BLD Alumni Board of Directors

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.

Past president: Dana Griffin, MLS(ASCP) (BS-MLS ’06) (MBA ’11)

Steven A. Gustafson, A.A., B.S. D.O., HT(ASCP), FASCP, FCAP, C.S.
Board Term: 2021-2024

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)

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 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. 

ianh Nguyen, MLS(ASCP) (BS '12-MSU) (MS '16-Texas Tech)

Board Term; 2022-2025

Lianh Started her career in 2012 at Medical City Plano after graduating from Michigan State University with a bachelor's degree in Clinical Laboratory Science. Since joining Medical City Plano, she worked in various progressive leadership roles within the laboratory as a medical technologist, shift supervisor, hematology supervisor, and now manager. 

She participated in the hospital Employee Advisory Group (EAG) as a member and at a committee co-chair capacity. Her passion for learning is recognized by her accomplishments of a master's degree in Clinical Practice Management from Texas Tech University in 2016, and a graduate of HCA Emerging Leader Program in 2017. She received the HCA Facility Innovators Award for Financial Impact in 2017. 

Lianh currently lives in Oak Point, TX with her husband Jeff and son Jacobsen. She enjoys staying active during her free time by working out on her peloton bike, outdoor activities, and cooking for her family and friends with new recipes that intrigue her. 

Molly Orluck (Human Medicine-Medical Technology 1979)
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. 

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. 

Cindy Raven, MT(ASCP), CHS(ACHI)- BS’72

Board Term: 2024-2027

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 for the opportunity to give back to Michigan State by serving on the BLDAF Board once again.

Bea Smith, MLS(ASCP) (BS ’77)

Board Term: 2023-2026

I grew up in a small town in southeast Michigan.  I graduated high school as valedictorian of my class in 1973.  I attended St. Clair County Community College for 2 years and earned an Associates degree in science.  I transferred to MSU in the fall of 1975 and entered the Medical Technology program.  I graduated with a BS degree in June 1977 Magna Cum Laude and then did my internship at a local hospital.  Upon successful completion of my internship and passing the ASCP certification, I was employed by that facility as a bench tech for over 20 years.  I worked all areas of the laboratory, but my love was Hematology.  I helped expand the serology area (probably equivalent to an immunology or special chemistry area in today’s laboratory) to include a number of tests using immunofluorescence.  I served as backup supervisor to the hematology area and eventually took on the department supervisory role.  I also served as backup to the LIS manager for a number of years.  When our LIS manager left the institution in 1995, I made the decision to take on that role and left the bench.  In the LIS manager role, I was a member of the laboratory leadership team as well as laboratory liaison to a number of hospital departments such as billing, medical records, information technology and hospital leadership.  I served in this role for approximately 11 years.   At the end of 2006, I was given the opportunity to join a consulting company as a consultant with Sunquest Laboratory and Copath Anatomic Pathology expertise.  In this capacity, I worked with a number of healthcare systems all over the United States.  I found this very rewarding and met so many wonderful laboratory staff members.  I learned as much as I gave to these institutions always eager to learn how different facilities worked.  I retired in the summer of 2021 and now enjoy being at home.  In all that work, I met the love of my life and was married.  We had twin boys who are now grown and on their own.  One of them was married this past September to his high school sweetheart.  Unfortunately, my husband passed away a few years ago. I enjoy reading, gardening, cooking and people watching from my front porch in the summer.  

Nicole Lipnichan, Advisor Specialist
lipnicha@msu.edu

Monique Tumbleson, Adminstrative Business Professional

tumbles1@msu.edu

Student liasons:

Katie Kolassa (BLDSA president, kolassa4@msu.edu )

Celestial MIron (BLDSA vice president, athert21@msu.edu)