MARSHALL — Southwest Minnesota State University has named its four 2025 Alumni Award recipients, recognizing former students and their journeys, during homecoming week.

The recipients include Neal Wahlman ’75 of Plymouth, Gary Whitney ’96 of Mankato, Graduate of the Last Decade (GOLD) Award presented to Rebecca (Sommer) Cooper ’16 of Sioux Falls, S.D., and Honorary Lifetime Membership in the SMSU Alumni Association being given to Duane Carrow of Marshall.

Neal Wahlman ’75: A testament to the power of involvement

When it comes to life’s journey, few have navigated it quite like Neal Wahlman, a proud alumnus of SMSU. This year, Wahlman’s remarkable path is being recognized as he receives the Alumni Achievement Award.

Wahlman’s adventure started in the early 1970s, a time of change and possibility. After deciding to pursue a career in accounting, he and his family began searching for the right college. Growing up in Iowa, Wahlman wasn’t particularly drawn to the larger universities nearby. He was looking for something different–something that felt more personal and full of potential. That’s when he discovered SMSU, a relatively new institution at the time.

“The first time I visited SMSU, I felt a spark,” Wahlman recalls. “Everything was fresh and vibrant, and it felt like this was where I could really grow.”

He enrolled in 1971 and proudly graduated in 1975. But, his time at SMSU was about much more than textbooks and lectures. It was a time of transformation, filled with personal growth, meaningful friendships and unforgettable experiences.

From concert band and choir to student government and campus clubs, Wahlman dove headfirst into university life. His love for music played a huge role in shaping his college experience. He wasn’t just a casual participant–he was a dedicated member of both the concert band and choir.

One of the most memorable moments of his time at SMSU was a nine-week European tour with the concert choir in 1972. “That trip was life-changing,” he says. “We rode a Greyhound bus to New York, flew out from JFK, and performed concerts in beautiful churches all over Europe. It was beyond anything I could have imagined.”

Despite his deep involvement in the arts, Wahlman never lost sight of his academic goals. Balancing music and accounting wasn’t always easy, but he found a rhythm that worked. “You know, music and accounting might seem different, but they both have rules and structures that mirror one another. There’s a rhythm to both,” he explains.

That balance helped him thrive. As a student, Wahlman also took on leadership roles in student government, serving as student body treasurer and vice president of judicial affairs.

After graduation, Wahlman transitioned smoothly into the workforce. Armed with his accounting degree and a strong work ethic, he quickly built a reputation as a reliable and skilled professional.

Wahlman earned his MBA from the University of St. Thomas and Certified Management Accountant designation, and went on to hold leadership roles in several organizations. He spent 17 years at SuperValu, a major grocery chain in the Midwest, where he served as director of corporate accounting and director of internal audit. He later became corporate controller for both private and public companies, and eventually joined Snyder’s Drug Stores as CFO–later stepping into the role of president.

Throughout the years, Wahlman has remained deeply connected to SMSU. He served 10 years on the SMSU Alumni Board and is wrapping up a six-year term on the SMSU Foundation Board.

“I want current students to realize that every effort counts,” he says. “Each experience–good or bad–helps shape who they are and who they can become. They truly have the power to write their own stories.”

Wahlman believes strongly in the power of mentorship and the importance of community. He knows firsthand how impactful a supportive environment can be–and he’s committed to paying it forward.

Receiving the Alumni Achievement Award is a full-circle moment for Wahlman. It’s a chance to reflect on the journey that began more than five decades ago and to celebrate the community that helped shape him.

Wahlman lives in Plymouth, but his heart is still very much with the Mustang Family.

Gary Whitney ’96: Leading and Learning with Heart and Humility

This year’s SMSU Homecoming is more than just a celebration–it’s a chance to honor a journey that began on a quiet farm in Mapleton and led to boardrooms, ballparks and beyond. Gary Whitney, Class of 1996, is the proud recipient of the 2025 Alumni Achievement Award.

Whitney’s roots are like many graduates of SMSU. Raised on a multi-generational family farm, he learned early the value of hard work, integrity, and community. Hospitality wasn’t exactly a common career path in rural Minnesota, but Whitney’s mom, Linda, saw something special in him. “You’re good at this people stuff,” she’d say, encouraging him to pursue a field where relationships mattered. That simple observation planted the seed for a career built on empathy, service and leadership.

When it came time to choose a college, Whitney found his way to SMSU. He began with a double major in Hotel Restaurant Administration and History. Though he once imagined becoming a history professor who’d retire to run a restaurant, it didn’t take long for hospitality to win his heart.

Campus life played a huge role in shaping Whitney’s path. He dove into student government, serving as a senator, then student body president, and eventually vice chairman of the Minnesota State University Student Association.

Two SMSU legends–Doug Sweetland and Lynn Cupkie–left a lasting mark. “They made a profound impact on me,” Gary says. “They saw something in me and helped me see it too.” Their mentorship helped him build confidence and a sense of purpose, and their influence continues to resonate in his work today.

“I learned a ton from them. And, you know, as a kid, to have access to that kind of wisdom and experience just doesn’t happen in most places,” said Whitney. “But, if you were willing to participate and engage at Southwest, there was this whole university community that would make sure you had the care and feeding you needed to grow and succeed.” 

Whitney credits fellow HRA classmates like Tyler Bowen, Jaimie Mattes, Jeanette Blake, and Stacy Frost for inspiring him and getting him involved in the Student Hospitality Organization.

Looking beyond college, he thought he might follow in Doug and Lynn’s footsteps and enter the academic world, maybe becoming a university professor and a president one day. He completed his master’s degree at Purdue University while working as a graduate teaching assistant and a staff resident for Purdue student housing.

Another mentor, John Merkin, connected him to Holiday Inn hotels and Whitney launched into the hospitality world where he was able to combine his two passions for hospitality and lifelong learning, eventually spending 20 years with InterContinental Hotels Group. He led global learning and development for over 300,000 employees across 100 countries, overseeing everything from faculty and instructional design to learning communications, technologies and analytics.

Under his leadership, IHG’s learning programs evolved from solid to standout. “CLO Magazine named us Learning Elite seven years in a row,” Whitney says proudly. “We established a consistent track record of maximizing performance of both individuals and our hotels across the world.”

After two decades at IHG, Whitney took a leap and started his own consulting company. It was a successful venture, allowing him to work with a variety of clients and industries. But after a couple of years, he was ready for a new challenge–and a new kind of impact.

In 2022, Whitney joined Ilitch Holdings as Global Vice President of Learning and Development. While most people recognize Ilitch for Little Caesars Pizza, the company’s reach extends far beyond pizza. Ilitch Holdings also owns the Detroit Tigers, the Detroit Red Wings, and several other businesses.

“Joining Little Caesars was a great fit for me.  It is a multi-generation family business with a strong commitment to family, fun, and making a difference in the community. Their approach to business aligns with the lessons I learned from SMSU and growing up on a multi-generation family farm.”

Coming back to SMSU for Homecoming isn’t just a trip; it’s a return to a place that helped shape him.

Family continues to be a cornerstone of Gary’s journey. His mom’s early encouragement still echoes in the way he leads and mentors others. Whether it’s supporting franchisees or guiding corporate teams, Whitney’s focus remains the same: Building meaningful relationships and helping people succeed.

Gary lives in Mankato with his wife, Jodi, of 25 years. He has two grown children: Brandon and Grace. He is also a proud grandparent to two-year-old, Hudson.

Rebecca (Sommer) Cooper ’16: From Parkston South Dakota to Family Medicine 

The SMSU Alumni Association is always excited to celebrate alumni who are making a difference, especially those who hit the ground running after graduation. That’s what the Graduate of the Last Decade (GOLD) Award is all about–recognizing alumni who’ve made a meaningful impact in their careers within ten years of leaving SMSU. This year, the 2025 GOLD Award goes to Rebecca (Sommer) Cooper, Class of 2016, a dedicated physician whose story is rooted in hard work, community and a deep passion for helping others. 

When Cooper found out she’d won the award, she was genuinely surprised. “I didn’t expect it,” she said. “It’s a huge honor and really meaningful to be recognized like this.” 

Cooper grew up in Parkston, S.D., a small town where neighbors feel more like family. It was there that her interest in medicine first took root. She was always drawn to science, but it was the local doctors who really inspired her. “I had a lot of respect for the docs in my hometown,” she said. “They weren’t just treating patients–they were part of the community. I admired how they cared for people.” 

That admiration turned into a clear goal: she wanted to become a doctor. But, her path wasn’t without its bumps. High school wasn’t exactly her favorite time. “To say it was the best time of my life would be far from the truth,” she said with a laugh. She was ready to move on and find a place where she could grow into the person she wanted to be. 

That’s when SMSU entered the picture. A college mailer arrived at just the right time, and something about it clicked. “I wanted to be somewhere new, away from the familiar, but still close enough to home,” she explained. SMSU, about three hours from Parkston, offered the perfect balance. It gave her space to be independent while still being within reach of family. 

Once she arrived at SMSU, she hit the ground running. Her love for science flourished, and she decided to double major in Biology and Chemistry. “I knew I wanted to go to medical school, and I wanted to be well-prepared,” she said. Balancing two demanding majors wasn’t easy, but she was determined–and she made it happen in just four years. 

Outside the classroom, Cooper was deeply involved in campus life. She joined the Newman Club, Biology Club, and Environmental Awareness Club, participated in the Honors Program, and served as a student ambassador. “I did a lot,” she said with a smile. “But I wanted to make the most of my time there. I was surrounded by people who were passionate and driven, and that really motivated me.” 

She credits much of her success to the faculty who supported her along the way. “The science department was incredible,” she said. “They took the time to get to know us, and they genuinely cared. That kind of support made a huge difference.” 

“I also have to acknowledge the influence of Brett Gaul in the Honors Program,” she added. “He was a huge motivator and source of support. I can’t thank those people enough.” 

SMSU wasn’t just where she found academic success–it’s also where she met her husband, Mikeal. The two crossed paths in a physics class and eventually built a life together. By the time graduation rolled around, Rebecca had not only completed her double major but was also honored with the 2016 Outstanding Senior Award. 

After SMSU, she was accepted into the University of South Dakota’s medical school.

The workload was intense, and the expectations were high. But Rebecca stayed focused on her goal. “It pushed me in ways I hadn’t experienced before,” she said. “But I was driven by the idea of becoming a physician and making a difference.” 

After four challenging years, she earned her medical degree and moved on to a three-year residency at the Center for Family Medicine in Sioux Falls.

Today, Dr. Rebecca Cooper works as a Family Medicine and Obstetrics physician at Sanford Health. Her days are full–seeing patients, delivering babies, and managing a busy practice. “It’s a lot, but it’s incredibly rewarding,” she said. “I get to be part of people’s lives in a really meaningful way.” 

On top of her career, Rebecca is also a mom to three young kids. Her oldest is six, the middle is almost four, and the youngest is just 18 months.

When she got the call about the GOLD Award, it felt like a full-circle moment. From a small-town girl with a love for science to a respected physician making a real impact, Cooper’s journey is one SMSU is proud to celebrate. 

“It means a lot to be recognized by SMSU,” she said. “That place helped shape who I am, and I’m grateful for everything I learned there.” 

Rebecca Cooper now lives in Sioux Falls, S.D., with her husband Mikeal ’15 and their three children.

Duane Carrow: A Lifelong Friend of SMSU and Champion of Community

Duane Carrow’s connection to SMSU isn’t defined by a diploma — It’s defined by decades of involvement, family ties and a deep appreciation for education and community. This fall, Carrow will be honored with an honorary lifetime membership to the SMSU Alumni Association during Homecoming, a recognition that celebrates not just his contributions, but the lasting impact he and his family have had on the university.

Carrow grew up just down the road from SMSU, and his earliest memories of the university go back to its very beginning. “I remember when the first bricks were laid,” he said with a chuckle. He and his brothers would help out around the campus, planting hay and trees, doing whatever they could to support the vision of a vibrant learning community. “It was exciting,” he said. “We didn’t know what it would become, but we knew it mattered.”

His father played a key role in connecting the university to the local farming community. Professors — many of whom were experiencing rural life for the first time — were invited out to the Carrow family farm. “My dad got to know some of the professors, like Dr. Howard Bellows,” Carrow recalled. “They’d come out for burgers or a steak fry, and they got a real taste of farm life. We had milk cows, pigs, chickens, sheep, beef cattle — the full gamut. Dr. Bellows was always so interested in what we were doing. He’d ask about our chores, how we planted crops. He was just genuinely curious and engaging.”

That early exposure to higher education left a lasting impression on Carrow. “Even though I was just a kid, I appreciated getting to know him. It was my first real glimpse into what college could be.”

Carrow’s family has a long and proud history with SMSU. His older brother Doug enrolled in the college in 1969 after graduating from Marshall High School. His younger brother David followed in the early 1980s, earning a degree in ag business and ag finance. “We weren’t just watching the university grow — we were growing with it,” Carrow said.

The next generation of Carrows continued the tradition. Carrow’s daughter Marri graduated from SMSU with a degree in literature and was named the Gold Graduate about ten years ago.

His son Nick also attended SMSU through a partnership program with the University of Minnesota, earning a degree in technical writing.

Even Carrow’s late wife, Deb, became part of the Mustang family. When their youngest started kindergarten, Deb enrolled at SMSU and earned her degree in psychology and business. She later went on to earn a master’s degree in counseling and returned to SMSU to launch the Upward Bound program, which supports first-generation college students. She passed away in 2015.

 ”Upward Bound was her passion,” Carrow said. “She was a first-gen student herself, and she poured her heart into helping others succeed.”

Carrow himself never enrolled as a degree-seeking student, but he was a regular on campus. “I took various courses over the years,” he said. “Not degree-seeking, but knowledge seeking. I’ve always believed education isn’t just about credentials. It’s about curiosity and growth.”

Carrow built a successful career in the petroleum industry, gaining hands-on experience and a deep understanding of energy production and business operations. After returning to Minnesota to farm, he also worked for the University of Minnesota Extension.

One of his proudest achievements was helping develop Biofuels Technology Program and the Minnesota State Energy Center of Excellence at Minnesota West Community and Technical College. “We saw the biofuels industry growing, and we knew students needed practical training,” Carrow said. “We built a curriculum that gave them hands-on experience and prepared them for real careers in renewable energy.”

He also became involved in the Minnesota Agriculture and Rural Leadership program, joining the very first class. The program is built on the mission of helping rural leaders build the skills and confidence to make a difference in their communities.

Through it all, Carrow remained deeply committed to education, leadership and community. His story is one of quiet influence — of planting seeds, nurturing growth, and watching others flourish.

“I’ve always believed that learning doesn’t just happen in classrooms,” Carrow said. “It happens in conversations, in experiences, in the work we do and the people we meet.”

Receiving the honorary lifetime membership from SMSU is a meaningful moment for Carrow — not because of the recognition, but because of what the university has meant to him and his family. “SMSU has always felt like home,” he said. “Even though I didn’t graduate from there, it’s been a part of my life in so many ways.”

Whether planting trees on campus or helping students find their path, Carrow has always been about growth — and SMSU is proud to finally call him one of its own.

Although Duane has recently moved away from the Marshall area, he lived on the family farm for most of his working career, a stone’s throw away from SMSU. He currently serves on the SMSU Foundation Board and the Ag Advisory Council. He is engaged to Cheri Buzzeo.