Fall 2020 Alumni Association & Development Foundation

Cederstrom hangs up the helmet to two outstanding alumni

Heather (Lee) Ell ’12 was awarded Minot Education Association Teacher of the Year. Ell is in her ninth year as an educator with the Minot Public Schools and is currently a

Elementary School. first-grade teacher at John Hoeven

Pictured L to R: Janna McKechnie, alumni director; Heather Ell; Rick Hedberg, VP for advancement; and Steven Shirley, president

Kristi (Patterson) Reinke ’01, ’04, ’08 was chosen as the 2021 North Dakota Teacher of the Year. Reinke is a social studies

dedicationteacher at Jim and Hill for Middleall of our School state’s educatorsin Minot. We for are their grateful commitment for her

fullest potential. to helping students reach their Pictured L to R: Rick Hedberg, VP for advancement; Janna McKechnie, alumni director; Kristi Reinke; and Steven Shirley, president

Have you had a recent change to your Publication corrections: HOME, SEASONAL, or EMAIL ADDRESS? In the 2019-20 President’s Report, a photo accompanying the feature on Jim McIntyre ’73 on page 8 was misidentified as including McIntyre PLEASE CONTACT as one of the students editing sports articles for the Red & Green student Bonnie Trueblood, MSU Development Foundation newspaper. McIntyre was, in fact, a writer for the Red & Green but was not one of the students in the photo. The Connections staff regrets the at 701-858-3399, by email at error and any confusion it might have caused. [email protected]. We apologize to the family and friends of C. Robert Schweiger for the or online at MinotStateU.edu/alumni error in listing Schweiger under the In-Memory Friends category in our Spring 2020 issue of Connections. He should have been listed under Faculty and Staff.

2 CONNECTIONS Fall ’20

CONNECTIONS STAFF Vice President for Advancement Rick Hedberg ’89 Managing Editor of our Minot Michael Linnell Statereetings alumni to all Writing Staff and friends. Michael Linnell Amanda Duchsherer ’06 I sincerely hope each of Dan Fagan ’18 you are safe and healthy Jeff Bowe Photographers Richard Heit ’08 Itas is we certainly continue a fallnavigating semes Janna McKechnie ’14 the COVID-19 pandemic. ter on campus unlike any Photography Coordinator - Teresa Loftesnes ’07/’15 encountered. Publication Design other we have previously Doreen Wald Alumni Happenings remarkablyOur students, well tofaculty, the Janna McKechnie ’14 and staff have responded Baby Beavers Kate Marshall ’07 shifting landscape this Class Notes fall, and we are so pleased Bonnie Trueblood to be continuing forward on campus. MSU certainly In Memory lookswith face-to-face and feels quite classes a bit Renae Yale ’10 different this fall with all ADDITIONAL PHOTO CREDITS: of the modifications, but On the Cover: On the Cover: Gary Cederstrom looks on in between innings we are pleased to continue fulfilling our promise of educating the next generation of graduates. while working home plate during a game Thank you for perusing this issue of Connections to read the latest campus updates and activities. between the Texas Rangers and Oakland The cover story on recently retired MLB umpire and Minot State alum Gary Cederstrom is a great Athletics at the Coliseum in Oakland, article about Gary’s fascinating career and life. Please also note the announcements regarding MSU’s California. Cederstrom announced his retirement from Major League Baseball newest class of both Academic Hall of Famers, Dr. Tim Henry and Dr. Becky Becker, and Athletic Hall following the 2019 World Series. Photo of Famers, Gary Cederstrom, Ian Best, Sheila Green Gerding, Mandy Greenberg, and the 2004-05 men’s courtesy of Brad Mangin/MLB Photos via basketball team. Also our distinguished 2020 class of Golden Award recipients and Young Alumni Getty Images. Cederstrom retires from Major League Achievement, Chuck Barney, Josh Duhamel, Dr. Terry Eckmann, John Schwan, and Josh Brewer. Baseball: p. 6-7 photo courtesy of Alex Unfortunately, we have not been able to host our usual recognition events and banquets celebrating Trautwig/MLB Photos via Getty Images; each of these remarkable individuals, but we look forward to doing so next year! p. 9 top courtesy of Tom Mix, North You will also find several features on recent alums including Whitney Molina, Sean Arbault, and Dakota High School Activities Associa- tion; p. 9 bottom courtesy of Cederstrom Justin Fisk, along with a nice profile of long-time MSU distinguished professor Robert Holmen and family. Athletic Hall of Famer Paul Harrell. It is always fun catching up with those who graced the hallways of Through the camera lens: p. 10-11 photos Minot State to learn where they are now and what they are doing in their careers (or in retirement!). courtesy of Joshua Strong/Arbaut Photography. Please also take a moment to learn more about the exciting Summer Theatre renovation Learning on the job: p. 16-17 photo furnished MSUSummerTheatre.comproject that is underway — for a storymore highlightinginformation ouron how recent you groundbreaking can help. is featured on page 28. by Whitney Molina. We are still in the midst of completing the fundraising for this important project, so please see The show has just begun: p. 18-19 photos furnished by Justin Fisk. passed away in early October — just a week after her 100th birthday. I was honored to be asked by Leaders, innovators highlight Academic Hall We also celebrate on page 26 the life of beloved long-time MSU professor Dr. Doris Slaaten who of Fame: p. 20-21 photos furnished by Becky Becker and Tim Henry. her family to provide the eulogy for Doris’ funeral a couple weeks ago. Part of my comments that day included, “Doris was loved and admired by generations of MSU students, faculty, staff, alumni, and friends for good reason. She was a kind and caring professor. She was a friendly, team-oriented colleague. She was supportive of the University and the broader Minot community. She was gracious Connections is published two times and sincere with everyone with whom she interacted. She was genuine, and always had a positive a year by the Minot State University Alumni Association and Development outlook on life. She was a role model, a great influence, and inspirational, especially for young women Foundation. Send comments, articles, at MSU … It is clear the impact Doris has had on Minot State and countless students, and clear that this or photo submissions to: lasting impact will be felt by future generations — an incredible and enduring legacy … It gives all of us Connections strength and comfort knowing the lasting impact and the legacy Dr. Doris Slaaten has had and continues MSU Alumni Office having on the Minot State University community.” May Doris rest in peace. 500 University Ave. West Thank you for your continued support of Minot State University, and as GOalways BEAVERS!… Minot, ND 58707 Ph: 701-858-3399 or 1-800-777-0750 Fax: 701-858-3179 Email: [email protected]

Steven W. Shirley, Ph.D., President Third class postage paid at Fargo, ND 58101. CONNECTIONS Fall ’20 3 Inside this issue CONNECTIONS Volume 29 | Number 1

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4 CONNECTIONS Fall ’20 Growth and evolution Cover story

6 Cederstrom retires from major league baseball drew inspiration for an Feature stories andace (Olson) Brekke ’01 original painting for the 10 Through the camera lens MSUMinot campus. State Gala from the changing landscape of the 20 Leaders, innovators highlight Academic Hall “It’s growth and evolu- of Fame The same could be said tion,” she said. art journey. 24 Minot State honors five with Golden Awards for Brekke’s own personal and Young Alumni Achievement Award “Although I have an 26 Minot State University mourns the passing art degree from MSU, my focus was never painting. of Doris Slaaten I didn’t discover a love for painting until years later,” Brekke said. “I had always drawn as 28 Summer Theatre breaks ground a child. In college, I focused on realistic drawing, but mostly honed my skills in graphic design. Later in my career as a Athletics feature stories designer, I think painting became an outlet for me to create beyond the computer. It opened me up and allowed me to get my hands dirty!” 22 Reflections with Minot State Hall of Famer as aThe donation original to acrylic on canvas Paul Harrell painting was produced raise money for 29 2020 Athletics Hall of Fame honors four the AlumniGala to individuals, one team Association. When the Association

Every issue the 2020 Alumni needed a cover for New series — Where are they now? 12 Holmen legacy a winning formula perfectDirectory, choice. the painting was the

13 Alum from Day One profiles: students, faculty, “When Janna and staff (Alumni Association Director Janna 16 Under 30: Learning on the job theMcKechnie) Alumni Directory approached me to use the image for

18 Under 40: The show has just begun cover, I was happy to ofshare the it,”Ackerman’s Brekke said. collection 27 Development Foundation “The original piece is part been made and can be seen 32 Class notes onnow, campus but a few in the copies alumni have

37 In memory office and the Wellness Center. “My boss, Ryan Ackerman, ended up purchasing it at the 38 Baby Beavers Gala and it hung in the Ackerman-Estvold suite at Herb Parker Stadium, so I got the chance to enjoy it for a while at MSU games.” To view additional pieces of Brekke’s work, visit her Facebook site @eyecandycreative or Instagram account @eyecandyartwork. “I find the medium very freeing and love to experiment Be seen. Be heard. Be inspired. with the textures and colors that acrylics can produce,” she added. “A lot of times, I end up putting the paint brush down and use various tools or my hands to create the piece.” CONNECTIONS Fall ’20 5 Cover story

Cederstrom retires from major league baseball

by Michael Linnell

Gary Cederstrom announced his retirement

as an umpire from Major League Baseball

in February via Twitter with those two words

following a distinguished 31-year career. The

Bismarck native worked four World Series,

including the crew chief in 2015 and 2019, two

All-Star Games, seven League Championship

Series, seven Division Series, called a no-hitter,

and worked over 3,500 MLB games.

6 CONNECTIONS Fall ’20 Fast forward to September and Cederstrom ’78 has mostly made good on his tweet. “Yeah, we got out a few times,” he said. “Probably not as much as I’d like, we are still working on the cabin area and I just got the boat this year, but yeah, my son, son-in-law, grandson, and granddaughters have all been out, heck, even my wife went out once! “I got a big ol’ bass. My son’s girlfriend caught one that’s a whopper and we are going to get that one mounted. I thought I would put mine on the wall, but then I had the family out and they all caught ones big- ger than mine!” Cederstrom knew he was going to retire after the 2019 season but didn’t necessarily have a plan that included going out on top. But, as fate would have it, his final game in an MLB umpire’s uniform was as crew chief working second base during Game 7 of the World Series between the Washington Nationals and Houston Astros in Houston. There have been a couple times during the offseason — as he locationsworked on like his Minute cabin or Maid sat inPark a floatable sunk in. rocking chair allowing him to fish off the dock — when the realization he wouldn’t be traveling to

“It’s the one thing I guess I’ve thought about a little since retirement, I won’t get to go to cities like Chicago, New York, Boston, the ones in Texas, Toronto,” he said. “You know, you have friends in those cities and you’re not going to see them anymore. Since COVID-19, some of those clubhouse attendants aren’t there anymore. The thing I miss is the people.” While he enjoyed much of his career on the diamond, Cederstrom admits there were times early on, before breaking through to the highest levels, that doubt would creep in.

CONNECTIONS Fall ’20 7 “You had to keep an even keel because the grind can affect you,” he said. “So, were there times I thought it wasn’t going to happen? Yep. When I was at A ball in my fourth year, that could have been a sign (to walk away), but a month later, I’m in Double A and then Triple A.” During those times, however, he fell back on sage, blunt advice he received from various Minot State professors and administrators. “I got really good advice from guys like Mr. (Gary) Leslie, Dr. (Robert) Holmen, Dr. (Jonathon) Wagner, Mr. (Vence) Elgie; they always had something to say that helped,” he said. “I really enjoyed my conversations with them. “Basically, it was: if you are going to do it, then do it. If you are going to do something, don’t go halfway, all in or all out. If you don’t like what you’re doing, find something else. There’s something out here for you that you love doing, so do that.” “I got really The advice also came in everyday lessons while taking classes towards his physical education degree. “I had all those guys as instructors, and they pushed you. They good advice taught you, but they pushed you,” Cederstrom said. “They were all from different departments, too. Those were my mentors at Minot State.” from guys Getting that advice was key for Cederstrom as there wasn’t much patting on the back — as he put it — during his time in the minor leagues. In a profession that is scrutinized on every single like Mr. call, Cederstrom learned early on, the scrutiny starts well before he stepped on the field. Leslie, “People are making judgements on you whether you make a call or not. Presentation, energy, things like that, before you ever even make a call,” he said. “That whole first impression idea and then how Dr. Holmen, can you keep that up. It has to be you, can’t be a façade. You have to bring your lunch pail every day.” Dr. Wagner, Cederstrom started his professional baseball umpiring career in the Midwest League in 1979, working the long league for four years. In 1982, he worked the Eastern League and moved up to the American Mr. Elgie; they Association in 1983. He worked his first MLB game in 1989. He began the journey in umpire school, looking to break into always had college baseball. “I was doing high school and some college but went to umpire school so I could get more college games,” he said. “After that, I something to didn’t have to do a short league like the Gulf Coast or Pioneer, I went right to a long league, the Midwest League, which you can’t say that helped. do now.” After working in the minor leagues, the next goal was to get a Spring Training game. From there, opportunities to get call ups I really enjoyed would eventually lead to staying at the major league level. “It took five years to get an opportunity for Spring Training,” my conversations Cederstrom said. “So even then, there were times that you aren’t sure this is ever going to happen. But, I was making good money with them. and I liked the job. Back then, if you were the fourth guy on a call- up list, you might get 25 games. Now, the fourth guy is getting 100 games. If you are doing 100 games in the big leagues, you are making pretty good money.” Over the past 31 years, Cederstrom said the game changed from a more combative game in the 60s and 70s to a more finesse … Those were game. He has strong opinions on how the game has transitioned to strikeouts and home runs, but one constant remained. my mentors at He was most impressed by those athletes who could fly. “Yeah, when something phenomenal happens, I go, wow, that was sweet! But, if I had to pick one, we had the game with Bo Jackson Minot State.” and Deion Sanders in Kansas City,” he remembered. “Both could run

8 CONNECTIONS Fall ’20

down the line, but they were way different. Bo runs like a runaway train and Deion is silky smooth. To this day, I enjoy watching people get extra base hits and the most fun are the ones that just glide. “Doubles and triples and turning hits into extra base hits are fun. I like people running the bases, and you then find out how defensively skilled teams are. You then have some second baseman or shortstop making a phenomenal play and throws someone out at home. That’s big-league ball.” While Cederstrom lights up during the conversation about Jackson and Sanders, he admits it was time to retire. Spending time with his family during the summer, a luxury he wasn’t afforded with the 162-game MLB schedule in the past, was a big part of the decision. The onset of COVID-19 and the changes that have affected the world, let alone Major League Baseball, have cemented that sentiment. “I was getting a little long in the tooth,” he said. “It was time. I’m happy I’m retired. I haven’t watched much at this point, but I didn’t go back to my room and turn on a game back then either, that wasn’t my style.” But that doesn’t mean Cederstrom isn’t busy. He and his son are rebuilding a fishing boat, he coached fastpitch softball this past summer, and is working high school football games, learning how to run again. It’s“The just grass a different is so much kind longer of busy. for football than baseball. I haven’t fallen yet, I thought I might a couple times, but haven’t yet,” Cederstrom said laughing.

“I’m always finding something to do, it’s a little different pace,” he said. “I was picking up pinecones at the lake and I looked at my watch and thought, I don’t have any place to be and a long time to get there.”

CONNECTIONS Fall ’20 9 Feature story

Through the camera lens

by Amanda Duchsherer

CHANCE put Sean Arbaut ’15 behind a camera lens. PASSION keeps him there.

Today, the owner of Arbaut Photography, director of athletic pictures at Minot State games. And, slowly but surely, I fell in photography at Minot State University, and marketing coor- love with photography.” dinator and performance coach at Heilman’s Performance While photography unexpectedly entered Arbaut’s life, his is often found with a Canon camera in hand, even though profession as a performance coach was planned. He graduated Statephotography was. was not part of his original plan. with his degree in corporate fitness and wellness management Finding a student-worker job while attending Minot in 2015 and began working for Heilman’s Performance when the business first opened its doors. “Everyone told me, hey, just go to the athletic department, “I did my practicum hours with him (Caleb Heilman ’17) they’re always looking for people to help out. So, I went to for school, and then it just turned into a job after a while,” he the athletic department and they threw me to Michael Linnell said. “First it was a part-time job, then I was his first full-time (then-sports information director). At first, he just got me employee.” donerandom that odd before. jobs,” he said. “Then, one soccer game he was Working with student-athletes began before he landed at like, hey, can you take pictures? And I said sure, but I’ve never Heilman’s, and it was that experience that gave the Tehachapi, California native a sense of community belonging. “The photos were awful. But Mike said they were okay, “After my first year playing baseball here, I was asked if I and he taught me the basics. Ever since then, I’ve been taking could coach in the summer.comed me I coached with open out arms in Burlington and they’re and like the community was amazing. They wel-

a second family. I coached out there for five years,” he said. “I had a group of kids that were stuck to me. They’re all in college now so I see them on campus; it’s fun to see them and how they’ve grown.” When Arbaut moved to the North Dakota plains, he wasn’t sure if he would find that connection. He only knew one person at- tending the University, but an offer to play baseball coupled with in-state tuition helped him make the decision to move north. “I never came on a visit so everything I had to do was online or through talking to the coach, but it just felt right,” he said. “And I definitely feel like there is a family atmosphere here. Even the crew I worked with on game days as a student, we had so much fun even though it was long hours. I just love the small-town feel. And I love seeing it grow. “I like seeing all the kids achieve what they’re doing on and off the field; it’s cool to be a part of that and see it grow for the better. Minot State is headed in the right 10 CONNECTIONS Fall ’20 direction.” “ … slowly but surely, I fell in Through the camera lens love with photography.”

CONNECTIONS Fall ’20 11 New series

The son of a nurse and an educator, Holmen first thought he would go down the road of medicine and be a doctor. WHERE However, after his first semester of pre-med, he discovered the stethoscope-around-the-neck look wasn’t for him but are was attracted to math and the prospect of teaching. such“Once a foundational you get into subject. calculus There and higher are aspects math, of you math see the they ematicspower and that applicability are part of ofalmost mathematics,” any area ofHolmen study. said.Math “It’s is -

underlying so much of life if you look for it, if you seek it, NOW and if you are willing to find it.”

Holmen attended Minot State specifically because of its Holmen legacy a winning formula teaching program. He taught high school math and science for three years before heading to the University of Illinois by Dan Fagan toreturned earn a master’s to his alma degree. mater to teach in the classrooms whereOnce he his had graduate been a student studies yearswere complete,before. Holmen For over 37 years, Robert Holmen ’59 was a way up the ranks from associate professor to the chair of fixture in the mathematics department at During the next three decades, Holmen would work his

Minot State where he inspired his students to the mathematics and computer science department. But for embrace the magic of numbers and become Holmen, the job was less about job titles and more about the mission of fostering a culture in the classroom where he the teachers of tomorrow. could enrich and challenge minds. “I enjoyed introducing concepts and material to my students, things that they had never been introduced to before, and helping them grasp it,” Holmen said. “To watch them get to a placeIt wasn’twhere justthey in finally the classroom understood that the material was a special experience.”

Holmen influenced young minds to embrace the world of math, but at becausehome, as they well. both became math “I guess I rubbed off on my sons,

teachers too,” he said. As the father of three and grand- father of four, Holmen proudly points Stateout that and all earned seven at of least his children one of their and grandchildren attended Minot

degrees there. Holmen retired from teaching in 2000. The following year, he received both the Alumni Golden Award and cementedDistinguished into Lifetimethe history Educator of Minot StateAward. when In 2012, he was Holmen’s inducted legacy into thewas

Academic Hall of Fame. “It’s encouraging,” Holmen said, reflecting on his teaching career. “It’s a value beyond money that you can have that bond and memory of working with so many extraordinary people. It doesn’t leave you.” 12 CONNECTIONS Fall ’20 from DAY

FRESHMAN Kylee Cook SOPHOMORE Destiny Stanton Music education Scobey, Montana Graphic design Kenmare

Kylee is always making noise. The freshman, who is in her Destiny is active in the art world at Minot State as she is in- first year with the MSU volleyball team, is constantly listening volved in the art club as well as an intern for Letterpress Studio to music and singing or humming to herself. She is putting and Flat Tail Press. But don’t be too surprised if you don’t rec- that to good use by pursing a vocal concentration with her ognize her from those groups as her “hair color changes often.” music education degree at Minot State as well as performing When not in school, Destiny is active outside the art scene as in her hometown’s Pioneer Days, an event that is one of her Whywell, playing did you softball choose and shooting Minot guns. State? Whybiggest did highlights you chooseeach year. Minot State? and it was close to home. I chose Minot State because they had graphic design as a degree, I’ve visited family here since I was a kid, so it’s very familiar. How has Minot State helped you further your department’sMinot State gave faculty. me the I knew opportunity it would to continue playing academic career? volleyball, and I enjoyed the music Minot State has helped me with the opportunities that come with the different classes. beHow a great has learning Minot environment. State helped you further your What is your favorite quote? academic career?

“Darling,What has you’ll been be okay.” your — Pierce favorite the Veil class?

As of now, I’m getting more familiar has been chemistry. with the technical side of music, Surprisingly, for an art major, my favorite class I’ve taken so far which I haven’t had much Whatexperience is yourwith. favorite Who has been your most influential quote? professor?

“And now, for something Bill Harbort. He is always having a completely different.” good time with whatever he does. What — John has Cleese been of Monty your Python That’s helped me be motivated by favorite class? justWhat enjoying is your my work. most memorable can make music without a mask moment at Minot As of now, it is band because I State?

Whobeing in has the way. been your most influential NOTSTOCK.Volunteering at MSU’s professor? annual art festival

Four weeks is too soon to tell who has had the greatest influence on me; however, Dr. (DeVera) Bowles is a lovely ladyyears. who She I’ve has so really enjoyed helped working with the past few my voice grow.

CONNECTIONS Fall ’20 13 from DAY

JUNIOR Christopher Scott SENIOR Joshua Strong Chemistry Minot Multimedia studies Glendale, Arizona

Christopher loves politics and that passion has led him to be Josh is quite visible on campus as he has worked for the Uni- very active in clubs on campus including Student Government versity’s marketing department, KMSU, and Residence Life. Association, Residence Hall Association, and the North Dakota You can usually find him with a camera in hand as he is an Student Association. He currently sits on the North Dakota Whyavid photographer did you chooseand graphic Minot designer, State? focusing on sports. WhyYouth Leadership did you Board.choose Minot State? I took online and flex classes through Minot State when I was This is my hometown university. It is very affordable, not too andin the beyond. Air Force. Once I separated, I was sold on the immediate small where you know everyone, and hands-on and in-depth experiences both inside the classroom How has Minot State helped you further basis.not too The large community where you here do notis also know so your professors on a one-on-one your academic career? awesomeHow has and Minot welcoming. State helped The faculty and staff here are very passionate about student you further your academic success. If you seek out the resources on campus, you will find career? a vigorous foundation upon which to achieve success. My job as social media assistant has been the key item in my career- push myself to be the best that I skillWhat growth. is your favorite quote? Being here has allowed me to researchcan be, both opportunities. in and outside of the “BOOM”What has– Bill Harbortbeen your favorite class? classroom, extracurriculars, and What is your favorite Who has been your most influential quote? Every art class. professor?

“When an opportunity presents Bill Harbort. He has taught me so much and broadened itself,What do nothas be been afraid to your take it.” my perspective as an artist. As my advisor, he has favorite class? molded the courses I take to maximize an education thatWhat is right is the for my best goals. kept secret about Minot State? Physics. It is fascinating to find out how objects move, why they move, and how Multimedia studies. It’s a perfect fit for students amazing, complex, and weird wanting to enter the creative digital industry. ourWhat universe is the is. best kept Having a skill set in multiple disciplines secret about Minot State? givesWhat you is a competitiveyour most advantage. memo - One hundred percent would be the rable moment at MSU? senator study room that is hidden on campus. rememberI had this outside the shock perspective looking What is your most whenat MSU I touredas a “small the college” and I memorable moment at facilities and saw Minot State? the resources and

to students. Student Convocation is such a technologies available mentspectacular of a new event year to can be atbe duringfelt Welcome Weekend. The excite- within14 AnnCONNECTIONS Nicole Nelson Fall ’20 Hall. MASTERS Janel Bortoluzzi ’20 FACULTY Chris Heth ’99, ’04 Speech-language pathology Winnipeg, Chemistry Westhope Manitoba

Chris might be “The Most Interesting Man at Minot State.” Along Janel is in her second year of graduate school, working toward with two degrees from MSU, he holds a docotrate in chemistry a degree in speech-language pathology after earning a general from North Dakota State University. He has an unbelievably studies degree in the post-baccalaureate program and a wide array of hobbies including playing the guitar and mandolin, Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in psychology from the University being a licensed falconer, serving as the lighting designer for of Winnipeg. The former competitive tap dancer is passionate musical and theatrical performances at MSU, and playing hockey about politics and world issues and served as the Student (badly, according to him). Chris also designed MSU’s medicinal GovernmentWhy Association did you presidentchoose in Minot 2019-20. State? plant chemistry degree,Why just did the you second choose such degree Minot in the State? U.S.

I wantedof Manitoba. to study I appreciated speech-language the fact pathology that MSU andis Since I planned to be an educator, I didn’t there is no program offered in my home province really consider anywhere but Minot State. Having grown from the state Teachers onlyHow a five-hour has driveMinot away State from home.helped College, MSU’s reputation for educating you further your academic future How teachers has made Minot it the State obvious helped choice. career? you further your academic career?

I have gained hands-on experience me a solid foundation to build on in The science education I received gave throughto complete my clinical part of involvement.my clinical I am grateful for the opportunity graduatefaculty while school. I was However, a student it was that the mentoring and interactions with accessible.practicum right here on campus, as it is very convenient and easily What is your favorite greatlyrole as influenced a professor. my approach to both graduate school as well as my quote? What has been your

favorite class? “Everything happens for a reason.” I have grown to learn that many things are out of my control, and when one door One that unexpectedly — at the What has been your favorite time — made a huge impres- closes, another one opens. Who has been your class? sion was a 300-level geometry. most influential pro- fessor? Voice disorders class with Mrs. (Lisa) Roteliuk ’97, ’00. This class really opened my eyes to how classes from him than anyone diverse the field of speech-language pathology is and Dr. Bob Crackel. I took morestudies the various opportunities for specialization that and am proud Whoexist throughout has been our your field. most influential else through my various professor? to now have him as a colleague.What is the best kept secret about Minot State? Ms. (Kara) Nunziato ’10 is a clinical supervisor within the CD department, and she has been very I’m tooting my own horn a little, but influentialWhat in is my the academic best experience.kept secret our STEM offerings. We have a long about Minot State? with alumni in academia and history of graduate success stories, The ridiculous amount of free MSU stuff you industry.

CONNECTIONS Fall ’20 15 collect! MSU ALUMNI 3UNDER

16 CONNECTIONS Fall ’20 Learning on the job

by Amanda Duchsherer WHEN WHITNEY

Molina ’19 decided to take some time off in between graduation and her nursing career, she traveled to 10 different states and the Turks and Caicos islands. “I knew I was going to be jumping into the workforce, and I knew it was probably one of the Aslast she times and I fellow was ever Minot going State to basketballbe so carefree,” teammate the 2019 Kanesha alumna Woods said. took “I wanted their tripto make of a sure when I started working I could fully dive into nursing and give it all I had.”

lifetime, Molina had no idea exactly how quiet the respite would be compared to her first nursing job. In August 2019, she began working at a critical access hospital on the Ft. Peck Indian Reservation in Montana, just months before COVID-19 began effecting the area. “Just being in a critical access hospital, and then on top of a pandemic, it’s just crazy,” she said. “We were already short staffed and short supplied, and we do the best with what we have. And with the pandemic, we’re seeing an at-risk population being affected.” Molina never intended to be working only 90 miles from her hometown of Hinsdale, manyMontana. in the She area. envisioned herself in a large city, far away from an area the Washington Post labeled the “middle of nowhere” in the United States in March 2018 — a point of pride for

“It’s not the place I ever expected myself to be but being here now, seeing where decisions take you, I’m exactly where I need to be. I literally learn something new every day. That’s one of the cool parts about a smaller hospital, you really get to see all areas, and you get to discover what you really like to do. Just a couple weeks ago, I delivered a baby in a shower, and then a week later, I have COVID patients. It’s literally from zero to 100 in ages. One day you can work in emergency medicine and the next day you’ll be on the floor (the medical floor), and then you’ll be working in the long-term care unit,” she said. “I really see such a wide variety of patients and illnesses; it’s an incredible opportunity.” She also never thought emergency medicine would be her favorite area. “At my clinicals at Trinity Hospital in the ICU (intensive care), I thought I was an ICU nurse through and through,” she said. “And working in the emergency department, I just really love the emergency situations. I love the adrenaline of it. I don’t know if it’s because I used to play sports or what it is, but I just love to dive in and get in the zone.” Having the opportunity to play collegiate basketball while pursuing a nursing degree is what brought Molina to the University. we “Idon’t have allow the ultimate our players pride to fordo that.Minot It State, was really even importantin the recruiting for me process,” to take basketball she said. “A to lot the of schools, you tell the head coaches you want to do nursing and they say, oh no, sorry, but

next level and coming to Minot State, and them allowing me that opportunity, that alone is something I am so grateful for.” That gratitude extends to the nursing department, from professors coming to her games and cheering her on; to the department helping her manage clinicals, schoolwork, and being a student-athlete; and to having support every step of the way. “That alone prepared me for success, having professors that were willing to go above and beyond for me,” she said. “Having sports and learning to juggle and time manage is what really set me up for nursing in general. And I still have people from Minot or my teammates reaching out and checking on me, it’s awesome.”

CONNECTIONS Fall ’20 17 The show

has just begun by Dan Fagan

shuttered their doors in response to the specter of It was a domino effect in early March, as theaters

COVID-19. From New York to Los Angeles, it was lights out for American stages. But if one listened carefully this summer, they may have heard the chorus of melodious echoes brimming from the North Dakota Badlands. OneWhile of it the may architects have been behind lights the out summer on Broadway, musical it was lights up on the Medora musical.

was Justin Fisk ’10, the Theodore Roosevelt Medora Foundation marketing and communications director. “Once COVID hit, our executive team started meet- ing every day to assess what had changed, what hadn’t, and sifting through several different models to develop a strategy going forward,” Fisk recalled. Fisk exudes the attributes of an ideal crisis-handler. He discusses the mayhem ofstacle mid-March in an industry with an whereair of calmness obstacles — COVID-19 was simply one more ob- With so much uncertainty in seem to grow on trees. decided to build their path for theward air, withFisk anda motto his counterparts attributed to -

Theodore Roosevelt, “do what you can,A plan with was what hatched you have, to where you are.” major adjustments to the open the musical, but with tions to protect the health budget and accommoda-

and safety of audiences, as well as the performers, crew, and staff. “It was a collaboration,” Fisk said. “We asked everyone for their input and evaluation but at the same time asked for their courage to step out into the unknown.” The unknown proved to be a pleasant surprise, with the show running from early June to Sept. 12. The response from audiences was overwhelmingly positive. The communications team received hundreds of comments from audience members expressing their gratitude, including one message in particular that still resonates with Fisk, “thank you for being tough when times are tough.” Juggling projects is a skill Fisk honed during his undergrad days at Minot State while triple majoring in marketing, international business, and virtual commerce. heInstead wasn’t ofat waitingclass. for graduation to enter the workforce and put his education to use, he decided to start a business, a motorcycle publication called Grassroots, when

18 CONNECTIONS Fall ’20 MSU ALUMNI

With so much uncertainty in the air, UNDER Fisk and his counterparts decided to 4 build their path forward with a motto attributed to Theodore Roosevelt,

“do what you can, with what you have, where you are.”

a plan for the board of directors for After graduating, Fisk started as an During his tenure, Fisk has ad- “We’re getting ready to put together online marketing manager for Midwest vanced Medora Foundation’s virtual real estate conglomerate IRET. A few footprint, with a shift toward focusing what the next 50 years might look like,” years later, Fisk landed at KK Bold ad on tech to inspire travel and conduct Fisk said. “We’re at a point now where agency in Bismarck, a job he described business. The summer musical, alone, we know our strengths and are think- as a “next-level bootcamp” in the world has experienced its five best-selling ing about what’s next. What are the of virtual business. One of his clients seasons under Fisk’s watch. poratethings thatthat Disneykind of issophistication doing that we into can was the Medora Foundation. A few Now in his seventh year with the aalso business do? Let’s model see thathow Northwe can Dakotans incor- years later, his client would offer him Medora Foundation, the sky is the limit the opportunity to lead the Foundation’s for Fisk, who is transitioning into the marketing team. role of chief strategy officer. will still be proud to be a part of.” CONNECTIONS Fall ’20 19 LEADERS, INNOVATORS highlight Academic Hall of Fame by Michael Linnell

The Minot State University’s Academic Hall of Fame committee has chosen two outstanding alumni in Dr. Becky Becker and Dr. Tim Henry as members of the Class of 2020.

institution means so much because Minot State “Being acknowledged by my undergraduate

is where I developed a deeper love of learning, a stronger work ethic, and the beginnings of an artistic vision that helped to shape my career,” Becker said. “It means the world to me to be honored by the University responsible for set- tablishedting me on works this path.” as well as new pieces such as Becker has directed a wide range of es-

“Companeras,” by Kathleen Coudle-King, “The Old Ship of Zion,” by Natalia Temesgen, and “Eddie’s Stone Song: Odyssey of the First Pasa- quoyan,” by Scott Wilkerson and James Ogburn. She has conceived, written, and directed several oral history plays, including “Westville: Collected Lives” and “Bibb City: Collected Lives from a Mill Town.” Along with teaching, Becker is the chair of the national Playwriting Program for Region IV of the Kennedy Center American College SoutheasternTheatre Festival Theatre and serves Conference. on the editorial Becker ’92 is currently a professor of theater in the Department of board for Theatre Symposium: A Journal of the Performing Arts at Clemson University in Clemson, South Carolina. In addition really fortunate to her teaching career in theater history, dramaturgy, playwriting, and devising to be“Over able the to course of my career, I’ve been performance, Becker is a director, dramaturg, and playwright. work on many Henry is a cardiovascular interventionist at The Christ Hospital in projects that Cincinnati, Ohio. He serves as the Lindner Family Distinguished Chair in mentclinical of research myocardial and infarction. is the medical director of The Carl and Edyth Lindner Center for Research at the Christ Hospital. Henry is a pioneer in the treat- were meaning- ful and, I hope, “Minot State is proud to announce two new members to the Academic Hall professorimpactful,” at she of Fame,” said Minot State Vice President for Academic Affairs Laurie Geller. said. “As a young “Both Dr. Becker and Dr. Henry are talented individuals who are leaders and innovators in their respective fields of work. Each has shown great passion for Truman State, I their work and have inspired those around them as mentors and colleagues.” Dr. Becky Becker stylebegan plays devising in collaborationdocumentary- with students. Becker, originally from Minot, grew up participating in band, choir, and In all of my theater from fourth grade through high school. She earned two degrees from Minot State, in communication arts and English. Becker also earned a Master of Arts in theatre arts at the University of North Dakota and completed her various aca- doctorate from Bowling Green State University. demic positions,

20 CONNECTIONS Fall ’20 was an early female role

continuallyone of the things worked of whichto pro I am most proud is that I have model in academia, which - couldn’t have been easy since vide a platform to marginal- andwe are other still minorities working toward in ized voices through my work greater equity for women in the classroom, my work thison stage, is why and the my production work as an of higher education, even today. newadministrator. plays and newI’ve noplay doubt dra ableConrad to askDavidson one key was question known among my peers for being to my heart. As chair of the - watch us debate the idea. Kennedymaturgy areCenter near American and dear in a class, then sit back and

“Performing in Summer Theatre Festival National Theatre as Martha Washington toPlaywriting work on behalf Program of play in alongside Eric Furuseth’s Region IV, I am fortunate Benjamin Franklin in the - musical, ‘1776,’ is still one wrights in our region and of my favorite MSU Summer meet amazing playwrights Dr.Theatre Tim memories.” Henry and colleagues from across the country.” especiallyBecker ofhas those fond who memories men Originally from Westhope, toredof her hertime and at Minotcollaborated State, Henry attended Minot State it transformed the care of with her in the classroom - from 1974-77 before gradu- ating from medical school at at the Minneapolis Heart didthe Universityhis internal of medicine California, Institute Foundation. heart attacks, not only in the and on stage. residencySan Francisco and chiefin 1982. residency He Henry’s path to medicine U.S., but throughout the world. “There are so many was directly influenced by We developed a STEMI, or Neuharthinfluential was people a wonderful from my the death of his grandfather, ofST-Elevation care and from Myocardial that work time at Minot State. Kevin at the University of Colorado Howard Henry. Utilizing Infarction regional system Health Sciences Center from cutting-edge clinical director and mentor,” Becker 1982 to 1986 and completed research has progressed alone, we have over 200 publi- said. “He may not know it, his training as a cardiology cardiology at a remarkable cation articles. In the first two but he instilled in me a love fellow, chief cardiology fel- rate during his career. years, we cut the mortality of Shakespeare, in large part oflow, Minnesota and interventional in 1991. cardi- it without“If you researchwant to be which on the rate in Minnesota by 50%. It due to his classes. I also love ology fellow at the University cutting edge, you can’t do Tois shocking be a part the of that progress has been we telling current students that have made from the research. the best praise we ever got “This is tremendously is essential to outstanding from Kevin after a perfor- special for me — very hum- earlyclinical on. care,” My sophomore he said. “I knew year ofgratifying the Minot and State humbling.” Athletics mance was often, ‘It didn’t bling,” Henry said. “Hope- I wanted to go to med school Henry is also a member suck.’ Paula Lindekugel-Willis accomplishfully, I can be at a Minot mentor State. and ther died of a heart attack. In an example of what you can of high school, my grandfa- Hall of Fame as a member of the 1977 men’s track & field ally.The UniversityPeople ask iswhere such Ian went these days, there is no way team, inducted in 1995. important institution region- he would have died. So, I “I was involved in a lot of developed a special interest different areas at Minot State, to school and I tell them, ‘I’m putin cardiology. you in a bed At andthat hopedtime, if I was in the Vagabonds and a Beaver.’ I look back and this you had a heart attack, they was a Sig Tau,” Henry said. “I is where I spent my formative forgot myan outstandingcareer. The opportu education, years; I have a very strong yearsyou got it isbetter. remarkable There was how no and this laid the groundwork affinity to Minot State.” real treatment. In the past 30 - Prior to The Lindner heart attacks. nity to get a quality education Research Center, he was far we have come in treating and participate in extracur- the chief of cardiology at director of research at the tantricular to me.activities The memories like sports athe professor Smidt Heart of medicine Institute at at “In 2002, I became the withand music the track was team very andimpor - Cedars Sinai Medical Center, was the director of research Minnesota Heart Institute. Cedars-Sinai and UCLA, and We put together a network coach Wiley Wilson are very for treating heart attacks and special moments in my life.”

CONNECTIONS Fall ’20 21 Athletics feature

with Minot State Hall of Famer PAUL HARRELL PAUL HARRELL’S hall of fame college career at Minot State University on the men’s basketball team was dynamic. He set a record with 1,826 career points that stood for almost 40 years, putting him at the top of the scoring list until 2018.

plish in front of the

From 1975 to 1980, when asked about his Harrell helped lead the home crowd,” he said Beavers to two conference championships (1977, best memories of being 1979) and set the single ducteda Minot intoState the Beaver. Minot season scoring record for Harrell was in- points in a season (576) in a1979-1980 season is stillas the ninth State Athletics Hall co-captain. His 576 points theof Fame top scorer as a member in MSU of the 1989 class as eachbest all-timeof his four at MSU.years He with MSUwas named in the Northall-conference Dakota basketball history. He whois now broke second the all-timerecord to Tyler Rudolph ’18, College Athletic Confer- ence (NDCAC). in 2018 and scored himHarrell to Minot reflected State. on the at1,987 the career-points.reunion in coaching staff that brought “I met Tyler back Harrell reflected on “I really enjoyed the February (2020) and a time in college basket- coaching staff; Ken Becker congratulated him on ball when the three- was a good coach. When breaking my record. pointer didn’t exist. I first got to Minot it was I was very proud and “When I was at in September, he took me recordshappy for are him,” made Harrell to Minot State, there was heunder said. his wing and made besaid. broken “I know and that that no three-point line, so me the player I was,” I believe that if we had est moment was when plishment for him. that I would’ve scored Harrell was recruited Iwas told a himgreat to accom put his- a lot more points,” he by coach Becker who led “When you have whole heart into play said. “I think I would’ve winsthe Beavers and three from confer 1976 to good games it’s nice, I broke the scoring pointscored line at leastwas allowed3,000 ence1985 championships. and finished with 97 but I enjoyed being record against Mayville - points if the three- - around the guys I was at home, that was a ing basketball and he playing with. My great- great thing to accom- would go far.” in college.” 22 CONNECTIONS Fall ’20 with Minot State Hall of Famer

PAUL HARRELL by Jeff Bowe

in the Dome as a stu dent“I at never Minot got State. to play We champion with 27.9 - points per game.”

played in Swain Hall. It downwas great and to do see an allinter the changes and I got to sit - view at halftime of the basketball game and we were honored together,” Harrell said. “I enjoyed seeing my teammates again; Randy Hedberg, Brad Johnson, and some of the guys I played with prospering and doing well, so that wentwas great on to to a see.”career in After MSU, Harrell

aroundthe Air Force.the world and Harrell is now “I got to travel retired at 62 years old and living in Columbia, play basketball, even South Carolina, where though I had an Air Minothe enjoys State keeping basketball Force job, I still got up with the NBA and to play basketball,” he said. “I got to play in his free time. He Minot State’s top three career scorers: Henry Milkey, Tyler Rudolph ’18, and Paul Harrell against David Robinson, anotherplans on reunion getting backtakes waswho onewas ofin mythe bestNavy placeto Minot and whenever spoke on at the time, and that what made him enjoy

In contrast, Rudolph people‘he can watchedmake it from me thatplishment,” record forhe said.almost experiences. made 142 career the parking lot’ when “To know that I had “When I was sta- the Magic City so much. three-pointers while Itioned was there in Hawaii for three play - “The people,” Harrell Harrell finished with play in high school and they40 years had wasmy name a great and yearsing on and the Ibase was team,the said. “When I got there playerszero — aswere it wasn’t banned an tocollege,” the MSU Harrell Athletics said. allfeeling. of my I enjoyedaccomplish that the coachespeople were and thevery option. Also, college Harrell was named team each year. I led coaches’friendly, especiallyfriends. The - MVP for our Air Force people that took me from dunking the daysHall of ended. Fame just nine ments on a plaque, it around and showed me ball because of UCLA years after his playing made my day.” the team in scoring the area and the differ legend Kareem Abdul to MinotIn February State and of with 27.5 points per ent schools. The fellow Jabbar, known then as “Being inducted 2020, Harrell returned game when we played students and fans that- theLew best Alcindor. part of my into the Hall of Fame nationalin England tournament. against the really appreciated us “My jump shot was was a great honor, and got to experience the Belgium team in the being the all-time scor- campus for the first game. They used to say, er was a great accom- time in 30 years. I was the UK scoring playing here.” CONNECTIONS Fall ’20 23 Minot State honors five with

The Minot State University Alumni Association honored four individuals with the Golden Award and one with the Young Alumni Achievement Award in 2020. Honorees include:

Chuck Barney Josh Duhamel Dr. Terry Eckmann John Schwan Josh Brewer

of Tupac and the Notori award from the Rochester bestowedhe highest Ontario. He graduated districtscout master chairman of Boy of the program before choos- - by the Scout Troop 416, and ing to pursue an acting Spierous B.I.G” in the as romantic Detective Minot State Institute of Technology and modeling career in Greg Kading and as Jack in Rochester, New York America.Northern Lights Council Minot1996. HeState. later returned schoolin 1979 at and, Indiana in 1981, Uni of the Boy Scouts of to finishDuhamel his isdegree known at comedy “Love, Simon.” Award.University Selections Alumni are left to attend graduate for his role as Danny Additionally, Duhamel Association is the Golden - In addition, he served astarred drama in based Lasse on Hall the- aversity, Master Bloomington, of Science in three terms as 4th Ward strom’s& “Safe Haven,” orbased alumni on outstanding association InstructionalIndiana. He completed Systems alderman, two terms as McCoy on the NBC crime service to the University nancecity council committee president, chair drama “Las Vegas.” best-selling novel by ership in the recipient’s and seven years as fi- Additionally, he lent his Nicholas Sparks, and careerand distinguished or community. lead - aTechnology. music student While from at IU, - animatedvoice to Nickelodeon’s series in the thriller “Scenic Minot.he met TheyLeslie married Metz ’80, man. He was elected Emmy Award-winning Route.” Additional film mayor of Minot in June credits include “Life as recipientThe Young is Alumnibetween the to be closer to family 2014 and completed his “Fanboy & Chum Chum” We Know It,” “Ramona Achievement Award in 1983 and the desire DUHAMELterm in June 2018. and starred in several and Beezus,” “When in in the summer of 1991. seasons of the long- Rome,” “Lost in the Sun,” theirages of awards 21 and at 39. a dinner brought them to Minot running ABC soap “Bravetown, Misconduct,” Honorees will receive Duhamel, from opera “All My Children,” “Spaceman,” and “The Since then, the couple Minot, is a dynamic and Daytimein which Emmyhe received nomi creditsRomantics.” for Duhamel in along with the 2021 have been involved in versatile actor who, three consecutive Other recent television hasaward decided winners to not next hold several business ven- most recently, starred - - year as the University tures. Barney joined the as James O’Connor in nations. He made his clude CBS’ “Battle Creek” Minot State University “The Lost Husband,” big-screen debut in and the J.J. Abrams, any large in-person EntrepreneurshipCollege of Business Acad as and portrayed Lukas in and2004’s was “Win Captain a Date William Joseph Boccia, and informationevents this fall on due the to emydirector in 2012. of the Severson hisLionsgate’s directorial “Think debut Like with Tad Hamilton!” AthenaDuhamel Wickham’s currently Hulu COVID-19. For more - ata Dog.” the 2019 Duhamel Mammoth made summer blockbuster mini-series, “11.22.63.” the Alumni Association Lennox in 2007’s website.Golden Awards, visit Barney has served on prised the role in three ECKMANNresides in Los Angeles. various boards includ- Film Festival with “The “Transformers.” He re- BARNEY ing president of the andBuddy starred Games,” in. which he surerMinot of Convention the Minot andArea co-wrote, co-produced, of the sequels, including chairEckmann of teacher (Ferebee) educa from rural Western New Visitors Bureau, trea- at Minot State with 2017’sOther “Transformers: recent credits ’81, ’82 is a professor and Barney is originally board member of Minot plansHe spentto attend three dental years includeThe Last USA Night.” Network’s - Chamber of Commerce, school and was a mem tion and kinesiology York, graduating from ber of the MSU football (TEK) at Minot State. Brockport High School Area Development - scripted series “Un- Eckmann is an award- near the shores of Lake Corporation, assistant solved: The Murders winning presenter, 24 CONNECTIONS Fall ’20 South Dakota. Since its to the collapse of both the rare earth markets allyauthor, on topicsand researcher, related withimage. Eckmann Minot State to teach Outside of spending and solar markets in topresenting effects of internation lifestyle - students have traveled founding in 1984, SFG time with his family, the United States. In or classes at resorts in the has developed into a Schwan is active in the yoga and group exercise national multi-family development of the - choices on the brain, private office serving associationsAberdeen community, and on the der to survive, Brewer, movement that matters, DominicanEckmann Republic, and her valuedSchwan clients and at his the team serving on boards and along with another healthy aging, brain Mexico, and Jamaica. highest level. and fundraisers. scientist, started a new and learning, stress forefront of campaigns companycompany, withRare theEarth aim ofmanagement, choice. worksite nessdaughter, and Meditation Katie, coau - alsof 42 protect help businesses,what matters Salts, an extraction wellness, and the power thored “101 Mindful- mostowners, and and enjoy profession life - adultHe childrenand his wife, and four rare earth supply chain professional career released in March Laurie, have four to stabilize the Western journeyShe began as a Minot her State Practices,” which was admissions counselor with the confidence of grandchildren. Sons wars.to mitigate As the future company 2018. Another of her financial freedom. His Kyle, Kevin, and Kory damages from trade works, “101 Ways to passion for helping are all active leaders in 1981 and worked SheAge alsoGracefully,” published was people has garnered outdoorsmanin the SFG business. and began to grow, work as a speech-language published in May 2016. him recognition as a Schwan is an avid with large scale min- pathologist for Souris leader in the industry, with his children and aing rare companies earth separa led to EckmannValley Special partnered Services “101 Brain Boosters” countryincluding and speaking publica at enjoys sharing in it tionsthe development process that of was from 1983 to 1988. communitiesin 2013, a book nationally. used in events across the - schools and active aging - grandchildren.BREWER Minot State faculty Centerwith Trinity to complete Heath andher tions in Investment Ad- co-invented by former the UND Family Practice She has been active visor, Financial Planning master’s project on the in the fitness and well- Magazine, and US News. School.Brewer After ’04 initially is a 2000 Ryanmember Winburn. and Brewer’s University of Montana ness industry for over SFG has also been graduate of Velva High undergraduateRare Earth Salts advisor 30 years. Eckmann recognized as a top Thebenefits community of exercise re on received the NDSHAPE planning firm by Forbes. pursuing a degree in older adults in 1988. Honors Award, He is a Million Dollar physics, he switched currently is operating - NDSHAPE University Round Table Lifetime to chemistry to finish timeout of employees Beatrice, and sponse was overwhelm- ResearchInstructor and of the Scholar Year, Top of the Table, has his undergraduate Nebraska with 13 full- Wellnessing, resulting Center in the and the MSU Regents Award for won New York Life’s career. After graduation, birthfounding of Seniorcise. of the Trinity - aprestigious perennial Councilmember of he moved to Colorado an active internship ship, North Dakota Pic- theirPresident Chairman’s Award, Cabi and is Springs, Colorado, to twoprogram MSU whichalumni has and Eckmann was the Well ture of Health Award, Center.take a position at Johns oneprovided current positions Minot State to nessWhile Center at Trinity, director IndustryIDEA Make Enhancement Fitness - Manville Technical student. The company - AwardHappen from Award, Club and Indus the innet, the awarded company. to only the director of community topSchwan financial participated planners Brewer finished and went on to serve as - on the Minot State graduate school at the is active in research thetry. EckmannInternational serves Coun on University of Nebraska- and development and Sheeducation, returned public to Minot rela- the advisory board of chemistryLincoln in 2010with awith focus a ofis currentlyNorth Dakota working on Statetions, asand a facultymarketing. mem She and her hus - basketball team during doctorate in inorganic with the University ber in TEK in 1999. cil on Active Aging. andhis college appreciation career forand the Eckmann has in - - carried his knowledge temperatureon chemical vapor rare earth producing rare earth band, Bock, have two compounds.deposition of high oxides from coal. - children, Cole and Katie, Schoolsport into in Aberdeen a coaching Brewer and his wife, volved MSU students and two grandchildren, career at Roncalli High of what became Rare Kayla, were married in in research exploring NixonSCHWAN and Nellie. Schwan has always con During the start-up 2004 and the family has the effects of Zumba, while operating SFG. a trade war with China founderfive children and laywith spiritual one yoga, and Les Mills founder and CEO of - Earth Solar, there was directordue in January. of the Society He is the SheBodyPump has also on researched cognition Schwan ’82 is the sidered himself a coach, of Saint Vincent de Paul and fitness parameters. now developing his SFG scalesurrounding bankruptcies rare earth of Schwan Financial Group team and working with elements and large- the impact of live (SFG); a financial, financial profession- lar companies Abound in Beatrice and was re- versus virtual exercise estate, and business als across the country, andgovernment-backed Solyndra which ledso- cently Grand Knightn for on cognition, fitness succession planning teaching them what has the Knights of Columbus parameters, and body firm based in Aberdeen, brought him success. Council 1723. CONNECTIONS Fall ’20 25

The Minot State University community was saddened to learn of the passing of longtime professor, MSU Development Foundation Board member, and friend of the University, Doris Slaaten, who died at the age of 100 on Oct. 11. Slaaten’s connection to Minot State began in 1949 when she graduated from Minot State Teacher’s College with a bachelor’s degree in English and a minor in business. After teaching elementary and secondary school in North Dakota and Montana, she returned to her alma mater to teach in the College of Business for 27 years. “The entire Minot State University community of students, faculty, and staff, along with thousands of alumni as well as her former colleagues, are saddened by the passing of Dr. Doris Slaaten,” said Minot State President Dr. Steven Shirley. “Doris was a pillar in the MSU family, and she left an indelible mark on this campus over the course of so many decades. It was certainly a special occasion earlier this month as she celebrated her 100th birthday, and we will certainly never forget Doris and the incredibly positive impact she had on Minot State University and the Minot community.” Among her many contributions to the University are the Slaaten Learning Center in the College of Business on the third floor of Old Main and the Northwest Arts Center’s new home in the Gordon B. Olson Library. Slaaten was also the chair of the University’s Kimball Organ Restoration Campaign at Ann Nicole Nelson Hall. The Slaaten Learning Center was renovated in 2011 following a gift to the University to enhance student development, supplement scholarships, and provide for on-going support, including the creation of a video-confer- ence board room, financial trading lab, and study space. “Doris was a special lady,” said Rick Hedberg ’89, MSU “Doris was a pillar in Development Foundation executive director. “If I had to use one word to describe Doris it would be ‘class,’ as she always exhibited the MSU family, and the highest degree of integrity and grace. She was such a caring person. There’s a reason why she is revered by so many of her former students. She led she left an indelible a wonderful life and has left a lasting legacy.” Active as a public servant, Slaaten served on several University boards mark on this campus including the Development Foundation, was a charter member of the MSU Board of Regents, a founding member of the advisory board of Phi Beta Lambda, over the course of and was a member of the MSU Legacy Society and Old Main Society. Along with her bachelor’s degree from MSU, Slaaten earned a Master of Arts degree from Northwestern University and her doctorate from Colorado State so many decades.” University. Slaaten was a Professor Emeritus in the College of Business and earned the Dr. Steven Shirley, President MSU Alumni Association’s Golden Award, the highest honor bestowed by the association based on outstanding service to the University or the Alumni Association and distinguished leadership in their career or community, in 1979.

26 CONNECTIONS Fall ’20 Development Foundation

Director’s note WE HAVE SO MANY AMAZING ALUMNI AND FRIENDS at Minot State University. I am constantly blown away by the generosity of this group. As you were able to see in our recent President’s Report, we had another great year with many highlights, none of which would have been accomplished without support from our alumni and friends. We are so grateful!

MSU Summer Theatre Phase Homecoming 2020 goes viral One groundbreaking

The COVID-19 pandemic has changed PhaseYou will One see of this the generosity MSU Summer in action Theatre on everyone’s world. We made the difficult page 28 with the groundbreaking of decision to cancel all in-person Home- withcoming hundreds events andof alumni moved from to a acrossvirtual the Revitalization project. In early October, Homecoming. Although we connected we broke ground on the first of two phases that will transition the 50 year-old country during our virtual week, we are amphitheater into the next half century looking forward to 2021 when we can with upgrades to bathrooms, concessions, see you in person. We have scheduled ticketing, dressing rooms, seating, and our annual social events in Florida general accessibility. We still have (Feb. 18–20) and Arizona (March 4–6). ourfundraising website atto MSUSummerTheatre.comcomplete before breaking We hope you will join us! ground on Phase Two so please check out Planned giving website ourto assist summers in making in Minot this aretransformation incomplete a reality. As we found out this past season, newWe are planned excited without MSU Summer Theatre! to unveil our MinotState. giftlegacy.comgiving website, .

features donor This new website

anstories, online regularly wills updated articles,

planner, personal gift illustrations, youadvisor are interestedinforma- intion, a potential and more. If

estate gift, charitable gift annuity, IRA rollover, or charitable remainder trust, this is a place to go to learn about advantages of making such a gift. THANK YOU for all you do to make Minot State University a special place for our students! Please stay safe and healthy.

Rick Hedberg ’89, Vice President for Advancement Executive Director, Development Foundation

CONNECTIONS Fall ’20 27 SUMMER THEATRE

Minot State University celebrated the ceremonial groundbreaking by Michael Linnell for Phase One of its MSU Summer Theatre revitalization project in the future home of an expanded plaza in early October.

The ceremony kicked the quality of life for so many people in and around Minot. Phase One, begun in off a two-phase process to October with a May 15, 2021 upgrade the amphitheater final date, will focus on andThe therevitalization aesthetics willof one mod of- which was originally built upgrades to accessibility, in- ernize both the accessibility in 1970. cluding integrating handicap Minot State. “It’s going to be an excit- creasedseating inspace the lower,for aisles middle, and our most iconic venues at ing year as we look forward and upper concourse, in- our summers are without MSU Minotto the renovationsState President at MSU Dr. “We know how incomplete Summer Theatre,” said handrails, and a replacement After completion of of the upper level deck. Some Summer Theatre.” eralRolac contractor Contracting for Phase of Minot One. Steven Shirley. “This facility modateseating willthe newbe relocated aisles and to was awarded the bid as gen- has served our region for the upper level to accom- constructionSummer Theatre’s is anticipated 55th 50 years, and with these season next summer, 2021Phase start Two date.is expected The entire to go $1.9 to renovations we look forward additional seating will be bid this winter for an August to it continuing on for the added to the upper level to to begin on Phase Two, a be completed by May 2022 in next 50 years. This project bring the total capacity to complete overhaul of the million project is expected to is about giving patrons approximately 500 seats. existing complex including a better experience with “It is an exciting day to bathrooms, ticket office, time for the 56th season. enhancementsimproved accessibility, that will view im - see this project move for- dressing rooms, and office Fundraising for the project ing upgrades, and building ward with Phase One,” said space, along with a new plaza is ongoing. For more informa- - Rick Hedberg ’89, Minot State and drive-through, and low- tion, to view a project descrip- prove the overall enjoyment playsvice president an important for advance role in - toer-level complete concessions. Phase Two. Addi - MSUSummerTheatre.com.tion, to view photos, and to of everyone who attends an ment. “Summer Theatre tional fundraising is needed support the revitalization visit Picturedevent at L Summerto R: Rick HedbergTheatre.” ’89, Executive Director, MSU Development Foundation, Jason Zimmerman, President, Minot Area Community Foundation, Cheryl Nilsen ’90, Summer Theatre Board President, Dan Langemo, Summer Theatre Board Member, Dr. Steven Shirley, MSU President, Chad Gifford ’00, ’08, Summer Theatre Artistic Director, and Jon Backes ’84, MSU Development Foundation Board President.

28 CONNECTIONS Fall ’20 2020 ATHLETICS HALL OF FAME honors four individuals, one team

Gary Cederstrom Ian Best

CEDERSTROM ’78 played baseball BEST ’05 was a defensive standout during his four seasons at Minot State from 2000-03 on the Minot State University and was best known for University football team. Best posted his selflessness and teamwork to help a school record in single-season sacks make the team better on a day-to- with 13.5 in 2002, along with 25.5 day basis. He worked for 41 years in career-sacks. He was a four-year starter professional baseball as an umpire, intofor a the team NAIA that national earned theplayoffs DAC-10 that including 31-plus years in Major Co-Championship in 2002 and a berth League Baseball. The Minot native finished his umpiring career ranked same year. He was named honorable 45th on the all-time games-worked list in Major League Baseball mention NAIA All-American in 2002 and second team NAIA professionalhistory with 3,850sports. games logged. Cederstrom is arguably All-American in 2003. Best was named first-team All-DAC in the most accomplished alumnus of Minot State University in both 2002 and 2003 and was one of just two Beavers (joining Sheila Green Gerding, women’s basketball Harry Mills) as a member of Victory Sports Network’s NAIA coach (1995 – 2017 • 22 years) All-DecadeMandy Greenberg team.

GREEN GERDING coached the Minot GREENBERG was a star in the circle State University women’s basketball for the Minot State University softball winsteam tofrom etch 1995-2017 her name (22as the years). women’s team, posting a record of 73 wins from During that time, she tallied 360 total 2010-2013 along with a career-ERA theof 1.77 Minot over State 614.1 record innings with pitched most wins basketball program career leader in with 867 strikeouts. Greenberg set wins. Green Gerding led the Beavers to six NAIA national tournaments and in a season with 25 in 2013 and also advanced to the Elite 8 two times. posted the second (23) and seventh Her teams notched five 20-plus win (17) highest total in single-season wins seasons including a school record 22 wins in 2010-11. Green during her time at MSU. She also posted the most strikeouts in Gerding posted 15 winning seasons in her 22 years and a season in softball program history with 262 in 2010, a sea- double-digit wins in all but one year. In her 16 years at ofson the where Year shein the made Dakota 40 appearances Athletic Conference in the circle and andDAC posted Pitcher a the NAIA level, she had 14 winning seasons and developed 23-10 record and a 1.77 ERA. Greenberg was named Freshman 112004 All-Americans. – 05 men’s basketball team year and senior year. She was named NSIC Pitcher of the Year of the Year. She was also first-team all-conference her sophomore

The 2004-05 Minot State University men’s basketball team set and first-team All-NSIC as a senior, helping the Beavers to their the all-time wins mark with 23, topping the 1972 team by one first-ever NCAA Division II national tournament. During her victory. MSU won both the DAC-10 regular season title and the career, MSU earned trips to the national tournament three times. timetournament in school title. history. The Beavers advanced to the NAIA national Thetournament, team had the one fourth NAIA

All-American and two DAC-10 All-Conference players. Head coach Mike Hultz was named DAC-10 Coach of the NewcomerYear, Courtney of the “Coco” Year Haley ’07 was named and first-team All-DAC, and Jeremy Feller ’07 was named second-team All-DAC.

CONNECTIONS Fall ’20 29 30 CONNECTIONS Fall ’20 Show us how you stayed healthy today!

Post a picture of anything Minot State you have in your home, office, Make an “M” out of or car. Post a whatever is around you. picture of Post a picture. yourself in your college glory!

Post a picture of yourself with any Minot State gear on.

ALUMNI ASSOCIATION

February

18–20 21 Gaualaction FLORIDA

20 dinner Alumni & Friends Minot State& University Alumni Association Reunion

CONNECTIONS Fall ’20 31 Class notes Send us your news: MinotStateU.edu/alumni

1956 1980 1986 Eldon Stompro Bill Triplett is the Troy Mantz environments that inspire and earned a doctorate in curriculum head women’s basket motivate students. Wentworth , a ball coach at Williston , native of Columbus, - MinotFreedom Area Financial Chamber is enjoying retire- and instruction, mathematics Group, received the education from the University of instrumentalment in Great music Falls, State College. Triplett Award in September. Minnesota and a master’s degree Montana. He taught is a three-time state MACCof Commerce sponsors Eagle from Northern State University. included four years in North Dakota 1976 champion high school for 30 years, which Devra (Barros) coachedcoach who women’s began hisbasketball career in and Smestad, Ward softball1980. From at Minot 2007–2017, State before Triplett the program to recognize Minot and 26 years in Great Falls. After County auditor/ workers who exhibit superior retirement, he spent time in Swan customer service. Lake, Montana and Mesa, Arizona. returning to Montana to serve as 1987 1962 Brian Duchscherer treasurer, retired on the head girls basketball coach at Judith Howard Aug. 31. Smestad Savage High School.Lynette Borjeson retired from practic the Ward Countywas Auditor/TreasurBurlington’s city Painter retired following 33 auditor until joining - years of teaching, - was recog- theing lawfounder after of 42 the dutiescoaching, in public administra schools.- er’s Office on April 1, 2004. During nized as the National years. Howard was Duchscherertive, and educational spent theher Northtenure Dakota with Ward Association County, ofshe Business Education Association Post- Estate Planning Law served in various positions with Teacher of the Year at the association’sSecondary conference Business Center, P.C., doing board president and a year as past Educationthe past 14 in years School in Carrington.Administration He business as Howard & Associates Counties. She served a year as received his Master of Science in Law Firm. At the start of Howard’s held in April. NBEA is the nation’s career, there was only one other president. Smestad is looking for- from Northern State University in leading professional organization female attorney practicing law ward to spending more time with Aberdeen, South Dakota. In 2003, devoted exclusively to serving in Minot. During her law career, her grandchildren and working on he received an education special- individuals and groups engaged Howard’s devotion to the law and home remodeling projects. ist degree from North Dakota 1977 in instruction, administration, to her clients became well-known formation for and about business. State University in educational Randy Hedberg Painterresearch, is anda professor dissemination of computers of in- throughout1968 the area. returned to his home administration. In 2001 received turf of Parshall for his Doctor of Education Degree, Daryl Riersgard published his Educational Leadership, from the and office technology at Bismarck University of North Dakota. BeckyState College. (Reierson) Keller retired 1988 the ribbon cutting first book, “Get Lucky & Stay Steve Heilman Lucky.” It is a collection of short ceremony of Hedberg stories from a 73-year time Field. School faculty from teaching at TGU Towner and representatives crashspan. The in Vietnam stories torange a quieter from life School. Keller taught for two years is an agent with of the Mandan Hidatsa and Arikara onan accounta remote of ranch a fiery helicopter in northern in Valley City and for five years Marquardt Heilman Nation gathered for the event. Sheat Bishop was a Ryanparaprofessional before moving in to Agency-Minot. The Hedberg played college football at Towner with her husband, Chuck. Unionagency Insurance was named Nevada. Riersgard had a career Minot State University and played one of just 12 Farmers in the Marine Corps, a second in the NFL for the Tampa Bay Buc- Towner for eight years before caneers. He was the head football career in law enforcement, and healthtransferring teacher to untilGranville her retirement. where she agencies in the state to achieve then 14 years on a remote ranch coach of St. Cloud State, Minnesota served as a physical education and the designation of Premier Agency in Nevada. He is working on a from 1999–2007 and was inducted status. This is an elite group recog- second book called “Martin Creek into the MSU Beavers Hall of Fame 1982 nized for their high level of service, (Building a Dream).” It recounts in 1985. He has been North Dakota Christine (Olson) Aleshaire sales, and marketing. State University’s quarterback 1989 monthsthe story before of building the ranch a ranch infra from to associate head coach and pass scratch. The chronicle takes 21 coach since 2014. He was elevated education. Aleshaire most recently Bryn Halgrimson, retired after 38 years in music - - was a music teacher at Century structure is basically finished. To- ing game coordinator in 2019. 1979 Job Service North day, Riersgard is enjoying retire- Minot Area Chamber Vicki (Christiansen) Elementary School in Grand Dakota, received the ment in San Antonio, Texas. 1972 Dougherty retired Forks. Aleshaire grew up in Tioga. Beth (Peterson) She took graduate courses at MACCof Commerce sponsors Eagle Wentworth of 2019 from Park the University of Minnesota and Award in August. from teaching spring fessor of mathemat County School earned a master’s degree from the , a pro- University of North Dakota. She the program to recognize Minot - taught vocal and instrumental mu- workers who exhibit superior District #1 in Powell, ics, was selected as sic during a career that took her to customer service.Denise (Randle) Wyoming after 38 recipientthe 2020 Teachingfor the Wilton, Rugby, and New Rockford Jonas was presented years in education. Dougherty Excellence Award elementary and middle school in before she joined the Grand Forks with the North Dakota taught half of her career in school system in 1989. She started Nebraska State College System by other half of her career in special as a band director at South Junior Education Association Lisbon and Fort Ransom and the the Nebraska State Colleges Board High, now South Middle School, AdministratorCareer & Technical of the of Trustees. The award is given in before accepting a position as education at all grade levels in recognition of superior teaching assistant band director at Grand been an educator in North Dakota and advising, innovative instruc- various school districts. She and Forks Central High School in 1997. Year award. Jonas has her husband have retired to tional practice, high educational While at Grand Forks Central, in held career and technical education standards, and engaging learning Buffalo, Minnesota. 1999, she launched the first drum- for more than 25 years. She has 32 CONNECTIONS Fall ’20 line group in Grand Forks. Class notes Send us your news: MinotStateU.edu/alumni

1994 Darren Dyke was Chanda (Leonard) promoted to lieuten positions at Devils Lake High School, International and Good News DeCent ant with the Minot Lake Region State College, and Lake Clubs, as well as volunteering at School. She is currently the director director for the Minot Police Department. - Area Career & Technical Education local theater venues. Outside of Area Chamber is the finance of Dyke has been with work, you can find her spending cal Education Center. Commerce and Minot the department since of the Cass County Career & Techni- time with her college-aged son and daughter, hiking, biking, and enjoy- 1990 Corporation. DeCent ing the outdoors. 1998. In 2015, he Paul Gillund was promoted to 1991 Area Development was appointed to be the lead fire- sales director at SRT Communica Mike Larson was is a Minot native and previously was commander.arms instructor. He will transition - employed with Dakota Fire Extin- into the department’s night shift tions, Inc., headquartered in Minot. promoted to vice guishers. She has twins, a son and 1999 daughter, who are juniors at Minot In his new role, Gillund oversees the president, ag lending Kelly Perrin was business sales department, com- for First Interna- High School. Jeffrey Sather, chief appointed to United munication systems technicians, tional Bank & Trust of staff at Trinity and product management. He is in Minot. Larson has board of directors. responsible for all business-related been with FIBT since been appointed to the Community Bank’s sales and services. He previously July 2018. He has been involved in boardHealth of in directors Minot, has of been employed for served as SRT’s sales operations Kian-Hoatag lending for J Yoe the obtained past 11 years. a mas Perrin, who has manager. He has 30 years of experi- ence in management.Greg Limke was - the American Heart seven years with ter’s degree in teaching English to Association, Midwest UCB, serves as their chief financial director at West speakers of other languages from Region, for a two-year term. Sather officer. He also serves as a board named activities the Education University of Hong earned his medical degree from member of the Burlington Rural the University of North Dakota. Kong1992 in 2018. Fire Department.Brock Teets was Fargo Sheyenne High ofHe Tennessee also has a andmaster’s completed in business emer named the boys Pinkie Evans earned inSchool. school Limke admin holds administration from the University a Master of Social basketball coach istration froma Northernmaster’s degreeState at St. Vincent Mercy Medical - at Our Redeemer’s - Work in 2001 and a gency medicine residency training doctorate in social Christian School in in education in 1990 as a social work in 2019. She is Minot. University. He began his career Center in Toledo, Ohio. He is board currently an associ certified in emergency medicine studies teacher at Bishop Ryan ate faculty at Indiana and a Fellow in the American 2000 social studies teacher for Mandan - Catholic School in Minot. He was a College of Emergency Physicians. Dale Plessas was promoted to cap Indianapolis. In addition to serving as chief of tain with the Minot Police Depart University-Purdue University - socialPublic studiesSchools teacher from 1994-2001 with West hasstaff, been he is a medical medical director director of for the ment. Plessas has been with the before accepting a position as a Brenda (Juergens) theEmergency North Dakota Trauma Department Center. Sather of MPD since 2001 and is the current- Foster was named commander of the bomb squad. heFargo also High spent School. three Duringyears as his dean the board of directors of Trinity time at West Fargo High School, Health since 2014. He serves on one of the top 25 2002 Women in Business Tina (Marshall) Angus is a cer of students. Throughout his three Health, Great Plains Quality In- aby Class Prairie A director Business of decades as an educator, Limke asnovation a board Network, president. and Quality - Magazine. Foster is gained extensive experience in Health Associates of North Dakota tification action officer with U.S. athletic coaching and leadership. Minneapolis’ board of directors. perience as a head boys basketball the Federal Reserve Board of 1995 Strategic Command.Perry Olson He has more than 20 years of ex- Warren Strand was promoted She is chair of the Large Com- coach, four years as a head girls munity Bank Council for the joined First basketball coach, three years as a Independent Community Banks of International Bank & Trust as a to assistant vice head boys golf coach, more than a few years as a middle school coach. America, chair of the MSU Board business development specialist president, business decade as an assistant coach, and a development at First of theRegents, Independent a volunteer Community for Junior for both the Fessenden and Harvey Kate (Sevde Achievement, and past president branches. Previously, Strand held International Bank Wittowski) Preisler various positions in the Fessen- & Trust in Minot. Olson started working at FIBT as Banks of NorthMary Dakota. (Hammond) asden-Bowdon principal. Public School system a business development specialist Kynett for the past 25 years, most recently joined Berkshire Brentin 2015. Danks Hathaway Home- 1996 Properties as a decided, Services Premier Jenn (Erber) licensed realtor in after teaching for 25 is teaching physical teach in an American Ahmann, North Dakota and Minnesota. years in Montana, to education for grades K-5 at Stanley Community Schools. Danks received Area Chamber Chico’s, of school overseas and his Master of Education, Secondary She will concentrate on selling received the Minot landed in Dubai, Administration from the University and listing residential properties. Award in September. United Arab Emirates. She is of Mary in 2020. His experience Originally from Williston, Preisler MACCCommerce sponsors Eagle the United States. Preisler enjoyed a teaching sixth, seventh, and eighth includes teaching social studies in has lived on both coasts of the American School. grade social studies at Dunecrest New Town, Harvey Public Schools, Stanley Schools, and Dickinson career in radio, television, market- program to recognize Minot work- Public Schools. He and his wife, asing, a andcommercial design for and many residential years. In ers who exhibit superior customer Carol, will be living in staff housing decorator.2010, she formedPreisler Design resides Solutions in service. in Stanley. They have two children.

Fargo and supports World Vision CONNECTIONS Fall ’20 33 Class notes Send us your news: MinotStateU.edu/alumni

2004 operations for the bank and its Jeremy Froseth Josh Wheeler Mandy Buick is the was promoted social worker for Torchbearer Award at holding company. He joins the Syscoreceived North the Dakota.FY19 bank’s executive committee, which to assistant vice is responsible for initiating key president, commer- createBurke Centrala tie between School. actions within the organization, Froseth was recog- cial lending for First theBuick school was hiredand com to reviewing financial data, and set- nized for going above International Bank munity. If school fam - ting major project priorities. He is and beyond in bring- & Trust in Minot. located at the downtown Bismarck ing in new business, supporting Wheeler has been with FIBT since be able to - ilies need assistance, they will now branch. Geloff, a certified public dayhis customers out. The award in their is basedsuccess, on and February 2014. accountant, joined Starion in 2013 growing sales profitably day in and 2008 access that help through Ryan Geltel Buick directly at the school. She as a credit analyst. He served in the roles of business banking offi- 52 weeks of case and gross profit will assist with distance learning was named Best of the cer and special assets officer prior dollar growth and only one winner . directstudents, families help tothose the resourcesin the need they company. The winner must qualify Bakken 2020 in the lawyer/attorney to being promoted to financial is selected per Sysco operating of assistance through programs, category in theJulie Williston (Fry) Herald Hatfield hereporting was promoted manager/vice to controller. president man’s Club status. in May 2018. In December 2019, for this award by achieving Chair- need, and educate them on what is health team at Trinity available. Buick and her husband Drew Hysjulien was named Minot joined the behavioral He is a member of the Bismarck have two children.Shannon (Dunn) its president. School Board, currently serving as Racine has been Health in Minot. Hat- High School’s head boys track & Master of Social Work promoted to senior Jessica (Haider) field completed her Henderson joined field coach. Hysjulien has been a track & field coach at MHS for basketball coach for the past nine degree at Florida the past nine years, as well as a Creditaccounting Union. specialist Racine State University in 2014. After Town & Country joinedfor Town TCCU & Country 20 years graduation, she worked as a thera- Credit Union, Minot, years. He teaches social studies at pist at Dakota Boys and Girls Ranch as the accounting Magic City Campus. has 19 years of bank Mat Jensen was and later in Trinity Health’s Child/ manager. Henderson ago and held multiple positions in Adolescent Partial Hospitalization - member services prior to joining program, where she provided fam- ing experience, including 12 years promoted to vice the accounting department 12 the treasurer of the board for the ily, individual, and group therapy in bank accounting. She is currently president, lending at years ago. She specializes in wire sessions. Prior to earning her First International transfers, participation loan ac- master’s, Hatfield served as a case Magic City Discovery Center. Bank & Trust in Checkcounting, Professional. and check adjustments. Jodi (Higgins) Loring, manager for Ward County Social Minot. Jensen has Shannon is a certified National Services and North Central Human Gate City been with FIBT since Services Center.Chauncy 2005 Bank, received the Minot Area ChrisFebruary Jundt 2011. is the Joann (Glinz) Chamber of Commerce Eagle Hendershot was Kveum owns and Award in February. MACC spon- named the Minot operates Vitality sors the program to recognize senior vice president Minot workers who exhibit supe- and chief lending football coach. High School head The family prac Stephanierior customer (Mueller) service. Petrauskis officer for First State Health in Bottineau. Bank & Trust in Wil- a part of the Minot Hendershot has been - liston. He currently tice clinic provides is the director of therapy services serves on the board is a board member of the Williams High football staff for the past eight integrative and for CaringEdge Home Health and of directors for North Star Caviar, seasons and teaches at Magic City functional medicine to individu- Hospice in Minot. CaringEdge is a Campus. He is also the co-head coach als. Kveum received her Master of branch of the Edgewood Healthcare County School District #8 School Codyof the Melgaardvarsity track was & field named team. presi Science in nursing education from andnetwork functional and focuses independence on geriatrics, in an Board, and is involved with the familyWalden nurse University practitioner in Minneapolis, from specifically maintaining strength Williston Power Play Project. Jundt older adult population. Petrauskis of the Williston Area Chamber - and a post-master certificate in previously served as president is an adjunct faculty for the Minot dent of Merchants Bank in Towner. Melgaard has been with Merchants hormoneBradley University therapy from in Peoria, American of Commerce Board of Directors, completed her Doctor of Physical Bank for five years and previously Illinois. She also holds advanced State biology department. She president of Dakota Business served as vice president. He at- Lending Board of Directors, mem- tended the School of Agricultural Association in anti-aging medicine Therapy degree at the University ber of the Basin United Way Board Lending held by the Independent Sheand hasadvanced been employed class work as from a nurse the of Illinois-Chicago in 2013. She and of Directors, member of Williston Community Bankers of North Da- Institute of Functional Medicine. her husband have two children. Korner Lions, and chairman of the 2007 kota and is currently attending the 4th of July BlastEmily Committee. Rodacker is Sarah Dawson has been hired as Dakota School of Banking. at St. Andrew’s Health Center, a a holistic healer who 2009 nurse educator at Dakota College recently published Levi Bjertness, Occupationat Bottineau, Medicine and a part-time in Minot. nurse practitioner at Sanford Health the business manager for North Central Electric Cooperative in her first book, “Vibe Birdy’s Hydromulch- 2006 Bottineau. Dawson, who has pen name Serena Minot Area Chamber Higher,” under the ing, received the Rick Geloff was served as the co-op’s accounting coordinator since 2011, began James. A Minot na- of Commerce Eagle her new duties July 1. She and her home in Montana with her family tive, Rodacker currently makes her Award in June. MACC named chief financial husband, Bill, have two children. officer of Starion sponsors the program Bank. Geloff will where she provides holistic healing to recognize Minot workers who oversee and rep- services to individuals across the exhibit superior customer service. resent all financial globe through her business Just Be. 34 CONNECTIONS Fall ’20 Class notes Send us your news: MinotStateU.edu/alumni

Allyana (Kalmik) Stevens is a Ryan Kamrowski Jessi (Hoffer) substitute teacher at Williston Mary. She is a member of the Erdmann was the new City of Minot Americandegree from Association the University of Nurse of selected as the 2020 began his duties as School District 1, the artistic direc- Kamrowski comes the Year by the Minot tor for Youth Education on Stage, toassessor the City on of June Minot 22. Practitioners and Sigma Theta Business Partner of a dance instructor for Studio 89, family’sTau International farm and ranchHonor with Society her and an auctioneer clerk for Stevens husbandof Nursing. and Lee four resides children. on her Board of Realtors. Auctioneer Services. Stevens is a after spending more Erdmann, mortgage Relay for Life team member, blood than five years as the director of loan officer at First International donor, supporter of veteran and tax equalization for Ward County. 2013 Bank and Trust, is involved in first responder events, involved in He is a certified Class 1 assessor Cole Strandemo was the community via Minot Young Youth Education on Stage, Enter- isby a the member State of of North the International Dakota Office Professionals, Minot Board of Real- with the Minot Police Schooltainment Art Inc., for Willistonthe Upper Communi Missouri- of Tax Commissioner. Kamrowski tors, Minot Association of Builders Department.promoted to sergeantStran ty Chorale, Community Youth Art & and the North Dakota Association 40 Below Committee, Northern Association of Assessing Officers Plains Children’s Advocacy Center, - Valley Fair, co-director of the Miss Companions for Children Lunch demo has served since ND Little Sister Program, volunteer of Assessing Officers. Pal, and the Junior Achievement Stephanie (Pfeifer) 2011. In 2016, he for Lewis & Clark School PTO, a Program. Erdmann and her hus- Silverthorn was pro joined the Investiga- member of the American Legion band, Jake, have a daughter. moted to assistant tions Division and worked as a Jordan Hughes, Women’s Auxiliary, James Memorial - SWAT team and Minot bike patrol. detective. He currently serves on the unteer at the Minot Art Center, the Frontier Museum, resources for Town vol- the Moose, Williston Thursday vice president human 2014 and their Meals on Musical Club, and active in the Matt Fetterley was presented as Commission on Aging Nazarene Church. She and her hus- & Country Credit band,2010 Brenden, have three children. admin and humanUnion. resources Silverthorn co AreaWheels Chamber program, of joined TCCU in 2014 as executive one of the five greatest athletes received the Minot Preston Phillips - from Reeths-Puffer since 2000. ordinator, in 2017 was promoted Fetterly was a two-sport, all-state Commerce Eagle Award in May. to HR generalist, and in 2018 MACC sponsors the program to was promoted to vice athlete during his days at Reeths- was promoted to HR director. She recognize Minot workers who president, commer- Puffer. He earned all-state honors earned her SHRM-CP Certification exhibit superior customer service. cial lending for First twice in wrestling (2007 and Tess Jarmin Trust in Minot. Phillips in 2017. International Bank & Nathan Stremick, 2008) and once in football (2007). The linebacker was a two-time, is a grain merchandiser since 2010. for United Quality Cooperative with has been with FIBT first-team all-area selection, who AreaSignal Chamber Realtors, of in his senior season notched 142 offices in New Town, Parshall, Ross, Randi (Dockter) Monley was pro received the Minot tackles (102 solo) with 10.5 tack- and Minot. Jarmin also passed her moted to the children’s librarian at FINRA Series 3 National Commodi- - Award in September. les for loss. As a senior 171-pound MACCCommerce sponsors Eagle wrestler, Fetterley placed third in ties Futures Exam.Taylor Teske is the Minot Public Library. Monley the state and finished with a 50-2 the head football began working at the library in record. During his junior season, the program to recognize Minot 2013 and has been a strong advo- in the same weight class, he workers who exhibit superior coach at Des Lacs- cate for library services in regional placed fifth with a 48-6 record. He the social sciences customer service. Burlington. Teske is organizations such as the North Lindsey (Wolf) Wald wrestled at Muskegon Community teacher as well as an was named the College and at Minot State. tion.Dakota She Library also supports Association local and arts Kyle Stephens was basketball team coach. withMountain the Minot Plains Area Library Council Associa of the- promoted to assis assistant boys varsity executive director of - treasurer for the past three years. 2016 RyanAdvancement Catholic Schooland tant vice president, Arts, serving as their secretary/ Jacob DeCoteau inFoundation Minot. at Bishop commercial lending Jordan Huettl has social studies for First Interna- been promoted to in Minot. Stephens instructor at Turtle, 2012 tional Bank & Trust Mountain Commu Lacey (Berentson) Krueger started with FIBT on the teller line location.store manager at honored for three - as the secretary/ in May 2013. He became a credit Tires Plus, Minot andnity aHigh half School, years was treasurer is of serving analyst, then started his lending Independence Inc.’s career in 2016. board of directors. 2015 2011 of perfect attendance, not using Independence Inc. is Katelyn (Backes) Heather (Johnson) a single day of sick or personal a resource center for independent Denne instructor. Cymbaluk was leave throughout his time as an named one of the Trust in joined Minot Firstas Natalie (Melin) Creditliving. KruegerUnion in isMinot. the chief finan- anWestern internal Bank auditor. & Degenstein, top 25 Women in cial officer at Affinity First Federal Minot Area Chamber Gate CymbalukBusiness by is Prairiethe Kelcey (Moore) ously employed at Denne was previ- City Bank, received the Business magazine. Lee, has joined Trin Award in May. MACC for Children. She holds a master’s of Commerce Eagle executive director of Companions DNP, FNP-C, Brady Martz & Associates focusing - on tax preparation and auditing. sponsors the program degree in business administration ity Health’s family to recognize Minot workers who from the University of Mary and medicine services in Minot Optimist Club and the Minot exhibit superior customer service. serves as president for both the Minot. Lee received her Doctor of Nursing CONNECTIONS Fall ’20 35 Alliance of Nonprofits. Practice/Family Nurse Practitioner Class notes Send us your news: MinotStateU.edu/alumni

Courtney (Klein) Sadie Hackman is Matt Flom was at the Towner School. Donna will Pardon a human resource promoted to credit continue to work on the farm and

is a mortgage banker at Bremer Union.generalist She for joined Town analyst for First ranch with her husband, Duane. Bank in Minot. & Country Credit Western Bank & They have three children and beenTrust within Minot. the bank Flom, seven grandchildren.Gene Putnam was Jalisa (Andreasen) TCCU in 2017 as a a Minot native, has inducted into the Tinnes is the as member services Dakota Musicians sistant director for representative before quickly mov- Roannasince 2017. Parker is Companions for - ing up to the HR administrative a special education Children in Minot. assistant position. In her new role, specialist at Under beenAssociation a frequent Hall of Tinnes has called Hackman will provide administra- wood School. Parker performerFame. Putnam around has tive support to the president/CEO is married with two- the Minot area for many years and and board members as needed, as children. the Magic City home well as play a vital role in support- since 2013 when she moved from ing all HR functions. She will also Zeb Pulkinen joined plays guitar and bass on his church Custer,2017 Washington. assist with recruiting, onboarding, praise team. He has performed payroll, and state licensure pro- Inc.’s Minot team as a Putnamwith his haswife performed of 47 years, at Cynthia, corpo Bailee Koop is the Shaniagram administration Mau for staff. Houston Engineering, and Tim Klimpel at Norsk Hostfest.

marily works in the - is teaching third technician I. He pri- rate events, restaurants, churches, speech-language grade at Velva Public School. Mau senior centers, weddings, private pathologist at the munity Schools last year. and McClusky taught sixth grade at Stanley Com- field, providing sur- parties, grand openings, open schools.Turtle Lake-Mercer Carson Schell, across westernvey North and constructionDakota. houses, North Dakota State Fair, observation services for projects Frozen Fingers Festival, and other 2018 the Minot Area Uriel Steven Torres Friends:regional festivals. Val’s Cyclery, received Ryan Miner Chamber of Com was is teaching Greg Tschetter State head women’s hockey coach, Minot and uni in September. MACC- seventh grade math, seventh grade pre-algebra, eighth grade pre- merce Eagle Award named to the Barron’s algebra, and algebra 1 for Stanley - magazine 2020 versity financial tech- sponsors the program Schools. His experience includes a StateAmerica’s by State Top rank 1,200 practicum at Magic City Campus in nician, was named the to recognize Minot workers who Financial Advisors, 2020 Young Alumnus exhibit superior customer service. Minot, student teaching at Surrey, Katharina Schmolly number three in North Dakota. - and one-year teaching in Garrison. by the Dakota College Attended: ing. Tschetter ranked at Bottineau Foundation.Crystal Williams, arship to medical received a full schol- Jim Haff Dakota Territory Air Museum in This is his sixth appearance on this is the manager of the sorsprestigious in the nation list. The and ranking is unique recog - Olive Garden, re- school at the Univer- Chamber of Com becausenizes the it top is based 1,200 onfinancial assets adviunder- ceived the Minot Area sity of California Los Medical School. Minot. A native of Michigan, he - Angeles, David Geffen in September. MACC grew up in Cedar Springs, near merce Eagle Award J’Kobe Wallace Grand Rapids. After high school, he management, revenue produced performed as a lived in Israel and visited Egypt be- for the firm, regulatory record, sponsors the program fore going into the U.S. Army. Dur- quality of practice, philanthropic to recognize Minot workers who in the 2020 season ing his five years in the Army, Haff work, and more. exhibit superior customer service. Burning Hills singer Jason Zimmerman 2019 of the North Dakota was a signals intelligence linguist. was named president Medora Musical. Emily Brick was He graduated from the Defense of the Minot Area promoted to branch Language Institute in California. 2020 His military service included Fort tion. Zimmerman is Jess Clark fromBragg, the North military Carolina in 2009 and and deploy - Community Founda- manager at Town ment to Iraq. Haff was discharged & Country Credit is teaching second a third generation creditUnion unionin West in Fargo. 2019 grade at Powers Lake School. moved to Minot a year later. He Minot native and Brick joined the Clark student taught in Minot at attended Minot State University, has several years of community Lewis and Clark Elementary prior sold insurance, then sold cars, experience. He is a past partner of as an assistant branch manager. to schools converting to distance before joining the air museum in the Holiday Inn and Holiday Inn Originally from Mandan, she brings learning last spring. She is excited Marisathe manager’s Haman, position in February. Express in Minot, the former flood over six years of customer service hasto have always found wanted her passion, to do. work- has been named the Ward County recovery coordinator with the City experience in the finance industry ing with children, something she a Westhope native, of Minot and Ward County, and was to her new role and is a certified Ericka Larson was work in the Auditor/Treasurer’s most recently employed with First financial counselor.Miranda Dyke promoted to mort auditor/treasurer. Haman came to aroundWestern the Bank Minot & Trust Community. as a business September 2012. She became banking officer. He is active in and public accountant - Office as a property tax clerk in board member of the Minot Area passed the certified gage loan processor ChamberHe is a past of Commercechair and current and a com is currently an associ at First Western deputy auditor in October 2013. missioner of the ND State Water exam in August. Dyke Bank & Trust, Minot DonnaShe previously (Olsen) worked Pritschet at ING. retired Commission. - - main. Larson began ate with Brady Martz working at First Towner School. Pritschet worked Ryan Gatch & Associates in Minot. Western Bank & Trust in 2015 as as a paraprofessional forfrom the TGU school coach and head football coach at istratora customer for servicethe MinDak representative. Key Club is the track & field She has served as assistant admin- 36 CONNECTIONS Fall ’20 in Willow City prior to working Havre High School. District Board. In memory It is with honor we dedicate this section to recognize alumni and friends who have passed away from approximately January 2020 through October 2020 or as submitted.

Graduates Attended

Minn. ’30Minn. Schnabel (Meitz), Blossom; New Rockford ’69 Heitmann (Kost), Marceda; Detroit Lakes, Anderson (Logen), Marilyn; Velva LaCroix, Jerry; Bottineau ’32 Hepper (Sandberg), Judith; Battle Lake, Anderson, Marty; Minot Landphere, Russell; Minot ’69 Larsen (Larson), Alverda; Minot Archibald (Holzer), Rose; Lemmon, S.D. Larsen, Carl; Ray ’41 Shields (Lakoduk), Edna; Lincoln, Neb. ’69 Pederson, Irene; Plentywood, Mont. Betzen, Wallace; Maple Grove, Minn. Lee, Abner; Minot ’43 Christen (Jensen), Donna; Williston ’69 Van Sickle (Hermann), Dorothy; Bismarck Bjornson, Marlin; New Rockford Leier, Eldore; Minot ’43Manitoba Konetzki (Taylor Carlson), Ann; Mesa, Ariz. ’69 Wenger (Mickelson), Barbara; Minot Boucher (Cote), Louise; Minot Lodoen, Dusty; Westhope ’44 Loptson (Myers), Naomi; Shoal Lake, ’69 Yost (Seltvedt), Irene; Dickinson Burlog, Harriet; Stockton, Calif. Loken, Rolland; Velva ’70 Black, Wesley; Williston Charlebois, Joan; Denver, Colo. Lucht (Landsberger), Mary; Bismarck ’48 Moellering (Leite), Clarice; Oakland, Calif. ’70 Dwyer, George; Jersey City, N.J. Darr (Thompson), Shirley; Minot Lunde, Lyle; Bottineau ’48 Thielen, Lawrence; Mandan ’70 Kautzman (Harder), Jayne; Ellendale Deck, Herbert; Round Rock, Texas Mack, Lawrence; Minot ’49 Anderson (Torgrimson), Mavis; Bismarck ’70 Schwab, Duane; Devils Lake Dolan, Erling; Crosby McCutcheon, June; Minot ’49 Haugan, Kenneth; Kalispell, Mont. ’70 Staudinger (Klein), Antionette; Bismarck Fee (Husby), Lila; Columbus, Ohio Moffit (Dedinger), Elizabeth; Minot ’49 Hummel (Underdahl), Helen; Garrison ’70 Sukumlyn (Wolitarsky), Phyllis; Turtle Lake Ferguson (Parker), Rokki; Rocky Boy, Mont. Morris, Rodney; Garrison ’49 Westlie, James; Scottsdale, Ariz. ’70 Tysse, Lloyd; Cottage Grove, Minn. Fursteneau (Ziegler), Joanne; Minot Murphy, Diana; Williston ’49 Winderl (Liebel), Elaine; Meridian, Idaho ’71 Kopp (Carlson), Ruth; Minot Grove (LaRose), Phyllis; Williston Nelson, Arlene; Minot ’49 Yeager, Vernon; Loxahatchee, Fla. ’71 Krause (Torno), Ruby; Dunseith Grubb, Michael; Tioga Oas, Gordon; Columbus ’50 Bilquist, Robert; Dallas, Texas ’71 Siverson, Melvin; Bowman Hanson, Fredrick; Mesa, Ariz. Olthoff, Richard; Minot ’50 Hoover (Falstad), Yvonne; Minot ’72 Ambers (Berglund), Doris; Maddock Harris, Wayne; Garrison Olinger, Jack; West Fargo ’51 Anderson (Berget), Astrid; Billings, Mont. ’72 Breiland, Donald; St. Louis, Mo. Hoesl (Henrikson), Anne; Wenatchee, Wash. Peterson (Bieber), Twilla; Minot ’51 Gillund (Stearns), Shirley; Fargo ’72 Caley (Ronnie), Diane; Minot Huseth, Merle; Charlotte, N.C. Philion, Karen; Minot ’52 Dhuyvetter (Rindel), Mary; Crosby ’72 Engstrom (Soland), Marlene; Crocker, Mo. Jackson (Olson), Julie; Fessenden Pishtek, Arlene; Brocket ’53 Caufield, Rodney; Sun City, Ariz. ’73 Erdmann, Jacob; Garrison Kaldahl (Boline), Alice; Tioga Quick (Olson), Marion; Minot ’53 Sundahl (McKenna), Beverly; Cedar ’73 Lukach, Robert; Cleburne, Texas Laney (Gackle), Rose; Velva Quill, Colman; Minot Rapids, Iowa ’73 Voelz (Jans), Aileen; Mankato, Minn. Larson, Allen; Tucson, Ariz. Robinson, Marjorie; Clearwater, Fla. ’54 Daiger (Elvrum), Alice; Lynnwood, Wash. ’73 White, Keith; Minot Larson, Gary; Mandan Saunders, Beulah; Minot ’54 Murphy (Knudsen), Mollie; Las Vegas, Nev. ’74 Hauze (Webster), Bertha; Minot Lium, Lawrence; Mansfield, Texas Savelkoul, Audrey; Minot ’56 Borgen (Nielsen), Wanda; Glenburn ’74 Vandal, Terry; Garrison Lund, David; Reno, Nev. Schieve, Lucille; Minot ’56 Butler (Sosalla), JoAnne; Tallahassee, Fla. ’74 Voiles, Terry; Minot Meyers, Larry; Bismarck Schnabel (Johnson), Carol; Minot ’56 Garbe, Wallace; Minot ’75 Brodehl, Byron; Vancouver, Wash. Meza, Cory; Calgary, Alberta Stafford, Gayle; Minot ’56 Hayhurst, Myron; Minot ’75 Credico, Richard; Lethbridge, Alberta Morey, Jack; Velva Steinwand, Alex; Garrison ’56 Larson (Nygaard), Ilene; Bismarck ’75 Erickson, Carroll; Stuart, Fla. Musia, Bryan; Minot Stevick, Vern; Minot ’56 Richardson, Lloyd; Alexandria, Neb. ’75 Sheldon, Patrick; Minot Nagle, Darrel; Collingswood, N.J. Teagle (Lewis), Virginia; Minot ’56 Wall (Emerson), Joan; Fargo ’75 Wattenford (Haugen), Priscilla; Nelson, Oranda; Seattle, Wash. Tollefson (Berge), Rosella; Minot ’57 Stewart, Jerald; Wahpeton Manhattan, Kan. Oines (Plant), Mildred; Lynnwood, Wash. Vix (Lambert), June; Golden, Colo. ’58 Marquardt, Lewis; Austin, Texas ’76 Ronning (Stole), Joanne; St. Louis Park, Minn. Opp, Cheryl; Minot Welsch (Rowen), Pat; Williston ’58 Miller (Milbrath), Marlys; Livermore, Calif. ’77 Anderson (Kragg), Margaret; Minot Pratt (Kuist), Meredith; Bismarck White, Richard; Gordonsville, Va. ’58 Wigness (Molvik), Ruth; Fortuna ’77 Olson, Terrence; Eden Prairie, Minn. Reinke (Larson), Mildred; Bottineau Wimer, Robert; Fargo ’59 Gale (Jones), Alice; Hobe Sound, Fla. ’77 Wohl (Christensen), Shirley; Bismarck Richards, William; Spokane, Wash. FacultyZimmerman, Neil; and Minot Staff ’59 Johnson, Wallace; Watford City ’78 Kihle, Kristie; Columbus Richardson (Svenkeson), Marjorie; Hazen ’60 Asplund (Sjaastad), Bette; New Carlisle, Ind. ’78 Munger (Ruckle), Margret; Staples, Minn. Rieder, John; Mesa, Ariz. ’60 Hegg, Gahlyn; Colorado Springs, Colo. ’80 Avery, Monte; Mesa, Ariz. Rittgers (Johnson), Bernadine; Onalaska, Wis. Dammen, Myron ’57; retired professor ’60 Helgeson (Wurtz), Marvel; Minot ’80 Schmeichel (Kragness), Charlene; Mercer Roy (Stein), Diana; Williston emeritus of psychology; Minot ’60 Hovland, Royal; Powers Lake Island, Wash. Rudnick (Prom), Theresa; Anamoose Fogel, Dr. Lyle ’57; retired professor emeritus ’60 Johnson (Ackerman), Barbara; Cando ’81 Lindberg (Andersen), Karen; Stanley Smithey (LaFrance), Peggy; Reno, Nev. of social science; Southlake, Texas ’60 Kirschman (Schick), Violet; McClusky ’81 Malling (Huettl), Joyce; Bismarck Sorenson (Bigelow), Edith; Eugene, Ore. Halvorson, Duane; retired professor of ’60 Kriese (Feist), Phyllis; Lander, Wyo. ’82 McCain (Cotton), Valerie; Rocky Mount, N.C. Spitzer (Farnam), Audrey; Bismarck humanities; Minot ’60 Quie (Roland), Lorraine; Williston ’83 Farley (Sellner), Letha; Bismarck Wolff, Claudette; Port Angeles, Wash. Kalvelage, Dr. Carl; retired professor emeritus ’60 Shelver (Werner), Dr. Janet; Sioux Falls, S.D. ’84 Martin, Berilynne; Minot FriendsYockey, Heather; Melbourne, Fla. of political science; Minot ’62 Bloomquist (Lindaas), Alta; Lakota ’85 Brooks (Harris), Phillis; Denver, Colo. Luther, Wes ’54; retired professor emeritus ’62 Fay, Daniel; Astoria, Ore. ’85 Cowan, William; Candle Lake, Saskatchewan of physical education, athletic director, ’62 Hanson, Noel; Williston ’87 Johnson, Paul; Fort Myers, Fla. Allen, Earl; Minot and men’s basketball coach; Minot ’62 Hermes (Ihla), Deanna; Polson, Mont. ’87 Nelson (Hanson), Carol; Bottineau Anderson, Virgil; Leeds Meng, Sister Mabel; former professor of ’63 Crosson (Greer), Carol; Washington, Pa. ’89 Hale (Cooper), Shirley; Cottage Grove, Minn. Bacon, Sandra; Granville nursing; Alliance, Neb. ’63 Isaak, DeLane; Clark, S.D. ’89 Stevick (Gjerde), Donna; Minot Beitzel (Stennes), Josephine; Bemidji, Minn. Mergenthal, Roger; retired professor in the ’63 Mongeon, Dennis; Mandan ’90 Doll, Sheila; Fort Collins, Colo. Bertsch, Dennis; Minot college of business; West Fargo ’63 Roebuck, Gary, Mesa, Ariz. ’90 Hanzal, Steven; Fargo Bilquist, Richard; Williston Papenfuss, Charles; former custodian with ’63 Streifel, Romaine; Minot ’90 Nehring, Charles; Shawmut, Mont. Birdsall, Ralph; Berthold facilities management; Minot ’63 Susak, Don; McCleary, Wash. ’91 Wood, Kenton; Minot Bolkan, Harland; Parshall Ronningen (Stenson), Ruth ’90; former library ’64 Breckenridge (Vande Kral), Lillian; ’92 Magnuson, Todd; Minot Brooks, Bruce; Minot staff; Bismarck Tulsa, Okla. ’93 Faul (Hoover), Myrna; Minot Broyles, Lucille; Grand Forks Schmidt, Dennis; former staff of the business ’64 Coder, Donald; Fargo ’93 Gilbertson (Amundson), Alycia; West Fargo Butz, Allen; Princeton, Minn. community assistance center; Minot ’64 Gates, Charles; Grand Forks ’93 Heck (Meyer), Valerie; Minot Carlson, Joseph; Perham, Minn. Scott, Gary; former director of guidance and ’64 Oothoudt, Dennis; Minot ’93 Helten (Locker), Kimberly; Devils Lake Christianson (Fjeld), Liz; Minot emerituscounseling; in Jeffersonteacher education City, Mo. and ’65 Brandt, Richard; Aurora, Colo. ’93 Pressnell, Raymond; Tioga Cresswell, George; Fargo Sidener (Middendorf), Audrey; retired staff ’65 Davis, David; Wellesley, Mass. ’93 Willenbring (Pretzer), Rhonda; Berthold Davis, Leroy; Minot ’65 Kjelvik (Borstad), Corrine; Tioga ’94 Benson, Arlyn; Greenwell Springs, La. Duke, Charles; Minot kinesiology; Minot ’65 Kocis (Severson), Judy; Bismarck ’94 Nordmark (Vikan); Norma; Fargo Egge, Dennis; Ocala, Fla. Slaaten, Dr. Doris ’49; retired professor ’65 Peterson, Terrance; Watford City ’94 Roeder, Wyman; Mandan Esterby, Bob; Minot emeritus in the college of business; Minot ’65 Stahl (Simon), Geraldine; Mason City, Iowa ’95 Gagnier (Wheeler), Judith; Minot Fry, Kenneth; Edmonton, Alberta Solie (Eraker), Irene; retired staff emeritus ’65 Venema (Ringgenberg), Janet; Modesto, Calif. ’95 Kurry-Swartwout (Owens), Karen; Minot Fuchs, Jerald; Palm Desert, Calif. with food services; Minot ’66 Haugland, Marvin; South Heart ’96 Tiegs (Chaher), Lorrie; Spruce Grove, Alberta Gunderson, Thomas; Minot Stockdell, Kenneth; former professor of speech ’66 Reiersgaard, James; Anthem, Ariz. ’99 Fox, Gerald; New Town Hanson, George; Minot emerituspathology; in Acworth, teacher education Ga. and ’66 Tingelstad, Maynard; Grand Forks ’99 Kershaw, Roger; Bismarck Helm, Donald; Mandan Swanson (Pfau), Patricia ‘69; retired professor ’66 Woodiwiss, Fred; Minot ’00 Jacobson, Jeffrey; Vallejo, Calif. Hennix, Wesley; Niobe ’67 Grossman (Walsh), Marjorie; Everett, Wash. ’04 Miller, Laurel; Underwood Hermanson, Rodney; Lignite kinesiology; Bismarck ’67 Riveland, Roger; Bismarck ’04 Schaan, Duane; Waterloo, Iowa Hochsprung, A.J.; Minot Vick, Dr. Donald; former professor of ’68 Kalinowski, Roger; Fargo ’09 Thomason, Suzanne; Terry, Mont. Jundt, Tom; Minot mathematics; Bottineau ’68 Luepke, Robert; Yakima, Wash. Kolb, Bill; Sun City, Ariz. ’68 McBride (Christensen), Karen; Bismarck Kuhn, Ed; Minot ’69 Azure (Malaterre), Shirley; Belcourt

CONNECTIONS Fall ’20 37 Buxbaum Lindsey (Nelson) Buxbaum ’14/’16 Look and her husband, Chantz, are who’s parents to Aubrey Lorelle, born July 22, 2017, and Carter Ross, who arrived NEW! June 24, 2019.

Craveiro Lorena Alice was born Nov. 16, 2019 to Diogo Craveiro ’13, joining big sister Clara. The family resides in Iowa. Have you had an addition to your family recently? Ennis We want to know! Contact Kate Marshall, Brooke Alexis was born Sept. 27, 2018 to Janell (Laubacher) donor relations coordinator, at [email protected] Ennis ’00 and her husband, Philip. She joins big brother to receive a free T-shirt for your new little Beaver! Please be Luke. Proud grandfather is John Laubacher ’84. sure to tell us your baby’s name and birth date. Also, please provide your graduation year, spouse’s name, and contact information. After you receive your T-shirt, Ford email your baby’s photo to: Gisele entered the world on Nov. 09, 2019 and [email protected]. was welcomed by Gill Ford II ’08 and Christen (Lethridge) Ford ’06 along with big brother Gill.

Axtman Ames Joseph was born Feb. 19, 2020. Proud parents are Bethanie (Bogers) Axtman ’07/’09 and her husband, Jake.

Halvorson Lance and Patricia (Sollin) Halvorson ’07 welcomed Summer Anne on Dec. 17, 2019. Gahner She joins big brothers Lane and Liam. Gabriel Goodrich was born Feb. 29, 2020. She was welcomed by Karissa (Erdmann) Gahner ’13 and husband, Carter, along with big brother Emmanuel.

38 CONNECTIONS Fall ’20 Hove Pinnick Kevin and Jenna (Rask) ’11 Derek and Danielle (Vaughn) Pinnick welcomed Hove welcomed Bridger on Judah Raymond on Sept. 20, 2019. Proud Sept. 17, 2019. The family grandparents are Rick Pinnick ’90 and Lyn resides in Tioga. Dockter-Pinnick ’74 and Mike Vaughn ’78 and Rita (Blickensderfer) Vaughn ’79.

Jarmin Rostvedt Avery Jarmin entered the Alexa (Hornecker) Rostvedt ’14 and world on Feb. 8, 2019. Proud her husband, Ethan, welcomed a baby parents are Tess (Foley) boy, Bodey Thomas, on April 22, 2020. Jarmin ’15 and her husband, Zachary.

Rued Bridger Douglas was born July 8, 2020 to Jensen Danielle (Cook) Emily and Mat Jensen Rued ’13 and her ’07 welcomed their husband, Jonathon. second little one, Pippa Ardett, Dec. 10, 2019.

Stroschein Nyssa Stroschein ’16 and husband, Rusty, welcomed Declan on Nov. 11, 2019. Proud grandmothers are Emelia (Hanson) Miller Braun ’91 and Joan (Hogner) Stroschein ’85. Jaxon Anthony was born on June 4, 2020 to Regina (Botrager) Miller ’16 and hus- band, Joe. She joins big sister Nikkita Rae. Trueblood Marisa (Perhus) Trueblood ’10 and her husband, Adam, welcomed Bodie Lee on March 29, 2020.

Nagel Brekka Blake entered the world Dec. 18, 2019. She Wilkie was proudly wel- Harmony (Bickell) Wilkie ’16 and her husband, comed by Chelsea Daniel, had Myles Joseph on May 25, 2019. (Carlson) Nagel ’07 and husband, Ryan.

Peltz Eden joined the Peltz family on May 23, 2019. Proud parents are Elisha (Traxel) Peltz ’07 and her husband, Greg. Wurtz Ferguson was born on Nov. 29, 2019 to Shelby (Bigelow) Wurtz ’18 and her husband, Luke. CONNECTIONS Fall ’20 39 Alumni Association Non-profit org. 500 University Ave W U.S. Postage PAID Minot, ND 58707 Fargo, ND 58102 Permit No. 1890 Change service requested

inot State University has been part of our lives for many years. Three of our children attended Minot State and currently one of our grandchildren is attending MSU. Living and working in Minot has given us the occasion to be part of MSU’s activities. Summer Theatre is one of those many activities we have enjoyed. Summer Theatre gives many students interested in theater a chance to have a great experience performing during the summer months in Minot. Many community members have also been able to enjoy perfor- mances in the summer. When the opportunity arose to support the updating and expansion, we were pleased to be able to contribute. Our philosophy in life has been to support this community that provided us the ability to enjoy the many activities, to raise our family, and earn a living. Summer Theatre is a great activity that adds to the quality of life in Minot and we would encourage others to attend and support this iconic venue.”

GO BEAVERS — Diane (Schreiner) ’84 and Bruce ’66 Walker CONNECTIONS Fall ’20