A magazine for alumni and friends SPRING/SUMMEM R 22017

www.BemidjiState.edu | 1 PRESIDENT FAITH C. HENSRUD

Whenhhen ththisiss mmagazine reaches you, I will have completed my fi rst year as president of Bemidji SStStateaate UnUniversityiverrsi and Northwest Technical College. The months have fl own by and yet been rirrichichh wwithith exexperience.ppe I am grateful for your support and your friendship, both personally and oonn bbehalfehhalf of eveveryone at BSU. I am in awe of our outstanding students, and the outstanding aalalumniuummnii ttheyhey bbebecome, and so impressed by the caring faculty and staff who create a truly ttransformativeraanssfoormativve environment for learning. TThThishisi ttwice-yearlywwice-yeaar BSU magazine is like a ladle of water scooped from a stream. The events aanandnd aacaccomplishmentscoomplisshm change from one issue to the next, but what is most striking is the sststeadyteeaadyy fl ooww off acachievement, pride and momentum toward an even better future. We have no sshshortagehoorrtaagee ooff susuccessfulccce students to highlight, including the hundreds who participated in this sspspring’sprriinng’’s SStudenttudentt AAchievement Conference. They benefi t from such superb professors as Dr. MMaMarkarkrk WWallertalllert iinn bibiology and Dr. Dwight Jilek in music, both featured in this issue. We also have ann aabundancebbundn ana ce ooff iimpressive alums whose lives were shaped by their experiences at Bemidji StState.taatee. AAmongmoong tthemheem are Fred Baker, Stella Nelson and several others profi led here. Likewise, ouourur oonongoingggoinng efeffortsforts to serve American Indian students and tribal communities – highlighted in thtthee coccoverovveer sststoryory – ilillustratelu our continual determination to do more and do it better. TThThisisis tthemehheememe ooff coconstancynnst in the midst of change is fi tting as we prepare to celebrate the ununiversity’sniivveerrsiityt ’s ccentennialentennn in 2018-19. We are just getting started with preparations for this hhihistoricsttooricic eeventvev nnt aandnd aarer eager to learn how Bemidji State helped you become who you are. I coconsidernssiiddeerr mmyselfyyself exextremelyxtre fortunate to join you as a member of this wonderful community, anandd I lollookoook fforwardorrward ttoo sharing many more milestones in the years ahead.

BeBestestst wwishes,isishheess,,

Dr.Dr. FaFFaithitth HHeHensrudenssruud

2 | BEBEMIDJIEMIDDJI STSTATEATE UNUNIVERSITYNIVVERE SITY 4-9 AMERICAN INDIAN OUTREACH is a growing priority at Bemidji State, not only to recruit native students, but also to build partnerships with tribal colleges Departments and add Indian-related emphases within NATIVE VISION academic programs. 14-17 BSU News

10-11 STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT CONFERENCE 18-19 Faculty Achievement participation was up nearly 25 percent, pro- 20 Faculty Q&A viding a chance to present to a live audience.

22-23 Beaver Athletics 12-13 CANCER RESEARCH is just one objective of a student team led by Dr. Mark Wallert, 24-25 Athletic Hall of Fame who says the laboratory experience is 28-29 Alumni News especially valuable. EAGER TO GIVE BACK 34-35 Campus photos 30-31 FRED BAKER ’61 made his way to BSU 36-44 Class Notes almost by accident but treasures the

opportunities he found and created during 46-47 Calendar his years on campus.

32-33 STELLA NELSON ’86 was older than most when she earned her B.S. in nursing, but she has since been on the cutting edge of care.

SOLVING PROBLEMS

COVER PHOTO: American Indian students Christian Taylor-Johnson, left, Naomi Johnson and Sterling Knox are pictured in front of the American Indian Resource Center on June 1.

VOLUME 34, NO. 1 SPRING/SUMMER 2017

EDITOR: Scott Faust Magazine UNIVERSITY ADVANCEMENT EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR: Marla Patrias is produced by the Offi ce of Communications and ART DIRECTOR, DESIGNER: Mike Lee Marketing and the BSU Alumni & Foundation. It is published twice per year and distributed free to PHOTOGRAPHY DIRECTOR: John John Swartz BSU alumni and friends. Direct comments to WRITERS: Andy Bartlett, Maryhelen Chadwick, Scott Faust, [email protected] or (888) 234-7794. Brad Folkestad, Al Nohner and Bethany Wesley

A member of the colleges and universities of State, Bemidji State University is an affi rmative action, equal opportunity educator and employer.

www.BemidjiState.eduwwwww.BemidjiState.eedu | 3 BSU heightens outreach students to move from the two-year to American Indians schools into a four-year degree. Strengthening BSU as a magnet for American Indian students, language, By Bethany Wesley culture and pride is evolving from an mid a surging American Indian institutional emphasis into a foundational political movement, Bemidji pillar of the university's mission. A State University made history in A surge of activity began two years ago 1969 when it began the nation’s fi rst with the hiring of Bill Blackwell Jr. as collegiate program and executive director of the university’s matched the by American Indian Resource Center. That establishing an Indian studies major. momentum accelerated after Dr. Faith This May, the university set a new Hensrud became BSU’s 11th president precedent: simultaneous dual-enrollment last July. agreements with four tribal colleges in “We’re right in the middle of the three northern Minnesota. The pacts will largest reservations in Minnesota,” said establish direct pathways for native Blackwell, who previously worked in development and marketing at Leech Lake Tribal College in Cass Lake. “We have access to a lot of things that many schools don’t. We have a history that most schools don’t.”

Blackwell’s relentless drive to innovatively recruit, encourage and graduate Indian students – and his network of relationships across the region – is strongly supported by Hensrud, who had extensive experience with native education in her previous work at the University of Wisconsin-Superior.

Together, and in alliance with Indian and non-Indian faculty, staff and community partners, they have set out to enroll more native students and serve them better, while also building a bridge to tribal colleges and their corresponding tribal nations and members.

One ambitious objective is to increase American Indian enrollment from a current level of about 4 percent to 10 percent in President Faith Hensrud, center, on May 12 signs dual-enrollment agreements with presidents of four tribal coming years. Beltrami County’s native colleges, from left, Tracy Clark of White Earth Tribal and Community College, Dan King of Red Lake Nation College, population is 21 percent, compared with just Dr. Patricia Broker of Leech Lake Tribal College and Larry Anderson of Fond Du Lac Tribal and Community College. 1 percent statewide.

4 | BEMIDJI STATE UNIVERSITY Blackwell fi nds satisfaction in support for student success

When Bill Blackwell, Jr. became executive director of Bemidji State’s American Indian Resource Center in July 2015, he was back where he’d earned a bachelor’s 2017 graduate Madeline Treuer, honored as BSU’s 2017 Outstanding Indian Student of the Year, leads an degree just three years before. Ojibwe Language Table session on April 26 in the American Indian Resource Center. Blackwell previously had been managing private and public fundraising, grant writing and marketing at “You can never rest on your past successes,” recent years, half of the chairmen and Leech Lake Tribal College since 2012. Hensrud said. “We’ve done some really great chairwomen leading American Indian nations A member of the Grand Portage Band of Lake things, but now we have to start thinking throughout Minnesota were BSU alumni. Superior Chippewa, he enrolled at BSU in 2011 to about – as we do with all of our student Blackwell also noted that the university’s complete an education interrupted by a career in populations – how do we begin to improve Council of Indian Students last fall presented retail management. our student retention and graduation rates.” its 44th annual powwow, meaning the “I used to frequently ask myself, ‘What have I done Blackwell has focused on transforming the inaugural event was in 1972. today?’” Blackwell said. “I meant that in the sense of, American Indian Resource Center (AIRC) into “The (American Indian) Religious Freedom ‘What have I done for my community, for my people?’ a more active and nurturing hub for native Act came out in 1973, which made it OK for And the answer was always, ‘Nothing.’ So one day, I students, and he has been a vocal champion ceremonies to be done and conducted locked up the store and said, ‘This is enough.’” for additional scholarships and other funding without being arrested,” he said, “and so, to to further their success. He went on to receive his master’s degree in tribal think that in 1972, BSU was putting on its fi rst administration and governance from the University of “My hands are up to Bill Blackwell because powwow. Minnesota-Duluth and is working toward a doctorate. he actually lives in his job minute by minute,” “The university was very progressive with said Dr. Vivian Delgado, interim assistant Blackwell's many initiatives at BSU include forming a Indian people, very progressive in the way dean for BSU’s College of Arts & Sciences and group for students with children and organizing a they wanted the university to go. Part of an assistant professor of languages and gourmet dinner that featured “Sioux Chef” Sean my message to President Hensrud, and ethnic studies, teaching Ojibwe. “He’s not Sherman. The Feb. 10 event raised $5,500 to help she has been very receptive, is that we just a name and an offi ce. He’s interacting native students overcome small fi nancial hurdles. can be cutting edge again. We can be with students and funders, faculty and staff, the college that people look for as President Faith Hensrud said the benefi t illustrates and recruitment.” American Indian students and say, ‘I want Blackwell’s enthusiastic approach to supporting Because of its strategic location, Bemidji to go there.’” Indian students. State has long been a leader in elevating BSU’s connection to American Indians is “It was a fun event that brought in community American Indian studies and seeking to serve increasingly recognized as an essential members who could really experience the indigenous Indian students. part of its identity and has emerged as a foods that were prepared and get them thinking, To date, BSU has awarded degrees to more priority in work now underway on a new ‘How do we support the American Indian population, than 1,000 American Indian graduates. In university strategic plan beginning in 2018. the students who are here?’” Hensrud said. { continued on next page } www.BemidjiState.edu | 5 These native students at BSU shared observations about their experiences “The piece that gets missed by a lot of Hensrud included a native drum and and goals and why they were drawn people is that Bemidji is treaty land,” singing group in her October inauguration to Bemidji State. Blackwell said. “Over the years, it’s and, for the fi rst time ever, in BSU’s morphed into being owned by non-Indians, commencement ceremony. She also but this was, at one point in time, a very established an American Indian Advisory “The Council of Indian Students was vibrant Ojibwe village. That’s the basis of Board composed of community and asked to do a lot this year, but I who we are.” regional representatives and followed think it’s really cool that people Delgado’s suggestion to form an on-cam- He said Hensrud understands the bigger come to us for things like the pus Indigenous Advisory Council. picture — that it isn’t simply about Blue Ox Marathon or PBS recruiting more American Indian students. “A lot of native people on campus have fundraising. I’m glad people think It comes down to how Bemidji State never worked together because we’ve of us.” understands and positions itself. been siloed out,” Delgado said. “This is a — NAOMI JOHNSON of Cass Lake, majoring in good place to bring everybody together.” “It really is a basis of what the university community health, 2016-17 president of the Council says to our students,” Blackwell said. “That Hensrud said the input from both groups is of Indian Students and recipient of the 2017 Roger comes in having more staff who are important in determining how BSU can best Aitken Leadership Award for native students at BSU American Indian, that comes in more achieve its goals for Indian enrollment and initiatives, that comes in having a president outreach with sensitivity for the distinct “I’ve lived all over the country. I – and she has done an amazing job at this needs and concerns of native nations and feel at home when I’m around – who can really hear what we're saying.” people. my people and when there Talk has been followed by action, both The advisory groups are “designed to make is a cultural competency.” symbolic and otherwise. us think of ways to work more collabora- tively with our tribal communities,” she — STERLING KNOX of During her fi rst weeks on the job, Hensrud said, “as well as to think of ways that we , majoring in hosted the presidents of the region’s four can do a better job of recruiting and humanities, with a philosophy tribal colleges at a meeting on campus, retaining our American Indian students.” emphasis, and — like Naomi gifting them with wild rice, sage and Johnson — a participant in the McNair tobacco grown at BSU. By fall, she had Blackwell said Bemidji State is seeking to Scholars Program that encourages diverse students made on-campus visits to each of the be a respectful advocate for native to pursue post-graduate study. colleges, as well.

“I’m completely and utterly interested in and passionate President Faith Hensrud about politics and creating social welcomes participants change, and showing that it’s to BSU’s 44th annual powwow on Nov. 19 in the OK, diversity is OK, different John Glas Fieldhouse. backgrounds are OK, every- body’s OK.”

— CHRISTIAN TAYLOR-JOHNSON of Cass Lake, majoring in political science and pre-law, who was among students who in September joined the Dakota Access Pipeline protest at the Standing Rock Indian Reservation in North Dakota.

6 | BEMIDJI STATE UNIVERSITY Some of the major milestones in the development of American Indian studies and student services at Bemidji State University:

1960s — Ongoing discussions occur about the potential for an academic program that would better serve the region’s American Indian population. 1969 — The nation's fi rst collegiate Ojibwe language program and an Indian Studies degree are established. 1970 — The Indian Studies Center, also known as Anishi- nabe Family Center, opens in a former residence near campus Dr. Vivian Delgado as a gathering place for students and home to programs such as “We’re using our knowledge the Indian Community Action Project, serving tribes in four Students gather at the Anishinabe Family Center in 1988. of our own nationhood to come states. together and make education 1970 — American Indian students form Amerind Club, later renamed the Council of Indian Students. They organize BSU’s fi rst American Indian Education and more doable for native people.” Awareness Week, featuring Lehman Brightman, director of Indian Studies at the — Dr. Vivian Delgado, interim assistant University of California, Berkeley, who took part in the 19-month Indian takeover dean, College of Arts and Sciences of Alcatraz island that began in November 1969. interests. One of his innovations has been the 1972 — The Council of Indian establishment of Tribal College Preview Days Students holds its fi rst powwow. — inviting tribal college students to spend a full day at BSU and introducing them to its 1979 — The Oshkaabewis, various services and departments. reconfi gured in 1990 as the Oshkaabewis Native Journal, “We’re not where we need to be yet – there begins publication as the only are a lot of tribal colleges we need to reach academic journal of the Ojibwe out to – but we’ll get there,” he said. “I’m a language. big proponent of, you strengthen your inner circle fi rst and then we’ll branch out.” 2003 — The American Indian Resource Center, a replace- The university has begun adding Indian-re- American Indian Resource Center ribbon cutting in October 2003. ment for the aging Indian lated emphases to its majors, including tribal Studies Center, opens with a justice with criminal justice and indigenous nations with marketing. celebration that includes a powwow, open house and This spring, Bemidji State began a project to ribbon cutting. deliver courses directly to American Indian students outside of Bemidji. Dr. Elizabeth 2015 — The Indian Studies Hagensen, associate professor of criminal program is renamed justice, taught a freshman-level Criminal Indigenous Studies, offering Justice and Society course to students at BSU not only a major but also a and Red Lake Nation College simultaneously. minor and emphasis.

Utilizing new teleconferencing technology to May 2017 — BSU President link the classrooms together, Hagensen Faith Hensrud and presidents of taught one day a week in Bemidji and the four Minnesota tribal colleges other day in Red Lake while the other class sign agreements to offer dual would observe and take part through college-university enrollment The Ogidaaki Singers perform at Commencement on May 5. interactive television. to qualifying students.

continued on next page } www.BemidjiState.edu | 7 The experience also deepened her perspective as a While further rollout of the long-distance scholar. Hagensen frequently cites historical communication technology will make it easier examples of major criminal justice events as she for tribal college students to take BSU courses on teaches, and she discovered that Red Lake their own campuses, Hagensen said it also should PAGES 30-31 students would cite different events with which make them more familiar with and comfortable Fred Baker ’61, an American she was unfamiliar. at Bemidji State. Indian, had a career in public “It was good for the Red Lake students to be able “The interactive video isn’t just about trying to service and is now giving to explain that back to us, so we got to learn a little deliver the distance-education piece, but it’s back to BSU. bit about a different vantage point for the same actually trying to build that relationship and piece of time,” she said. develop that pathway,” she said.

The course served as a pilot for future plans for a There are endless possibilities for collaboration. six-campus consortium called “Azhoogan,” which Blackwell has suggested the possibility of means “the Bridge.” The collaboration includes delivering the entirety of academic years three and Northwest Technical College in Bemidji and also four to tribal colleges through the Azhoogan encompasses BSU’s dual-enrollment agreements network, and Hagensen is excited about the with the four tribal colleges. The consortium potential for BSU students to hear from tribal emerged as part of a teleconferencing network educators and leaders. funded by a $500,000 grant from U.S. Department “Using the tools to collaborate, that’s ultimately of Agriculture’s Distance Learning and Telemedi- what the grant was fi rst envisioned to do,” said cine Program. Lynn Johnson, the university’s director of extended learning.

Delgado said the many mutual benefi ts of increasing tribal engagement are key.

“It actually takes (education) to the next level, and that’s really what it should be, where everybody is allowed to contribute intellectually,” she said. “That is the future of indigenous studies and indigenous people.”

Learning about another culture will also benefi t BSU students who do not have American Indian ancestry, said Dr. Anton Treuer, professor of Ojibwe. He pointed out that almost all Bemidji State graduates will work with Indian people Dr. Elizibeth Hagensen, associate professor of criminal justice, on Jan. 19 uses teleconferencing technology throughout the course of to simultaneously teach students at BSU while in a classroom at Red Lake Nation College. their careers.

8 | BEMIDJI STATE UNIVERSITY Aitken’s passion for education persists despite his passing

When Roger Aitken of Walker died in February at age 74, the voice of one of the region’s most ardent advocates of American Indian education Leah Yellowbird works Nov. 9 to complete a mural in the entryway to the American Indian Resource Center. was quiet, but hardly silenced.

Those whose lives he touched say they carry his “If they’re going to be working in education, While preparation continues for expanding passion with them. criminal justice, in environmental studies, Bemidji State’s partnerships with tribal Aitken, who graduated from Bemidji State in 1973 knowing something about native people will colleges, this fall Treuer will use the interactive with a double major in business management and be vital to help them navigate the world they video at the AIRC to teach elementary sociology, served 20 years as a member of the BSU are actually going to land in,” Treuer said. ”So Ojibwe to students at Alumni Board of Directors and the BSU Foundation we should be scaling up our native stuff, not in Brainerd. board and participated in two presidential searches. just as a niche service to an underrepresented “I think the idea of taking what is distinctive He was named an Outstanding Alumni in 2003. group, but to the benefi t of anybody who and innovative about Bemidji State – because comes here.” Dr. Anton Treuer, professor of Ojibwe, remembers there are very few other how Aitken challenged administrators to construct institutions who are doing the American Indian Resource Center, which what we do – and making it opened in 2003. available to other places will TO GET INVOLVED just accelerate our footprint “He was a great, charismatic, charming man who The American Indian Resource Center is a resource throughout the system and could run a meeting very effi ciently and had a gift for anyone interested in outreach to American Indian the region,” he said. of pulling people together,” Treuer said. “I think his students, engagement with tribal nations and fi nancial vision and ability to convince people of that vision Ultimately, Delgado said, support for native students and programs. Contact was pretty impactful.” Executive Director Executive Director Bill Blackwell, Jr., BSU’s objective is to further 218-755-2032 or [email protected]. American Indian education This spring, in recognition of Aitken’s commitment by broadly leveraging the and service, BSU renamed its annual American university and its resources Indian student leadership award in his honor. to benefi t native Aitken, who served in the Army during the communities. Vietnam War, made an impact beyond Bemidji. “We’re using our knowledge He worked for the Indian Education Section of of our own nationhood to the Minnesota Department of Education; played come together and make a key role in development of Leech Lake Tribal education more doable for College; and served as chairman of the Leech native people,” she said. Lake Band of Ojibwe, superintendent of the “We don’t see progress for Bureau of Indian Affairs-Minnesota Agency and tribes without education. the fi rst executive director of the Midwest They go hand in hand.” Alliance of Sovereign Tribes. Ryan Welle '03 of First National Bank Bemidji and his wife, Bryn, participated in a Feb. 10 benefi t dinner at the AIRC. www.BemidjiState.edu | 9 Brooke Tader presents her research SHOWCASE FOR on April 5 in Hagg-Sauer Hall. ACHIEVEMENT Student conference is bigger than ever

By Andy Bartlett

Hundreds of students representing the breadth of A total of, 28181 students pparticipatedarticipated in the graduate and undergraduate disciplines at Bemidji conference – 144 in oral ppresentationsresentations in State University shared their work during the 18th Hagg-Sauer Hall, 151 in poster presenta-presenta- Annual Student Achievement Conference on April 5. tions, 23 in aartrt and music exhibits and The conference introduced several new elements fi ve in the jazzazz ensemble. and succeeded in its goal of increasing participation, “The art andd music exhibitions which was up by nearly 25 percent over last year. were amazing,”ng,” said Dr. Mahmoud One side of Memorial Hall, home for the confer- Al-Odeh, associatesociate professorprofessor of ence’s poster presentations, featured exhibitions technology, art and design and from art and music students, including a perfor- coordinator of this year’syear’s mance from fi ve members of the BSU Jazz Band. conference. “It was a great This year’s conference also debuted an “elevator addition to thehe conferenceconference andand speech” competition in which students had one refl ected thee ttalentsalents thatthat wewe minute to recap their presentations. The top three have here att BSBSU.”U.” fi nishers won BSU Bookstore gift cards. Motivationall speaker Orna Presentations included a Rubik’s Cube-solving robot, Drawas deliveredvered tthehe outreach by the President’s Student Commission to conference’ss keynotekeynote encourage college aspirations among youngsters address, encouragingcouraging her at the Bemidji Boys & Girls Club, a plan for a audience to makmakee ssmallmall three-semester college jazz curriculum and an changes in ttheirheir lives on examination of how the Dawes Act of 1887 affected the path to life on American Indian reservations in the early unleashing ttheirheir 20th century. inner rock star.tar.

10 | BEMIDJI STATE UNIVERSITY MELANIE CHILDREY — "Exercising Tribal Sovereignty through Lacrosse"

Lacrosse enthusiast Melanie Childrey, a which creates diffi culties when the highlight the game’s roots in 2017 graduate in indigenous native nations confederacy’s residents attempt to travel native culture. from Minneapolis, shared the challenges across the U.S./Canadian border to partici- “I wanted to bring lacrosse to a faced by American Indians who wish to pate in tournaments. different type of audience travel to lacrosse tournaments outside the “There isn’t an understanding of the and bring the game back to United States. difference between tribal identifi cation cards its Haudenosaunee roots,” Childrey focused on the Haudenosaunee and passports issued to Haudenosaunee she said. “Too many — also known as Iroquois — and the people,” she said. people only know the passports issued by the Haudenosaunee Childrey said she appreciated the opportu- misinterpreted version Confederacy for international travel. Many nity to share a topic she’s passionate about of lacrosse found in rich North American ports of call reject the and discuss little-known tribal sovereignty white communities.” passports as invalid or “fantasy” passports, issues related to lacrosse. She also sought to

KYLE PRIEST — "Churchill’s Argument Against Democracy"

Winston Churchill famously said, “The best decided to focus on those who are not the conference providedided a argument against democracy is a fi ve-min- informed and why they are not informed.” unique challenge. ute conversation with the average voter.” His research explored the impact of media “It helped me Kyle Priest, a 2017 graduate in political consumption on whether people were practice talking in science from Columbus, Ohio, used uninformed about current events, meaning front of people and Churchill’s statement to explore relationships they did not know about current events, or giving a presentationn between political knowledge and media misinformed, meaning they thought they that has a time limit,”” consumption. knew but had incorrect information. Priest said. “I was “The 2016 election brought out a lot of ‘fake Despite having two years of experience comfortable talking ttoo a news’ sites and allegations that certain doing on-air commentary for Beaver hockey mic, but giving a presenta-senta- channels were not truthful,” Priest said. “I and games, he said presenting at tion to a real audiencece is a different beast.”

BROOKE TADER — "The C-terminal Tail of TCL Localizes the GTPase to the Plasma Membrane of HeLa Cells"

Brooke Tader, a 2017 graduate in biology and protein called TCL that has been found to be which was the followingg chemistry, had a full house when she gave related to size and growth of cancerous week, and good her Student Achievement Conference tumors. preparation for presentation in Hagg-Sauer Hall. She is preparing to begin work on her presenting my “I had never done that in front of a large master’s degree in biology and took part in research at the audience,” she said. “It was a great the BSU conference to gain experience in national Experimental experience.” making a scholarly presentation. Biology conference in Chicago,” Tader shared research she did with Dr. “Student Achievement Day was good Tader said. Michael Hamann, professor of biology, on a preparation for my honor’s thesis defense,

WILL VARELA — "Redd Habitat Selection for Brook Trout in the Necktie River"

Will Varela, who plans to graduate in “Some of these logistics can be feasible, and Sharing his fi ndings with December with a degree in aquatic biology, some cannot. So having a narrow topic is an audience increased used previous experience with a failed important and determines how successfully both his confi dence and research topic to guide his presentation on one can complete research — and this took his ability to communicate brook trout habitats. me a couple of months to fi gure out.” clearly, Varela said. Originally, Varela’s senior capstone research Varela presented research he completed last “You’re not only disseminat- project involved bluegill, a species of sunfi sh, fall at brook trout spawning locations in the ing your fi ndings,” he said, but that topic proved too broad and Necktie River, near Grace and Midge lakes “but also putting your fi ndings unapproachable. southeast of Bemidji. He identifi ed spawning into words the general public “When asking a research question, there are areas on the river and analyzed why trout can understand without a lot of logistics to be worked out,” he said. selected those locations. confusing them.”

www.BemidjiState.eduBemidjiState.edu | 11 BREAKTHROUGH LEARNING Cancer team delivers experience with a purpose

By Andy Bartlett

In a far corner of Sattgast Hall, Bemidji State University students volunteer to help Dr. Mark Wallert, associate professor of biology, hunt down a cure for cancer. The Wallert Cancer Research Team — six undergraduates, two graduate students and a senior at Bemidji High School — studies the behavior of a protein called NHE1 that is found in the edges of both healthy cells and tumor cells. They are exploring its role in the growth and movement of cancer cells in the body. “We always say you don’t die from cancer; you die when that cancer moves throughout the body and invades essential organs that you need to survive,” said Taylor Manzella, a junior biology and pre-medicine major from Sartell who has fi nished her second year on the cancer team. Clarice Wallert, a cousin of the professor, has fi nished her sixth year as a member of the Wallert Cancer Research Team — two as a grad student in Bemidji and four as an undergraduate at Minnesota State University-Moorhead. She Professor Mark Wallert joins student members of his Cancer Research Team in a Sattgast Hall lab last October. described NHE1’s behavior in cancer cells as a power switch that, when active, “You can tell they’re proud of the work they’ve done, and they’ve worked helps tumors survive and move through the body. incredibly hard — harder than I have any right to ask. But they’re “NHE1 is found in all of your cells but is proud of what they’ve accomplished, and that’s what we want.” found more so in cancer,” said Wallert, who will return for a seventh year before completing her master’s degree at BSU in 2018. “It basically pumps protons out of – DR. MARK WALLERT, ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR OF BIOLOGY the cell, signaling for growth and migration. It’s turned on more in cancer, and it helps cells survive in a tumor environment. So we look at its activity and how it affects cancer.”

12 | BEMIDJI STATE UNIVERSITY In two short years, Wallert’s lab has given students unprecedented opportunities for hands-on experience with the day-to-day work of planning and conducting signifi - cant scientifi c research. “When I joined this team I already loved biology,” said Emily Hallberg, a sophomore from Solway. “Actually conducting research has increased my love of science. With this experience and learning along the way, I know I want to go further into it. It opens a lot of doors for wherever I go in the future.” Over his 27-year career, Wallert’s teams have included more than 170 undergradu- ate students, nearly two dozen high school students and three high school teachers. He interviews interested students before inviting them to participate. While the examination of NHE1 could lead to legitimate breakthroughs against cancer, Student Clarice Wallert demonstrates use of a new $80,000 confocal Wallert considers the students who come microscope in the cancer team's lab. through is lab to be his biggest contribution. By isolating factors that activate or Wallert brought his research team to “For me, it’s seeing the response from deactivate this protein, Wallert’s team may Bemidji State in 2015 after spending 25 them,” he said. “You can tell they’re proud identify ways to slow or halt the growth or years at Minnesota State University, of the work they’ve done, and they’ve movement of cancer tumors. Students are Moorhead. He spent 17 of those years worked incredibly hard — harder than I tackling four parallel projects related to running the Provost/Wallert Research Lab have any right to ask. But they’re proud of NHE1: exploring how two different cellular with Dr. Joseph Provost, a Bemidji State what they’ve accomplished, and that’s processes may work to activate or alum with degrees in chemistry and what we want. They need this to get to deactivate the protein and observing the biology who is now a chemistry and where they protein’s behavior in both non-small cell biochemistry professor at the University want to be in lung cancer and ovarian cancer. of San Diego. life, to be as “We try to look at as many on-and-off The team’s overall purpose is to give successful as functions as we can fi nd in this protein, undergraduate students hands-on they want to be. and we give everybody their little experience with the kind of hard research “We picked piece to research,” he said. “They get that is increasingly desired by both them for a to be kings and queens, but it’s a really employers and graduate programs. As reason, and they small kingdom.” Bemidji State made plans to expand its work this hard The work has been supported by a pair biomedical science offerings to comple- for a reason. of grants won by the Department of ment a strong wildlife biology program, They’re going the university convinced Wallert to bring Biology in recent months – a $40,000 grant to go change Taylor Manzella from the George W. Neilson Foundation his lab to Bemidji. the world.” matched by the Minnesota State system offi ce’s leveraged equipment fund and a $100,000 grant from Regenerative “ We always say you don’t die from cancer; you die when that cancer moves Medicine Minnesota. The Neilson Founda- tion grant helped the team purchase a throughout the body and invades essential organs that you need to survive.” confocal microscope that allows observa- – TAYLOR MANZELLA tion of individual proteins as they move in a cell wall, and the RMM grant will fund another microscope and equip a new cell culture lab.

www.BemidjiState.edu | 13 14

| BEMIDJI STATE UNIVERSITY BSUNEWS and student affairs since July2016. as interim provost andvice president for academic He succeeds Dr. MichaelAnderson,whohasserved Pittsburgh, Pa. arts inhistory from University in CarnegieMellon FranciscoSan State University andadoctor of Valley,Mill Calif.; amaster of artsinhistory from from GoldenGate Seminaryin BaptistTheological Morehead (Ky.) State University; amaster of divinity Peffer hasabachelorof artsinhistory from faculty.” experience recruiting international students and experience, hevalues collaboration andhas has extensive program planningandaccreditation relationships,” President Faith “He Hensrudsaid. “Dr. Peffer isanexperienced leader whovalues College andCleveland State University. Lakeland College, Prestonburg (Ky.) Community administrative positionsat OhioUniversity Eastern, Castleton, Peffer heldavariety of teaching and his current role in2016. Previous to hiswork at and chief academicoffi dean. Helater was dean of undergraduate studies roles since 2007, startingasassociate academic has served inavariety of progressively responsible Peffer joinsBSUfrom Castleton University, where he July. affairs State at Bemidji beginin University andwill provost and vice president for academicandstudent Dr. George Peffer Anthony “Tony” hasbeennamed named newVPandprovost Peffer, ofCastletonUniversity, Home Companion.” he retired in2016, justdays shy of his42ndanniversary with“A Prairie award-winningThe host worked at Minnesota PublicRadio from 1969until standing sing-alongof spirituals, hymns, carols andfolk songs. stories,Arts Ballroom, telling reciting poetry andincludinghisaudience ina Keillor performed solofor 21/2 hoursbefore acrowd of 500intheBeaux Gratitude Tour” of Minnesota. oneofbrand fi of State humorto Bemidji onApril24, Former “Prairie Home Companion” hostGarrisonKeillor brought hisunique his “GratitudeTour” ofMinnesota Keillor makes BSUappearanceon Dr. GeorgeAnthony“Tony” Peffer cer before assuming

ve stops on “The ve stops on “The win GreenRibbonawardfromU.S. Years ofsustainabilityefforts to ourfuture andwhowe are as aninstitution.” work we have done inthisarea. Anditalsospeaks loudly to“It speaks ourhistory loudly andto thedecadesof Bailey-Johnson,BSUsustainabilitycoordinator.said Erika Minnesota whenitcomes to sustainabilityisexciting,” “To beableto say we are oneof top three campusesin enshrined asoneof itsfundamental values. champion of environmental stewardship, whichis woods, State Bemidji University haslongbeena With itsuniquelakeside location inMinnesota’s north effective sustainabilityeducation. utility costs, improve health andwellness andensure innovative efforts to reduce environmental impactand BSU was among63 total honorees recognized for Postsecondary Sustainabilityaward. U.S. Department of Education Green RibbonSchools and universities inthenation honored witha 2017 StateBemidji inMay becameoneof ninecolleges initiatives initiatives at BSU. The Nice Ride bike-sharing program is one of many sustainability m

Pr 19 on April 24. on April Beaux Arts Ballroom a solo performance in Garrison Keillor gives ra 9 en B n 69 irie he eeau cce ni unt quque in x t iil a

Supreme Court Justice Anne McKeig Strategic planning effort aims for honored as Distinguished Minnesotan launch of new plan for January 2018 Justice Anne K. McKeig, With leadership from President Faith Henrsud, Bemidji State’s the fi rst American Indian Strategic Planning Committee has identifi ed fi ve major goal areas to serve on the Minnesota for a campus-wide, multi-year strategic plan to be implemented Supreme Court, spoke to beginning in January. graduates at Bemidji State’s The goal areas are: environment and sustainability, American 98th Commencement Indian initiatives, a student- and service-centered culture, identity ceremony on May 5 in the and academic character, and diversity and campus climate. The . committee assumes that the plan also will address enrollment and McKeig, a member of the academic program development. White Earth nation, was The goal areas emerged appointed to the Minnesota from seven listening sessions Supreme Court by Gov. Mark with regional stakeholders in Dayton on Sept. 1, 2016. February and March. Those Dayton called her up from sessions covered specifi c topics Minnesota’s Fourth Judicial including education, trades and Branch, where she was 2017 Distinguished Minnesotan workforce development, natural appointed to serve by Gov. Justice Anne McKeig addresses grad- resources, art and humanities, Tim Pawlenty in March 2008. uates at Commencement on May 5. economic development and First presented by BSU in health care and social services. 1981, the Distinguished In addition, about 140 faculty, Minnesotan award acknowledges the contributions of current or staff and students participated former residents of the state who have performed exemplary in two brainstorming sessions service to the people of Minnesota or the United States. on April 6. In her address to graduates, McKeig told graduates she Strategic planning understood that they may be nervous about their futures and subcommittees will meet twice this summer Interim Dean of Students Jesse challenged them to set big goals. to identify specifi c action steps and rough Grant participates in a campus “Dream big and do set goals for yourselves,” she said. “Remember timelines to achieve the goals. Highlights of Town Hall on April 6 in Beaux that ‘no’ means ‘not yet’ — it doesn’t mean ‘never.’ If you want their will work will be shared with the entire Arts Ballroom to provide input your life to be a magnifi cent story, realize that you are the author campus in August before the plan is completed for a new BSU strategic plan. — and every day, you have an opportunity to write a new page.” in December.

Students form mental health board 24/7 computer lab and lounge after seeing need for more services opens on lower level of Decker The need for increased access to mental health peer support and Information Technology Services on Feb. 16 celebrated the grand awareness on campus has brought a group of 11 Bemidji State opening of “Beaver Lounge,” a new 24-hour, seven-day student students together to form a new Student Mental Health Advisory computer lab on the lower level of Decker Hall. Board. The lab, conveniently located near residence halls and student The group came together following the university’s annual panel support services, features 23 fully equipped computer workstations, discussion on mental health awareness, which has served an color printers and charging stations for mobile devices. It also important role in helping to reduce the social stigma surrounding includes glassed-in rooms that students can use for small-group mental health. meetings or study sessions, as well as lounge chairs for socializing. The advisory board meets biweekly to organize services and events Food and beverages are allowed. to promote mental health awareness and will plan and produce the Renovation of the space, furniture and computer equipment was 2017 Mental Health Panel this fall. fi nanced through the BSU Student Technology Fee.

BSU will co-host national collegiate bass fi shing tournament Aug. 10-12 Bemidji State and Visit Bemidji, of engagement marketing for the BSU the region's destination marketing Alumni & Foundation. “We will seize the organization, will cohost the national opportunity to showcase our lakeside championship tournament for the 2017 campus as an ideal destination for Carhartt Bassmaster College Series on competitive fi shermen and all students Aug. 10-12. who love the outdoors.” Top collegiate fi shing teams, including To qualify for the national championship, a pair of BSU students, will compete for college anglers compete in one of fi ve the national title on Lake Bemidji, the regionals, and in a Wild Card qualifi er for a Mississippi River and connected lakes. second chance to reach the championship. “Bemidji State University is proud Competing for BSU will be Wadena to join with regional and industry natives Thor Swanson, a senior business partners as host of this high-caliber major, and his brother, Mitch Swanson, a Mitch and Thor Swanson after qualifying for nationals in March at the competition,” said Mike Mulry, director senior in criminal justice. Lake of the Ozarks Midwest Regional in Osage Beach, Mo.

www.BemidjiState.eduwww.BBemiidjiSttatte.eddu | 15 Junior wins coveted internship in BSU recreation director recognized neuroscience lab at Mayo Clinic by Minnesota State system trustees Bemidji State junior Daniela The Minnesota State Colleges and Maltais is among just 120 U.S. Universities Board of Trustees on undergraduates accepted this April 19 presented Kierstin Hoven, summer into a biomedical director of campus recreation research program at the Mayo at Bemidji State, with its 2017 Clinic from among more than Professional Excellence in Service 1,400 applicants. Award at a luncheon in St. Paul. Maltais, a psychology major, The board noted Hoven’s is one of two students Daniela Maltais exceptional record of Kierstin Hoven working under the direction accomplishment over more than of Dr. Susannah J. Tye, director of the translational 20 years at BSU, where she completed both neuroscience laboratory at Mayo's Depression Center undergraduate and graduate degrees and in Rochester. Tye specializes in depression and bipolar began her career as a student worker in the disorder, and Maltais is assisting with her research into offi ce she now directs. triggers for depression and resistance to commonly In addition to her work managing the Gillett prescribed antidepressants. Wellness Center and all recreation programs, The Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship at she serves as a Beaver Success Coach, is Mayo is the next step on a career path that Maltais a First-Year Experience instructor and led started as a child in Bemidji. She lived with her development of BSU’s “Best You @ BSU” Spanish-speaking great grandfather, a World War II wellness initiative. veteran who has post-traumatic stress syndrome and NEWS In nominating Hoven for the statewide award, experienced schizophrenic episodes late in life. At age President Faith Hensrud called her A “true 7, she began interpreting meetings between English- standout whose professional excellence is an speaking psychiatrists and therapists and her mother inspiring example to all.” and great grandfather. Maltais was born in Colombia and moved to Bemidji as an infant.

Solar-powered fi sh house and ice lab fuel student learning Students and employees dedicated Bemidji State’s Fossil Fuel-Free Fish House during a Jan. 28 ceremony on a frozen Lake Bemidji. Again this coming winter, the house will be available for rent for $15 a day through the BSU Outdoor Program Center. The concept of a fi sh house powered entirely by renewable energy emerged in 2014 and grew into a BSU partnership between BSU, Northwest Technical College and several community partners including the Rural Renewable Energy Alliance (RREAL) and Northland Interim Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs Michael Tackle. Anderson cuts the ribbon to dedicate the Fossil Fuel-Free Fish House. The house is based on a 6.5-foot-by-12-foot shell acquired from Parkers Prairie, Minn.-based Firebrand Also this past winter, students from the Department of Fish Houses. RREAL installed a solar-powered furnace Biology used an ice-borne classroom and lab thanks to in the shell, which was then taken to Northwest a partnership with BSU Athletics and the BSU Alumni Technical College, where students installed a 255-watt & Foundation. A fi sh house that typically serves as solar voltaic panel. Leech Lake Tribal College students the ticket booth during Beaver Football home games repurposed pine boards from the OPC’s former offi ce was adapted into a Hardwater Ice Lab, where biology into tongue-and-groove interior paneling. students could conduct experiments through the ice.

Frenzel to lead enrollment management Michelle Frenzel in May was named executive She also oversees the campus director of enrollment management for Bemidji State scholarship program in conjunction University and Northwest Technical College. with the offi ces of admissions and Frenzel, a 1998 BSU graduate, has been with Bemidji fi nancial aid. State and NTC in a variety of roles since 1999, A member of the president’s most recently as interim dean of student support cabinet and Executive Leadership services and interim executive director of enrollment Team, Frenzel chairs Enrollment management. Management Teams for both BSU In her new role, she leads the offi ces of admissions, and NTC and manages a Division of Michelle Frenzel records & registration, fi nancial aid, the Advising Enrollment Management budget of Success Center, TRiO Student Support Services and approximately $4 million. Upward Bound, disability services and career services.

16 | BEMIDJI STATE16 | BEMIDJI UNIVERSITY STATE UNIVERSITY Senior wins chance to design exhibit for German trade show Hannah Sernett of Bemidji State won a competition to design a booth used by the Exhibit Designers and Producers Association at EuroShop 2017, held March 5–9 in Dusseldorf, Germany. The Shakopee native graduated in 2017 with a degree in art and design. The contest included exhibit design students from both Bemidji State and its rival, the Fashion Institute of Technology, a graduate-level design program in New York City. The association provided a creative brief outlining expectations and specifi cations for the booth space and required pre- and post-show marketing materials. This is the second time EDPA has sponsored a competition to design its booth for the triennial EuroShop exhibit, and BSU students have won both times. Danika Stelton, a 2014 graduate who works at MG Design in Chicago, won the fi rst competition in 2013. This winning design earned Hannah Sernett ’17 a trip to Dusseldorf, Germany, in March to help represent the Exhibit Designers and Producers Association at the EuroShop 17 trade show.

President Hensrud backs campaign Business and accountancy gain Headwaters Film Festival marks to advance women in higher ed reaccreditation for high quality fi fth year showcasing student work President Faith Hensrud has signed onto Faculty and staff from Bemidji State’s Wizardry and witchcraft fi lled the the American Council on Education’s business administration, accountancy and Bangsberg Fine Arts Complex for Bemidji “Moving the Needle: Advancing Women computer information systems programs State’s “Harry Potter”-themed fi fth annual in Higher Education Leadership” campaign, celebrated successful reaccreditation by Headwaters Film Festival on March 30-31. which will pursue a goal of seeing women the International Assembly for Collegiate The two-day festival featured work from hold 50 percent of chief executive positions Business Education (IACBE) at a Feb. 13 the Colorado Environmental Film Festival, at institutions of higher education by 2030. reception in Memorial Hall. a Skype conversation with “The Walking Hensrud joins more than 100 leaders The College of Business programs Dead” star Keith Harris, and 15 fi lms by who recognize a generational turnover in completed a rigorous self-evaluation; student fi lmmakers from Minnesota. An higher education leadership as a pivotal underwent a comprehensive, independent international fi lm competition included opportunity to advance women into chief peer review; and demonstrated compliance student submissions from Germany, executive positions at America’s colleges with the IACBE’s nine accreditation Austria, Spain, Bulgaria, Senegal, Jordan, and universities. principles: outcomes assessment, strategic Singapore and Australia. A feature fi lm By signing the commitment, she has planning, curriculum, faculty, scholarly and from the Harry Potter series capped both pledged that BSU and Northwest Technical professional activities, resources, internal days of the festival. College will nominate qualifi ed women to and external relationships, international The Headwaters Film Festival is a fi ll senior leadership positions whenever business education and educational completely student-run initiative that possible, create an environment of oppor- innovation. is planned, produced and operated by tunity and support for emerging women IACBE accreditation is valid for seven students in BSU’s Department of Integrated leaders to gain skills they need to advance years but contingent upon the programs MediaMedia.. This yearyear,, more than 30 students their careers, and educate others on the remaining in compliance with the ttookook the course and produced the ffestival.estival. benefi ts of gender-diversifi ed leadership. assembly’s principles and policies.

BSU joins nationwide, student-led Students build modulardular citcityy for network to divert food to needy use in criminal justicetice training Students in the BSU Sustainability Offi ce are now part of the A customizable model citcity,y, built bbyy students in the School ooff Food Recovery Network, the country’s largest student-directed Technology, Art & Design,gn, wiwillll hhelpelp BemiBemidjidji State criminacriminall movement against hunger that aims to “change the norm from justice students assess how fi rst responders might manage food waste to food recovery.” emergency situations. The Food Recovery The city features Network fi ghts food color-coded shapes waste and hunger by representing private recovering unused and residences, schools, perishable food from offi ce complexes participating campuses and and other types of communities and donating buildings to help it to people in need. students visualize a neighborhood. In BSU’s fi rst recovery Buildings magnetically effort in early March, attach to a metal base, Reid Mordhorst, a 2016 graduate in engineering students saved 95 pounds allowing criminal justice of food that would have technology, designed and built this city model for faculty to reconfi gure gone to waste but instead use by criminal justice students. neighborhoods for different was given to Community scenarios. Students Dan Vosberg, Camilla Prosise Table, a volunteer- and Caitlin McClellan unload donated food operated soup kitchen that The model city, unveiled Dec. 15, was designed and built by Reid for the Community Table, a soup kitchen in is open four days a week Mordhorst, a senior in engineering technology from Maple Grove, Bemidji, on March 24. in Bemidji’s Mt. Zion and and Kyle Lempia, a senior in engineering technology and applied United Methodist churches. engineering from Bemidji.

www.BemidjiState.edu | 17 BSU FACULTY ACHIEVEMENT College. In March, Ellison also directed “Hedda Helmer: Ibsenite Heroine,” a 10-minute play by Joe Stollenwerk, for the Dramatists Lab for Mid-America The- atre Conference in Houston.

Four retiring BSU faculty members with a combined 91.5 years of service to the university were granted emeritus status in May: Dr. Dwight Fultz, professor emeritus of psychology, 28 years; Dr. Glen Richgels, professor emeritus of mathe- Dr. Michael Anderson, pictured presenting an Honors Council Lecture on the U.S. Constitution on matics and computer science, 24 years; March 7 in the American Indian Resource Center, will join the Department of Professional Education Ms. Patrice Conley, professor emerita of this fall as an associate professor and director of clinical programs. He has served as interim provost library and library services, 22.5 years; and vice president for academic and student affairs since July 2016. Dr. Blanca Rivera, professor emerita of languages and ethnic studies, 17 years.

Dr. Andrew Hafs, Dr. Mahmoud Al-Odeh, associate Dr. Anna Carlson, associate profes- professor of technology, art & assistant sustainability sor of biology, design, has published “Empha- coordinator, and Erika published “Seasonal sis-Related Capstone Class: The Bailey-Johnson on Feb. Changes in Condi- Use of Real-Life Experience to 13-17 attended a lead- tion of Appalachian Enhance Workforce Readiness” ership retreat hosted by Brook Trout," in the in the British Journal of Educa- the Grand Rapids-based January issue of tion. He also published an article, Blandin Foundation. the North American “The Viability of Residential The retreat is part of Journal of Fisheries Grid-Connected Solar Photovol- the foundation’s eight- Management. taic Systems In the State of Indiana,” day Blandin Community Leadership Pro- in the Journal of Business, Economics gram, which develops and trains local Dr. Janice Haworth, pro- and Finance. Al-Odeh co-authored it leaders to build healthy communities. fessor of music, traveled with researchers from Indiana State to China from March 3 to University. The article recapped Dr. Stephen Carlson, April 8 as a participant in research that sought to measure the professor of music, the Overseas Teaching fi nancial viability of installing and performed on the Program. She visited using a grid-connected residential grand piano Feb. 16 Huaihua University, solar energy system. at the University of Shaoyang University Minnesota Crookston’s and Hunan University of Erika Bailey-Johnson, sustain- Kiehle Auditorium. The Humanities, Science and ability coordinator, presented at concert, which includ- Technology. Her activities including deliv- the Minnesota Center for Envi- ed works by Beetho- ering lectures, hosting academic forums ronmental Advocacy’s annual ven, Chopin, Stravinsky on ethnic music in education, gathering Women’s Breakfast on April 27. and Rachmaninoff, was sponsored by folk music from neighboring communi- Bailey-Johnson was a panelist UMC Concerts and Lectures, Liberal ties and participating in rehearsals for an for “Be Your Own Environmental Arts and Education Department and the African djembe drum performance. Hero: Fresh Strategies Without Music/Theater Department. The Politics,” which focused Dr. Kelly La Venture, on how women can be agents Dr. Season Ellison, assistant professor for positive social change outside the assistant professor of of business, trav- political process. interdisciplinary studies, eled to London Nov. co-authored a book 14–17 to present at Bill Blackwell, Jr., executive chapter, “Performative the London Inter- director of the American Indian Texts and the Peda- national Conference Resource Center, was joined by gogical Theatre: Alison on Education. She Erika Bailey-Johnson and Dr. John Bechdel’s Fun Home as was accompanied Gonzalez, professor of psychol- Compositional Model,” by alumna Lisa ogy, for presentations at the in an upcoming edited Kittleson, who presented “The Student Project Graduate “Helping Native collection, "Teaching Graphic Novels," Perspective: An Exploratory Study to Youth Find Success” conference edited by Alissa Burger. She co-authored Understand the Skills Gap in a Midwest- for teachers and community the chapter with Dr. William Cordeiro from ern Community,” recapping the results leaders in Bemidji on March 24. Northern Arizona University’s Honors of a Marketing Assistance and Research

18 | BEMIDJI STATE UNIVERSITY Solutions project to examine Bemidji’s Dr. Katie Peterson, assis- Dr. James White, skills gap from the perspective of the tant professor of chem- professor of city’s employers. Two more of LaVen- istry, authored a paper, human perfor- ture's courses, Marketing Research and “Fe- and Ln-DOTAm-F12 mance, sport Marketing Management, have been Are Effective Paramagnetic and health, certifi ed Fluorine Contrast Agents published “How for MRI in Water and to Plant a Food Michael Lane, assistant professor of Indian Blood,” that was published Plot the Happy studies, on March 7 presented “Indig- in a recent issue of Inor- Health Way” in enous Sovereignty: A Personal and ganic Chemistry. the April 2017 Professional Refl ection on the Journey” edition of MidWest Outdoors maga- along with Sharon Heta during Bemidji’s Dr. Cory Renbarger, zine. The article explores the potential spring Adventures in Lifelong Learning assistant professor physical risks of planting wildlife food presentation series. of music, per- plots, including tips for minimizing the formed as a soloist risk of poison ivy, tick and bug bites Dr. Michael Murray, associate professor of with the Bemidji and becoming dehydrated while work- economics, edited “The Job Guarantee Symphony Orches- ing in the woods. and Modern Money Theory: Realizing tra’s production of Keynes’s Labor Standard.” The book Handel’s Messiah in Dr. Misty Wilkie, supports the theory that a fl exible April. He was joined assistant profes- job-guarantee program able to react to by Dr. Dwight Jilek sor of nursing, a fl uctuating economy would stabilize and the Bemidji attended Higher the labor standard, the value of employ- Choir, which Jilek Learning Com- ment in relation to money. directs. The choir mission Peer Re- was part of a viewer Training Dr. Donna Pawlowski, professor of speech 100-member com- from Oct. 19-21 communication, pub- bined chorus that in Chicago. She lished “Communication included members of is now able to Civility Codes: Positive the Bemidji Chorale visit other HLC-accredited institutions Communication and Park Rapids as a reviewer and will assist BSU’s Through the Students’ Classic Chorale at the accreditation as a member of its as- Eyes” in the Communi- performance. sessment committee. Wilkie also spoke cation Teacher journal. Oct. 25 at the College of Pharmacy’s The article demon- Two faculty members were honored April 27 Convocation in St. Louis, Mo., about strates the impor- at Bemidji State University’s annual Em- a documentary fi lm she participated tance of working with ployee Recognition Celebration, where new in titled “Essence of Healing: Journey students to understand and appreciate Awards of Excellence were presented to of American Indian Nurses” and was respectful communication and civility in faculty and staff. Dr. Glen Richgels, professor keynote speaker at the Second Annual the classroom. emeritus of mathematics, received the Ex- Native Nations Nursing Summit on cellence in Teaching Award, and Dr. Sandra Nov. 4 in Lac du Flambeau, Wis. Her Kranz, professor of accountancy, received presentation was titled “Capture the Dr. Anton Treuer, professor of Ojibwe, spoke on the Distinguished Service Award. Future: Nurture the Spirit — Preparing “Showing Respect” during Bemidji’s premier TEDex Successful indigenous Nurses.” event on April 14 at the Historic Chief Theatre. Dr. Anton Treuer, professor of Ojibwe, won the Denver Public Library’s Caroline Bancroft Dr. Marty Wolf, History Prize for his book, “Warrior Na- professor of com- tion: A History of the Red Lake Ojibwe,” in puter science, has December. The annual prize is awarded to written an article the author of the “best book on Colorado or for Communica- Western American History published during tions of the ACM, the current year.” Treuer also was training a monthly publi- facilitator for a two-day “Healing the Racial cation of the As- Divide: Native American Color, Culture and sociation for Com- Consciousness” session held May 10–11 at puting Machinery, Bemidji’s Calvary Lutheran Church. describing the importance of the organization’s code Dr. Patrick Welle, professor of ethics. Wolf and three co-authors emeritus of economics, published “Making a Positive Impact: presented at a March 23 Updating the ACM Code of Ethics” forum on the value of in the same issue of the publication, clean water hosted by describing proposed changes to the Central Lakes College code and the motivation for those in Brainerd. Welle pre- changes. Wolf also co-authored “Data, sented on the economic Signals and Information in Digital Com- impact of clean and putation“ with Nir Fresco in Logique healthy waters. The et Analyse, an international, peer-re- forum was hosted by the Gordon Rosenmei- viewed journal that publishes research er Center for State and Local Government, in logic, philosophy of logic and/or Leech Lake Area Watershed Foundation and mathematics, argumentation-theory Northern Water Alliance of Minnesota. and analytical philosophy.

www.BemidjiState.edu | 19 ‘Thrilled for where we are’ A CONVERSATION WITH DR. DWIGHT JILEK

By Andy Bartlett

When Dr. Dwight Jilek arrived in Bemidji last many new friends. What’s most important to fall with his wife, Alyssa, and their three me during these visits is to offer help and an children, he was prepared to shoulder a Bemidji extra set of ears to help students succeed. I State University choral legacy that was eight want these kids to keep singing when they go decades in the making. to college and into their communities. Since 1937, when Carl O. Thompson was hired to Q. How did the choir’s spring tour go? teach vocal music and music theory, BSU has A. It was a great fi rst-year tour. We were able to had only four directors of choral music perform at some of the more beautiful venues — Thompson, Paul Brandvik, Brad Logan and in Minnesota, and that is an excellent educa- now Jilek. tional opportunity for the students. It gives After high school in Dickinson, N.D., Jilek them lifelong memories to then take with them weighed a walk-on role with the North Dakota when they graduate. It’s powerful when a group State University football team against a music of singers has to put up a show every night and scholarship from Concordia College in Moor- has to prepare physically and mentally for a head — and chose music. That path led him to performance. That’s professionalism, and that’s Northfi eld High School, where he spent six one of the main reasons why we tour. years as choral director, and then to graduate Q. What’s coming up next for you and the school at State University and the choir? University of North Texas before coming to A. We’ll be celebrating the Bemidji Choir’s 80th Bemidji. anniversary with a reunion choir during We sat down with Jilek to get his perspective on Homecoming, and Latvian composer Ēriks a whirlwind fi rst year and learn what comes Ešenvalds will be in residency at Bemidji State next for the Bemidji Choir. in March. He will participate in a Bemidji State Question: How did you fi nd out about this job Honor Choir Festival featuring his music. at BSU? In the spring, I will conduct at Carnegie Hall with Answer: I was familiar with the Bemidji area MidAmerica Productions. I will be leading the through my time at Concordia and at Northfi eld. New England Symphony in a masterwork I knew of the great history here at Bemidji State performance of Poulenc’s “Gloria.” We are and that it is a beautiful place to live. It was also seeking funding for the Bemidji Choir to be the very close to our family. core ensemble. We are also scheduled to tour the Baltic States. Q. This past year, the choir has participated in activities all over Bemidji, and you’ve visited Q. Has this job been what you’d hoped it would high schools across the state as a guest be when you came here in August? conductor. What made it such a busy year? A. I am thrilled for where we are and what we A. Honestly, sometimes all it takes is a question, have accomplished and with the hope and and the more questions I’ve asked, the more energy we have for the future. My colleagues people have said “yes.” That’s a clear strength here have been great. They’re the sort of of the Bemidji community. That support is not colleagues you want to be around — ones who necessarily present in other places, and it’s can watch the Vikings game with you and at the what is exciting about being here. same time discuss Brahms. It’s another example of what makes BSU special — that balance of Exploring Minnesota, I built on the relationships life, all together. I had as a high school teacher and have made

20 | BEMIDJI STATE UNIVERSITY E TAT UNI I S VE J R ID S I M T E Y

B

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E N N O T I T EN A N BR IAL CELE SHARE IN OUR CENTENNIAL!

BEMIDJI STATE UNIVERSITY IS NEARING THE CENTURYY MARK, AND WE WANT YOU TO HELP US CELEBRATE. Central Plaza in the 1970s.

Bemidji State opened in 1919 with 38 students as Minne- sota’s sixth Normal School for teacher education. It became Bemidji State Teachers College in 1921 and began offering a four-year degree and then was renamed Bemidji State College in 1957. In 1975, in recognition of its growing role as a multipurpose institution, it became Bemidji State University.

Because a centennial onlyonly comes around evereveryy 100 yyears,ears, BSU envisions an observance that will spanspan a yearyear and a half. Initial pplanslans call for events to kick off next April,April, We invite you to share your own memories and those correspondingcorresponding to the school’s ggroundbreakingroundbreaking on April 3, ooff your family members and would love to receive 1918. Activities will continue into the fall of 2019, markinmarkingg pphotographs,hotographs, video, texts and memorabilia that bring the start of its inauinauguralgural academic year on Sept. 2, 1919, and hhistoryistory to life. We promise to take extreme care to likellikelyy will conclude with the 2019 Honors GalaGala.. ppreservereserve and return them as requested.

A centennial task force of facultfaculty,y, staff, students and TO GET INVOLVEDINVOLVED alumni will meet this fall and winter to pplanlan and ppreparerepare Please provide information and materials that refl ect for proprogramsgrams and activities that honor and illuminate your own experience at BSUBSU or that will otherwise the remarkable history and legacylegacy of the University in helphelp tell the story of the university's history to thethe Pines.Pines. BSUBSU Centennial, BemidjiBemidji State University, 1500 BirchmontBirchmont Dr. NE, Bemidji,Bemidji, MN 56601-2699; MMuchuch work is ahead to gather and tell this rich storstoryy emailemail to centennial@[email protected] or call through the people who lived it, then and now. ScottScott Faust at 2218-755-298618-755-2986.

President Manfred Deputy and his wife, Carry, watch the dedicationwww.BemidjiState.eduww ofw aww. newBBe campusmimiddjjiS fi ttareplacette.eeddu in 1932. | 2121 P — and fi nd redemption

By Brad Folkestad

The Bemidji State University men’s hockey team regained both Phil Marinaccio, Gerry Fitzgerald and Zach Whitecloud also league dominance and national prominence this past season with a received All-WCHA honors. With a team-best 29 points, 22-16-3 record. Marinaccio was named to the second team, while Fitzgerald earned a spot on the third team and Whitecloud was selected The Beavers paced the Western Collegiate Hockey Association from to the All-Rookie Team. Head Coach was voted wire to wire en route to their 22nd conference crown, and they WCHA Coach of the Year. ranked among the nation’s top 20 for 14 weeks. Bitzer, who ranked among the country’s top fi ve An opening sweep of Bowling Green at home began a 13-game in every statistical category, including an NCAA-best 1.71 unbeaten streak that led BSU to its fi rst WCHA regular season title. goals against average, picked up All-America First Team West With a 20-6-2-2 league record, the Beavers claimed the historic recognition from the American Hockey Coaches Association. He MacNaughton Cup as regular season champions and earned top also was a fi nalist for the Mike Richter Award, annually given to seed in the WCHA’s new playoff format. After discarding Northern the nation’s top , and was BSU’s fi rst top 10 fi nalist for Michigan in a best-of-three quarterfi nal, the Beavers fell to Bowling the Hobey Baker Memorial Award. Green in the semifi nal. In addition, Brendan Harms won the Senior CLASS award in a The season’s end brought a fl ood of individual awards. nationwide vote of coaches, media and fans. The prestigious Michael Bitzer became the fi rst BSU player to earn All-WCHA honor goes to the year’s most outstanding senior student-athlete First Team recognition as the league coaches’ Player of the Year. in Division I men’s hockey.

Peters honored for 50-year milestone

For BSU legend R.H. “Bob” Peters and “Coach Peters was a great mentor who his wife, Lou, the 2016-17 season marked turned a bunch of boys into men,” said 50 years of tireless dedication since they Rob Anderson ’83. “We couldn’t have accepted the challenge of establishing a done it without him, and we believed in men’s hockey program in Bemidji. him. He’s still the man.” Peters and his players built a foundation In recognition of the couple’s milestone of success that would enable the Beavers’ and impact on hockey, and with dozens transformation from an NAIA power into of former players looking on, Beaver a NCAA Division I powerhouse, gaining a Hockey paused Jan. 21 as Peters women’s program in 1999. completed a ceremonial puck drop before a game against Ferris State. As head coach from 1966-2001, Peters was responsible for 702 victories, 17 conference Forever known as “Coach,” Peters championships and 13 national championships. remains heavily involved in college Under his stewardship, the Beavers produced 80 hockey and continues to provide support all-Americans, multiple Olympians, four players to Bemidji State Athletics and the BSU Former BSU men's hockey coach R.H. "Bob" Peters drops the who logged time in the Alumni & Foundation. ceremonial fi rst puck on Jan. 21 in the Sanford Center. and countless coaches at all levels of the game.

22 | BEMIDJI STATE UNIVERSITY FOLLOW BSU SPORTS @ www.bsubeavers.com BSU SPORTS Yost selected for Nine Beavers earn Myles Brand A school-record nine student-athletes All-American list received the NSIC Myles Brand All-Academic senior Jessica Yost of Bemidji with Distinction Award this year. They are: became the fi rst Beaver to make the FPN Gena Adams and Mitchell Elbe (football), All-American Second-Team Pitchers list. Allison Cordes (women’s basketball), She also made team history by being Alayna Krejci (softball), Ryan Rumpca and named a Louisville Slugger/National Jack Stigman (), Sarah Stram and Fastpitch Coaches Association National Christine Szurek (soccer) and Shane White Co-Pitcher of the Week for March (men’s basketball). The award goes to senior 30-April 2, which included a perfect NSIC student-athletes who have a cumulative game. Overall, Yost posted a 0.29 grade point average of 3.75 or higher. ERA, allowed one earned run in 24 Three join football’s Hampshire society innings and collected 44 strikeouts with only one walk. Three BSU football players were named to the 2017 National Football Foundation Hampshire Senior pitcher Jessica Yost throws Honor Society. Seniors Gena Adams (Phoenix, Ariz.), Mitchell Elbe (Sayner, Wis.) and for a 7-3 victory in the fi rst game Jesse Hein (Perham) were among 1,089 of an April 8 doubleheader against players from 297 colleges who maintained a Upper Iowa. She was 25-8 on the cumulative 3.2 GPA or better throughout their season with an ERA of 1.24. college careers. Yost, Bitzer are Athletes of the Year Senior softball and Golfer Skaar gets NSIC Elite 18 nod Pelzer achieves fi rst team, 1,000th point volleyball standout Jessica Ben Skaar in April became Basketball senior Aimee Yost of Bemidji and the fi rst Bemidji State Pelzer of Upsala capped goaltender Michael Bitzer, student-athlete to receive her collegiate career by a Moorhead junior, were the NSIC Elite 18 Award becoming BSU's fi rst All- named Female and Male in men’s golf, which NSIC First Team selection Athletes of the Year for recognizes competitive 2016-17. Soccer forward Tia since 2007-08. She Michael Bitzer and academic success. averaged 15.0 points, 4.9 Neuharth, a freshman from Ben Skaar Skaar, a sophomore from Aimee Pelzer assists and 1.6 steals per Prior Lake, and men’s hockey defenseman Coleraine majoring in game and ranked third Zach Whitecloud, a freshman from Brandon, sports management, holds a 4.00 grade on the program’s single-season three-point Man., were selected as the Female and Male point average. He maintained an 81.8 stroke list with 73 as a senior. Pelzer also was one Newcomers of the Year. The awards were average through 11 rounds this season. Skaar of three Beavers to reach the 1,000-point presented at the Beaver Nation Celebration fi nished 33rd at the NSIC Championship, held milestone this past season, joining Tatum on April 27. April 13-15 in Smithville, Mo., and helped the Sheley and Sierra Senske. Mineral Water champs Beavers place sixth overall. Tennis sets winning record at 12-5 look ahead to Aug. 31 17 Beavers carry a perfect 4.0 GPA The football team is set The tennis team, coached for an 11-game 2017 For the Fall 2016 semester, BSU’s 353 student- by BSU alumnus Mark schedule with fi ve home athletes in 15 sport programs posted an Fodness, posted a dates, including a Sept. 23 average GPA of 3.13. The BSU men’s hockey program-best 12-5 record Homecoming matchup team led with a team GPA of 3.62, and soccer and gained its second versus Southwest carried a 3.58. Seventeen BSU student- consecutive berth into the Minnesota State. The athletes carried a cumulative GPA of 4.0. NSIC Tournament by going 2016 Mineral Water Brooke Mimmack 6-5 in league play. The 39 Beavers named All-Academic Bowl champions open Beavers ended at 72-30 on Aug. 31 at Winona State Bemidji State landed 39 student-athletes on (.706) in singles play and University, followed by a the 2016 Fall and 2016-17 Winter Academic 73-13 (.740) in doubles. Sept. 9 home opener versus All-NSIC Teams, which require a grade point Newcomers Brooke Concordia University-St. Paul. BSU average of at least 3.20. The fall contingent Mimmack of Brainerd and will host University of Mary on Oct. was led by soccer, with 10 student-athletes, Ariadna Lopez-Simo of 7, University of Minnesota Duluth on followed by football and volleyball, both with Barcelona, Spain, were Oct. 28 and St. Cloud State University on six, and cross country with two. For winter, ranked among the NSIC’s Ariadna Lopez-Simo Nov. 4. women’s basketball had seven members top fi ve singles players, named, indoor track had six and men’s posting 15-1 and 10-2 records, respectively. Wide receiver Christian Lunde after a catch basketball had two. in this year's Spring Game on April 14.

www.BemidjiState.edu | 23 Honors presented at Feb. 18 luncheon ATHLETICS HALL o FAME f

Lora (Weiers) Angileno John Backes Robert Eckert Malachy McCarthy

Lora (Weiers) Angileno ‘88 A four-year letter winner and captain in basketball at Bemidji State, Lora (Weiers) Angileno was a three-time All-NSC selection, earned all-district honors three times and was named an All-American for 1987-88. She fi nished her career with 1,383 points, 694 rebounds and 81 blocks. She remains sixth on BSU’s career blocks list, sixth in career scoring and eighth in rebounds, and her 445 total points in 1987-88 rank 10th on BSU’s single-season scoring list. She logged 34 blocks as a freshman to establish a BSU record for blocks as a rookie. Angelino also was the Beavers’ lead scorer in 1986-87 (15.4 ppg) and 1987-88 (18.5 ppg), while posting team-lead- ing rebound counts in 1986-87 (7.4 rpg) and 1987-88 (8.7 rpg). She was a member of three BSU teams that qualifi ed for the NAIA National Tournament (1985, 1986 and 1987) and two NSC title teams (1986 and 1987).

John Backes ‘74 John Backes participated in both football and track and fi eld at Bemidji State. A four-year letter winner for the BSC football team, he was an All-NIC punter and running back. He led the team during each of his seasons, averaging more than 40.9 yards per punt for his career, including a 42.9-yard average as a senior in 1973, and led the Northern Intercollegiate Conference as a junior and senior. He received the Harry Bangsberg Award as BSC’s most outstanding athlete in 1974 and earned a punting tryout with the in 1975. Backes also received four letters in track and fi eld. In 1972, he set the BSC record in the javelin en route to 1973 NIC Champion- ship and NAIA National Championship appearances. He repeated as NIC javelin champion in 1974 while adding a discus title and placing third in the shot put.

Robert Eckert ‘79 A four-year letter winner and captain in 1979, Bob Eckert wrestled for Bemidji State Coach Chet Anderson from 1975-79. He won the NIC 190-pound weight class four times and became the fi fth wrestler in the NIC Conference history to do so. Eckert was voted most valuable wrestler at the 1979 NIC conference tournament. He also earned All-American honors in 1977 and 1979, placing third at the NAIA national meet to cap his sophomore and senior seasons. In addition, he was a member of the Beavers’ 1975-76 NIC championship team (12-2-0) and compiled an 87-13-3 (.859) overall record as an individual. Eckert also lettered in football as a freshman linebacker.

Malachy Mccarthy ‘82 A four-year letter winner for Bemidji State’s swimming team, Malachy McCarthy was a three-time All-NIC Selection, a three-time College Coaches Association All-American pick and a recipient of three NAIA All-American individual honors. He was a member of four consecutive NIC Championship teams and participated in the national meet his fi nal three seasons, earning a seventh-place fi nish as well as two fourths and a seventh-place spot. He concluded his career as the BSU record holder in the 100- (1:01:0) and 200- (2:10:1) meter breaststroke.

24 | BEMIDJI STATE UNIVERSITYY 1966-67 MEN’S BASKETBALL TEAM Coaching Awards

William “Charlie” Scanlon ‘75 A four-year letter winner in men’s hockey, William “Charlie” Scanlon played 101 games at goal for Bemidji State. He posted a 62-34-3 overall record, with four shutouts in 5,977 minutes. He ranks fi fth on BSU’s single-season saves list with 804 in 1973-74, and his 2,657 career saves place him third on the university’s all-time list. Selected as one of BSU’s 50 Legends for 50 The 1966-67 Bemidji State men’s basketball leading scorer with 1,410 points and logged a Years, Scanlon was a two-time NAIA team went 19-5 overall and became the third program-best 39 points versus Augustana that All-American. As a member of two ICHA title team in the history of the North Intercollegiate season, Bemidji State averaged more than 79 teams (co-1973 and 1974), he helped lead the Conference (NIC) to post an unblemished points per game and defeated its opponents Beavers to a 1973 NAIA national champion- record, going a perfect 12-0, in league play. by 12 points per game. ship and an NAIA national runner-up in 1974. Head Coach Wesley “Zeke” Hogeland’s team At the conclusion of the 1966-67 season, Carlin Since graduation, Scanlon has a 564-103-53 rattled off 14 consecutive wins down the and John Phillips were named to the All-NIC record as head coach of the Apple Valley High stretch to secure the program’s seventh First Team, while Dale Rettker earned a spot on School boys’ soccer team, and he guided the conference title and make a push into the the All-NIC Second Team as BSC led all AVHS girls’ hockey team to a 217-167-28 NAIA District 13 Playoffs, where the Beavers’ member teams with three postseason awards. record in 18 years (1992-2010), making him season was cut short by defending champion In addition to Phillips and Carlin, Norm the winningest coach in Minnesota high St. Thomas. Led in scoring by Mark Carlin, who Manselle served as the team’s tri-captains. school soccer history. With a perfect 9-0 graduated in 1967 as the program’s all-time record in state title games, his teams have won 17 section and 20 conference championships.

Donna Palivec When Donna Palivec John S. Glas Honorary Letterwinners became Bemidji State’s head volleyball coach in Cindy Holter A decade ago, Cindy Willie Stittsworth Whether cheering 1994, she had an Holter established a from the bleachers, immediate impact on a great tradition in enjoying Beaver Pride team in need of a fresh Beaver Hockey, the luncheons or sharing his start after a 11-26 annual Tom Serratore enthusiasm at pregame season. By the end of Spaghetti Dinner. This tailgating, Willie Stittsworth her second season, the fundraiser for the BSU remains an omnipresent Beavers recorded more men’s hockey team champion of BSU Athletics. wins than they had in six years, fi nishing gives Beaver Pride His love for the university 19-17. The team topped that in 1997 by going members and other fans a chance to share and its teams began as a BSU student, 21-12, and its 25-7 record in 1999 was the a meal with coaches and student-athletes graduating in 1953. Stittsworth continued to most wins for BSU volleyball since a 28-17 and hear an insider preview of the be a proud fan as a faculty member in season in 1989. Palivec, who ranks second on upcoming season. Holter’s love of Beaver professional education and health/physical BSU’s all-time coaching win list, led the Beavers to 119 total victories, including four Athletics is not limited to hockey. She education from 1967-89. His support of the seasons of at least 18 wins and two and her husband, Terry, attend nearly Beavers takes many forms, including his second-place NSIC fi nishes, and was NSIC every home basketball game and work on the annual Shrine Game and yearly Volleyball Coach of the Year in 1995. Including several road games each season. She also donations to BSU football. In October 2016, her previous years coaching at North Dakota is a dedicated volunteer at the Galen accompanied by his wife, Arla, he was State University and Montana State, she Nagle Memorial Golf Tournament. BSU rightfully honored as grand marshal of the fi nished her career among the top 15 active Athletics would not be the same without Homecoming parade. He has truly made his NCAA volleyball coaches, with 484 victories. her support. mark on BSU Athletics.

www.BemidjiState.edu | 25 PHONATHON TEAM connects for success

By Scott Faust

When alumni receive a call from a “It builds confi dence and phone skills that Phonathon current student in the evening or on the translate into any fi eld that they could students work weekend, they’re hearing from the potentially going into,” she said. “Their from prepared call BSU Phonathon Team, a group that has ability to interact and engage with a wide lists to reach out to seen phenomenal success under the constituency is huge.” a variety of people, leadership of Jana Wolff, director of One member of this year’s team, Aleah including past annual giving. Egenes, said she has learned much more donors, non-do- Wolff, who joined the BSU Alumni & than she expected, both from the training nors and parents Jana Wolff Foundation staff in August, managed a Wolff provides and from the people of current similar team in her previous work at she calls. students. Gonzaga University in Spokane, Wash. “It’s opened my eyes about all the scholar- The team operates from a small room in Getting the Phonathon up and running ships there really are and made me apply the basement of the David Park House for the new academic year was one of for them this year,” said Egenes,a sopho- decorated with progress charts, motiva- her fi rst priorities, and the results speak more from Benson majoring in social work. tional messages and a “Best of BSU for themselves. Phonathon students “And then hearing all the stories from the Board” that contains stories alums have raised $104,000 in donations to the alums, there are so many things you can do shared about romance, friendships and university’s annual Lakeside Fund, nearly around Bemidji and on campus that I didn’t funny moments. triple the previous year’s total. know about.” “We’ve had a lot of people that could really The 14 student callers – who come from Starting nearly from scratch last fall, Wolff connect with the alums and make good all class years and a variety of majors used fl yers, emails and departmental conversation with them,” Egenes said. – have benefi ted just as much, Wolff said. meetings to promote the opportunity, Wolff coaches the students to follow and she won approval to the LASC method – listen, ask, support pay the students $10 an and continue. hour, more than other "Our main objective is to get alumni campus jobs. talking about their experience at BSU, Wolff also wrote to update contact information, share current Bemidji businesses and events on campus and ask for support," followed up in person, she said. "Alumni support is critical to soliciting prizes she could helping provide student scholarships use as incentives that — both need and merit." ranged from coffee mugs and stress balls to coupons and gift cards for Bemidji ABOUT THE BSU Bowl, Leuken’s Village Foods, Cherry Berry frozen PHONATHON yogurt, car washes and Students make calls from 6-9 p.m. restaurants such as Monday-Thursday from September Members of the 2016-17 BSU Alumni & Foundation Phonathon Team J.J. Dockside. through April, except during testing pose in their call center in the David Park House. and holiday breaks. We hope you will answer the call!

26 | BEMIDJI STATE UNIVERSITY Sophomore Baylee Johnson produced this winning design for exterior branding of a dealer-loaned truck to be driven by members of the BSU collegiate fi shing team.

By Scott Faust

Members of Bemidji State University’s fi shing team hope to convince an auto dealer to provide a BSU-branded truck to haul a boat and trailer already sponsored BUSINESS by Bemidji Marine. Those same students will promote the sponsors – and BSU – as they drive the truck and trailer to collegiate bass fi shing competitions across Minnesota and PARTNERS throughout the Midwest and South. One of those events is the 2017 College engage in excitement National Championship, to be held Aug. 10-12 on Lake Bemidji. Also, the winning designer, Baylee Johnson the Potlatch Corp. and Students in a spring course on logos and of Bemidji, in April joined several fi shing Northwoods Lumber Co. branding competed to design the vinyl team members to pitch a Bemidji-area of Bemidji are also wrap for both the truck and trailer. dealer on the merits of sponsoring a new supplying materials and or late-model truck to haul competitors expertise for the house, In similar efforts, Bemidji State is and their 18-foot Ranger bass boat and its which Mulry said is involving Marvin Windows and other trailer. intended to be sold to a fi rms in a tiny house to be built this fall by private buyer to raise construction management students – The team hopes to get a Toyota dealer on money for future Mike Mulry and working with several companies board because the auto manufacturer is a ventures. on a winter Hardwater Lab for aquatic leading sponsor of the Carhartt Bassmas- biology students. ter College Fishing Series. Competitors For the Hardwater Lab, Glacier Trailers of receive bonus prize money if they are Bemidji has agreed to provide $11,000 to It’s all about engagement – of students driving a Toyota truck, Mulry said. match a university leveraged equipment with businesses and businesses with grant for the ice house structure; students – and encouragement from Mike In the case of the tiny house, construction Innovative Offi ce Solutions in Bemidji is Mulry, director of engagement marketing management students plan an all-day fall providing exterior graphics and interior for the BSU Alumni & Foundation. fi eld trip to Warroad, where they will tour Marvin’s headquarters, watch demonstra- furnishings; and the Rural Renewable Such partnerships offer multiple tions on new designs and technology and Energy Alliance may furnish solar panels synergies that provide real-world learning network with Marvin staff. to generate electricity. while giving sponsors valuable exposure The fi nished lab should be ready for and bragging rights. “It’s an opportunity for Marvin to have input into what the students are learning students’ study and research when Lake Mulry cited the fi shing team truck-trailer in order to make them more hirable in the Bemidji freezes next winter. sponsorship as an example. future,” Mulry said. “You have the design students, I think Then, as students assemble the tiny there are 23 in the class, who got to add TO LEARN MORE house, Marvin representatives will visit this to their portfolios,” he said. “And the campus to assist with installation of student whose design was chosen may Contact Mike Mulry, director of engagement energy-effi cient windows and doors. have her work featured on ESPN when marketing, at 218-755-2122 or at they cover the national tournament in Extreme Panel Technologies in Cotton- [email protected]. Bemidji this summer.” wood, the Simonson Lumber Companies,

www.BemidjiState.edu | 27 ALUM

New decals highlight Holt donation for aquatic biology pontoon boat When a pontoon boat used by Bemidji State’s aquatic biology program was launched on Lake Bemidji May 4 for the 2017 season, it featured new decals highlighting donation of the boat by Lynne Holt in honor of her late husband, Dr. Charles Holt, who was an emeritus professor of biology at BSU. Over the past fi ve years, the pontoon has been used for research and study by faculty and students in the aquatic biology program.

Lakeside Luncheon reinforces Bunkhouse manager Ted Murray ' 13, owner Derek Kringen and manager Dan Haugen '99 show importance of annual giving off a check to Beaver Pride with Adrian Dunn of the BSU Alumni & Foundation on April 4. Alumni, donors and community partners gathered April 25 for the annual Lakeside Bunkhouse Bar donates earnings for Beaver Pride scholarships Luncheon at the Sanford Center in Bemidji. When Bemidji’s new Bunkhouse Bar and restaurant opened near campus in The fund for annual giving is a key source February, they immediately began sharing 50 cents of every transaction over of support for student scholarships. $10 with the Beaver Pride organization to help fund athletic scholarships. As of Attendees also watched a video interview early June, the total raised was $4,000. The Bunkhouse is also contributing to with new graduate Jordan Morgan ’16, the BSU Council of Indian Students to support their annual winter powwow. who this fall will begin pursuing a master’s degree in public policy as a DOVE scholar at the University of Minnesota. To learn 2017 alumni award recipients to be honored at Honors Gala more about becoming an annual donor, Bemidji State University will present the 2017 Distinguished Alumni awards at the Honors Gala contact Director of Annual Giving Jana on Sept. 22 in the Sanford Center. Wolff at [email protected] or 218-755-2872. The four Outstanding Alumni are: • Brian Maciej ’86 of Mankato, president of Lime Valley Advertising. • Jason Edens ’07 of Backus, founder and executive director of the Rural Renewable • Dr. Gene Ness ’66 of Tampa, Fla., retired Jordan Morgan ’16, who has a full Energy Alliance, a non-profi t organization researcher and professor of molecular scholarship to pursue a master’s dedicated to making solar energy medicine at the University of South in public policy at the University accessible to communities of all income Florida College of Medicine. levels. of Minnesota, thanked donors The Young Alumni Award recipient is at the April 25 Lakeside Lun- • Dr. Dale Greenwalt ’75 of Washington, a Dr. Guylaine Haché ’04 of Chicago, patent cheon for their support. volunteer research scientist with the litigation attorney, Rakoczy Molino Mazzochi Smithsonian National Museum of History. Siwik LLP.

Dunn promoted to gift offi cer after two years in athletics role Adrian Dunn ‘11 in June was promoted to Patrias, executive the position of gift offi cer with the Bemidji director of university State University Alumni & Foundation and advancement. will work with alumni and donors to “He will continue to support scholarships and programs at BSU. ably serve the Since 2015, Dunn has served as director of university and its annual giving, athletics, coordinating the students in this Alumni B-Club, the Beaver Pride member- important role.” Jake ship program and other athletic fundraising Sobiek ’13, ’16 will Adrian Dunn events and activities. “Adrian has been a replace Dunn in great asset for our organization,” said Marla athletic giving.

28 | BEMIDJI STATE UNIVERSITY Alumni survey shows growing favor and opportunities to raise awareness Drawing on positive results from an alumni engagement study conducted in November, the BSU Alumni & Foundation will continue varied efforts to keep alums engaged with the university and well informed about its successes and plans. The survey, distributed by email and completed by 687 alums, found that 84 percent have positive or very positive feelings toward BSU, with the university’s location (25 percent), affordable cost (18 percent), size (12 percent) and academic excellence (11 percent) ranked as its greatest strengths. Responses also showed improving attitudes compared with a previous survey in 2013. For example, 49 percent of respondents in November said they believe BSU’s educational opportunities are better than those available at most Minnesota colleges and universities, compared to 38 percent Alumni and friends gather Feb. 24 for the Brainerd Lakes Alumni Chapter's hockey viewing party who said that in 2013. at the Black Bear Lodge & Saloon in Baxter. Interest was particularly high in the university’s outlook and new and emerging programs, with both identifi ed by 43 percent of respondents. Two welcome events for frosh among chapters’ summer plans One key indicator going forward will be the Bemidji State University’s Twin Cities The chapter's inaugural event was percentage of alumni willing to refer students to Alumni Chapter is launching an Feb. 24, a BSU hockey viewing BSU and speak positively about it. In November, initiative to welcome incoming party at the Black Bear Lodge & 52 percent said they would recommend the freshmen and their parents, and a Saloon in Baxter. About 32 alumni university without being asked, and 34 percent newly formed Brainerd Lakes Area and friends cheered the Beavers on said they would do so if asked for their opinion. chapter continues to gain to a 2-1 victory over Mankato. The research, shared with the Alumni & Founda- momentum. Chapter Chair Kathy (Bydal) tion Board of Trustees in February, was conducted Twin Cities alums will host two “BSU Hegstrom ’72 is working with other and analyzed by the Minneapoli-based fi rm of Bound” freshman send-offs — on members to plan additional events Russell Herder. the evenings of July 27 at Lebanon this summer, such as a golf outing Hills Park in Eagan and on Aug. 3 at and Gull Lake cruise. Watch the BSU Elm Creek Park in Maple Grove. Alumni and Friends e-newsletter for New students can meet other more information. freshmen and chat with alumni, as The Twin Cities chapter is chaired by well as with current students and John Armbrust ’76 of Woodbury, admissions staff in case they have and the Bemidji Area chapter is led any questions about life at BSU. by Michael Meelhause ’12 of The Twin Cities chapter is sponsoring Bemidji. the free programs, which will include “We are grateful for their passion a picnic, BSU prizes and the chance to for BSU and willingness to invest win a season pass to Beaver Hockey. their time,” Alumni Director Brett The Brainerd Lakes Area Chapter held Bahr said. “These chapters make its second event on June 22, a it so much easier to reconnect gathering at the new Jack Pine with Bemidji State, and that Brewery in Baxter, with food provided wouldn’t be possible without their and door prizes. great leadership.” A foursome enjoys the 8th Annual AIRC Golf Classic on May 19 at Tianna Country Club in Walker. See the Alumni & Foundation Calendar on p. 47 for other BSU golf events this summer. www.BemidjiState.edu | 29 'I MADE IT MY WORLD'

“a simple little Indian boy trying to make it in the white man’s world.”

Through his college experience and a lengthy career in American Indian health, education and develop- ment, he said, “I made it my world, and I had the right to do whatever.”

Baker wasted no time building a world at BSU, though he had never even heard of Bemidji until a month before he moved into Birch Hall. He ran cross country and track, joined the band and glee club and became assistant editor of the Northern Student newspaper.

He arrived in Bemidji with only enough money for one semester, thanks to a grant and loan from the federal Bureau of Indian Affairs, so he quickly went to work at multiple jobs — in the kitchen at Birch, on the hall switchboard and as a night janitor in a savings and loan, among others.

“I kind of jumped in when I got to Bemidji,” said Baker, who was one of only a handful of native students. “I made up my mind, ‘When in Rome, do as the Romans do,’ so I got involved in all kinds of stuff. I Fred Baker '61 is pictured June 1 By Scott Faust didn’t sit back and wait for someone to invite me.” outside his home in Bismarck, N.D. He also got married, to a fellow student from Roseau, He is a Hidatsa-Mandan Indian Intent on the Air Force after high school, Fred Baker and two of their four children were born in Bemidji whose career centered on Indian landed instead at Bemidji State University through health care and education. before he graduated with a degree in education. the intervention of an offi cial on the Fort Berthold Baker went to work as a teacher and coach in Indian Reservation, who happened to be a BSU alum. Naytahwaush on the White Earth Nation reservation It was 1957, and Baker had just graduated as the only before becoming a health educator with the U.S. American Indian student at a Benedictine boarding Indian Health Service on reservations in North and school two hours from home, which he attended at South Dakota. the urging of a reservation priest. He briefl y attended the on “My folks were really adamant about me getting off a public health fellowship and brought his young the reservation,” Baker said of his early years on a family to Los Angeles, where he helped implement ranch near New Town, N.D. “We lived in poverty, and what he now calls a “crazy” Bureau of Indian the only way they saw out of poverty was to get an Affairs plan to move Indian households into education and get out into the world.” metropolitan areas without employment or an Grateful for forces that guided him to become the fi rst adequate support system. in his extended family to attend college, the 78-year- While doing post-graduate work as a Danforth old is eager to help others complete a degree at Fellow at the University of California, Los Angeles, Bemidji State and take full advantage of all it has to Baker seized an opportunity in 1969 to become a BIA offer, as he did. employment assistance offi cer in Fairbanks, Alaska, Baker, who is three-quarters Mandan-Hidatsa Indian where two years later he became the nation’s and one-quarter Irish, remembers his younger self as youngest BIA superintendent.

30 | BEMIDJI STATE UNIVERSITY Baker wants students to think big

Then his father became severely ill, so removed his right kidney and an he returned to North Dakota, taking a 11-pound malignant tumor. student services post at the University of In addition to family travel, Baker “BSU has a commitment to Mary in Bismarck so he could keep the pursues his passion for high school family ranch going. He was determined and college track and fi eld, educating Indian students, that his two younger brothers be able to attending major events such as the stay in college. NCAA Track and Field Champion- and I support that very much.” “There were days when I had to leave ship in Eugene, Ore., in early June. – FRED BAKER '61 work at 5 p.m., drive to the ranch to do His background as an athlete and chores half the night, and drive back to an educator helped reconnect him Bismarck be at work the next morning,” to Bemidji State through Rob much,” he said. “There’s a need on the Baker said. Bollinger, BSU’s former executive director reservation for students with good He continued his career in public health of university advancement. Bollinger academic training to come back and work. and health care administration, always recalled his father’s career as a respected But I also think Indian students should not with some direct or indirect connection to teacher and coach on the Standing Rock, feel restricted to any particular thing. The American Indian communities. S.D., reservation, and the two bonded as world is open to them. they discovered their overlapping Even in retirement, Baker has stayed "They should look at the world and say, backgrounds. active in tribal leadership and advocacy, ‘I’m part of this world.’” serving as chairman of the Mandan, Last fall, Baker returned to BSU for Hidatsa and Arikara Elders Organization Homecoming and served on a panel of and as a member of the North Dakota American Indian alums at the American Governor’s Committee on Aging, among Indian Resource Center. He has since other roles. chosen to support scholarships for Indian In 2002, he testifi ed in Washington students and make a before the U.S. Senate Committee on fi nancial commitment Indian Affairs, helping win federal funding to BSU Athletics, as for a new Indian health center in thanks for his years New Town. competing in green and Baker, who learned the Hidatsa language white. as a child, has also lectured on the history Baker sees the and culture of what are known as the opportunities available Three Affi liated Tribes, which helped the at Bemidji State Lewis & Clark Expedition survive the through the lens of his winter of 1804-05. own experience, and Now divorced, he remains close to his he wants to open doors daughter in Utah and two sons in British for other native Columbia and Texas, as well as three students who need a grandchildren and members of his boost, just like the one extended family. He lost his oldest son to he got 60 years ago. a heart attack about fi ve years ago. “BSU has a commit- In this 1960 yearbook photo, Fred Baker (back row, third from left) was a founding member Baker himself is a cancer survivor. In ment to educating of the Bemidji State College cross country team, and became its captain. At far left is November 2015, surgeons at the Indian students, and I coach Bob Montebello, who had no prior experience with cross country. University of Minnesota Medical Center support that very

www.BemidjiState.edu | 31 CLINICAL PIONEER

By Maryhelen Chadwick NURSING Stella Nelson remembers when procedures like gallbladder surgery SHOWED required a large incision and recovery in the hospital. The idea of outpatient laparoscopic surgery NELSON to accomplish the same goal seemed like science fi ction. But Nelson has made a career out of THE WAY overcoming obstacles. She has helped yet have a nursing program, so when the element” of nursing with refi ne technology to reduce medical errors time came, she carpooled to Thief River technology as her career evolved. in surgery and a system to monitor blood Falls two days a week with three other loss and thereby improve outcomes After graduating from BSU, Nelson students until she earned an associate during childbirth. worked as a surgical fi rst assistant degree in nursing in 1984. for Dr. Bruce Wilson at the Bemidji “If you’re not comfortable with change, you Conveniently for Nelson, her efforts aligned Clinic and learned the benefi ts of don’t belong in nursing,” said Nelson, who with the opening of the baccalaureate getting to know patients well. She graduated from Bemidji State University nursing being developed at BSU. saw them when they fi rst came to in 1986 with only the second group of the clinic, assisted during procedures and students to complete a Bachelor of Science The new program was constantly breaking followed up with them after surgery. degree in nursing. She was 38 years old at ground, she said, trying fresh approaches the time. and providing highly relevant learning opportunities. After a visit to BSU a few Back to school for master's years ago, Nelson noted that BSU’s Night classes and carpools “amazing and wonderful simulation lab” Nelson returned to school, at the College of St. Scholastica in Duluth to earn a master's Before deciding to seek the degree, she showed the program was still innovative. degree in management in 1996. Throughout was working as a licensed practical nurse in Nelson, who now lives in Woodbury, was her studies, she did homework with her Bemidji while her daughter and son were quick to point out that while access to children at the kitchen table and looks back young. A single remark from a colleague, a technology is crucial, the personal attention on those times with gratitude for her woman physician, changed her life. she received from BSU professors was even husband, Paul. “You could do what I am doing,” the doctor more important. She found teachers and "Fortunately, I have a husband who told her. A few weeks later, Nelson was mentors willing to share their experiences supported me and wasn't afraid to use the enrolled at Bemidji State. and knowledge. vacuum and fi ll the dishwasher," Nelson “What could be better than to have your “I had been thinking about going back to said. school to become a registered nurse on and teachers make themselves available to After their children graduated and moved off for years,” she said, “It was that one ensure the success of your educational away, the couple moved to Chapel Hill, N.C., little thing that tipped me over the edge.” experience?” she said. “The human element makes the difference.” where she accepted a position as manager Nelson began taking English classes at of the Ambulatory Surgery Center at the Nelson’s education and pioneering spirit night to fulfi ll her general education University of North Carolina Chapel Hill. requirements. At that time, BSU did not prepared her to balance the “human

32 | BEMIDJI STATE UNIVERSITY “What could be better than to have your teachers make themselves available to ensure the success of your educational experience? The human element makes the difference.”

– STELLA NELSON '86

and potential problems, as well as contribute her “what if” ideas.

“As clinical support, we sit down with the engineers to see what the app is doing — what could be done to make it better,” she said.

Nelson enjoys the challenge of working with 20-something engineers who have never been in an operating room. They sometimes come up with cool ideas that would not be cool in a delivery room, she said. Likewise, she and other clinicians ask Stella Nelson on June 2 holds an iPad that uses an app she is helping refi ne for Gauss Surgical. the engineers to fi nd ways to make the The app photographs surgical sponges to assess patient blood loss. method more user friendly.

“We challenge each other,” Nelson said. Stepping into consultant's role Her fi rst clinical/technology collaboration led to her most recent opportunity. A former RF In 2001, Nelson became a project manager Surgical employee with whom she worked is Emphasis on communication skills in the Surgical Services Division at UNC. She now on the sale force of Gauss Surgical of was part of a team that conducted a formal She credits her nursing degree at BSU with Los Altos, Calif. This startup has developed trial of a system using radio frequencies to preparing her to thrive in work with an innovative blood monitoring system detect overlooked surgical sponges in cutting-edge technology. The in-depth called Triton — essentially an iPad app that patients, thus minimizing potential errors education and insight into human physical photographs used surgical sponges to from manual counting. The yearlong, and psychological systems informs her estimate blood loss. 2,500-patient study resulted in no retained critical thinking to this day, she said. Prior to this FDA-approved system, doctors sponges. She also is grateful to her English profes- could only make an educated guess about In 2012, RF Surgical Systems of Bellevue, sors, particularly the late Margaret blood loss, which affects recovery time and Wash., which developed the sponge-detec- Thorbeck, for helping her hone her writing medication. Nelson said the new method tion system, asked Nelson to join them as a and communication skills — something enables more accurate, real-time analysis consultant. She helped the company, later she believes today’s students should make that may prove signifi cant during childbirth, acquired by Medtronic, conduct further trials a priority. including vaginal delivery, Caesarean to refi ne and implement the technology. sections and other procedures where risk “I was challenged to open my senses and Also as a consultant, Nelson has spoken at of blood loss can be high. develop greater critical-thinking skills,” national conferences to educate audiences Nelson said. “I learned to look beyond what In her consulting role, Nelson works with about the potential impact of retained was right in front of me.” sponges on patients and medical facilities. engineers to identify clinical applications

www.BemidjiState.edu | 33 Computer science professor Dr. Marty Wolf discusses on April 12 in Memorial Hall. 2016-17 Student Senate course options with an incoming freshman at Academic President Kayley Schoonmaker strikes a pose during Advising & Registration on March 24. Graduate De-Stress with Pets on April 26 in the lower Hobson Nicole Valsich and her service dog, Buddy, prepare Union. 2017-18 Student Senate President Ash Hullah for Commencement at the Sanford Center on May 5. makes a point on April 5 during a debate on KBSU-TV. Saxophonist instructor Benjamin Cold Honors Program graduates show off their stoles performs with the BSU Wind Ensemble on April 23. on May 4. President Faith Hensrud snaps a selfi e State Sen. Justin Eichorn meets with students with the Class of 2017 as she begins her welcome address

34 | BEMIDJI STATE UNIVERSITY on May 5 in the Sanford Center. Faculty share experiences during a Jan. 5 “Teaching Today” workshop on millennial students in Bridgeman Hall. Nepalese students Alisha Ghaju, left, and Neshina Giri from share their cultural heritage at Festival of Nations on April 7 in the Beaux Arts Ballroom. Kathryn Freyberg chooses her date during the BSU Opera production “Speed Dating Tonight” on March 3 in the Main Theatre.

www.BemidjiState.edu | 35 CLASSTowns are in Minnesota unless noted. NOTES Alumni names appear in bold. Send information to [email protected] or call toll free: (877)278-2586. ... Jacob Winter of ... Allison (Kluver) Albert Lea has joined Beach is teaching the staff of the Wells kindergarten at the Mirror newspaper as elementary school a general reporter in Parkers Prairie, ... Jack Myers of where she lives ’16 Carole Holm Brainerd joined Baratto Jacob WInter with her husband, Allison Beach teaches fourth grade Brothers Construction Matthew, and two in the Ulen-Hitterdal as a residential project young children. school system. A manager ... Tom Tessier resident of Ulen, she is a project engineer also coaches the in the Bemidji offi ce ’14 Chloe Streeper of Mandan, N.D., C-squad volleyball of Kraus-Anderson will spend two weeks this summer team at the high Construction ... Carolyn as a volunteer physical therapist in school ... Carol Carole Holm Sem has been hired Guatemala, where (Thompson) Vik is as an administrative Carolyn Sem she will fi t patients Indian education assistant at Dominium, for wheelchairs, coordinator for an apartment development and canes and crutches; the Bagley School management company based in Plymouth help build a school; District. Vik, who ... Courtney Johnson was hired as a and work with previously held preschool teacher at St. Timothy’s Catholic disabled children. positions for the School in Maple Lake. Streeper is a doctoral

White Earth and Red Carol Vik Chloe Streeper student in the Lake tribal councils, physical therapy has three children, two stepchildren ’15 Katrina Hess is a new employee of program at the University of Mary and three foster children. She and her the Warren-Alvarado-Oslo School District, in Bismarck, N.D. She is engaged to husband, Gary, live in Mahnomen ... where she has a fi fth-grade classroom former BSU student Nathan Sandberg, Missy Mickelson is teaching second grade while also teaching science and math for who works as an environmental and at St. Henry’s Area fourth-, fi fth- and operations support technician for a School in Perham. She sixth-graders. She road construction company. They are lives in Frazee with makes her home in planning an October wedding ... Cal her husband, Alex, Warren ... Megan Oldenburg has earned water treatment and three children, Bergeson has joined plant and wastewater treatment ages 10 to 13 ... Erica the West Central operator certifi cations from the state of Trafas commutes Tribune in Willmar North Dakota. He lives in Watford City from Brainerd to teach as a marketing and works for the city of New Town. Ryan Pietruszewski second grade at Nisswa consultant. She Katrina Hess Both communities are in North Dakota Elementary School ... previously worked ... Charlie Stier is Ryan Pietruszewski is as a graphic designer teaching band and a sports writer covering and advertising choir at Browerville area high schools and consultant at Clara High School, where other sporting events City and Raymond he also works with at the Echo Press in newspapers ... the district’s 5-12 Alexandria, where he Jacklin Hedtke Band, 7-12 choir, Jennie Buegler is teaching sixth drama department, now resides ... Jennie Megan Bergeson Charlie Stier Buegler has joined grade at Fairfax pep band, jazz the staff at Bank Middle School in the band and pop singers. He and his wife, Forward in Bemidji as Gibson-Fairfax-Winthrop School District. Laura, live in Eagle Bend ... Jordan Oien a personal banker ... She previously served as a kindergarten has moved from preclinical to clinical Chanel Gangestad of teacher in Willmar ... Anne Jo Voorhees studies at Northwestern Health Science Brainerd is teaching is a preschool instructor at Kingsland University, where he is studying second grade at Nisswa Elementary School in Spring Valley. She chiropractic. He lives in Bloomington Chanel Gangestad Elementary School lives in Chatfi eld with her husband, Jordan and plans to graduate in one year ...

36 | BEMIDJI STATE UNIVERSITY

’12 Dr. Krista In December Professional outdoor Blomdahl is serving as photographer Benjamin Olson ’12 had a chiropractor at the an image of a yawning fox selected as Minser Chiropractic the winner in the wildlife category of the Clinic in St. Cloud. Windland Smith Rice International Awards Blomdahl, who lives competition conducted by Nature’s Best in Sartell, is certifi ed Dr. Krista Blomdahl Photography magazine. Taken on the in performing the Gunfl int Trail, the photo was among 82 Webster Technique when working with selected for an exhibit at the Smithsonian pregnant women ... Tyler Bradseth is Museum of Natural History in Washington. teaching general biology, seventh-grade life The magazine annually receives 20,000 science, anatomy to 25,000 submissions for the competition and physiology from around the world. Shannon & Mason Walters in the Lac Qui Shannon (Thompson) Walters teaches Parle Valley K-4 physical education and seventh-grade school system. ’11 Ryan Johnson health in the Litchfi eld school system. Deborah, his has joined Morgan She also coached the girls’ basketball wife, operates an Stanley as a fi nancial team last season to an 18-10 record. online business advisor at the fi rm’s specializing in wealth management She and her husband, Mason, live in St. Tyler & Deborah Bradseth Augusta. He works in dental sales for designing covers offi ce in Duluth. He Henry Schein, a worldwide distributor of for books, www.tugboatdesign.net. They has nearly fi ve years medical, dental and live in Madison ... Bryce Tesdahl teaches of experience in the AlexAndra & Ryan Johnson veterinary supplies physical education at New Prague High fi nancial fi eld with ... Jill Wittrock is School. He also guided the boys’ Edward Jones. His wife, AlexAndra (Ehlert, the new oncology basketball team to an 18-4 record during his ‘14), is an executive leader at the Target care coordinator inaugural year as head coach. He lives in store in Duluth. The couple resides in at the Cuyuna New Prague. Hermantown and has a young child. Regional Medical

Center. Working at Jill (Pribyl) Wittrock the clinic in Crosby, CHELSEA FROEMKE '12 of Duluth was part of a she assesses patients’ needs, makes four-woman crew that raised $109,000 to help rebuild referrals and helps coordinate care. She the Wilderness Canoe Base, which lost half of its and her husband, Dennis, live in Ironton ... building to a forest fi re. The quartet earned the money from pledges given for each mile they canoed from the Veronica (Schmidt) Soine of Paynesville Boundary Waters Canoe Area to Hudson Bay. Froemke is a special education teacher in the Eden is a part-time youth minister at Gloria Dei Lutheran Valley-Watkins School District. Church and a full-time volunteer working with the homeless at the Loaves and Fishes Community.

’13 Rebecca Graves is executive director of the Leech Lake Area Boys and Girls Club, which conducts programs in Cass Lake, Walker and Deer River. Graves, who lives in Cass Lake, had served the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe in different capacities for 23 years. She has two children ... Justin Edmundson is the school resource offi cer for Grand Rapids police at Robert J. Elkington Middle School. An offi cer for three years, Edmundson also serves as the resource offi cer at the district’s elementary schools. He lives in Grand Rapids. { continued on next page }

www.BemidjiState.edu | 37 { continued from previous page } CLASS NOTES

’10 Jena Rosemore is the Gifted and married to Claire, and Talented Education teacher at Heart of the they live in Fergus Falls Lakes Elementary School in Perham. She with two young children lives in Ottertail with her husband, William ... Nic Johnson has been … Tyler Lehrke was inducted into the Park promoted to internal Rapids Athletic Hall of Fame this spring. auditor and compliance Lehrke lettered for the Panthers four years Nic Johnson offi cer at Security Bank in hockey and three years in basketball. He USA in Bemidji, where he continued playing hockey at Bemidji State, has worked since 2015. He is married to helping the Beavers win two conference Emily (Justin ’11), a library media specialist championships and advance to the NCAA at Red Lake Middle School. They live in Frozen Four tournament in Washington. He Bemidji with one young child ... G. Bradley lives in his hometown with his wife, Nicol, Nelson of Guthrie authored the book “A PAULSON FINDS CALLING and works as a carpenter with Tretbar Conversant Existence,” which presents an Construction in Osage. argument for the determination that God IN NATURE EDUCATION is real. He is married with three children

Bemidji State was a natural for Jess Paulson, who grew up ... Chris Citowicki has exploring the cedar wetlands around her Steamboat Lake ’09 Hannah Anderson recently opened joined the coaching home near Laporte. a home and gift boutique with a north staff at the University country theme called Compass Rose in of North Dakota, As a teen, she spent summers teaching other kids how to Bemidji, where she lives. She continues where he will be camp, canoe and live in the wilderness through Laketrails running her fi rm, assistant head coach Base Camp. Younique Marketing, of the women’s “(That) was an integral piece of my childhood and helped which works with soccer team. Citowicki Chris Citowicki nurture my love for nature and teaching others about its clients in branding, previously served wonders,” Paulson said. marketing, social media as head coach at St. management and Catherine University The two-time Bemidji State graduate still loves teaching other services ... Apryl for six years as well as others about the natural world. She is the science advisor at (Klaphake) Fischer is Hannah Anderson assistant coach at both Jane Goodall Environmental Sciences Academy in Maple teaching eighth-grade Augsburg College and Lake, a public charter school for grades 6-12 that focuses on art, and her husband, project-based outdoor learning. Bemidji State. His wife, Jacob, teaches Aryn (Sillman ’06), “My students are my favorite part of my job,” said Paulson, industrial technology at oversees the training Angela Liedke who has 21 students in grades six through 10 and serves on Sauk Centre Secondary program for the Emily the school’s fi nance and personnel committees. School. Both also Program, a national leader in the treatment have duties in the of eating disorders. The couple resides In 2009, she earned her bachelor’s degree in environmental district’s agricultural studies from BSU, with an emphasis on outdoor education Apryl Fischer in Grand Forks ... Angela Liedke is now classroom. The couple and a minor in space studies. She was a teaching assistant in serving as director of member engagement geology and founding president of the Bemidji State recently moved from at the Bemidji Chamber of Commerce. Women’s Rugby Club, through which she met her husband, Wyoming to Sauk She previously worked at the chamber as Tyler, a player on the men’s team. Centre with their two special events coordinator and will now young children ... Zach focus on member retention, the Young Paulson spent a year studying environmental education at Stich has been named Professionals Network, volunteers and the the University of Minnesota Duluth, working as a graduate managing editor of Chamber Ambassadors. She lives in Bemidji assistant with the Great Lakes Worm Watch, and went on to the Fergus Falls Daily ... Jesse Bullock is teaching social studies in earning a master’s in education online from BSU in 2013. Jacob Fischer Journal. He had worked the Sebeka school system, where he also Her thesis involved development of an expansive invasive for the newspaper will serve as an assistant coach for girls’ species curriculum, drawing on the connection between as sports editor since softball. He previously taught social studies Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge and a nearby school. 2012 and also coached for four years at Stephen-Argyle Central football at Minnesota School … Rob Gamache was recognized as “I evaluated students’ behavior, attitude and knowledge State Community and towards the environment before and after curriculum a Top Teacher by Fox 9 News in the Twin Technical College in implementation,” Paulson said. “Being dubbed the ‘worm girl’ Cities. Nominated by a parent of a student, in some of my naturalist circles, I am always drawn to expand Fergus Falls. He is Gamache teaches English language arts at Zach Stich the invasive species learning of each place I have worked.”

38 | BEMIDJI STATE UNIVERSITY

Lincoln Elementary ’06 Mychal Stittsworth received a School for the Arts $10,000 prize from the IDEA competition to in Anoka. He also develop a new business plan for his company. teaches an after- Stittsworth, who operates Stittsworth Meats school literacy in Bemidji, will use the funding to buy a program called USDA-inspected mobile slaughtering unit, Neighborhood which will allow his company to go directly Bridges. His to the farmer to process meat. Stittsworth Rob and Rosemary Gramache wife, Rosemary lives in Bemidji with (Hanggi), works at General Mills as a social his wife, Danielle, and media engagement supervisor. The couple two grade-school lives in Champlin. aged children ... Katie (LaPorte) Heisserer has been promoted to LEFFELMAN HUNTS FOR ’08 Christopher Lian is teaching third director of Bridges of grade at Newfolden Elementary School. He Hope, a faith-based, CRIME’S MISSING PIECES Katie Heisserer also serves as the nonprofi t connecting Michelle (Schlotfeld) Leffelman compares her job as a families in crisis with assets to strengthen, assistant baseball detective in the Bemidji Police Department to putting coach in the district. stabilize and support their needs. She together a complicated puzzle, only without the box as a He and his wife, Kayla, has served the organization in several guide and often several missing pieces. live in Thief River Falls capacities since 2004, most recently as the with their three young development manager. Her husband, Nick Leffelman has been recognized for work on two high-profi le cases of deadly domestic violence. In children. (‘04), is enrollment services director for February 2015, a woman was killed in Bemidji by her Central Lakes College. The couple has two Christopher Lian boyfriend, who fl ed the scene. He was apprehended, and elementary-age children and makes their Leffelman’s investigative efforts helped send him to home in Pillager ... Brandon Boyd of Warroad ’07 Denae (Fisher) Alamano was named prison. She received the Outstate Excellence in Perfor- executive director of the United Way of the has changed law enforcement jobs, ending mance Award from the Minnesota Association of Women Bemidji Area after serving as the senior a nine-year career with the Warroad Police Police. community manager in northern Minnesota Department and becoming a deputy with the for the American Roseau County Sheriff’s Department, where She then assisted in solving an October 2015 crime in which another woman was killed and her body taken to a Cancer Society he had also worked part-time for three remote site, where the remains were burned. Several since 2012. She is years. He and his wife, Kristen, have three people with the Bemidji police and the state Bureau of married to Orlando young children. Criminal Apprehension gathered evidence, and three men (’09), who works were convicted and imprisoned. The team received the at Security Distinguished Service Award from the Minnesota Chiefs Insurance USA in ’05 of Police Association. Bemidji, where the Sally (Ohman) couple lives with Heier teaches fi rst “We knew there was more than one person involved,” Denae and Orlando Alamano Leffelman said of the latter case. “We had to make sure their two toddlers. grade in Little Falls, we had a solid case on each of the suspects before we where her husband, went to trial.” Matt, was recently BRENDA FRITZ ’07 of Plymouth is playing named postmaster. A 2000 BSU grad, Leffelman started in the Marshall Police Matt and Sally Heier for the Minnesota Vixen, a professional women’s The couple resides Department before moving to Bemidji as a patrol offi cer. football team. Now in their 19th season, the Vixen in Little Falls with She also worked as a school liaison offi cer and in fi eld play in the 15-team Independent Women’s Football their four children, training before being promoted to detective in 2013. At League, a full-contact, tackle all under 10 … Jason any given time, her caseload has 40 puzzles to solve, with circuit with a schedule that Groth is a reporter who assignments covering all types of crime. runs from April through now covers sports for “I am a very competitive person, and this is my competi- June. A cornerback and the Wadena Pioneer wide receiver for the tive outlet,” said Leffelman, who lives in Bemidji with her Journal and the Perham husband, Jeremy (’98) and their four children. “It is hard squad, Fritz is an assis- Focus. Groth spent 10 not to take it personally until I can solve a case for the tant manager of Three Jason Groth years in Grand Rapids families.” Stars Sportscards. covering sports for newspapers and radio in Grand Rapids before moving to Perham. { continued on next page } www.BemidjiState.eduwww.BemidjiState.edu | 39 { cocontinuedntinued frfromom previpreviousous page } CLASS NOTES

’04 Mandie Aalto is executive director ’02 Stephanie (Graham) Winjum of Advocates for Family Peace, which returned to her supports victims of domestic abuse in hometown to work as Itasca County and part of St. Louis County the business manager in northeast Minnesota. Aalto had served of the Frazee-Vergas the organization in a variety of capacities, School District, where most recently as business manager. She she oversees fi nances and her husband, Daniel, live in Grand and budgets. Winjum Rapids with their four young children ... previously held the Tyler Burke has been promoted to sergeant same position at Stephanie Winjum in the Crow Wing County Sheriff’s Offi ce. Pelican Rapids. She Burke, who lives in Cross Lake, has been and her husband, with the department 10 years, including Mike, live in Perham KAHMANN OFFERS HOPE stints as a dispatcher and a deputy. He with their two young also is a part-time offi cer for the Shore children ... David TO YOUNG IMMIGRANTS Lake Police Department ... Rick Looker Hanson has been When Katy Kahmann graduated from Bemidji State in was inducted into the appointed to serve 1980, she immediately began working as a customs Northland Community as the Clearwater David Hanson inspector at U.S. ports of entry. and Technical College County Attorney. Athletic Hall of Fame. Hanson, who was an assistant attorney in She then became an inspector with Immigration and Now enrolled in a the offi ce prior to being elevated to the Naturalization Services. The formation of Homeland graduate program at top post, brings several years in private Security in 2003 merged both into the current U.S. Customs the University of North practice as well as four years of county and Border Protection agency. Dakota in Grand Forks, Rick Looker experience to the job. He and his wife, Julie, Kahmann eventually landed in the deferred inspections Looker completed a have three preschool offi ce at Boston’s Logan International Airport, where the prestigious career of offi ciating hockey children and live in most diffi cult immigration cases ended up. She typically that included games in the World Bemidji ... Scott Wolla dealt with lawful residents returning to the United States Championships, German Elite League and is a senior economic who had a record of a conviction. Some were paroled for a tournaments in Asia and Europe ... Blake education specialist hearing and others were deported. Johnson teaches ninth-grade physical at the Federal She studied the law while enforcing it, eventually earning science and seventh-grade STEM classes at Reserve Bank of St. a law degree. Kahmann retired in 2015 and opened a South Ridge School in Culver. He spends his Louis, Mo. A former summers traveling as a wildland fi refi ghter teacher of history and private practice that included pro bono work for youth or Scott Wolla young adults seeking to remain in the United States to for the DNR. He lives in Duluth with his economics at Hibbing avoid persecution or danger in their home country. wife, Stephanie, and their children. High School, Wolla now develops personal fi nance curricula and gives presentations on “Now I’m on the other side of the fence,” she said. topics related to social studies, economics “Besides being neglected or abused, these kids have all James Jotter of Hibbing is the and personal fi nance education. He and his witnessed gang violence, and two had people murdered ’03 on their doorstep.” principal of Mountain Iron-Buhl High wife, Dawn, live in St. Louis and raised two School. He previously children … Aron Levandowski and his wife, They are so desperate, they endanger their lives trying to was principal at the Jena, have started the reach relatives in the United States. Federal regulations Mesabi Academy ... Levandowski Pottery allow those who were harmed in their own country to seek Steven Kovacic was studio in Dassel, where asylum or some other status. Kahmann’s work involves nominated by students they live. A potter, helping these individuals stay in the United States. to be considered for the Jena gave Aron a “I work with the small percentage that has relief available Professional Excellence gift membership at a to them by law,” she said. “They have a chance to become in Service Award from Steven Kovacic studio in Minneapolis legal. It is much better for them to have a secure start, and Minnesota State. A law to learn the art. The better for our economy if they are legal, work and pay enforcement teacher at Hibbing Community couple started creating Aron Levandowski taxes. It is humbling when you see the impact this has on College, he was one of 31 nominated from functional pieces, and someone’s life.” the state universities, community colleges in 2003 sold their fi rst works. Now they go and technical colleges in Minnesota. He through four to fi ve tons of clay each year Kahmann lives in Middleton, Mass., with her husband, Matt and his wife, Kym, live in Bemidji. Farrell. They have three adult children. to keep up

4040 | BEMIDJI STATE UNIVERSITY

with demand. Aron also works in graphic ’98 Travis Hensch is teaching design and marketing at American Time and high school English at Parkers Prairie Signal Company in Dassel. They have two High School after spending time in the young children. classroom and administrative offi ces at New York Mills, Wadena-Deer Creek and Northome. His wife, Shana (Pazdernik), ’00 Gail Larson retired following a 28- teaches science at Sebeka High School. year career with North Valley Public Health, They and their family of three children a primary-care facility consisting of a critical- live in Henning ... Jeremy Leffelman care hospital and clinic in Warren. Larson was a fi nalist in the performed a variety of duties, retiring as its IDEA competition, a public health director. She lives in Warren program that helps with her husband, entrepreneurs in Don. They raised three northwest Minnesota POST-RETIREMENT JOB children ... Nick Hudson achieve innovative is co-owner of Success approaches to their PULLS RESLAND ABROAD Fitness in Maplewood. business plan. He Jeremy Leffelman By the time he retired in 2015, Dr. Randy Refsland had Hudson and the staff are received a $1,000 done just about everything a person could do in education. developing a television prize to develop Raptor Rack, a universal program, tentatively system allowing users to mount The 1981 graduate of Bemidji State taught 18 years at the Nick Hudson called “Give Me specifi cally designed attachments to any high school and college levels in such subjects as world and U.S. history, psychology, law and geography. He coached Strength,” to showcase interaction between ATV, UTV or vehicle. Leffelman is director three sports. He spent nine years as a principal and fi nished trainees and trainers. He lives in White Bear of the 360 Manufacturing and Applied as a superintendent for seven years. Lake ... Jon Passer is a commercial loan Engineering Center of Excellence, based offi cer at Security State Bank in Aitkin. He is at BSU. He and his wife, Michelle (2000), Somehow, Refsland snuck in a year at an educational a former City Council member in McGregor, live in Bemidji with their four children foundation in China, helping students prepare for where he lives with his wife, Sara, and their ... Cameron Koenen is teaching band at college-level courses in the United States. three children ... Marty Costello has been Bertha-Hewitt school after having taught His varied resume led to Bahrain, an island nation in the named offensive line coach for the Winnipeg various subjects in Boulder, Colo., and Persian Gulf between Saudi Arabia and Qatar. The Bahrain Blue Bombers Leeds, N.D. Bayan School needed a director general for its pre- professional football school-through-secondary program. team. Costello moved to Winnipeg after two ’97 Cathy (Paslawski) Osterman “I had a wonderful experience in China during the 2012-13 years as an assistant is interim executive director of the school year,” Refsland said of his motivation to return coach at Wisconsin- Northfi eld Historical Society, where she overseas. “People are people, no matter where they are Stevens Point and developed exhibits, catalogued the city from, what language they speak, what religion they worship or what clothes they wear.” three years as Marty Costello of Northfi eld collection and managed offensive coordinator educational programs for fi ve years. Her He proved a good fi t for the school in Bahrain, where and offensive line coach at Valley City State husband, Brian (’97), works in sales for students speak Arabic and English. A self-contained facility, College in North Dakota. Minnesota Pipe & Equipment. They live it is independent, non-profi t and co-educational. in Dundas ... Norma Graduating students receive an international baccalaureate Thorstad Knapp has diploma, and 75 percent go to college in the United ’99 Dan Jones authored two books in Kingdom, the United States or Canada, with the remainder gave a presentation retirement. “Missing enrolled at colleges in the Gulf Region. in March on Ojibwe My Best Friend” is “China helped me understand that every country is spiritual practices a book for children different, and expecting the same conditions as we fi nd in and how history has experiencing loss and the U.S. is a mistake,” Refsland said. “I learned about being affected them during a grief. Her second, fl exible in everything — travel, food, living conditions and program at the Grand “Scoria Roads: Twenty Norma Knapp expectations.” Rapids Area Library. Dan Jones Houses in Twenty-One Years,” is a memoir He is completing the fi rst year of a three-year contract in He teaches Ojibwe at Fond du Lac Tribal and and comparative studies contrasting Bahrain. He and his wife, Jie Fang-Refsland, have fi ve adult Community College in Cloquet, where he growing up in western North Dakota children. When not overseas, they reside in Milton, Wis. lives with his wife, Gail. The couple has four in the 1940s-60s with the recent oil adult children. { continued on next page }

www.BemidjiState.eduwww.BemidjiState.edu | 4141 { coccontinuedntn inued frfromomo previpreviousous papagegee } CLASS NOTES

boom. It earned the Heritage Education ... Marta Underthun Commission’s annual Beverly Paulson Family received the History Award. Knapp retired following Exceptional Educator work as a registered nurse, educator and Award from the crisis counselor. A resident of Alexandria, Western Bank for her she has two grown work in the Cass Lake- children ... Tim Longie, Bena school system. a social studies Underthun has worked Marta Underthun teacher at Hutchinson 21 years in the district, High School for 20 with the past 18 spent teaching years, has begun fi rst grade. his second stint as head coach of the Tim Longie BESSER FINDS COMFORT Hutchinson boys' golf ’95 Josh Bettcher was inducted into the team. Now that his Bulldog Hall of Fame IN PROTECTING WATERS three children are older, he returned to at Lester Prairie High Steve Besser fi nds comfort just about any time he’s in the the links. He and his wife, Laura, live in School for winning great outdoors, and he says nothing is more therapeutic Hutchinson …. Todd Williams, an outdoor 13 letters in fi ve than water. and action photographer based in Venice sports. Among his Beach, Calif., and Jackson Hole, Wyo., was honors were twice “Woods and water are my psychologists,” Besser said. nominated in the 2017 Daytime Emmy captaining the football “Especially water. I love being on it, looking into a clear, Awards' Outstanding Special Class — Short team, being named Josh Bettcher northern lake and hearing waves hitting the boat.” Format Daytime Program category for "The conference MVP three His affi nity for Minnesota's greatest natural resource was American Dream Project" on Netfl ix. years in basketball, and participating in the one reason Gov. Mark Dayton appointed the attorney to state track meet. He now teaches biology serve as the fi shing representative on the state Water in Detroit Lakes schools and is an assistant Council, and his BSU education contributed as well. ’96 Jason Carlson is the new coach in football, as well as the junior high administrator at CentraCare Health in basketball coach. His wife, Kimberly (Algoe A native of Frost, just 10 miles north of the Iowa border, Paynesville. A licensed LPN and nursing ’96), is marketing director at the Detroit Besser was drawn to Bemidji State by his interest in the home administrator, he previously served Lakes Community and Cultural Center. They outdoors and biology. He furthered his study at North as CEO of Lutheran Sunset have three school-aged children and live Dakota State University. After exploring employment options, he decided to become a lawyer. Home in Grafton, N.D. in Frazee. After returning to Grafton “I thought about environmental law but really got on weekends, he, his wife interested in tort law,” the 1979 BSU graduate said. “I have Renee, and two young ’94 Lisa (Kavanaugh) Barnett joined described myself as a biologist gone bad after abandoning children will be relocating MicroNet as its chief operating offi cer science for the law.” to Paynesville over the after serving Atomic Learning in a similar Now a partner in the general practice fi rm of Dolan & Jason Carlson summer …. Derek Hanson management Besser, he lives in Litchfi eld with his wife, Tracey. They was slotted into a prime position. Located in have two adult children. broadcast niche when Nisswa, MicroNet is KFGO radio in Grand Forks a leading developer The Water Council advises Minnesota government on created the “Afternoons of management implementation of the Clean Water Legacy Act, which is a Live with Derek Hanson” software allowing major undertaking with, more than $200 million in show that airs daily from chambers of recommendations for the 2018-19 biennium alone. 2-5 p.m. Hanson will commerce and other Lisa Barnett “By using the term ‘clean water,’ nobody in this state will discuss current local and organizations to run Derek Hanson argue with you,” Besser said, hinting at the complexity of national topics, politics their associations effectively. Lisa and her stakeholders and opinions involved in the issue. “My and sports. KFGO is the top AM station in husband, Ryan, reside in Brainerd with one assigned task is to report what is important to fi shing the Fargo-Moorhead market. Hanson also teenager ... Mike Bauck was named Teacher interests.” broadcasts an occasional evening radio of the Year for Bertha-Hewitt School. During program titled “Couch Potato” and writes his 17-year tenure in the business classroom, He remembers advice from his father, an educator and fi nancial advisor who encouraged him to stand up for his a weekly “Couch Potato” column for the he taught personal fi nance, careers, desktop beliefs and give back. “Clean water is not just good for us,” newspaper in Barnesville, where he lives. publications, accounting, technology and Besser said. “It is essential for life on Earth.”

42 | BBEMIDJIEMIDJI STATE UNIVERSITY

even gaming. Roseau and raised ’79 Ruth During that three children, (Runyan) Hayden time he also including Machaela, was inducted into coached who is attending the Minnesota State football and BSU and majoring High School Coaches basketball, in education ... John Association Hall of earning Damjanovich is Fame. Hayden, who two Girls’ John Damjanovich vice president and teaches physical Ruth Hayden Terri & Mike Bauck Basketball commercial real education and health Park Region estate loan offi cer for Northrim Bank in in the Ada-Borup school system, stepped Conference Coach of the Year Awards. His Anchorage, Alaska. He has more than 27 down this year after coaching volleyball for wife, Teri (Hanson), teaches second grade years of experience in the fi nancial sector 36 years and track and fi eld for 37 years. in New York Mills, where they live with with banks and companies in Minnesota. She was named the region track and fi eld their three children. He lives in Eagle River, Alaska, with his Coach of the Year eight times, and her wife Karen. They have a blended family volleyball accomplishments included eight of four adult children. trips to the state tournament and an overall ’92 Nancy (Marcotte) Williams of record of 730-248. She and her husband, Owatonna received the Community Change Dan, live in Ada, where they raised two Award presented by the Steele County ’85 Randy Tabatt was named children. Safe and Drug Free Coalition. Williams is Employee of the Month by the Little the Owatonna High School social worker Falls Chamber of Commerce. Tabatt has and also serves as the advisor for the spent 32 years teaching social studies, ’78 Jerry Cleveland was inducted organization, Students Helping Others psychology, sociology and ethics at into the Hall of Fame for the Minnesota Choose. She was selected to receive the the city’s high school. He and his wife, chapter of the National Wrestling Coaches. award for her dedication to the wellness of Lynn, have two adult children and live in A longtime mat mentor at Cass Lake-Bena youth and promotion of a safe community. Little Falls. schools who also led programs at Elbow She and her husband, Jeff, have two Lake and Cambridge, he coached 38 state teenage children. entrants and 14 place winners in Minnesota ’81 Ken Hauan of Greenwood, Ind., tournaments as well as nine entrants with will retire from teaching at the end of three place winners during one year in ’90 Mark Franta the current school year. Hauan has spent Onida, S.D. He lives in Bena. of Winnebago was the past 26 years as choir director and selected Teacher of the vocal music teacher at Columbus East Year in the Blue Earth High School. His choir won one state ’77 Ric Dressen is retiring as School District. Franta choral title and was superintendent of the Edina School District is in his 36th year selected to perform after serving in that post for 11 years. of teaching physical at Carnegie Hall in Dressen’s career started in the elementary science, physics and New York City … classroom 40 years Mark Franta ecology, mostly in Blue Dr. Jane Harmon is ago and included stops Earth. He and his wife, serving as interim as superintendent in Mary, have six chancellor of the Alexandria and Waconia. adult children. Yosemite Community His public service Dr. Jane Harmon College District, which included running the is based in Modesto, statewide Minnesota Brenda (Blomberg) Dahl was Calif., and includes two institutions. ’86 Ric Dressen Education Finance named Roseau Teacher Harmon began her career with stops Reform Task Force under of the Year. A third- in Minnesota and New York before former Governor Tim Pawlenty; leading grade teacher at relocating to California in 2001, where the Superintendency Institute to provide Roseau Elementary she has held administrative positions at ongoing training for administrators; and School, she has taught several colleges, including Gavilan, Kern serving as director of the University of in the district for 27 and Contra Costa. She and her husband, St. Thomas Board of Engineering. He and years. Dahl and her Roger Kemp, live in Los Angeles. his wife, Kerry, live in Edina and have two

husband, Mike, live in Brenda Dahl grown children.

{ continued on next page }

www.BemidjiState.edu | 43 IN MEMORIAM in order of class year { continued from previous page } Stai, Conrad ’39, Montevideo Wright (Chilton), Lorraine ’41, Park Rapids Spaulding, Willis “Buster” ’47, Bemidji Stelter (Wickstrand), Emma ’48, Bemidji Olsen, Raymond ’51, Oak Park, Ill. Roy (Meinzer), Joan ’51, Ely Lake/Eveleth Roy, Sidney ’51, Ely Lake/Eveleth Hepola (Porkkonen), Sarah ’52, Perham Steinhauer (Landin), Marjorie ’53, Thief River Falls Grover, Patricia J. ’55, Spring Lake Park Engen, (Orin) Arvid ’57, Los Angeles, Calif. Ozment (Davis), Dianne ’57, Cathlement, Wash. ’76 Tom Westberg of Spring Lake ’69 Duane Carlson Marten, Dwaine "Marty" ’58, Moscow, Idaho Park had an exhibit of his art displayed at has been inducted into Roberts (Burton), Dianne M. ’58, Eveleth Melgeorge, Val ’59, Eveleth the Atrium Gallery the Centennial Hall of Scaife (Hansen), Bonnie Jean ’59, Minnetonka of the Bloomington Fame for 38 years of Cox, Martin E. ’60, Park Rapids Center for the Arts. distinguished service Stiglich (Karl), Arlene E. ’60, Hibbing Dye (Collins), Shirley A. ’61, Coon Rapids His paintings utilize as a teacher in the Price, Dennis L. "Tony" ’61, Burlington, Wis. the qualities of district that serves Schullo, John E. ’61, Bemidji both negative and Blaine, Centerville and Duane Carlson Schmidt, Delroy ’62, Great Falls, Mont. Matanich, Joseph T. ’63, Iron Mountain positive space found Circle Pines. He taught Dahlstrom, Allan ’64, Chaska in newsprint. His middle-school math for seven years before Haguen, Lowell G. ’64, Fosston Thomas Westberg Kangas, Rev. Norman ’65, Wolf Lake previous showings fi nished his career at the high school level. Knutson, Jon Henry ’65, International Falls included the Tweed He and his wife, Denise, reside in Circle Albrecht, Lee ’66, Bemidji Museum in Duluth and the Minnesota Pines and have three grown children. Burkman, Terrance H. ’66, Menahga Gajewski (White), Joan K. ’66, Solway Township State Fair. Rubash, Bonnie Jean ’66, Laporte Carlin, Mark ’67, Fosston Beryl (Paul) Wernberg retired Margaret Kern was featured in a Cary, Thomas D. ’67, Park Rapids ’72 ’67 Glade, Frederick ’67, Hastings as 911 communications supervisor in newspaper article that chronicled nearly Guida, Daniel P. ’67, Red Wing Beltrami County. Through more than 42 48 years she spent educating students in Johnson, Allan T. ’67, Fosston Ostlund, Emily J. ’67, Grand Rapids years in law enforcement, she handled the Wadena, Bluegrass and Sebeka areas. Abelson, Glenn C. ’68, Zimmerman calls to the Bemidji Fire Department, Kern began teaching at age 16 in a country Boyd (Heather), Charlotte ’68, Verndale Bemidji Police Department and Beltrami school before earning a degree from BSU Hanson, Marvin D. "Marv" ’68, Grand Rapids Haugen, Sharon "Sherry" ’68, St. Cloud County Sheriff’s Offi ce. She and her that allowed her to take a position in Krohn (Salvevold), Sandra A. ’68, Bemidji husband, Myron, live in Bemidji and have Sebeka, which she held until retiring after Sawyer, Edward A. ’68, La Crescent a blended family of two adult children. the 1986 school year. Her only break from Miller (Paulson), Anna ’69, Aitken Panian, Dean D. ’69, Tower the classroom was two years in the mid- Todd, Glora G. ’69, Deer River 1950s when she was recuperating from Erickson, Jeannette ’70, Roseau Rich Glas became the 95th head a stroke. A widow, she and her husband Ferraro (Bonacci), Janette ’70, Cohasset ’70 Haavisto, Douglas ’70, Pine City men’s basketball coach in NCAA history raised seven children from their farm in James, Richard J. ’70, Britt to record 600 wins when his Concordia Bluegrass. Rouzer, Daniel B. ’70, Fergus Falls Soboleski (Walls), Renee ’70, International Falls Cobbers beat St. Olaf last December. Trout, Lorraine ’70, Browerville Glas, who retired Thompson, David A. ’71, Bemidji this spring with a Bob Brunfelt was inducted into the Wourms, Randy R. ’71, Roseville ’62 Lilya (Severson), Marilyn ’72, Moose Lake career 608 wins, Mountain Iron-Buhl Football Hall of Fame. A Aitken, Roger ’73, Walker has coached for former educator and real estate broker, he Barnes nèe Orrison, Joyce E. ’73, East Grand Forks Murphy, Conrad ’73, Bemidji 47 years, 37 of competed in three sports for Mountain Iron Sonnee, Douglas D. ’73, Faribault those as a head and earned four letters in football, where Aaserude, Melvin ’75, Cass Lake coach at Minnesota he twice earned all-conference honors. He Backe, Jim ’75, Grand Rapids Hart (Gullekson), Cindy ’75, Apple Valley Morris, Willamette and his wife, Carol, live in Scandia and have Rich Glas Haugstad (Voelker), Elizabeth "Beth" ’75, Bemidji (Ore.) University, four adult children. Whitney (Colton), Helen A. ’75, Brandon, Fla. the University of Blais (Berryman), Mavel E. ’77, International Falls Fitch, Sr., Donald M. ’77, Tucson, Ariz. North Dakota and Concordia College. At Foster, Lyle E. ’77, Brainerd Bemidji State, he was a member of the Other John Buckanaga, youth Frazier, Daryl ’77, Detroit Lakes Kiewatt, Robert W. ’77, Bemidji fi rst team in history to notch an unbeaten services coordinator for Bemidji Area Stahl (Murphy), Olive ’79, Virginia conference season during the 1966-67 Schools, has been chosen as the Regional Weinberger (Wetherill), Nancy Jo ’79, Eden Prairie campaign. He and his wife, Sandy, are Community Educator of Excellence by Felix (Andol), Sara Jane ’80, Bemidji Klein, Thomas R. ’80, International Falls planning to move this summer from their the Minnesota Community Education Bryngelson, Karen ’81, Bemidji home in Moorhead to their lake cabin Association. A 20-year employee in Bemidji Wiens, Lorna M. ’81, Staples in Nevis and spend winters on the West Community Education, he has secured more Miller, Ronald R. ’82, Cohasset Gilman (Hermansen), Karen ’84, Maple Grove Coast near the family of one of their two than $5 million in grants for the district. He Ruud, Daniel ’84, Belle Plaine adult children. and his wife, Lisa, live in Bemidji. Christensen, Jeffrey ’85, Otter Tail Lake Ball (Dunning), Lois Mae ’86, Fosston Vant Hof, Joan K. ’89, Edgerton Inkel (Meyers), Vicki ’92, Bemidji Towns are in Minnesota unless noted. Alumni names appear in bold. Send CLASS NOTES Pederson, Geraldine L. ’92, Bemidji Haack, Judith ’94, Bemidji information and photos to [email protected] or call toll free: 1-877-BSU-ALUM. Swank (Kriner), Marilyn ’98, Aurora Maxwell, Clint ’13, Bemidji Johnson, Timothy W., Eagle Lake 44Tate, | BEMIDJI Daniel W., STATEBoca Raton, UNIVERSITY Fla. IN MARCH, THE BSU ALUMNI & FOUNDATION INVITED ALUMS TO SHARE THOUGHTS AND MEMORIES THAT REFLECT WHY THEY LOVE BEMIDJI STATE UNIVERSITY. HERE ARE EXCERPTS FROM SOME OF THE MANY RESPONSES:

“II lovedloved tthehe c campusamppususus a anda d the the ssmaller smallermaller cclass lalasclasssss ssisis sizess and the personal feelel ooff mmmyyy clcclasses.lassesseses. I camee bbaback backack frfrom fromoomm AlaAAlaskAlas Alaska,lassk wherhehererere I serious- ly considerednnsideredsideredsidered ggogoingo to schoolooll atat at UAAUAA, UAA,A, bb because oftthehe the ggreatreat accountingaccountaccoun program atatat BSUBSU. BSU.. SoSSoSSomemee of of mymy my fa favorite favoriteorite me memem memoriesmoriees are:are: are: Circlingg forff whath t f lt lfeltliklike iklikee h hoursho hoursurs o ooutsidetsidesideide DeckDDecker eckDeckerer HallHaHall Hallllin in inin s in s ss searrcrch of a parrkikikkininginn spacepacpaceacee –– aaandnndd beb beingeing excexe excexexcitedx edd whwhenw whenhen tththe htheee lalake lakekeke fifi fina nnna nallyy frozefrofrfro fr , d ffoou on oonn wwhichhich II bui bbuiltuiltl “It pprovproprrovidedoviovovi mee wwithiitth aa ssolidoolliid fofoufoundationu on which I built a beecaeccauseccaucaau it meanteaeantantnt leslelesslesssss ci circlincirclingcirclingrclrrcliclinng time hahankshanthanksnkkss tot oto tththeh theee llak alalakelak lake/parkingk ng ca tting,ing, smasmallallll c cc successfulsucsuccc careerr inin e educaeducateducation.ducat The setting, small classes lot;lloo ggetting stuck innin thethe thethe t ututtunnels when thee lights lights ww went out; a eaeatgreatatt provide me w ithth a po andnd greatgreat i instructorsinstructorstructor combinedmbined t toto provideprovprovide me with a posi- help preparereparerepare mmee forfforor thethe r rerer world.”world.world.” experieexperience.”experexperienceiencncee.” educationeducation thattthathat helpehelpedhelpehelp prepare me for the real world.” tiveiveve atatmospheret osmospherepherein inin w wwwhichchh to toto learn lelearn.learn.arn. JustJus JustJustt a agragre gregrgreat experience — ANGELAANGELA PINPINSONNEAULTPPININ ONNONNEAULTEAULT ’9’98,’98’98,988,8 YKKIKINS ’62, — ROBEERRRT LYK ANNCHORAGE,NNCC AGAGE,E, AALASKAALASKLASKSKA HUTTO,, TEXTEXASTEXASASS

“I havaveavve soo mmanymanany wwonderfuloonndederrfuful mmemories of professors, “First off,offff,f,, I metmetet mymmyy husbandhhusbandusbasband whiwwhilwhileh at BSU. That made the tim ul m morimoriesorieses ooff pprofessorsprofessors,rofessorsororss whwhili att BSU.BSBSUU. TThathaatt m madeadede ttht tth mem extra cclallaslaasses,assasss thee tutunnels!,nnnnells!!,, the iniincredibly beautiful positioning speciaciaialialal there.t ThThenTheThenen II l lovedolovedvevedd thethe small class sizes, especially when ththehe iin y beabebeautifulaututififulull poppospoos ththee lalassassss ssizes,iizeszes, eseespespespspe hehenenn ofo the campus oononn the thethe lak laklalake, being locked out of the dorm I gotgoot ddeeperd into mymyy major major.major. My professors knew me by name, and d outouto ofthe dor r. s knew m y , d (do theythey stillstill have have "hours"??), but No. 1 on my list has to tookttookk aa pers personalnal inter intereinterinterest in me as a person. I loved my time at BSU, urs"??),urs"??), butbbutut No. NNo.o .1 1 1onon on y lilistst hhasas ttoo n meas as aaperso person.person.n. II Ilo loedd my ttimeimee a atatt BSU,BSU BSU,, be thethe co college'sollegeollege's's (it (it(it w to andndd itit definit definitely nitelytely helpe h elpedhelpedhelpe shape me into the person waswass BSC forfforor mmeme)e) fifirst-e fir st-erst-erst-ever-e r European hape me iintointointo the thethe perpers persperer n I am today.” tour,toutourr,, oorchestratedorrchesttrratedted bby Professor Henriques. Six w ted ProfProfessorProfeesssor HHenriquesHenriqueenriqqueues x wew eks aboutabobouboutut $800, plus four credits in our major fi eld. It wafor — SARAH (DZIENGEL) NOVACEK ’07, $800, plppluluuss ededitsditsits iinn ouroourur m mmajmaaj RARAHH (DZI(D(DZIENZIIENEN NNOVACEKOVOVACEKACACEKEKK ’ openingnninging forfor m mmost of us small town kids.” wwawasas eye WHOO TEACHES FIFIFTHFIFTHFTH GRADE IN KARLSTAD ng for m of us small townown kids.kids. H KKARLSARLSTA

— SANDYSASANDNDY (M(MYRM(MYRMEL)(MYRMYRM HAECHREL ’68, RMEL)L) HAEHAECHRELHAECHRECHRELL ’’ 8, THETHHEE DADALLES,LLESS, OORE.O “I alwaysaalwallw feltt comccomfortableomforfortabtabllea aasking questions during class and wa ble a esestionsstionstionstions ddduringdurinurinuriurinng d wawass ableaba to connect with my classmates. I made friends at BSU in wwithith mmymyy es.s I mI madede ffr ends at BSUBSUU inin TrackTrack && F FieldFieldeld aand andnd frfro frofrfrommy my cocourses coursesursees iniinn in wwhat what hwhatat t 50 years w aat “I met myy wwwifeifeife (Ka (Kar(Kararren)) off l talmostalmost 5050 yyears earsyears now was calledcalled IndianInIndiandian StS Sttuddied ese backthen. It the “northoortrth Beemidji and Bemidji.BeBemmiiddji.i. WWee bbothothotothh e enjoye oyy vvisitingvis visitingisiititing the the “north “north”, Be waswas aactuallycttuallllyy ffromfrromom tthtthosee ccocouco rsesI de- of ouourur enn alalso thehee cacampusmmpuspus wwhwwhwhewhenhe possible.bble.le. BBo BothBothoth ofof ourour children a velopedlolopedopeopedped ssstrongttrorongngng wwwriting skillsllss b becbecausebecauseecause oof oofof y nngg ttthehe graduatedgradugraduauatedatedted ffromfrrrom Bemidji.j I mamademmadeadede mamanma manyn friends during t the technicaltecchnchnicalhnicaical languagelanguagelanguageanguageangu usedusedusedi iininintriba tribalall lawsllaws, laws,, in tou withwith seveseveral.severaseveral.”ral.” fourfour yeyeearse s anandd sstilltill k kkeepeeeepp in in tou toutouch with severa codescodes aandana regulatiregulationsegulationsegulationsons wewe had hadhad t totot understun unnderstandnderstand.and.” ERRERRYY FRFREDINEDINN ’’ 99, — TERRY FREDIN ’69, — PEEAEARLA WAWALKER-SWWALKER-SWANEYLKER-SW D TETECHNOLTETECHNOLCHCHNONONOL -SW EYY ’’1’ 1, RETIREDR TECHNOLOGY NATIVEVE NNATIONATIONSATTIOIOI REBUILDERSUIUILDERSILDERSLDERS PROGRAM, ON TEATEE RS M, ANDNDDC COCOCONSTRUCTION TEACHER, GRANDGRG ANA FORKS, N.D. WINDOM,WINWI OM,OM, WWIS.W S. D FORKS,FORFORKS,S, N.DN.DN.D.

www.BemidjiState.edu | 45 FRIDAY, SEPT. 22 SATURDAY, SEPT. 23 Come to the gala — and dance Parade in downtown Bemidji Friday night’s Honors Gala at the Sanford Center will People of all ages will gather and cheer from storefront continue the buzz generated at last year’s celebration of sidewalks and front yards for the traditional 11 a.m. parade the Imagine Tomorrow campaign. The Alumni & Foundation north on Beltrami Avenue from Second Street to 15th Street. All will honor alumni award winners and hear their inspiring are welcome to enter a fl oat, musical unit, student organization stories, recognize its most generous donors and share pride or community group – and especially to come downtown in Bemidji State and the positive difference it makes in the and watch. The parade will feature distinguished alumni, BSU world. Social hour will start at 5:30 p.m., with dinner and the President Dr. Faith Hensrud and a grand marshal. program beginning at 6:30 p.m. The evening will continue Before, during and after football with dancing to live music. Tickets are $50. Another Homecoming tradition is Beaver Bash Pre-Game Also Friday: Tailgating which will begin at noon in Diamond Point Park. • Alumni Leaders in the Classroom, various times and Bring your favorite food and beverages or enjoy what is campus locations TBD provided with a free-will offering. (Must be 21 to consume • BSU Alumni & Foundation Annual Meeting, morning, alcohol.) After the Beavers’ 2 p.m. game against Southwest campus location TBD Minnesota State, a football alumni reunion will be held in the Beaux Arts Ballroom, followed by a 5 p.m. Football Alumni • Beaver Pride Luncheon, 11:30 a.m., Upper Deck lounge, Social in BSU’s American Indian Resource Center. Other alumni Walnut Hall athletes should check with program coaches to determine whether gatherings are scheduled. New this year is a casual, all-years Greek (fraternity-sorority) Reunion & Social at 6 p.m. in the Beaux Arts Ballroom. Street Dance with The Front Fenders Barricades will close Beltrami Avenue between Third and Fourth streets for the 10th Annual Beaver Block Party/Street Dance. The Bemidji Area Alumni Chapter is bringing The Front Fenders back to keep things rockin’ with classic favorites from 8:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. Alumni are encouraged to get involved with planning and presenting this popular event that extends the Saturday celebration. (Must be 21 or older to attend.)

46 | BEMIDJI STATE UNIVERSITY 2017 CALENDAR JULY 13 BSU Night at the Races BSU Twin Cities Alumni Chapter, Canterbury Park, Shakopee 21 20th Annual Galen Nagle Memorial Golf Tournament 7 a.m. registration, 7:35 a.m. tee time; 11:30 a.m. registration, Football Cheer Team members walk in the 2016 Homecoming Parade on Oct. 15 12:30 p.m. tee time, Bemidji Town & Country Club 22 Sixth Annual Jeff “Bird” McBride Memorial Golf DATION SUNDAY, SEPT. 24 Tournament Carl O. Thompson Memorial Concert 11 a.m. registration, 12 p.m. tee time, Oak Marsh A perfect way to wrap up the weekend, this 3 p.m. concert Golf Course, Oakdale in the Thompson Recital Hall at the Bangsberg Fine Arts Complex will feature the university’s performing ensembles, 27 “BSU Bound” Freshmen Send-Off Event as well as the instrumental and vocal Carl O. Thompson Lebanon Hills Park, Eagan Scholarship winners. 28 Ninth Annual Men’s Basketball Alumni & Friends Golf Outing 12 p.m. registration, 1 p.m. tee time, HOMECOMING 2017 Blueberry Pines Golf Club, Menahga INFORMATION More Homecoming information, including discounted AUGUST Bemidji-area lodging, will be shared over the summer by mail and in the alumni e-newsletter. 3 “BSU Bound” Freshmen Send-Off Event Elm Creek Park, Deer Picnic Site, Maple Grove 218-755-3989 or 877-278-2586 26 Ninth Annual Ed Sauer Golf Tournament [email protected] FOUNDATION FOUND 10 a.m. registration, 11 a.m. tee time, www.bsualumni. Tianna Country Club, Walker 31 12th Annual BSU Community Appreciation Day 4:30 p.m., Lakeside Lawn, BSU

SEPTEMBER 16 Lake Minnetonka Boat Cruise Twin Cities Alumni Chapter, 5 p.m., Excelsior 22-24 BSU Homecoming 2017

OCTOBER 7 Fifth Annual Scholarship Appreciation Breakfast 8:30 a.m., Sanford Center, Bemidji

ALUMNI EVENT INFORMATION 218-755-3989 or 877-278-2586 (toll free) [email protected] www.bsualumni.org/alumni

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 14, 2018 5 p.m.

For more information: www.bsualumni.org

48 | BEMIDJI STATE UNIVERSITY