Connections WINTER 2012-13

A DREAM COMES TRUE Wellness journey

Bigger and better

Not afraid to fail

Alumni Association & Development Foundation PRESIDENT’S WELCOME

hat strikes me about faculty to guide and empower students, Minot State University is caring and knowledgeable staff to offer its commitment to service, first-rate assistance, a campus that is up-to- Wto concentrating efforts on helping date, friendly and supportive of learning, students grow and develop as citizens of and a deep understanding of the essential our place, to contributing in countless roles to discover, create and excel. ways to the growth and development of What strikes me now in our place and our community, state and the “great” in this time is the critical need to seek Great Plains. A tall order indeed. support from many whom the university Service is not a hollow word for a has served so very well. Now more than mission statement; it is a word that ever, our university must be focused on demands hard work, selflessness and a advancement, on a clear and exciting positive attitude held by people who vision for the future, on scholarships, sincerely care for others, who mean it faculty and staff support, on cutting-edge when they say it. Faculty in our early academic programs, on high-quality facil- years meant it when they exclaimed our ities and a campus atmosphere enlivened purpose was to “serve, serve, serve.” And as an institution of higher learning is by culture, events, athletic competition throughout our proud history, those the way we have used this rich idea to and the “Red and Green” spirit. words have underscored countless actions evolve into an organization capable of This is our place, and this is our time that make clear not only this high purpose serving others. We have gained a deeper to serve and support OUR university—an but many successes we’ve achieved in understanding and an ability to know how institution that has served all of us so walking the talk to serve others. to do it well in this pretty complex and well and depends now on others to help What strikes me about our history demanding world of ours. To serve well is us continue to fulfill our high purpose in and the story of our successes and growth not simple or easy; it demands outstanding the future. DAVID FULLER, president

“What strikes me about our history and the story of our successes and growth as an institution of higher learning is the way we have used this rich idea to evolve into an organization capable of serving others.”

22 CONTENTS volume 22 — number 2 FEATURES p. 4 COVER STORY: A dream comes true … new center provides students with a variety of wellness options MSU students learn firsthand good things come to those who wait.

EXCELLENCE IN EDUCATON

12 Wellness for all ages Eckmann researches mind-body improvements through exercise. p. 9 Wellness journey 14 MSU remembered overseas Student leaders realize 20-year dream.

ATHLETICS

16 Overcoming odds Rafiu chooses the right side of the law. p. 10 18 DEVELOPMENT FOUNDATION Bigger and better A history of changes in college fitness centers. 19 Basketball coach hits the ground running

20 ALUMNI HAPPENINGS

24 CLASS NOTES

p. 11 27 IN MEMORIAM Not afraid to fail Former MSU student Dave Mortensen took his passion for fitness to great 28 BABY BEAVERS heights.

Connections is published three times a year by the Minot State University Alumni Association and Development Foundation. Send comments, articles or photo submissions to Connections, MSU Alumni Office, 500 University Ave. West, Minot, ND 58707. Telephone 701-858-3399 or 1-800-777-0750. Fax 701-858-3179. Email: [email protected] COVER PHOTO: MSU student, Max Boeckel, challenges the 35-foot climbing

Printed on Forest Stewardship Council certified stock. Third class wall in the university’s new Student Wellness Center. Another MSU student, postage paid at Fargo, ND 58101 Paul Thompson, serves as his spotter.

3 4 © EAPC Architects and Engineers 2012 4 Photography by: Mark Schlanser ince 1981, the MSU Dome has commandeered space S on the north side of 11th A DREAM Avenue, across from Harnett Hall and the rest of campus. Bishop Ryan High School sits to the east and a hill lies below Herb Parker Stadium on the COMES TRUE west. But that has changed. Like a phoenix risen from the ashes, a new building has New center provides students emerged. Visitors are often surprised by the sudden addi- with a variety of wellness options tion of a three-story structure attached to the Dome’s west side, almost as if it appeared overnight, out of nowhere. But to students, the MSU Student Wellness Center (SWC) couldn’t get done fast enough. Groundbreaking for the SWC was a quiet affair, with little fanfare. Construction was to be completed by spring 2012, which at the time was a year away. Not surprisingly, construction was delayed due to the Mouse River Flood. But this August, MSU students, faculty, staff, distinguished guests, alumni and curious onlookers celebrated at a ribbon- cutting ceremony announcing that the SWC was officially open for business. “The Student Wellness Center is the result of students wanting to have their own place to work out,” said Dick Jenkins, vice president for student affairs. “The Wellness Center is not only a fitness fa- cility, but also hosts intramural activities, a meditation room and multipurpose space for The Wellness Center is not only a fitness facility, but other recreational endeavors. also hosts intramural activities, a meditation room and The idea was to encompass many facets of wellness, not multipurpose space for other recreational endeavors. just physical.”

5 5 Pursuing the dream they couldn’t use it at times because of something similar — something we could Paul Brekke, SWC director, was hired overcrowding. The need for a larger well- all be proud of.” in 2007 to oversee the fitness center, ness facility was established. The SGA voted unanimously in favor located in the basement of Swain Hall. Part of the need for the new center also of funding the new facility. The MSU The facility, a hodge-podge of remod- arose from the remodeling of Swain Hall student body agreed to raise student fees eled space, offered a smattering of cardio into an academic building. The Swain to pay $10 million of the $12.77 million equipment, free weights and plate-loaded remodel provided a home for the Col- price tag. Attached to the Dome and strength equipment. There was no space lege of Education and Health Sciences in Swain Hall via a skywalk, the Student for recreation or group classes. addition to expanded classroom, office Wellness Center was designed to incor- “Although there is a lot of history and and lab space for education and the sci- porate all aspects of a campus devoted nostalgia associated with Swain, it was an ences. Displaced from the building by the to health-related majors and healthy lifestyles. The SWC offers strength equipment that caters to everyone, from the beginner to advanced lifter. Twenty-nine pieces of Living the (quasi) dream Swain Hall’s renovation began in cardio equipment occupy space on all three floors and include summer 2008, requiring the student treadmills, elliptical machines, bikes, a stepmill and upper- fitness center to relocate temporarily to the third floor of the Dome. It provided body ergometer. a transitory home that proved less than ideal for almost four years. old building that needed TLC,” he said. remodeling were the student fitness center, “The doorways in Swain weren’t made “The plumbing and electrical needed football offices and football locker rooms. to accommodate the equipment we had. upgrading. Many people remember the “When Swain Hall was officially going The equipment originally arrived in smell: some people hated it, some think to be converted into an academic build- pieces and had to be moved to the Dome ‘memories.’” ing, the Student Government Association the same way,” Brekke said. “Everything Over time, Brekke collected data to knew that we (the students) needed a had to be taken apart and carted up the determine student usage and the potential wellness center,” said Wade Regier, 2007- steps or a makeshift ramp. Most of it was need for a larger, more comprehensive fit- 08 SGA president. “After seeing projects done by two student workers and me over ness facility. He discovered not only were at the University of North Dakota and the summer. The football team helped the students using the space, but also that North Dakota State University, we wanted with some of it, too. When they came in

Paul Brekke, MSU Student Wellness Center director, flanked by the climbing wall and views of the city.

66 © EAPC Architects and Engineers 2012 Photography by: Mark Schlanser to lift, Coach (Paul) Rudolph would have everyone grab a piece of equipment and take it to the Dome.” That was not the end of moving for Brekke or his equipment. When MSU hosted state basketball tournaments, everything had to be packed up and loaded into the back of a tractor-trailer for storage. The student fitness center was then shut down for 10 to 12 days. This happened three times in four years. Brekke didn’t complain too much. He just kept his eye on the prize … all 57,000 © EAPC Architects and Engineers 2012 square feet of it. Photography by: Mark Schlanser Living the (real) dream As construction on the building progressed, Brekke visited other student wellness centers in and outside North nine pieces of cardio equipment occupy wall and archway between the two. Two Dakota to gather information and space on the three floors. They include types of rock, SHOTRock and high inspiration. He also attended a National treadmills, elliptical machines, bikes, a step- performance, offer 2,600 square feet of Intramural Recreation Sport Association mill and an upper-body ergometer. Some climbing surface and exchangeable paths conference, where he found a wealth of of the cardio equipment faces windows on one side. Students are required to take expertise and assistance in intramural overlooking Herb Parker field, allowing belaying classes and a skills test before sports, fitness facilities and sport clubs. “front row seats” to sporting activities. they are allowed to climb. Brekke’s previous 20 years in the health A unique piece of equipment is the The center has two gyms, one with club industry also served MSU well, as 35-foot rock wall that sits in the south- a regular wood floor, the other with a he researched and purchased cutting-edge west corner on a padded felt floor. The multipurpose floor to allow for activities strength and cardio equipment. 147,500-pound wall took six people eight such as rollerblading and floor hockey. Currently, the SWC offers strength weeks to construct. The climbing wall, Both gyms are open and viewable from equipment that caters to everyone, from which is surrounded by windows, consists the second- and third-floor workout areas. the beginner to advanced lifter. Twenty- of the three-story tower, a bouldering The group exercise room is 1,500 square

Minot Area Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors join proud students, Gov. Jack Dalrymple and SGA President Lindsey Nelson in the official ribbon- cutting ceremony in August. Behind Nelson are Sen. John Hoeven (left) and MSU President David Fuller (right). © EAPC Architects and Engineers 2012 Photography by: Mark Schlanser 7 7 MSU Student Wellness Center feet with mirror-lined walls. It is large training education students and interested FAST FACTS: enough to accommodate Zumba, cycling, faculty in research, and offering intern- Total cost ...... $12.77 million yoga, or strength classes. ships for the corporate fitness majors. Hours ...... Mon.–Fri.: 6 A.M.–10 P.M. Spacious and accommodating men’s Someday, he would like to see nutrition Sat.: 10 A.M.–6 P.M., Sun.: 2–10 P.M. and women’s locker rooms are available and weight-management classes offered Number of staff ...... 3 full-time for daily use. in the conference room. He has begun professional staff Although the list is extraordinary, what working with residence hall managers to Number of student workers ...... 30 Sq. ft...... 57,000 impresses people most when they first investigate ways to attract nontraditional Sq. ft. of vision windows ...... 5,600 enter the SWC is the windows. Cleverly exercisers to the center. Presently, there Ceiling tiles ...... 4,286 designed to provide ample amounts are about 800 students who use the Floor tiles ...... 1,228 of natural daylight, the facility boasts SWC, which is served by Brekke, two Number of light bulbs ...... 1,154 Lockers ...... 440 5,600 square feet of “vision windows.” full-time staffers, two custodians and Number of showers ...... Men’s: 8 Treadmill-users on the third floor get a 30 student workers. Women’s: 8 million-dollar view of the city. “As soon as you walk in the door, Total pieces of cardio equipment ...... 29 9 treadmills 11 ellipticals Brekke has great visions for the SWC’s you see activity, you hear activity and 7 bikes 1 stepmill future. He would like it to evolve with you feel it,” Brekke said. The Student 1 upper body ergometer intramural and programming activities. Wellness Center is a welcoming environ- Exercise equipment vendors: He envisions incorporating athletic ment to work out in and work in.” Matrix Life Fitness Technogym True Sci-Fit Octane Stairmaster Free Motion Wellness Center exceeds expectations Cybex Magnum Mike Keyes, a junior majoring in athletic training education and pre-medicine, is a Power Lift Hammer Strength dedicated weightlifter, judging by his physique. Originally from Michigan, Keyes came Televisions...... 12 to Minot with the military and decided to pursue his degree at MSU after completing Group exercise studio (1,500 square feet), his commitment to the Air Force. Previously, he worked out at the Dome. offering classes in: Zumba Spinning “The Dome had all the necessary stuff I needed, but it wasn’t optimal for what Yoga Body Attack everyone needed. It served its purpose, and it was free,” Keyes said. “I’ve been to PiYo Turbokick military installations all over the world, and the Wellness Center is one of the top three. ROCK WALL The windows are probably my favorite feature here. The design is awesome.” Climbing wall consisting of a 35-foot tower, Keyes figures he uses the facility three to four times a week. bouldering wall, and archway from the Brie Engel, a senior in elementary education and former MSU volleyball player, bouldering wall to the tower. is both a student worker and client at the SWC. The Regina, Saskatchewan, native Total weight ...... 147,500 pounds exercises three to four times a week as well. 5,200 t-nuts on the wall in total Types of rock: SHOTRock and high “The Dome was OK, but I felt like it was very crammed,” she said. “Being a female performance. in the small space and being crammed in with a bunch of males was a little overwhelming. They would take the big machines, and we would be moved to the little weights. Having 2,600 total square feet of climbing surface 1,600 square feet of SHOTRock sculpted this facility is awesome.” to mimic Dakota sandstone. Engel also appreciates the open-gym feature. “At Swain, gym time was scheduled,” she said. “At the Student Wellness Center, 1,000 square feet of High Performance (gym quality) climbing wall. I can come in, shoot baskets for 10 minutes and then work out. I love that. Everybody is just so happy to be here.” Construction: 6 men worked 8 weeks. The crew lived in the residence halls, and the public could follow the construction via webcam. The 35-foot freestanding tower is top heavy … 2/3 of the weight is near the top of the wall. Outdoor hand-sculpted boulder (not presently unveiled): 35,000 pounds and craned into place.

8 8 WELLNESS JOURNEY … Student leaders realize 20-year dream A $13 million wellness center doesn’t just appear on campus one day. A project of this sweeping magnitude has a history.

n the case of the MSU Student Wellness Prout took a signature step by forming a separate fitness facility was within reach. I Center, that history traces back over Building Renovation Committee. Funding proved to be the first challenge. two decades. The group immediately secured a $5 “Our original plan was to raise $5 Its genesis occurred in 1991 when fee increase to upgrade the Swain Hall million through gifts and have students former Athletic Director Wes Luther fitness center, and $31,000 worth of new pay $5 million through fees,” said Dick discovered a budget surplus of $18,000. equipment was soon added. Jenkins, vice president for student affairs. He authorized David Rochholz, a physical “As the place got nicer, with better “Finding a donor is not an easy thing to education professor, to use the surplus equipment and more space, usage went do. We had to take the entire bill to the funds to buy new exercise equipment, up,” Rochholz said. students. They taxed themselves to make expand the existing fitness center and In 2002, the Minot State Physical this building possible.” upgrade a cramped weight room on the Education Club improved the Swain Hall Leaders convinced the student body to lower level of Swain Hall’s east side. facility with splashy murals and large adopt a pay-it-forward mentality. Current Physical education classes, athletic mirrors to draw inveterate fitness buffs. students would build the fitness facility squads and everyday students revolved Two years later, $19,000 from for the benefit of future generations of through the facility each day. When fee revenue created a separate weight students. no instructors or coaches were present, room for athletic teams on Swain Hall’s While Swain Hall was being remodeled students supervised themselves. No major west side. In 2005, an additional $60,000 in 2010, the fitness center was transferred injuries were ever reported, but the inven- purchased equipment for both facilities. to the third floor of the Dome. tory often suffered from benign neglect. The same year, the student government After much discussion about location, “We had theft problems, particularly increased fees by $25 to hire a fitness architects decided that the new fitness/ the dumbbells,” Rochholz said. “They center director. Rochholz created and wellness center would be built west of the would walk out the door.” chaired a search committee that hired Dome. It would connect directly to the MSU later introduced a card-swipe Paul Brekke in 2007. Dome and to Swain Hall via a skywalk. system to ensure security and to track Construction began in student usage. Rochholz became the de “If the students didn’t want it, none May 2011 and finished in facto director of the center, although it August of this year. The wasn’t part of his official duties. of this would have happened,” facility is fittingly called “I did it because I had a passion for Rochholz said. “I feel good that I the MSU Student Wellness it,” he said. “I knew it would better serve Center. our physical education department, the was a part of that.” “It was a student-driven general student population and athletics.” project. That’s the key As American students became more “After Paul came in, I stepped back theme,” Jenkins said. fitness conscious, universities replaced from direct involvement in the fitness/ Rochholz, an original cast member in drab exercise rooms with spacious, wellness center,” he said. “I saw that as the historical drama, echoes that sentiment. well-equipped fitness centers. Rochholz Paul’s job.” “If the students didn’t want it, none pressed student leaders to lobby for a When university officials decided to of this would have happened,” he said. ”I similar amenity at MSU. transform Swain Hall into an academic feel honored that the students asked me to In 2000, student leaders Ben Slind, building and evict the exercise center, stu- provide leadership and to be an important

Jason Miller, Michelle Boyeff and Cam dent leaders realized that their dream of a part of the whole process.” 9 igger and etter a history of changes in BB college fitness centers College fitness centers have filtering back to campus gyms. experienced a metamorphosis They were joined by female over recent decades, reflecting students who rejected the era’s subtle changes in the larger de rigueur thinness to pursue American culture. The facilities a more robust attractiveness. have evolved from windowless With the influx of these stu- dungeons with a few free dent bodies, university officials weights to gleaming temples smelled a huge opportunity. catering to the buff and the Schools began pouring beautiful. millions of dollars into facilities Back in the 1960s and ’70s, that rivaled expensive health Baby Boomers and Generation clubs. Architects designed sleek Xers displayed an anti-physical- edifices that embodied high- recreation center in 2005. The cent of overweight and obese education bias, perceiving concept themes such as energy, three-story structure occupied college students increased fitness as a recruitment ploy flexibility and a three-dimen- half a city block. At 280,000 from 27.4 percent in fall 2006 of an imperialistic American sional interplay of space. square feet, it was the largest to 29.2 percent in fall 2011, military. Their attention The buildings featured fitness center ever built on an according to the American focused on the Vietnam War, natural light, trendy colors, urban campus. College Health Association. civil rights, women’s rights and exotic plants and tony artwork. Soon, the inevitable arms Students explain this trend the environmental movement. When MIT in Cambridge, race developed. Baylor Univer- by pointing to hectic on- and They fought for institutional Mass., opened a new fitness sity in Waco, Texas, long boasted off-campus schedules that leave and systematic change, with center, it commissioned an art- the tallest freestanding climbing little time for exercise. With little interest in personal ad- ist to paint a mural overlooking wall in the state of Texas at 52 that in mind, schools began vancement. a swimming pool. feet. When cross-state rival Texas taking fitness to students. The Millennial generation Over time, the new centers Tech in Lubbock opened a new Catholic University in arrived on campus in the 80s became absurdly spacious and $12 million fitness facility, its Washington, built its new with a noticeably different wildly extravagant. climbing wall topped off at a fitness center right in the attitude. Idealism and reform- Washington State University predictable 53 feet. middle of student housing. mindedness were replaced in Pullman, Wash., opened a Critics of higher education And Howard University in became acutely uneasy with Washington, and Johns Hop- … fitness centers have now become centerpieces. these developments. They kins University in Baltimore, Students proudly run, lift, spin and climb in argued that universities were installed exercise equipment wasting money on glorified inside residence halls. buildings featuring floor-to-ceiling windows gyms that could be better Having escaped the remote and mirrored walls. spent on academic programs, corners of campuses, fitness classroom technology and centers have now become by an overweening sense of $39 million, 160,000-square- library journals. Even the centerpieces. Students proudly entitlement that bordered on foot student center in late NCAA warned that the spare- run, lift, spin and climb in narcissism. Students ignored 1990s. Its 17,000-square-foot no-expense facilities were out buildings featuring floor-to- political and social issues to weight-training area became of control. ceiling windows and mirrored focus on individual success. the largest in the nation. Whether spartan or luxuri- walls. The centers cater to In pursuit of physical Boston University built a ous, the fitness centers did every workout-warrior’s primal development, males began $90,000 million fitness and address a critical need. The per- need — to see and be seen.

10 10 n dave “Athletes and mortensen entrepreneurs aren’t afraid to fail. In fact, Not afraid they learn from their mistakes. It’s all to fail about the e all have dreams. journey.” But in order to make “W dreams come into reality, it takes an awful lot of determination, dedication, self-discipline and effort.” Jesse Owens said that, but Dave Mortensen lives it. In Mortensen’s case, his drive and to me, introduced himself and folded, Mortensen returned Ten years later, Anytime resolute focus took him from said, ‘I’m going to wrestle for to his home state of Min- Fitness is the fastest-growing standout athlete to the top of you this year.” nesota and worked at a local fitness club franchise in the his profession. “He weighed 135 pounds, health club, where he met world, with nearly 1.5 million Mortensen came to Minot but physically he was the his eventual business partner, members and 2,000 clubs his senior year of high school toughest kid I ever had. Chuck Runyon. worldwide. In 2012, Anytime to live with his brother, who “He only lost two matches “I was one of those rari- Fitness was recognized as was stationed at Minot Air that year. One was a tie ties who knew from a young the No. 1 company to work Force Base. against a kid from Dickinson; age that I always wanted to for by Minnesota Business Ken Vetter, Minot High it wasn’t his best match. Dave be in the fitness industry,” Magazine. School head wrestling coach was upset because he expected Mortensen said in a telephone This is an honor, but not (1980–94) more of himself. He was dis- interview. “I had an incredible a surprise to Mortensen, who recalls, appointed that he hadn’t done experience at Minot State. sees many parallels between “Mortenson his best. I wish I could have Dave Rochholz (teacher successful athletes and entre- walked up had him on the team for more education and human perfor- preneurs. than one year.” mance professor) inspired me “Sports brings it all to- That year, 1985, Mortensen to help others change their gether for an entrepreneurial won the North Dakota State lives.” mind,” he said. “Athletes and Class A high school wrestling Mortensen and Runyon entrepreneurs aren’t afraid to championship. It was only spent the next several years fail. In fact, they learn from the beginning of what he set providing consulting services their mistakes. It’s all about his mind to accomplish. He to fitness clubs throughout the journey.” attended Minot State the country. In 1995, they Reflecting on his personal University in 1989 purchased their first club, journey, Mortensen has fond on a wrestling Southview Athletic Club. memories of his brief time in scholarship and In 2002, they founded Minot. majored in Anytime Fitness, a “small, “MSU and Minot affected physical neighborhood-style gym con- me as an individual,” he said. education. cept” aimed at providing its “Ten percent of my life was After MSU’s members with a convenient, spent in Minot, but those wrestling affordable, non intimidating four years vaulted me into program gym experience. who I am today.”

Dave Mortensen, president, (left) and Dave Runyon, CEO, Anytime Fitness 11 11 SPOTLIGHT ON EXCELLENCE Wellness for the ages Eckmann researches mind-body improvements through exercise.

As young bodies scramble up the climbing wall in the plush new Student Wellness Center, an MSU researcher across the skywalk is quietly studying the effects of exercise on a different segment of the population.

ERRY ECKMANN, As the Baby Boom generation enters one in eight people over 65 has Alzheimer’s a professor of physical education, retirement, decades of life stretch out disease. Half of those over 85 suffer from has joined a phalanx of researchers before it. Members want those years to be it. Women appear more susceptible to it investigating the multiple benefits healthy and productive, but the prospect than men. Tof exercise for older adults. of dementia or Alzheimer’s disease clouds While age and genetics are major fac- “People are studying the effects of the horizon. tors in Alzheimer’s, research suggests that exercise not only on physical fitness but About 35.6 million people live with exercise along with a positive lifestyle can also on cognitive fitness,” she said. dementia worldwide. In the United States, improve both physical and mental health.

1212 SPOTLIGHT ON EXCELLENCE

Terry Eckmann (left) and Vicki Michels (right) collaborate on research.

Eckmann and Vicki Michels of MSU’s Addiction Studies, Psychology and Social Work Department are cur- rently studying the effects of different exercise regimens on Minot residents over 70 years of age. One experimental group does Zumba Gold (a Colombian dance/ fitness program), while another practices yoga. MSU students conduct the exercise sessions three times a week. After three months, the researchers will see which activity triggered more physical and cognitive changes. Eckmann has studied middle-age popular “Eye on Fitness” segment for 13 subjects in the past, but this is her first years. And she has written columns for experience with super-seniors. Her re- “Senior Scene,” a regular supplement to search is based on the premise that the the Minot Daily News, for a decade. human body can grow and regenerate, Since her arrival in 1999, Eckmann even during the so-called twilight years. has seen MSU’s Physical Education “They found that you can improve Department flourish. A revamped Swain muscle mass to the age of 100 or more. You While age and genetics are major factors in can even develop brain volume,” she said. Alzheimer’s, studies suggest that physical Aerobic exercise exercise and positive lifestyle choices improve sends proteins to the brain that grow nerve both physical and mental health. cells and stimulate neural connections. Exercise engages more Hall, ultramodern wellness center, new parts of the brain than any other activity, academic programs and exciting research Eckmann explained. opportunities have contributed to the Graduate students in the physical ferment. education department are also active in “I’m amazed at the quality of the kids mind/body research. Several are studying who come through our program every the link between exercise and academic year,” she said. “We have graduates doing achievement among college students. some amazing things. It’s exciting to watch “We’re seeing more research on exercise them contribute to the fitness industry and the brain throughout the lifespan,” and the field of physical education.” Eckmann said. The veteran professor feels she has The Halliday native can never be achieved the always-elusive balance accused of being a reclusive academic. among teaching, research, community She shares her insights on exercise and service and family. wellness with a wide audience. She is “It’s so fun to come to work and do currently writing a general-interest book something that you love,” she said. Terry Eckmann leads a group of on brain health. She has also dispensed Eckmann and her husband, Bock, have super-seniors in a Zumba class. fitness and wellness tips on KXMC-TV’s two children. Cole is 17, and Katie is 15.

13 SPOTLIGHT ON EXCELLENCE MSU remembered overseas

MSU student Micheal Badilla displays pride in his country and in his school. College students show pride in their schools in a variety of ways but none more uniquely than MSU’s Michael Badilla

14 14

. SPOTLIGHT ON EXCELLENCE

O HONOR the MSU “It was quite a substantial caseload,” he Criminal Justice Department, said. “The main thing was making sure the T U.S. Air Force Senior Paralegal, folks outside the wire were taken care of.” Michael Badilla had a small American Badilla quickly learned that modern flag flown on a combat, search-and- warfare straddles borders and time zones. rescue mission out of Kandahar Airfield, For example, the legal team had to be Afghanistan, in March of this year. conversant with U.S., NATO and Afghan “I was taking a part of Minot State law. And when questions arose, they had with me to Afghanistan,” he said. to telephone legal headquarters at Shaw The flag flew on an HH-60 Pave AFB in South Carolina. Hawk helicopter, which performs mede- “If something happened in the morn- vac missions in the war zone. The flights ing, you’d have to wait until the afternoon support Operation Enduring Freedom. or early evening (to call),” he said. The 29-year-old Badilla worked in the “ Trying to solve the issue yourself was law office of the 451st Air Expeditionary more beneficial.” Wing at the time. When legal complexities became too The Renton, Wash., native joined maddening, he’d escape the office for a AXWELL BUCHHOLZ, the U.S. Air Force in 2001, just before place of remembered serenity. a senior majoring in nursing the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. Working “One of the things that I loved in M and Spanish, is the 2012-13 with military aircraft was a tradition in Kandahar was being able to go around recipient of the $4,000 Peggy Wittliff his family. His grandfather was an F-100 the flight line and talk to the folks doing Memorial Scholarship. Wittliff, a Minot pilot during the Korean War, and his the job,” he said. “If I was able to turn a State University alumna, taught journalism stepfather was a crew chief on Chinook wrench, I’d absolutely do that.” at Minot High School for many years. helicopters in the Gulf War era. Badilla also worked base security with “Instead of going home after class, I Badilla began his career at Whiteman NATO forces on occasion. The immedi- engaged in campus life,” Buchholz noted in AFB in Missouri. He served as a crew chief ate gratification of police work offered a his application. “Through my president’s on B-2 (Stealth) bombers for four years. welcome contrast to the protracted pace office in Student Government Association “You do the maintenance on the air- of the law. and Mu Sigma Tau Fraternity, I worked craft,” he said of the job. “You’re in a sense And as if his 12-hour workdays weren’t to enrich campus life and academics for the owner of the aircraft. You lend it out enough, he took a graduate course in all MSU students. As an alumnus, I will to all the specialists. You give it over to the white-color crime while in the Afghan continue this. I will also do my best to pilot whenever it’s time to have it flown.” theater. translate to others why MSU has been so Badilla earned a bachelor’s degree in “I’d carry my text around with me important and formative in my personal criminal justice from Park University wherever I went,” he said. “I was able to and intellectual growth. Mostly, I will sup- in Missouri. Due to Air Force manning read it off time.” port MSU to ensure its continued ability needs, he left aircraft maintenance and Badilla returned to Minot Air Force to drastically improve the course of its became a paralegal in 2005. Base in June of this year. He is currently students’ lives.” The Air Force deployed him to Iraq in completing a master’s degree in criminal Only students with junior, senior or 2007 and to Afghanistan in 2011. In the justice at Minot State. graduate status are eligible to apply for this MSU student Micheal Badilla displays pride in his country and in his school. latter war zone, the legal office consisted “I’ve had nothing but good interactions award, with preference given to children of one attorney and one paralegal. It with the CJ Department, Graduate School or grandchildren of alumni. A student’s served the needs of active duty, National and the university as a whole,” he said. involvement in MSU and the community, Guard and reserve forces along with Badilla and his wife, Lisa, have two a written essay and grade point average are eligible civilians in the country. children. Sophie is 5, and Emmanuel is 2. also taken into consideration.

15 15 ATHLETICS Overcoming odds Rafiu chooses the right side of the law

here was a time when got mixed up with the wrong helped him escape his younger sion I schools Missouri and Habeeb Rafiu felt like people,” Rafiu said. “Guys I existence and, through a series Oregon State. But he tore his T he was “fading away.” knew were dying over stuff. of moves and life changes, meniscus, and it affected his Growing up just outside But the look on their moms’ reach Minot State and a de- sophomore year. While he of Washington, in Glenarden, faces … I just didn’t want that gree in criminal justice. Now played the entire year, the Md., Rafiu was running with for my mom. She was always Habeeb Rafiu is on a different offers weren’t coming in. the wrong crowd, school there for us. I was always in- side of the law. “I didn’t want to sit out, wasn’t important anymore, volved in sports, got back into “That is a big thing for so I played that year with the and things were on a downhill school and played my senior me, to make a difference for injury. I didn’t want to let my spiral. year of football. I got a couple the young kids,” he said. “I teammates down,” Habeeb But two key factors kept offers but didn’t know what I talk about what I have seen Rafiu said. “I had talked with him from that path. wanted to do.” throughout my younger years. the coaches at Missouri and “My freshman year in high Wakena Rafiu, Habeeb I have seen good and bad law Oregon State, so I kind of school, I dropped out and Rafiu’s mother, and athletics enforcement. I want to help ignored everyone else. It didn’t kids change — get to them work out, but my brother got before they make those bad an offer from (University of) decisions. I know I can’t help Mary, and we decided to go everybody, but I believe help- there together.” ing kids is my calling.” His experience with U- Habeeb Rafiu’s path to Mary wasn’t ideal, as Habeeb Minot State is almost as Rafiu learned on the second bumpy as his childhood. He day of school that his father and his twin brother, Hazeez, had died. He went home packed their bags and headed for four weeks and dropped to California on football some classes. He was officially scholarships, joining West dismissed from the team and Hills Community College wasn’t sure what he was going after high school. While to do next. neither had been away from “I figured I would go back the East Coast, Habeeb Rafiu to California,” he said. “I went understood how important it to junior college with a couple was to take a chance. of buddies of Johnny (for- “At first, my brother was a mer MSU standout Johnny little hesitant,” he said. “I told Lester), and they told me to him, ‘If we stay here, it’s noth- check out Minot State. I came ing but trouble. We get to do up to watch practice and told something most don’t get a Rudy (MSU head coach Paul chance to do.’ It was a good Rudolph) my situation. The experience for both of us.” players made it seem like I was The 6-foot-7, 320-pound already on the team. It was a offensive lineman had a solid great situation for me.” start to his career, drawing He again convinced Hazeez interest from NCAA Divi- Rafiu to play football with him, Habeeb Rafiu in full MSU Beaver tackle mode.

16 ATHLETICS

Habeeb Rafiu ’12, is one of the first graduates in the Peace Officer Standard Training Program at MSU. and both transferred to Minot academic staff gave him the Now, Habeeb Rafiu looks to a And, through it all, while State. But, for the first time, the basis for the rest of his career. future in law enforcement. 2,000 miles away, Habeeb duo wouldn’t be on the field “I talked to my advisers, “We had some great Rafiu’s mother continues to together, as Habeeb Rafiu had and they steered me toward instructors at the training pro- be a driving force in his every- surgery to repair his knee. CJ,” he said. “It was tough, gram, and it offered me some day life. “Yeah, there have been a but everyone is willing to help great post-school instruction,” “I can see the smile on her lot of firsts for us here,” he you. Minot State gave me he said. “I just took the law face when we would do good said. “My second year, we great resources. You under- enforcement exam and that things all the time,” he said. weren’t roommates because I stand the basics of law.” starts the interview process. “She had a tough-love (when was a resident hall assistant, so we were) growing up, but she that was a first as well. It was “I want to help kids change — get to them has always been there for us. weird, but it benefited both before they make those bad decisions. She still asks how my grades of us. I could watch with a are and if I am staying on top different perspective from the I know I can’t help everybody, but I believe of things. You don’t like to sidelines, and we gave each helping kids is my calling.” admit when mom is right, but other tips.” then when you go through The following year, Habeeb all of this and look back, she Rafiu excelled for Minot State, He then enrolled in the Right now, I am working with pretty much was right. earning the starting job at Peace Officer Standard Train- the Ward County Sheriff’s “When I feel like there tackle. He flourished off the ing Program, becoming the Office, and I hope to get into is no point to going on, she field as well, changing from first graduate from Minot the U.S. Marshals (Service). keeps me driving at it. It feels mechanical engineering to State in the collaborative I want to move up as high as good to have that, a reason for criminal justice. The help he program. He has also returned possible — DEA, CIA, U.S. it all.” received from Minot State’s to school to study Spanish. Marshals, SWAT.”

17 DEVELOPMENT FOUNDATION

My theatre scholarship EMPOWERED me to fulfill my studies of theatre arts and overcome any obstacle.

tudent scholarships are an investment in the abundant talent at Minot State University. The average debt of S a college student is $23,000 and growing. Unfortunately, the need for scholarship dollars is greater than available funds. It is hard to know how many promising students have missed the opportunity to transform their lives because of a lack of scholarship funds. Now is an excellent time to help deserving students. Please contact the Advancement Office at 701-858-3399, 800-777-0750, me personally at [email protected] or online at minotstate.thankyou4caring.org. Thank you! EMPOWER EXCEL DISCOVER CREATE ADVANCE 18 18 ATHLETICS Basketball coach hits the ground running

hen Minot State University a month. But we feel we brought in two named Matt Murken men’s guards who will upgrade our talent level. basketball coach in July, everyone “It was a tough situation and a quick Winvolved with the program knew he had a turnaround to get that done, and we are short time to get things going. still probably a little behind when it comes Murken hit the ground running and to next year.” began to put his stamp on the men’s While Murken and the staff were busy basketball program. working on recruiting, playing games was “We are really excited about the staff quickly approaching. That, however, of- we put together in such a short time. fered some relief for Murken, who said one And we knew we had some needs that we of the biggest reasons he applied for the had to address late in the game as far as re- Minot State job was for the challenge the cruiting goes,” Murken said. “But we feel NSIC would offer each night. there is a lot of excitement from the staff, “One of the things that attracted the players and the school to make the me was a chance to coach in one of the jump to the NSIC (Northern Sun Inter- premier conferences in the country,” he collegiate Conference) and Division II.” said. “We have had teams in the Final Four Within a month of his hiring, Murken and won national championships in the had assembled his coaching staff, adding past 10 years. It was an opportunity to assistant coach Jack Nelson and graduate coach at a high level, compete night in and assistants Byron Jones and Bobby Howard. night out.” “We have guys who come from With all of the excitement surrounding different backgrounds, but they are all the Beavers’ move to the Northern Sun and young and excited to work. And they all NCAA Division II, Murken believes one of have worked hard for us,” Murken said. the keys is to stay grounded. “They all dove in and are ready to go. It “We need to remember it is still just was such a short time, especially in the basketball, and it comes down to what late summer, to put this together, but I am you can control,” he said. “What can I do proud of how they have been working.” better and how can I help Murken set out to find players. While my teammates? We have “One of the things that attracted me was he and his staff were looking for immediate a lot to accomplish today, help, much of the conference and Division and when tomorrow the chance to coach in one of the premier II was working on 2013-14 recruits. The comes along we will conferences in the country.” program is behind, according to Murken, have things to accom- but catching up as fast as possible. plish then. For us, let’s “The first thing we needed to do was to take each step, gain some experience and get to know our guys and evaluate what we then move on. It’s going to be a learning had returning. After being with them for a process.” month or so, we could move forward and Minot State began the Murken era recruit guys that complement the players with an exhibition game against Another we have now,” he said. “The tough thing Level Blue Angels and officially started the is, recruiting is difficult enough when regular season with games at Metro State you have a full year, and we had about (Colo.) and Colorado School of Mines.

19 19 ALUMNI HAPPENINGS

2012 LUAU at Chuck Barney, Chuck and Deb (David) ’73/’89 the ND State Fair Schultz enjoyed the Luau.

Shara Speake, Erin and Ryan ’00 Hertz, Lindsey Anderson, Scott Dick and Gloria ’72 Lokken and Bob ’63 and Connie Knudson Sidener and Mike Anderson ’04 gathered to enjoy the festive event. reminisced about college days. Homecoming 2012—Reunions TRI SIGMA REUNION The Sigma, Sigma, Sigma Sorority had a great turnout for their reunion at this year’s Homecoming. Attendees came from North Dakota, Montana, Arizona, Colorado, Iowa, New Mexico, Wisconsin and Canada.

’91–’94 BEAVER FOOTBALL TEAMS REUNION

Kneeling L-R: Keith Johnson ’96, Mike Picard ’94, Jason Two Crow, Derek Gackle ’94, Jason Obenauer, Russ Reder’96, Cameron Deschamp, Kelly Auck ’93, Coach Dean Bachmeier. Standing L-R: Brent Danks ’02, TJ Kinchen, Mike Upton, Jerry Obenauer’95, Chad McNally ’93, Rob Auchs, Chad Petschke ’95, Steve Alford ’96, Sheldon Warawa, Tristan Schieg, Lance Makeeff ’94, Brad Franklin ’93, Trevor Bakken ’97, Ryck Hale, and former AD Fran Hummel. 2020 ALUMNI HAPPENINGS 2012 Homecoming Court

Pictured left to right: Jasmine Massingill, Jennifer Lock, Amber Smith, Corbin Zerr, Kelsey Ramos, Amy Olson, Piper Jones, Laura Bakke, Jana Britz, Corrine Gautron, Queen April Nakatani, King Max Buchholz, Jay Borseth, Jeremy Holman, Aaron Larson, Derek Hackett, Will Feldman, Jordan Kluck, Justin Goetz, Benjamin Berg. Homecoming Tailgating

Alumni and friends enjoyed burgers, ribs, brats and homemade treats prior to kickoff. Great fall weather brought Beaver fans Rob Buchholz ‘87 and Tricia Buchholz, Annette (Grant) ’07 and Joe Mennem, Nancy Fuller, and Joan and Ted Brinkman ’75, together for pre-game happenings.

Sheldon Warawa, Jason Obenauer and son, Scott Diebert ’98, Steady supporters Bob Sando, Deanna (Laber) Klein ’90, and Trevor Bakken ’97, and Russ Reder ’96 returned for the Roger Mergenthal recall memories with former Athletic Director football reunion. Fran Hummel. 21 MSU recognizes outstanding Alumni Association Golden Awards The highest award bestowed by the MSU Alumni Association, the Golden Award selections are based on outstanding service to the university or Alumni Association and for distinguished leadership in the recipient’s career or community.

RAY GIACOLETTI assistant men’s PAUL SODERBERG retired rear admiral, basketball coach at Gonzaga University, U.S. Navy, graduated from Minot State Spokane, Wash., graduated from Minot State University in 1965 with a Bachelor of Science University in 1985 with a Bachelor’s degree in mathematics and physical education. He in physical education. He was a four-year made the all-conference team in basketball letterman in men’s basketball, starting three and football, served as Student Association seasons and serving as team captain twice. president and was selected to “Who’s Who in He was a student assistant coach at MSU American Colleges & Universities” his senior in 1984-85, a graduate assistant at Western Illinois University, year. He was inducted into the MSU Athletic Hall of Fame in 1992. Macomb, in 1985-86 and an assistant at Oral Roberts University, Following graduation, he taught high school math and coached Tulsa, Okla., in 1986-87. in Stanley. In 1967, Soderberg accepted an assistantship at the Giacoletti left college coaching from 1988 to 1989 to join the University of North Dakota, where he attained a master’s degree. World Basketball League as an assistant coach and director of He joined the U.S. Navy and attended Aviation Officer Candidate player personnel for the Fresno Flames. School at Pensacola, Fla. In July 1969, he received a commission as The Peoria, Ill., native served as assistant coach at Illinois State an ensign and married Jacqueline Lewis. University, Normal, in 1990-93 and the University of Washington, Early in his career, Soderberg became a Navy Supply Corps of- Seattle, in 1994-97. ficer and obtained a master’s degree from the Naval Post Graduate Giacoletti’s first head coaching job was from 1998 to 2000 at School in Monterey, Calif. As a commander, he graduated from North Dakota State University, where he went 48-33. In 2000, he the one-year course at the Industrial College of the Armed Forces was named head coach of Eastern Washington University, Cheney. in Washington. After promotion to rear admiral, he attended the He guided the Eagles to the best four years in program history, an Flag Officer Capstone course and graduated from the Duke Uni- inaugural NCAA Tournament appearance in 2004 and Big Sky versity Fuqua School of Business Executive Management program. Conference regular-season and tournament titles. Named the 2004 During his 33-year Navy career, Soderberg served on three Navy Big Sky Conference Coach of the Year, Giacoletti directed EWU ships and visited ports throughout the Pacific, Mediterranean, to a 17-13 overall record and an 11-3 mark in conference play. Caribbean and North Seas as well as the Persian Gulf. The Eagles won 14 of their last 18 games on their way to winning Soderberg’s most notable shore assignments included executive the Big Sky Tournament but lost in the first round of the NCAA assistant to the commander, Naval Supply Systems Command; Tournament. comptroller of a $5 billion naval aviation support activity; force supply Giacoletti moved from EWU to the University of Utah, Salt officer for the Commander Naval Air Force Atlantic; commander Lake City, for three years. He had the best record among NCAA of the Fleet Logistics Center, Norfolk, Va.; and commander of the Division I first-year head coaches. Utah claimed the Mountain Navy Exchange Command, where he became a two-star admiral. His West Conference regular-season championship and advanced final assignment was as director of supply and logistics for the Fleet to the NCAA Tournament. As a result, he was named the 2005 Forces Command, which included responsibility for logistics readiness Mountain West Coach of the Year. for Atlantic Fleet ships and aircraft, food service operations, payroll, In 2007, Giacoletti became an assistant coach at Gonzaga. computer shipboard systems, ship stores, ordnance and fuel. Soderberg He has helped continue the school’s streak of 14 straight NCAA retired in 2002. Throughout his career, he supported the Navy Supply Tournament appearances, its streak of 15 straight appearances in Corps Association, Navy/Marine Corps Relief, United Way and many the West Coast Conference Tournament championship game and Navy activities promoting civic support to the underprivileged. its dominance of the WCC regular season, as Gonzaga has won 11 Paul and Jacqy moved to Skidaway Island, south of Savannah, Ga. of the last 12 titles. He is an independent consultant, with a primary focus on market- Giacoletti and his wife, Kim, have been married since 1994. ing, business development and strategic planning.

2222 achievements Young Alumni Achievement Award The Young Alumni Achievement Award recipient is between the ages of 21 and 39.

KRISTI BERG assistant professor of Senate president in 2008-09. As Curriculum Committee chair, business information technology, exemplifies she was instrumental in the conversion from paper to electronic the adage, “There’s no place like home.” documentation. To remain current in her field, she conducts A Minot native, she graduated from Minot research utilizing collaborative student-group experiences in her High in 1991 and Minot State University in classes, publishing research articles and presenting at conferences. 1995 with a Bachelor of science in business Berg’s real passion is engaging students. She has advised education. She then taught at Meyer Vo-Tech Collegiate DECA for three years and was recently recognized as and Quentin N. Burdick Job Corps. While an Outstanding First-Year Student Advocate. at Job Corps, she began graduate studies and taught part time at Within the community, Berg chaired Young Professionals- MSU. After completing a Master of Science in management in Minot’s Community Links Team and was a key leader in advancing 2000, Berg began teaching full time at MSU via on-campus, online a major initiative, “MSU Unity in Our Community.” Recently, and Minot Air Force Base classes. She also instructed community she worked with the Minot Area Community Foundation on its seminars and College for Kids workshops for the MSU Center for “Rebuilding Neighborhoods” initiative following the 2011 Mouse Extended Learning. In 2011, she earned a doctorate in organiza- River Flood. tion and management from Capella University, Minneapolis. Berg and her husband, Eric, have a nine-year-old daughter, Berg achieved tenure in 2012 and looks forward to many years Sydney. of serving alongside her MSU colleagues. She served as Faculty Academic Hall of Fame The Academic Hall of Fame recognizes alumni who completed a significant portion of their education at MSU, and who have gone on to complete an advanced degree and made substantial contribution to the advancement of their field of study. This year’s Academic Hall of Fame inductees are Robert L. Holmen, mathematics, and Joseph Alme, music. The MSU Faculty Senate chose these individuals from faculty and community nominations to represent a range of outstanding career achievements.

ROBERT L. HOLMEN came full circle at Minot State, when JOSEPH ALME, who joined the music faculty in 2007, left he returned to his alma mater in 1963 to be- an indelible mark on the Northern Plains’ gin his 37-year mathematics career. He earned musical landscape, with a 44-year career in his Bachelor of Science degree in mathematics music education that encompassed classroom at then Minot State Teachers College in 1959 experience as well as administration of the and completed a Master of Arts degree in renowned International Music Camp, Dun- mathematics at the University of Illinois, seith, for 23 years. The music camp brought Urbana, in 1963. Holmen made significant specialized arts instruction to thousands contributions to his field, his students, the of students. As a music educator and band department, MSU and hundreds of secondary mathematics teach- director, he launched many young musicians’ careers. He received a ers. His accomplishments include his outstanding teaching, his Bachelor of Science in Education from MSU and a Master in Music close relationship with area mathematics teachers, his service as the Education from the University of Northern Colorado, Greeley. His Department of Mathematics chair for 25 years, his founding of students continue to participate in music as educators, performers the Math Track Meet for grades 7-12 and his guiding hand in the and dedicated amateurs. His most recent accomplishment was the development of the Master of Arts in Teaching: Mathematics. re-establishment of the MSU Beaver Marching Band.

2323 Send us your news: www.minotstateu.edu/alumni ALUMNI ASSOCIATION CLASS NOTES •

1959 as well as with Minnesota Power’s charge at Ray. Colebank spent the of booklets, on the Internet and in Grace (Murphy) Fisher was North Dakota Renewable Opera- first 12 years at the Williston Post new media. inducted into the Bishop Ryan tions talent acquisition. Blowers’ Office. She and husband, Wayne, Catholic School’s 2012 Hall of husband, Byron (’86), serves on have three children, Tyler, Brett Gary McDaniel has been Fame Oct. 13, 2012. MSU’s Board of Regents. They live and Tess, who live in Williston. hired as a survey technician in the in Bismarck. Bismarck office of Ulteig. He will 1967 1977 work in land services. Prior to join- Pearl E. Willman has sold 1973 Dan Dennis is a business in- ing Ulteig, McDaniel worked for her home in Bismarck and Jerry Lyon has been inducted structor for the McClusky School the North Dakota Department of relocated to Hagerstown, Md., into the National High School District. Transportation. to be with her daughter, Vicki Athletic Coaches Association Hall Willman. of Fame. Lyon was honored at a 1980 Laurie (Bergan) Gotvaslee luncheon in July. Joanne (Zauner) Rumpler has been named regional direc- 1969 retired in January after 30 years tor of the North Central Human Darrell Rud retired after Patrick (Rick) Tobin is the as a federal investigator with the Service Center in Minot and the serving the last 10 years as new emergency management co- Office of Personnel Management. Northwest Human Service Center executive director of the School ordinator for the Alamo Colleges She and her husband, Jim, now in Williston. Administrators of Montana. Prior of San Antonio, Texas. The Alamo reside in Maricopa, Ariz. to serving in this role as a state Colleges consist of five unique 1990 and national advocate for public campuses that serve approximately 1982 Theresa (Ellingson) Bolinske education and strong educational 100,000 students. It is the second Roger Hammer, Wurgler has joined the staff leadership, he served as a teacher largest educational institution in Painting, was the recipient of the of American Bank and principal for 32 years, Texas and the 10th largest in the Minot Area Chamber of Com- Center-Minot as a beginning in Velva and ending in United States. merce’s Eagle Award in August. mortgage banking Billings, Mont. His wife, Judy, is The program is sponsored by the officer. a retired middle school teacher. 1974 MACC to recognize Minot work- They plan to divide their time Brenda (Faul) Tofteland ers who exhibit superior customer 1991 between Montana and Arizona. is the vocal music teacher for service. Tamara (Loock) Johnson was kindergarten through grade five at named Bismarck’s Elementary 1970 Marion, Peabody-Burns, MCSEC 1983 Teacher of the Year in May 2012. Janice L. (Ator) Anderson in Kansas. She has 20 years of John Warner was elected to She is presently a kindergarten retired from teach- teaching experience, having taught Verendrye Electric teacher at Rita Murphy School. ing after 32 years. vocal music in Norwich as well as Cooperative’s board She is currently at schools in Montana, North Da- of directors at the Kevin Sanders was promoted writing children’s kota and California. Her husband, annual meeting held to shareholder with Brady Martz & literature through Douglas, is a minister at First in June. Associates PC. Sanders specializes the Institute of Methodist Church in Newton. in tax services and tax planning for Children’s Literature, located in The Toftelands have three grown 1986 individuals and businesses. He has West Redding, Conn. children and six grandchildren. Kevin Burckhard has been a wide range of experience provid- recognized as a financial profes- ing accounting and consulting

ALUMNI ASSOCIATION CLASS NOTES • ALUMNI • ALUMNI NOTES CLASS ASSOCIATION ALUMNI LaVonne (Germundson) 1976 sional with an expertise in long- services for small businesses and Carlson won the Minot Camera Charles Guthrie retired as term care insurance by achieving their owners. Sanders is a member Club’s September color competi- Warwick Public School superin- the Certified in Long-Term Care of the American Institute of Certi- tion. She also received recogni- tendent after 35 years in educa- designation. With this designation, fied Public Accountants and the tion at the 2012 N.D. State Fair tion. Originally from southern Il- Burckhard possesses one of the North Dakota Society of Certified photography competition for her linois, Guthrie joined the U.S. Air most extensive educations available Public Accountants. He is a board entry. Force after high school and spent for financial professionals in the member and treasurer of the Minot three and a half years at Minot Air field. Burckhard is a managing di- Salvation Army. Chris (Gay) Blowers was Force Base. Upon his discharge, he rector with Northwestern Mutual. promoted to went back to Illinois but returned 1992 1959 – 1993 manager of human to Minot to finish his degree in 1989 Brenda (Juergens) Foster is resources for BNI education. Huck Krueger is publish- serving as president of the Indepen- Coal, Ltd., a North ing science fiction novels. He dent Community Banks of North Dakota lignite coal JoAnn (Burau) promotes his works at www.huck- Dakota for 2012-13. company. Blowers Colebank retired kruegerauthor.net. His e-books held the position of director of from the U.S. Postal are available for Kindle and Nook. 1993 human resources for BNI Coal Service after 32 years Krueger has also taken aerial pho- Dennis Pederson has been since 2001. She plays an integral of service. Her most tos of flooding in the Devils Lake named president of First National role in BNI Coal’s succession recent position was region from his ultralight aircraft. Bank & Trust in Williston. Peder- and talent development process, postmaster of Alamo and officer in He has published them in a series son has 21 years of experience in CLASS NOTES: 24ALUMNI24 ASSOCIATION CLASS NOTES • ALUMNI ASSOCIA ALUMNI ASSOCIATION CLASS NOTES • ALUMNI ASSOCIATION CLASS NOTES • Send us your news: www.minotstateu.edu/alumni CLASS NOTES: NOTES: CLASS banking. He was a vice president 2004 Award in July. The program is responsible for ensuring steady, for First International Bank & Mitchell Kraft has been sponsored by the MACC to rec- efficient and quality-driven Trust from 2000-09. He then hired as branch manager for ognize Minot workers who exhibit operations at the occupational served as president of People’s State the new Prairie Supply Inc. & superior customer service. health clinic’s three locations Bank of Velva in Minot. FormAll store in Minot. He is in Bismarck, Dickinson and currently vice president of the Jessica (Theilen) Kilbourn Minot. She will remain the Cara Harms had a photograph Minot Association of Builders. was recently hired as an adminis- primary leader for the Bismarck that placed in the Minot Camera trative assistant and accounts location and oversee managers Club’s September color competition. 2005 payable executive at Weatherford. in the Dickinson and Minot Kylee (Olson) Geer opened locations. She has been with 1996 the Minot Center for Pediatric Gary Morphis, veteran’s service Medcenter One since 2007. Pamela Kolschefski, a Therapy, a speech and language representative, is transferring from registered nurse with 16 years of the Phoenix VA regional office Brittany (Pederson)

clinic. Geer specializes in evalu- 1993 – 2006 experience, has been named case ation and treatment of language in Arizona to the Muskogee VA Vickers opened the Williston manager of Trinity Health’s Heart- and speech sound disorders, regional office in Oklahoma. Center for Pediatric Therapy, Line Tel-Assurance program. This autism spectrum disorders, and a speech and language clinic in is a phone and web-based system social language skills for children Jacob Solper has joined Williston. Brittany specializes that supports patients with heart and adolescents. General Equipment and Supplies in evaluation and treatment failure by having them call in or go as a sales assistant. of language and speech sound online daily to report their health 2006 disorders, fluency, and autism status. Kolschefski’s role will be to Jessica (Haider) Henderson, Deb (Sturn) Vesey has been spectrum disorders for children promote the program to patients named director of clinic operations and adolescents. First Western Bank & Trust, was ALUMNI ASSOCIATION CLASS NOTES • ALUMNI and providers and monitor the the recipient of the Minot Area for Medcenter One Occupational progress of patients. Chamber of Commerce’s Eagle Health Clinic. Vesey will be

1999 Christopher Heth is currently in his first semester as an assistant professor in the Department of Four generations of Beavers Chemistry and Environmental Jan (Ennis) Barlow (’61), left, Sciences at Lake Superior State University in Sault Ste. Marie, is shown with her family during Mich. Heth’s primary teaching a visit to MSU in August. duties are to teach the analytical Barlow graduated from chemistry sequence. Minot Model and MSU in ele- 2001 mentary and business education. Lisa Johnson PsyD, LP, She married Arden Barlow, also LMFT is a Clinical a Minot Model and MSU (’60) Psychologist. Begin- ning January 2013, graduate. Jan taught at Bel Air Lisa and her business elementary school, then moved partners will purchase to Valley City, where she was a Natalis Counseling teacher and chair of the business and Psychology Solutions, a community mental health clinic department at Valley City High in St. Paul, MN. School. She owned Valley City Credit Bureau and later became 2002 Sara (Carlson) Deutsch was a State Farm insurance agent for hired by Minot State University as many years. The Barlows moved back to Minot in 2007. a full-time faculty member in the Jan’s father, Harold B. Ennis (’40), seated, attended Minot State in the 1930s on an athletic scholarship. College of Teacher Education and Human Performance. Ennis received a teaching certificate and served as a principal near Lansford before working at the Gavin Yards rail facility in Minot. Ennis died in September at the age of 94. Lauren Swantko recently Jan’s daughter, Beth Hardy (’92), far right, graduated from MSU’s College of Business and is the financial received her master’s degree from services manager for Carolina Health Services in Huntersville, N.C. the University of North Dakota and is the school guidance coun- Jan’s grandson, Brandon Ball, is a senior airman at Minot Air Force Base. He is currently taking classes at selor at Dakota Memorial School. MSU, and is the fourth generation in the Ennis family to attend Minot State.

ALUMNI ASSOCIATION CLASS NOTES • ALUMNI ASSOCIATION CLASS NOTES • ALUMNI ASSOCIATION CLASS NOTE2525 Send us your news: www.minotstateu.edu/alumni ALUMNI ASSOCIATION CLASS NOTES •

2007 to assist clients in the Minot area 2012 1994 and is a licensed broker. He Amanda with all of their investment needs. Kelsey Barney has owned IPM, Inc. since 2004. Rothe joined Sund holds the Series 7, 24 and 66 interned in the United Community licenses. human resources Friends Bank of Minot as department at Abaxis Lindsey VanThuyne recently a mortgage loan 2011 in California. She joined Western Equipment officer. Michael R. Wald graduated lives Minot. Finance as a staff accountant in from the Highway Devils Lake. VanThuyne, originally Leslie (Mulske) Stolz has Patrol Academy Attended from Minnewaukan, currently been hired by Point CPA as a in July. Wald has Heather Kelley has been resides with her husband, Matthew, staff accountant. Stolz graduated been assigned to the named clinical coordinator at in Devils Lake. with a bachelor of science degree Highway Patrol’s The Clinics of St. Alexius. Kelly in accounting from Rasmussen Northwest Region and will be started at St. Alexius in 2009 as a Mark Tollefson, principal College in 2012 and with a bach- stationed at Williston. registered nurse in urology. Kelley owner and vice president of Tollef- elor of science degree in business will manage staff, orient new em- son’s Retail Group in Minot, was management from MSU. Chris Barney is working at ployees and help develop electronic elected to a three-year term on the Abaxis as an inside health records. World Floor Covering Association’s 2008 account represen- board of directors. As part of the Vanessa Anderson joined the tative in medical Shawn Kaylor was elected to board, Tollefson will serve on the Vogel Law Firm in Fargo. She marketing and sales. Verendrye Electric Cooperative’s industry relations and quality/stan- will concentrate her practice in He lives in Hayward, board of directors at the annual dards committees. civil litigation. Calif. meeting held in June. Richard Debertin had a 2010 Kevin Leier has a new career as H. Weyburn Niewoehner was photograph that placed in the Jeremiah Johnson will a high school teacher and assistant installed as lieutenant governor Minot Camera Club’s September return to Devils Lake this fall to football coach in Rugby. The job is of Region 1 of the Minnesota- color competition. Debertin also conduct the 2012-13 season of 20 miles from the Heartland Bison Dakotas District of Kiwanis received recognition for his entry the Devils Lake Community Or- Ranch that he helped his parents International at the district’s recent in the photography competition chestra. Johnson teaches strings build. Leier was elected to the convention in St. Cloud, Minn. at the N.D. State Fair. Debertin is and orchestra in the Grand Forks board of the North Dakota Buffalo Region 1 borders the western currently president of the club. Public Schools and is a member Association when he was 19. He two-thirds of North Dakota and of the Grand Forks Symphony. was the youngest board member includes Kiwanis Clubs at Rolla, on any regional bison board in the Bottineau, Devils Lake, Harvey, Justin Kitzan is an addiction nation and was elected vice presi- Carrington, Jamestown, Bismarck, counselor at West Central Hu- dent of the 150-member group in Mandan, Dickinson, New Town, man Service Center in Bismarck. December 2010. His wife, Anne, is Tioga and Minot. Niewoehner a teacher at the elementary school received the Kiwanis Districts Erin (Dostert) Sund has in Rugby. Kevin has a two-year-old Governors Award in 2011. been hired by son, Gryphen Leier-Wangler. Bremer Invest- Breanna Kraft, Army National

ALUMNI ASSOCIATION CLASS NOTES • ALUMNI • ALUMNI NOTES CLASS ASSOCIATION ALUMNI ment Services as Aryn (Arndt) Mappes works Guard Pfc., has graduated from a Raymond James as a procurement analyst at Minot basic combat training at Fort CLASS NOTES: financial advisor. Air Force Base in the Fifth Con- Jackson, Columbia, S.C. WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU! Sund has worked tracting Squadron. Please share your career and

Friends in the financial services industry Matt Watne is a principle family updates or address changes for more than four years. In her Kayla Hansen is the fourth partner with Watne Realtors. by sending your news to www. new role at Bremer, she will work grade teacher at Powers Lake. Watne has been in real estate since minotstateu.edu/alumni. 2007 – 2007

Connections SPRING 2012 Have you received copies of these issues of Connections? FALL 2012 With changes in postal endorsements, anyone with a change of address may C not have received the copies pictured. If you wish to receive them, we will be glad onnections CROSSROADS on life’s journeys … BUSINESS CONSULTANT MELDS PROFICIENCY to honor your request. Contact the Alumni Office at 701-858-3234 or e-mail An unlikely love story WITH PASSION

Living on a whim Schwan enriches family tradition Growing in strength [email protected]. Jones’ Pentagon war won with and numbers dedication and persistence Also, let us know if you would rather receive Connections electronically. Alumni Association & Development Foundation

Alumni Association & Development Foundation CLASS NOTES: 26ALUMNI26 ASSOCIATION CLASS NOTES • ALUMNI ASSOCIA ALUMNI ASSOCIATION CLASS NOTES • In memoriam… It is with honor we dedicate this section to ’80 Plank, Stephen; Minot Severson, John P.; Mandan recognize alumni and friends who have passed ’81 Frank, Antonio; Tucson, Ariz. Spragins (Rostad), Dara; Virginia Beach, Va. away from approximately July 2012 to ’86 Brudevold, Lynn; Velva Thompson, Morris M.; Durango, Colo. September 2012, or as submitted. ’87 Grossman, Arnie; Velva Thorne (Hegge), Ann; Bismarck ’91 Couture (Haider), Colleen; Minot Wald (Schultz), Lauraine; Elgin, Neb. Graduates ...... ’91 Lucy, Tamara; Minot ’31 Hutchens (Ostroot), Charlotte; Dayton, ’92 Anhorn, Elizabeth; Bismarck Friends ...... Ohio ’94 Hanson, Glenn H.; Devils Lake Allers (Leach), Catherine “Katie;” Minot ’37 Livedalen (Holm), Myrtle; Towner ’94 Yeager (Kurtz), Alice; Minot Bengson, William “Bud;” Minot ’38 Mestad, Elizabeth “Betty;” Jamestown Broschat, Morris O.; Fargo ’40 Ennis, Harold B.; Minot Attended ...... Christenson (Bachmeier), Jan; Minot ’40 Nordin, Elsa; Tumwater, Wash. Berry, Lori; Minot Gackle, Don; Garrison ’41 Aanestad (Fredrickson), Naedine; Chopp (Devine), Elizabeth; Minneapolis, Hanson, Odin C.; Minot Burnsville, Minn. Minn. Hieb, Daniel; Minot ’43 Cross (Lovro), Helga; Minot Clifford (Fay), Jeanne; Astoria, Ore. Kenner, Harris P.; Minot ’43 Tate (Dailey), Helen; Scottsdale, Ariz. Cooper, Robert J.; Minot Kinnoin, Duane; Belden ’47 Christianson (Thompson), Pearl; Minot Diamond (Smith), Debra; Wein Lakes, Colo. Linrud, Arthur E.; Minot ’48 Anderson, John S.; Minot Dobrinski (Hammer), Tillie; Minot Perron, Dallas; Sherwood ’48 Paulson (Dickerson), Corrine “Codie;” Dvirnak (Bovkoon), Grayce; Grand Junction, Pfau, Vernon; Upham Sun City West, Ariz. Colo. Pownell (Matthews), Lovetta; Minot ’50 Lee, Arthur; Minot Gallagher (Kostek), Lucille; Minot Rademacher, Arthur; Berthold ’53 Skaaden, Virgil; Bismarck Greenwood, Earl; Pensacola, Fla. Stenson, Mark D.; Seattle, Wash. ’57 Bjellum (Bjornstad), Shirley; Fargo Hanson (Moberg), Marla; Bowbells Tofteland (Goodman), Iona “Jean;” ’60 Bethke (Jacobson), Bonnie; Great Falls, Johnson, Clayton “C.J.;” Minot West Fargo Mont. Kistner (Bolte), Jeanne; Duluth, Minn. Watne, Clair; Minot ’60 Hendrickson, Arlyn D.; Velva Kok (Edwards), Jamie; Plaza ’63 Condon (Brieher), Faith; Minot Kraft (Flammang), Mary; Minot Faculty & Staff ...... ’65 Strate, Larry A.; Peoria, Ariz. Lee, Clarence; Lake Metigoshe Abrahamson, Doug; former custodian with the ’72 Peterson (Burghart), Helen; Dickinson Luke (Bruels), Mamie “Mae;” Minot Office of Facilities Management ’74 Jochimsen, Jon; Rugby Novak (Helle), Carolyn; Fargo Fairweather, Floyd; professor emeritus, Division ’74 Pusc, Steve; Bismarck Odden, Deanna; Rugby of Humanities ’74 Salcedo, Anthony; Chula Vista, Calif. Ramsdell, Steven M.; Minot Foster, Dr. Randolph; former dean of Minot ’76 Gardner, Gary; Cashmere, Wash. Salwey (Senger), Regina “Jean;” Max State College ’78 McCormack, Jan; Bismarck Schroeder (Hovey), Myra; Minot Vossler, Jim; former major gifts officer for the ’80 Hanson, Keith G.; Moorhead, Minn. Office of Advancement

Alumni Association

30th annual

dinner & auction

Friday, April 26, 2013 — Grand International — 6 P.M. ALUMNI ASSOCIATION CLASS NOTES • ALUMNI ASSOCIA 2727 gest Have you had an addition to your family ig “litt b le within the last 12-18 months? ” We want to know! Contact Kate Marshall at [email protected] to receive a free T-shirt for your new little Beaver! Please be sure to tell us your baby’s name and birth date. Also, please provide your BEAVER graduation year, spouse’s name and contact information.

After you have received your biggest “little” fans! Beaver fan T-shirt, email your baby’s photo to: [email protected].

Bjornson Dannewitz French Shane ’00 and Tara Drew David was born Michael and April ’11 ’05 (Stoltz) Bjornson July 2, 2012, to David (Arensmey) French welcomed a boy, Riley and Dana ’09 (Engel- welcomed Aibrean Reaves, on Feb. 17, hard) Dannewitz. He Keith to the world on 2012. Welcome to the joins older brother May 4, 2010. world! Dayson Dale, who is 2 years old.

Burdick Deutsch Fundingsland Sophia Claire was Dustin and Sara ’02 Steve ’96 and Michelle born Nov. 11, 2011, to (Carlson) Deutsch Fundingsland joyfully Zach ’07 and Lindsey welcomed Anna welcomed Miyah Joy ’07 (Iverson) Burdick. Marie on Jan. 9, 2012. on Aug. 22, 2011. She joins big sister Grace, who is 2 years old.

Carlson Egger Fullerton Kendo ’99 and Braxton Troy was born Benjamin Richard was Niki ’05 (Wegenast) to Dave and Desiree born March 26, 2012, Carlson joyfully ’07 (Taylor) Egger on in Bismarck. Proud welcomed Kalan Feb. 23, 2012, in Ten parents are Matthew Wayne on Sept. 14, Sleep, Wyo. ’08 and Jessica ’07 2011, in Minot. (Anderson) Fullerton.

28 Hillerud McGee Seidl Kinley Grace entered Marc and Chelsea ’07 Ben and Sharon the world on Nov. 3, (Harder) McGee be- (MSU staff ) Seidl, 2011. Kinley was came proud parents along with their two welcomed by proud to Isaac Brian, born sons, Bodey and parents Matt and Nov. 2, 2011, in New Kolby, welcomed Kelli ’06 (Schiele) Jersey. Katelyn Viola on Hillerud and big April 20, 2012. sister Mariah, who is 4½ years old.

Hulm Meinert Stasiw Rick and Joanne ’91 Jeremy ’06 and Rox- Curt ’08 and Whitney (Christianson) Hulm, anne ’05 (Weyrauch) ’08 (Stobbs) Stasiw along with siblings Meinert welcomed welcomed a new Josh, Austin, Emilie Berit Irene on Jan. 13, addition to their and Hannah, 2012. family, Nathaniel welcomed Liam Blasy Emmett. Nathaniel on May 20, 2011. was born June 8, 2012, in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan.

Huettl Monley Stevick Warren and Kathy ’09 Luke and Randi ’10 Jock ’95 and Lacey (Riemer) Huettl (Dockter) Monley (Collins) Stevick welcomed a grand- welcomed baby welcomed Selia Dae son, Matthew David, Holden Patrick Doc on April 28, 2011. on Dec. 12, 2011. on May 27, 2012. Proud parents are Joe and JoAnn Huettl.

Jordan Ogaard Tomassian Jayden Patrick was Carson Ray was born Jaxon Dominik was born May 25, 2012, Nov. 2011, to Jason born in Phoenix to to Shane ’02 and ’04 and Katie ’06 Nik and Kimberly ’02 Tara ’01 (Lavachek) (Kjelshus) Ogaard. (Entze) Tomassian on Jordan. Welcome to the Feb. 27, 2011. world, little one!

Kringen Seibel Undlin Cruz Harrison was Justin and Sheila ’09 Ryder Lane was welcomed to the (Rosenkranz) Seibel born April 19, 2011. world on April 22, welcomed Wesly Ann Parents are Matthew 2012. Proud parents to the family. Wesly (attended ’04) and are Josh ’08 and Ka- was born Jan. 20, Jenny ’05 (Engh) tie ’09 (Aid) Kringen. 2012, in Bismarck. Undlin.

29 MSU ALUMNI ASSOCIATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS 2012-13 EXECUTIVE COUNCIL President: Ryan Hertz ’00 President Elect: Kelsey Holt ’97 Vice President for Outreach: Linda Christianson ’72 Vice President for Events: Larry Eidness ’76 Vice President for Promotions: Kelsey Holt ’97 Past Presidents: Linda Christianson ’72 and Deb Schultz ’73, ’89

OFFICERS Mike Anderson ’04 Chelsea Kirkhammer ’06 Rob Anderson ’83 Jennifer Kissner ’93 Kristi Berg ’95/ ’00 Judi Kitzman ’92 Becky Brodell ’89 Vicki Routledge ’94 Jaimie Jundt Brunner ’00 Ellen Simmons ’68 Denise Faulkner ’72 Jennifer Thorgramson ’10 Greg Fjeld ’81 Angela Zerr ’00 Kelly Hayhurst ’87

EX-OFFICIO MEMBERS Dr. David Fuller, MSU President Marv Semrau, Vice President for Advancement Janna McKechnie, Director, Alumni Relations and Annual Giving

MSU DEVELOPMENT FOUNDATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS 2012-13 Kathy Aas ’11 Maynard Sandberg ’55 Jon Backes ’84 Bob Sando Join us for David Gowan ’79 Doris Slaaten ’49 Karen Krebsbach ’62 Myron Thompson ’67 Tom Probst ’67 Bruce Walker ’66 Alumni Appreciation Night Dave Reiten Friday, January 11, 2013 EX-OFFICIO MEMBERS Dr. David Fuller, MSU President MSU BEAVERS vs. Upper Iowa University Marv Semrau, Executive Director, Vice President for Advancement Brian Foisy, Treasurer, Vice President for Administration and Finance

CONNECTIONS STAFF Managing Editor: Susan Ness Writer and Editor: Frank McCahill Our Time! Writers: Michael Linnell, Linda Benson ’83, ’00 Photography Coordinator: Teresa Loftesnes ’07 Layout and Design: Doreen Wald Women’s game–6 P.M. Men’s game–8 P.M. MSU ADVANCEMENT OFFICE Vice President for Advancement: Marv Semrau Go to MSUBeavers.com for game information. Donor Relations Coordinator: Kate Marshall ’07 Administrative Assistant: Bonnie Trueblood A light supper will be served starting at 5 P.M. on the third floor of the Dome. Database Manager: Renae Yale ’10 Director of Alumni Relations & Annual Giving: Janna McKechnie Director of Marketing: Teresa Loftesnes ’07 Internet Content Coordinator: Rick Heit ’07 Director of Public Information: Susan Ness Public Information Specialist: Linda Benson ’83, ’00 Publications and Design Services: Doreen Wald, Amanda Francis ’02, and Becky Volk

PHOTOGRAPHERS Richard Heit ’07, Minot State University Jim Gallop, Anytime Fitness photographer Michael Linnell, Minot State University Athletics Department Teresa Loftesnes ’07, Minot State University Mark Schlanser, EAPC Architects and Engineers

MOVING OR HAVE A TEMPORARY ADDRESS? SEND YOUR NEW ADDRESS TO: MSU Alumni Association 500 University Ave W Minot, ND 58707 or email: [email protected]

30 MSU’s Approaching Centennial

MINOT STATE UNIVERSITY ANTICIPATES A MAGNIFICENT TIME FOR ITS CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION IN 2013-14. Many activities and celebrations are being planned, which will include special editions of our Connections magazine. We’re asking for your help in sharing stories about the past. Look at the photos below and let us know if you, your friends or family members are in the photos. We would then appreciate receiving a short story by emailing [email protected]. You can also call Bonnie at 701-858-3399 or 800-777-0750. We’d love to hear from you.

GREEK BROTHERS AND SISTERS form bonds that last a lifetime. Please share with us the great times you had at Minot State as a sorority sister or frat brother. Surely, there’s plenty of secrets that now can be shared!

Women’s game–6 P.M. Men’s game–8 P.M. PIONEER HALL is the one of the oldest buildings on campus. Did you live there? Or did you just hang out with friends? Share your favorite story and many memories about this grand building.

THESPIANS are extraordinary entertainers with dynamic personalities. If you’re in this picture, let us know what really happened behind the scenes. We suspect the number of characters is limitless.

Send your stories to: [email protected]

31 Non-profit org. U.S. Postage PAID Fargo, ND 58102 Permit No. 1890 Alumni Association 500 University Ave W Minot, ND 58707

Change service requested

Beaver Brew Café: an experiment gone wildly right

n 2010, alumnus Clint Severson ’73 and I Connie Ahart donated $1 million to MSU to create an academy to educate and nurture student entrepreneurs. The College of Business deemed it an “experiential learn- ing lab,” while the Entrepreneurship Club translated it into the popular Beaver Brew Café. Built from the ground up by students of all majors, the Beaver Brew Café is a superb example of how different disciplines blend the perfect cup of talent.