2011 AWARD HONOREES

CIRCLE OF EXCELLENCE

Fridley High School Alumni Choir

DISTINGUISHED ALUMNI

Cynthia (Truehl) Crocker David Daniels Randy Edinger Richard Englehardt Michael Lester Holly (Lindquist) Thomas David Lubinski Lisa Nee David Stahl

If you would like to continue to socialize, meet at the Shorewood Bar and Grill following the awards ceremony.

Shorewood Bar and Grill 2012 6161 Hwy. 65 N.E. Fridley, MN 55432 Distinguished Alumni Award Banquet

Nominate a Fridley graduate for the 2013 Distinguished Alumni Award! Go to the Fridley School District Website www.fridley.k12.mn.us. Click on October 26, 2012, Fridley High School, 5:30 PM “District” and “Alumni” for the Nomination Form. JOHN P. SAMUELSON - Class of 1980 DISTINGUISHED ALUMNI AWARD John P. Samuelson is a Senior Director of Program Management for Cardiac Rhythm Disease Management (CRDM) at Medtronic Inc. He is responsible for the development of products and solutions across the CRDM portfolio of product development programs. John previously The Purpose of the Distinguished Alumni Award is to honor distinguished worked as a General Manager for Lockheed-Martin, Eagan and Direc- tor of Engineering Operations. John is on the Board of Directors for alumni, to connect with our past, and to generate interest and support with cur- High Tech Kids, a nonprofit that supports the Minnesota Renewable rent students and staff. Distinguished alumni exemplify the spirit of the IB Energy Challenge and the Minnesota First Lego League. With the help learner characteristics. of corporate sponsors and 700 volunteers, the Lego League offers high energy, fun, team-based programs and competitions that celebrate sci- Each year, Fridley Public Schools hosts a Distinguished Alumni Awards Dinner ence and technology. John also helped launch the FIRST Robotics re- gional tournament in 2009 through his involvement in the Minnesota where Fridley High School graduates are honored under two categories: indi- Planning Commission. They launched the “10,000 Lakes Regional” at vidually as Distinguished Alumni and collectively as Circle of Excellence group William’s Arena and the “North Star Regional” at Mariucci Arena with honorees. 100 FIRST Robotics teams from across the country. John attended the University of Minnesota and Stanford University. John resides in Woodbury, Minnesota. Both of these awards are presented to Fridley graduates who, through their ex- cellence and contributions as individuals and as a group, have brought honor to Fridley High School and to their community. DAVID TEIE - Class of 1973 The Distinguished Alumni Award program also helps current Fridley High School students experience a world class community of learners in action. The David Teie has been a member of the cello section of the National Symphony since 1984. He has played with the Baltimore Symphony presence and accomplishments of our alumni helps today’s students touch and and was Acting Principal Cellist for the . experience the past and see possible pathways to brighter futures. He wrote his own cello composition “Cello Concerto” which he pre- miered with the Anchorage Symphony. David has played lead cello with on the S&M album and concert and wrote the string arrangements and played the cello solos on Metallica bassist, John DISTINGUISHED ALUMNI AWARD ’s debut album: “”. He has played with Music Fridley Public Schools Director Mstislav Rostropovich, as well as with Leonard Slatkin, 6000 West Moore Lake Drive Conductor. In 2007 and 2008 David worked with Dr. Charles Snow- Fridley, MN 55432 don at the University of Wisconsin to test human music theory by Phone: 763-502-5000 writing species-specific music for cotton top tamarin monkeys, and www.fridley.k12.mn.us evaluating the tamarins responses. The New York Times named the study the #1 Idea of 2009. In 2011 David again worked with Dr. Snowdon to test the effectiveness of species-specific music on cats. In 2011 a patent for the apparatus and process of composing species-specific music was approved naming David Teie as inventor. David attended the Peabody Conservatory of Johns Hopkins Uni- versity. He resides with his family in Washington, DC. DR. PHILIP J. OSTERLUND – Class of 1984 PROGRAM

Philip Osterlund is a Senior Advanced Engineer for General Dynam- ics, a company that is a market leader in business aviation, land and expeditionary combat vehicles and systems, armaments and muni- Welcome and Introduction Renee Van Gorp, tions, shipbuilding and marine systems, and information systems and Fridley High School Principal technology. Previously, Philip worked as a mathematician for the National Security Agency, as well as an adjunct faculty to the Uni- Fridley High School Jazz Band versity of Saint Thomas Math Department, and as a Teaching Assis- “When the Saints go Marching In” Michael Pearson, FHS Director of Bands tant/Instructor at the University of Minnesota. Philip has distin- guished himself for his mathematical expertise both in teaching and industry for his adult life. He has given his time to volunteer and speak in math classes at Fridley High School and has tutored high Circle of Excellence Award Presented by Dan Roff, Activities Director school students from his church in math and astronomy. He is also a 1967 State Wrestling Team Champions coach for Bible Quiz Teams at his church. Philip attended the Uni- Individual Wrestling Champions of 1960s versity of Minnesota where he received his Bachelors degrees in Mathematics and Physics, and later This award is presented to Fridley graduates who exemplify the attributes of the International Baccalau- received a Masters degree and Ph.D. in Mathematics from the University. Philip resides with his reate Learner Profile and who, through their excellence and contributions as a group, have brought family in Eagan, Minnesota. honor to Fridley High School and to their community.

“Prelude in G Major for Unaccompanied Cello” Performed by David Teie, Cellist GWENDOLYN PAPPAS - Class of 1988 by J. S. Bach

Gwen Pappas is the Director of Public Relations for the Minnesota Orchestra. Gwen works with international media to secure press coverage for five European tours including engagements in Helsinki, Distinguished Alumni Awards Presented by Renee Van Gorp Vienna, London and Edinburgh; she serves on the City of Minneapo- This award is presented to Fridley alumni who have distinguished themselves in their field or in their cho- lis design/implementation team to plan the revitalization of Peavey sen life’s work; who have conducted themselves professionally and personally in a manner which brings Plaza; plans media strategy around the $50 million renovation of honor to their alma mater and to their community; who have given back to their local or world commu- Orchestra Hall and 2013 grand re-opening celebrations; manages nity through their volunteer efforts; and who exemplify the attributes of the International Baccalaureate annual press campaigns to seek publicity from New York media dur- Learner Profile. ing the Orchestra's regular tours to Carnegie Hall or Lincoln Center; successful launching of Music Director Osmo Vanska into the twin cities community; spearheading Minnesota Orchestra Centennial Closing Activities Director Dan Roff will lead every- Season Celebrations and; building visibility and promotional cam- one in singing the Fridley High School Song paigns for the Orchestra’s Young People’s Concert series that intro- duces 55,000 students to classical music annually. Gwen also volun- teers at her church, at the University of Minnesota, at a local elemen- tary school and as a leader in the 2012 PR Mentor Circle American Symphony Orchestra League A special thank you to Fridley Lions Club for sponsorship, and members of the Fridley High supporting the work of publicists around the country who are newcomers to the symphony orchestra School National Honor Society and Fridley High School Jazz Band for their participation and field. Gwen attended the University of Minnesota. She resides in Saint Paul, Minnesota. service. CIRCLE OF EXCELLENCE AWARD JOHN S. MICKMAN - Class of 1968

John Mickman is the President, CEO and co-founder of Mickman Brothers, a company comprised of six profit centers: Landscape De- 1967 FHS STATE WRESTLING TEAM CHAMPIONS sign, Landscape Irrigation Design and retail garden center, Irrigation Consulting Group, Landscape Management Division and a Christmas Wreath Manufacturing Business. John’s responsibilities involve finan- cial planning, marketing and advertising for all profit centers, develop- ment and test marketing of new Wreath Division products, and produc- tion management of the Wreath Division. John has chaired various Minnesota Landscape Committees, has been a Board of Director of the Minnesota Nursery and Landscape Association, and was named Min- nesota Small Businessman of the year. John worked with brother Chris on the Balsam Bough Partnership, and also received recognition from the US National Forest Service. He was given an “Award of Excel- lence” from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources for contributions made to preserve bal- sam forests in Minnesota. John attended the Carlson School of Business at the University of Minne- sota. He resides with his family in East Bethel, Minnesota.

DOUGLAS K. OLSON - Class of 1978

Doug Olson is a Partner Director of Development for Micro- soft Expression Studio, Microsoft’s suite of creative design and media applications. Doug has over 22 years of leadership experience in building and investing in companies, as well as an extensive background in inspiring, driving and participat- ing in the development of foundational products in the Inter- active Media and Graphic Design market. Doug was the co- founder of Authorware, one of the two companies that were (Front row L-R): Rick Ritter, Duane Gertzen, Todd Price, Steve Lind, Al Palmer, Ken Cochran and merged to create Macromedia. Before working for Microsoft, Ron Wagar. (Middle row L-R): Steve Ordeman, Kevin Knudson, Jim Carlson, Steve Carlson, Doug spent many years at Adobe and Macromedia and ran George Lohmer, Mike Good, Cal Palmer, and Steve Pentz. (Back row L-R): Coach Wenholz, Paul the development of multiple products including Adobe Photo- Anderson, Tom Obrycki, Bob Sachs, Steve Dodson, Terry Peterson, Bill Massof, Coach Meyers shop, Illustrator and Premiere. He also created one of Adobe’s first remote product development centers in Arden Hills, MN. This facility has remained in Not pictured: operation for over 15 years. Doug is a passionate advocate for innovation and economic develop- Richard Aune, Steve Lind, Frank Jerkovich, Roger Lennox, Terry Peterson; ment in the Midwest. Doug attended the University of Minnesota at what is now the Carlson School Managers: Bob Gottwaldt and Allen Lawson; of Business. He resides locally with his wife and two year old twins. Doug and his wife also have Cheerleaders: Linda Obrycki, Cynthia Johnsrud, Kay Mueller Olson, Sigrid Mueller Hubley three adult children. CHRISTOPHER MICKMAN - Class of 1974 2012 CIRCLE OF EXCELLENCE Christopher Mickman is the co-founder and Vice-President of Mick- man Brothers Incorporated. Christopher has co-established five suc- cessful businesses under the umbrella of Mickman Brothers: Land- INDIVIDUAL WRESTLING STATE CHAMPIONS OF THE 1960s scape Construction, Landscape Irrigation Construction, Retail Garden Center, Christmas Wreath/Fundraising Business and Golf Driving Range. As Vice-President, he worked with Government Forestry agen- cies and the Minnesota Balsam Bough Committee to utilize forest These champion athletes honored products in an environmentally sound manner while allowing effective tonight brought statewide fame to harvest of evergreen boughs. Christopher has won awards such as co- the Fridley community. They winner of Minnesota Small Business Persons of the Year, and the Na- were integral in establishing tional Forest Service Rural Community Assistance National Action dominance in Minnesota wres- tling during the 60s and 70s. Award through founding the Minnesota Department of Resources Bal- sam Bough Committee. Christopher is a volunteer ski instructor for It was a Fridley Wrestling team deaf and hard of hearing students, and is a board member of the Mercy Hospital Foundation. He was that earned the first trophy ever also chairman of the Ham Lake Area Chamber of Commerce. Christopher attended the University won by a Fridley High School of Saint Thomas, the University of Minnesota and Metropolitan State University. He resides with team. his family in Anoka, Minnesota. Upon graduation, these five be- came leaders in education and Calvin Palmer Steve Carlson business. Calvin, James, Michael Class of 1967 Class of 1968 and Russell were all teachers and JAMES MICKMAN, M.D. F.C.C.P. - Class of 1971 coaches while Steve enjoyed a successful career as a certified public accountant. Dr. James Mickman is a doctor at HealthPartners North Memorial Hospital where he has spent more than 20 years treating patients as an Internist/Pulmonary Intensivist and Sleep Disorder Specialist. Another one of his specialties is helping terminally ill patients and their families prepare for their impending loss. Dr. Mickman is on a committee at Regents Hospital developing a support program for patients with brain cancer and their families. Dr. Mickman served in the US Navy as a Medical Corpsman starting in 1972. He volun- teered with the American Refugee Committee treating refugees in Thailand for one year. After high school and serving as a Navy Medical Corpsman, Dr. Mickman graduated from Medical School at the University of Minnesota in 1982, from his residency at Hennepin County Medical Center in Internal Medicine in 1985, followed by a fellowship in Pulmonary/Critical Care at the University of Minnesota in 1988. Dr. Mickman and his wife of 25 years and their family reside in Minneapolis, Minnesota. James Anderson Michael Maas Russell Holland Class of 1963 Class of 1965 Class of 1966 2012 DISTINGUISHED ALUMNI SEAN LAMBERT - Class of 1977

Sean Lambert is the Board President of the San Diego/Baja region of Youth With a Mission (YWAM). Youth With a Mission is an organiza- BONNIE BISSONETTE - Class of 1980 tion that works with youth to provide many levels of support to people Bonnie Bissonette is the Associate Director of the Student Center for all over the world. Sean and his wife Janet, oversee disciple training Global Education at the University of Maryland in Baltimore. Bonnie is courses at Ensenada and Tijuana campuses and are joined every year by also the former Associate Dean of Business and International Education at over 5,000 volunteers at these locations. Sean provides homes for the Northcentral Technical College, Wausau, Wisconsin. There, she led the poor in Mexico, Brazil, Haiti, Dominican Republic and has worked tire- internationalization of the curriculum; designed and maintained grants, lessly for the successful collaboration of youth volunteers impacting the contracts and cooperative agreements to cover all international education infrastructure of poor areas in many countries. He has forged relation- activities’ costs; developed and managed programs and project budgets ships with local governments in all these countries to provide housing and sought new partnerships for NTC. Previously, Bonnie was a Foreign and coordinate the volunteers to construct houses for those in need. In Service Officer for the State Department in Washington DC, and a Consu- 1997 Sean founded Mission Adventures, a world-wide short term mis- lar Officer for the US Embassy in London. She has been given Meritori- sion program for youth. The program currently involves forty different YWAM centers operating in ous Honor Awards for her work for the State Department, as well as Ex- fourteen countries and 100,000 youth have participated in the program. Sean also serves on the emplary Service Award for International Programming Initiatives for her Board of Regents of the University of Nations, founded for people interested in getting a degree in college, and Advocate of the Year for the Association of International Educators. Bonnie attended Christian mission skills. Sean and his family reside in Chula Vista, California. the University of Saint Thomas as a National Merit Scholar, received her masters degree from George Washington University, Washington DC, and is presently a Higher Education doctoral candi- date at the University of Minnesota.

ROBERT W. MASSOF - Class of 1966 REBECCA FINK - Class of 1971 Robert W. Massof Ph.D., is the Founding Director of Lions Vision Re- Becky Fink is the elected board chair of Nucleus Clinic, the only non-profit search and Rehabilitation Center, a division of Johns Hopkins Univer- reproductive health clinic in Anoka County and the surrounding area. When sity School of Medicine’s Wilmer Eye Institute and the Multiple District the clinic was advised to close, Becky and other women in the community 22 Lions Vision Research Foundation. A Professor of Ophthalmology volunteered there for over 2 years and now the clinic is viable and growing. and Professor of Neuroscience at Johns Hopkins, his research areas in- In 2009, Becky was appointed its Executive Director. Becky is also a clude clinical and basic vision psychophysics, physiological optics and trainer and advisor with the Barbara Schneider Foundation, which provides psychometrics. Dr. Massof is a fellow of the Optical Society of Amer- crisis intervention training to local law enforcement, hospital and EMT ica and has served on the Society’s Board of Directors. He is also a fel- staff. Becky is a member of the Board of Directors for MNALL, a statewide low of the American Academy of Optometry and the Association for organization protecting the rights of older women who are survivors of Research in Vision and Ophthalmology. He has authored more than 190 physical, emotional and sexual abuse. She also serves as a member of the published scientific papers and book chapters and holds five patents and Anoka County Attorney’s Office Community Education on Elder Abuse three software copyrights on instruments he developed. He has been Committee and the Anoka County Sexual Action Team. Prior to these posi- awarded 39 honors including the Senior Scientific Investigator Award from Research to Prevent tions, Becky served as the Chief Operating Officer of Rise Mental Health Blindness, the American Optometric Association, Low Vision Rehabilitation Council Distinguished and Housing and Homeless Services for 25 years. The poverty, treatment and discrimination issues Service Award, and Alcon Research Institute Award. Dr. Massof attended Hamline University, of women with disabilities have been a primary focus of her work. She is a highly respected advo- Saint Paul, MN, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana, and Johns Hopkins University, Balti- cate for people with mental illness as well as other disability issues. Becky and her family reside in more, MD. Dr. Massof resides with his family in Baltimore, Maryland. Coon Rapids, Minnesota.