Alumni News and Notes

From the Fall/Winter, 2008 issue (Vol. 7 No. 3) of the Community Leader newsletter:

‘Leadership Notes and News’ is a regular feature of Community Leader celebrating the accomplishments and endeavors of Blandin Foundation Leadership Program alumni as well as the communities which have been served by its programs.  This issue features Jeff Borling, Jennifer Hawkins, Julie Munger, Roger Reinert and Laura Sieger.

Five BCLP alumni were named to the Duluth News-Tribune’s 20 under 40 list of young achievers this fall.  Here’s a brief overview of each honoree:

Jeff Borling, 2008 BCLP alum, is a 28-year-old research and communication manager for the Area Partnership for Economic Expansion (APEX).  Jeff’s community involvement includes: capital campaign manager for the local YMCA, division manager and mentor for Mentor Duluth, board member for SOAR Career Solutions, marketing committee chairman for the Iron Range Economic Alliance, and board member for the Twin Ports Inventors and Entrepreneurs Club.

Jennifer Hawkins, 2007 BCLP alum, is a 31-year-old senior economic development analyst at Minnesota Power. Jennifer’s community involvement includes: Rotary 25 Club member, board member for the Safe Haven Shelter, board member for the Northspan Group, advisory committee member for Northland Connection, capital campaign committee for the Lake Superior Regional Family Justice Center and board member for the League of Women Voters of Duluth.

Julie Munger, 2007 BCLP alum, is a 33-year-old community activist currently working on a plan for a new business. Julie’s community involvement includes: mentor for Mentor Duluth, board member for the University of Minnesota, Duluth Alumni Board and involvement with Fuse Duluth and Bridge Syndicate.

Roger Reinert, 2007 BCLP alum, is a 38-year-old adjunct faculty member of Lake Superior College and the University of Minnesota Duluth, Duluth City Councilor (at-large) and City Council President. In November 2008, he was elected to the Minnesota House of Representatives in District 7B. Roger’s community involvement includes: board member for VisitDuluth, board member for Inline Marathon and Duluth Airshow, past board member for Renegade Theatre, Breakwater Healthcare Purchasing Alliance and KidsVote Duluth, volunteer for Neighborhood Housing Services and regular attendee of Asbury United Methodist Church. (Photo courtesy of the City of Duluth website)

Laura Sieger, 2008 BCLP alum, is a 37-year-old vice president with WestmorelandFlint. Laura is a Duluth native who moved away to go college, then returned to the area to raise her family. She helps clients grow their business through strategic marketing communications. She also is a member of Rotary Club 25.