2025 Alumni Bios

Maddysen Boecker

Animation Major, Film Production & Graphic Communications minors, 2020

Maddysen Boecker is an MSUM alumna that graduated with an Animation major and minors in Film Production and Graphic Communications in Spring of 2020. While attending MSUM, she participated in campus' Flypaper Ad Agency, sparking her interest in communications and marketing. Maddysen has enjoyed working in local tech-related startups since 2019. She currently serves as Communications Manager at Be More Colorful, an immersive media company, and is a board member for the Northern Plains Botanic Garden Society.

Chris Cantin

Graphic Communications, 2022

MSUM graduate from the class of 2022 currently working as a Graphic Designer / Illustrator at local media company Lightning Media after receiving a degree in Graphic Communications.

Megan Fritz

Film Production, 2016

Megan Fritz graduated from Minnesota State University Moorhead's School of Media Arts & Design in 2016 with a degree in Film Production. During college, she honed her comedy writing skills at the Upright Citizens Brigade New York and worked at the Fargo Theatre—an experience she loved. After a post-grad adventure (or misadventure?) in LA, she transitioned into marketing, building a career in content writing, strategy and digital media. Now, she's come full circle, combining her passion for film and storytelling as the Development & Engagement Manager at the historic Fargo Theatre.

Joe Greening

Film Production, 2017

A directing fellow at the American Film Institute, Joe Greening graduated from Minnesota State University, Moorhead in 2017 with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Film Production. He has worked on Independent features and shorts across the United States. Greening's latest short film, 'I Want You,' is in festival consideration around the country and won "Best of the Midwest," at A Night of Horror International Film Festival in 2024.

Portfolio Links:
joegreening.com

Kelsey Knewtson

Graphic Communications, 2019

I am a 2019 graduate of Minnesota State University Moorhead (MSUM), where I earned a degree in Graphic Communications with an emphasis on web and multimedia design. After graduation, I joined OpGo Marketing, a full-service agency in Fargo, where I began my career in web design and graphic design. Over nearly five years, I worked my way up to become the Head Web Designer, gaining valuable experience in both technical design and creative strategy. In September 2023, I transitioned to a new role as the Libraries Marketing and Programs Coordinator at North Dakota State University (NDSU). This position has given me the opportunity to apply the skills I developed at MSUM and during my time at OpGo, while also expanding my experience in a broader marketing capacity. I love working in higher ed and getting to connect with students every day.

Miranda Moser

Graphic Communications, 2019

A highly motivated Graphic Designer who is passionate about beautifully crafted packaging design, electrifying in-store marketing displays, and engaging digital representation. Working as a remote graphic designer at Marks, a global marketing agency based in Toronto Canada.

Danny Kvaale

Graphic Design, 2016

Danny Kvale is a Minneapolis based graphic designer, illustrator, and motion designer with 12 years of experience in the industry. He's worked in-house design, ad-agency, design agency, and freelance specializing in branding, illustration, and packaging. When he's not pushing pixels, you can find him at a Timberwolves game or at a bowling alley near you!

Portfolio Links:
dannykvale.com

Sid Thompson

Major: Animation, Film Production, Minor in Film Studies, 2021

I am a 2021 graduate of MSUM with a BA in Animation, Film Production, and a Minor in Film Studies. I am currently pursuing my MA in Film Production at the University of Lincoln, in Lincoln, UK. In between my MA and BA, I worked both as a Video Production Specialist and later as a Marketing and Communications Analyst for Rochester Public Schools in Rochester, MN. I also worked as a contract scriptwriter and editor for Psych2Go on weekends. Additionally, I ran a freelance videography business around SE Minnesota. In the UK, I work part-time as a Media Producer for University of Lincoln and as a remote Communications Coordinator for a small organization in the US. Outside of work, I write and direct shorts both live-action and animated where I submit to festivals. My work has screened in venues in North America, Asia, and Europe.

Portfolio Links:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/sidney-thompson-3a6148172/

Jason Riebel

Major: Animation, 2022

I am a Lead Video Editor at Lightning Media in Fargo ND. At Lightning Media we specialize in producing and editing various content for YouTube including gaming videos, specialty job vlogs, educational videos and family friendly LEGO content. My work specifically includes editing/overseeing our editing department that handles videos of 15 active content creators on YouTube with a collective of over 25 million subscribers. I started out at Lightning Media in August of 2022 as a Video Editor working with another MSUM Alumni who had started a YouTube gaming channel; InterndotGif which has now grown to 350k subscribers. Lightning Media soon began to expand and I eventually was able to progress into a Lead Video Editor position overseeing a team of 10 video editors. Current tasks in my position include client communication, management of editors and their projects, and administrative duties. I do all of these things while also still editing during my free time. I am currently transitioning into a Content Producer role by assisting in filming and creating family friendly LEGO videos on a new channel called Blitz Bricks with 1 million views with only 3 live videos posted.

• 10:00 - 11:30 General Session
• 11:30 - 11:45 Lunch Break
• 11:45 - 12:30 Breakout sessions