A State Fair regular’s last spin

This morning, I learned that we were entertaining a very special guest. Cheryl Frank, outgoing president of Inver Hills Community College, was here to represent the college for her 12th and final year. I got a chance to speak with her for a few minutes about her experiences as president and her time spent at the State Fair these past 12 years. It was immediately evident that she was very proud of her school and had cherished the opportunity to serve.

The State Fair, she said, “is a great opportunity to connect with a diverse group of people - alumni, current students and young people that are excited about education.” She told me her favorite thing to do at the fair is to see the horses. When she was younger, she had a neighbor who had horses, and she used to love riding them. In timeless Minnesota State Colleges and Universities State Fair booth tradition, booth staff member Nancy Alfton made sure that Cheryl took one last spin with the Wheel of Luck before ending her career here at the fair.

Fairgoers are greeted by system Trustee Scott Thiss, left,
and President Cheryl Frank of Inver Hills Community College,
who recently announced her plans to retire next June.

Later on, I met Scott Thiss, one of the system’s appointed trustees. Scott serves as treasurer on the board. In addition, Scott owns his own business, producing plastic injection molds used for the making of medical products.

-- Michael