"Mike was without a doubt our hardest worker. He set the tone for the team with his passion and was one of our best players. As a successful team, players gravitated toward Mike because of his energy and commitment. Mike was one of the better players in the MIAC as a defensive player and was fast, physical, and played with fire and emotion. As a genuine person, Mike persevered through adversity with the death of his father who was a mentor to Mike and others. In my 39 years of coaching and as a teacher, I have had the opportunity to coach many fine young men. Mike is certainly one of them. His growth and transformation as a young man has been extraordinary."
Gary Fasching - Head Football Coach Saint John's University
"Michael and I grew up together and we played alot of sports together and had the opportunity to work with him in the academic setting. Mike's attributes are his competitiveness and drive for excellence, whether independently or part of a team. He self-sacrifices and puts the team primary in addition to staying objective and communicating clearly. At Saint John's, Michael woud oulast me in the library as he was one of the last to leave. We all saw Mike transform into a star athlete at both the high school and collegiate level. His routine of exercise, weight room, and ambition carried his skill-set even further. He is goal-oriented and understands processes to achieve goals. Mike has a great personality with a business perspective and compassionate element."
Jacob Reiter - Senior Lending Officer Granite Community Bank
"Mike dedicated himself to creating role clarity within the team both as a nurse and in other formats academically and professionally. His inquisitive nature and curiosity helped Mike achieve reflection for improvement. Michael stands out in healthcare because of his ability to adapt in healthcare settings and implement what works well in the future. He holds his professional integrity and ensures others meet the same standards. Another attribute is the humble ability to accomplish goals to assist the team and ensuring value within the team"
Michael Keegan - R.N. Sanford Health Medical Center
"Michael was a student who never settled for minimum competency. He was driven to succeed and to be the best learner he could be. His research background led him to seek deep learning in Evidence-Based Nursing Practice, where he helped lead his group to complete and outstanding evidence-based practice project on complementary and alternative therapies for pain control. I have saved Michael's concepts maps from High-Acuity Nursing with his permission, as he was able to integrate very complex concepts into the best possible care for his patients, drawing many connections and putting the "pieces" of his patient's picture together at a very high level."
Cheri Kovalenko, DNP, RN, FNP-BC
Associate Professor of Nursing - University of Sioux Falls
"Mike has always been one of the most disciplined individuals in all aspects of life that I have met. Goal-oriented, works tirelessly, and overcomes obstacles. His drive applies to athletics, academics, relationships, and personal development and growth in addition to other areas. He just does not quit. He takes accountability for individual expectations and those of his teammates. Michael is a true player with loyalty, honesty, and integrity with others. He is approachable and a high-quality individual that will elevate the character and talent of an organization. Without hesitation, Mike is determined and focused on individual and team goals relying on respect, dignity, and fair treatment to surpass the standard"
Kyle Townswick - Oncology Pharmacist at University of Minnesota