Heidi Hovland '88 | Heidi Hovland is a communications leader who combines insight and creativity to drive companies and brands forward, create committed and purpose-driven cultures and cultivate lasting success with clients and teams. Heidi has served as trusted advisor to C-level and senior executives within some of the world’s most respected companies, including Procter & Gamble, Johnson & Johnson, Celebrity Cruise Lines, IHOP and Chobani.
After decades of agency leadership with the industry's leading firms, she founded Altitude Co to be the agency she's always wanted to work for: singularly focused on exceptional work for exceptional clients, achieving meaningful results, and finding inspiration, satisfaction and purpose in the work and each other. The Altitude Co team comprises former agency and corporate communications pros who share the desire to serve clients, drive results and excel outside traditional agency environments. The agency serves clients across B2B and B2C markets, and a wide range of sectors, including CPG, food & beverage, beauty, manufacturing and technology. |
Brian Roers '01 | Brian Roers is the owner and co-founder of Roers Companies. He started his career in real estate nearly 20 years ago, purchasing single-family homes, duplexes and student housing around the University of Minnesota.
Brian earned a double major in management and accounting from St. John’s University and became a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) in 2002. Brian co-founded Anderson & Roers CPAs, where he was a 50% partner before shifting his focus to real estate full-time. In 2012, he and his brother, Kent Roers, launched Roers Cos., which has since grown into a nationally recognized real estate firm. Today, Brian oversees the company's finance and asset management divisions, driving strategic growth and long-term value creation. Today, Roers Companies have 400 employees and have been named a USA Today Top Workplace. Roers is proud to be nationally recognized as a Top 25 Developer and Builder as ranked by the National Multifamily Housing Council.
Beyond the impressive company achievements, Brian’s individual accolades include being named a Minneapolis-St. Paul Business Journal “40 Under 40” honoree in 2018 and being named a finalist in the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year Awards for the Heartland region in 2021 and 2024. |
Fr. Mike Schmitz '97 | Father Mike Schmitz is the director of Youth and Young Adult Ministry for the Diocese of Duluth as well as the Chaplain for the Newman Center at the University of Minnesota-Duluth. The Duluth Newman Center focuses on being fed through the Sacraments as well as study and knowledge of the Church and has thrived under his humble and Spirit-filled guidance. He has preached to thousands locally and nationally. He is the host of the widely popular podcasts, "Bible in a Year" and "The Catechism in a Year" produced by Ascension. Father Mike also offers weekly homilies on iTunes, Hallow, and bulldogCatholic.org and has appeared in programs for youth and young adults through Ascension Press, as well as through regular short video messages on Ascension Presents.
We are honored to recognize Fr. Michael Schmitz ’97 as an award recipient this year. Due to a scheduling conflict, he will not be able to join us in person at the event. However, he has graciously prerecorded his acceptance remarks, which will be shared during the celebration. We are grateful for his continued connection and look forward to sharing his inspiring message with all in attendance. |
