Education, Awards, Volunteering

Undergraduate and Graduate Degrees

St Cloud State University logo
St. Cloud (Minnesota) State University (1975)
  • Bachelor of Arts ~ Mass Communications.
  • Bachelor of Science ~ Education (Music) – studied piano with Ramon Salvatore who went on to become a noted performer and champion of neglected American piano music.
University of Minnesota logo
Master of Arts ~ Industrial Relations, University of Minnesota (1983)
Master of Arts ~ Music Theory with Minor in Law, University of Minnesota (1978)

Studied with, among others, Dominick Argento, Lloyd Ultan, Paul Fetler and Thomas Lancaster from the School of Music and Marcia Gelpe from the School of Law. Performed with University Chamber Singers, Men’s Chorus, and Concert Band (bassoon).

Awards, Certificates, Volunteer Activities

Microsoft AZ-900 Certification

Microsoft AZ-900 Certification, officially known as Microsoft Certified: Azure Fundamentals, is an entry-level credential that validates your foundational knowledge of cloud services—especially those offered by Microsoft Azure. It covers topics like:

  • Core cloud concepts (like scalability, elasticity, and high availability)
  • Azure services (such as compute, networking, storage, and databases)
  • Security, privacy, compliance, and trust in Azure
  • Azure pricing, SLA, and lifecycle
IBM Certified Consultant
Certified during my last 4 years at IBM (2001-2005) based on project writeups, customer satisfaction, knowledge of best practices, and panel interview.
PHR (Professional in Human Resources) Certification

Received PHR certificate 1983-1992 based on passing exam 3 times over 9 years.

Civil Servant of the Year
Awarded 1981 by the Twin Cities Federal Executive Board (US Army Corps of Engineers representative in the “administration” category).
Community Activities
  • Served as board member and Vice President of the Wells Foundation, a Minneapolis-based charity that funds efforts to end homelessness.
  • Participated in missionary efforts (building repairs) on behalf of church groups in Cuba; visited that country in 2005 and 2007.
  • Worked on fund-raising, planned giving, multimedia presentations, and event planning for St Mark’s Episcopal Cathedral in Minneapolis.
  • Wrote manual for courseware being donated to colleges and universities (Oracle).
  • Served as Corporate Offices United Way chair (Honeywell).
  • Sponsored fund-raiser for Minnesota Marriage Equality initiative – hosting/assisting in fund-raising event.
  • At the request of the wife of Honeywell’s CEO donated time to Vail Place of Minneapolis which entailed installing computer hardware and software for use by their disabled clients.
  • Performed (and continue to perform) as an avocational musician with several groups – the Minnesota Chorale, St. Mark’s Cathedral Choir, Bethel College Chamber Ensemble, University of Minnesota Summer Orchestra.