Munden and Rasmussen Head Buena Vista University Community Campaign

August 21, 2015

Buena Vista University has announced that Kit Munden and Chris Rasmussen will be the co-chairs for its 2015-2016 Community Campaign.

Munden is originally from Nemaha and earned her bachelor's degree in biology and physical education from BVU in 1981. After graduating from BVU, she earned her certificate of professional therapy degree from the University of Iowa in 1983 and began her career as a physical therapist at Sports Rehab and Professional Therapy Associates in Storm Lake where she currently works.

"The Storm Lake area benefits greatly from Buena Vista University. The University, one of our area's largest employers, is a base for our economy and a resource for providing employees and leaders for our community," Munden said. "In our clinic, we have nine alumni who earned advanced degrees elsewhere and returned here to live, work and raise their families. There are countless reasons to be thankful for, and supportive of, Buena Vista University."

Munden and her husband, Marv, a retired high school business teacher who works for Real Estate Specialists in Storm Lake, have two children: Kristine, 26, is currently finishing her physical therapy training from A.T. Still University of Health Sciences in Mesa, Ariz., and Tyler, 21, received his degree in criminal justice from Hawkeye Community College in Waterloo and is pursuing a degree in criminology at University of Northern Iowa, and he is also a member of the 185th Air Force refueling wing based out of Sioux City.

Munden's community involvement includes being an active member in the Iowa Physical Therapy Association and holding many leadership positions in the organization and also participating in committees at the Storm Lake United Methodist Church. She also served as a member of the BVU Alumni Board for three years and as a volunteer with the Community Campaign.

Rasmussen, a native of Storm Lake, received his bachelor's degree in business administration from the University of North Texas in 1995, and his master's degree in business administration from the University of Kansas in 1999. He is currently pursuing his master's of divinity degree from Rockbridge Seminary. In 2005, Rasmussen became owner and general manager of his family's car dealership, Rasmussen Ford, which was established in Storm Lake in 1969.

"Having been born and raised in Storm Lake, I recognize Buena Vista University's students, faculty and staff bring a youthful atmosphere, academic and athletic energy and economic impact to our community," Rasmussen said. "I am pleased to co-chair the Community Campaign and support a university that is such a contributing force to our thriving community."

Rasmussen's mother is a 1991 Buena Vista graduate, attending classes in both Storm Lake and the Spencer GPS location. Rasmussen's wife, Michelle, works in the human resources department at Rasmussen Ford, and they have three children: daughter, Riley, 14; and sons Elias, 6, and Gabriel, 3.

Rasmussen is engaged in numerous community activities including serving on the Elder Board at Summit Evangelical Free Church and as an active member of Storm Lake United and Storm Lake Rotary Club. Rasmussen is currently a director on the Ford Dealer Advertising Fund board for the Twin City Region. This is his second time serving as a co-chair for the Community Campaign.

Buena Vista University is an independent university where the primary income comes from student tuition and fees. Contributions to the Community Campaign help support the University's annual operating expenses, which provide resources for scholarships and development of innovative academic programs, internships and undergraduate research opportunities.

The Community Campaign, which has a goal of $125,000 this year, kicks off on Wednesday, Sept. 23, at 5.p.m. in the Buena Vista University Art Gallery in the Social Sciences and Art Hall on the BVU campus. The event is open to the public and free to attend.

For additional information about BVU's 2015-16 Community Campaign, contact Barbara Aiona, assistant director of annual campaigns, at 712.749.2101 or aionab@bvu.edu.