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<DOCID>Michelle_Thalacker.doc.txt</DOCID>
<AUTHOR>Amanda Reed</AUTHOR>
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Michelle Thalacker is LSSUs Student Life Director and she has guided the Student Activities Board in the direction of success. This years board is gaining a great new group of students. These students have gone to activities the board planned in the previous week, such as the music and games on Brady lawn, the Wacky IM Olympics, the drive-in movie, and the food and games at Sherman Park. Many ears have heard students say what a great time they had at these activities and many have already begun suggesting and planning new ideas for the year. Michelle and Amy Chrispell, who is this years Student Activities Board Director, work hand-in-hand to pull off fun activities for the student body. When attending the events, there is so much enthusiasm that permeates the air in a way that is hard not to believe that this will be a great year for the Activities Board, which in turn will reflect on the general attitude of the campus.



Michelles goals and experiences play an influential part in the way things are done in and out of the Activities Board meetings. First off, she had never planned to be the Director of Student Life. She obtained her Bachelors Degree in English at the University of Wisconsin where she was a hall director. Also, Michelle was a hall director at the University of Minnesota and the University of Kearney, where she obtained her Masters Degree in Education. During college, her experiences range from taking part in the Student Activities Board, to getting involved in photography as well as being a Resident Assistant. 



Michelle obviously has the qualities and experience that it takes to be the Student Life Director. Her strong sense of leadership and previous experience with student activity boards enable her to excel in what she does. It was about getting back to my roots, Michelle said, about coming to work at Lake State. She also mentioned that she likes the outdoors and how beautiful it is up here.



Michelles goals for the academic year revolve around making the college experience at Lake State a great one for students. Among many of her goals, she stated that she would like to make a difference, be a positive resource and role model for the students, and to educate the students on their role in the larger community as citizens and leaders. These are the three goals she shared and it is obvious how much meaning there is behind them. Michelle has the students interests at heart and as she said, My door is always open. Meaning if a student needs to talk to her they have every opportunity to do so. I dont have a door, but when I get one you will see that it is open more often than not. 



With a great leader like Michelle Thalacker and the help of Amy Chrispell at her side, this year will be full of surprises and motivation and enthusiasm from the rest of the board is sure to flood the campus and those who get in on the action the Activities Board has to offer. Amy and Michelle mentioned, Its your money, let us know what you want and we will try to work it out for you. If any one is interested in voicing any opinions or ideas, the Activities Board meets every Wednesday at eight in the evening. To find out where, just check with someone who is on the board or ask Amy or Michelle. 
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