 "Photo: www.mnsu.edu")
Minnesota State student Miles Kipper plays a key role in bringing musical performances to MSU.
A senior in the international business program, Kipper joined Impact's Concert Company because of his appreciation of music and desire to be involved on campus.
His father, who is lead singer for the reggae band New Primitives, also inspired him to take the position.
Some concerts Impact has brought to campus have been The Black Eyed Peas, Quietdrive, Switchfoot, Brother Ali, Counting Crows, Live, Fuel, Three Doors Down, Blues Traveler and Violent Femmes.
"We put on really cool programs," said Kipper.
According to him, the Concert Company is researching possible country groups to come play at MSU as well.
Furthermore, he added that Mankato itself has a wide range of musical potential, which the Concert Company tries to reflect by bringing musical groups from the area to campus.
"Keep it local," he said regarding the matter.
An example of this is the Battle of The Bands, which will bring together five musical groups from the region on Wednesday.
Kipper said that many of the bands recruited by Impact are by word of mouth.
As the chair of the concert company, Kipper has the responsibility to recruit musical guests, with the help of a 12-member committee and to organize concerts before they take place.
According to him, this involves a lot of organization and interaction with other people.
"He's always on his cell phone," said Vice President of Impact Catie DeBates.
He is also involved with the International Business Organization (IBO), The Newspaper Board and the MSU Rugby team.
DeBates thinks Kipper's eleven-hour work week for Impact combined with his hard work and dedication is nothing short of a miracle.
"I don't know how he does it," she said. "He's really involved."
She said that despite having other responsibilities however, Kipper is able to manage his work load with Impact and get a lot done.
"He's super dependable."
She also commented on Kipper's ability to motivate members of Impact, raise the bar, and collaborate with others.
"He's our cheerleader," she said. "He puts others before himself."
Kipper, who was not as involved as he would have liked to his first three years of college, decided it was time for a change in his college career and joined Impact as a result.
"It's nice to be doing something," he said. "I feel so lucky. I'm putting on events for all my peers."
After graduation, Kipper hopes to either be part of the management field for an international business company or work in something related to music such as a road manager for an international band.
"I'm interested in the music industry," he said.
Raul Mejiaborja is a Reporter staff writer
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