Office of the President

Saying Farewell with Gratitude and Appreciation 

Dr. Marsha Danielson, President Minnesota State College Southeast 
I’m entering uncharted territory in my professional life. Retirement.

In a few weeks, I will wrap up my 30-year career in higher education, including the last five as President of Minnesota State College Southeast. 

The portraits of past presidents of this institution line the walls of our formal conference rooms in Red Wing and Winona, a reminder of those who came before. As of July 1, someone else will be gazing up at that lineup.  
 
Those photos served as silent reminders that above all else it was my responsibility to leave the college stronger than I found it. Reflecting on my time at Southeast, I think I have passed that test.

Among the things I’m most proud of: 

• Southeast has grown its enrollment four years in a row. A lot of the credit for those gains belongs to the Red Wing College Promise and the College Opportunity Program, which incentivized more high school students to choose Southeast and helped more families afford college. 

• During my tenure, Southeast has worked to address the nursing shortage in our region by earning ACEN accreditation and opening new simulation centers on both campuses. Most importantly, our students are succeeding, with our nurse graduates scoring NCLEX pass rates above the state and national average.

• This spring, we opened the University Center, a resource where advisors help students map clear transfer pathways—designed to minimize both time and debt—so they can earn a bachelor’s degree as efficiently as possible.

• Perhaps most importantly, Southeast is positioned for long-term financial success. After years of challenges, on my watch Southeast improved its Composite Financial Index (CFI) from below 1.0 to 7.11, the second-highest score in the state system. The college’s reserve fund balance increased from 18% to 31%, providing a financial cushion.

Late last month, comedian Conan O’Brien delivered the commencement address at his alma mater, Harvard. He told the graduates: “I endeavor to remind myself that I have done absolutely nothing alone.”

I couldn’t agree more. 

As I reflect on these accomplishments, they are the result of the collective efforts of so many people, including our dedicated faculty and staff.

To our community partners: thank you for your collaboration and your trust. Together, we built programs and opened doors for people who needed them most. That work will continue, and I’m grateful to have been part of it. I trust that you will continue to embrace and support Southeast’s mission and role within our communities.

In many ways, I am still that young woman who grew up in a single‑parent, low‑income household in rural Southwest Minnesota. I was fortunate to become the first in my family to attend college, transfer to university, and ultimately earn advanced degrees. Those early experiences, along with my faith, have shaped me and informed how I’ve approached my professional career. To paraphrase 1 Corinthians 10:31— I have strived to do every task, no matter how small, in a way that honors God rather than draws attention to myself.

Every decision I made was grounded in what would help students succeed. That’s the part of the job I’ll miss most.

I have been fortunate—truly fortunate—to spend my life’s work helping to improve the lives of others. To support students and their families. To champion the power of education to create upward mobility and economic opportunity.

Looking back, I recall countless stories—students who arrived unsure of their path and left with confidence, purpose, and a credential that changed their lives.

While there is more I’d like to do, that will be an opportunity for those who follow.

As I step away from the presidency, I do so with a full heart and a deep sense of gratitude. Serving Minnesota State College Southeast has been one of the most meaningful chapters of my career. I’m proud of what we’ve built together, and I’m even more excited about what lies ahead for Southeast. 

I may be retiring from this role, but I will never stop cheering for Southeast and the extraordinary people who make it what it is.

Commencement is Just the Beginning

By Dr. Marsha Danielson, President Minnesota State College Southeast

Spring is a hectic time for higher education. End-of-year events. Scholarship dinners. Award ceremonies. Retirement luncheons. Senior capstone classes. Students cramming for final exams and lining up summer employment opportunities. Faculty finishing grading, anxious to start their summer break.

Everyone is in a rush to the finish line. For our graduating students, the semester culminates with commencement. A chance to don a cap and gown, walk across the stage and collect their academic award.
 
After all the studies, assignments and late-night cram sessions, earning that certificate, diploma or degree may feel like the ultimate finish line.

Or is it?

Commencement is my favorite time of the year. Hearing the initial notes of Pomp & Circumstance always fills me with emotion. Seeing our students graduate is the reason we get up every day and go to work. It is the culmination of every academic year.

While it provides a celebratory conclusion to everything we’ve been working on all year long, commencement truly signals the beginning, not the end.

Graduation is the first step in a much longer journey, whether to a future career or the next chapter in your education. 

This spring, more than 450 graduates at Minnesota State College Southeast will earn 580 academic awards, ranging from certificates to diplomas to degrees. Those pieces of paper will open doors for our graduates, doors that lead to the next step in their lives. 
 
Perhaps the greatest lesson that our graduates can take with them is that in a world that is constantly changing, all of us need to be constantly learning.

Ethan Balakrishnan is a professional violinist in the Orchestre symphonique de Québec in Quebec City. Despite holding a bachelor’s degree in music from the Indiana University Jacobs School of Music, Ethan took a sabbatical this past year to study violin repair and making at Southeast’s Red Wing campus. As he graduates from our program, Ethan will take his newly honed skills back to Canada, where he intends to help repair the string instruments of many of his fellow musicians in the symphony. Ethan’s pursuit of knowledge doesn’t end here. His return trip to Canada includes a detour through Ohio, where he will learn about rehairing bows for string instruments.

Student senator Lincoln Spitzer, another member of the Class of 2026, is earning his degree in Mechatronics. That’s the springboard for him to continue his studies across town at St. Mary’s University beginning this fall.

Laura Scott, our student speaker at commencement, epitomizes what it means to be a lifelong learner.

Originally from La Sueur, Minnesota, Laura is graduating with her associates of applied science degree in business management. She waited more than 10 years to pursue her college education, but she never lost sight of her goal. 

After returning to college in 2024, she said she has learned the value of “teamwork, the power of community and the impact of a collective voice,” during her time at Southeast.

“I also discovered so much about myself—my resilience and dedication—and what I can achieve when I apply focused attention and clear intention to my goals,” Laura told her fellow grads.

 
Rather than looking back on what she’s accomplished, Laura told the Class of 2026 that “an exciting chapter is about to begin.” For her, that chapter involves packing up her camping gear, gassing up her Rav4, heading out to the Pacific Northwest and seeking out her next big adventure

 
It’s that unbridled enthusiasm coupled with that look of accomplishment on the faces of our graduates that makes me love this time of year. Go forth graduates. Draw on your newfound knowledge. Embrace that next challenge or opportunity in your path. And remember, this is only the beginning.

New Center Addresses “What Comes Next?” 

Dr. Marsha Danielson, President Minnesota State College Southeast

With high school and college graduation season fast approaching, countless youth are being asked some variation of: “What are your plans for the future?”

For many high school graduates – and even some college grads -- that’s a loaded question. While some are locked in on attending college, military service or starting employment, many students remain anxious about what comes next.

A 2025 Post-Graduation Readiness Report compiled by YouScience found that 72% of recent high school graduates surveyed agreed to feeling only moderately, slightly, or not at all prepared for next steps. One in three, or roughly 33% of graduates in Minnesota reported having “no clear plan or feeling unprepared for their post-graduation future.”

Even those who are collegebound may not be 100% certain of what they want to study or what career path they want to pursue. According to the National Center for Educational Statistics, 80% of college students will change their major at least once. 
 
The years immediately after high school are so formative, as we navigate adulthood and learn to be independent. This is when many of us discover our life’s passion, while growing personally and professionally.

At Minnesota State College Southeast, students often start in one program, only to discover another discipline they prefer. In some cases, our students weren’t sure they could handle college, only to gain confidence and realize they want to pursue a bachelor’s degree.

That’s why I’m so excited about the opening of a University Center on our Winona campus. This new resource provides a place where students can meet with a dedicated transfer advisor and map out the courses they need to take so after their time at Southeast, they can continue their studies at other Minnesota State colleges or universities.

The University Center also provides a place where representatives from other universities, such as Winona State University, can meet with students and discuss plans for continuing their education and explore financial aid or scholarship opportunities.

Since 2016, Southeast has served as both the technical and community college for our region. You might be surprised to learn that 30% of our majors are pursuing one of our 12 transfer degrees, and those students now account for 20% of our graduates annually.

While we have an unwavering commitment to our technical college roots, today our financial viability as an institution depends on us also fulfilling our community college role.

Megan Kuehni is one of our business transfer pathway students. A Red Wing native who now resides in Winona, Megan plans to pursue her bachelor’s degree in business administration at Winona State in the fall. She thinks the University Center will be a great resource for students like herself.

As the national reports show, not every student is as certain about their plans as Megan. That’s where the University Center can play a vital role.

The idea for the center stems from a conversation I had with Dr. Ken Janz, President of Winona State University, in December of 2023. We were discussing ways to strengthen the relationship between our two institutions, including finding ways to remove obstacles or challenges for Southeast students who wanted to continue their education at Winona State.

Those conversations led to the creation of Barb Nascak’s transfer advisor position, which is funded by both institutions. Barb helps students map out the courses they can start taking as early as high school, so they can earn their degree in as little time and with as little expense as possible. Students love Barb’s personalized attention, and she’s happy to connect them with resources on other campuses, so they will continue to have support and assistance.

Mindful of how often students change majors, Barb encourages students to take courses early on that can be applied toward a variety of degrees.

One of our primary goals at Southeast is to ensure our students feel prepared to earn a bachelor’s degree. This University Center is the latest way that we are working to deliver on that commitment and help our students feel confident about their future.

Future Belongs to Those Who Embrace AI  
  
Dr. Marsha Danielson, President Minnesota State College Southeast  
  
Having artificial intelligence (AI) at our fingertips elicits many reactions.  

We all know a family member or friend who insists they will never use AI or are opposed to it. These modern-day Luddites insist that we need to stop AI.   

It is amazing how pervasive AI has become since the introduction of ChatGPT in November 2022.   

Many suggest the United States is in a new information arms race with China, India and other nations to build the best AI. That race (and all that might be at stake) contributes significantly to the tensions surrounding whether or not more guard rails need to be placed around the use and development of AI.  

In academia, the greatest fear is that students will use AI to cheat or write papers. Earlier this month, Inside Higher Ed reported on several new AI tools that could thwart safeguards to maintain academic integrity. The Chronicle of Higher Education ran an essay titled: “Will Agentic AI Break Higher Education?”  

For those who still believe AI is something that can be boxed up or avoided, that ship has sailed.  

Rather than fight AI, all of us in higher education will do our students a huge favor by embracing it and helping them learn how to use it to work more efficiently, and ethically.  

Gone is the day of expecting students to retain and regurgitate all kinds of facts and figures. Today, we need graduates who are innately curious, who know how to engage with AI responsibly, and who can verify its accuracy—so they leave college equipped to thrive in an AI‑driven workplace.  

Minnesota State College Southeast’s College Information Officer, Scott Fillman, was among the early adopters of finding ways to teach students how to use AI responsibly.   

As a part-time, temporary instructor for Minnesota State Community & Technical College, Scott suspected some students in his coding and web design courses were copying and pasting code for their assignments.  

To counter that, Scott developed assignments that encouraged students to use AI if they’d like, but he added a step. Students had to write or record a short explanation of the steps they took and why, asking them to use their critical thinking and problem-solving skills.  

“Students can copy and paste code, but that doesn’t demonstrate comprehension,” Scott said. “They need to demonstrate understanding and explain their logic.”  

Other times, Scott presented students with broken or defective code, and they had to troubleshoot the problem and document the steps they took to remedy it.  

Today’s AI is like the initial response to calculators in math classes. The tool could help do the math faster, but the user still had to know the formulas and how to use them to get the correct answer.  

AI relies heavily on probability, so it is not always right. We need to be vigilant and call out inaccuracies.  

Scott sees AI as a paradigm shift and thinks it is exciting for community colleges like Southeast to be on the cutting edge.   

“We need to be a place where local businesses seeking help with how to improve their operations can get the support to help them use AI to grow and flourish,” he said. I agree that it is important for our institution to act quickly enough to prepare students for an evolving workforce, while balancing AI’s ethical and educational implications.  

Equity must sit at the heart of any institution’s AI strategy. By strengthening digital literacy, weaving AI competencies throughout the curriculum, and helping students grasp both the possibilities and the limitations of AI tools, institutions make AI more accessible to all learners.   

Rather than viewing AI as a threat, Scott sees it as a powerful resource for narrowing equity gaps—because it can present concepts in multiple formats that align with different learning styles. AI enables instruction to be personalized and delivered in the way each student learns best.   

History remembers the Luddites for their opposition to technological advancement, but despite their efforts, innovation and improvements prevailed.  

AI will keep advancing, but our mission stays the same: to broaden opportunities, deepen learning, and strengthen our communities. I choose to see AI not as something to fear, but as a tool that empowers people to do more and reach further.  

Anticipating the Workforce Needs of Tomorrow, Today 

Dr. Marsha Danielson, President, Minnesota State College Southeast 

I recently went back to high school -- to get a glimpse of the future.   

Last month, Red Wing Public Schools announced its Flight Path 2030 initiative at a public forum held at Red Wing High School. At the event, Superintendent Bob Jaszczak outlined the district’s five-year plan to create a system of learning that acknowledges the importance of using data and artificial intelligence responsibly. 
 
As Superintendent Jaszczak said at the forum, this knowledge “will be as essential as “reading, math, science and other traditional learning areas.”  
 
The Red Wing Public School District is preparing its students for a world where data and technical understanding will be an underpinning of so many facets of society. Understanding technology and how to appropriately use it will be a key workforce skill.  

That presentation got me thinking about my high school days. I can recall a world where Atari video games, Walkman (portable music), scientific calculators, and video cassette recorders (VCR’s) were cutting-edge technologies. Having a fundamental understanding of AI was not a requirement for earning my diploma. I’m guessing that’s true for many of you.  

It’s hard to imagine what will supplant today’s smartphones and TVs, streaming services, and wearable fitness tech, but I’m certain someone is already dreaming it up.  

It’s this relentless drumbeat of innovation and change that requires all of us to be lifelong learners.   

During times of upheaval and uncertainty, many adults will find themselves returning to college or pursuing a certification or credential to upskill or reskill, to remain competitive in their profession.   

Brandon Lamberson, a current Southeast radiography student, is a classic example. Brandon earned a bachelor’s degree, but based on his professional journey, recently returned to college at Southeast, so he can pursue a different career path in healthcare. He doesn’t need another degree, but he does need specific knowledge and skills so he can embark on this next chapter in his career.  

This is one of the reasons Southeast has advisory boards made up of representatives from local business and industry, to ensure our courses and curriculum remain relevant, and we are producing graduates who are industry-ready.  

 
Brandon, a native of Winona, said one of the reasons he chose Southeast was because of the positive reputation of our radiography program.  

Adult learners, looking to add to their knowledge base or expand their skill set, will become an increasing percentage of our Southeast student population.   

Last year, Minnesota employers in the manufacturing, mining, pharmaceutical and retail sectors all announced layoffs. Economists and the Federal Reserve are anticipating the economy to continue to slow down in 2026, which could lead to more unemployment.  
 
Historically, economic downturns lead more people to step out of the workforce and return to college, to improve their marketability and earning potential.  

When they make that decision, these adult learners want to have confidence that they can earn the additional credentials in as short a time as possible, and that the new knowledge they gain is relevant.  

That’s in part why all of our programs undergo a routine program review. External reviewers evaluate the curriculum and effectiveness of what we are teaching, assess our performance, and recommend improvements. Are we producing graduates with the knowledge and experience to make an immediate impact in the workplace and the community?  

Our auto body and collision program just completed a program evaluation and successfully renewed its accreditation -- another way our adult learners can be confident in the quality of our educational offerings.  

Just like the Red Wing 2030 Flight Path, we too have an obligation to prepare students for the workforce and society of tomorrow.  

Gazing into the crystal ball, it’s anyone’s guess what the Class of 2080 will be expected to know, but I’m optimistic that regardless of the technological changes ahead, Southeast will continue to be innovating to meet and support the needs of learners of all ages, now, and well into the future.

Serving Dual Roles is Good for Business

Are you ready for a quick pop quiz?

Minnesota State College Southeast is …

A. A technical college.

B. A community college.

C. Both a community and technical college.

Would you be surprised to learn the correct answer is C?

Don’t be too hard on yourself if you didn’t get the answer right. As of 2023, 63% of our community members who were surveyed did not know that Southeast offered general education/transfer courses.

Historically, our campuses in Red Wing and Winona have long served as technical colleges for our communities. That’s a legacy that we fully embrace and want to continue.

In 2016, one of my predecessors, Dr. Dorothy Duran, made the wise decision to have Southeast expand its role and serve as both a technical and community college for the region. Community colleges offer general education and liberal arts and sciences courses, and associate degrees, including transfer pathways degrees, which help students seamlessly continue their education at four-year institutions.

We’ve been offering expanded courses in business, psychology, human biology, and other disciplines for nearly a decade now. These courses provide a resource for students who are looking for the ease and convenience of adding to their knowledge, or getting their general education courses covered before transferring to university to earn a bachelor’s degree.

At the time, there were many in our community who were alarmed that by adding the community college role to our portfolio, we were distancing ourselves from our technical college roots. That was never the case.

In reality, adding these community college and transfer pathway courses helps maintain the financial solvency of our institution.

A psychology course is relatively inexpensive to offer on a per-student basis. Paying for an instructor and covering the cost of utilities represents most of the overhead.

In contrast, offering career technical education courses is expensive.

Class sizes are intentionally small, due to the hands-on nature of the experience.

The equipment needed to train our students is expensive and constantly changing. Our graduates need to be knowledgeable on how to operate the newest technology in the workplace to graduate career ready.

A recent piece of classroom equipment cost $250,000. That’s a steep price considering our annual equipment budget is only $50,000.

Using some of the revenue from our community college courses helps offset the expense of our CNC machine tool, construction, Mechatronics and nursing classes.

The good news for Southeast is that demand for career technical education is “hot right now,” according to Diane Walleser, a veteran consultant who works closely with two-year colleges. At the same time, Walleser reports that Gen Z college students also want transfer pathway courses.

Fortunately, Southeast is well positioned to support our students, whether they are upskilling for their roles in business and industry, or taking courses with an eye toward continuing their education.

Earlier this year, Minnesota State College Southeast added a new position, a Shared Academic Transfer Advisor. The position, funded equally between Southeast and Winona State University, is designed to help our students at Southeast make plans for how to earn their degree at our college and go on and earn a bachelor’s degree with reduced time and cost.

Barb Nascak, our new shared academic transfer advisor, comes to Southeast after 17 years at WSU. She’s already met with more than 200 students, helping them determine what courses they need to take for their degree at Southeast, as well as their future academic pursuits.

That kind of response affirms the value of this new position and the importance of providing transfer pathway degrees to our students.

Ultimately, Southeast’s dual roles are good for your business, and ours.

# # #

Holidays Offer Time to Renew Traditions and Give Back

“We choose this time because it is a time of all others when want is most keenly felt and abundance rejoices" -- A Christmas Carol, Charles Dickens.

This time of year is steeped in tradition.

From watching the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade to visiting Santa to exchanging gifts to cheering the ball drop in Times Square, it is a time for familiar rituals.

Growing up in a large family, Christmas was never a small affair. With 10 siblings and eventually 44 nieces and nephews, our gatherings were so big that we rented out the community center in our hometown to fit everyone. Those celebrations became tradition—complete with our own “family Olympics,” a series of playful competitions and games that resembled “minute-to-win-it” challenges long before they were popular.

Now, with my own family—my husband, our three sons and their spouses, and seven grandchildren—we’ve carried forward a tradition that feels even more meaningful. Each year we perform the nativity story together, complete with costumes, narration, and plenty of laughter.

I’m sure you have your own holiday traditions that you plan to carry on during this festive time of year.

As we enter the home stretch of 2025 and anticipate the possibilities of a new year, I encourage all of you to renew (or begin) the tradition of end-of-year giving.

For some, that’s the opportunity to support a favorite charitable drive or sponsor a local family who is grappling with tough times. Many of us at Minnesota State College Southeast have captured the spirit of the season by supporting the annual Winona Area Toys for Kids toy drive and raising funds for the Goodhue County Christmas Project to help provide a Red Wing family of seven a festive holiday.

Traditions connect us to what matters most. This year, I invite you to start a tradition that changes lives: supporting Minnesota State College Southeast as part of your year-end giving.

Every gift – large or small – makes a difference. Imagine the impact: a student who once wondered if college was out of reach now walks across the stage at graduation because of you.

Michelle Dingwall, our new Executive Director of Foundation and Development at Southeast can help you find the best way to make your gift count.

In leading our Southeast Foundation and development efforts, Michelle can show you how your support can make a student’s college dreams a reality. Whether it’s contributing to a scholarship fund or helping the college procure state-of-the-art equipment that is essential to prepare our students for hands-on careers, Michelle would welcome the opportunity to demonstrate ways your support can have the greatest impact.

Interested in something more tangible? The food pantries on both of our campuses are in high demand, especially at a time when the college only received 35% of its pantry funding request this year. Your donation of food or funds help ensure our students have nourishment when budgets are tight.

Which brings me to one final tradition that feels especially poignant this time of year. A heartfelt thank you to all of you in our community who continue to support Southeast through your engagement and financial backing. Your unwavering support ensures our students achieve their dreams, now, and all year long. Thank you.

Wishing you a happy holiday season and a prosperous new year.

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Please reach out to Michelle Dingwall at michelle.dingwall@southeastmn.edu to learn more about how you can support Minnesota State College Southeast.

Growing Potential - Southeast Celebrates Spring Achievements

Spring is finally here! In the first week of May, we have gone from barely-budding leaves to full-flung flowers and brilliant green trees. You just can't help but feel optimistic this time of year, and that's certainly true at Minnesota State College Southeast.

As the academic year comes to a close, it's a time to reflect on the hard work, dedication, and accomplishments of our students. This season of growth and renewal perfectly mirrors the achievements happening across our campuses, reminding everyone who works in higher education why we love what we do so much.

Throughout our Winona and Red Wing campuses, students are completing impressive capstone projects that showcase their skills. In the Winona Mechatronics lab, a talented student team has built a working "claw machine" that demonstrates their creativity and technical competency. There's no charge to play this innovative creation, and everyone wins a prize!

Meanwhile in Red Wing, the college is celebrating a significant milestone--the 50th anniversary of the Violin and Guitar Making and Repair programs. Our dedicated students are putting the finishing touches on nearly 60 beautiful guitars, mandolins, and violins, which will be played on stage in concert by professional musicians just before Commencement.

Our students' achievements extend beyond the classroom into leadership and competitive arenas. In April, both the Red Wing and Winona Student Senates earned recognition as LeadMN Star Campuses at the LeadMN General Assembly, honoring the hard work and passion of their student senators. Congratulations to Winona Vice President Laura Scott and Red Wing Vice President Hailey Brown for spearheading the applications for this prestigious award.

In the technical fields, our students continue to excel nationally. Welding student Ian Engrav advanced to the finals of Project Manufacturing's National Welding League competition and will compete in the National Championship at Ferris State University in Michigan this June. The competition will be featured in the "Clash of Trades Welding Edition" series, bringing well-deserved attention to Ian's skills and the quality instruction provided by his teacher, Casey Mann.

Further demonstrating our technical prowess, Southeast won Gold at the State Level Auto Body Skills USA competition for the second time in three years. The event, held at the 3M Skills Development Center in St. Paul, saw student Nick Uitto emerge victorious among competitors in six different areas of Auto Body. Nick will represent Southeast at the National Competition in Atlanta this June, guided by instructor Brandon Boynton.

The first weekend of May brought another exciting opportunity as Southeast hosted Make48, a nationwide invention competition where high school teams developed ideas, created prototypes, and pitched their concepts to industry judges--all within 48 hours. Seven of our Construction Technology students served as mentors alongside career and technical faculty, offering valuable guidance on product design and development.

Speaking of Construction Technology, our students continue to gain practical experience through Southeast's partnership with Habitat for Humanity serving Winona County. This year they have advanced work on Habitat's townhouse development in St. Charles while also completing a variety of repair projects for area homeowners, directly applying their skills to benefit the community.

These accomplishments--and many others across our campuses--reflect the college's recently updated mission and vision statements. Our mission is to deliver exceptional transfer, career, and technical education that empowers learners and transforms lives. Our vision is to be the destination for generations of learners who shape thriving, resilient communities.

At Southeast, we believe college is for everyone. We believe in meeting students where they are. And we believe that every step toward reaching your educational goals should be simple and achievable, completed in the least amount of time for the least amount of debt.

The success of the Class of 2025 demonstrates how effectively we're delivering on these promises. At Commencement, we will honor more than 400 new graduates and award over 500 certificates, diplomas, and degrees. Many of these graduates will transition directly into rewarding careers, while others have earned associate degrees and will transfer to 4-year institutions to pursue bachelor's degrees.

As spring brings renewal to our landscape, our graduates embark on their own new beginnings--starting careers, pursuing further education, or embracing new personal goals and aspirations. Graduates, whatever comes next... we wish you well!