaucoma macular degeneration, diabetes, and hypertension -managing ocular emergencies -fitting speciality contact lenses to assist with corneal diseases -co-managing surgical patients after procedures such as: cataract surgery, LASIK, PRK Education and course of study (certificates, licenses, etc.) Bachelors of Science: Minnesota State University, Mankato Doctorate of Optometry: Indiana University What are you most looking forward to about being in the Young Professionals program? Tell us some exciting news about yourself! I'll be heading on my 3rd international service trip from March 31st – April 7th. I'll be traveling to Costa Rica to provide eye examinations on Nicaraguan refugees. |
Victoria Vogel | Sales Manager, Hilton Garden Inn
 | What do you do in your current position? I work with groups coming to Mankato that need room blocks. I work with businesses and leisure groups on booking meeting space. I take care of all the catering order for the meetings and events. I make sales calls and bring new business to the hotel. Education and course of study (certificates, licenses, etc.) I graduated from Mankato East High school. From there I studied at South Central College in North Mankato where I graduated with my Marketing degree. What are you most looking forward to about being in the Young Professionals program? Meeting the other individuals in the group and being able to network. Tell us some exciting news about yourself! I am married to my wonderful husband Nate who works as an Ex. Chef at the MSU Dining Center. I am currently pregnant with our first child and I am due in July!!!! |
Garrett Clause | General Dentist, Commerce Drive Dental Group
 | What do you do in your current position? As a general dentist, I see a little bit of everything. We have patients from 6 months old up to 99 years and above. We work hard on prevention but also help treat all sorts of tooth problems. I really enjoy the variety! Education and course of study (certificates, licenses, etc.) Mankato East High School (2007) Gustavus Adolphus College: BA in Chemistry/Biochemistry with Studio Art Minor (2011) The University of Minnesota, School of Dentistry: DDS (2015) What are you most looking forward to about being in the Young Professionals program? I look forward to networking with my peers and building more of a relationship within the Mankato community. Tell us some exciting news about yourself! My wife, Caroline, and I moved to Saint Peter in fall of 2018 and have been renovating our house, doing a fair amount of the work ourselves. We are both Gusties and happy to be back in town. |
Jaqui Menke | Communications & Events Coordinator, Minnesota State University, Mankato Career Development Center
 | What do you do in your current position? As Communications & Events Coordinator for the Career Development Center at Minnesota State University, Mankato, Jaqui is responsible for developing and coordinating the marketing, promotional, and communication efforts of the Career Development Center (CDC). She is also responsible for managing the CDC's on-campus interview program and assisting with the coordination of career events. This includes working with department colleagues and other University staff to develop effective electronic and print materials and online/social media messaging to enhance student and employer participation in Center programs, services, resources, and events. Education and course of study (certificates, licenses, etc.) Bachelor of Arts degree from Minnesota State University, Mankato in English with an emphasis in Literature and a minor in History What are you most looking forward to about being in the Young Professionals program? Connecting with other Young Professionals in the community and developing professionally! Tell us some exciting news about yourself! I traveled around England, Northern Ireland, Ireland, and Sweden last summer which was my first time overseas and I can't wait to travel some more! |
