A magazine for alumni and friends FALL/WINTER 2015

MEMORIAL HALL

Renovation transforms landmark at heart of campus PRESIDENT R. HANSON PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE Whether as students or employees, our direct connection to Bemidji State University is inevitably finite. Freshmen become graduates, and so it goes. Since 1919, many genera- tions of arrivals and departures have made us into an innovative source of education for students from around the world. As you may know, I have reluctantly decided to retire next summer after six years in the best job I’ve ever had. My wife, Dianne, and I won’t say farewell quite yet because there is much to do over the next six months, as always. Naming an end date to a role I have so proudly fulfilled makes me even more apprecia- tive of all we have and will accomplish together as stewards of Bemidji State. Nowhere is that more evident than in the ongoing Imagine Tomorrow fundraising campaign, which recently surpassed its initial goal and is now in uncharted territory. I cannot adequately thank all of you who are a part of this great cause. Already the campaign has allowed us to double our donor-funded scholarships to students. Each issue of this magazine describes another chapter in the journey of Bemidji State. The stories chronicle the commitment and contributions of individuals who carry us ever onward. I think, for example, of the Bemidji-area legislators and other leaders who helped secure funding to transform venerable Memorial Hall into a state-of-the-art showplace. In every edition we never fail to highlight students’ accomplishments, and this time we present six whose lives were changed by scholarships they received. We share engaging photographs of campus happenings, including one of BSU’s most memo- rable Homecoming celebrations. And of course, no publication would be complete without personal updates from scores of alumni who keep in touch because they value their lifelong association with the university. For now, I still get to say, “See you next time” – hopefully on campus for Homecoming in October as we celebrate the success of Imagine Tomorrow, or maybe at one of our Arizona gatherings in early March. Thank you for being part of the BSU family! Best wishes,

Richard Hanson

2 | BEMIDJI STATE UNIVERSITY Features

4-6 MARVELOUS MEMORIAL: Open for fall and unveiled at Homecoming, Memorial Hall makes an impressive debut and wins fans among students and faculty as a state-of-the-art home for business and accounting. Departments

REBIRTH OF A LANDMARK 11-15 BSU News 7-8 IMAGINE TOMORROW: comprehensive campaign BSU’ssurpasses first-ever the $35 16 Faculty Achievement million mark, with six months remaining for 17-18 Beaver Athletics more people to join this historic effort in sup-

port of the university and its students. 19 Alumni News 9-10 MAKING IT COUNT: A cross-section of 24-25 Honors Gala scholarship recipients illustrates how much 26-27 Homecoming students gain when they can focus more on GRATEFUL STUDENTS their studies and worry less about paying for 28-29 Campus photos

their education. 30-40 Class Notes 20-21 ACROSS GENERATIONS: Inspired by exam- 41-46 Annual Report ples of pride and success, more than a handful 47 Alumni Calendar of families continue to make BSU a tradition that spans decades and spreads across a swath of siblings.

22-23 CALLED TO CLEANUP: Following his in- stincts and a knack for seizing opportunity has ARLETTE AND MARK PLOEN put alum Mark Ploen and QualiTech Environ- The golden autumn hues of a maple tree mental on the front lines of oil spill recovery COVER PHOTO: frame Memorial Hall, whose familiar Art Deco façade belies and containment. the dramatic transformation of its interior renovation.

VOLUME 32, NO. 2 FALL/WINTER 2015

EDITOR: Scott Faust

UNIVERSITY ADVANCEMENT EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR: Rob Bollinger

BEMIDJI STATE UNIVERSITY Magazine DESIGNER: Sean Barnes is produced by the Office of Communications and PHOTOGRAPHY DIRECTOR: John Swartz Marketing and BSU Alumni & Foundation. It is WRITERS: Andy Bartlett, Maryhelen Chadwick, published twice per year and distributed free to Scott Faust, Brad Folkestad and Al Nohner BSU alumni and friends. Direct comments to [email protected] or 1-888-234-7794.

A member of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system, Bemidji State University is an affirmative action, equal opportunity educator and employer. 15-245

www.BemidjiState.edu | 3 New front steps and large glass windows grace the building’s west entrance, facing Birchmont Drive. MEMORIAL HALL is the NEW HEART of BSU’s campus

Opened in August as the new home for the business administration and accounting programs and officially unveiled at Homecoming, Bemidji State University’s remod- eled Memorial Hall is a new star attraction. The 75-year-old building, built as a gymnasium and for many years used for large gatherings, has been reborn as a state-of-the-art learning center that links the main Birchmont Drive corridor to a newly expanded Central Plaza ringed by the Upper and Lower Hobson Memorial Union, Sattgast Hall and A.C. Clark Library. A spacious lawn and intersecting sidewalks where Sanford Hall once stood is now the Sanford Quad.

“The new Memorial Hall The project, which began in September 2014, was made possible by $13.79 million in bonds approved by the Minnesota Legislature, with strong support from the Minnesota State Colleges is everything I hoped and Universities System, Bemidji-area legislators and local officials. The money also financed renovation of Decker Hall as a new hub for student services. it would be.” “One thing that is clear to me is that the leaders of this community have rallied around Bemidji State,” President Richard Hanson said at the ceremony on Oct. 2. “I think we’re on our way, not — Lisa Kittleson just in terms of the College of Business, Technology and Communications, but in our other senior, business administration colleges and programs as well. It’s time to shine a light and encourage the teaching and learning that develops students every day.”

4 | BEMIDJI STATE UNIVERSITY 1. The lower-level concourse is lined by faculty offices, giving students easy access to instructors and promoting learning outside the classroom.

2. The original flooring from Memorial Hall’s first life as a gymnasium is visible in this hallway, as are the red pine bleachers, which have been turned into horizontal paneling.

3 . Shown when the project was nearing completion in late November, a new rear stairway and elevator are in a glass atrium overlooking Lake Bemidji and a newly expanded Central Plaza between the Upper and Lower Hobson Memorial Union.

4. Multiple video screens and flexible seating make this new active-learning classroom on the first floor of Memorial Hall highly adaptable to different teaching needs and group project work.

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Dr. Shawn Strong, dean of BSU’s College of Business, Technology and Communication, and BSU students Lisa Kittleson, a senior marketing communication major from Young America, Minn., and Marie Schwing- hammer, a senior accounting major from Bemidji, also spoke to those gathered in front of the front steps. 3 “Although this building is one of the oldest on campus, it is now the most technically advanced,” Strong said, pointing out its active-learning classrooms, community learning spaces, video conferencing capabilities and computer connectivity. “Ultimately, these features, both in terms of design and technology, are all focused on student learning.”

Strong also said the new building has been designed to meet LEED certification, using 20 percent less energy and 40 percent less water than conventional buildings.

“The new Memorial Hall is everything I hoped it would be,” Kittleson said. “When I proudly point out this building on tours as a University Ambassador, I always emphasize how it maintains a connection to the past as well as providing a completely modern atmosphere.”

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www.BemidjiState.edu | 5 President Richard Hanson cuts the ribbon on Oct. 2 to officially open renovated Memorial Hall during a morning ceremony.

Naming gifts will raise the bar for business Naming opportunities in Memorial Hall vary from $500,000 for the enovation of Memorial Hall has opened a door of opportunity R historic Art Deco lobby and lower-level concourse, to $200,000 for to donors who wish to support the College of Business, Technology an executive conference room, $50,000 for group learning centers, and Communication through naming gifts for the building’s many to $10,000 for individual offices – and those are only a few rooms and features. examples. Just as the building promises to be a magnet for student recruit- ment long into the future, it also provides a new avenue for BSU Such gifts will fund the CBTC’s “2020 by 2020,” a plan to grow the alumni and friends who seek to establish their own visible legacy college from about 1,300 current students to 2,020 by the year 2020 or honor some other person, such as a family member. while raising the bar on every aspect of its academics and outreach.

In addition to the business administration and accounting “We are pursuing many important initiatives that will integrate programs, whose courses are all taught in Memorial Hall, the CBTC students, faculty and employers in meaningful and deliberate ways,” includes the Department of Technology, Art & Design, noted for its said Dr. Shawn Strong, the college’s dean. outstanding exhibit and graphic design programs, as well as the visual arts and applied engineering. Other objectives of “2020 by 2020” include the ability to host student study tours to places such as Chicago’s Board of Trade or corporate The college also leads Minnesota in delivery of online bachelor’s headquarters in the Twin Cities, creating a more in-depth entrepre- degree-completion programs in business administration and is a neurship program with real-world experience, launching an partner in an on-campus business degree-completion program at Executive in Residence program for visiting business leaders, and Anoka-Ramsey Community College. funding other initiatives to gain “gold standard” accreditation by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business.

To learn more An early naming gift came from the Carlson Companies, which For more information about Memorial Hall naming named a suite of offices in honor of BSU alumna Trudy Rautio ’75, opportunities in support of the College of Business, who retired in May as president and CEO of the Minnetonka-based Technology and Communications, contact Dr. Shawn Strong, travel and hospitality giant. Rautio serves on the BSU Foundation dean, at (218) 755-3732 or [email protected]. board and the Imagine Tomorrow campaign’s National Campaign Committee.

6 | BEMIDJI STATE UNIVERSITY ‘The SKYIS THE LIMIT’ Outlook bright as campaign eclipses $35 million goal

By Scott Faust

Apparently, Joe Lueken was right all along. Indications are that an original $35 million goal for Bemidji State University’s Imagine Tomorrow campaign wasn’t quite a swing for the fences, to borrow an old baseball metaphor. In retrospect, the target that once loomed so large now looks more like a solid triple than a home run. Fortunately, the game is far from over. Campaign cash and commitments crept past the goal in November, with seven months to go in the five-year effort and tens of thousands more alumni and friends able to join the cause. Trudy Rautio ’75, seated next to Cynthia Cashman ’85 and Dave Ramsey ’78, discusses strategy with fellow mem- Well before Imagine Tomorrow quietly kicked bers of the Imagine Tomorrow National Campaign Committee on Oct. 2 at the American Indian Resource Center. off in July 2011, Lueken said Bemidji State could aim even higher in its bid to dramatically boost Lueken, who died in July 2014 at age 72, would Bemidji State is an expression of belief in its scholarship funding and academic investment. undoubtedly have agreed. The generosity with importance and potential. While deeply grateful for every gift and pledge which the legendary Bemidji grocery store When the BSU Foundation Board of Trustees was received so far, President Richard Hanson and owner and his wife, Janice, have supported preparing to launch the campaign to be known as other campaign leaders say they won’t stop reaching out to new donors at every level of giving. BREAKDOWN OF GIVING “Tomorrow” hasn’t quite arrived, and it’s still Designations by category for $35 million received or pledged to the Imagine Tomorrow possible to “imagine” what can be achieved by campaign as of Nov. 30, 2015: midnight on June 30., once everyone has joined the team. Scholarships – 50% “As much as we use dollars and cents as a Academic Support – 13% measure of our progress, this campaign has Gifts awaiting designation – 12% always been about more than money alone,” Hanson said. “It’s about the impact we will Lakeside Fund & all other gifts – 25% make in the lives of students and on the university for decades to come. With that to inspire us, the sky is the limit.”

continued on page 8} www.BemidjiState.edu | 7 How you can get involved Everyone connects with Bemidji State in a unique way: as a student, professor, staff member, intellectual, art lover, music aficionado, sports fan and on and on. Not surprisingly, every contribution – whether it is a financial gift, bequest or volunteer effort – reflects a donor’s perspective, financial situation and time.

From a practical standpoint, here is background to inform your decision to be a part of the Imagine Tomorrow campaign:

CASH: Cash gifts are an easy way to give. Gifts of any size make an immediate impact on the Imagine Tomorrow priority area of your choice. Senior Shelby Andrist speaks about the importance of seizing opportunity during the BSU Foundation’s Scholarship Appreciation Breakfast on Sept. 19 in the BSU Gymnasium. Andrist is a first-generation SECURITIES: Gifts of stocks, bonds, treasuries and student and the daughter of a single mom. mutual funds that have increased in value are a win-win opportunity for you under current tax laws. They provide an immediate benefit to the university and a current continued from page 7} income tax savings for you. Imagine Tomorrow, trustee Lueken also largely on track to meet or exceed initial targets. In the area of scholarships, with a PROPERTY: Property and real estate includes homes, suggested they consider a goal as high as cabins, commercial buildings, farmland and other $50 million. goal of $20 million, $17.23 million has been property, such as works of art and other items of value. committed. For academic excellence, Cautious optimism prevailed, and the lower including faculty development and program PLANNED GIFTS: These involve giving to the university but still challenging amount was approved. in the future. Typical types of planned gifts would be a investment, $4.47 million has been The campaign’s volunteer leadership, BSU bequest, life income gift, charitable gift annuity, charitable committed toward an $8 million goal. Annual Foundation and Alumni Association staff and remainder trust, life insurance or a gift of residence with support, which can be applied to the areas of Hanson himself now have 180 days to see a life interest. The Bemidji State University Legacy Society is a highest need, has garnered $8.6 million, unique organization whose members have provided for just how far donors are willing to stretch. exceeding a $7 million goal. About $5 million Bemidji State University through a planned gift. Members Progress to date is encouraging to say the receive special invitations and other benefits. more awaits donor designation. least: Dave Sorensen, chair of the Imagine VOLUNTEER: One of the most important gifts you • As of the most recent official tally, on can give to BSU is to tell others why the university is Tomorrow Campaign Steering Committee vital to you and the community. Attend campus events. Nov. 30, th e total value of gifts and said alumni and friends of BSU can expect Volunteer for committees and events that interest you. pledges to the Imagine Tomorrow plenty of friendly encouragement to You make a difference! campaign was $35.34 million. participate, if they haven’t already. • The university has doubled its Reminders and updates will come via email, Potential benefits of giving donor-funded scholarships for BSU direct mail, individual meetings and special • Make an immediate or future impact on Bemidji State. students in five years, going from events such as the Fun in the Sun alumni • Help the department, college or area of your choice. $698,766 in 2011 to $1,387,275 this gatherings in Arizona on March 4-5. One key • Potentially increase the impact of fiscal year. point is that all multi-year pledges and your gift with a matching gift. • Campaign donors have created 50 new planned gifts made by June will be credited to • Make a large gift with a small cash investment. Imagine Tomorrow. • Save on income tax. scholarship endowments valued at • Reduce estate tax. $6.89 million. They are benefiting “We want as many people as possible to join • Avoid capital gains tax. students in 23 areas, ranging from this campaign and then join us at the gala on • Generate lifetime income. leadership to mathematics to Oct. 16 when we celebrate this accomplish- CONTACT the BSU Foundation at (218) 755-2762, encouraging American Indian and ment together,” Sorensen said. “It will be a email to [email protected] international enrollment. thrilling night and a historic milestone for or visit www.bsuimaginetomorrow.org. The way donors are designating their funds is Bemidji State University.”

8 | BEMIDJI STATE UNIVERSITY Scholarships make multi-layered IMPACT It’s about much more than the money

By Scott Faust

For the third straight year, the BSU Foundation invited merit and need-based scholarship recipients, their families and scholarship donors to a Scholarship Appreciation Breakfast. The gathering, held this year on Sept. 19 in the BSU Gymna- sium, has quickly become a major event on the fall calendar. President Hanson and Dr. Martin Tadlock each spoke and shook the hands of every student. Two scholarship recipients Wayne and Beverly Thorson with Samantha Wormley, recipient of the Wayne & Beverly talked about their own academic journeys, and after the Thorson Business Scholarship. program, many students were able to personally thank the donors who funded their scholarships. line with his goal of becoming a certified manufacturing Samantha Wormley engineer. A junior from Nevis, Samantha Wormley is majoring in business administration with an emphasis in management and entrepre- “I’ve been applying like crazy so I can finally get my foot in the neurship and a minor in computer information systems. door and start something in my field,” Juve said. She arrived at BSU with an associate degree she earned online With encouragement from the Department of Technology, Art & from Alexandria Technical and Community College. She is a Design, he applied for and received not only a John H. Warford member of the BSU Business Club and serves as networking Memorial Scholarship but also a Marvin Window & Doors officer for the Human Resource Management Club. Working at her Scholarship. Both were awarded through the BSU Foundation. parents’ fishing resort during the summer taught her the “People are willing to help pay for your way through college, all importance of listening to customers and understanding their because they think you’re worth their time and money,” Juve needs. said, “and that makes me want to work all that much harder.” In case there was any doubt about Wormley’s focus, she states it continued on page 10} clearly: “Essentially, my ultimate goal would be to run a company,” she said. “I know that’s out there, but I like to dream big.” Her gratitude for the scholarships she’s received is equally clear. “Thank you for investing in my future,” Wormley wrote in a letter to Wayne and Beverly Thorson after receiving their business scholarship. “I will do my best to make the most of your generous investment.” Dusty Juve A sophomore from Fosston, Dusty Juve is majoring in engineer- ing technology with an emphasis in manufacturing management and a minor in project management. He is eager to diversify the experience he’s gained working for a construction company in Fosston and is seeking an internship in Dr. Suzanne Warford Anderson with Dusty Juve, recipient of the John H. Warford Memorial Scholarship.

www.BemidjiState.edu | 9 Arla and Willie ‘53 Stittsworth with Jessie Battistini, recipient of the Willie Stittsworth Scholarship. President Richard Hanson with Jineane William, recipient of the Joe & Jan Lueken American Indian Scholarship, and her father, Zane Williams. Jessie Battistini A senior from Cloquet, Jessie Battistini is majoring in social studies continued from page 9} education with a minor in history. In May, she will become the first in Jineane Williams her family to complete a four-year degree. A senior from Bemidji, Jineane Williams is majoring in nursing with a dual minor in psychology and indigenous studies. Battistini tried out majors in business and mass communication before she began pursuing her longtime dream of teaching. Working She is a Navajo Indian and would like to begin her career with the as a residence hall assistant gave her new confidence, she said. Indian Health Service, possibly in Cass Lake or Red Lake. If she stayed for at least two years, she would benefit from a loan “I always wanted to be a teacher,” Battistini said, “but I never thought repayment program. I could. Then I decided, ‘I’m going to give it a try.’ And here I am.” Williams is already gaining experience by working as a certified In addition to being a student worker for two academic depart- personal care attendant for several youth clients in the Bemidji area, ments, she writes for the Northern Student magazine, tutors other and she was preparing to job shadow with IHS nurses in Red Lake students and works off campus as a waitress. Last summer, she was over winter break. This summer, she will join other BSU student a tutor for at-risk students in the Upward Bound program. nurses on a 20-day trip to South Africa. The Willie Stittsworth Scholarship she received makes her “so Receiving a Joe & Jan Lueken American Indian Scholarship has thankful,” Battistini said, because it meant not having to take out reinforced her commitment. additional student loans this year. “It really encouraged me to keep doing what I’m doing and gave me “I’m paying for my schooling all by myself, and it gets spendy,” she said. motivation to work hard for what I want,” Williams said.

George ’64 and Sandy Thelen with Bruce Wilmot, recipient of the George and Sandy Thelen Doug ‘10 and Sue Frederickson with Erik Nims, recipient of the Big Oaks Foundation Leadership Scholarship. Scholarship.

Erik Nims Bruce Wilmot A senior from Brooklyn Park, Erik Nims is majoring in art & design A freshman from Park Rapids, Bruce Wilmot is majoring in computer with an emphasis on graphic design. science. He is a first-generation college student who has been earning He has gone from being home-schooled since kindergarten to living money and developing his design talents as a student worker in the in a BSU residence hall and is enjoying having a roommate and BSU Office of Communications and Marketing since the spring 2015 gaining greater independence. semester. His work has included designed posters, brochures and Although Wilmot said he hasn’t yet narrowed his career plans within advertising for clients ranging from Beaver Athletics to BSU his chosen field, he knows he’s always enjoyed and been fascinated Admissions. by computers. Nims is a member of the Environmental Design Guild and in early In addition to providing important financial help, he said receiving a December joined the student group on a trip to Chicago, where they George & Sandy Thelen Leadership Scholarship has made him be visited exhibit and print design firms. tougher on himself. Receiving a Big Oaks Foundation Scholarship “just makes it a lot “Scholarships require you to maintain a certain level as a student,” easier to pay the bills,” he said. “It’s given me the opportunity to he said, “and that’s a good incentive.” stay in school.”

10 | BEMIDJI STATE UNIVERSITY Hanson to retire in June Chancellor launches extensive search process President Richard Hanson speaks to staff and faculty on Aug. 18 at the All-University Meeting where he announced his retirement. A nationwide search is underway to choose a successor for BSU staff who met with Rosenstone said NTC, and championed BSU’s distinction as a Dr. Richard A. Hanson, who in August they are looking for someone who is an north woods campus that offers students a announced he will conclude six years as innovative thinker, a steward of philan- unique and transformative residential president of Bemidji State University thropic support, an expert at increasing experience. and Northwest Technical College when he student recruitment and retention, and a retires in June. confident financial strategist. Major improvements to the BSU campus Hanson received a standing ovation from have also been a hallmark of Hanson’s faculty and staff following his remarks on Rosenstone has appointed a 17-member years, including installation of artificial turf Aug. 18 at BSU’s traditional All-University search committee with representatives in Chet Anderson Stadium, renovation of Meeting to kick off the new academic year. from BSU and NTC employee bargaining Memorial Hall, a public-private project to units, administrators, students and build a 56-unit student apartment building “This is the best job I’ve ever had at the best community members. Dr. Connie Gores, called University Heights, and the planned place I’ve ever been,” Hanson said. “This is president of Southwest Minnesota State replacement of Hagg-Sauer Hall, a project a fabulous institution, and we are on the University is committee chair. that includes renovation of six other verge of even greater things.” campus buildings. The search schedule calls for an initial round of candidate interviews on Feb. 25-26, Hanson also has placed a priority on campus visits by finalists in March, and an increasing BSU’s community visibility and April 20 appointment by the MnSCU Board engagement, including such steps as of Trustees based on Rosenstone’s establishing an office in the Mayflower recommendation. Building, an economic development hub in downtown Bemidji, and agreeing to Hanson said his decision to retire at the end maintain a BSU gallery in the Watermark of his current contract was inevitably Arts Center for visual art, also in downtown difficult, but he looks forward to more time Bemidji. with his wife, Dianne, and their family. He joked about getting a break from frequent In addition, he has strengthened the MnSCU Chancellor Dr. Steven Rosenstone meets with a four-hour trips to attend meetings at connections between Bemidji State and Bemidji State student Sept. 30 during a visit to Bemidji to gather insights about qualities needed in the next president MnSCU headquarters. NTC, fostering greater academic collabora- of BSU and Northwest Technical College. tion in addition to efficiencies gained from “I’ve still got some gas in my tank, but I don’t dual responsibilities for many administrators Minnesota State Colleges and Universities want to use it driving to St. Paul,” Hanson and staff. In August 2014, Dr. Hanson Chancellor Dr. Steven Rosenstone visited said. initiated a comprehensive process of review Bemidji on Sept. 30 to ask campus and for NTC known as “reinvention” that Hanson’s tenure in Bemidji has included community stakeholders what qualities will produced streamlined academic programs leadership of BSU’s first-ever comprehen- be most important for the next BSU-NTC aligned directly with workforce needs in sive fundraising campaign, Imagine president to possess. northern Minnesota. Tomorrow, which has already met its initial goal of $35 million for scholarships and He said he expected the search process to What’s next yield a successful candidate who not only academic investment. He also has placed Finalists for the presidency of Bemidji has outstanding experience and credentials renewed emphasis on international State University and Northwest Technical but is the right fit for Bemidji and the culture recruitment and education abroad, College are scheduled to be selected in of the two campuses. increased administrative integration and academic partnership between BSU and time for campus and community interviews in Bemidji in March.

www.BemidjiState.edu | 11 12

| BEMIDJI STATE UNIVERSITY BSU NEWS Left Behind.” Left Buddy No Back?: Your Got “Who’s titled video astudent-produced in bracelet Students Our Save her off shows Hull Brittany President Senate Student Plans Plans call for the 82,000-square-foot, 35-year-old Hagg-Sauer made a similar visit on Aug. 12. tion and finance. The House Capital Investment Committee and briefing from Karen Snorek, vice president for administra- the Minnesota Senate Capital Investment Committee for a tour priority list for its 2016 capital request. On Oct. 1, BSU hosted sixth on the Minnesota System of Colleges and Universities’ Hagg-Sauer, located just south of Chet Anderson Stadium, is this spring. project that depends on legislative approval of bond funding the Bemidji State University campus, an $18.1 million combined Hagg-Sauer Hall and the redistribution of faculty offices across Planning is underway for the demolition and replacement of replacementprojecthingesonbonding Hagg-Sauer

BSUNEWS buildings. campus other match to brick brown be will It building. existing the as location same the for planned Hall Hagg-Sauer two-story a new of design the shows rendering architectural This

students. promote collaboration among faculty and interaction with Hagg-Sauer and establish learning communities that will scheduled to begin next summer to relocate faculty now in Arts Complex, Bensen Hall, Deputy Hall and Sattgast Hall is Renovation of the Clark A.C. Library, Bangsberg Performing efficiency and sustainable design. U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED Silver standards for energy groundwater intrusion. The new building is slated to meet the chair access and significant deferred maintenance costs from classroom types and sizes. The old building has poor wheel- learning center, with updated technology and a variety of following year by a new 25,000-square-foot academic Hall to be torn down in summer 2017 and replaced over the Hanson formed after last year’s tragedy. recommendations from a task force President Richard will meet in the coming year to continue implementing initiative. Students, faculty, staff and area law enforcement for students, faculty and staff to wear in support of this OUR STUDENTS” have been distributed by Student Senate Also, green rubber bracelets with the words “S.O.S. SAVE watch out for their friends. encourages students to take care of themselves and to Lakeland Television. The video, just over two minutes long, for Health and Counseling produced in partnership with project coordinated by Jay Passa of BSU’s Student Center Your Back?: No Buddy Left Behind.” It was a student The presentation included a new video titled “Who’s Got hypothermia death of a student in December 2014. topics gained greater urgency than ever following the responsible behavior and caring for fellow students. These incoming freshmen specifically focused on student safety, mandatory presentation and panel discussion for all “Life on Campus and What You Need to Know,” a BSU’s 2015 orientation for new students in August included Student safetyinforefrontfollowing2014tragedy Administrative appointments

Rankings continue to put BSU These individuals have been appointed to permanent cabinet-level administrative in top tier of peer institutions positions at Bemidji State University over the past six months: Bemidji State was again named one of the 100 best Karen Snorek colleges and universities in the Midwest region in Vice President for Finance and Administration rankings released Sept. 9 by U.S. News and World Karen Snorek joined BSU and Northwest Technical College on July 1 Report. BSU tied for 34th among public institutions in as the new vice president for finance and administration, replacing the Midwest and tied with four other institutions for Bill Maki, who was appointed president of Minnesota’s Northeast 99th among all colleges and universities in the region. Higher Education District, a consortium of five community colleges It is the eighth consecutive year that BSU has made Snorek has more than two decades of higher education experience the U.S. News list of top 100 colleges in the region. in Minnesota and has served as vice president of finance and Winds of Change magazine also again named Bemidji operations at South Central College in Faribault, Minn., since 2006. She was vice president of finance and facilities at Riverland State one of the top 200 colleges in the nation for Karen Snorek American Indian students. The list focuses on a Community College in Austin from 1996-2006, and was business college’s native community and support system and manager at Minnesota Riverland Technical College from 1992-96. also includes data measuring undergraduate degrees Before beginning her career in higher education administration, she worked eight in science, engineering, technology and mathemat- years in a variety of accounting positions at Owatonna Tool Company. She has a ics-related disciplines and six-year graduation rates. bachelor’s degree in business from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire. BSU has made the Winds of Change Top 200 each year since 2008. Megan Zothman Chief Human Resources Officer Megan Zothman was named chief human resource officer for Bemidji State University and Northwest Technical College in October. She had been a human resources specialist in Bemidji State’s Office of Human Resources since March 2014. Zothman has been recognized for her performance by the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system, winning its 2015 Human Resources All-Star Award. Before joining the BSU/NTC human resources office, Zothman was an executive team leader Megan Zothman for Target Corp., overseeing human resource at stores in Bemidji, Grand Rapids, Sioux Falls, S.D., and Minneapolis. Nursing students from Jinhua, China, tour Sanford Bemidji Medical Center during their September visit to BSU. She has bachelor’s degrees in retail merchandising and business–entrepreneurial management from the University of Minnesota.

Chinese delegation is vanguard Bill Blackwell Jr. for possible nursing partnership Director, American Indian Resource Center

Nursing students and faculty from Jinhua University in Bill Blackwell Jr. started July 1 as director of the American Indian Jinhua, China, visited BSU and Bemidji for a week in Resource Center. Blackwell, a 2012 graduate of BSU and member of September. The group toured the nursing programs at the Grand Portage Band of Lake Superior Chippewa, will serve BSU both the university and Northwest Technical College and NTC after spending the past three years in fundraising and visited health care facilities throughout the Bemidji leadership role at Leech Lake Tribal College. Bill Blackwell Jr. community. Blackwell also worked as the college’s admissions and outreach The ambassadors were visiting Bemidji to explore a coordinator, following earlier work in retail management. He has a potential degree-completion agreement between bachelor’s degree in Indian Studies and a certificate of instruction in Ojibwe from BSU, Jinhua and BSU, which would allow Jinhua students to as well as a master’s degree in tribal administration and governance from the spend two years in Bemidji completing bachelor’s University of Minnesota-Duluth. degrees in nursing after finishing their three-year program in Jinhua. Lynn Johnson “They were very impressed by the quality of what they Director of Distance Learning saw in our classrooms and labs,” said Dr. Martin Lynn Johnson became director of distance learning for BSU on July 1 Tadlock, BSU/NTC provost and vice president for after serving as interim director for the past four years. She joined academic and student affairs. “They loved meeting the university in 2001 as associate director of distance learning. American students and felt like they had made quick Johnson has responsibility for managing online and off-campus friends.” instruction and degree programs at both the undergraduate and Lynn Johnson Tadlock says the next step will be to determine BSU graduate levels, as well as establishing partnerships with other courses and workshops the Bemidji School of Nursing colleges and universities. She has a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a master’s could deliver on campus in Jinhua beginning as soon as degree in counseling, both from Moorhead State University. the summer of 2016.

www.BemidjiState.edu | 13 Ojibwe cultural-immersion camp receives national recognition BSU’s Ojibwe Language Summer Camp, which offers a unique opportunity for students to become immersed in Ojibwe culture, has won the Innovative Award for Non-Credit Programs from the North American Association of Summer Sessions. Jan Yopp, the association’s committee chair for creative and innovative awards, said the camp, whose Ojibwe name is Ojibwemowin Niibinishi Gabeshi, was recognized for “its impact on students and adaptability for other campuses.” The association recognizes member schools that offer creative and innovative programs each year at is annual conference. The awards are meant to highlight the importance of American Indian student leader curriculum development, acknowledge programs that make outstanding contributions to Vincent Staples-Graves and the management, operation or marketing of summer sessions, and to give its members an Summer Program Director Angie opportunity to learn from one another. Gora show off a plaque from the During the two-week camp at BSU, faculty and staff teach campers about the Ojibwe North American Association of language, history, cultural traditions and native arts. Current Bemidji State students serve Summer Sessions, which recog- as camp counselors, chaperoning students to daily activities and facilitating evening nized BSU’s new Ojibwe Language programs. Ojibwe language proficiency isn’t required to participate in the camp. Summer Camp for innovation. The two-week camp will be held next summer on July 11-15 and July 18-22. Registration materials are now available at http://www.bemidjistate.edu/academics/summer/ summer-academies-and-camps/

NEWS Grad student gains help push BSU enrollment up 2 percent More than 5,000 students are pursuing their higher education goals at NEWS Bemidji State this year. Fall enrollment on the 30th day of classes shows 5,013 students attending Bemidji State, the school’s highest enrollment since 2012. BSU’s head count enrollment is up 107 students from its Fall 2014 30th-day enrollment of 4,906, a 2.2 percent increase. Enrollment for both undergraduate and graduate students has increased from last year. BSU has 4,739 undergraduate students this fall, an increase of just under 1 percent from last year, while graduate enrollment has jumped more than 31 percent to 274 students — BSU’s highest number of graduate students Student-athletes help carry belongings into residence since 2011. halls during Move-In Day on Aug. 21.

Chelsea Clinton book includes girls from BSU BSU Girls Who Code chapter at BSU A pair of American Indian high school students from Red Lake who have begun learning computer coding in a BSU-based Girls Who Code chapter are named in a new book by Chelsea Clinton, daughter of former President Bill Clinton and Hillary Clinton. Clinton greeted students Alise May and Diamond Cloud-Sayers and gave them each a signed copy of her new book, “It’s Your World”, at a Nov. 20 event in a St. Paul bookstore. BSU computer programmer Jennifer Theisen, who organized the chapter last year, joined the girls. Girls Who Code is a non-profit program meant to inspire high-school aged girls to learn computing and coding skills and, ultimately, increase the number of women working in high-tech professions. Clinton highlighted the fact that the girls have used what Chelsea Clinton meets with BSU staff member Jennifer Theisen and Red they learned in the club to create a smartphone app called Lake High School students Diamond Cloud-Sayers and Alise May (right) in Ojibwe Helper, which helps teach the Ojibwe language. a St. Paul bookstore. The girls, who belong to a Bemidji State chapter of BSU’s Girls Who Code club is funded in part by a girlsBEST Girls Who Code, are mentioned in Clinton’s book, “It’s Your World.” grant from the Women’s Foundation of Minnesota.

14 | BEMIDJI STATE UNIVERSITY The newly built Laurel House is a home and gathering place for Honors Program students.

Laurel House unveiled as new home and gathering place for Honors Program students

Bemidji State officially unveiled a reconstructed Laurel House for Honors of an extensive collaboration between the university, Northwest Program students with a ribbon-cutting ceremony during Homecoming Technical College and professional construction contractors and Week on Oct. 2. consultants in the region. Laurel House, on Birchmont Drive north of the Alumni House, was The house will not only serve as a residence for four honors students completed this summer after the former house was demolished. each year, but also as a new gathering and learning space for all Designed in the Craftsman style, the four-bedroom house was the result students in the Honors Program.

BSU showcases sustainability New wildlife biology major as host of UMACS conference opens broad career path Around 200 college and university faculty and Starting this fall, BSU students seeking staff who are involved with sustainability and careers in natural resources agencies or green activities on their home campuses visited who are interested in graduate study in Bemidji State University June 17-19 for the Upper wildlife biology have enrolled in a new Midwest Association for Campus Sustainability bachelor of science program in wildlife conference. biology. The association’s sixth conference was called As part of the 72-credit program, “Healthy Planet = Healthy People, Campuses and students are taking courses in wildlife Communities.” Programming focused on the Anna Carlson, assistant sustainability coordinator at management, geographic information integration of wellness and healthy lifestyles into Bemidji State, speaks to attendees during the Upper systems, policy and legal administration, sustainability programs to ensure that campuses Midwest Association for Campus Sustainability con- and ethics and human dimensions in and communities are not only sustainable, but ference, held June 17-19 at BSU. management in addition to traditional also that the people within those institutions are biology courses. Previously, BSU biology developing healthy lifestyles. students could pursue a wildlife biology Bailey-Johnson, director of BSU’s Sustainability management emphasis by taking around Presentations covered such topics as stu- Office, which hosted the conference. a half-dozen classes related to the dent-grown produce in campus greenhouses, The conference also featured a panel led by subject. sustainability leadership and how to teach it, and Anthony Desnick, director of greater Minnesota how campuses can partner with surrounding Students who graduate with the new strategies for the state’s Nice Ride bike rental and communities to reduce greenhouse gas degree also will receive certification sharing program, on efforts to reduce automobile emissions. from The Wildlife Society as an associate usage. BSU is one of several Nice Ride sites in the wildlife biologist. “It was exciting to see all of the good work that is city of Bemidji. going on and to get ideas for projects that can be done in our own communities,” said Erika

www.BemidjiState.edu | 15 BSU FACULTY ACHIEVEMENTS

Erika Bailey-Johnson, sustainability coordinator, Debra Sea, assistant professor of mass Dr. Anton Treuer, presented at the Association for the communication, in October had her short film professor of languages Advancement of Sustainability in Higher “Lift to Move” presented and indigenous studies, in Education’s annual conference, Oct. 25–28 as an official selection October launched his new in Minneapolis. She was one of four co- at the London Greek book, “Warrior Nation: presenters at an all-day pre-conference Film Festival. The film History of the Red Lake workshop entitled “Sustainability, Diversity, is a tribute to Màrkos Ojibwe.” The book, which Equity and Inclusion Across the Curriculum.” Vamvakaris, recognized as documents four centuries Bailey-Johnson also presented “Including the father of rebetiko, a of the Red Lake Nation’s Mental and Physical Wellness in the style of Greek folk music history through stories

Sustainability Model.” Debra Sea that emerged in the 1960s. carried by its people, is Treuer’s fourth published by the Minnesota Dr. Valicia Boudry, associate professor of mass Thomas Dunn, assistant Historical Society and his 14th overall. communication, and Dr. Mary Fairbanks, professor of mathematics and computer associate professor of nursing, have received science, in October presented “Multiplicities Dr. Marty Wolf, professor of mathematics and Quality Matters certification for online courses and Integral Closure of Monomial Ideals” at computer science, presented “This Ethical they teach. Quality Matters is a faculty- the North Central Section of the Mathematical Trap is for Roboticists, Not centered peer review process designed to Association of America fall meetings at BSU. Robots: Why Use a Robot certify the quality of online and blended- When a Human Will Do?” in delivery courses. Boudry’s Principles of Public Dr. Janice Haworth, associate professor of music, June at the Computer Ethics: Relations course was certified in July, and in October presented a paper titled “The Philosophical Enquiry/ Fairbanks’ Community and Family Health Evolution of Traditional Rhythms in Redefining International Association Nursing course was certified in October. the West African Country of Guinea” at the for Computing and International Conference on Musicology and Philosophy joint conference Dr. Misty Condiff, assistantprofessor of Ethnomusicology in London. Haworth also in Newark, Del., along with nursing, was the keynote speaker at the presented a paper titled “Drumming in a Dr. Marty Wolf Dr. Frances Grodzinsky of Aotearoa Indigenous Cultural Context: From Notational Architect Sacred Heart University Nurses Conference, Aug. to Ethnomusicologist” at the British Forum and Dr. Keith Miller of the University of 7-9 in Auckland, New for Ethnomusicology One-Day Conference at Illinois-Springfield. Wolf also presented Zealand. Her presentation Newcastle University. “Augmented Reality All Around Us: Power and was titled “The Lived Dr. Kelly La Venture, assistant professor of Perception at a Crossroads” in September at Experience of American the ETHICOMP 2015 conference in Leicester, Indian Organ Donors business adminsitration, has co-authored a new book, “The Human Factor to Profitability: U.K. in September, also with Grodzinsky and and Recipients: Stories Miller. He is vice chair of the Association of Cultural, Physical and Building a People-Centered Dr. Misty Condiff for Computing Machinery’s Committee on Spiritual Triumph.” Culture for Long-Term Success,” with Dr. Professional Ethics. Dr. Eric Forsyth, professor of human Jeannette Kersten of the Natalia Himmirska, associate professor of performance, sport and health, has University of Wisconsin- technology, art & design, and John “Butch” received certification as a Master Athletic Stout. LaVenture and Holden, professor of technology, art & design, Administrator through the National Kersten presented the participated in the city of Bemidji’s First City Interscholastic Athletic Administrators book in October at the of Arts: Studio Cruise tour in October. Holden Association’s education program. His World Congress on displayed his pottery work and the work Dr. Kelly La Venture professional involvement project was the Education in Dublin, of his students, along with pottery wheel book, “NIAAA’s Guide to Interscholastic Ireland. demonstrations, while Himmirska showed Athletic Administration,” which he co-edited painting work done by her and her students. and was co-author of its introduction and Francois Neville, assistant professor of conclusion, with Dr. John Olson. mathematics and computer science, in Dr. Dennis Lunt is serving as BSU’s director October presented “The Perceptron: of leadership studies for the 2015–16 Dr. Timothy Goodwin, assistant professor of Introducing Artificial Intelligence into the academic year. Lunt professional education, Developmental Math Classroom” at the manages curriculum for has published a new book, North Central Section of the Mathematical the leadership studies “Within These Woods,” Association of America fall meetings at BSU. program, coordinates which is a thematic reviews of capstone collection of his poems, projects, advises students essays and artwork that pursuing a leadership explore how a human minor, and organizes being lives in the world campus events associated as a member of a globally Dennis Lunt with leadership. Dr. Timothy Goodwin interconnected ecosystem.

16 | BEMIDJI STATE UNIVERSITY FOLLOW BSU SPORTS @ www.bsubeavers.com BSU SPORTS Fall/Winter Sports Recaps BASEBALL The Bemidji State baseball team completed its 2015 season with a 14-33 overall record and an 11-21 mark in NSIC play. The Beavers capped the season by winning their final four games and finished 11th in the league standings. Jack Hegarty led BSU at the plate, hitting .380, with a team-high five home runs and the second highest RBI count, at 29. Terry Hadden logged 60.2 innings on the mound, totaling 32 strikeouts to 29 walks en route to a 4-6 record in a team-best 11 starts … SOFTBALL Under the direction of Head Coach Rick Su- pinski, in his fifth year at Bemidji State, the BSU softball Lyndsey Peterson Patti Zwiers Jim Scanlan Sarah Stram team concluded its 2015 season with more wins than any Beaver softball team since 1998 (9). BSU recorded 33 Beavers make NSIC academic list Successful debut earns Scanlan an overall record of 18-30 and an 8-22 mark in NSIC play. Lyndsey Peterson led the Beavers in several offensive Bemidji State landed 33 student-athletes on national coach of the year honors categories, including: batting average (.362), home runs the 2015 Spring Academic All-NSIC Team. To Jim Scanlan, who is in his second season at the (nine), on-base percentage (.435), runs (27), RBI (30), be eligible for the Academic All-NSIC Team, helm of the BSU women’s hockey program, was doubles (16) and walks (17). Her nine home runs and 16 student-athletes must maintain a grade point named USCHO.com National Coach of the Year to doubles set new single-season program records. The average of 3.20 or better, be a member of cap the 2014-15 season. Scanlan led the Beavers Cottonwood, Minn., native is one of 16 players returning a varsity traveling team, and have reached to a program-best 21 wins and the team’s to the Beavers for the 2016 season … OUTDOOR TRACK sophomore athletic and academic standing at first appearance in the WCHA Final Face-Off AND FIELD Hailey Horob headlined the women’s track their institution with one full year completed championship game. The 2014-15 WCHA Coach and field program as it capped its 2015 outdoor season at that campus. The BSU baseball team led of the Year, Scanlan guided the Beavers to a at the NSIC Championships in May. The junior broke her the spring contingent with 12 student-athletes 10-win improvement from the previous season own school record, clearing 11 feet, 7.75 inches in the recognized for academic accomplishment. and five wins over teams that finished in the pole vault. The meet served as Head Coach Craig Hou- BSU also had seven members of its women’s top 10 nationally. The Beavers also posted three gen’s final event, as he retired after more than 26 years outdoor track and field team honored, four from wins against teams that went to the Frozen Four, at BSU. Following the season, BSU was selected for its women’s golf team and five student-athletes which included handing the eventual national United States Track and Field and Cross Country Coaches from the softball and women’s tennis teams champions, University of Minnesota, two of its Association Division II All-Academic Team honors… selected to the 2015 all-academic squad. three losses. FOOTBALL After opening the season 0-3, the BSU foot- ball team used a 39-7 Homecoming victory over U-Mary Mowatt named First-Team North Star College Cup awaits BSU to spark a six-game winning streak and charge toward All-American for net prowess The Bemidji State men’s hockey team may be the NSIC North Division title. Following a 20th-anniver- Women’s hockey goaltender Brittni Mowat was just halfway through its 2015-16 season, but sary victory plunge into Lake Bemidji, BSU claimed “The named to the 2015 CCM/AHCA All-American First anticipation has been building for the 2016 North Hubcap” traveling trophy with a 41-7 win at Minnesota Team to cap a record-setting 2014-15 season. Star College Cup. Last season, behind a Most Crookston. A convincing 41-24 victory at Northern State The first BSU player to garner a First-Team All- Valuable Player performance from goaltender solidified a share of the division title for the second time American accolade, Mowat was instrumental in Michael Bitzer, the Beavers defeated then-No. in four seasons … SOCCER Led by First-Team All-NSIC the Beavers’ season, posting a 19-13-1 record 7 Minnesota Duluth, 4-0, and No. 1 Minnesota forward Sarah Stram, the BSU soccer team posted an 11-7-1 overall mark and an 8-6-1 record in NSIC play to with an 1.68 goals against average and .945 State, 3-1, to win the tournament in its inaugural finish tied with Southwest Minnesota State for sixth in save percentage to rank among the top 10 appearance. The event at Xcel Energy Center in St. the league standings and secure a berth into the NSIC nationally. She was also instrumental in BSU’s Paul features the best college hockey has to offer, Tournament for the seventh consecutive season. At penalty-killing unit, which finished second in the pitting Minnesota’s five NCAA Division I men’s the completion of the season, Stram, Christine Szurek, WCHA and third nationally with .915 success rate hockey programs against one another for bragging Emily Olson, Rachael Norton and Miranda Famestad last season. rights in the State of Hockey. BSU will begin were all selected for All-Northern Sun Intercollegiate defense of its 2015 title at 4 p.m. Jan. 30 when it Conference honors … WOMEN’S GOLF The BSU women’s BSU women’s shot put star takes faces Minnesota. Four-game ticket packages for golf team wrapped up the fall portion of its 2015-16 place among NSIC Hall of Famers the 2016 North Star College Cup are available now season in eighth place after 36 holes of the split-season Bemidji State graduate and former women’s track at the Sanford Center Box Office. NSIC Championship. Led by an 86.0 stroke average from and field standout Patti (Fitzgerald) Zwiers was junior Mary Elmquist, the Beavers competed in five inducted into the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Stram earns a spot on the events, highlighted by a successful defense of their BSU Conference Hall of Fame as part of the league’s Academic All-District First Team Invitational title Oct. 2 and achieving a second-place 16th Annual Summer Kickoff event. The Bemidji State soccer team’s leading scorer, finish in the Dragon Invitational, Sept. 11 … MEN’S GOLF Sarah Stram, is also turning heads in the Led by a freshman class that ranked 12th nationally in Zwiers was a three-year letter winner for the classroom. The junior chemistry major was named average scoring, the BSU men’s golf team competed Bemidji State women’s track and field team and to the 2015 Capitol One/College Sports Information in five events during its fall season, finishing among head coach Jan Berg. She earned All-Northern Directors of America College Division Academic the top two teams on two occasions. Newcomer Gabe Sun Conference honors six times and was a five- All-District® First Team. In addition to leading the Douglas took medalist honors to lead the Beavers to a time All-American in the shot put. Zwiers also team with 10 goals and 26 points, the Elk Grove team title in the BSU Invitational before fellow freshman shone in the classroom, where she was named Village, Ill., native carries a 3.97 cumulative GPA. In Will Czeh finished fourth to lead BSU to second place at a NAIA Scholar-Athlete in 1989 and earned NAIA 2014-15, she was recognized as BSU’s Outstanding the Jamestown Invitational. The Beavers sit fifth after Academic All-America accolades in 1988, 1989 Analytical Chemist and was selected for BSU’s the first 36 holes of the NSIC Championship, 20 strokes and 1990. She graduated magna cum laude in American Chemical Society Undergraduate Award. off the pace set by Minnesota State, Mankato. Junior 1990 with a degree in math education. Aaron Leintz carded a 74.1 scoring average in 10 rounds this fall to lead the Beavers and rank fourth in the NSIC. www.BemidjiState.edu | 17 DeVille earned offense, recruiting stripes at Sioux Falls

By Brad Folkestad

Bemidji State women’s basketball began a new era when it took to the court for its 2015-16 opener Nov. 14. In June, Director of Athletics Tracy Dill announced Chelsea DeVille as the 10th coach in the history of the program. “The level of energy and enthusiasm she brings to the position is unmatched,” Dill said. “In addition, she is an outstanding recruiter and communicator.” A first-time head coach, DeVille is just over six years removed from being a collegiate student-athlete herself. She has injected the program with youthful exuberance while assembling a team poised to make big strides in 2015-16. The roster features nine returning players, including 2014-15 NSIC Freshman of the Year Sierra Senske. DeVille came to Bemidji State after serving on the University of Sioux Falls women’s basketball coaching staff since 2009. Following a year New Bemidji State women’s basketball coach Chelsea DeVille in the BSU as graduate assistant under Head Coach Travis Traphagen, she was Gymnasium. promoted to assistant coach beginning with the 2010-11 season and In addition to assisting in offensive game strategies and leading the served in that capacity until she was elevated to associate head coach Cougars’ defense and substitutions on game day, DeVille was the following the 2013-14 campaign. driving force behind USF’s recruiting efforts. She oversaw the team’s While at USF, DeVille helped the Cougars to an overall record of 111-64 academic progress, was responsible for scouting the opposition, film during a transition from the NAIA to NCAA Division II and the Northern breakdown, travel and the university’s youth basketball camps. Sun Intercollegiate Conference. A NAIA powerhouse, USF posted a A 2009 graduate of Augustana College, DeVille was a four-year starter school-record 27 wins en route to a trip to the NAIA Elite Eight in and letter winner for the Vikings and earned the North Central 2010-11. Since making the transition to the NCAA, the Cougars have Conference Freshman of the Year award in 2006. The Watertown, S.D., made two consecutive trips to the NSIC postseason tournament, native has a bachelor’s degree in special education from Augustana which included a 17-10 mark in 2014-15. and a master’s degree in educational leadership from USF. Kean offers regimen for success

By Brad Folkestad had direct responsibility for multi-event athletes and jumpers. In addition, he developed strength-training programs for the The June retirement of long-time Head multi-event athletes, sprinters, hurdlers and Coach Craig Hougen left a hole in the Bemidji jumpers and played a significant role in facility State track and field and cross country and meet management. programs, but new Head Coach Kevin Kean has jumped in with a desire to lead his teams Prior to his time at Tiffin, Kean spent four to conference and national prominence. seasons as an assistant coach at his alma “This is a great opportunity for me,” Kean mater, Northern Michigan University. At NMU said. “With a great indoor training facility and he was responsible for an overhaul of the the outstanding backdrop of Bemidji’s cross Wildcats’ Olympic weightlifting programs, country trails, Bemidji State possesses helped create and implement the training everything we need to be successful within programs for multi-event athletes, sprinters, the conference and at the national level.” hurdlers and jumpers, provided oversight of New BSU track and cross country coach Kevin Kean the team’s stretching and pre-habilitation in the Gillett Recreation-Fitness Center. He was hired in prior to the 2015 cross country regiments, and provided the team with placing sixth at the 2015 NCAA Division II season and led the Beavers to a seventh-place nutritional education. In addition, he served as Indoor Track and Field Championships. finish at the NSIC Championships. The team a member of the NMU faculty in the fall of also traveled to the North Central Regional 2011 and spring of 2012. Kean carries multiple USA Track and Field and meet, where BSU trimmed one minute, six U.S. Track and Field and Cross Country As a collegiate assistant coach, Kean has seconds off its average 6,000-meter time to Coaches Association certifications. place 25th. already worked with 50 Division II national championship qualifiers, 15 All-Americans, 16 A 2009 graduate of Northern Michigan with a Keen came to BSU after a three-year stint as Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Confer- bachelor’s degree in health education and assistant track and field coach at NCAA ence champions and multiple GLIAC physical education, Kean also earned a Division II Tiffin University, where he has was record-holders, while his teams have finished master’s degree from NMU in exercise one of the program’s primary recruiters and among the nation’s best, most recently science.

18 | BEMIDJI STATE UNIVERSITY ALUMNINEWS McGovern’s Pub will be alumni HQ Bahr and Dunn step into for North Star College Cup key roles for Alumni & Foundation The new Twin Cities Alumni Chapter is Two alums, Brett Bahr ‘09 and Adrian Dunn gearing up for the North Star College Cup at ‘09 ‘11, have taken on leadership roles with the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul Jan. the BSU Alumni & Foundation. 30-31. The Beavers will take on the Bahr began working as University of Minnesota Gophers at 4 director of alumni relations in p.m. Saturday to begin defending their mid-June. Previously, he was 2015 championship. University of an assistant director of Minnesota Duluth and St. Cloud State admissions and transfer The BSU men’s hockey team celebrates its victory over University round out the tournament. specialist in the Office of Minnesota State University, Mankato in St. Paul’s Excel Energy Sunday’s games are determined by the Admissions. He will work to Center to claim the 2015 North Star College Cup. This year’s outcome of Saturday’s games. Tickets for connect BSU alumni back to tournament is Jan. 30-31. Brett Bahr all four games are $80 and can be campus and to each other. purchased at Ticketmaster.com or by Bahr earned a bachelor of arts Board for three-year terms. The Foundation calling (800) 745-3000. Before and after degree in sport management in 2009 and is Board of Directors has added Tom Anderson ’70 the weekend’s games BSU Alumni will finalizing his thesis for a master of science in of Baxter and Joe Geary of Bloomington. gather at McGovern’s Pub 225 7th Street W. sports studies. He also worked as an Nominations accepted for annual awards admissions representative Alumni Association planning The Alumni Association offers several award and Post-Secondary Fun in the Desert Sun events programs to recognize alumni for their Enrollment Options (PSEO) President Richard Hanson and the Alumni contributions to Bemidji State’s reputation coordinator while in the Association will again host alums at BSU Fun either during their student years or after Office of Admissions. in the Desert Sun events, beginning with a graduation. Alumni may nominate fellow Tucson Luncheon at 11:30 a.m. March 4 at Also in June, Dunn joined alumni in any of the categories listed below. Blue Willow the BSU Foundation as its Specific criteria exist for each award program.: Restaurant for $15, director of annual giving Adrian Dunn • Outstanding Alumni, Young Alumni and followed by a Mesa for athletics. A former Alumni Service Awards are presented Luncheon at noon Beaver athlete himself, his responsibilities annually during Homecoming to recognize March 5 at Apache include overseeing the athletic annual giving individuals who have made outstanding Wells Country Club. program and serving as Beaver Pride contributions to their industries and The Mesa luncheon coordinator and liaison to the alumni B-Club. communities. The deadline is Feb. 1. is $15 and an Prior to joining the foundation, Dunn was an • The Department of Professional Education optional 8 a.m. golf assistant football coach and physical at Bemidji State University is seeking outing that same day is $47. Alumni who education instructor at Augsburg College in nominations for its 2016 Hall of Fame award. travel to the Southwest for the winter are Minneapolis. He earned an undergraduate BSU alumni who demonstrate excellence in asked to share their contact information degree in physical education in 2009 and a teaching students or managing schools are (even if it is temporary) with the Alumni graduate degree in sports studies in 2011. eligible for induction into the Professional Office so they can get you the latest After graduation, he served as a graduate Education Hall of Fame. Inductions are held information. Call (218) 755-3989, email assistant football coach at BSU during the during even years. The deadline is Feb. 1. [email protected] or visit 2009 and 2010 seasons. • The Athletics Hall of Fame inducts bsualumni.org. Dunn can be reached by phone at (218) individuals and teams for accomplishments Alumni Relative Scholarship 755-2827 or via email at adunn@bemidji- in several categories. Former BSU athletes, applications now available state.edu. Bahr can be reached by phone at teams and coaches can be nominated for The Alumni Association provides scholar- (218) 755-2599 or via email at bbahr@ accomplishments during their days at ships to students attending BSU who are bemidjistate.edu. Bemidji State. Individuals who have relatives of contributing alumni. Scholar- Alumni and Foundation achieved coaching success after leaving ships are made possible by contributions to boards gain new members BSU may be nominated for the Alumni the Lakeside Fund. Scholarship awards are The Alumni Association and the BSU Coaching Achievement Award. The John S. allocated in halves for each semester of the Foundation board both welcomed new Glas Letter Winner Award is presented to academic year. Awards are made for volunteers to their ranks. Becky Tischer ’78 those who have provided exemplary first-time freshmen and returning or of Frederic, Wis., Craig Nathan ’83 of support to BSU Athletics. The deadline is transfer students. Learn more about the Brainerd, Kari Cooper ’14 of St. Paul, Lynn March 1. application process and requirements at Baird ’76 of Bemidji, Paul Steenerson ’90 of bsualumni.org or by calling (218) 755-3989. Maple Grove and Thor Carlsrud ’02 of New Scholarship applications must be submitted Hope will serve on the Alumni Association before Feb. 1.

www.BemidjiState.edu | 19 Wenonah Kingbird ’09, Amayah Littlewolf and Gail Kingbird ’88 gather for a picture on Dec. 3 at the American Indian Resource Center.

When BSU runs in the

By Andy Bartlett FAMILY When she starts at Bemidji State University this January, When it came time to choose a college, Berkeland said Bemidji Amayah Littlewolf will extend a family tradition that began with State caught her attention for its biology program, plus its size, her grandmother and continued with her mom. affordability and access to outdoor activities. Family history Littlewolf’s mother, Wenona Kingbird, is a 2009 Indian studies didn’t hurt. graduate who works with Leech “My family connections definitely played a role in my decision to Lake Child Welfare’s Family attend BSU,” she said. “I wanted to go to college outside of Grads inspire Preservation Program. Her Alaska, and I wanted to be close to my grandparents and grandmother, Gail Kingbird, extended family.” others to follow graduated in 1988 with an Her grandfather, Allan Wake, taught biology for a few years elementary education major and after graduating from Bemidji State before taking up farming a minor in Indian studies. She near Federal Dam. Her mother, Patricia Berkeland, moved to teaches at Lincoln Elementary School in Bemidji. Fairbanks in 2001. Now a special education aide, she also helps “I was happy Amayah chose to attend BSU,” Wenona said. “It’s a coach high school cross country, drawing on her experience as beautiful campus that’s not too big or too small, and the a runner at BSU. American Indian Resource Center has a good support system.” Maria Berkeland is now back in Alaska, working as a wildlife With appreciation for Bemidji State’s importance in their life technician near the Fort Wainwright Army base. But her family’s journeys, many graduates inspire the next generation — and the three generations of biology majors gathered in Bemidji for her next — to take the same step. Others are joined by an entire Commencement. They had lunch with Dr. Evan Hazard, professor generation of siblings. emeritus in biology. Both her mother and grandfather were his The Berkelands students, and Patricia Berkeland lived with Hazard and his late wife, Elaine, for a year. Graduate Maria Berkeland of Fairbanks, Alaska, followed the example of her mother and grandfather when she graduated in “Both my mom and grandfather have said he was the most 2015. All three earned a degree in biology. influential teacher they had while at Bemidji State,” Maria said.

20 | BEMIDJI STATE UNIVERSITY Members of the Walrath family pose during a 2007 family reunion in Itasca State Park. Front row, from left: Donald Vanusek ’73,76, Diane (Walrath) Vanusek ’73, Richard Koch, Katherine (Walrath) Koch ’66, Patricia (Walrath) Kramer ’67, Mary Wal- Family traditions rath ’72 (wife of James Walrath), Eugene Dessel- Kim Babula Zerr was a four-time lier ’62, Margaret (Walrath) Desellier ’71, Patricia letterwinner for the BSU Walrath (wife of Robert Walrath) ’62. Second row, women’s basketball team from from left: Tracy Walrath (wife of Michael), Michael 1983–87 and was inducted into Walrath attended ’77-78, Albin Pulczinski, Gen- the BSU Athletics Hall of Fame in evieve (Walrath) Pulczinski, James Walrath ’71, 2015. Her daughters, Haley and Charles Walrath ’70, 74, Theresa Walrath (wife of Hanna, are now playing Charles), Robert Walrath attended ’59-61. basketball for the Beavers. Haley is a freshman forward and Hanna The Rynders 1971. Next came Robert, who attended Bemidji State is a junior guard. The Rynders family can trace their university from 1959–61 before completing his education at the C.V. Hobson is not only connection to 1950, when they settled on a farm University of Minnesota. namesake of the Hobson west of Bemidji. Ric, the eldest of eight children, was Katherine Walrath graduated from Bemidji State with Memorial Union but also part of the first to attend the Laboratory School at what was degrees in English, journalism and speech in 1962. a long tradition of Bemidji State still called Bemidji State Teachers College. They got She was followed by Patricia Walrath, who gradu- alumni. His son, Ronald Hobson, to know some of BSU’s most famed faculty. ated with a bachelor’s degree in history in 1967. graduated in 1949 and lives in “Most of the supervising teachers were Ph.Ds in Chuck Walrath transferred from a two-year college in Brainerd. Ron’s daughter, Susan, education and also taught at BSC,” said Faith Rynders, 1967 and earned two bachelor’s degrees from is a 1977 graduate, and Susan’s who now teaches music at Kabul University in Bemidji State — one in social studies in 1970 and daughter, Kelli, graduated in Afghanistan. “Marie Bishop, Alice Christiansen, another in elementary education in 1974. 2005. Kelli is married to Jason Schmitz, a 2006 graduate. They Floraine Neilson and Dr. Art Lee were some of our Jim Walrath graduated cum laude from BSU in 1971 live in Minneapolis. teachers — as children.” with a bachelor’s degree in physical education and Ric also was the first to attend Bemidji State College, health. A four-year track and field and cross country Lisa Kittleson is a senior graduating in 1961 with a degree in education. Over athlete, he was inducted into BSU’s Athletic Hall of marketing communication major the next decade and a half, six more Rynders siblings Fame in 1998. Diane Walrath attended BSU from from Norwood Young America would attend Bemidji State, and four would graduate. 1969–73 and graduated magna cum laude in and a third-generation Beaver. When BSU runs in the accounting. Her father, John, is a 1987 Tom graduated in 1965 with a degree in elementary graduate in business and education, starting his own three-generation run of The Walraths have established a scholarship marketing. John’s parents, his BSU grads that includes his daughter, Colleen, and endowment in the family name to benefit up to 12 brother and his brother’s wife granddaughter, Bridget. second-year or transfer students every year. also graduated from Bemidji Among the remaining Rynders siblings, Carol The Walrath children and their spouses each made State. graduated in 1971 with a psychology degree and later their way to Bemidji State for their own reasons: FAMILY David Marchand and his three earned a master’s degree in counseling; Faith they followed high school classmates; they came for brothers, Louis, Peter and graduated in 1970 with a degree in music and the lake and the outdoors; they came because it was William, all attended Bemidji pursued some graduate study in music at BSU before close to home and affordable; they came because State. Louis was on the BSU eventually earning an MBA; and Eldon graduated in their older brothers and sisters shared their own faculty for many years and was 1972, also with a degree in music. remarkable experiences at BSU. named a professor emeritus of “All of us were required to take an instrument at the ‘I can be close to family’ theatre in 1992. Lab School from fifth grade on,” Faith said. “I learned Amaya Littlewolf believes she also has found what Todd Moen graduated from quite early that my mother wouldn’t bother me to do she’s looking for at Bemidji State, where she plans to Bemidji State with a degree in chores if I was playing the piano, so I played for hours study biochemistry and eventually go to medical industrial technology in 1979. His — usually not my lessons.” school. But her journey from 2015 graduation at grandfather, Francis W. She went on to study music at BSU with such Bemidji High School included 18 weeks of National Soderberg ’54, graduated from luminaries as Paul Brandvik, Carl Thompson and Guard training last summer at Fort Leonard Wood, Mo. Bemidji Normal School in the Patrick Riley. Littlewolf completed her training with honors, 1920s, and his late mother, The Walraths earning a sharpshooter badge and achievement Dionne, graduated in business in It’s difficult to imagine that one family could have awards for combat readiness and fitness. She stayed the mid–1950s. Todd’s brother, sent more sons and daughters to Bemidji State than on in Ft. Leonard Wood to train as a motor transport Del ‘82, graduated in political the Walraths of Roseau did from the late 1950s into operator. science in the mid-1980s. the mid-1970s. Littlewolf said she considered a few other schools. Share your own BSU family Starting in 1958, 12 current members of the Walrath But basic training had deepened her appreciation of tradition: (218) 755-3989, family attended Bemidji State — eight Walraths and home and family, giving the edge to Bemidji State. [email protected] or four men and women whom those Walraths met in “I can be close to family, and it’s a really good school,” bsualumni.org. college and subsequently married. she said. “So it just had everything I realized that I Margaret Walrath was the first to attend Bemidji wanted this summer.” State, starting in 1958. She graduated cum laude with bachelor’s degrees in English and library science in

www.BemidjiState.edu | 21 PLOEN ANSWERS CALL FOR OIL SPILL EXPERTISE

By Maryhelen Chadwick

Mark Ploen was trained to draw straight lines, but you certainly can’t track his career path on one. His route from technical illustration and commercial design student to international oil spill cleanup and containment expert is more of an upward spiral. Ploen followed his older brother, Jeff, to Bemidji State University in the early 1980s. When visiting, Mark enjoyed attending football and hockey games, loved the campus and knew the hunting and fishing would be good. He was right about the outdoor opportunities. He counts the many early mornings spent waterfowl and grouse hunting among his favorite memories. He’s also grateful for lifelong friends he made during freshman year, like Brad Benson ’84. “It’s definitely harder to manage “Like all of us, Mark knew how to have fun, but you could see that he was focused and driven, whether it be in school, hunting or fishing,” an oil field service company from Benson said. In addition to game, Ploen pursued the business degree he thought he Minneapolis, where there are no oil fields, would earn, but taking technical illustration and commercial design courses “just because he liked them” was one of his first unexpected than it is in Houston.” turns. The self-described “hands-on guy” remembers using a T-square to draw plans. Those classes introduced him to professors Dr. Kermit Anderson and the late Dr. Arthur Edlund, who advised him he might be better off working toward a degree in industrial education. Ploen switched majors because the courses appealed to him and he appreciated the mentoring. Then his head was turned by friends returning from Alaska with stories of tuition money raised working in fisheries. He headed to the wilderness, a few credits shy of a degree. His fishery job supported his hunting and fishing habits, but he soon realized big money was being made in the oil fields in Prudhoe Bay. He and his girlfriend, Arlette, who had moved with him from

22 | BEMIDJI STATE UNIVERSITY Mark Ploen oversees installation of oil spill response equipment on a barge in Seward, Alaska, in 2013.

Bemidji, “I tell people that was the best family decision I ever made in my life, returned briefly but probably the worst financial decision,” Ploen said, “It’s definitely to BSU before harder to manage an oil field service company from Minneapolis, finding more where there are no oil fields, than it is in Houston.” permanent It still works, he said, because he is close to an airport and can get work in Alaska. wherever he might need to be fairly quickly. In 2010, he was called on After applying to lead cleanup on the Deepwater Horizon spill in the Gulf of Mexico. at every large oil Emergency phone calls often whisk him away to either coast, the Gulf, and service company, he was hired as a stick picker/grunt laborer for a North Dakota’s oil fields and overseas locations for extended periods of small environmental services firm. He joined an industry busy drilling time. His firm’s expertise has even expanded beyond oil spills to assist for oil in very sensitive surroundings. in unique clean-up situations such as the recent Avian Flu crisis in Iowa. “There was a lot of research being done on how to do things right According to Arlette, Ploen’s even-tempered work ethic and knowl- — and if you did have a spill in those environments, how did you clean edge are just a few of the reasons he is so well respected in the it up,” Ploen said. “So it was ‘right time, right place’ for that.” industry. She credits Bemidji State for starting him in the right He became the firm’s North Slope manager within about 18 months. direction. When a Los Angeles firm purchased the company, he became their “His education was the key to opening many doors,” she said. Alaska manager. His advancement coincided with a severe drop in oil prices, which led to a transfer to L.A. in late 1988. In March, the Exxon Valdez ran aground, and he went back up to Alaska to work under contract for Exxon for nine months. “I was real close to getting out of the industry all together in the fall of 1988 … but the Exxon Valdez changed all that,” Ploen said. The ensuing Oil Pollution Act of 1990 required companies to have oil spill response plans, equipment and expertise—and created a tremendous niche opportunity. Ploen hit the ground running for the next two years, consulting and selling equipment for his employer. In 1992, he decided if he were going to work at an exhausting pace, he would go to work for himself. Soon after, he opened QualiTech Environmental in Houston. A few years later, his father’s estate planning prompted discussions about bringing his company into family-owned, Chaska-based QualiTech, Inc. Instead of merging businesses, Ploen and his father and brothers worked out an agreement to add QualiTech Environmental to the QualiTech organization. QualiTech Environmental continues to consult, train, sell equipment and integrate systems for oil spill prevention and cleanup. Ploen is majority owner and vice president of the division. Arlette and Mark Ploen relax in their backyard in Mound this past summer. Ploen and Arlette, who married in 1991, were glad to move back to Minnesota, so they could be close to family and send their daughters, Saren and Marissa, to good schools.

www.BemidjiState.edu | 23 HONORS Gala More than 300 people gathered Oct. 2 for BSU’s 2015 Homecoming Honors Gala in the Sanford Center ballroom. The event was the third since the public launch of the Imagine Tomorrow fundraising campaign and included recognition of donors who have newly become members of giving societies based on their total lifetime giving or planned gifts.

YOUNG ALUMNI Award OUTSTANDING ALUMNI Created in 1972, the Outstanding Alumni Award is the Alumni Association’s highest honor and Initiated in 2011, a Bemidji State graduate 40 years of age takes into consideration an alumnus’ professional accomplishments and community service. or younger who has had outstanding achievement in career, Including the 2014 honorees, there are 182 Bemidji State alumni who have received this award. public service and/or volunteer activities.

Katrina Jorene Maliamauv ’07 Sandra Anderson ’82 Joseph Grabowski ’80 Katrina Jorene Maliamauv was Sandra Anderson is chief Joseph Grabowski always encouraged to get the legal officer for Great Clips, is CEO of Wenck most from every educational Inc. in Minneapolis. She Associates in Maple opportunity — including study advises the organization on Plain. Throughout abroad at BSU for her senior a broad range of complex his 34-year career, year. She remembers the legal, business and strategic Grabowski has been peacefulness of the setting issues including regulatory committed to the con- and the importance of feeling compliance, corporate busi- sulting engineering “seen” and “respected” by her ness conduct, marketing and field specializing in professors. advertising law, negotiations, the investigation and She earned a bachelor of science degree in psy- contracts and employment law. remediation of hazardous waste sites. chology, worked in New York and then returned to With 25 years of experience in franchising, she With 27 of those years at Wenck Associ- Malaysia to work as a human rights activist. She has implemented legal best practices to ensure ates, he has advised industrial clients on works for Tenaganita, an organization that upholds the success of the company/franchisee relation- environmental regulatory issues, provided and defends the rights of migrants, refugees, traf- ships for Great Clips. She joined Great Clips in expert testimony in county, state and fed- ficked persons and other marginalized communities. 2000 and was promoted from vice president and eral court. He has lectured and published in Inspired by her mother, the late Dr. Irene Fernandez, general counsel to her current position in 2011. the field and led the cleanup of more than who founded the organization in 1991, Maliam- As a student, Anderson went to London and 50 national and state Superfund Hazardous auv advocates for and intervenes for individuals Munich as part of Eurospring, which inspired a Waste Sites. After earning a bachelor of on matters of labor rights, arrest and detention, love of travel. She graduated from Bemidji State science in aquatic biology with a minor gender-based violence and at the intersections University with a bachelor of arts in English and in chemistry at Bemidji State University, between issues and rights. went on to earn a doctor of jurisprudence from Grabowski went on to earn a master of A Chevening Scholarship recipient, Maliamauv is the William Mitchell College of Law in 1987. science in water resources from the Uni- versity of Wyoming in 1982. He furthered pursuing a master’s degree in Applied Human Rights A member of the Hennepin County, Minnesota from the University of York in the United Kingdom his post-graduate learning with additional and American bar associations, Anderson also studies in industrial hygiene and he com- and will return to Malaysia upon completion of her finds time to volunteer for the “Great Needs/ degree. She is a feminist, a believer in the power pleted his mini-MBA through the University Great Deeds” program, Habitat for Humanity, a of St. Thomas. of hope, radical love, and collective action to re- women’s mentorship program and other efforts. imagine and create a more inclusive, just and equal Grabowski and his wife, Patty ‘81, met at world for all. She lives in Eden Prairie and enjoys spending BSU. They live in Plymouth and have twin time with her adult children, Nicole and John. adult children, Ben and Katie.

24 | BEMIDJI STATE UNIVERSITY 1. Dr. Debbie Guelda (left), Dr. Richard Koch, Dr. Katie Peterson and Nathan Peterson. 2. Marian ’81 (left) and Karen Norell ’76. 3. Tracy Dill and Keith Johanneson. 4. Bob Green ‘57 and Dr. Art Lee. 5. Katrina Maliamauv ’07 and Dr. Louise Jackson. 6. Current and past alumni award 5 recipients. 1 3

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ALUMNI SERVICE ALUMNI HONORARY Award Award Created in 2011, the Alumni Award Initiated in 1990, the Honorary Service Award recognizes significant service Alumni Award is presented to individuals who, though contributions an alumnus has made to community, not graduates of Bemidji State University, have state or nation. demonstrated extraordinary leadership and support of BSU, its mission and goals.

Roger Reierson ’74 Richard Siegert ’67 Jeffrey Kemink Roger Reierson joined the Richard Siegert earned busi- Jeffrey Kemink became Flint Agency in 1976, when it ness and education degrees familiar with Bemidji State employed 13 people, and has at Bemidji State University University during his early since expanded the operation and began teaching in years in Bemidji with Wells to include agencies in Grand Wyandotte, Mich. He moved Fargo Bank. His career Forks, Duluth and St. Cloud, back to Bemidji and into the progressed, necessitating a plus AdFarm offices in Calgary, lodging industry. move from the Bemidji area Guelph, Kansas City and Sac- Siegert’s 44 years as a busi- in 2009. Nevertheless, his ramento, that have more than ness and community leader interest in and support for 175 employees. He is also the includes 30 years as a board BSU has continued to grow. chairman and CEO of AdFarm, one of the largest member (past president) of the Minnesota As- In 2005, Kemink joined the BSU Foundation agri-marketing firms in North America. sociation of Innkeepers (now Minnesota Lodging Board of Directors, and in 2012 he was elected Reierson holds a bachelor of science degree in Association). He also is a member of Bemidji board president. He fulfilled this leadership role marketing and finance from Bemidji State Uni- Chamber of Commerce, Bemidji Curling Club and for two years, providing additional service on versity. He has a high-profile presence in com- the First Lutheran Church Board, Bemidji Visitors the executive, strategic planning and personnel munity and professional associations and other & Convention Bureau (BVCB) Board (past pres- committees. Now, as past president, he continues organizations, including the Greater North Dakota ident) and Bemidji Lions Club (past president), on the board by providing guidance on several Chamber Association, Agricultural Bioscience among others. He has supported BSU as a Bea- committees and is the foundation liaison to the International Association and Village Family Ser- ver Pride member and BSU Foundation Board Alumni Association Board. This exemplary con- vices Foundation. In 2011, he was named NAMA member and officer. Since 1988, he has led the tribution has required countless volunteer hours National Agri-Marketer of the Year. He has gone Paul Bunyan Expressway Coalition, as co-chair and expenses necessary for traveling to campus. beyond his work in international communica- and now chair. He has been recognized by the In addition, he has personally supported BSU as a tions to develop agribusiness and microbusiness Governor’s office for the “Bemidji Area Business financial contributor. opportunities in Africa. Gives.” A recipient of the Outstanding Service Foundation Board President Carol Russell says, Reierson also has served on the Roundtable on Award from BVCB, he earned the Chairman’s “He is a respected voice strategically and as a Higher Education, Higher Learning Commission— Award from the Minnesota Lodging Association true friend to our university.” for industry involvement and service. North-Central Association, Xcel Energy advisory Kemink lives in Bloomington, where he serves board, National Plains Chapter of the Public Siegert and his wife, Joyce, live in Bemidji and as national crop manager for Wells Fargo. He has Relations Society of America. He has chaired the have adult children, Mindy and Christopher. two adult children, Andrea and Austin. Fargo Downtown Business Association, Fargo Chamber of Commerce, Greater North Dakota State Chamber Association and the North Dakota New Economy Committee. Reierson and his wife, Arlene, live in Fargo. They have two adult children, Andy and Alissa. www.BemidjiState.edu | 25 1 2

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Best weekend EVER ! Bountiful activities and beautiful weather combined for a memorable weekend that kicked off Friday, Oct. 2, with the grand reopening of Memorial Hall. Grads and students talked shop at Alumni Leaders in the Classroom panels. The Honors Gala recognized distinguished alumni and celebrated generous donors. Saturday morning’s parade down Beltrami Avenue was led by 96-year-old grand marshal and football alum Harold Shellum '41. Hundreds tailgated in Diamond Point Park before BSU’s football victory, capped by the team's winning plunge into Lake Bemidji. Music and football reunions renewed friendships and helped swell a record crowd at the Beaver Block Party and Street Dance. Sunday's Carl O. Thompson Memorial Concert ended everything on a high note.

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12 1 Sue Ann Peterson, Julie (Noga) Vollen ’89 and Deb Larson at the Oct. 3 Beaver Street Dance & Block Party downtown. 2 Alumni Leaders in the Classroom mass communications panelists Jane Berman ‘85 (left), Tom Delano ‘73, Dr. Michael C. Porter, APR ‘84, Roger Reierson ‘74 and Randy Syverson ‘96. 3 Football alums Jeremiah Dagel ‘02 (left), Lemarr Williams ‘09, Robert Kucher ‘10 and Brad Borkhuis ‘01 at the Oct. 3 tailgate in Diamond Point Park. 4 Kyle and Kathy Christianson and their daughter pose with Bucky. 5 Carl O. Thompson Concert on Oct. 4. 6 Bucky leads the charge against the University of Mary. 7 Homecoming King and Queen D.J. Mills and Leah Gnitka in the morning parade on Oct. 3. 8 State Sen. Tom Saxhaug and Randy Bowen ‘73. 9 Parade Grand Marshal Harold Shellum ‘41 with daughters Cindy Wight and Roberta Dohse. 10 Jeff Sands ’09 (left), Ashley (Bremseth) Sands, Anna (Smith) Benson ’11 and Eric Benson ’11 enjoy the Music Alumni Dinner on Oct. 3. 11 Football alumni celebrate their founding Homecoming victory lake plunge in 1995. 12 Bucky with Yigal Bensadoun (‘96-98).

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1 Family Weekend participants enjoy a Lake Bemidji pontoon ride on Sept. 18. 2 University Heights student apartments, to open in August, were nearly built by Dec. 3. 3 SCRUBS health careers campers learn about patient simulators on July 2. 4 Native artist and teacher Sarah Agaton Howe leads a Nov. 20 moccasin workshop at the American Indian Resource Center. 5 2015 Distinguished Minnesotan Jon McTaggart addresses grads at Commencement on May 6. 6 A logoed Jack-o’-lantern lights up the BSU homepage before Halloween. 7 Twins Nick and Andy Bertrand ‘15 of Bemidji show off their dragon art project in September in Gallery X. 8 Jester Hannah Jenson holds court during a Dec. 3 Madrigal Dinner rehearsal. 9 Football players guide young talent at Community Appreciation Day on Sept. 3. 10 Aquatic biology students research fish populations in Lake Bemidji on Oct. 7. 11 A reporter interviews Dean Shawn Strong during the May 1 opening of Bemidji’s new Mayflower Building, where BSU has an office. 12 Criminal justice students hear from U.S. Border Patrol agents on Sept. 25.

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11 www.BemidjiState.edu | 29 CLASSTowns are in Minnesota unless noted. NOTES Alumni names appear in bold. Send information to [email protected] Bloomington, she as a compensation analyst Brent or call toll free: 1-877-BSU-ALUM. for the consulting firm McLean and he as a ’12 Oslin loan portfolio analyst for the commercial real married Danielle estate company NorthMarq Capital ... Jeff Swenson last John Frazier has been hired by Jubinville of the Tulsa (Okla.) Oilers finished winter. The cou- ’15 Showcraft of Burnsville as an exhibit fifth in the Rookie of the Year voting in the ple lives in Mora, designer ... Sam Windle has signed a contract East Coast Hockey League. He completed his where he works to play with the Reading (Pa.) Royals of the first professional season as a forward with 63 in sales and es- Danielle Swenson and Brent Oslin East Coast Hockey League. A defenseman for points in 70 games. The Oilers are affiliated timating at Oslin the BSU Beavers, he led the NCAA Division I with the Winnipeg Jets of the NHL. Lumber ... Jessica last year with 97 blocked shots. The Royals Bobrowski is a housing coordinator for Danielle Carty has joined the Bemidji are affiliated with the Philadelphia Flyers of Advocates for Family Peace. She presented Pioneer as the multimedia coordina- the NHL ... Ami Johnson has returned to Park ’13 a program on the faces tor in the marketing department ... Megan Rapids after teaching English to students of poverty sponsored for Ehrnriter has been commissioned as a ages 5 to 8 in China. She plans to work as the AAUW. A licensed second lieutenant with the U.S. Marine Corps an elementary-level substitute in districts foster parent, she lives after completing officer across the region ... Phil Brewer has signed in Deer River with seven candidate school in Quan- a contract to play for the Tulsa (Okla.) Oilers children for whom she tico, Va. ... Sadie Lundquist of the East Coast Hockey League. A forward, has legal custody. She is participated in her second Brewer played with the Oilers as an amateur also working on a mas- consecutive Red Bull in March and signed a 2015-16 pro contract ter’s degree in criminal Jessica Bobrowski Crashed Ice competition with the team, affiliated with the Winnipeg justice ... Josh Hardy held annually in St. Paul. Jets of the NHL. served as dean of students and a physical She finished fifth on the education teacher last year at Crookston Lane Young has been named vice 1,400-foot obstacle course Sadie Lundquist High School, where he was also an assistant president of marketing and business out of 19 female skaters ’14 hockey coach for the boys’ team. He lives in development at the Occupational Develop- from three countries. She lives in Minneapolis Grand Forks, N.D. ... Nathan Voll is chief fi- ment Center in Bemidji, where he lives. He and works for the Minnesota Wild as an as- nancial officer at Intercept and his wife, Sarah, have two young children sociate account executive in the NHL team’s Industries, a company in ... Patrick Rudlang is designing exhibits for sales and marketing department.... Scott Roseau that assembles TradeTec Skyline in Chicago, Ill. ... Chris Vin- Sobocinski volunteered as an official for the tires for ATV manufac- derslev delivered the Memorial Day address annual school spelling bee in turers. He also served during Chokio’s celebration of the holiday. Wabasso, where he lives and his first year as head A member of the Army National Guard, he works as a librarian, helps on baseball coach last spring served two tours in Kuwait before returning the family natural livestock for Greenbush-Middle to his home in Apena, S.D. He works as a farm and is writing a novel ... River High School, which grain dispatcher and asset manager for Stan’s Danika Stelton creates 3D Nathan Voll he guided to a third-place Inc., a trucking and feed processing firm ... exhibits and permanent brand finish in the district ... Rachel Wold has joined the Christenson environments for clients of Hank Fiskevold premiered a composition Insurance Agency, with offices in Crosby MG Design from her office in Danika Stelton entitled “Final Thoughts Before the Super- and Deerwood. She is a Pleasant Prairie, Wis. At BSU, nova” at the annual spring concert of the licensed advisor in the she won the Euroshop Design Lakes Area Community Band. After studying health, life, property and Contest conducted by a year in Argentina, he lived and worked in casualty insurance areas ... the Exhibit Designers and Detroit Lakes but moved to Washington this Brock Tesdahl completed Producers Association. fall to pursue a master’s degree at the Seat- the 2015 Boston Marathon, She lives in Kenosha, Wis. tle Film Institute ... Drew Fisher is continuing finishing 994th out of more ... Ayla Koob of Bemidji is his professional hockey career in the United than 30,250 runners. He the regional coordinator Kingdom with the Coventry Blaze of the Brock Tesdahl has returned to Minnesota at TXT4Life, a texting ser- Elite Ice Hockey League. Fisher completed from a year in the Telluride, vice that connects trained his best professional season last year when Colo., school district and counselors Ayla Koob he scored 77 points for the Tulsa (Okla.) is teaching at Hopkins with people Oilers of the East Coast Hockey League ... High School, where he contemplat- Bryce Tesdahl has accepted a position as will also coach cross ing suicide ... Devin Kopperud is a health and physical education teacher at country, basketball and Windom’s newest police officer. He New Prague High School, where he will also track and field ... Aaron has relocated to Windom from his coach the boys’ basketball team. He was an Although and Cara Basler home in Morristown. assistant coach for the past three seasons at of Richfield were married the University of Minnesota Duluth ... last spring. They work in Aaron Although and Cara Basler

30 | BEMIDJI STATE UNIVERSITY CLASS NOTES Jack Pellinen became assistant manager at practitioner at Stellher Human Services in Hayes Lake State Park in Bemidji, where she specializes in working June. The park is located with families and chil- southeast of Roseau, dren ages 6 and under. where he now lives. The couple has a toddler and lives in Fosston ... Jack Pellinen Joel Van Nurden has opened a law office in St. Anthony where Katie (Jurvelin) he will focus on family Jones is a mar- ’11 law, criminal defense keting and enrollment Joel Van Nurden and civil litigation. specialist for North- He and his wife, land Community and Anna, live in Golden Valley ... Kent Croatt Technical College in married Samantha Trick one year ago. He Thief River Falls. She Ryan and Katie (Jurvelin) Jones works for Burlington Northern Santa Fe married Ryan Jones last Railway. The couple lives in Mankato ... Matt fall, and the couple lives in Grand Forks, N.D. Goinz of St. Paul returned to … Jackie (Robertson) Stoffel has moved from his hometown of Bemidji to PAQUETTE’S PAINTINGS an elementary school to the high school in play the keyboards during Bemidji, where TAP NATURE’S POWER the play “Spamalot,” the final she is teaching production of the 2015 Paul physical To truly experience nature, landscape artist Thomas Bunyan Playhouse summer education and Paquette needs to feel a scene as much as see it. Only season. He sings profession- then is he confident of being able to present a “human continuing to Matt Goinz ally as a member of Cantus, coach the girls’ sense of the earth.” an internationally known hockey team. A 1985 BSU graduate who now lives in Pennsylvania, ensemble based in the Twin Cities ... Joe Jackie (Robertson) and Bryan Stoffel She also wrote Paquette ranks among the premier landscape artists in Gould has been hired for the government re- a successful America. More than 50 of his canvases in oil or gouache lations team of Capitol Hill Associates. Gould, application for the 2015 USA Hockey Grow were displayed in various locations across the country who lives in St. Paul with his wife, Gwenia, the Game Award, which picked the Bemidji in September alone, including a one-person exhibition lobbies for the Minnesota Rural Education Little Lumberjacks development program at the prestigious Gross McCleaf Gallery in Philadelphia, Association, a nonprofit advocacy group for 3- to 10-year-olds who are starting out Pa. Globally his works have graced 16 U.S. embassies, representing 200 school districts outside the in hockey. The award included 20 sets of most recently in Moscow. Twin Cities ... Kevin Ham was inducted into starter equipment. Prior to the start of the the Mound Westonka Wrestling Hall of Fame. “On Nature’s Terms,” a 60-piece exhibit commemorat- school year, Jackie married Bryan Stoffel Ham amassed 89 career wins during his high ing the 50th anniversary of the Wilderness Act, just (’05), who teaches physical education and is school career and twice earned berths in the concluded a yearlong national tour. an assistant football coach at the high school state tournament. He is assistant superinten- in Bemidji, where they live. “My highest goal is that the finished painting holds the dent at Burl Oaks Golf Course and also works same level of interest, power, ecstasy or whatever I Courtney Snyder has been putting for Innovative Marketing Solutions, which originally experienced,” Paquette said. “The painting is ’10 the finishing touches on a business develops promotional product solutions for a living, organic thing – deeply inspired by, but not education textbook for grades 6-12 with a the sports, beverage and casino industries owned by, its original subject.” December 2015 publishing date. A former ... Jackie (Ostenaa) Huschle brings nine As an aspiring artist, he chose Bemidji State because teacher in Red Wing, Snyder now works years of experience to her new position as he loved the north woods environment. On campus, he as an education technology consultant. a real estate processor at VISIONBank in recalled a challenge from Marley Kaul, an art professor She and her husband, Fargo, N.D., where she recently moved who mentioned that very few artists survive solely by Adam, have two young with her husband, Cody, and one child ... painting. Paquette vowed to become one. children and live in Ashley Leopold, a St. Paul police officer, Hager City, Wis. ... Josiah participated in a Minnesota Hockey Day “It isn’t just coming up with the dream,” he said. “You Hoagland completed skate-off, a fundraising event for St. Paul have to somehow manage your books, deal with a master’s in pasto- Youth Hockey and Serving Our Troops. galleries, and take care of all kinds of business outside ral counseling and is Leopold lives in Afton. the studio. Artists are not wired that way.” serving as lead pastor Looking ahead, Paquette is painting scenes along the at New Journey Church Lisa and Josiah Hoagland Mississippi River, from Bemidji to New Orleans, where in Fosston. He was also he can sense as much as see the view. recently commissioned as a second lieutenant chaplain candidate in continued on next page } the Minnesota National Guard. His wife, Lisa (’15), is an early childhood mental health

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Dr. Jenna (McKean) Gross is a Wick works for a beverage distributor in in Roseville with her husband, Cary, and a ’09 nephrology Duluth, where he has a home ... Gordie Haug toddler ... Scott Klicker is the new school nurse practitioner of Laramie, Wyo., coaches wide receivers activities director and high school dean of with Sanford Health and serves as director of recruiting for the students in Onamia. Married to Carly (’08), in Bemidji, where University of Wyoming football team. he previously served in the same capacity in she specializes in Rosholt, S.D. Kyle Shepherd hypertension and has been named Katie Edgar is head librarian at the dialysis. Jenna also ’08 assistant vice president Greenbush Public Library, part of the just received a ’05 and branch manager of Minnesota’s Northwest Regional Library doctorate in nursing John and Dr. Jenna Gross RiverWood Bank in Bemidji. system. Edgar and her kindergartner reside from North Dakota An ICB certified lender with in Karlstad. State University. She lives in Blackduck with eight years a toddler and her husband, Travis MacLeod of experience, John (‘11), who teaches teaches social he lives in Kyle Shepherd ’04 elementary physical studies at St. Anthony Park Rapids education there ... Robert Village High School, with his wife and three young Strand is admissions where he is the junior children ... Rabi Vandergon director at the University varsity boys’ basketball is working as an analyst with of Wisconsin-Superior. The coach and head cross Vermont Energy Investment Superior, Wis., resident also country coach for both Corporation, a nonprofit whose Travis MacLeod Robert Strand fishes on the Professional Rabi Vandergon the girls’ and boys’ mission is to reduce the envi- Muskie Tournament Trail teams. ronmental and economic costs and last year finished second in the World He and his wife, Jill, live of energy use by helping design and deliver Championships in a field of 35 teams ... Kelly in St. Paul with a toddler energy efficiency and secure renewable re- Schultz has worked at RP ... Valerie Wilwert was sources. He married Sarah Bhimahi early this Broadcasting in Bemidji chosen the Outstanding fall, and they will be living in many capacities, from Graduate Student in the in Burlington, Vt. ... Allison sports play-by-play to College of Health, Com- Barta has been hired as marketing. But her hat munity and Professional a teacher in Bagley High making is getting noticed Valerie Wilwert Studies at Metropolitan School in the areas of Earth as well. Inspired by the State University in St. Paul. Kelly Schultz and physical sciences. She hats worn at the most She received her master’s degree last spring and her life partner, Neil recent British royal wedding, she has created in social psychology. An operational teller Peterson, reside in Cass and sold a variety of the fascinators in local trainer at Wings Financial Lake. shops and online at www.angelinealice.com. Allison Barta Credit Union in Apple Valley, She lives in Bemidji with Josie (Aschnewitz) she lives in Cottage Grove her husband, Brian ... Dave ‘07 Johnson was recently hired as a with her husband, Charlie, Esping has been named patrol officer for the Detroit Lakes Police and infant child ... Dusty chief technology officer for Department after she had served as a cor- Minky of Forest Lake is a Ozarks Technical Communi- rections officer in Becker County for several sales representative with ty College. This year he was years. She and her husband, Matt, are both North Country Marketing, also inducted as a fellow certified firearms instructors and operate a a firm specializing in the Dusty Minky into the Leading Change gun dealer business in Frazee, where they shooting, hunting and live with their three children ... Mychal Stitts- outdoor industries in the Upper Midwest. He David Esping Institute, an organization that engages leaders who worth was selected as a co-winner of the also serves as a fishing guide and has com- seek to develop their skills Entrepreneur of the Year Award presented peted in professional walleye tournaments for the benefit of higher education. He and by the Bemidji Area Chamber of Commerce. over the past four years ... his wife, Amy, have lived in Rolla, Mo., but He earned the honor for expanding his Lenny Bellecourt has been were planning a move to business, Stittsworth Meats, into a new hired as a computer-aided Springfield, Mo., with their store facility and by finishing as a finalist in design technician at Meyer two teenagers ... Bryan the regional Idea competition. He and his Group Architecture in Dulu- Wick won a gold medal as wife, Danielle, live in Bemidji with their two th, where he lives ... Jason part of the U.S. team that children. Swanson was presented with the Presidential won the American Football Shannon (Anderson) Cunningham Excellence in Leadership World Championship. was recently promoted to director Jason Swanson ’06 Award from Tealwood Se- Teams from seven coun- of government and community relations for tries participated in the nior Living for his performance in managing Bryan Wick the Minnesota Nurses Association. She was the Prairie View Health Care Center in Tracy, month-long tournament, also re-elected to the board of directors of where he is executive director. He lives in held every four years. A the City and County Credit Union. She lives former defensive lineman for the Beavers, Walnut Grove with his wife, Devon, and their

32 | BEMIDJI STATE UNIVERSITY CLASS NOTES

grade-school-aged children ... Brad Johnson featured as a 40 Under 40 professional in was inducted into the Faribault, where he lives with his wife, Dana, Bemidji High School Ath- and their three children. letic Hall of Fame. While Dr. Nicholas Lentz has joined Mid- in high school, Johnson west Energy Emissions Corporation competed in baseball and ’02 as a field technical manager. He and asso- hockey, earning All-State ciates in the company will help spearhead Honorable Mention. He system deployment efforts in emerging teaches fifth grade and mercury control services and develop the is a coach in the Bemidji Brad Johnson company’s proprietary mercury removal School District. He and technologies. His wife, Rebecca (Robb, ’02), his wife, Ashley, live in Bemidji. is a special education teacher in the Fisher Carol Spragg of Gilbert was recently school system. They live in Grand Forks, N.D. ’03 appointed as the accounting clerk for ... Todd Knott is an assis- Lake Country Power’s Mountain Iron Service tant coach of forwards Center, where she provides records, reports and recruiting coordi- and accounting information nator for the Minnesota to the electric cooperative State University Mankato ... Brian Bell is the safeties men’s hockey team. He coach for the New Mexico and his wife, Angie, have HAUGEN AND FAMILY State University football two young children and Aggies after coaching defen- live in Eagle Lake ... Gary Todd Knott GRADUALLY GO NUTS sive backs and coordinating Sabart was promoted recruiting at Minnesota State to an associate in the TSP Some might consider 1997 BSU graduate Sarah Haugen and her husband, Trevor, perfectly nuts. And they Brian Bell University Mankato for eight Architects and Engineers years. He has relocated firm, which specializes in would happily agree. to the Las Cruces, N.M., area with his wife, planning and design for fa- In 2003, Sarah abandoned work as a mortgage broker Amanda ... Chris Knopik was promoted to a cilities in education, health in Fargo, N.D., to launch Perfectly Nuts, a confectionary principal at the accounting firm CliftonLar- care and communities. He snack business. Five years later, Trevor left his sonAllen, where he has 11 years experience and his wife, Chelsie, have engineering career to help run the enterprise. providing auditing and consulting services to welcomed a newborn Family concerns were their motivation. Their first son state and local governments. He and his wife, Gary Sabat into their Watertown, Wis. adjusted poorly to day care, so the couple decided he Tanya, live in Rogers ... Justin Isaacs and his home ... Jim Etzel, an and his mother would stay at home in West Fargo, N.D. wife, Heather (Howe), are both employed educator specializing in soil and plant nutri- A small income stream would come from Sarah’s as educators in the Deer River tion, recently presented a program at a venture into a business similar to the one her parents school district. Justin, who recently meeting of the Fifty Lakes Association. operated in Grand Forks, N.D. became a volunteer firefighter, He lives in Hackensack. … teaches industrial arts and coaches “We started Perfectly Nuts slowly with one location,” football, while Heather has moved she said. “Our nuts became popular, and the business into an early childhood teaching grew on its own.” position. The couple has a home continued on next page } Perfectly Nuts roasts almonds, cashews, sunflower in Deer River with their two young seeds and pecans at kiosks in established venues children ... Jake Cook, an indepen- Jake Cook across the Fargo area. It now operates seven and dent financial advisor, was recently added mobile units to serve summer events over a three-state region. Their sons, now 12 and 10, help out on occasion, and the Haugens employ up to 10 people during the peak fall season with three kiosks in the Fargodome. Brad Borkhuis ’01 is founder of “It takes a whole week to get ready for NDSU football Epitome Coaching and Consult- there,” Sarah said. “On game day, we start before 6 ing and travels extensively to a.m. and put in a 14-hour day.” motivate individuals, teams and While the days are long and demands high, Sarah said organizations. From Minot, N.D., benefits outweigh the stresses. he recently planted a BSU Beaver flag on the summit after climbing “We are able to spend time with our kids,” she said. Mt. Kilimanjaro in Tanzania “And people at the events are in good moods because they want to be at the trade show, concert or sporting event. They come excited.” Brad Borkuis

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Simon Waltman, who teaches math operates a screen-printing and embroidery Craig McKechney and his wife, Cindy, ’01 and coaches football and wrestling at company. After a short hiatus, Kay has ’97 live on a ranch near Litchfield, where Little Falls High School, was returned to the market part-time to handle they raise 300 head of sheep. They export a mainstay pitcher, logging bookkeeping duties. The couple lives in wool to Canada and markets in Asia. They 1,000 innings and notching Clearbrook ... Dr. John Gonzales, an associate have two adult children 100 wins for the Sobieski professor of psychology at BSU, is a member ... Brent Glass is system city baseball team over of a strategic planning team that is working director and operations 13 seasons before an arm on a 10-year plan for the future of the White manager for academic injury sent him to the side- Earth Nation. As the lead consultant, he and student affairs at lines in 2012. He returned has conducted community forums in all the Minnesota State Simon Waltman to the mound this season reservation communities and consults with Colleges and Universi- following a four-year rehab the tribal council on developing specific ties system. He is also from Tommy John surgery and pitched three goals and objectives for the plan. He and enrolled in a higher Brent Glass shutout innings during an early season ap- his wife, Nanako Kaga (’00), live in Bemidji education administra- pearance. He lives in Little Falls ... Jill Bakken with their three children ... Dr. John Pietila tion doctoral program at St. Cloud State and her husband, Jeremy, are operating Bak- published an article in the Worldwide Leaders University. He lives in Prescott, Wis., with his ken’s Market in Clearbrook. Jill took a leave in Healthcare publication as a new member wife, Jennifer ... Greg Berg is assistant area from teaching science to help the transition of the International Association of Healthcare fisheries supervisor in Aitkin after previ- to the new venture but returned this fall to Professionals. A chiropractor in Burnsville, he ously working at Minnesota DNR stations in the classroom in the Win-E-Mac schools. The is considered an expert in applied kinesiology, International Falls, Baudette, Detroit Lakes couple lives in Clearbrook with two young functional neurology, injury prevention, per- and Brainerd. He lives in Deerwood ... Sammi children. formance optimization and accelerated injury Davidson has accepted the administrative rehabilitation. He and his wife, Leslie, live in director position for Sanford Bagley, where Nicole Manecke of Brainerd is a Richfield ... Michael Cedergren received the she will oversee the health care system’s certified dermatology physician ’00 Employee of Excellence Award from Wells medical center, ambulance and clinic oper- assistant who sees patients throughout the Fargo Financial for his work as a business ations, as well as the Clearwater clinic. She region ... Nathan Ellingson has accepted the process specialist. He lives in Beaverton, Ore., lives in Bagley with her husband, Corey ... position of regional clinic manager of Altru with his wife, Maria Josie. Marc Iverson was elected auditor and trea- facilities serving Crookston, Erskine, Fertile surer for Renville County last fall after provid- and Red Lake Falls. He lives in Fertile with Becky (Carlsen) Boland brings 10 ing assessor services to county residents for his wife, Jessica, and three children ... Amy years of experience in the financial ’98 12 years. His wife, Sarah (Domeier), teaches Green of Buffalo has been hired as special industry to her new position as a financial third grade at the elementary school in Bird education director for the Buffalo-Ha- services manager at Altana Federal Credit Island, where they live with their two chil- nover-Montrose school district ... Hollie Union in Billings, Mont., where she lives with dren ... Kristen (Vidor) Busch is teaching life Swanson is a clinical research nurse who her husband, Patrick ... Steve McCaughan science, physical science and environmental recently joined the staff of the Cancer Center has retired from serving as a pastor for two science at Mountain Iron High School. She at Essentia Health-St. Joseph Medical Center churches in the Bagley area. He and his wife, also is instructing forest ecology and forest in Brainerd, where she lives. Swanson is Laura, first became involved in Lutheran field skills classes for Vermilion Community certified as a chemotherapy and biotherapy ministry 39 years ago College, where MIHS students may earn infusion nurse. in Montana. The couple college credits. She and her husband, Rick, raised two children and live in Gilbert with their two middle-school- planned a move to a aged children. 40-acre residence near Sandstone ... Shane Zutz Kris (Hendrickson) Mallett is presented the program ’96 coordinator of the Rookie Basketball Culture Eats Strategy for Association, a youth development league Lunch during an annual in Duluth. She is also head coach of the Shane Zutz banquet of the Thief girls’ basketball team at Lakeview Christian River Falls Chamber of Academy. She lives in Duluth Gus Vettlesson and Kay Granley Commerce. He has held the position of princi- with her husband, Jon, and pal at TRF Lincoln High School since 2009 and three children ages 9 to 16 ... Kay Granley experienced several three times has been honored by the region’s Marie Chandler was named changes in 2015. In January, she ’99 association of school administrators with Western Bank Educator of and her father, Bob, sold Granley’s Market, Principal of the Year or Assistant Principal of the Month in April for her a family-owned landmark in Clearbrook the Year Awards. He and his wife, Mya, live work in Cass Lake-Bena for over 100 years. In March she married in Thief River Falls. elementary schools. Chandler Gus Vettleson, a math teacher at Clear- Kris Mallett is a 20-year veteran of the brook-Gonvick High School who also classroom, with 14 of those

34 | BEMIDJI STATE UNIVERSITY CLASS NOTES

spent in Cass Lake. She and her husband, he lives ... James Ekstrom started as director David, live in Bemidji ... Mark Carter spent of information systems at First National Bank the past year teaching at Clearbrook-Gon- in Bemidji, where he previously was the vick High School. He recently moved from information technology supervisor. In his Spokane, Wash., to Park Rapids to help on new position, he will manage all informa- the family farm that raises tion systems, including hardware, software, a variety of produce and networks and security. A lieutenant colonel stock. Carter is also co-ar- in the U.S. Army Reserve, he and his wife, tistic director of the Red Sheri, live in Bemidji ... Danni Halvorson is Compass Theatre in Park director of education and monitoring for the Rapids, where he lives International Water Institute. With his wife with his wife, Beth, and and daughter, he also helps run a mobile three children ... Rhonda lemonade stand that travels to fairs and Fochs, a retired social Rhonda Fochs other venues over the summer. The family studies teacher who lives lives in Viking. in Motley, has authored a series on towns in Minnesota that once were thriving but have Allen Kidd teaches a series of virtually disappeared. The series, “Minne- ’93 Japanese language classes at Muncie sota’s Lost Towns,” has a central and two Central High School in Indiana. He has also northern editions, and a southern version is taught history, geography and personal scheduled for release in 2016. finance for the school. Last DRAPER REFLECTS ON Bryan Brown began serving as the year he was named Second- CAREER BEHIND LENS ’95 high school principal in Isle this fall. ary Teacher of the Year by He and his wife, Kim, live between Isle and the Indiana Foreign Language Monte Draper likely spent more time at Bemidji Mora and have three adult children. Teachers Association and State University events than any faculty member, previously won the same Susan Frisby Lee retired last spring coach, administrator or student. But as a photogra- honor from the Associa- from 37 years of teaching high pher with the Bemidji Pioneer newspaper, the 1980 ’94 tion of Indiana Teachers of school and elementary school in the Red Allen Kidd BSU graduate was rarely noticed on the sidelines, in Japanese. He lives in Muncie Lake County district. In addition to working the wings offstage or at a public meeting. as a speech therapist, she served in the with his wife, Kyoko, and two That’s one of the secrets to Draper’s success as a school readiness program and early child- young children ... Shannon (Wraa) Alto was photojournalist. hood special education. She lives in McIntosh named Exceptional Educator of the Month with her husband, Jim. They have two for March by Western Bank. She has been He retired his camera last summer after 30 years grown children ... Scott Wiechman has been at Cass Lake-Bena Elementary School for 22 recording events across the city and campus. promoted to senior creative director at Law- years and currently teaches in a first-grade During his career, he won numerous state and rence & Schiller, an integrated marketing and classroom. She, her husband, Dan, and two regional awards, including the 2014 Minnesota digital strategy firm in Sioux Falls, S.D., where children live between Blackduck and Bemidji. Newspaper Association award for the best photographic portfolio. Draper wasn’t always hiding in the spotlight. Three Tim “Buck” Lescarbeau ‘90 owns and times he came away from non-BSU assignments operates Best Bet Guide Service and is with a bloodied nose after being punched. Twice he chairman of the Lake Vermilion Guides suffered broken ribs from attacks by aggressive League. Last spring he guided Gov. Mark subjects. His tires were slashed on occasion; his Dayton for the annual fishing opener apartment defaced with graffiti; and he was hosted by Explore Minnesota and the choked by a snake. He almost drowned by breaking Department of Natural Resources for through ice on the Willow River trying to photo- media, state officials and special guests. graph a train wreck. His full-time job is as a control-room op- “I’ve been told I had the greatest job, and I did erator with Hibbing Taconite. He lives in despite the crazy hours,” Draper said, noting that Chisholm with his wife, Megan (Scanlan, someone once told him he wasn’t just a photogra- ’88), an early childhood development pher, but a recorder of history. “I saw the commu- teacher. They have two young adult nity, experienced it, and was part of it.” children While no longer working as a photojournalist, he Buck Lescarbeau (left) with Gov. Dayton stays busy. He and his wife, Charlene, have moved to Bagley for a new life with a routine, including a daytime job at TEAM Industries. continued on next page } It’s a schedule he expects won’t include a bloodied nose, broken ribs or snakes.

www.BemidjiState.edu | 35 ª continued from previous page } CLASS NOTES Ross Faldet teaches seventh- and he was looking forward to relocating his and her husband, Richard, have three adult ’92 eighth-grade industrial arts in family to the Iron Range from Fisher, where children and a home in Dent, although she Clearbrook-Gonvick schools, where he also is he previously served as superintendent. also maintains a residence in Bemidji ... John head coach for the girls’ basketball team. He Damjanovich has joined the board of direc- Candy Heide has joined the First lives in Clearbrook with his wife, Jennifer, and tors for Woodland Bank. The chief financial National Bank of Durango, Colo., as three children ... Pete Fenson, ’88 officer for MNSTAR Technologies in Grand a business-banking officer in the institution’s a former Olympic bronze Rapids, he previously worked as a commer- branch in Bayfield, where she lives with her medalist, is rejoining the cial lender at the bank for 13 years. He lives husband, Gary (’83). competitive curling ranks this with his wife, Rose, in Remer. winter after resigning from Tina Haroldson is gaining a following Duane Wolfe writes a regular column his national coaching position. as a singing waitress at the Amboy ’87 that appeared on PoliceOne.com, an He will now be considered Cottage Café, where she entertains diners ’84 online source for news, training information with other applicants for the with popular tunes, original and products for law enforcement agencies. 2015-16 USA Curling High adaptations and requests. Pete Fenson One recent article outlines 11 ways police Performance Team. He and She sings despite a officers can improve their job performance. his wife, Roxanne (Matter, ’91), operate decade-old decline in her Wolfe spent 25 years as a peace officer in Dave’s Pizza in Bemidji, where she also hearing. She returned to Minnesota before retiring in 2014. He now is works for Security Bank. Residents of Bemi- Amboy a year ago to help a full-time instructor in the law enforcement dji, they have one son, Alex, now enrolled at care for her elderly mother program at Alexandria Technical College. BSU, and another child in high school ... Jim after 15 years in Albu- He and his wife, Lynn (Rauker, ’86), live Varichak has been named an Administrator querque, N.M., where she D.P. Brumbaugh in Kensington ... Chris Tower retired from of Excellence by the Minnesota Association spoke and sang at various teaching in the Edina public schools and has of School Administrators. He has served as ministry conferences ... D. P. relocated with his wife, Betsy, to their cabin superintendent for Chisholm public schools Brumbaugh is celebrating his 20th year of on Lake Movil near Bemidji. Chris is staying since 2002. Under his leadership, the district employment at the Keg n’ Cork, located in busy as farm manager at the Bemidji Com- successfully passed an $871 per pupil Bemidji, where he lives. munity Food Shelf. Tower will also become operating referendum and started a K-12 Jeff Olson was named president and involved at BSU as an adjunct professor and iPad initiative. He lives in Side Lake with his CEO of the Credit Union Association student teacher supervisor. The couple has wife, Jill. ’86 of the Dakotas. He had previously served two adult children. Missy (Coffield) Karboviak is as executive vice president for government James Schwarz retired as an in- director of the Kittson County Day relations at the financial cooperative trade ’90 dustrial technology teacher in New Activity Center for senior citizens in Lake organization, which serves credit unions in ’82 Ulm. Schwarz taught a variety of subjects Bronson, which is licensed to serve 22 both North and South during his 33 years in the district, from mid- people. She and her husband, Thomas (’89), Dakota. He lives in dle-school industrial technology to advanced have three children ranging in age from 17 to Bismarck, N.D., with his woodworking in the high school. During his 27 ... Brian Stefanich received the Northern two teenagers ... Debbie tenure he also coached eighth-grade football Division Principal of the Year Award from the (Dahl) Aune of Gatzke for 15 seasons. He and his wife, Sarah, live Minnesota Association of Secondary School had an exhibit of her wa- in New Ulm ... David Gregory has been Principals. He has been principal of Bemidji tercolor paintings shown hired as director of corporate and foundation High School since 2009. He and his wife, at the Northwest Minne- relations with the University of North Dakota Sage, live in Bemidji and have five grown sota Arts Council Gallery Debbie Aune Alumni Association Foundation. His wife, children ... Linda Erceg in East Grand Forks last Sandra (Christensen, ’83), is an educator in retired from the Concordia spring. The show was Grand Forks, N.D., where they live. Language Villages after 33 titled Midwest Living and included personal years. A BSU Outstanding images from a busy farming community and Louise Oven retired after teaching Alumna and registered the outdoors and scenes important to the ’81 elementary school for 34 years in nurse, she started as a traditions of northern Minnesota. She and the Pipestone schools. While most were camp nurse and left as the her husband, Elroy, have four children rang- spent teaching second grade, her final two associate director of health ing in age from 16 to 30 ... were in a first-grade classroom. She lives Nancy (Ettish) Vyskocil in Brandon, S.D., with her spouse, Pam and risk management. Linda Erceg She coauthored “Basics was been named to the Oberembt, but they are eventually planning of Camp Nursing,” the definitive text for board of directors of the a move to Sioux Falls, S.D. ... Craig Stubbins individuals in outdoor and community health Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Eden Prairie was inducted into the care professions. She and her late husband of Minnesota Foundation. Bemidji High School Athletic Hall of Fame. A raised one child in their Bemidji home. She is president and CEO of standout golfer who qualified for the state the Northwest Minnesota tournament in each year he competed on Lance Northey is the new superin- Foundation, which has Nancy Vyskocil the varsity level and an alpine skier who tendent for the Nashwauk-Keewatin ’89 offices in Bemidji. She School District. Originally from Two Harbors,

36 | BEMIDJI STATE UNIVERSITY CLASS NOTES

three times finished in the top five at state, to continue working with the Prior Lake he is a software engineer with QLogic in swimming program, where he had served Eden Prairie. He and his wife, Jayne, have as head and assistant coach. He was also three grown children. The oldest, Jesse, is a instrumental in rejuvenating the BSU alumni 2008 BSU graduate who lives in Bemidji and athlete B-Club. He lives in Savage with his works in the information technology field ... wife, Terri. Larry Hutchins of Loretto retired as a senior Jim Grafelman has joined GAI marketing representative with Federated Consultants as an environmental Insurance and moved into a new career as ’79 specialist in its community development unit. a senior vice president with the Christensen A certified wetland scientist, Grafelman has Group, one of the largest locally owned 34 years of experience in environmental and and independent insurance and employee regulatory science. He lives in Rhinelander, benefits brokers in Minnesota. He earned 43 Wis. … Ed Jose is a pharmacy technician at different company awards at Federated. He Lakewood Health System Hospital Pharmacy and his wife, Shelly, have two adult children in Staples. He also is a certified Minnesota and one in high school ... Sarah Hoagberg instructor in pistol, home firearms safety, SPIRIT BUOYS KEAVENY retired after 20 years of teaching in the person protection and carry permit instructor. ON PADDLE TO ARCTIC Kelliher Early Childhood Family Education He recently spoke on the current gun laws program and the school readiness area for in the state during a program in Staples, The trip’s website described the undertaking: six Clearbrook-Gonvick schools. She and her where he lives with his wife, Anita ... Kathy friends, nine months, five provinces, 11 rivers, 10 husband, Rod Skoe, live on a farm north (Christiansen) Wade has joined Winona states, 5,200 miles, one continent. That added up to of Clearbrook. The couple has two grown Health as chief human resources officer. She adventure for 2008 BSU alumnus John Keaveny, who children ... Greg Wood has retired after 32 previously held a similar position at Maple with five others paddled canoes from the Mississippi years with Federated Insurance, where he Grove Hospital ... Ron Schoonover is a sub- River Delta to the Arctic Ocean. served as a marketing representative, ARMS stitute teacher in the St. Cloud School District Starting on Jan. 2 in Buras, La., the trip actually account executive, district marketing man- ... John and Sue (Tousley, ’76) Tibstra of Be- traversed 5,230 miles before ending after eight months ager and senior marketing representative. midji have retired and closed the Home Place, in Kugluktuk, a small town where the Coppermine He received 19 awards from the company. the cross country ski shop they operated for River empties into the Arctic Ocean in northern He and his wife, Valerie, live in Verona, Wis., 26 years in Bemidji. The shop also sold and Canada. The canoeists paddled nearly two-thirds of with a pre-teen child. serviced bicycles until two years ago, when the way to the North Pole. Sandy (Gould) the Tibstras focused on skiing. The couple “The trip was done in the spirit of adventure,” Keaveny Perkins is an office serves on the boards of the annual Finlandia ’80 said. “I saw it as a one-time opportunity to meet new representative at the Pulkra- Ski Race and the Bemidji Area Cross Country people and see new places.” bek State Farm Insurance Ski Club ... Dr. Dale Schmid worked as the Agency in Crookston, where visual and performing arts coordinator for Meeting individuals along the route was a major she also is music director for the New Jersey State Department of Educa- highlight, he said: “I thought we’d be out by ourselves a Presbyterian church and tion while he completed his doctoral work in more, but wherever we went, people reached out to directs the area Women’s educational and organizational leadership at help, greet and meet us. Everyone’s spirit was Chorus. Her husband, James Sandra Perkins the University of Pennsylvania. His resume incredible.” (’70), retired from teaching includes serving as a dance That spirit helped the travelers over the rough times, in 2007. The couple has two adult children instructor on the college lev- such as paddling the Mississippi in ice, rain and snow or ... Jenny (Dubois) Bloedow retired after 35 el and touring regionally as a struggling against the current for more than half the years of teaching second- to sixth-grade dancer, actor, choreographer, river miles. In addition to the people, he saw scores of classes at Reede Gray Elementary School in director and teaching artist. new cities, traversed miles of secluded waterways or Redwood Falls. She plans He and his wife, Karen Stone, rapids, and collected lifelong memories. to continue working with live in Philadelphia, Pa. Keaveny left his job as a field staff member at a the Minnesota Reading Mary (Bergeron) wilderness therapy program in Utah to make the Corporation. She and her Mary Klamm Klamm is superinten- journey. After returning from the Arctic Circle, he husband, Fred, raised ’78 dent of the Staples-Motley landed in New Ulm, where he is substitute teaching two children in Redwood School District. A recipient of a Bush Lead- and looking forward to new adventures. Falls ... Dave Thomas ership Fellowship in 2004, she previously retired from teaching served in the same capacity for Menahga physical education on the Dave Thomas schools. She and her husband, Jim, have five high school and middle children and were planning a move to the school levels for the Prior Lake-Savage Area Staples or Motley area from their home in district, where he also served as a mentor to Park Rapids ... staff in technology and as a dean. He plans continued on next page }

www.BemidjiState.edu | 37 ª continued from previous page } CLASS NOTES Sally Soliday has been selected as the of elementary students live in Kenai and have three grown children director of elementary education for the three years ago. She and ... Lyle Hanson finished his 35th and last year Rosemount-Apple Valley-Eagan district. A her husband, Charlie, live of teaching in the Clearbrook-Gonvick School former teacher and elementary principal, she in Moorhead and have two District, the final being an SLC teacher in the will oversee preschool through grade-five grown children ... Dr. Steven high school. He and his wife, Vicki, live in programs at the district’s 18 elementary DeKrey has been named an Clearbrook and have three grown children ... schools. She and her husband, Charles honorary fellow of the Hong John Clark has been promoted to human re- (’77), have a residence in Lakeville ... Dean Kong University of Science sources director at the Shooting Star Casino, Dalen was named Alumnus of the Year at and Technology (HKUST). Hotel and Event Center in Mahnomen. He Northland Community and Technical College Now president of the Asian Dr. Steven DeKrey taught in a public school setting for 34 years in Thief River Falls. He started working at the Institute of Management, he before joining the human resource staff at local vocational technical institute in 1981, was the HKUST Business School associate the Shooting Star complex seven years ago. assisting students in math and other subjects. dean, director of master’s programs and one He lives in Mahnomen. In 2000, he became director of the Learning of the major forces behind the school’s MBA Chris (Hanson) Starr was featured on Center at what became NCTC and held that Minnesota Public Radio in a segment position until he retired in 2014. He and his ’73 that highlighted the lives and work of music wife, Renae, live in Thief River Falls and have educators throughout the state. Starr retired two grown children. in January after 41 years as a music teacher Joe O’Koren marked a lifelong career in the Howard Lake-Waverly-Winsted district. ’77 of education in Lanesboro when he The last 34 were spent in the classroom retired last spring from his and directing choirs for grades six through position as an industrial arts 12. She has two adult children and lives in teacher for grades seven Norwood Young America ... Mike Eastling through 12. He also helped has retired after a 35-year career in the students prepare for their Richfield Public Works Department, which general education develop- Cheryl and John Flatt he left as its director. During his tenure, he ment certificates. He lives was named a Top 10 public works director in Chatfield ... Kim (Leier) in the nation by the American Public Works program, ranked as the best in the world Ramsey was nominated for Association in 2011 and last year was named Kim Ramsey six times since 2007. He lives in Hong Kong the Woman of Achievement the Public Works Director of the Year by the with his wife, Veronica ... Cheryl (Skalsky) Award presented by the organization’s state affiliate. He has a home Flatt retired from teaching in 2013. She Owatonna Business Women’s Organization. in Eagan ... Dennis Moore retired recently spent 35 of her 36 years in education at A substitute teacher in Owatonna for 23 after working 36 years in supply chain the Waubun-Ogema-White Earth School years, she is active in Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, management, most recently with Enbridge District, with 25 of those in kindergarten and Big Brothers Big Sisters, the Wee Pals Child Energy out of Duluth. He and his wife, Deb, the remainder in Title I. Her husband, John Care Center and the Owatonna Learning recently moved to Champlin to be closer to (’74), has enjoyed six years of retirement Center. She and her husband, Dave (’78), live children and grandchildren. It also allows after teaching industrial technology for 20 in Owatonna. him to continue his part-time years and serving as the school-to-work position in guest services at Kirsti Trygstad retired from the Army coordinator for 13 years in the Detroit Lakes Target Field for the Minnesota Reserve as a colonel in October 2014. School District. The couple, who met at the ’76 Twins ... Dennis Winskowski She has been a full-time Army Reserve civil- BSU Music Camp, celebrated their 40th has retired after nearly three ian employee since 1989 and now works in wedding anniversary this year. They live in decades as publisher of the the equal employment opportunity office lo- Detroit Lakes. Detroit Lakes Tribune. During cated at Fort McCoy, Wis. She lives in Sparta, Tom Anderson retired as manager at his tenure, the paper won Wis. ... Michael Rasch has been named vice the northwest Minnesota region of five Mills Trophies from the president for enrollment management at ’74 Dennis Winskowski the Minnesota Vocational Rehab Services Minnesota Newspaper Asso- Oak Hills Christian College near Bemidji. In his Program located in Crookston, where he ciation as the best weekly in new position, he will oversee the admissions helped people with disabilities become the state. He and his wife, Carol, live in Park office, financial aid and athletics. He and employable and stay on the job. An avid Rapids and have two his wife, Julie, live in Bemidji and have two river fisherman, he and his wife, Lenore, adult children. grown children. raised three children in Crookston ... Bob Gordon Johnson Pam (Underdahl) Gunnerson Bird retired after 41 years teaching on the received the retired this spring after dedicating secondary level, three in Minnesota and the ’71 ’75 Governor’s Arts Award four decades to teaching and working for remainder in Alaska, where he also spent from the state of Mon- students in the Norman County East district 13 years as a varsity hockey coach. He will tana for conducting in the Twin Valley area. Most of that time now teach history at Kenai Peninsula College. and directing the Great was spent teaching Title I and grades one Active politically, he has twice run for the U.S. Falls Symphony for 33 Gordon Johnson through four before she was named dean Senate in Alaska. He and his wife, Rosemary,

38 | BEMIDJI STATE UNIVERSITY CLASS NOTES

years. The Conductors’ Guild president, he McDowell in Thief River Falls, he specializes in also served as the conductor and director real estate, probate and estate administration. of the Glacier Symphony in Kalispell for 15 He has been a volunteer with Legal Services of years; had the same responsibilities at the Northwest Minnesota since it was formed in Flathead Music Festival for nine years; and 1976, first as a lawyer and the last 12 years as helped found the Montana Association of the president of its board of directors. Symphony Orchestras and its annual young Al Clark has been inducted into the Ar- artists competition. A 2009 BSU Outstanding lington (Texas) Chamber of Commerce Alumnus, he lives in Great Falls with his wife, ’64 Business Hall of Fame. A 2007 BSU Outstand- Ruth ... James Luense was inducted into the ing Alumnus, Clark moved to Texas in 1979 as Coaches Hall of Fame in St. Ansgar, Iowa. He a State Farm Insurance agent and built one of was a high school counselor and football the country’s most successful agencies during coach before retiring in 2001. He and his wife, his tenure. Active in the city’s chamber, he was Carlene, raised two grown children from their BOWEN FINDS CALLING a founding member of the Arlington Chamber home in St. Ansgar. Foundation, which supports the organization’s BEHIND HOME PLATE Gail Nucech was inducted into the strategic and financial development. He lives Leah Bowen called balls and strikes with 10,000 fans in Hibbing High School Athletic Hall of in Arlington with his wife, Shalyn. ’69 the stands, a national TV audience watching on ESPN, Fame this fall. One of the most successful Beverly (Schinderle) Pfeilstifter retired and softball teams from Michigan and UCLA scrutiniz- high school volleyball coaches in Minnesota, 15 years ago after a career teaching ing her every move. As an umpire at the 2015 NCAA Nucech has also been named to halls of fame ’63 elementary education. She and her husband, Division I Women’s College World Series, the 2004 at BSU, the Minnesota Volleyball Coaches Chuck, maintain a home in Racine, Wis., and a Bemidji State graduate still was conscious only of the Association and Greenway High School. She winter residence in The Villages, Fla. game. led the Hibbing Volleyball program to 23 appearances in the state tournament, which Neil McCormack retired as boys’ golf “Umpiring is customer service, and the customer is the they won in 1975. Her 884 wins are the most ’61 coach at Rochester Mayo High School, game,” said Bowen, a Hermantown native who played ever compiled by a Minnesota high school an assignment he had filled for 48 seasons. He both volleyball and softball at BSU. “If you’re not doing coach. She and her husband, Dennis, live in retired as a science teacher for the district in right about the game, you’re not doing right about Hibbing. 1998. He helped form the Mayo girls’ hockey yourself. You have to respect that.” team, which he coached for 11 years while Carol (Bren) Dunn retired after teach- The respect translates into acting professionally to guiding them to three state tournament berths. ing fifth-grade reading and language coaches, players and fans. It means keeping your cool. ’68 He lives in Rochester ... Ron McKechney has arts at Pequot Lakes Middle School for 26 It means you don’t make friends during the game, but been inducted into the Saskatchewan Baseball years. Although stepping away from the of course that’s not the point. Hall of Fame. A retired educator, he spent nine classroom, she expects to stay busy by mak- years with the Estevan Maple Leafs before Now the intramural director at St. Mary’s University in ing wool rugs and giving lessons in the craft joining the Swift Current Indians. During his San Antonio, Texas, Bowen started umpiring softball in from her home studio as well as the North playing days, he helped teams win three 2008 after full-time jobs were hard to find in the House Folk School in Grand Marais. She and league championships, earned several batting recession despite a recently acquired graduate degree. her husband, Bart, raised four children in titles and was named league MVP. He lives It was one of several part-time opportunities she the Pequot Lakes area. … Bob Bernier has in East St. Paul, Man., with his wife, Peg, and cobbled together. She began officiating high school returned to instructing industrial technology maintains a winter home in Bonita Springs, games before eventually moving up to NCAA Division courses at Red Lake County Central High Fla. The couple has three sons, including Craig, III and Division II. During a tournament in 2009, an School in Oklee, where he previously taught a 1997 BSU graduate who operates a sheep impressed college coach asked why she wasn’t from 1999-2008. He and his wife, Emily, own ranch near Litchfield. working Division I games. Bernier’s Custom Cabinets in Oklee, where Bowen umped her first Division I game later that year, they live and raised three children. Bob Ness is serving as a liaison for Colin and has built a resume that now includes 50-60 games Mike Shaw received the Jordan ’57 Peterson, a Democrat who each season in the Southeastern, Big 10, Big 12 and Commercial Club Honored Guest ’65 was recently sworn in for Missouri Valley conferences. She was one of seven Award presented annually to a resident his 13th term as Minneso- umpires selected for the NCAA finals and worked the who consistently gave time and energy to ta’s congressman from the plate in front of the largest crowd at this year’s event. the community. Shaw retired in 2000 after seventh district. Ness is a While Bowen’s officiating acumen and personality a 35-year career as a business teacher and former Republican state served her well at the tournament, a return trip to the coach at Jordan High School. Now the mayor representative who also finals isn’t certain. The NCAA Division I playoff crews of Jordan, he served 25 years on the city Marianne and Bob Ness served as school superin- are put together each year from a national pool of council. He and his wife, Lori, live in Jordan tendent in Detroit Lakes. eligible game callers. ... Larry McDowell of Thief River Falls was He provides constituent services for Preston in presented with the Pro Bono Service Award Whatever the schedule, Bowen said she’s committed 29 communities. His wife, Marianne (Johnson, from the Legal Services Corporation in Wash- to being a neutral judge of her most important ’54), is a retired teacher and homemaker. The ington, D.C. A private attorney with Wurst & customer, the game. couple lives in Dassel.

continued on next page }

www.BemidjiState.edu | 39 ª continued from previous page } CLASS NOTES

Willie Stittsworth has been inducted numerous civic and community organiza- ’53 into the Ankeny High School Hall of tions during his years in Bemidji, where he Honor for his contributions to education has a residence. after he left the Iowa school. Stittsworth is Truman Schoaff and his wife, Mary, a professor emeritus at BSU, having served recently downsized when they on the education faculty until his retire- ’50 moved from a country home to a residence ment in 1989. He and his wife, Arla, live in in Grand Rapids. Bemidji, where they raised three children. Millie Gjertson (right) attends her first hockey game on Sept. 26 with Kathleen McKinstra, BSU’s director of Bill Howe earned the 2015 Charlie OTHER ALUMNI planned giving. The women’s team fought Robert Morris to ’52 Naylor Lifetime Achievement Doug Bulver is a licensed minister who a 4-4 tie. Award from the Bemidji Area Chamber of counsels youth, individuals and couples on Commerce. Howe, a retired president of life experiences in the Lakeville area. Northern National Bank, has been active in LIFE IS NEVER DULL FOR A ‘GAL’ LIKE GJERTSON IN MEMORIAM When Millie (Kortuem) Gjertson ’45 visited Bemidji Listed in order of class year State in September after more than a decade away, her campus tour conjured more than classroom Evelyn B. Sather ’35, Bend, Ore. Richard Paciotti ’69, Eveleth memories. Rebecca (Corbit) Stetzler ’37, Menahga Kathryn “Kay” (Knott) Knoer ’70, Bemidji In her mind’s eye, the 92-year-old saw several men Ardis J. (Aho) Esala ’45, New York Mills Charles A. Linn ’70, Backus Robert R. Luox ’48, San Leandro, Calif. Ruth E. Lundstrom ’70, Park Rapids whose names are now on the buildings. Dr. Perry W. Patterson ’48, Sioux City, Iowa Merlyn Stai ’70, Bemidji Gjertson worked as a secretary for John Glas, C.R. John B. Emkovik ’49, Inver Grove Heights Marjorie M. (Schoville) Dietz ’72, Eyota Sattgast and A.C. Clark – first as a student and briefly Charles O. Fisher ’49, Annandale Richard F. Beer ’74, Warba full time before she completed her English degree. Reuben J. Patnode ’50, Grand Rapids Jon “Jack” Echternach ’74, Bemidji Ronald Randklev ’50, Grand Marais David W. Erickson ’74, International Falls She was taken aback by how much BSU had John W. Schultz, Jr. ’50, Maple Grove Mary (Beneke) Buckentin ’75, Plato changed. Richard R. Scanlon ’51, Grand Rapids John C. Zak ’74 & ’76, Saint Hilaire “Once I recovered from the demolition of Sanford Bette (Stengrim) Henkes ’53, Staples Donald G. Anderson ’76, Detroit Lakes Dorothy (Rake) Gustafson ’54, Hallock Charles Stuhaug ’76, Erskine Hall,” Gjertson joked, “I could kind of settle down Irwin St. John ’54, Mesa, Ariz. Randy A. Berger ’77, Mahnomen and enjoy the tour. Joan E. (McCollor) Hovdestad ’55, Park Jacalyn M. ( Jenneke) Caron ’77, Fifty Lakes “There is still a friendly atmosphere that pervades Rapids Virginia M. (Dearholt) Magnuson ’77, Solway the campus. I was happy to see that.” Ann M. (Lalonde) Malikowski ’55, Dekalb, Ill. Lawrence A. Houg ’79, Bemidji Lowell A. Vaughn ’56, Minneapolis Myrna D. Mannausau ’79, International Falls She and Wilfred, her late husband of nearly 54 William “Bill” L. Wirtanen ’56, Hibbing Ole Jessen-Klixbull ’80, Cold Spring years, lived in several towns during his career with Judith B. Wold ’57, Thief River Falls Gail (Nelson) Sells ’80, Park Rapids the state employment service. She often was Duane M. Wilson ’57, Spokane, Wash. Pamela A. Young ’80, Perham among those he placed in jobs. Richard L. Bovitz ’58, Grand Rapids Sharon P. (Christiansen) Lepel ’81, Gillette, Dr. David D. Sandwick ’58, Bracketteville, Wyo. Still living independently and enjoying interests and Texas Bruce K. Baustian ’82, Sauk Rapids friendships, Gjertson cherishes the couple’s north Marian M. King ’59, Yucaipa, Calif. Kristan Janse-Dinkel ’82, Cochrane, Wisc. woods adventures and her lifetime of travel to all 50 George L. Jernberg ’60 & ’68, Detroit Lakes Beverly Torgerson ’82, Park Rapids states, including Hawaii in 2013. Daniel G. Johnson ’61, Duluth Richard S. Frykman ’83, New Prague Mark O. Paulson ’61, Bemidji Genevieve A. Brandt ’87, Bemidji She stays engaged with reading, plant care, church Clifford M. Woodford ’61, Mankato Carol E. Campbell ’86, Bemidji and the Vikings and indulges an eclectic generos- Richard T. “Dick” Sauer ’62 & ’66, Bemidji Jerry Colley ’87, Bemidji ity that will now permanently benefit BSU. Richard L. Berganini ’63, Minneapolis Johanna Desrocher ’87, Great Falls, Mont. In October, Gjertson established a scholarship Paul A. Ofstedal ’63, Fertile Patrick T. Johnston ’87, Detroit Lakes endowment to benefit a female junior or senior Ruth B. Sorknes ’63, Moorhead Daniel A. Davis ’88, Mora student. Fred L. Hill ’64, Fargo, N.D. Teresa A. Galloway ’88 & ’98, Bemidji Rayome C. Koehler ’64, Erskine Michelle M. (Folden) Prestebak ’88, “I checked with my financial adviser,” she recalled, Leon I. Oistad ’64, Excelsior Goodridge “and he said, ‘Yes, we can swing that.’” Warren C. Anderson ’66, Alexandria Audrey E. Rolfson ’95, Austin Douglas Gooselaw ’66, Bozeman, Mont. Trevor C. Howe ’02, Duluth Dr. Dennis M. Martin ’66, Kingsville, Texas Barron J. Cottingham ’13, Grand Rapids Wallace H. Etter ’68, Mora Treven L. Smith ’13, New Prague Joseph N. Horoshak ’68, Orr Jeremiah “Jeremy” Flackus-Carlson ’14, Arlene Bergman ’69, Clearbrook Walker

40 | BEMIDJI STATE UNIVERSITY REPORT2014-15 o BSU FOUNDATION GIFTSf THE POWER OF DECISION

When you look around campus these days, you see incredible, exciting advances: the opening of the “new” Memorial Hall, home to our business and accounting programs; the innovation and academic achievements in our classrooms, labs and learning centers; and the awarding of almost $1.4 million in Carol Russell ‘74 scholarships to our deserving students this year.

None of these things just happened. They were all possible because of the commitment and vision of our faculty, students, administration and contributors like many of you. Each step forward took place because someone believed – and took action. There is perhaps no greater evidence of this than the significant accomplishments we have seen within our Imagine Tomorrow campaign. By the end of November, we had passed an initial $35 million goal and were setting our sights even higher. This historic achievement is making enrollment at Bemidji State a possibility for hundreds more students each year. That’s important. To maintain and grow BSU as a viable, comprehensive, regional university, we need to continue to be responsive to our students and their needs. Our students are changing, as is the environment in which they learn. And, for many, the dream of pursuing higher education is complicated by busy lives, affordability and the reality of juggling work and family responsibilities. Understanding this, we know there is still work to be done. We need to tell the BSU story more widely and give voice to our advocates. We need to grow partnerships between BSU and our business community, further diversify our funding and be responsive to the emerging needs of our university. In other words, we need to con- tinue on this path of positive growth and change. As we look back at the past year, we want to thank everyone who has given their time, talent and financial contributions to Bemidji State University and the work it does. Together, we are making a difference. Together, we are changing lives.

Carol Russell ‘74 President Bemidji State University Foundation

www.BemidjiState.edu | 41 REPORT President’s SOCIETY GIFTSo The President’s Society recognizes the university’s most generous contributors, based on lifetime/cumulative giving to the Bemidji f State University Foundation. Members include individuals, families and organizations.

Visionary’s Society ($2,500,000 +) Enbridge Energy Co. Joseph* and Janice Lueken/The Joseph Kenneth and Mary* Erickson and Janice Lueken Family Foundation Dr. Bruce and Mary Jo Falk Federated Insurance Trustees Society ($1,000,000 +) Anthony S. Gramer The George W. Neilson Foundation Russell* and Gudrun* Harding Michael W. and Tracy Roberge Dr. Evan and Elaine* Hazard Dr. Ruth Howe and Merril Thiel Chancellors Society ($500,000 +) Paul and Lynn Hunt M, Inc. Christine Janda* Keith and Maria Johanneson/Marketplace Margaret H. Johnson* Food and Drug Katharine Neilson Cram Foundation Edwin* and Myra* Johnson Kopp Family Foundation Sam and Peggy* Johnson Kraus-Anderson Construction Company David and Brenda Odegaard — North Paul Bunyan Communications Joan L. Kriegler* Wayne and Beverly Thorson Leech Lake Casinos: Northern Lights, Palace and White Oak Benefactors Society ($250,000 +) Lueken’s Village Foods Michael McKinley and Deborah Grabrian/ Dr. M. James and Nancy Bensen McKinley Companies Custom chargers (as pictured above) are Doug and Sue Fredrickson/’Big Oaks Foun- Mark and Sandra Niblick dation created especially for the President’s Society North Country Business Products M. Fern Birnstihl* North Country Health Services by visual arts professor and department chair First National Bank Bemidji Northern Inn/Gary Gangelhoff Elfrida B. Glas* John “Butch” Holden. They are “awards of Otter Tail Power Company Kirk P. Gregg/Gregg Family Charitable Fund Otto Bremer Foundation distinction,” honoring donors with cumulative Kathryn K. Hamm* Robert and Mary Lou Peters giving of $50,000 or more. John and Delphine Jacobsen Pinnacle Publishing LLC Robin Norgaard Kelleher David and Kim Ramsey Elwood and Jean Largis Dr. Patrick Riley and Dr. Natalie Roholt Eva Lind* Marcella Sherman John W. Marvin TruStar Federal Credit Union Susan I. Marvin Moses and Angela Tsang Mary A. Mushel* Robert* and Jeanette* Welle Trudy and Kevin Rautio Bob Whelan/Whelan Properties/Su- Sanford Health preme Lumber Rich and Joyce Siegert /Edgewater Group Stephen G. Wick Growth of (Hampton Inn and Suites, Green Mill) David and Kathryn Sorensen Builders Society ($50,000.00 +) George and Sandra Thelen Foundation Bernice M. Anderson Charitable Rmndr. Assets Security Bank USA Unitrust Steve and Lauren Vogt Thomas J. Beech Dr. Richard and Josephine Beitzel $35,000,000 Directors Society ($100,000 +) Bemidji Woolens, Inc./Bill Batchelder Donald G. Anderson* and Vicki Brown The Bernick Companies $30,000,000 Trent and Beth Baalke Elaine D. Bohanon* Bank Forward $25,000,000 Bradley Borkhuis Ron Batchelder BSU Dining Services/ARAMARK $20,000,000 Jeffrey and Kathy Baumgartner/Circle B Lynne C. Bunt Estate Properties Jim* and Lorraine F. Cecil

$14,875,654 Big North Distributing, Inc. $15,000,000 Michael and Noel Clay $29,508,352 Fred F. Breen* $10,912,494 Herbert and Lynn Doran Raymond Breen* $10,000,000 $8,485,507 Gregory S. Droba Dr. Almond and Shalyn Clark/Al Clark’s Joe and Karen Dunn Formula 4 Success $5,000,000 Rebecca Eggers* Coca-Cola Bottling Company of Bemidji, Inc. Steve and Sue Engel Dr. Donald* and Petra DeKrey 0 Drs. Gary and Nancy Erickson/Gary S. 2000 2005 2010 2015 Dondelinger GM Erickson, DDS

* Deceased New member

42 | BSU FOUNDATION ANNUAL REPORT General Mills Foundation Bill* and Jesse* Baer Dr. Lowell* and Ardis* Gillett Carl and Terry Baer Dr. Muriel B. Gilman Beaver Bookstore Bernard* and Fern* Granum Dr. Marjory C. Beck Growth of Dr. Richard and Dianne Hanson Julie and Scott Becker Endowed Margaret H. Harlow* Bemidji Dental Clinic Thomas and Joanne Heaviland Bemidji Lions Club Funds Paul and Tammi Hedtke Kermit and Sandy Bensen Dr. Annie B. Henry Marie Bishop* Lynne K. Holt Blandin Foundation $24,000,000 William and Bette* Howe Bois Forte Reservation Tribal Council Myrtie A. Hunt* Robert and Lisa Bollinger $22,000,000 Esther F. Instebo* Alan P. Brew The Jay and Rose Phillips Family Foundation David and Stormi Brown $20,000,000 Alan and Judy Killian Patrick Brown/Clem’s Hardware Hank Alan Korpi and Martha Nelson Jeffrey P. Busse $18,000,000 Dale and Michelle Ladig Joan Campbell Anderson and David Anderson Lake Region Bone and Joint Surgeons John and Ann Carlson/John Carlson Agency, Inc. $16,000,000 $22,854,156 Lakeland Public Television Steve Carter Jr. Margaret Listberger Estate Bertha A. Christianson* $14,000,000 LeRoy E. Maas* Kenneth* and Marion M. Christianson $12,000,000 Marvin Lumber and Cedar Co Citizens State Bank Midwest $10,486,109 Jon and Debra McTaggart Corner Sports, Inc

$10,000,000 $8,981,870 MeritCare Clinic Bemidji Annie M. Czarnecki Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe D & T Landscaping, Inc. $8,000,000

Miller McDonald, Inc. Eugene Dalzotto* $6,151,163 R. Alexander Milowski Deerwood Bank $6,000,000 Dr. Thomas and Mary Moberg DeLaHunt Broadcasting Harry Moore* DeLoitte Foundation $4,000,000 Ronald and Alvina Morrison Dick’s Northside, Inc. NLFX Professional Dickson Enterprises, Inc. $2,000,000 Nash Finch Company James and Tiffany Fankhanel/Bemidji Chrysler Charles Naylor* Center/Honda of Bemidji 0 2000 2005 2010 2015 William* and Dona Mae Naylor Dr. Jeremy and Megan Fogelson-Dahlby Nei Bottling, Inc. Fred and Virginia Forseman Darby and Geraldine Nelson Dr. Jeanine and Ronald Gangeness Norbord Minnesota George and Joann Gardner Northwest Minnesota Foundation Dale Greenwalt and Kim Warren BSU Foundation Paul Bunyan Broadcasting Cedsel J. Hagen* Scholarship Dollars Harold T. Peters* Paul and Paige Hanson Phillips Plastics Corp. Hartz Foundation Provided The Pioneer/Advertiser Gary and Diane Hazelton Jim* and Marilyn Heltzer Drs. Jon and Patricia Quistgaard $1,200,000 Red Lake Band of Chippewa Indians John R. Heneman Steven and Robyn Seide Barbara Higgins* $1,100,000 Tom and Cindy Serratore Hill’s Plumbing and Heating Anonymous Terry and Cindy Holter $1,000,000 Lowell and Lois Sorenson Dr. Howard and Mary* Hoody Jack and Marie St. Martin/The Jack and Marie St. InFaith Community Foundation $900,000 $1,191,821 Martin Family Foundation/KFC InHarvest State Farm Companies Foundation John Johanneson* $800,000

The Idea Circle, Inc. Arnold* and Nancy* Johnson $702,148 Dr. Theodore and Margaret Thorson Virginia Hope Johnson* $700,000 $680,043 Gary* and Joanne E. Torfin Wilbur Johnson Estate Mervin “Sock” Wagner* Jeffrey D. Kemink $600,000 E. Joseph and Jane Welle Lillie M. Kleven* $500,000 Tom and Paulette Welle Gary D. Knutson* $458,636 Wells Fargo Bank N.A. Krigbaum and Jones, Ltd. $400,000 White Earth Reservation Tribal Council League of Women Voters — Bemidji Area Robert and DeAnn Zavoral Douglas and Renee Leif $300,000 Drs. Gordon and Alice Lindgren Ambassadors Society ($25,000.00 +) James* and Janet* Love $200,000 3M Foundation Lutheran Community Foundation Ace on the Lake William and Jodi Maki $100,000 Alltech Associates, Inc. Gary and Ruth McBride American Legion Post 14 Betsy J. McDowell 0 Winnifred Anderson* Neil and Patricia* McMurrin 2000 2005 2010 2015 Dr. Will and Mary Lou Antell » continued on next page }

www.BemidjiState.edu | 43 REPORT GIFTS President’s SOCIETY o continued from page 43 f » } Cash Revenue Dr. Thomas and Marilyn Miller Dr. Dave and Peggy Tiffany Jason and Angela Caron The Minneapolis Foundation Terri Traudt Caswell International Corpo- $6,000,000 Minnesota Energy Resources Dr. Ken Traxler ration Minnesota Society of Certified Tri-State Manufacturers’ Central Valley Food Services, Public Accountants Association Inc. $5,500,000 Diane Moe and Thomas Dr. James and Diane Tuorila Charter Communications Fitzgerald USA Color Printing Richard F. Chopp* $5,000,000 Gary and Marlene Moe Austin and Paula Wallestad CliftonLarsonAllen LLP Sharon Moe Richard and Judith Werner Control Stuff Betty L. Murray Drs. Larry and Ranae Womack Cool Threads $4,500,000 James and Janice Naylor Barbara L. Wylie Bret and Veronica Cooper

$5,306,839 Judy Nelson Zetah Construction, Inc. Veita L. Corbin $4,000,000 Dr. Raymond* and Jane* Corner Bar of Bemidji, Inc. Nelson Founders Society Country Kitchen Restaurant Lee A. Norman $3,500,000 $3,377,114 ($10,000.00 +) William and Teresa Crews North Central Door Company Robert J. Aalberts Dean and Wendy Crotty NorthEnd Trust Don and Susan Addy Scott Curb and Mary Boranian $3,000,000 Northern Aggregate, Inc. Bernard V. Adlys The Curtis L. Carlson Family Northland Electric Allen Oman State Farm Agency Foundation $2,500,000 $2,472,379 Northwestern Surveying & Carol M. Alstrom Mike and Michell Curfman Engineering, Inc. American Assn. of Univ. Women Dr. Caroline M. Czarnecki Marc and Kay Olson American Family Insurance Lyle E. Dally* $2,000,000 Kris and Grant Oppegaard/ Dr. Kris and Linda Anderson Dave’s Pizza The Oppegaard Family Richard M. and AnnMarie Day Foundation Robin and DeAnne Anderson $1,500,000 $1380,489 Robert* and Jackie Decker Otter Tail Power Company Boris and Caroline Andrican Dr. Steve and Veronica DeKrey Joel and Kary Otto Annexstad Family Foundation John and Kay Delinsky $1,000,000 David and Dianne Parnow Arrow Printing Delta Kappa Gamma Edward and Marla Patrias Drs. Norman and Linda Baer Patrick and Barbara DeMarchi Dr. John C. Pearce Ryan and Jean Baer $500,000 Roxanne Desjarlait Stephen Pearce, M.D. Baratto Brothers Construction James and Jana Dewar Rod and Delores Pickett Dr. James and Julie Barta 0 Bear Creek Energy Dick’s Plumbing and Heating of The Presto Foundation Bemidji, Inc. 2000 2005 2010 2015 William and Maria Beitzel Raphael’s Bakery Cafe John T. Driessen Edward and Jennifer Belisle REM Northstar, Inc. Bemidji Shawn and Shaina Dudley Regional Office Beltrami Electric Cooperative, Richard and Rose Dukek Dr. Tom and Sandra Richard Inc. Jon and Beth Duncan James and Carol Richards Bemidji Ambulance Service, Inc. Bemidji Building Center Dwayne Young, Inc. Plaster & Rate of Investment Return RJ Ahmann Company Drywall Bemidji Medical Equipment RiverWood Bank Ed Sauer Memorial Fund 20% The Bemidji Rotary Club Carol Russell/Russell Herder Eldercare Health Benefits Lee C. Scotland, DDS Bemidji Welders Supply, Inc. Mgmt. Systems, Inc. 15% Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux June L. Bender Erbert & Gerbert’s Subs and Community Terry and Gail Bergum Clubs 10% Mark A. Shanfeld, MD, Ph.D. Best of Bemidji Quarterly Janet Esty* Hazel Shimmin Estate Magazine Herbert M. Fougner* Best Western Bemidji 5% Robert Fiskum and Yvonne* E. Joann Fredrickson Siats-Fiskum Jon and Linda Blessing Michelle and Morris Frenzel Skyline Exhibits Bob Lowth Ford, Inc. 0% Laura Gaines Slim’s Bar & Grill Daniel and Midge Boettger Dr. Fulton and Nancy Gallagher Bob and Jane Smith/Image Dr. Mel and Ruby Bolster -5% Michael and Deanna Garrett Photography and Framing Howard and Rebecca Borden Dr. Daniel Gartrell and Dr. Julie Dr. Kathryn Smith Randy and Marlene Bowen Jochum -10% Buster and Helen Spaulding/ Trey and Ann Bowman Georgia-Pacific Corp. — Su- Spaulding Motors, Inc. Dr. John* and Ann* Brady perwood -15% Michael and Melinda Spry Bravo Beverage Ltd. Dr. James and Connie Ghostley St. Joseph’s Area Health Bonnie L. Bredenberg Col. Clark and Judith Gilbertson -20% Services Gurnee K. Bridgman Dr. Eric Gilbertson 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14 15 Super 8 Motel Phillip A. Buhn Keith and Jeannie Gilbertson Dr. Thomas and Bonnie Louis H. Buron Jr. Ordella M. Gilbertson Swanson Robert C. Bush Marjorie and James Gilder- Dr. Martin and LaRae Tadlock Annual Return Dr. Mark and Mishel Carlson sleeve Eugene and Sue Teigland/ Dr. Raymond and Margaret Paul and Kathy Godlewski Bemidji Sports Centre/Ground Carlson Dr. Richard and Carol Goeb 10-Year Average Round

44 | BSU FOUNDATION ANNUAL REPORT Dr. Frank and Marilyn Goodell Derek Kringen Productivity, Inc. Bruce L. Gordon Lois M. Kruger Estate Dr. Joanne M. Provo Gourmet House Dr. Franklin and Diane Labadie Jack* and Mary Betty Quistgard Bryan and Paulette Grand Dr. David and Alice Larkin Michael and Jackie Rasch Great Lakes Gas Transmission Lesa and Jeff Lawrence Roger Rasmussen Statement of Position Ltd. Partnership Dr. Arthur and Judith Lee Dr. John and Mary Sue Rede- June 30, 2015 Dr. Colleen Greer Hazel M. Leland* baugh Beulah F. Gregoire* LePier Oil Company Mary A. Reitter Assets James and Barbara Grier Dr. Robert and Dale Ley Billy and Lainey Rodgers Current Assets Robert and Susan Griggs Lime Valley Advertising, Inc. Richard Rude Architectural Cash and Cash Equivalents $ 49,560 Keith W. Gunderson* Paul and Teri Lindseth Dr. Patricia A. Rosenbrock Investments 24,290,947 Richard F. Haberer* Mark and Monica Liska Ross Lewis Sign Company Contributions Receivable 2,428,663 Lisa L. Haberman Susan and Stuart Rosselet Brad and Dawn Logan Prepaid Expenses 4,157 Richard and Sheridan Hafdal RP Broadcasting, Inc. Kenneth and Mary Lundberg Total Current Assets 26,773,327 Dr. Harold* and Renate* Hagg Steven Lundeen and Jennifer Dr. Samuel and Sara Sant James and Joyce Hanko Driscoll William and Rochelle Scheela Hanson Electric of Bemidji, Inc. Brian J. Maciej Kevin and Paige Schoepel Property and Equipment 325,278 Linda S. Hanson Keith Marek Lee and Deborah Schreck Hardees of Bemidji Mark’s Frame House/Mark and John* and Evelyn* Schuiling Other Assets Hartz Foundation Linda LaFond Walter and Mardene Schuiling Contributions Receivable 2,308,204 James and Pamela Harrison Marvin Windows and Doors John and Charlotte Schullo Remainder Interest in Real Estate 90,816 Dr. Richard* and Dorothy Haugo Douglas and Mary Mason John and Mary Seamans Cash Surrender Value Life Insurance 10,727 Oluf* and Margaret* Haugsrud MasTec North America Inc. Patricia and Mark Shough Total Other Assets 2,409,747 Headwaters Shrine Club Allen and Susie Mathieu Pete* and Marilyn Simonson Kenneth Henrikson John and Judith McClellan Dr. Maria and Terry Statton Total Assets 29,508,352 Beverly Henriques Dr. Judith L. McDonald Irene K. Stewart Dr. Mike and Deb Herbert James D. McElmury Willie and Arla Stittsworth Liabilities and Net Assets Hobart Laboratories, Inc. Robin and Diane Mechelke Stittsworth’s Meats Hoeschler Fund — St. Paul Medsave Family Pharmacy Maurice and Lorna Sullivan Current Liabilities Foundation Debra M. Melby* Dr. Bruce and Shari Sutor Accounts Payable $ 19,152 Neal and Maureen Holmstrom Dr. Kathleen J. Meyer Chet* Swedmark and Helen Payroll Liabilities 57,242 Honeywell Foundation Midcontinent Communications Kohl-Swedmark Annuities Payable, Current Portion 23,234 Pamela Hovland Midwest Cable Communications Systec, Inc. Total Current Liabilities 99,628 Kenneth and Kari Howe Minnesota Humanities Com- Doug and Lori Taylor IBM mission Teammates for Kids Foundation Long-term Liabilities Insure Forward James and Sharon Molde Telespectrum Worldwide Annuities Payable, Long Term Portion 166,619 Dr. Robert and Sally Montebello Myriam Ivers Jeff and Susan Tesch Total Long Term Liabilities 166,619 Dr. Dorothy L. Moore* Iverson Corner Drug Dr. Jerome and Jane Thompson Total Liabilities 266,247 JC Penney Co. Robb H. Naylor Thorson, Inc. Louise H. Jackson Katharine Neilson Cram* Chris and Dick Tolman Net Assets Richard and Sheri Jahner Gerald* and Fern* Nichols Shane A. Veenker Unrestricted Net Assets Paul S. and Sarah B. Jensen North Country Dental Mary M. Veranth Lakeside Fund & Quasi Endowment Fund $ 462,919 Jerry Downs Agency Northern Amusement Robert and Patricia Walrath Johnson Controls Northern Liquor Offsale Ruth E. Warde Estate Alumni House Acquisition -40,000 Diane and Thomas Johnson David and Jean Olderman Dr. Victor D. Weber* Imagine Tomorrow Campaign 1,808,692 Jeremiah D. Johnson Bruce L. Olson Julie A. Wegner Academic Affairs/Admissions Schol Funds 2,084,708 Dr. Terrance and Susan Johnson Olson-Schwartz Funeral Home George* and Paula Welte Plant Fund 325,278 Dr. Johannas M. Jordan Douglas L. Onan Wes’ Plumbing & Heating Total Unrestricted Net Assets 4,641,597 Thomas and Susan Kaplan Royal and Diane Orser Bryan and Judy Westerman Jeff Keckheisen/Keck Sports Family and Friends of Ruth Harvey and Loris Westrom Temporarily Restricted Net Assets 4,351,941 Keg N’ Cork Ouverson Widseth Smith Nolting & Asso- Permanently Restricted Net Assets 20,248,567 Dr. Donna K. Palivec Rich and Meredith Kehoe ciates Greg and Kathy Palm Keith’s Pizza Wilde Financial, Inc. Total Net Assets 29,242,105 John and Lori Paris Dr. Debra Kellerman and Anthony Dr. Rodney Will and Anne Wandersee Pat Knoer State Farm Insurance Meredith-Will Total Liabilities and Net Assets 29,508,352 Ken K Thompson Jewelry Patterson’s Men’s Wear Jerry and Kathy Winans

David and Charlotte Kingsbury R. Scott and Kathy Pearson James and Lois Wood Knife River Materials/MDU Rep. John S. Persell Bud and Gloria Woodward Resources Foundation Dr. Martha and Don Peters Drs. Raymond and Beatrice David Lee Peterson Estate Knodel Debra F. Peterson Clayton M. Knoshaug Rohl and Patricia Peterson Paul and Catherine Koski Pickett Agency, Inc. * Deceased James and Patricia Kraby New member

www.BemidjiState.edu | 45 REPORT Elaine Bohanon*+ Dr. Elwood & Jean Largis The Legacy Society recognizes and Randy & Marlene Bowen Eva Lind*+ honors those alumni and friends Lloyd & Katherine Bradfield Glen & Terri Lindseth who have provided for Bemidji Fred Breen* Keith Malmquist* GIFTS Raymond Breen* Neil & Patricia* McMurrin o State University in their wills or Alan P. Brew Nelmarie Melville have exercised a planned giving Gurnee K. Bridgman+ Kathryn & Donald Mertz f option through the Bemidji State Virginia Bridgman* Margaret A. Miles University Foundation. Dr. William & Henrietta Britton John & Susan Minter Lynne C. Bunt *+ John & Walli Mitchell Jeffrey P. Busse+ Dr. Dorothy L. Moore*+ Dr. Dale and Joanne Carlson Dr. Thomas & Mary Moberg Legacy Dr. Joseph & Jenifer Carson Harry Moore*+ SOCIETY Cynthia & James Cashman Claude Morris*+ Charles & Nancy Aldrich Dr. Sam* & Rose* Chen+ Richard and Susan Morris Donald G. Anderson*+ Richard Chopp* Betty Murray Joan & David Anderson+ Bertha Christianson* Mary Ann Mushel* Boris & Caroline Andrican+ Dr. Almond & Shalyn Clark Norman* & Judy Nelson Bill* & Jessie* Baer+ Dr. Caroline M. Czarnecki+ Dr. Raymond A. Nelson* Grant Bateman* Lyle E. Dally*+ Wilford* & Albioni* Nelson Dr. M. James & Nancy Bensen+ Dr. Donald DeKrey*+ Dr. John & Monica* O’Boyle Evelyn Berg* Rebecca Eggers* Dr. Charles K. O’Connor Dan and Terri Bergan Fritz & Robin Ehlers Beulah M. Parisi M.Fern Birnstihl*+ Steve & Sue Engel David & Dianne Parnow Marie Bishop*+ Irvin & Kay Engebretson Lawrence W. Perkins* Jody & Gene Bisson Eldridge* & Jean Erickson Robert & Mary Lou Peters Donald & Mary Erickson David Peterson*+ Janet M. Erickson Rohl & Patricia Peterson Dr. Bruce & Mary Jo Falk Dr. Joanne M. Provo+ Ann Moore Flowers*+ Drs. Jon & Patricia Quistgaard Dr. William & Margie Forseth David & Kim Ramsey Jerry & Shirley Froseth Dr. Tom & Sandra Richard Statement of Activities Helen Gill* Bill & Lois Robertson Year Ended June 30, 2015 Dr. Lowell* & Ardis* Gillett+ Pamela Fladeland-Rodriguez Ronald & Nancy Gladen Dr. Patricia A. Rosenbrock Unrestricted Temporarily Permanently Total James D. Gribble+ Carol A. Russell Restricted Restricted Beulah Gregoire* John & Charlotte Schullo Support and Revenue Dennis & Patricia Grimes Mark & Margaret Schultz Keith W. Gunderson*+ Dr. Duane & Marilyn Sea Contributions $608,195 $1,107,093 $1,715,288 Cedsel J. Hagen* Ken* & Betti Sherman Endowment Gifts 1,291,291 1,291,291 Kathryn K. Hamm* Hazel Shimmin* Investment Income 98,592 560,996 659,588 Linda S. Hanson Richard Somodi Royalty Revenue 4,442 4,442 Luther & Diann Hanson Lowell & Lois Sorenson Lease Revenue 15,793 61,087 76,880 Russell* & Gudrun* Harding Duane & Celeste Sperl Increase in Cash Surrender Value Margaret H. Harlow*+ Michael & Melinda Spry Life Insurance and Actuarial Adjust -10,718 -10,718 Oluf* & Margaret* Haugsrud+ Irwin* & Patricia St. John Net Assets Released from Restriction Paul A. & Tammi L. Hedtke Jack & Marie St. Martin Administrative Assessment 305,417 -305,417 0 Beverly Henriques J. Ruth Stenerson* Investment Income (Loss) -51,543 51,543 0 Dr. Annie B. Henry Willie & Arla Stittsworth Adjust for Donor New Restrictions -976,200 976,200 0 Dr. Ruth Howe & Merril Thiel+ Maurice & Lorna Sullivan+ Satisfaction of Purpose Restrictions 2,171,863 -2,171,863 0 Dr. Myrtie A. Hunt*+ Melanie & Michael Teems Total Support and Revenue 2,217,384 -799,647 2,319,034 3,736,771 Esther F. Instebo*+ Dr. Dave & Peggy Tiffany+ John & Delphine Jacobsen Dr. Ken Traxler Expenses Christine Janda* Joanne E. Torfin John Traxler* Program Services Edwin* & Myra* Johnson Sam & Peggy* Johnson+ Bennett & Joan Trochlil Scholarships 1,192,821 1,192,821 Margaret H. Johnson*+ Dr. James & Diane Tuorila Special Events and Other Services 1,483,401 1,483,401 Jeffrey & Marjorie Johnson Floyd A. Tweten Total Program Services 2,676,222 2,676,222 Vince Johnson*+ Nancy and Richard Vyskocil Supporting Services Wilbur Johnson*+ Mervin Wagner* Management & General 188,781 188,781 Dr. Johannas M. Jordan Jeff & Christel Wallin Fundraising Expenses 689,122 689,122 Robin Norgaard Kelleher Dr. Victor D. Weber* Total Supporting Services 877,903 877,903 William & Patricia Kelly Robert* & Jeanette* Welle Total Expenses 3,554,125 3,554,125 Richard & Sharon King+ Tom & Paulette Welle Justin & Jessica Klander George* & Paula Welte Change in Net Assets -1,336,741 -799,647 2,319,034 182,646 Lillie M. Kleven*+ Wesley W. Winter* Norman Kramer Shirley M. Yliniemi* Net Assets, Beginning of Year 5,978,338 5,151,588 17,929,533 25,059,459 Joan Kriegler* Robert and Sherry Young Net Assets, End of Year 4,641,597 4,351,941 20,248,567 29,242,105 Charles & Susan Zielin Nine anonymous * Deceased + Charter member Bolded names are new Legacy Society members in 2015 46 | BSU FOUNDATION ANNUAL REPORT ­€‚ƒ„­€‚ CALENDAR

JANUARY 20 Bemidji Area Alumni Social/Annual Meeting 5:30 p.m., Keg n’ Cork, 310 Beltrami Ave. NW, 9 Men’s & Women’s Basketball Reunion Bemidji 2-6:30 p.m., Sanford Center, Lakeside Room, Bemidji MAY 29 Bemidji Area Alumni Social 6 Golden Beaver Luncheon (pre-game to women’s hockey game and 11 a.m.-1 p.m., American Indian Resource Center, basketball games) BSU campus 5:30 p.m., Buffalo Wild Wings, Bemidji 6 Commencement 30 North Star College Cup 2 p.m., Sanford Center arena, Bemidji 4 p.m., BSU men’s hockey vs. Minnesota, Xcel Energy Center, St. Paul. JUNE Pregame, 2 p.m., McGovern’s Pub and Restaurant. 17 BSU Night at Target Field Ticketmaster.com, (800) 653-8000. 7 p.m., Target Field, Minneapolis 31 North Star College Cup 17 39th Annual Gordy Skaar Memorial Golf 1 p.m. consolation game, 4 p.m. championship Tournament game, Xcel Energy Center, St. Paul. 8 a.m. and 12 p.m., dinner to follow, Bemidji Town Pregame, McGovern’s Pub and Restaurant, and Country Club, Bemidji, (218) 755-2294, Ticketmaster.com, (800) 653-8000. [email protected]. FEBRUARY 20 Twin Cities Golf Tournament 12-7 p.m., Greenhaven Golf Course, Anoka 12 MMEA Social 5-7 p.m., Minneapolis Hilton, 1001 S. Marquette JULY Ave., Minneapolis 29-30 50-Year Reunion (Class of 1966) 25 Twin Cities Alumni Chapter Networking Social TBD, BSU campus 5-8 p.m., Sociable Cider Werks, Minneapolis, (218) 755-3989, bsualumni.org SEPTEMBER

FOUNDATION MARCH 1 Community Appreciation Day & Football Game 4:30 p.m., Lakeside Lawn and Chet Anderson 4 Tucson Luncheon Stadium, BSU campus. 11:30 a.m., Blue Willow Restaurant, Tucson, Ariz. , (218) 755-3989, bsualumni.org 17 Scholarship Appreciation Breakfast 8:30 a.m., BSU Gymnasium 5 Mesa Golf & Luncheon Apache Wells Country Club, 8 a.m. golf, 12:30 p.m. luncheon, (218) 755-3989, bsualumni.org SAVE THE DATE Oct. 14-16 23 Bemidji Area Alumni/Beaver Pride Social 5-7 p.m., Bemidji Brewing, Bemidji BSU HOMECOMING ¯°±² APRIL (Details on Page 25)

6 Student Scholarship and Creative Achievement Conference ALUMNI EVENT 8 a.m. breakfast, all-day student presentation, no INFORMATION daytime classes, www.bemidjistate.edu/conferences/sscac/ (218) 755-3989 or (877) 278-2586 (toll free) 8 Professional Education Hall of Fame [email protected] 6 p.m., American Indian Resource Center, BSU www.bsualumni.org/alumni campus 16 Green & White Dinner and Auction for BSU Athletics 5-10 p.m., Sanford Center arena, Bemidji

ALUMNI www.BemidjiState.edu | 47 1500 Birchmont Drive NE Bemidji, MN 56601-2699

Dinner & Auction for BSU Athletics

SAVE THE DATE Sanford Center Arena Saturday, April 16 5 p.m.

The inaugural “Green & White” in 2014 raised more than $100,000 for BSU Athletics. Help us surpass that mark!

Learn more about this event at: bsugreenwhite.maestroweb.com