2025 UMBAS Board of Directors Elections
The 2025 UMBAS Board of Directors Election is now live.
Below you will find the candidates running for office.
Please vote below for your 2025 UMBAS Board of Directors. This form will remain open through December 22nd at 8 PM.
Please Note: You do not need to be a dues paying member of UMAA to vote in the election of the UMBAS board - any alumni of the University of Minnesota Band Program is eligible to vote.
There are candidate bios on our website www.skiumah.org. If you have any issues with this ballot, or have additional questions, please reach out to President-Elect Kirsten Rasmussen-Kells at president-elect@skiumah.org
Laura Ziegelski
President-Elect Candidate
I'm excited to run for the position of President-Elect for 2025! I've served on the alumni society on and off for the past three years as Secretary-Elect, Secretary, and Social Committee chair, and am looking forward to move into this new position.
I played clarinet in the marching band and various campus bands from 2015 to 2019, and continue to play through UMBAS's Summer Band and the Seward Community Band. I volunteer as Field Staff Coordinator for the marching band and enjoy cheering on the band (and Gophers) throughout the football season.
As I've been involved with the alumni society, I've formed an appreciation for the unique connections and experiences that are possible within this group. I look forward to providing additional opportunities for alumni to connect with each other, current band students, and the community at large through events big and small.
Delonna Darsow
Secretary-Elect Candidate
Delonna Darsow was a member of the UMMB drumline from 1983 through 1987 and also worked as a staff member of the Ensemble Office serving the marching band from 1987 to 1988. She played with various ensembles as an undergrad including concert bands and the brass choir. Delonna currently works for a regional government/education cooperative in Minnesota focusing on in-state partnerships. The University of Minnesota holds a very sacred place in her heart, most of all the University of Minnesota bands and all of the wonderful opportunities for growth and musicianship they afford, as well as all of the amazing friends, many of whom I consider family!
Jean Wayne
Treasurer-Elect Candidate
My name is Jean Wayne, I was in the Marching, pep and concert bands in the early 90's. I have been involved with the Alumni band consistently over the last 30 years, and on the board off and on over that time. I have served as the treasurer this past year, and once before.
Stephanie Grogg
Director-At-Large Candidate
Hi Everyone,
I’m Stephanie Grogg or you may remember me as Steph Seman. I marched & played mellophone in the marching and pep bands from 1984-1990. I also worked in the band office, was Vice President of the Band Student Organization (BSO) 1989, was Secretary of Tau Beta Sigma (TBS) 1989 and I was part of the group that worked to reinstate the TBS chapter in 1990. I also played French horn in the Symphonic and North Star concert bands.
As a band alumna I’ve marched in parades, halftime shows, pep band events, charitable performances, and most recently the Gopher football watch parties. In addition to the UM alumni band I also volunteer with my high school Minneapolis Edison Alumni Marching Band, Historic Fort Snelling Saxhorn Band and the Minnesota Brass Drum and Bugle Corps Alumni. Previously I’ve served on the Minnesota Brass Drum and Bugle Corps Board of Directors helped establish and chair the Grants and Gifts Committee and chaired recruiting. However, I am most proud of helping establish the Becky Rucker Pritchard Endowment Scholarship. This will be the 3rd year a scholarship will be given in her name.
Working on this project reminded me how much I’ve been given from being a band member and that I want to keep paying it forward and giving back so others can learn and have as much fun as I did when I was in band.
Ron Maye
Director-At-Large Candidate
Marching Band- flags, cymbals, and percussion 1971/72-1976. I have so many great memories of being in the marching band, Dr. Ben, and esp. drum major Jim Mitchell. My successful business and music touring background I feel will be a great addition for this role.
Kathy Neiters
Director-At-Large Candidate
Marched UMMB 1982‐1994 (yes, THAT person): Tuba, Baritone
Symphonic and North Star Bands: Trombone, Bass Trombone, Euphonium, Tuba
Brass Choir and Brass
Ensemble: Euphonium, Tuba
Traditional Jazz Band and Jazz III/IV: Bass Trombone
I thoroughly enjoyed instrumental opportunities at the U of M. I now welcome the opportunity to give back through UMBAS as a board member.
I currently work at the State of Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs in a facilities data management capacity.
When you need spreadsheets and reports, that’s what I do.
I recently retired from my part‐time job with the Army Reserve after 28 years. I started in the 451st Army Band at Fort Snelling then shifted to Army Technical Engineer with 367th Engineer Battalion in St. Cloud. The Army afforded me an incredible variety of experiences, but primarily leadership. I learned adapting, collaborating, and serving those around me were key to successful operations.
Thank you!
Kris Pierskalla
Director-At-Large Candidate
UMMB 1988-1993 (Flute; Music Librarian (1990-93), Pep Bands 1988-94 UMMB Volunteer Staff 1994-97 (Marketing), Tau Beta Sigma, Alpha Iota 1990-94 (Historian)
I previously served on the UMBAS Board from 1997-2001. Serving the community has always been a passion of mine. I have volunteered extensively in Bloomington schools and Jefferson Band Booster Club with several leadership positions. I also volunteer for the Bloomington Crime Prevention's annual Book'em Used Book Sale creating social media content and flyers and organizing, inspecting and pricing donated items. I have worked in the Hennepin County Environment & Energy Department since 2000. As part of that position I have served on professional non-profit boards for the Minnesota Association of Environmental Education from 1996-2003, and the Recycling Association of Minnesota from 1998-2004, and 2021-present, serving in various roles for both organizations. The University of Minnesota, and its band programs, have always had a special place in my heart, having met so many lifelong friends while part of the band, and reliving that experience in a different way now that so many of us have kids in the UMMB program. As both of my children are now in college and active at the University of Minnesota, I have decided to run for the UMBAS board once again to bring my years of non-profit leadership experience (budgets, large scale events, social activities and more) with me to proudly serve once again on the UMBAS board and help continue the proud tradition of the organization while working on strengthening it.
Caleb Twiggs
Director-At-Large Candidate
Instrument: Trombone/Trumpet
Years in band: 2018-2021
Bands participated in: Marching Band, Pep Band
Why I’m running: Ever since I was young, I have been obsessed with the band. Being a part of the band was a literal dream come true. Even now that I’m graduated, I am still an active part of the alumni tailgate band and the summer concert band, and the overall band community. I would be most honored to have the opportunity to give back to an organization that has given so much to me throughout the years. Thank you for your consideration, and Ski-U-Mah!
Bev Warmka
Director-At-Large Candidate
My name is Beverly Warmka. I played the clarinet. in marching with the band from 1995 until graduating in 2000. While at the U, I was in the Marching Band, Basketball pep band and concert bands.
I have participated in multiple alumni performances since graduating including Homecoming, Aquatennial parade, State Fair, tailgate band and summer concert band as well as pep band performances.
I feel now is the time I can give back to the group and would love an opportunity to serve on the council.
Thank you
