About Tom

I was born and raised in Port Washington, WI.  I went to Dartmouth College in Hanover, NH where I played baseball and studied Computer Science. I was drafted by the Los Angeles Dodgers and played two years in the minor leagues before returning to complete my degree. I've programmed computers for forty years.  My career as a software developer and data architect has taken me into many distinct companies and realms - including voice-activated medical transcription, legislative voting, apparel, building HVAC controls, property & casualty insurance and of course higher education.  I met my spouse Joann in Seattle and together we raised four children (two sets of fraternal twins) over 20 years in Wisconsin. After a short stint back in Washington state, we re-located to the Mankato area, approximately halfway between Moorhead (our son played four years of football for the Cobbers of Concordia...) and my folks in Wisconsin.  I began to work for MSU and the Alumni Foundation in May of 2025.  I am a Packers owner who has reached an accommodation with all things purple and gold.

FOR FUN

The best piece of advice I've ever been given is "If you have nothing to do, find dirt"

Advice I'd give a candidate who wants to join our team of superstars is "we work hard *and* enjoy what we do"

The most inspiring part of my job is bringing software and automated solutions that save other people headaches or time

My favorite inspirational quote is “That which is essential is invisible to the eyes” -The Little Prince