Horizons Page 1 BSUCalendar BSU HOMECOMING 2000 October 6-7, 2000
October 6, 2000; 6 p.m. BSU Athletic Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony October 6-7, 2000 40-Year Reunion of Class of 1960 October 7, 2000; 1:30 p.m. Homecoming Football Game October 7, 2000; 4 p.m. Fifth Quarter Alumni Celebration & Silent Auction October 7, 2000; 7 p.m. 2000 Alumni Association Honors Banquet November
Vol. 16, No. 1, FALL 2000
A Publication for Alumni & Friends of Bemidji State University
BSUHorizons
Alumna Reflects onaCenturyofLiving
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2000 Alumni Directory Mailed November 10, 2000; 9 p.m.
BSU “Metrodome Classic” December 2, 2000
BSU Alumni Association Board Meeting (Held in conjunction with Madrigal Dinners) January 20, 2001
BSU Snow Ball January 27, 2001
Beavers vs. U of M Hockey in Mpls. (BSU Alumni & Friends Reception) February 16, 2001
MN State Music Educators Annual Convention & BSU Alumni Association Reception March 3 or 4, 2001
Twin Cities Opera Night/Alumni Reception March 11-12, 2001
BSU Winter Rendezvous
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Bemidji State University Alumni Association 1500 Birchmont Drive NE, Box 17 Bemidji, MN 56601-2699 218-755-3989 / 1-877-BSU-ALUM alumni@bemidjistate.edu http://info.bemidjistate.edu/alumni
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The Bird Guide has a copyright of 1922, but Laura (Draheim) Harrington still brings it out on occasion to identify birds. Authored by Chester A. Reed and published by Doubleday, the small text must have been unusual for its day with full color illustrations of birds. It is always kept close at hand in the front room in case it’s needed by Harrington, a visitor or one of her grandchildren. Paging through the book at her kitchen table, she admitted that it brought back memories, including her first use of the book. A young woman at the age of 22, she enrolled in classes at what was then known as Bemidji State Teachers College and The Bird Guide was the required text for her nature study class. Harrington turned 100 on May 31 and, having earned her teaching certificate in 1922, is believed to be the oldest living alumna of the University. Raised in Rochester as the last of seven children, she first came to northern Minnesota following high school graduation in 1919. “In those days, a woman didn’t have a lot of choices,” she said. “If you wanted work, you could become a teacher, a nurse or a store clerk. In Rochester, many of the girls put in their applications and worked at the clinic. But that didn’t appeal to me.” What did appeal to her was a trek north to Hackensack to help one of her brothers start a farm. She was really interested in landing a job as a teacher in a country school, which was possible in those days for someone with a high school diploma. By the time she arrived and started looking for schools, they all had teachers. So she stayed a while with her brother, helping her sister-in-law through a pregnancy. In the winter of 1921, she returned to Rochester. “I kept household for my father, who was widowed,” Harrington explained. “He decided he was going to marry again, so I lit out for northern Minnesota.”
“ n those days, a woman didn’t have a lot of choices. If you wanted work, you could become a teacher, a nurse or a store clerk. In Rochester, many of the girls put in their applications and worked at the clinic. But that didn’t appeal to me.” Laura Harrington
One reason she came back was a young man she met on the first trip: Pat Harrington, whose Irish charm, storytelling, and new Model-T had distinct attractions. She also remembered a bit of advice a neighbor had mentioned; if she really wanted to get a teaching job, she should go to that new college over in Bemidji. At Bemidji State, she took a full load of classes during one summer session and one academic year to earn her certificate. To help make ends meet, she boarded with and worked for a family who ran the city drug store. Her job was to help with the cleaning, cook breakfast, and bake on Saturdays. Leaving with certificate in hand, she started teaching in 1922-23 at what turned out to be a string of country schools. Her first assignment was at the Minzghor School in rural Cass Lake with an enrollment of 35 students in grades one through eight. Her first pay was $100 a month, an astounding sum for those days, but one that she earned because of the size of the school and the number of beginners in attendance. Conveniently, she used the
1924 Christmas holiday to marry Pat. Her teaching career began just as districts were starting to become consolidated and busing was closing local schools. Her last classroom assignment was in the one-room Wallace School on Boy Island near Boy River. Following her teaching career, she stayed in schools but moved out of the classroom into the kitchen. She worked until the mid-1950s as a cook in the Hackensack school. She also cooked at several restaurants in the area before starting a n e w c a r e e r prompted by her five grandchildren, who filled her extra time with babysitting. Husband Pat died in 1981, but Laura has kept active as a member of her church and a group of women that makes about 100 quilts a year for a mission, as gifts to graduating high school students, for emergencies, or for fund raising events. She still lives at her home near the Boy River in Hackensack with minimal assistance. From her small table in the kitchen, she can look out the window and reflect on a life that spanned the entire 20 th century. Her
memories blend together, like the quilts she helps make. While the good ones are still there, the most vivid are the tough times. “Looking back, I think the worst time was the Depression,” she admitted. “Everyone was poor. You didn’t know if you were going to eat or not. A few of the lucky ones had farms, kept jobs, and managed somehow. If it weren’t for the WPA, we would all have starved to death. “The wars were bad times too. I graduated from high school during WWI and my son graduated during WWII. They were trying times.” Trying, perhaps, but not insurmountable, for a pioneering spirit understands that times are good. It’s something she notices each spring when the robins return to her yard, much plumper than their skinny ancestors depicted in The Bird Guide of 1922.
Laura (Draheim) Harrington in 1919 photo.
Horizons Page 2
Digital Video Project
Project
Included in National Educational Technology Conference A group of students, educators and business partners collaborating on a digital video project at Bemidji State University demonstrated their learning strategy as part of a national educational technology conference hosted by U.S. Secretary of Education Richard Riley in early September. Attending the conference were six Bemidji middle school and high school students. The students worked closely with a team of three educators from the Bemidji School District, three BSU faculty and staff members, a BSU teacher education student and five Apple computer representatives. Together, they produced educational digital videos
for the conference exhibit to demonstrate the effectiveness of video production as an instructional tool. In addition, the students interviewed Riley following his keynote presentation and incorporated the interview into one of the digital videos. The Conference on Educational Technology: Measuring the Impacts and Shaping the Future was an international forum to learn about exemplary projects, research impact, and policy issues related to technology in education. More than 600 education leaders and policy makers from across the United States and 40 countries attended the conference.
Men’s and Women’s Ice Hockey Face D-I Schedules The Bemidji State University men’s and women’s ice hockey teams head into their respective 2000-2001 seasons with their best NCAA Division I schedules to date. The men open at home against Minnesota, play in the Mariucci Classic in the Twin Cities, feature a full CHA schedule, and close at home against North Dakota, the defending national champions. The women face eastern power houses Maine and Boston College before hitting their WCHA schedule full tilt, including home-and-away series against St. Cloud State, Wisconsin, Minnesota, MSU-Mankato, UMD and Ohio State. Fans wishing to see the Beavers on the road should contact the school’s ticket office while those interested in attending a game at Bemidji State can call 1-877-3462539 to determine space availability for home games.
2000-2001 BSU Women’s Ice Hockey Schedule
2000-2001 BSU Men’s Ice Hockey Schedule
Oct. 12 Oct. 14-15 Oct. 20-21 Oct. 28-29 Nov. 3, 4 Nov. 10-11 Nov. 12 Nov. 17 Nov. 18 Dec. 1-2 Jan. 7, 8 Dec. 12-13 Jan. 14 Jan. 19-20 Jan, 26-27 Feb. 2-3 Feb. 9-10 Feb. 23-24 Mar. 2, 3 Mar. 8, 10
Oct. 7 Oct. 14 Oct. 20-21 Oct. 27-28 Nov. 10-11 Nov. 17-18 Nov. 24-25 Dec. 2 Dec. 3 Dec. 8-9 Dec. 16-17 Dec. 29-30 Jan. 5-6 Jan. 12-13 Jan. 27 Feb. 2-3 Feb. 9-10 Feb. 16-17 Feb. 22-23 Mar. 2-3 Mar. 8-10
Boston College Maine Wayne State (MI) Minnesota-Duluth* Ohio State * MSU, Mankato* Findlay Wisconsin* Wisconsin* Minnesota* St. Cloud State* Ohio State * Findlay Saint Cloud State* Minnesota-Duluth* Minnesota* Wayne State (MI) MSU, Mankato* Wisconsin* WCHA Tournament
Away Away Home Home Home Away Home Home Check starting Home times on the Away web at Away Away info.bemidjistate Away .edu/sports Home Away Home Away Home Away Rochester, MN
*Western Collegiate Hockey Association (WCHA) Games
Manitoba (exhibition) Minnesota St. Cloud State Alabama-Huntsville* Miami-Ohio Findlay* Wayne State (MI)* Colorado-College Air Force* Minnesota-Duluth MSU,Mankato Lake Superior# Niagara University* Air Force * Minnesota Alabama-Huntsville* Niagara University* Findlay* Wayne State (MI)* North Dakota CHA Tournament
Home Home Home Home Home Away Home Away Check starting Away Away times on the web Away and listen to live Away web broadcasts Away of games at Home info.bemidjistate Away .edu/sports Away Home Home Away Home Huntsville, AL
* College Hockey America (CHA)Games # Mariucci Classic, University of Minnesota
The digital video project is part of the university’s PT3/Class Act program, an initiative to better prepare tomorrow’s teachers to successfully integrate technology into school curriculums. The U.S. Department of Education provided partial funding for the project through its Preparing Tomorrow’s Teachers to Use Technology (PT3) grant initiative. Bemidji State, which graduates approximately 300 new teacher candidates each year, is the only university and PT3 grant recipient selected to exhibit at the conference. Other presenters are all from K-12 schools. “We’re trying to affect school reform by giving our emerging teachers better skills,” said Dr. Kathryn Morgan, BSU professor of instructional technology and PT3 project director. “With over 100,000 new teachers needed in the next decade to create smaller class sizes and fill positions vacated by retirement, the opportunity to impact the quality of teacher skills and the classroom experience is expansive.” Conference planners selected the BSU digital video project as an exemplary initiative that addresses important PT3 grant objectives by: • improving student learning by expanding the skills of emerging teachers; • demonstrating the importance of digital video as an instructional tool; • focusing on the critical need for teacher preparation reform to effectively use technology; and • pointing to the importance of collaboration between teacher preparation programs, public schools and private business partners to expand technology skills among educators. At the conference, the BSU team worked with its middle school and high school students to create two digital video reports. One group assisted students in developing a video to explore the universality of environmental issues such as land use and water and air pollution facing communities throughout the world, including Northern Minnesota and the Washington, DC area. The other group created a digital video report that compared landmarks and community features of Bemidji and Washington,
DC. Both projects required students to conduct research, reflect on their findings, problem solve and apply technology skills. At the conference exhibits, participants had the opportunity to observe the students in action as they edited their digital videos. Also, Apple computer stations were available so participants could try digital production and editing. “This project provided a realtime example of the benefit of technology in student learning and the collaborative potential of a team of educators from novice to expert working together,” said Morgan. The exhibits are based on the success of a digital video workshop conducted at BSU in May by Morgan and Jean Mickelson of Apple computer. At the workshop, university faculty, public school educators and BSU teacher education students learned how to incorporate instructional technology into the classroom. As part of the workshop, the educators and teacher education students created a three-minute broadcast on a social studies lesson. The piece was later aired as part of a local news broadcast. Project participants from Bemidji State attending the conference with the middle school and high school students were Morgan, PT3 project coordinator and BSU instructor of instructional technology; Dr. Ron Oldham, BSU professor of education; Vivienne Morgan, PT3/ Class Act project technical consultant; and Eric Northard, a BSU teacher education student from Grand Rapids. The PT3/Class Act grant project at BSU focuses its resources on workshops, courses, concurrent use of technology, equipment access, staff support and linkage labs through which educators can network with one another. The PT3 initiative is part of a decade-long curricular evolution within the BSU teacher education program to strengthen multidisciplinary partnerships and build instructional technology skills to improve education.
Horizons Page 3
NewDirections Melanie Benjamin
A year ago, Melanie Benjamin spent her summer in the driver’s seat on a piece of heavy equipment paving and building roads through and around the Mille Lacs Reservation. It meant 14 hours a day of hard labor to get and keep people moving. This summer, Benjamin paved a new direction in her life, one that will require as much work if something permanent is going to be built for her people. Benjamin was elected this past June as the chief executive, the equivalent of tribal chairperson, of the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe. A 1988 Bemidji State University graduate with a degree in business administration, she was sworn into office on July 1. She is the first chief executive in Mille Lacs to have earned a degree from BSU. “Individuals thought they weren’t as deeply involved in tribal government as they wanted to be in terms of how funds were
Bemidji State University
generated and funds were disbursed,” Benjamin said about the main issue that carried her into office over incumbent Marge Anderson. “One of my top goals is to give our members a voice.” After that, Benjamin looks to build opportunities for them in all facets of reservation life, from the legal arena to business ventures, from health care to education, from employment to safeguarding traditions. “The people have to determine what they want to do, and hopefully these people will then take the responsibility of helping govern the tribe,” she explained. “One day we can then be self-sufficient, we can be educated, we can bring ourselves out of poverty, we can have a safe environment to raise our families, and we can protect our culture.” Benjamin’s road to governance began after she graduated from Bemidji State. She was working
in business development for the Minnesota Chippewa Tribe when she was tapped in 1989 to be the commissioner of administration for the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe. An appointed position, the commissioner acted as the tribal government’s chief of staff and assumed responsibility for dayto-day operations of tribal government. She also represented the Band at various events and lobbied or testified before various branches of government on the state and federal levels. During her tenure as commissioner, Benjamin accepted a special assignment from the Band’s corporate commission to serve as the senior vice president of administration and finance at Grand Casino Hinckley. In this role, she supervised the casino’s finance, security and human resource departments for one year. She held the commissioner position until 1997 with appointments from two different chief executives. When she was not running heavy equipment in the summer, she had served as a management and marketing consultant as well as an assistant library services director for the Nay Ah Shing School prior to being elected to the chief executive post.
Editorial Board: Dr. Jim Bensen, BSU president; Al Nohner, director of news services and publications; Carl Baer, vice president for university advancement; Dr. Jeff Totten, assistant professor of business administration; Dr. Gerald Morine, professor of chemistry.
Melanie Benjamin
Benjamin is a member of the BSU alumni board of directors and on the board for Woodlands National Bank. She was twice elected secretary for the National Indian Gaming Association and twice elected treasurer of the Minnesota Indian Gaming Association. Among her achievements was an appointment to the citizen board for the Governor’s roundtable for sustainable development. She also served as the tribal liaison for the American Indian Resource Center at Bemidji State. For Benjamin, who started school at BSU at the age of 27, education will be a critical part of her agenda. “Power is found in knowledge, being educated to understand why we do the things the way we do. We need our people to help us govern in whatever manner that may be.” It is a philosophy that Benjamin expects to use to build a lot more than roads.
(’59) have both retired from teaching and live in the Menahga - Park Rapids area. Elmer enjoys gardening and doing volunteer work and Betty creates watercolor paintings. They have seven grandsons and one granddaughter.
Vol. 16, No. 1, FALL 2000
Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Al Nohner Designer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Kathy Berglund Photographer . . . . . . . . . . . . . John Swartz President . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dr. Jim Bensen Alumni Director . . . . . . . . . . . Sue Kringen Contributing Writers . . . . . . . . Jody Grau, Cindy Serratore Editorial Assistance . . . . . . . . Peggy Nohner
ower is found in knowledge, being educated to understand why we do the things the way we do.”
Where We Are ... What We’re Doing
BSUHorizons Produced by the News and Publications Office and the Alumni Office at Bemidji State University, HORIZONS is published quarterly and distributed without charge to BSU alumni, students, faculty, staff and other friends of the University. BSU is an equal opportunity educator and employer.
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ALL CITIES ARE LOCATED IN MINNESOTA UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED.
1930s
1950s
Thora Skomedal (’31) was inducted into the Prowler Hall of Fame this May during a banquet in Thief River Falls. Membership in the Hall of Fame is reserved for those who have distinguished themselves by making exceptional contributions to enhance the stature of School District 564. She spent the last 20 years of her career teaching English and speech at Lincoln High School. Previous to that, she taught elementary school at a Native American school near Bemidji, served as a principal in several schools and as superintendent of schools in Marshall County. Working beyond retirement age, she continued to amaze her classes with a wonderful sense of humor and dramatic Thora Skomedal flair until the age of 69.
William Kirtland (’53) has written a sequel to his book, “Billy.” His new book is titled “Billy Remembers Fishbones, Crows and Other Woes.” It chronicles his life growing up in the Littlefork area. Kirtland was a professor at Boise State University in Idaho for many years. He and his wife, Lucy, currently make their home in both Boise and Bemidji. They have four grown sons and one granddaughter … Pat Clark (’57) was named as a recipient of a 19992000 Outstanding Professor Award at California State University-Long Beach. Clark has been at CSULB since 1988 as a faculty member in the Art Department . . . Elmer Porter (’57) and his wife, Betty (Edmundson) Porter Patricia Clark
1960s Brian Johnson (’65) retired from 35 years of teaching this spring. He spent the past 29 years teaching in Proctor. He and wife, Betty, have four children. Brian’s retirement plans include projects like building additions onto houses, traveling and visiting his children … James Kraby (’62), president of Umpqua Community College, retired from his position in June. Kraby completed 38 years in education, with 25 years as president at three community colleges. He plans to retire with his wife, Pat, in Arizona to be near their children and grandchildren … John Nelson (’67) has been hired as director of elementary education in District 279, Osseo. He had worked as interim director and as assistant superintendent for about a year. In his position, Nelson is responsible for the programming and curriculum at all of the district’s elementary schools … Dave Hauck (’68), St. Olaf College men’s and women’s swimming and diving coach, has been awarded the 1999 Richard E. Steadman Award. The award is given annually to a swimming or diving coach in high school, club or university who has done the most, in the opinion of the
International Swimming Hall of Fame, Inc. and the CSCAA Forum, to spread joy and happiness in the sport of swimming and diving. Hauck is a retired professor in the department of physical education and recently completed his 27th year at the helm of the men’s program and his 12th season with the women’s team. He lives in Northfield with his wife, Mary. They have three children and five grandchildren. He continues to co-coach with his youngest son, Bob, who is in his 12th year at St. Olaf as cohead coach for the men’s and women’s teams … Clarice Galliher (’67) was one Clarice Galliher of three Thief River Falls women honored in May at the annual Women of Honor event sponsored by the Thief River Falls branch of the American Association of University Women. During her career in education, Clarice taught in secondary grades in Baudette, Laporte and Thief River Falls. She taught hearing impaired and ESL students at Thief River Falls as well as GED classes at the Area Vocational Technical Center. Among her more notable volunteer achievements are the 3,700 hours she has logged doing volunteer work at Northwest Medical Center and her 14-year (Continued on page 4)
Horizons Page 4
Bemidji State
NCA Visit
Recommended for Re-accreditation
Bemidji State University has been recommended for a full 10year re-accreditation, the maximum time period allowed, from the Commission on Institutions of Higher Education of the North Central Association (NCA) of Colleges and Schools. Bemidji State officials received a report in July from the NCA team that visited campus in April to evaluate the University’s comprehensive self-study undertaken over the previous 18 months. “This is a good way for Bemidji State University to start the new century,” said Dr. Jim Bensen, BSU president. “It is an affirmation of the work performed by the faculty and staff at Bemidji State. The report frequently refers to the quality of the people working on campus as well as its student-centered focus. It notes that the University positively impacts student achievement, the community, the region and state. “The re-accreditation also demonstrates significant advancement for the institution in the ever-changing en“ his is a good way for Bemidji vironment of higher State University to start the new education today. Significantly, the NCA century. It is an affirmation of team did not identify the work performed by the major concerns at the University that would faculty and staff at Bemidji State.” require a focused Dr. James Bensen visit.” The NCA can re-accredit an institution or may conditionally re-accredit and require a focused
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visit at some point in time, typically within five years, that would address specific concerns prior to re-accreditation. The full re-accreditation represents the University’s first 10year NCA review in 30 years not requiring a focused site visit. It also marked the first time since 1985 that a Minnesota state university received re-accreditation without the focused site visit. The team of consultant evaluators conducting the April site visit came from universities similar to Bemidji State but located in New Mexico, Indiana, Oklahoma, Wisconsin, Michigan, and Missouri. The report identified several strengths at BSU: • the quality of a student learning environment that looks at the broad picture, from academic offerings through support services. • the University’s recognized leadership in cultivating partnerships with business and industry
throughout northern Minnesota. • proactive enrollment management and marketing strategies to recruit and retain good students. • the empowerment of effective and stronger academic leadership through new university structures. • the continued success of the “town and gown” relationship with the Bemidji community and area. • and the development of a culture of pride and depth of commitment from staff and faculty for the institution. “The NCA evaluators were impressed with the University’s history of creating partnerships within the learning environment as well as with external constituents,” said Dr. Jon Quistgaard, BSU vice president for academic and student affairs who was responsible for coordinating the self-study. “They also recognized the institution’s record of finding ways to fulfill its mission. The
consultant-evaluators recognized that we encourage these activities, and want this to continue.” The report also noted that Bemidji State, like all higher education institutions, will be facing challenges in the future, such as managing an infrastructure to accommodate the rapid growth of technology, addressing key staffing needs, and remaining diligent in assessment activities. A comprehensive self-study accreditation process and report is completed once every 10 years. It is one method used to verify that universities meet or exceed established standards for quality. Among the topics addressed in the process were planning initiatives, mission, utilization of resources, institutional effectiveness, and institutional integrity. Bemidji State has been accredited since 1943. The NCA board will consider the recommendation of the visitation team this fall.
Bemidji State is projecting an enrollment increase of 4 percent this fall in the total number of students taking classes. The final fall 1999 headcount was 4,559 students.
(Continued from page 3)
contribution as editor of the Minnesota newsletter of the Delta Kappa Gamma Society International … Bette Wammer (’62), a Waubun High School teacher who has been in the school district since 1979, retired this spring. She was teaching social studies at the time of her retirement and had also taught English. She and her husband, Michael, have lived south of Audubon since 1970. He works as an insurance adjuster and they have two grown children, Steve and Sue … Larry Jorgenson (’63), a Ninth District court judge from Warren, retired in May concluding a 32-year legal career, including 26 years on the bench … Jeff Macleod (’64) has been named assistant general manager of Hibbing Taconite Company. He joined the company in 1976 and held a number of management positions at the mine prior to his new appointment. He and his wife, Mary, live in Hibbing … Gary DeBoer (’65) retired from teaching fifth grade this spring. He had been a teacher in Monticello schools since 1965. Retirement plans include selling real estate as an agent with Wright-Sherburne Realty, Monticello, and Gary DeBoer
doing more hunting and fishing … Jennie Borgen (’65) retired this spring from a 30-year teaching career with Badger School in Greenbush … Jerry Larson, Sr. (’62) of Hines was elected to the board of directors of Square Butte Electric Cooperative at the cooperative’s annual meeting in April. He represents Beltrami Electric Cooperative of Bemidji on the 12member board. Square Butte is a generation and transmission cooperative that sells wholesale power to Minnkota Power Cooperative Inc. of Grand Forks, ND, and Minnesota Power of Duluth … Mary Ellen Drajna (’66) retired this spring after teaching for 34 years in Byron. Her retirement plans include volunteer work and travel … Joyce Siegert (’68) is an elementary teacher and recently participated in an Apple 1 camp at BSU to learn how to use new digital software for home production and editing … Bob Vleck (’65) was honored as one of seven community heroes at an awards celebration hosted in May by Central Anoka County’s Creating Community organization. He volunteers as a tutor in the English As a Second Language Program and collected television sets and gave them to needy families so they could learn English through closed captioned programming. He has served on the Blaine City Council and is active in the family home program at his church … Lorraine Cecil (’68) of Bemidji has been inducted into the Minnesota DFL Women’s Hall of Fame. She was honored as a “woman of
distinction” … Evan Hulbert (’67) of Spring Valley has spent 32 years in the recreational vehicle business and had an article in a national trade magazine featuring Hulbert’s Camper Corral … Dave Peterson (’65), business teacher with Hayfield High School, retired this spring after spending 32 years teaching in the same district. His wife, Nancy, is a first-grade teacher in Hayfield and they have two children, Tina and Michael … Helen Hankins (’68), a kindergarten teacher at WalkerHackensack-Akeley Elementary for 32 years, retired this spring. She and her husband, Tom, are building a new house and plan to spend more time in Spokane, WA, visiting their daughter, Lisa … Bob Frick (’65), a life-long resident of Itasca County, is challenging the District 4 county commissioner incumbent in the next election. He recently retired from a 34-year teaching career, with 30 years spent at Grand Rapids High School in graphic arts. He and his wife, JoAnn, have been married for 35 years and have a son, Paul. JoAnn (’64) works as a paraprofessional at the Cohasset Elementary School … Lois Horter (’61) has retired after working 19 years as a librarian at the Godel Memorial Library in Warren. She looks forward to spending more time with her husband, Marvin, traveling to visit grandchildren more frequently, quilting and knitting … Robert Colligan (’60), a retired Mayo Clinic psychologist, recently won the Outstanding
Contribution to Psychology Award for 2000 from the Minnesota Psychological Association. He practiced 30 years at the clinic, wrote three books as well as many medical articles and served as professor at Mayo Medical School. Today, he continues to work on research projects at Mayo Clinic. He and his wife, Eva Fletcher, have two grown children, Richard and Amy.
1970s Bob Dettmer (’73) of Faribault is a chief warrant officer for the Army Reserve and is also in military intelligence. He recently saw his two sons, Travis and Robb, graduate from West Point. Dettmer is in the Faribault Sports Hall of Fame, the Bemidji State Hall of Fame and the NAIA Hall of Fame for his wrestling skills … Gary Gardeen (‘74) has been named campus administrator at Covenant Manor, a continuing care retirement community located in Golden Valley. Before his appointment, Gardeen had been administrator of a 75bed hospital run by World Radio Missionary Gary M. Gardeen
Fellowship in Quito, Ecuador. Gardeen has a master’s degree in religion from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School in Chicago . . . Chris Kuffenkam (’75) recently retired from a 30-year teaching career at International Falls. His teaching experiences include special education, science and math with concentration on the eighth-grade algebra I, algebra II and geometry. He and his wife, Maggie, have four children, three in college and one in high school … Zane Birky (’77) took over the Edward Jones Investments office in Eden Prairie this July, changing careers after spending 17 years in the property and casualty insurance industry. His wife, Barbara teaches keyboarding in the Minneapolis Public Schools … Jim Dauwalter (’73) recently accepted the position of president at Entegris, Inc., Chaska. He’s been with the company for 26 years and as president Dauwalter will extend his operational responsibilities from aligning the company’s broad product line and global activities to representing the organization within the financial community. He has held a variety of management and executive positions in the company, most recently being named chief operating officer. He served as executive vice president since Entegris was formed last year as a result of a merger between Fluoroware and EMPAK … Karen Norell (’76) was recently hired as principal of Yellow Medicine East Senior High School at Granite Falls after serving eight years as
Horizons Page 5
Founders’ Alumnus Bill Howe Walk Added to Founders’ Walk William “Bill” Howe
When asked what’s driven him to remain an active fundraiser and ambassador for BSU for more than 30 years, William “Bill” Howe looks a little puzzled, as if he just can’t imagine it being any other way. “The University has been very good to me and very good for the city. I just love Bemidji, “ said Howe, who was honored this summer when his name was added to the BSU Founders’ Walk in front of Deputy Hall. The Founders’ Walk was established in 1993 to recognize the efforts of those who have provided outstanding assistance to the University. Howe, a life-long Bemidji resident, said he is deeply honored to join the seven other individuals and families recognized with permanent plaques. He’s especially pleased to be the first alumnus to receive the honor. Howe is a 1952 business administration graduate and former president of Northern National Bank. He be-
gan working at the bank in 1950 while he was a BSU student and retired in 1986. In 1968, Dr. Bob Decker, BSU president at the time, and a core group of about six or seven, including Howe, saw the need for additional scholarship funding and took the direct approach to grassroots fund raising. “We just went up and down the street asking local businesses for donations and were happy to take any amount they were willing to give,” said Howe. Howe signed the articles of incorporation for the BSU Foundation in 1969 and was elected its first president. He served on the Foundation board continuously from 1969 to 1993 and from 1995 to 1998. “The first year I think we raised about $40,000,” Howe recalled. “I believe now the fund is up around $6 million and growing as more and more alumni contribute. In the early days there just
principal at MontgomeryLonsdale High School in Montgomery. She’s also worked as an assistant principal in the South Washington School District, which includes Woodbury High School and Park High School in Cottage Grove. Norell is single Ellerd Tompte and the adoptive mother to Mariah, 3 … Ellerd Tomte (’78) recently became an investment representative with Edward Jones Investment firm in Park Rapids …Greg Ohl (’76) is the new superintendent of schools at Farmington. He comes to the position from Foley, where he had served as superintendent since 1995 … Mary Lou Pearson (’70) recently retired from 30 years of teaching in International Falls. Through the years she’s taught at every level, from grades three to 12, served as community education director, was district coordinator for the Drug and Alcohol Abuse program and was a Title I teacher. She also taught European and American history at Rainy River Community College. Retirement plans include driving the Alaskan Highway with her husband, Marvin, organizing her history-based stamp and
coin collections and finishing a 12-chapter book she is writing on Rainy Lake history … Cheryl Newbauer Westby (’73) of Ramsey is being recognized in the sixth edition of “Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers, 2000.” This is the only publication dedicated exclusively to honoring a select five percent of our nation’s teachers. These instructors have been nominated by former students as the most “influential and inspiring teachers in their academic careers.” Newbauer Westby is employed by the Anoka-Hennepin School District as a teacher for both chronically ill and at-risk adolescents. She began her teaching career in Hibbing in 1982. After moving to the Minneapolis area five years later, she taught in two public high schools and spent three years developing curriculum and teaching at the Alexandra House, a shelter for battered women and their children. She has two grown sons, Mitch and Derek … Jim MacNeil (’77) owns MacNeil Environmental Inc., a business he started 13 years ago which focuses primarily on environmental and occupational health and safety consulting and engineering. The business has offices in Coleraine, Milwaukee, WI, and Louisville, KY, with corporate headquarters in Minneapolis, and employs 50 fulland part-time employees. He’s married to Janet Herdman (’78) and they have two grown children … Reno Wells (’76) of Walker, Command Sgt. Maj. (ret.) with the U.S. Army 85th Division has been awarded the Legion of Merit, the second highest
weren’t any alumni contributions. That’s one area that’s really grown.” Howe said he’s seen the Foundation’s fund raising efforts steadily grow more sophisticated. Bringing in Foundation board members from all over Minnesota, as opposed to just the immediate Bemidji area, has greatly lengthened the Foundation’s geographic reach in seeking financial support, he noted. He’s also seen the University itself grow from its early days as a tiny normal school and teacher’s college to the sprawling University it is today. “When I was a kid there were only two buildings at the college and there was a zoo where the dorms are now,” said Howe. “When I was attending college, there were still only three buildings, Deputy Hall plus a gym and one other building that they used as a dormitory at that time.” Although the physical changes at the University are striking, Howe noted one thing that he said hasn’t changed much over the years. “The relationship and cooperation between the University and community has always been just tremendous, and that goes both ways,” said Howe. “I would credit it, in part, to the caliber of people they get up at the University. Both as individuals and as a group, they’ve always been involved in all kinds of community efforts including chamber (of
commerce) work, youth hockey, youth baseball, and clubs like Lions and Rotary. When people from the community have needed help from the University, they’ve received it and vice versa.” Howe still tends to refer to Bemidji as a town instead of a city and observes that it’s a closeknit community. “I’m always amazed at the community projects we manage to raise funds for when needed,” said Howe, specifically noting recent efforts to build a new animal shelter and renovate the old train depot. Howe continues to be an active volunteer for the Alumni Association, serving as the tournament organizer for the University’s annual Winter Rendezvous Golf Tournament and Reunion at Laughlin, NV, which usually draws about 150 people from all over the nation. Sue Kringen, who is on the BSU development staff, has not only worked with Howe on the past four golf outings, but also as an employee of his for 11 years at Northern National Bank, starting in about 1973. “Everything you’d imagine wanting in a boss, he was,” said Kringen. “He’s so genuine, kind and thoughtful. He always puts people first.” Kringen said she became much more aware and appreciative of his efforts on behalf of BSU after going to work in the alumni
office and thoroughly enjoyed seeing him receive some welldeserved recognition. William Naylor, also an early board member of the Foundation, said Howe has been an everpresent force in the development and expansion of the Foundation. “Bill was always involved and was also always one of the contributors,” said Naylor. “He is certainly one of the key men who made it all possible.” Naylor noted that, in addition to providing scholarships, early monies raised were also used to finance the first mailings to BSU alumni encouraging them to support their alma mater and laying the foundation for outreach efforts which now generate hundreds of thousands of dollars in annual donations. Howe and his wife, Bette, last year established their own scholarship specifically for football and hockey players and they would like to encourage others to do the same. He played both sports while a student at BSU and in 1979 was inducted into the BSU Athletic Hall of Fame. He also received the Outstanding Alumni award in 1976. Asked if there was anything he missed about the earlier days, when both the University and the city were smaller, Howe said, “It seems like we’ve always been struggling for growth. Looking back, I think all the changes have been good ones.”
award a soldier can earn for service or achievement during peacetime. The honor was approved by Lt. Gen. John Riggs of the First U.S. Army in recognition of Wells’ “exceptionally meritorious service throughout a long and distinguished career in the U.S. Marine Corps, the Idaho Army National Guard and the U.S. Army Reserve, in positions of leadership from squad to brigade level.” Wells spent 29 years and six months on active National Guard and Army Reserve duty. Since 1979, he’s been a probation officer for Cass County and currently heads that department. He is also a Turtle Lake Township supervisor and lives between Walker and Hackensack with his wife, Kaureen, and family … Kathy Tobin (’71) was named Blackduck’s Teacher
of the Year. She is a special education teacher who’s been employed at the Blackduck School District for more than 20 years … Susan (Schoenfelder) Hoosier (’74) announced this spring her candidacy for the Minnesota House of Representatives – District 4A. She is a resident of Northern Township and was seeking the nomination to run as a DFL candidate. She currently works with the Beltrami Area Service Collaborative, contracts as a business consultant and operates a seasonal business, The Sheltered Garden … Clark Chambers (’79) is the laboratory manager for Clearwater Health Services in Bagley which offers the only full service medical laboratory in Clearwater County. Chambers has worked for CHS for almost 14 years and has a staff of six lab technicians working under his supervision. He and his wife, Jean, live in Bemidji and have three children, Tyler, 16, Trevor, 14, and Terran, 10 … Len Rothlisberger (’72) was recently hired as principal at the Grand Rapids Middle School. He had worked since 1998 as principal at Bigfork School and previous to that had spent 23 years teaching and coaching at Grand Rapids Middle School … Tom Honek (’73) was chosen as Teacher of the Year 2000 for the StaplesMotley School District. He is a veteran of 27 years in Staples and Staples-Motley classrooms and teaches sixth grade … Rick Nelson (’79) was the featured speaker at the Oklee High School
Academic Banquet held in April. Since 1984, he’s been a football and basketball coach and athletic director at Northland Community College and expanded his field into student life programs. This June he began a one-year sabbatical and plans to work on a master’s degree in executive public administration at the University of Minnesota/ Hubert Humphrey Institute and will also serve as a lobbyist for higher education in the Minnesota State Capitol. He plans to work with the MN amateur Sports Commission in Blaine to learn how they construct buildings and develop their programs and bring that knowledge back to Northwest Minnesota … Cheryl (Skalsky) Flatt (’75) and her husband, John (’74), recently celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary. They live in Detroit Lakes and Cheryl teaches kindergarten at Ogema Elementary, part of the Waubun-Ogema-White Earth School District. John is the school-to-work coordinator for the Detroit Lakes School District where he has taught for 24 years … Ruth Ann Nordlund (’74) is one of a number of volunteers working with local artist Vivienne Morgan to build an environmental sculpture entitled The Garden at the new Bemidji High School …
Kathy Tobin
(Continued on page 6)
Horizons Page 6
BSU Alumni Honored During Homecoming weekend, two ceremonies will be held to honor 16 BSU Alumni. At a banquet on Friday evening, October 6, nine former athletes and a coach will be honored. This year’s inductees into the Bemidji State University Athletic Hall of Fame, Class of 2000, will include former swimming coach Lee Ahlbrecht ’66 as well as former athletes Greg Beaumont ’73; John Bergan ‘68’ Laurie Kelly ’78; Warren Mertens ’78; Jim McElmury; Don Otness ’57; Don Papreck ’71; Richard Robbins ’58; and Roger Twigg ’71. On Saturday October 7, the Alumni Association will host to six new Outstanding Alumni. This year the Alumni Association board of directors selected the following recipients of the award; Dr. Steven DeKrey ’75, Dr. Clinton Moen ’69, Dennis Peterson ’79, Moses Tsang ’72, Joe Vene ’74, and Yvonne Wilson ’85. Both banquets are open to the public, however reservations are required. For more information, or to make reservations, please contact the Alumni Association at 7553989 (local) or at 877-BSUALUM (toll free).
ALUMNI
The 1999 BSU Alumni Choir
BEMIDJI ALUMNI CHOIR SEEKS NEW SINGERS Former Bemidji Choir members who want to join old friends for singing and fun can become part of the Bemidji Alumni Choir. Anyone who sang in the Bemidji Choir under the direction of Dr. Paul Brandvik or Dr. Brad Logan while a student at Bemidji State University is eligible for the group. Participants do not have to be a graduate of BSU, just a former member of the Bemidji Choir.
ALUMNI CHOIR
The Alumni Choir rehearses in the Twin Cities area with the location of both rehearsals and the concert for the 2001 season yet to be determined. Rehearsals for the 2001 season of the Bemidji Alumni Choir start on March 1 and run every Thursday night through April 26. No rehearsal will be held the week before Easter. All rehearsals run from 7-10 p.m. There will be an additional dress rehearsal sometime before the concert. The third annual Bemidji Alumni Choir Concert is set for Sunday, April 29, 2001, at 3 p.m.
For more information, contact either one of the conductors of the Bemidji Alumni Choir: DR. PAUL BRANDVIK
(218)-444-2451 -or(651)-227-8221 kspress@northernnet.com SARAH AAMOT-LUNDIN
(615)-459-1845 -or(320)-589-6237 lund0651@earthlink.net -oraamots@mrs.umn.edu
In Memoriam Hazel Stainbrook (’32) of Bemidji Julie Thorson (’87) of Leonard Melvin Knodel (former faculty) of Bemidji Marvel Swenson (’32) of Bemidji Arnold Johnson (’42) of Rochester, NY Willliam “Skip” Carr (’85) of Bemidji John Elwell (’33) of Palos Verde, CA Grace Weatherly (’69) of Sioux Falls, SD Carol S. Lazanas (’60) of Bagley Margaret McLeod (’38) of Bemidji Hazel Shimmin (former staff) of Bemidji Ariana Stengel (’40) of Lake City Charles Buckanaga (’61) of Ponsford Ken Henriques (former faculty) of Bemidji Mary Gappa (’62) of Elk River
Where We Are ... What We’re Doing (Continued from page 5)
Lori Kaufman (’89) was named the state’s Outstanding Educator by the Hawaii State Parent Teacher Student Association. She is a third-grade teacher at Princess Nahienaena Elementary School in Maui. After college, she worked as a substitute teacher on the Mainland before moving to Maui in 1993. She’s been a full-time teacher at Princess Nahienaena since 1994 and serves as teacher representative on the school’s PTA board … Leah
Photo courtesy of Hibbing Daily Tribune
Lori Kaufman
1980s
Pigatti (’83) was appointed the new executive director of Mahube. She’s been employed with the organization since 1978, working initially as a home base and center teacher, then education coordinator. In 1982 she was hired as the Head Start Program director and since 1988 has served as project development director, with primary grant writing responsibility for the Head Start Program, as well as other agency projects. She and her husband, Timothy, live near Park Rapids on Little Sand Lake … Boyd Bradbury (’88) took over in May as the new superintendent of schools at the Waubun, Ogema, White Earth Community School District. From 1995 until the present, he worked as high school principal at Benson. He and his wife, Sharal, have been married since 1991. They have two sons, Boyd, 3, and Malcolm, 1 …Jim Jamnick (’83) of Riverview, FL, recently completed his master’s degree from Minnesota State University, Mankato in special education and is currently teaching special education at Riverview High School … Dan DeKrey (’80) is a doctor and recently participated in groundbreaking ceremonies for the addition of a radiation therapy wing to the current cancer treatment services facility at Bemidji MeritCare Clinic in Bemidji. Construction should be completed in the summer of 2001 … Jennifer (Aasen) Tymchuk (’88) has been teaching special education in a middle school in Gardiner, OR, for the past 11 years. She and her husband of seven years,
Keith, have two daughters, Bailey, 4, and Blair, 1, and live in Reedsport, OR … Sharon Christensen (’86) recently retired from teaching at Horace May Elementary School in Bemidji … Jerry Ness (’80), principal at West Central Area school at Herman, has been chosen Minnesota’s Middle Level Principal of the Year by the National Association of Secondary School Principals in partnership with Met Life. He taught business education at the Herman-Norcross community school from 1980 to 1990, when he became an assistant principal at McKinley Junior High School in Kenosha, WI. He returned to Minnesota in 1991 to become principal at WCA. In addition to the current honor, Ness previously had been chosen as a Western Division Middle Level Principal of the Year, Western Division Student Council Advisor of the Year and Minnesota Rural Education Association President and Conference Coach of the Year … Jeff Buerkle (’86) of Wyoming, a health and physical education teacher at Crossroads Alternative High School, received a grant from the Teacher outstanding Performance program in the AnokaHennepin School District 11 where he is employed. As a TOP Jeff Buerkle
grant winner, Buerkle received $1,000 for a project at his school where he has taught the past three years. He’s been teaching in District 11 for six years and previously taught in El Paso, TX … Jerome Upton (’88) has been the high school choir director at Duluth Central for four years and also senior choir director at First Lutheran Church for a year. He and his wife, Cindy (’85) , have two children, Alex, 9, and Jake, 6 … Charles Powell (’83) is a partner in the Bemidji law firm of Powell, Powell & Light. He started his legal career working as an investigator and paralegal at the firm in 1981. He limits his practice to civil trial work involving tort and insurance litigation and appeals and enjoys spending time with his family, bird hunting, trap and skeet shooting, downhill and water-skiing … Teri Ann Allred (’80) lives in Gravois Mills, MO, and has 10 children - two natural, one step and seven stepadopted. She’s an accredited genealogist and is working on a genealogical certification and certificate in British Research.She plans to return to college this fall for a BS in computer science …Ruth Clark (’82) has retired from her position as secondary guidance counselor with the WadenaDeer Creek schools, a position which she’s held since 1982 … Timothy Graupmann (’86) recently joined the staff of McBride Chiropractic in Grand Rapids. He comes to his new position from Chattanooga, TN, where he has been a practicing chiropractor. Prior to that, he owned and operated
two clinics in Brookings, SD, for eight years. He and his wife, Christie, have six children, ranging in age from six to 16 …Sandra Kaplan (’81) was named teacher of the year by the Central Lakes College Faculty Association. She teaches biological science courses on the Brainerd campus. She joined the faculty in 1993 after starting her teaching career at Normandale Community College in 1990. She has also taught at Inver Hills Community College and the College of St. Catherine in the Twin Cities area. Kaplan and her husband, Don Hickman and son Clark, 3, live in Merrifield … Candace West (’87), a kindergarten teacher at Red Lake Elementary School in Red Lake, has been chosen as the Red Lake School District’s Teacher of the Year. She has taught at Red Lake schools for the past 12 years in first grade, third grade and kindergarten. She is currently pursuing her master’s degree in administration … Russell King (’84) performed the part of Miss Richfield 1981 in all June performances of the long-running interactive play, “Tony N’Tina’s Wedding,” at Minneapolis’ Hey City Theater. King is a freelance writer … Debbie Anderson (’87) was recently interviewed for a story appearing in the May 3 Ramsey County Review. Anderson was attending a community education class at Lake Junior High that uses clay sculpture as a way of celebrating and understanding deaf culture. She has been deaf her entire life and learned American Sign Language when she was a student at
Communiques
Communiques
from alumni Class of 1960 Reunion
The class of 1960 will have its 40-year reunion during Homecoming on October 6-7. Jerry Abbott and Kermit Bensen are serving as the reunion co-chairs and are encouraging all classmates to join them for a weekend of reminiscing, fun and nostalgia. Information regarding registration has been mailed out. Mark your calendars and plan to attend. For additional information, contact the BSU Alumni Office at 755-3989 (local calls) or call 1-877-BSU-ALUM (toll free).
Beaver Gridders to Play in Metrodome
The annual Metrodome Classic will take place on November 10 at 9 p.m. when the BSU Beaver football team takes on the University of Wisconsin-River Falls in a border battle. Tickets will be available on gameday at the gate.
Winter Rendezvous March 11-12
The fifth annual BSU Winter Rendezvous will take place on March 11-12, 2001, in Laughlin, NV. The event, sponsored by the BSU Alumni Association, includes an opening reception, lodging at the Colorado Belle Hotel and Casino, a BSU winter golf classic tournament, and a finale banquet and awards ceremony. Alumni and current or former Bemidji residents are invited to participate. Look for registration information in the mail or, for further information, contact the BSU Alumni Office at 1-877-BSU-ALUM.
Calling all former VISTA Volunteers
VISTA, the national ‘Volunteers In Service To America’ program, turns 35 this year. To celebrate, the Corporation for National Service is hosting a 35th Anniversary Conference, and is encouraging former VISTA volunteers to attend. If you were a VISTA volunteer after leaving BSU, please contact the BSU Alumni Office at alumni@bemidjistate.edu, or at 1500 Birchmont Drive NE - DPH, Bemidji, MN 56601. Or you can contact Americorps*VISTA directly at vista35@americorps.org. For more information on the 35th Anniversary Conference, check out their website at www.americorps.org/vista/.
BSU … Vivienne Morgan (’89), an artist, is organizing volunteers to build an environmental sculpture entitled The Garden at the new Bemidji High School.
1990s Connie Larson (’96) was recently promoted to director of employee relations and benefits for EVTAC/Thunderbird Mining in Eveleth. She’s been working for EVTAC since 1988 and has previously been employed in the accounting and purchasing departments and, for the past five years, in human resources/employee services. She lives with her husband, Bill, in Wuori Township … Christopher Mills (’93) is the new superintendent of Stephen/ Argyle Central School District #2856. He comes to his new position after serving two years as the principal of Franklin Middle School in Thief River Falls. He was also dean of students in Thief River Falls for one year and taught fifth grade for four years at Benson … Shelly Anselmo (’94) is the new northeast regional training officer in Grand Rapids for the Department of Natural Resources Enforcement Education Program. Anselmo, who has been a conservation officer since 1996, will implement the Firearm Safety, Snowmobile Safety, All-Terrain Vehicle Advance Hunter Education and the Minnesota Bowhunter Education recreational safety training programs. Prior to joining the DNR, Anselmo worked for the U.S. Customs Service...
Sara Lusignan (’96) of Bemidji is the new business manager for the Park Rapids School District. She previously worked in the accounting office of Miller McDonald Erickson and Moller, Ltd. in Bemidji where she conducted audits for a number of area school districts … Sara Lusignan Jason Foster (’99) was recently hired as a boat and water deputy with the Hubbard County Sheriff’s Department. His primary duties include patrolling county lakes and responding to complaints of violations involving Jason Foster boats, jet-skis and other watercraft … Todd Lindstrom (’95) graduated in May from the Minnesota State Trooper Candidate School and has been assigned to the International Falls Station in the Virginia
Horizons Page 7
Staffing Changes for
BSU Foundation and BSU Alumni Association With the recent appointment of Carl Baer as the new vice president for University advancement at BSU, a reorganization of the division is planned resulting in staffing changes within the BSU Foundation and Alumni Association. Sue Kringen, the former director of alumni relations, will soon be moving into the BSU Foundation position of director of development for planned giving and major gifts. Marla Huss Patrias, who has held that position for the past three years, will replace Kringen as the director of alumni relations. Tricia Bunten, the current director of annual giving programs, will soon be taking over most day-to-day operations of the BSU Foundation as the new Foundation director. All three are excited about their new areas of responsibility, and are looking forward to continuing their working relationships with the University, its alumni and friends.
Auction Items Needed
Alumni Relative Scholarship Winners
The Alumni Association is looking for donated items for a silent auction held at the Fifth Quarter alumni reception during Homecoming 2000. An increased number of items are needed to make this fundraiser a success. Some examples of the items already received include two gift certificates for stays at the Angle Inn Lodge on Oak Island located on the shores of Lake of the Woods; hand built blue bird houses; hand made Up North trivets and soap; and an amethyst necklace. Individuals interested in donating can send the items to the BSU Alumni Association, 1500 Birchmont Drive NE, Box 17, Bemidji, MN 56601-2699. In order to be included in the auction, items must be received no later than October 3.
The Bemidji State University Alumni Relative Scholarship Program continues to be the highest priority of the BSU Alumni Association. During the 2000-2001 academic year, the Alumni Association will be providing 58 $600 scholarships totaling $34,800. The scholarships are made possible by alumni who continue to support their alma mater by providing an annual cash donation to the BSU Foundation.
Snowball is Back The evening of elegant dining and dancing known as the Snowball has returned. The event will be held on January 19. More information will be available from the Department of Music, 218-755-2915 or (meredithb@bemidjistate.edu).
District. He lives with his wife in Gonvick … Steve Anderson, Jr. (’95) is employed as a production truck driver at LTV Steel Mining Company, Hoyt Lakes. He married Jaimi Kaipainen in September of 1999 … Margo Curb-Aitken (’90) teaches business English, Internet research, economics, Accounting I and II, entrepeneurship and computers in business at Bagley High School … Amanda Huhta (’99) is participating in a yearlong scholarship exchange program in Germany. The program, Congress-Bundestag Exchange for Young Professionals, is sponsored by the United States and German governments and consists of a two-month intensive language course, four months at a German University or technical college, a fivemonth internship and about a month of free time to travel … Mike VanDorn (’97) of Grand Rapids is an employment counselor with the Arrowhead Economic Opportunity Agency in Aitkin. He spent four years in the Air Force and has worked in the field of job services since 1993 … Tim Samuelson (’96) has been working as a deputy correctional officer at the Dakota County Jail for two years and was featured in a story which appeared April 19 in the Eagan Sun Current weekly newspaper. The story relates what occurs during one of Samuelson’s typical work shifts … Chris Janssen (’97) accepted a position as an Isanti County sheriff’s deputy in March … Corby Koehler (’97)
Individuals receiving Alumni Relative Scholarships for the 2000-2001 academic year include the following first-year students.
Leah Bowen, Duluth Shannon Coleman, St. Anthony Tyler Coulombe, Bemidji Lane Etter, Menahga Mitchel Feierabend, Brainerd Erin Greenwaldt, Aldrich Tim Honek, Staples Benjamin Hunt, Bemidji Molly Josefson, Bemidji Joshua Johnston, Warren Matthew Kemper, Waubun Robert Kucher, Brooklyn Park Matthew Liapis, Worthington Renee Loud, Bemidji James Mack, Bemidji
Nichole Mistic, Blackduck Emily Mullranin, Bemidji Amy Olson, Frazee Angie Olson, Frazee Steven Osterman, Frazee Joshua Peterson, Bemidji Denny Pink, Kelliher James Schwan, Cokato Jason Seegmiller, Laporte James Shogren, Tenstrike Jacob Stay, Bemidji John Strowbridge, Bemidji Tracy Wendt, New York Mills Kevin Winkler, Fosston
Returning and transfer students receiving the Alumni Relative Scholarship include:
Sarah Balstad, Bemidji Michael Bessler, Lake George Meagan Borgman, Sauk Centre Amber Bromenshenkel, Sauk Centre Cindy Bronczyk, Bemidji Theresa Carleton, Baxter Rebecca Diffley, Bemidji Susan Diffley, Bemidji Jenni Eriksen-Lane, Bemidji Virginia Gardner, Bemidji John Gerulli, Roseau Alexis Grinde, East Grand Forks Megan Kaiser, Bemidji Andrew Lein, Norwood Nicholas Lentz, Good Thunder
is employed as a police officer with the Minnetonka Police Department. He’s working on a psychology degree at the University of Minnesota and is also an officer in the Minnesota Army National Guard where he serves as a Second Lt. and the HHC Company commander in the 3/147 Attack Helicopter Battalion. He and his wife, Angela, live in Hopkins … Glenn Frerichs (’91) was ordained into the priesthood at the Sacred Heart Cathedral in Winona on May 27. He spent two years working as a professional model builder for Visual Engineering in Dallas, TX, and in 1996 began his studies in theology at the St. Paul Seminary at the University of St. Thomas. As a seminarian, he gained parish experience at Glenn Frerichs the Church of the Resurrection in Rochester and completed his clinical pastoral education internship at Fairview Southdale Hospital, Edina … Jon Olson (’90) announced in June that he would run for election to the District 2 Aitkin County commissioner’s seat. He’s been employed as a police officer for the city of Aitkin for the past eight years. He and his wife, Rayette, have four children … Robert Coulter
Kate LeTexier, Bemidji Cheri Long, Bemidji Melinda McCannell, Bemidji Chandelle Mohr, Sartell Kelly Nelson, Bemidji Jessica Otte, Cloquet Gina Oven, Bemidji Joshua Parks, Duluth John Persell, Bemidji Shari Rokke, Minneapolis Paula Schirmers, Pierz Deanne Sopella, Bemidji Stacey Stratton, Bemidji Nathan Wisehart, Bemidji
(’96) and his fiancé, Amanda Peterson, were married Sept. 9 in Bemidji … Jeffrey Krall (’92) and his wife Teresa (McGuire) Krall (’97) have been married for two years and live in Woodbury. Jeffrey currently works as a financial analyst for Sun Country Airlines in the Twin Cities and had previously lived in Cedar Rapids, IA, for three years where he was marketing unit manager for McLeod USA Publishing Company. Teresa is employed at the University of Minnesota Veterinary Hospital as a medical technologist … Bill Jarpey (’90) and Sharon (Stendahl) Jarpey (’92) announce the May 8th birth of their first child, Joshua Ryan. Bill is currently employed as a national account manager for Wells Fargo Home Mortgage in Minneapolis and Sharon is a fiscal administrator for the Minnesota House of Representatives in St. Paul … Ted Halbur (’95) and Amy Engler (’98) were married on June 24. Ted is a senior art director for Dayton’s and Amy currenty is a 4th and 5th grade looping teacher in Circle Pines . . . Terry Kisling Jr. (’91) and his wife, Colleen announce the birth in July of their second child, Danielle Rose. The couple has another daughter, Lauren Margaret, 2, and the family lives in Bloomington. Terry has been employed as director of human resources for Video Update since 1996 … Kris Millsop (’92) was recently hired as a network support technician for (Continued on page 8)
Horizons Page 8
MONDAY, OCTOBER 2 7:00 PM “Harlem Ambassadors”, PE Gymnasium (sponsored by HUPB) TUESDAY, OCTOBER 3 7:00 PM Movie, “Varsity Blues”, Outside, North side of Walnut Hall (sponsored by HUPB) WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 4 7:00 PM “Chris Carter”, ESP, Gymnasium (sponsored by HUPB) Followed by Pepfest and Coronation THURSDAY, OCTOBER 5 9:00 PM - Midnight Dance to Johnny Holm; John Glas Fieldhouse. Tickets available at the door. Students $5 with BSU ID, non-students $7. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 6 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM David Park House; Open house with tours available; Coffeepot is on! 6:00 - 11:00 PM 40 Year Reunion of the Class of 1960; Opening Reception! David Park House. 6:00 - 11:00 PM Athletic Hall of Fame Banquet and Induction Ceremony: Beaux Arts Ballroom; $17.50/person. (RSVP required. Use attached registration form.)
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 7 11:00 AM ** NEW!!! Bemidji State University Homecoming “Tailgate Party!” Get “pumped up” at the First Annual HUGE Homecoming “Tailgate Party!” Music, entertainment, food and beverages! Free with Homecoming button or $2.00/person. Co-sponsored by the BSU Alumni Association and Beaver Pride; Diamond Point Park. 1:30 PM Traditional BSU Homecoming “Football Game!” The BSU Beavers play host to Southwest State Mustangs at the Chet Anderson Stadium. Tickets available at the game. 4:00 - 6:00 PM ** “Fifth Quarter Alumni Reception and Silent Auction!” M100; Co-sponsored by the BSU Alumni Association and KBUN/KB101 Radio. Celebrate with friends, former classmates, faculty, and staff! Complimentary hors d’oeuvres provided. Cash bar. HUGE SILENT AUCTION! Free with Homecoming Button or $2.00/person without button. 6:30 PM BSU Alumni Association Honors Banquet; Beaux Arts Ballroom. Join Alumni and Friends of Bemidji State University during the presentation of the 2000 BSU Outstanding Alumni Awards! 6:30 PM . . . . . . . . . . . . Social Hour 7:00 PM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Banquet 8:00 PM . . . . . . . . Awards Program $17.50/person (RSVP required, use attached registration form).
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 8 3:00 P.M Carl O. Thompson Memorial Concert; Beaux Arts Ballroom, BSU Campus. Tickets available at the door. 2000 BSU Homecoming co-sponsored by: KBUN/KB101/KZY Radio
(**) NOTE: Homecoming Buttons will be sold throughout Homecoming week at a cost of $2.00 each and can be purchased at the Hobson Memorial Union Desk, PE Complex Office and at the David Park House. Please note (**) that certain events and activities are free or discounted with the purchase of a Homecoming Button!
Additional Events and Activities taking place during Homecoming: VOTING FOR BSU HOMECOMING ROYALTY: Monday, October 2nd: 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM; Lower Hobson Union; free ice cream: 4:30 -6:30 p.m.; Walnut Hall. Tuesday, October 3rd: 11:00 AM- 1:00 PM; Lower Hobson Union *4:30 - 6:30 p.m.; Walnut Hall UNIVERSITY BOOKSTORE HOURS: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday: 7:45 AM - 5:00 PM. Wednesday: 7:45 AM - 7:00 PM Friday: 7:45 AM - 4:00 PM. Saturday: 7:45 AM - 4:00 PM CAMPUS TOURS: Weekdays, 10:00 AM & 1:00 PM; BSU Admissions Office (218) 755-2040. GILLETT RECREATION & FITNESS CENTER: Open Friday 7:00 AM 9:00 PM; Saturday 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM and Sunday 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM. Come enjoy a great workout with family and friends at the Gillett Recreation and Fitness Center during Homecoming Weekend. Simply show your BSU Alumni membership card at the door and you and your family will be admitted free of charge, or stop by the Alumni Office to pick up a pass. KB101/KBUN CHAT-A-BOUT: Locations across campus Wednesday, Thursday and Friday; 12:30 PM
ADVANCE RESERVATION FORM Name: _____________________________________________________________ Years attended BSU: _______________________________________________________ Name of Spouse: Years attended BSU: _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Address: _________________________________________________________________ City/State/Zip _______________________________________________________ Home Phone: ____________________________________________________________ E-mail Address _______________________________________________________ “BSU Alumni Honors Banquet .................................................................................... #_____@ $17.50/person = $_____ “Athletic Hall of Fame Banquet & Induction Ceremony ................................................. #_____@ $17.50/person = $_____ Total = $_____ Admission to all other events is available at the door! Enclosed is a check made payable to: The BSU Alumni Association Please credit total to my credit card: ____Visa ____MasterCard Acct# _________________________________________________________________________________ Advance reservatons must be received by Monday, October 2, 2000. Mail reservation form and payment to: Bemidji State University Alumni Association, 1500 Birchmont Drive NE Box 17, Bemidji, MN 56601-2699 Registrations will be accepted over the phone if payment is being made via a credit card. Call the BSU Alumni Asssociation Office at 755-3989 (local) or 877-BSU-ALUM (toll free). Important Note: The “Athletic Hall of Fame Banquet and Induction Ceremony” and the Alumni Association “Honors Banquet” have limited seating available. RSVP’s are required and MUST be made in advance in order to attend. NO EXCEPTIONS!!! Reservations must be received by October 2, 2000. All other events have tickets available at the door.
Where We Are ... What We’re Doing (Continued from page 7)
US Link, Pequot Lakes. Kris formerly worked as a system support technician for Miller-Dwan Medical Center … Trevor Larson (’93) recently joined the Long Prairie Police Department as an officer. He comes to his new position from the Motley Police Department and has worked in a variety of law enforcement positions during the past seven years … Kathy Smeby (’96) is a recent graduate of the University of Minnesota College of Pharmacy. She has accepted a job at Methodist Hospital in St. Louis Park as a staff/clinical pharmacist … Mark Johnson (’96) is the new executive director of the Minnesota Deer Hunters Association, a nonprofit conservation group with about 20,000 members. He had been working with the organization since September as operations manager. The association has the largest membership of any conservation group in the state … Elizabeth Ann Kokett (’98) and Thomas Lee Nordin (’98) were married Oct. 2, 1999, in Sobieski. Elizabeth is a third-grade teacher at Jefferson Elementary, Blaine, and Thomas works for HIRED Inc. as a counselor. The couple lives in Coon Rapids … Christy Frank (’99) and Chad Niemann (’99) plan to be married Oct. 9 in Detroit Lakes. Christy is employed with North Country Regional Hospital and Chad works with REM, Beltrami … Katherine McClellan (’94) and Mark Sperber were married Sept. 17 in Sturgeon Bay, WI. McClellan is a Wisconsin licensed hearing care specialist for
Beltone in Sturgeon Bay and her fiancé is a heavy equipment technician for Bark River in Green Bay, WI … Angela Fuller (97) and Casey McCarthy (’97) plan to be married Oct. 8 in Monticello. Angela is currently attending a registered nursing program and is working at Goldpine Homes in Bemidji. Casey is employed with the Beltrami County Sheriff’s Department … Dale Lhotka (’97) is the director of bands for grades 5-12 at Ely Public Schools … Ryan Brovold (’95) is information systems coordinator with Suburban Radiologic Consultants in the Twin Cities. He recently signed an agreement with Radguard to use their equipment to encrypt confidential patient information when it passes through the Internet. He’s currently responsible for seven hospitals and seven clinics in the metro area … Megan Ramola (’98) of Rosebush, MI, graduated with a master’s degree in recreation administration from Central Michigan University in May and plans to return to Minnesota this fall … Tom Rietveld (’93) and his wife, Melanie (Neil) Rietveld (’93), live in Amery, WI, with their children, Delaney, 3, and Paul, 2. Tom has worked for four years as a veterinarian for a clinic in Amery and Melanie is currently staying at home with their young children … Renae Tenold (’95) is a senior accountant with Carlson Wagonlit Travel of Plymouth and lives in Columbia Heights … Shari Krusniak (’90) has been with The Tech Group, Scottsdale, AZ, since 1994 and is currently
working as a sales and marketing analyst. She and her husband, Patrick, live in Phoeniz, AZ, with their children, Cody, 4, and Alexandria, 1 … Jennifer (Lutzke) Erickson (’97) of St. Paul married Mark Erickson on June 10. She received the MMEA Exemplary Music Education Program Award for 1998-99 while teaching at Rockford … Tiffany Walters (’98) performed this summer with the cast of “The Last of the Red Hot Lovers” in Hibbing. She lives in Chisholm with her husband and two children … Daryl Frisbie (’97) was this year’s recipient of the Littlefork-Big Falls Teacher of the Year award … Lara Pelkey (’93) of Pengilly will take over as instructor this fall at Wonder Years Preschool, an independent parentcooperative located at St. Cecilia’s in Nashwauk … Marc Telecky (’98) was hired in January as the new assistant zoning administrator Lara Pelkey for McLeod County. He previously worked for three years with Gobel Fixture Company in the estimating department. He’s working on his master’s in geographic
information systems at St. Cloud State. He and his wife, Jennifer, live in Hutchinson … Leslie Grisanti (’90) was recently honored as Northland Community and Technical College’s alumni of the year. She is currently producer/director of the internationally-popular Oprah Winfrey show and lives with her family in Chicago. The award was designed to honor those students who have “reached for the stars” … Susan Nokleby (’96) of Bemidji and Lisa Peterson (’97) of Solway recently participated in the Northwest Minnesota Foundation’s Leadership Development Program which is designed to help residents fulfill leadership roles in their home communities … Chris McLean (’96) was honored this spring as Oklee’s Teacher of the Year 2000. He’s been physical education and health teacher for grades 1-10 since 1995 as well as teaching personal fitness and being first the assistant boys basketball coach and then, the last three years, varsity head boys’ basketball coach. He and his wife, Augusta, who has been assistant volleyball coach and third-grade teacher at Win-E-Mac, are moving as Chris will be attending graduate school at Northern State in Aberdeen, SD … Kent Porter (’92), currently assigned as administrative officer for the 1st Battalion 151st Field Artillery Unit in Montevideo, delivered the Memorial Day address in Montevideo. First Lt. Porter’s duties include formulating, overseeing and evaluating the overall
training programs of the command. He prepares plans and reports pertaining to readiness and mobilization and serves as security coordinator for the command. He and his wife, Kelly, have two children, Hannah and Alan, and live in Montevideo. Porter has nearly nine years of active commissioned service and over 14 years of total service with his time in the National Guard … Rebecca Hoffman (’97) and Brodie Karger (’94) were married Sept. 9 in Bemidji. Rebecca is a policy analyst and grant writer for the Wisconsin Resource Center on Fragile Families. Brodie is ultrasound exhibits manager at General Electric Medical Systems … Becky Biggins (’90), an avid environmentalist and former educator, has founded an environmental consulting company called Earth Care Concepts. Her services include working with businesses to limit and recycle their waste and save money. A Brainerd resident for three years, she founded a litter pickup program soon after she arrived. The program, which involves area school children and others, is still going strong, although now under the direction of someone else … Lisa Noga (’95) and David Kinyon were married March 11 in Tulsa, OK. Lisa received a master’s degree from Oral Roberts University and is employed by Dayspring Services in Tulsa. David is employed by Southwestern Power.