BLD Alumni Board of Directors
Meet our Alumni Board of Directors! They are hard at work keeping you connected to your Alma Mater!
Cindy Raven, MT(ASCP), CHS(ACHI), (BS ’72)
Board Term: (2024-2027) President
Cindy (Mero) Raven graduated from Michigan State in 1973 with a Bachelor of Science
in Medical Technology and completed her internship at William Beaumont Hospital, Royal
Oak, Michigan. Her work experience includes two years in the Blood Bank at Parkland
Hospital, Dallas, Texas; one year as a laboratory generalist at Ingham Medical Center,
Lansing, Michigan; and 42 years at Versiti-Michigan (previously known as Michigan
Community Blood Centers and Michigan Blood), Grand Rapids, Michigan. While at Versiti-Michigan
she was certified by the American Board of Histocompatibility and Immunogenetics as
a Histocompatibility Specialist, CHS(ABHI), and was Director of several laboratories
including the Histocompatibility Laboratory, Immunohematology Reference Laboratory,
Stem Cell Laboratory, Cord Blood Bank, Component Laboratory, Donor Safety Testing
Laboratory and Special Testing Laboratory. Finally, she served as Director of Histocompatibility
Operations, Versiti Michigan and Indiana. Recently, she worked remotely for the University
of Maryland’s Immunohematology Department as a PRN Technical Specialist.
Cindy is a member of the American Society for Histocompatibility and Immunogenetics (ASHI) where she has served on the ASHI committees of Technologist Affairs, Membership as Chairperson, and Quality and Standards as Chairperson.
Cindy is now retired and, in her spare time, enjoys traveling and spending time with her family. She regularly attends Michigan State football and basketball games and Broadway shows at MSU’s Wharton Center for Performing Arts. Cindy previously served on the BLDAF Board from 2020 to 2023, the last year as President, and is excited about the opportunity to give back to Michigan State by serving on the BLDAF Board once again. Past president: Molly Orluck, (Human Medicine-Medical Technology '79)
Molly Orluck, (Human Medicine-Medical Technology '79)
Board Term: (2023-2026)
Molly graduated back in 1979 with her degree in Human Medicine-Medical Technology.
She completed her internship in Cleveland Ohio and returned to Michigan to begin her
career at St John Health. Soon she was promoted to lead technologist while working
on her Master of Science Administration. Her career took her to becoming part of the
Senior Management Team in creating an IDN out of St John Health System which became
part of Ascension Health. This afforded the opportunity to lead Ascension Laboratory
Value Analysis and Contracting bringing the 67 hospitals to one voice with standardized
contracts and laboratory strategies. After this opportunity Molly joined the DMC University
Laboratories. With her team they made operational and transformational change. Molly
is now with Labcorp as their Hospital Key Account Executive for the state of Michigan.
In her free time, Molly continues to work with the youth at her church. She also enjoys
running 5K’s which, she says, provided much direction regarding the laboratory strategy
during the start and peak of COVID.
Ellen Rzepka, (BA '75)
Board Term: (2023-2026)
Ellen Rzepka retired in February of 2023 after 38 years at MSU (35 years with the
BLD Program). During her time in BLD, she enjoyed meeting and working with the BLD
alumni over the years. Ellen graduated from Communication Arts and Sciences at MSU ('75),
but her heart is firmly part of the BLD Program and she joined the BLD Alumni and Friends Board this year. She's looking forward to continuing her connection with
BLD through the BLDAF. In her spare time (a lot more now that she's retired) she enjoys
traveling, golfing, reading and attending MSU sporting events.
Steven A. Gustafson, A.A., B.S. D.O., HT(ASCP), FASCP, FCAP, C.S.
Board Term: (2024-2027)
Dr. Steven Gustafson began his career in laboratory medicine after completing a training
program in histotechnology. Worked as a phlebotomist and forensic autopsy assistant
(Sparrow hospital) during his undergraduate years at MSU. After graduation from the
medical technology program in 1989, he went on to Osteopathic Medical School (DMU).
His post graduate training began with an AOA, transitional rotating internship (now
McLaren Macomb). Residency in anatomic and clinical pathology (UMCK, MO, ECU, NC)
followed by several fellowships, notably in hematopathology (MDACC, TX and George
Town University, DC) Chemical Pathology (MDACC, TX) and pediatric pathology (Christus
Santa Rosa Hospital, UTHSC, TX).
Following fellowship training, he began teaching in Kansas City, at the Osteopathic Medical School (KCU) and is currently an Associate Professor of preclinical sciences, William Carey University Collage of Osteopathic Medicine in Mississippi, teaching in pathology, physical diagnosis, manipulative medicine, and histology courses.
His passion for laboratory medicine has given him an opportunity to lecture to students in medical technology programs, medical students, and physicians around the world, especially in resource poor countries. Current and past research includes HIV, Malaria, Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine, and other projects which have resulted in publication / presentation.
He says “The practice of pathology and laboratory medicine is a complex and an integral part of the highest-quality patient care but is somewhat hidden from public view. Well trained laboratory professionals and pathologist are critical to ensuring quality, evidence-based, cost-effective medical care both nationally and internationally. To be part of that team is a privilege.”
On a personal note, his time at MSU provided a solid education and tremendous personal and professional growth, while on a campus that is like no other. I enjoy photography (especially macrophotography of plants and flowers that are so abundant at MSU), cooking, Tae Kwon Do, and mission trips, locally and around the world.
Sharon Jaksa, (BS, '82)
Board Term: (2024-2027)
Upon graduation from Michigan State with a BS in Medical Technology, I completed my
internship at Sparrow Hospital in Lansing. I began my professional career at Foote
Hospital in Jackson (now Henry Ford Medical Center). Along with the laboratory work,
I immediately became involved in rewriting the curriculum for the medical technology
students and was afforded the opportunity to become an instructor as well. After 3
years in the hospital setting, my passion for helping others led me to the largest
humanitarian organization, the American Red Cross. I began as a laboratory technologist
testing donated blood in Lansing, MI, and the Red Cross continually provided ample
opportunity for me to learn, develop and grow to an executive level leader. This included
the position of CEO, covering 60+ counties in MI and ensuring an adequate blood supply
for patients in Michigan and across the United States. I was then afforded the position
of Division Vice President and had responsibility for a territory covering a third
of the U.S. and having an annual blood collection goal of over 3 million. After 27
years in Biomedical Services, I was transferred to the Humanitarian Services side
of the Red Cross, continuing as a Division Vice President. My territory was 15 states
and I led multiple teams who assisted communities in preparing, responding, and recovering
from natural and man-made disasters. I retired in 2022 and continue to mentor future
leaders within the organization.
My time at MSU was transformational and prepared me well for my professional career. Since graduating, I have continued to interact with my alma mater because I am grateful for the many opportunities and educational experiences I was provided as a student. I am a life member of the alumni association, a multi-year season football ticket holder, a continuous financial donor to the university, and Vice President of the Southwest Florida MSU Alumni Group Board. I have been very fortunate to continue to work with the BLD program including being an adjunct professor for BLD for over ten years. I was asked to create part of the initial curriculum for the inaugural Laboratory Operations Master’s Program which was a very rewarding experience. The program also required each student to complete a project relevant to the curriculum, and these projects were done on-site at local businesses and health organizations. For three years, I had the privilege of working with 3 students whose completed projects that not only met their classroom requirements, but also made a significant impact at the Red Cross as well. I was able to oversight their outstanding work and become a mentor to each of them. I was honored to be chosen to attend their project presentations and provide feedback. A few years ago, the curriculum was in desperate need of an upgrade, and I was once again asked to create course content to better prepare students as future leaders in the ever-changing clinical laboratory environment. For my work with the BLD Master’s Program, I was extremely honored to receive the BLD Distinguished Alumni Award.
I look forward to expanding my support for Michigan State and BLD as a member of the BLDAF Board.
Michelle Preston, PhD. ASCP (MS CLS 2003)
Board Term: (2025-2028)
Michelle graduated with an MS in CLS in 2003 and moved to Tennessee to begin her career
in academia. After teaching for a year in an MLT program, she moved to Savannah GA
where she taught six years in an MLS program. While in GA, she obtained her PhD from
the University of GA in workforce education. Michelle became the MLS Program Director
at the University of Kentucky in 2010 and in 2018 she transitioned into an academic
chair role at West Virginia University. Michelle owes a great deal to the BLD Program
at MSU as she left with lifelong friends and mentors, a love of hematology, and a
passion for teaching. Michelle currently lives in Morgantown, WV with her tailless
cat Ruby. Her latest hobbies include baking and running.
Munira Mulani, MPH, MT (ASCP)
Board Term: (2026-2029)
Munira Mulani is the Director of Clinical Laboratory Operations at Northwell Health,
one of the largest not-for-profit health systems in the United States, where she oversees
the Clinical Trials Department and serves on the Institutional Review Board (IRB).
With over 15 years of progressive healthcare leadership experience, her expertise
spans clinical laboratory operations, quality management, regulatory compliance (CAP,
NY State, IRB), and clinical trials governance.
Munira earned her Bachelor of Science in Medical Technology from Michigan State University and completed her clinical internship at St. John's University in New York. She went on to earn her Master's in Public Health Administration from Long Island University while advancing her career at Northwell Health — rising from Manager to Senior Manager to Director. She plans to enroll in Harvard Medical School's Clinical Leadership Program in 2027.
Beyond the laboratory and the boardroom, Munira lives by a principle that is deeply woven into the fabric of who she is: "Seva" — selfless service.
This beautiful tradition of serving others without expectation or anything in return was instilled in her by her parents, and it continues to guide every aspect of her life. Munira serves as a Volunteer Mentor for the Community Health and Wellness (ICHW) Youth Mentorship Program, where she dedicates her time to mentoring and inspiring high school students to dream bigger and reach higher. She also serves as a Volunteer Director of Operations for the Northeast Region at her Jamatkhana (a place of prayer and community gathering), leading with the same grace, dedication, and strategic vision she brings to her professional career.
Nicole Lipnichan - Advisor Specialist, BLDAAF Faculty Liasion, lipnicha@msu.edu
Monique Tumbleson - Administrative Business Professional, BLD Alumni Relations Coordinator, tumbles1@msu.edu
Ella Wardlow - BLDSA president, wardlow4@msu.edu
Sean Tucker - BLDSA vice president, tucke194@msu.edu