A rather large sea change is taking place behind the scenes at St. Matthew's. Rosa Uy, who has served as Treasurer for 8 years, will hand off the responsibilities of this important position to Vestry member Dan Glienke. Many parishioners are familiar with Rosa's talents in the kitchen, as cook extraordinaire of the Brother Lawrence Guild. She is also a very savvy investor, with loads of financial expertise. Our parish has been well served with her orchestration of the budget every year and a keen eye on our financial health. Dan Glienke will take over the financial reins at a time when the budget is in excellent condition. He is also chair of the Management committee of our church and a long-time employee of Land O'Lakes Finance Company. We are deeply grateful for the work of both Dan and Rosa in keeping us afloat financially. The following is a snapshot into their busy lives and talents:
Dan Glienke
Have you ever been to Iowa?
"Yes, I was born and raised on a livestock and crop farm in Northwest Iowa and the first 20 years of my working career was also in Iowa - mostly working with livestock farms while with Land O'Lakes."
Tell us a little about your work at Land O'Lakes: "During my time with Land O'Lakes I've worked in a number of livestock industry related positions, mostly focused on pork production farms. Currently, I run Land O'Lakes' Finance Company, which specializes in financing Ag projects for members and member customers."
I understand an important experience for you was a course in financial values. Can you share with us some of your learning?
"Over the last 6-7 years Kim and I have been following Dave Ramsey's financial principles as outlined in his book Financial Peace. The goal is to manage God's resources for Him and build our ability to give with a generous heart."
Do you ever cook in your driveway?
"Frying turkeys and Cajun boils - two of my most favorite things! The first time frying a turkey in MS with invited military personal from Camp Shelby training to go to Iraq and now each summer boiling shrimp for Kim's birthday - to me it's just fun!"
Describe a bit what the Management committee does at St. Matthew's and your role there.
"The ultimate role of the Management committee is to consider all things property, financial or personnel-related that the Vestry or Blair would like an opinion and/or a recommendation on. For the last two years I've been the committee chair."
Is there anything we should know about the responsibilities of the Treasurer at St. Matthew's?
"Obviously - filling Rosa's shoes is huge and I thank her for her continued counsel! I'm really just getting starting in this role, so more to come on this subject. However, I will say that it is a role that I look forward to and take very seriously."
Rosa Uy
Where did you grow up?
"I grew up in Manila, my parents were immigrants from China. They left for a better place and to start a new life."
What languages do you speak?
"My first language is my parents' native dialect, Fukienese (one of several Southern China dialects). My second language is Filipino or Tagalog. I learned my third and fourth languages which are Mandarin and English at St. Stephen's Episcopal School in Manila. My fifth and least competent is Spanish."
Can you tell us a little about your work as a scientist at 3M?
"During my years at 3M I developed and scaled up synthetic and natural biocompatible polymers for applications in contact and intraoccular lenses, wound healing, skin adhesives, food safety monitoring products and EKG electrodes."
How many patents do you hold?
"I hold 20 patents."
Where did your son, Nathan, get his musical ability?
(Nathan serves as the music director at Westminster United Church in Winnipeg, Canada. He played the violin and was part of the St. Matthew's choir during his formative years). "It might be from my older brother; he could play by ear any musical instruments he picked up."
How do you define "success" as the Treasurer at St.Matthew's?
"Finance is a boring topic. I tried to keep it simple and understandable. St. Matthew's financial status is healthy. This is due in part to the Anderson bequest, the Campus Ministry grant and the generosity of the congregation. I served 8 years as treasurer; three of those years during the interim."