Morningside Connect

Dennis Reyman uses the skills and knowledge he gained while at Morningside as a partner at Stalcup Agricultural Service in Storm Lake, Iowa.

“I am involved in farm management around Northwest Iowa, farm real estate appraisal, and farm real estate sales,” said the 1992 Morningside graduate.

Reyman additionally has served as the past president of the Iowa Chapter of American Society of Farm Managers and Rural Appraisers (ASFMRA), as well as serving as the co-chairman on the national Government Relations Committee of ASFMRA for the past 10 years.

During his time at Morningside, Reyman was a non-traditional student that majored in business and economics.

“I chose Morningside due to the close proximity and familiarity of campus,” he said. “Quality education and professors also sold it for me. Additionally, the focus on good writing skills impressed me.”

During college, Reyman stayed busy with classes and participated in the interdepartmental honors program.

Reyman reflected on his time at Morningside and noted one of his favorite things about the campus.

“My favorite thing about my college experience was the friendly and interesting people I met along with the quality classes and interested professors.”

Reyman’s advice to current students was to learn to utilize the time given to them.

“The sooner you learn to maximize your minutes, the more you can participate, and the more you’ll be prepared to lead.”

Reyman’s advice to young alumni was to network.

“Network every which way. You never know how life’s experiences will intertwine with the future. Additionally, always stay positive.”

Reyman is grateful for the lasting impact Morningside has had on his life.

“I am proud of my Morningside education and very proud of the college’s accomplishments in recent years.”

Ryan Martinez, a 2015 Morningside graduate, is living out his dream as a co-founder of Volunteer Siouxland, Siouxland’s new online volunteer center that boasts over 70 organizations and 450 volunteers signed up within the first month.

“While serving in the nonprofit sector for almost 2 years, I recognized that there was a need in my community for meaningful volunteerism,” he said. “After identifying that a physical location for a volunteer center was not financially sustainable, my co-founder and I took charge and created an all-new way to volunteer.”

During his time at Morningside, Martinez majored in graphic design with a minor in advertising.

“The size of the college was one of the primary reasons I chose Morningside,” he said. “I knew a smaller college setting would allow me to foster a more meaningful relationship with my professors and advisors, as well as provide me with more opportunities to develop as a leader.”

During college, Martinez was involved in the Entrepreneurship Group, serving as the president, and he was the treasurer in Student Government.

The knowledge Martinez gained through his activities, such as Entrepreneurship Group, led him to some great accomplishments, a few of which include 2014 Student Entrepreneur of the Year and Business Competition ‘Swimming with the Sharks’ two-time award winner in 2014 and 2016. He also developed and coordinated Sioux City’s Entrepreneurial Event, Base 3.

Martinez reflected on his time at Morningside and noted one of his favorite things about college.

“Without a doubt, it was the community that exists at Morningside. I was always surrounded by peers who were striving to become a better version of themselves, as well as advisors who prepared me for the post-college life by challenging me and pushing me out of my comfort zone. It certainly proved true to me that you are a reflection of the people you surround yourself with.”

Martinez’s advice to current students was to take advantage of the opportunities at Morningside.

“Students should take full advantage of their student status, embrace being a learner and ask others for help, advice and shared wisdom,” he said. “People are always willing to help students if you just ask. My greatest mentors fell into my network simply because I asked for their feedback and guidance on projects I was working on at the time.”

Martinez’s advice to young alumni was to get involved in their community.

“The best way to grow as an individual and professional is to work alongside like-minded individuals on something you are passionate about. By doing this, you are making a positive impact in your community and opening doors to new opportunities by growing your network.”

The stage is set for another record-breaking event on March 14 and 15!  Last March, Morningside hosted its inaugural day of giving and exceeded the goal of 360 donors in 36 hours and raised more than $77,000 to support student scholarships.  This year we aim to reach 500 donors and $100,000!

Morningside Madness is successful thanks to our passionate volunteers and generous alumni and friends.  This speaks to why Morningside ranks #1 in Alumni Participation Rate (APR) when compared to more than 100 similar colleges and universities by “U.S. New and World Report”.  That statistic is an incredible testimony to our dedicated and loyal alumni base.

More than 40 volunteers will lead the charge reaching out to their alumni friends, asking them to make a gift to the Annual Scholarship Fund.  During the 36 hours, several challenge gifts will drive momentum.  For example, 40 gifts in a two-hour segment, regardless of size, can unlock challenge gifts from $1000 to $10,000.  Therefore, every single gift can make a huge impact.

Join the Rematch, log onto to www.msidemadness.com and get in on the action.  This site will have real-time updates and you can find out which Morningside Mascot has the most gifts.  Whether you were a Maroon, a Chief or a Mustang, we are all ONE Morningside!

Please help us ensure that today’s students have the same phenomenal experiences that we did.