Vol. 17, No. 3, Spring 2002
A Publication for Alumni & Friends of Bemidji State University
BSUHorizons
BSUCalendar March 10-11, 2002 BSU Winter Rendezvous, Flamingo / Laughlin, NV April 26, 2002 Mass Communication Alumni Reunion, Bemidji Town and Country Club April 27, 2002 BSU Alumni Assn. Board Meeting May 16-17, 2002 50-Year Reunion of the Class of 1952
Teacher
Teacher of the Year Never Stops Learning “
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veryone starts the day with one cup of energy. You have to pour it out slowly otherwise you’ll be empty too early. I go home to two dogs, two kids, and have to make dinner and do the laundry and clean the house. Sometimes that cup is drip-dried. But seldom do I ever run out before the kids are out the door.”
May 17, 2002 BSU Commencement Exercises August 23-24, 2002 BSU Alumni Assn. Board Meeting and Annual Retreat
Barb Stoflet
October 4-6, 2002 Homecoming 2002 October 19, 2002 Athletic Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony
BSUHorizons
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
Like her students, Bemidji State University alumna Barb Stoflet never stops learning. In fact, she said she feels teachers should be growing 10 percent each year. “If you don’t you won’t be ready for the next class,” she said. When she taught a very diverse group of students, she learned the value of teaching to different learning styles. When she sat down to write her essay as a candidate for Minnesota Teacher of the Year, Stoflet learned why she became a teacher. That essay is a big part of why the Chanhassen resident and Gatewood Elementary School teacher was named 2001 Minnesota teacher of the year. A LaMoure, ND, native, Stoflet has been teaching since she was 4, starting with a motley class of 17 dolls. She said she has wanted to be a teacher since that time. But the reason she became a teacher was her older brother. “He had trouble learning and school was not always a happy place for him,” said Stoflet. “Deep down I wanted to be a teacher to help children.”
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One of those students who stands out in her mind was 8-yearold Ian, a student in St. Cloud who “slumped into the classroom and said, ‘is this the class for the dummies?’ I felt the tears sting in my eyes and I said to him that this is the class for kids that learn with their hands and eyes, and we will never be one page behind those who learn with their ears. “Then I turned back to the board and thought to myself, ‘how am I going to do that?’ ” She said she knew she couldn’t disappoint Ian and when it came time to teach long division, her “low kids” taught the “high kids” how to play “divide it right.” Stoflet said it was in that class she realized students had different learning styles. A first- and second-grade classroom teacher, Stoflet stays with students for two years in a loop. She said she came to first grade as a challenge. “Building from the foundation is very important,” she said. “It took a long time for me to feel ready to teach first grade.” Stoflet earned a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Bemidji State University and a master’s degree in experiential education from Minnesota State University, Mankato.
Stoflet’s room is a warm, inviting one with brightly colored posters on the walls, an upright piano, islands of desks, pictures of students and all sorts of fun books and activities. Stoflet isn’t much taller than many elementary school students and her face lights up when talking about her students, teaching and learning. There was one year when teaching probably brought more of a grimace than a smile, however. Stoflet said one year she had 14 Title I students — those who have special needs — and 12 high potential students, and no one’s needs were met. That was the year she started differentiating instruction, feeling her way through it, she said. At that time she learned to chart students’ growth and assess their styles and needs. It was also when she started to pay attention to every minute in the day and use each one to full advantage. Stoflet figures out her students’ varied learning styles by presenting them with activities that they think are fun, and uses photographs of them doing the activities to assess their learning styles. For example, how a child sorts and places colored blocks can tell her a lot about the child’s style. She said she has the ability to quickly and accurately assess learning styles and teach to students’ strengths and sneak their weaknesses in the back door. Stoflet said she does a lot with different activity stations and grouping. “We mix it up all day,” she said. “Teachers no longer need to be the sage on the stage, they need to be the guide on the side that
brings out thinking,” said Stoflet. She said that teachers also need to be developed because textbooks can’t keep up with children on changes in technology. Stoflet herself works on developing new teachers as a mentor to other teachers. She said she teaches sixth-grade math for new teachers who observe her teach their class. What makes a good teacher? Stoflet said it is the love of learning, and love of putting the puzzle together. She also said teachers must have a sense of humor. “In one day I was told I was short and the other teacher was pretty,” she said. “I don’t go above fourth grade because then they critique your make-up. “I don’t have a favorite subject,” said Stoflet. “I love the puzzle of education, the bridge-building. I love knowing that if you pose the question, you might move to the next level.” She admits she has some weaknesses. Spending her own money is one. And the other is maintaining her energy level. “Everyone starts the day with one cup of energy. You have to pour it out slowly otherwise you’ll be empty too early. I go home to two dogs, two kids, and have to make dinner and do the laundry and clean the house. Sometimes that cup is drip-dried. But seldom do I ever run out before the kids are out the door,” she said. This story was written by Katherine A. Reilly and appeared in various editions of the SUN newspapers in the Twin Cities area. The photograph of Stoflet was taken by Craig Lassig, also for the SUN newspapers.
Horizons Page 2
New Chancellor
New Chancellor Hits Stride, and it is Running
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Dr. James McCormick
emidji State University is a beautiful campus in a lovely setting, with all the riches of the North Woods at its doorstep. The University has a track record of innovation, creative leadership, and collaboration with many partners.” Dr. James McCormick
When Dr. James McCormick interviewed for the position of chancellor of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities (MnSCU), he made a comment that surprised many people and spoke volumes about his leadership style. He recalled that he and his wife Maryan flew into the Twin Cities, rented a car, and drove 1,400 miles to see first-hand 25 campuses from Duluth to Bemidji, from Granite Falls to Marshall - all after finding out he was a finalist and before being interviewed by the board of trustees. “My wife and I needed to get a feel for the state before the final round of interviews by the board of trustees,” McCormick explained. “We followed the guidelines and were careful not to identify ourselves when we stepped onto a campus. “I was very impressed with the look of the colleges and universities, and their importance to the cities and towns in which they are located. They clearly are significant centers in the communities.” The trip across Minnesota solidified his and his wife’s interest in the position while providing insight into his thoroughness. It helped convince the board to select him as the third person to lead
the system of 34 higher education institutions known as MnSCU. “I was excited about taking this position for two reasons,” he said. “The first is that Minnesota has stood out as a state that valued education. The state has enjoyed the reputation of being an innovator - a state that understands the importance of investing in people. “The second was that I was intrigued by Minnesota’s idea of combining one tribal college, the community colleges, the technical colleges, the comprehensive community and technical colleges, and the state universities into one powerful and diverse system. The possibilities for collaboration are endless.” McCormick had served as the founding chancellor of the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education, which was established on July 1, 1983. The system included 14 universities with a $1 billion budget. Prior beginning his 18-year term as the chancellor of the Pennsylvania system, he was president of Bloomsburg University as well as a professor and administrator for Shippensburg University, both in Pennsylvania. A native of Indiana County, PA, he had also served as an assistant superintendent, high school administrator, and teacher in Pennsylvania public schools. While his early odyssey across Minnesota made an impression on those who follow higher education in the state, it also showed everyone to expect the unexpected, like his first real act upon accepting the chancellorship last July.
The board of trustees lovely setting, with all the riches had charged McCormick of the North Woods at its doorto develop an action plan step,” he commented. “The Unifor MnSCU during his versity has a track record of innoinitial year in office. Af- vation, creative leadership, and ter holding meetings with collaboration with many partconstituents, key deci- ners.” Keeping Bemidji State and other sion makers, and system office staff prior to MnSCU institutions viable in the spending a single day on next decade are among the chalthe job, he unveiled the lenges the system will need to adplan within the first few dress, according to McCormick. He weeks of officially start- noted that the tragedies of Septeming on July 1, 2001. It ber 11 changed many things, from identified three major ar- the country’s educational environeas: advocating for stu- ment to the economy. This is comdents, defining the fu- pounded by the fast-pace of change ture, and improving effi- in subject matter, equipment and ciency and effectiveness. technology, and public needs. Rather than waiting to “One of our common challenges meet legislators after they con- is financial - continuing to do vened in session, he embarked on more with less,” he said. “Anmore travels across the state. By other is that higher education last December, he had visited 54 needs to respond more quickly members of the Minnesota State and be more flexible than in the Senate and 94 members of the past, and we need to develop ways House of Representatives in their to be more closely attuned so we can anticipate and plan for conown districts. A firm believer in the importance stant change in our society. “This is a great challenge, and of being accountable and responsible to all constituencies, he also one that I relish.” It is also one that he will likely has toured 53 campuses and established a 33-member Citizens confront head on and running at Advisory Commission to help full-clip. develop a three-year strategic plan. As part of this proMnSCU Fact Sheet cess, McCormick has heard MnSCU stands for Minnesota State Colleges from over 3,000 people and Universities, a system of 34 public colleges through community forums and universities in Minnesota. MnSCU is throughout the state and in separate from the University of Minnesota. meetings with students, facThe law creating MnSCU was passed by the ulty and staff at each college Minnesota Legislature in 1991 and went into effect July 1, 1995. The law merged the state’s and university. community colleges, technical colleges and From all these sources, state universities into one system. Instead of McCormick’s view of three separate governing boards and three MnSCU has become much chancellors, there is now one board and one chancellor for the entire system. The MnSCU clearer. “These campuses system: mean so much to the people • includes seven state universities, seven who live near them,” he community colleges, 10 technical colleges, said. “They like having acnine combined community and technical cess to the cultural and educolleges, and one tribal and community college. cational opportunities the campuses offer, and they • serves approximately 225,000 students each year. recognize the economic • employs 18,000 full- and part-time faculty value of having students, and staff. faculty and staff in their • produces around 25,000 graduates communities.” each year. Including the stop at BSU • manages an annual budget of $1.3 billion. that came before being in• maintains 53 campuses in 46 Minnesota terviewed by the board of communities trustees, McCormick has • conducts customized training programs for made several visits to cam99,000 Minnesota employees from 6,900 pus and the region. state businesses each year. “Bemidji State University More information is available from the is a beautiful campus in a MnSCU website (www.mnscu.edu).
Horizons Page 3
Neilson Foundation Neilson Foundation Endows Wetlands Ecology Chair with $1 Million Gift
George W. Neilson
Bemidji State University officials have received $1 million to establish the George W. Neilson Endowed Chair in Wetlands Ecology. The $1 million from the George W. Neilson Foundation was the largest single gift ever received by the University and will enable Bemidji State to create its second endowed academic chair. The announcement of the gift was made by Dr. Ted Gillett, president emeritus of BSU and president of the Katharine Neilson Cram Foundation headquartered in Bemidji. Katharine Neilson Cram, George Neilson’s daughter, died in 1999. “Bemidji State University is excited about the opportunity afforded through this gift,” said Dr. Jon Quistgaard, BSU president. “In today’s economic environ-
Bemidji State University
ment, support from sources external to the institution are critical to maintain programmatic integrity as well as create venues for exploring new options. “I thank the George W. Neilson Foundation board and local representatives for showing confidence in Bemidji State. Their action affirms a belief in the academic quality of Bemidji State University programs, and their vision as well as foresight will benefit the environment for many years.” Since pre-settlement days, 52 percent of the wetlands in the United States have been destroyed. Wetlands serve as water reservoirs, habitat for numerous species of plants and animals, surface water diversion areas for flood prevention, and as filtration agents to improve water quality prior to being released into streams, rivers and lakes. The ecological importance of wetlands has only recently been appreciated. Over a decade ago, the federal government adopted a policy of no-net-loss for wetlands, which brought protection and defined issues for a national environmental agenda. “This endowed chair will further the expanding emphasis on envi-
ronmental programming at Bemidji State University,” said Dr. Ranae Womack, the dean of the College of Social and Natural Sciences. “Wetlands ecology is becoming more widely recognized as critical to maintaining safe environments for future generations.” In recent years, the University has added staff in the areas of lake ecology and fisheries management, invertebrate and river ecology, landscape and forest ecology, and environmental chemistry. Dr. Don Cloutman, BSU faculty member in aquatic biology, felt the presence of a chair for wetlands ecology is a natural for Bemidji State. “We have some of the most outstanding and diverse aquatic and wetland resources in the world right here in our own backyard,” he explained. “These provide worldclass educational opportunities. “The largest bog in North America is near Bemidji. We are the convergence of three major biomes - northern boreal forest, eastern deciduous forest, and prairie. We are also at the head of three major North American river systems, the Mississippi, St. Lawrence and Hudson Bay.” Neilson was born in Pocahontas, Virginia, on December 10, 1883, and lived in Phila-
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Vol. 17, No. 3, Spring 2002
Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Al Nohner Designer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Kathy Berglund Photographer . . . . . . . . . . . . . John Swartz President . . . . . . . . . . . . Dr. Jon Quistgaard Alumni Director . . . . . Marla Huss Patrias Contributing Writer . . . . . . . . . . Jody Grau Editorial Assistance . . . . . . . . Peggy Nohner
came his summer home. After he retired as a businessman and investor, Neilson spent four or five months of each year at his lake home. During this time, he developed a concern for the welfare of the people in Beltrami and Hubbard Counties. The George W. Neilson Foundation, headquartered in Minneapolis, was established following his death in 1962.
Dr. Don Cloutman
e have some of the most outstanding and diverse aquatic and wetland resources in the world right here in our own backyard. These provide world-class educational opportunities.”
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.
delphia until moving to Minnesota in 1905 following graduation from Cornell University’s College of Engineering. His first job in Minnesota brought him to the Akeley area, where he developed an appreciation of nature, the outdoors, the people and the area. While he was a resident of the Twin Cities in 1921, he bought property on a lake south of Bemidji, which be-
ALL CITIES ARE LOCATED IN MINNESOTA UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED.
1940s Phyllis Larson (’42) and her husband, Irving, live in Newport and celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in September... Everett White (’48) and Barbara (Hartness) White (’46) live in Whitewater, WI, and have three grown children, Larry, Kathy, and Patty... Eva Young (’49) of Chula Vista, CA, continues to teach at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University... Harry Sartain (’48) retired 11 years ago from teaching at the University of Pittsburgh, PA. He now volunteers his time as a naturalist with the Audubon Society and as a teacher at the state penitentiary... ora Sather (’41) and her husband Irvin live in Auburn, CA, and enjoy
Editorial Board: Dr. Jon Quistgaard, 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; Marla Huss Patrias, director of alumni relations. Dora and Irvin Sather
traveling in their RV... Cheryl Horton (’49) lives in Fremont, NB, and has four grown children, Roxanne, Rhonda, Reldine and Darwin. She enjoys taking annual trips to Branson, MO, to take in the shows... DMurray Warren (’48) and his wife, Darlene, live in Crookston and spend their winters in Mesa, AZ.
1950s Eindride Karlsgodt (’54) and his wife, Donna, live in Alexandria and recently celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary... Tim Bjella (’57) is widowed and lives in Silver Bay. He and his wife, Arlene, had two sons, Ross, 38, and Eric, 40... Carol Meade (’54) has been a church organist for 50 years and now loves to travel, having logged trips to Europe, Scandinavia, Israel, China, Spain, Nepal, Peru and Costa Rica. She and her husband, Joel, live in Williams and have four grown children, Mary, Peter, Karen and Christine... Mary Eddy (’56) lives in Clearbrook and considers the 20 years she spent teaching school in Tanzania the most rewarding years of her life... Travis Olson (’50) lives in Hendrum and is the Norman County West High School and junior high school basketball coach and tutor... Kathryn Gordon Graf (’59) and her husband, Charles, live in Arnold, MD, and have two sons, David and Daniel. Kathryn would love to hear from some of her college friends... Harold Larson (’59) and his wife,
Mary, live in Willmar and enjoy traveling and are working on a family history. They were planning to join a trip in January delivering school supplies to a mission in Ghana... Bruce Atwater (’50) is a survivor of the bombing of Pearl Harbor 60 years ago and was recently the subject of a feature story in The Pioneer newspaper, Bemidji. He and the 110 remaining Minnesota veterans of the Pearl Harbor attack were presented with 60th anniversary gold rings and recognized at a ceremonial tribute by the Jostens Company at its headquarters in Bloomington.
1960s Ron Johnson (’69) has retired from his position as athletic director of the Clearbrook-Gonvick Schools, concluding 30 years of teaching and coaching there. He and his wife, Lin, have two sons... Ray Marsnik (’64) was a candidate to the Ely School Board. He taught elementary school in Park Rapids, Lake County, Biwabik and Mesabi East for 35 years as well as coaching basketball and football for 25 years. He is married and has two grandchildren attending school in Ely schools... Betty Reini Whaley (’67) is single and lives in St. Francis. She has two children, Brett, 28, and Brad, 24, and is planning a hiking trip down the Grand Canyon this summer... Jerry O’Neil (’62) lives in Delafield, WI, with his wife, MaryAnn, and plans to retire in May... Ken Mittelholtz (’67) and his wife, Camille, live in Annandale, VA... Earl Mathison (’66) and Gayle Mathison (’66) both retired in July and are entering new careers with FWW Financial Ltd, Minnetonka, as public financial advisors. They live in Royalton and have two children, Gina, 31, and Erik, 27... Bette (Behrens) Wammer (’62) and her husband, Michael, live in Audobon and have two grown children in their 30s, Steven and Susan. Bette is enjoying
retirement and her five grandchildren, including a set of triplets... Liz (Lindholm) Joiner (’68) and her husband, Don, live in Sacramento, CA, and make annual trips to Kennedy to see family and friends. Liz works at Sacramento City Unified School District at Marian Anderson Creative Arts Academy (K-6)... Norman Hecimovich (’60) is retired but returned to work as a principal when his son, James, was called to active military duty following the September 11 terrorism attacks. He writes, “ I felt it was part of my responsibility as a US citizen and a veteran of the Korean War, Vietnam War and Desert storm.” He and his wife, Helen, live in Austin... Jane McLeod (’63) and her husband, Frank, now live year-round in Marian, IA. They have three grown children, Karen, Ted and Clark... Tim Goodner (’69) and his wife, Julie, live in Sauk Rapids and have three children, Allison, 17, Jill, 15, and Stephen, 12... James 4(’63) and his wife, MaryAnn, live in Blaine. They are retired, have two grown children, James and Sally, and enjoy traveling and spending time with their grandchildren... John Jacobsen (’63) is enjoying his retirement in Halifax, PA. He has two children, Andrew and Barbara... Lois Salo (’67) and her husband, Robert, live in Cambridge. They have four grown children, Mark, 31, Kelly, 28, and twins, Jeremy and Jeffrey, 24... Bob Glaesman (’65) and Joni Glaesman (’64) are retired and live in Willmar. They have a son, Matt, 31... Gary Anderson (’63) works as a custodian at Nevis Public School. He and his wife, Carol, have two sons, Thane, 37, and Joel, 34... James Belpedio (’64) and his wife, Lesta, live in Worcester, MA, and have four grown children and three grandchildren... Lillian Mathews (’67) and her husband, Charles, live in Bemidji and enjoy traveling and maintaining their home... Beverly (Schinderle) Pfeilstifter (’63) retired in 1999 after (Continued on page 4)
Horizons Page 4 Faculty Works Nominated for Minnesota Book Awards
Guthrie Guthrie Theater
Coming to BSU
The Guthrie Theater will be working with the Bemidji State theater program as part of its 2002 tour and residency program this spring. The Guthrie touring troupe will be in Bemidji May 9-11 to present workshops as well as three performances of its production of Eugene O’Neill’s Ah, Wilderness! The program by the world-famous Guthrie is part of a 2002 tour that includes stops in 19 cities across six states. As part of the regional tour, the Guthrie will present workshops on campus for BSU students, high school students, and area residents interested in theater as well as individuals who desire to make the arts a part of their everyday lives. During the workshops, Guthrie actors, technicians and administrators will address such topics as audition techniques, creating a character, movement, lighting design, stage management, makeup tricks, and vocal training. The Guthrie appearance is sponsored by Bemidji State University, the Headwaters School of Music and Bemidji Community Theater with financial support from the Katharine Neilson Cram Foundation. Founded in 1963 by the Irish director Sir Tyron Guthrie, the theater has
a goal to provide the region with quality performances and set a national standard for excellence in theatrical production. Touring has long been part of a the organization’s history, from the presentation of John Steinbeck’s Of Mice and Men in 1971 to Molly Sweeney last year. Over the years, 25 plays have toured throughout the United States. Written in 1932 and set in a small Connecticut town on the Fourth of July weekend in 1906, Ah, Wilderness! is a sunny, summer tale laced with humor that centers on the Miller family and their teen-age son Richard, who is teetering on the edge of manhood. Alumni involved in high school drama are invited to become part of the residency. A May 11 program for high school students and Guthrie personnel will include a variety of interactive and learning sessions preceding an evening performance of Ah, Wilderness! The Neilson Cram Foundation has provided financial support to offer this opportunity to high school students at no charge. Individuals interested in obtaining more information on this facet of the event may contact Bemidji State by calling 1-888234-7794 or sending an email to news @bemidjistate.edu.
Anton Treuer, assistant professor of Ojibwe, and Will Weaver, professor of English, had recent works selected as finalists in different categories for 2002 Minnesota Book Awards. Sponsored by the Minnesota Humanities Commission, the program recognizes, honors, and celebrates Minnesota’s literary culture. Since 1988, more than 500 Minnesota-written books have been Minnesota Book Award nominees. Treuer’s work, Living Our Language: Ojibwe Tales & Oral Histories, was nominated in the anthologies and collections category. Living Our Language presents the stories of 10 Chippewa elders living at Leech Lake, White Earth, Mille Lacs, Red Lake and St. Croix reservations. The anthology presents the elders’ stories transcribed in Ojibwe language with English translations on the facing pages. Living Our Language was published by the Minnesota Historical Society Press. Weaver is a finalist in the youth literature category for his book Memory Boy. Set in the future, Memory Boy tells the story about the efforts of a Minnesota family to survive a worldwide disaster that has altered the earth’s landscape, turned cities into wastelands of looting and crime, buried the sun behind clouds of ash, and changed the way people treat each other. Weaver previously won a Minnesota Book Award in fiction for his collection of short stories A Gravestone Made of Wheat & Other Stories. Memory Boy was published by HarperCollins Children’s Books. The winners of the Minnesota Book Awards will be announced on April 12.
Where We Are ... What We’re Doing (Continued from page 3) teaching elementary education for 36 years. She and her husband, Chuck, live in Racine, WI... Brian Bates (’69) is a regional scout for the Columbus Blue Jackets and sells industrial hose for Goodall Russer Co. He lives in New Brighton with his wife, JoAnne. They have one child, Chris, 26... Richard Sauer (’62) and his wife, Lorraine, are retired and live on Lake Plantagenet near Bemidji. They have three grown children... Gail Nucech (’69) lives in Hibbing with her husband, Dennis, and teaches volleyball and physical education. They have a 19-year-old daughter, Crystal... Regina (Toscano) Scott (’66) is in her second year of teaching reading recovery and Title I in Des Moines, IA, where she lives with her husband, Patrick. They have two children, Tara, 23, and Nathan, 20... Margaret Hall Lavin (’62) is retired, having taught in Illinois and Ohio and living in Boston and Montreal, Canada. She’s been back in Minnesota since 1977 and lives with her husband, Jim, in Shoreview. They have two daughters and a granddaughter... Linda Neuenfeldt (’65) of Linden, MI, retired from teaching at CarmanAinsworth, Flint, MI, in 1997. She and her husband, Ernest, who died in 1999, had two daughters, Heather, 30, and Camilla, 22. Linda describes herself now as a “stay-at-home person” who enjoys bird watching and playing with her pets... Gerald Meyer (’68) is in his 33rd year of teaching at Paynesville Area High School. He enjoys traveling, friends and small-town life and has two sons, Jason, 25, and Jeff, 22... Carolee Spangrud Mock (’61) and her husband, Jerome, live in Breckenridge and enjoy traveling... Richard Belpedio (’66) retired in 2000 from 33 years of teaching elementary education, with most of that time spent in the Anoka Hennepin School District. He and his wife, Nancy, live in Coon Rapids and have two children, Erin,
12, and Emilie, 9... Royal Knutson (’65) was a candidate to the Ada City Council. He and his wife, Sharon, operated a pizza business from 1993 until selling it this fall. Prior to that he’d worked as an educator and also done construction work and pursued other business interests in the community. The Knutsons have two grown sons, Chadwyn, and Christopher... Bob Hazell (’61) and his team, St. Andrews, were inducted into the Manitoba Basketball Hall of Fame in 1996 after winning two men’s national championships in 1975 and 1976. He taught physical education in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, for 30 years and coached high school basketball for many years as well as playing men’s basketball for 20 years. He retired in 1994 and lives in Winnipeg with his wife, Ruth... Amy Forsmark Randy (’65) lives in Richfield with her husband and writes,” It makes me proud to be an alumni of a school which has continued to gain a highly prestigious reputation in the last few decades. I went on to gain my M.A. degree at the University of Iowa and studied for a doctorate at Hebrew University in Jerusalem. Thanks for some memorable years.”... Patrick McCullough (’67) is board certified as a trial advocate by the National Board of Trial Advocacy. Requirements include extensive documentation, including independent peer review from judges and attorneys as well as successful completion of an examination... Norman Ford (’66) retired in June of 2000 after teaching social studies for 34 years, with 31 of those spent at Hutchinson. There he was junior high swimming coach for three years, began teaching summer school in 1976 and in 1981 became part of the faculty on the new evening alternative school. In 2000, Norm and his wife, Darlene, moved to their cabin north of Deer River and began to remodel it into a full-time home. They are active in the local lakes association, where Norm serves as vice president, and have three married children and one grandchild... Ken
Arel (’68) has retired after teaching English at Pine unemployed... Scott Fox (’78) is Pelican Rapids’ new Island High School for 31 years. He owns Arel’s Flowers chief of police. He comes to the position with 23 years of and Gifts in Pine Island. service with the department. Fox had been in charge of the DARE program for the past 12 years and served as liaison officer for the past three years. He’d also served 1970s as the department’s lead investigator. He and his wife, Bonnie Gurno (’75) was recently appointed Gail, have two children, Ryan, 17, and Kristin, 15... Lori superintendent and principal of Pine Point School. Her (Andreasen) Mikel (’79) and her husband, Greg, live in 12-year career as a principal has taken her to Hastings where she works part-time with the hospital’s Connecticut, North Dakota and schools throughout wellness program and the YMCA. The couple has three Minnesota. Prior to that, she worked as a school children, Bryce, 13, Elaine, 10, and Keith, 4... Ron counselor at Red Lake for seven years and has also served as a Head Start and high school history teacher... Koetter (’75) was selected to oversee the Bemidji Fire Department in the recently established role of captain. Judy Janesich (’70) retired from a 30-year teaching He joined the department in 1973 as a full-time career in November, having taught first grade in firefighter and in 1995 received his certification as a state Chisholm for most of that time. She and her husband, fire inspector. Two years later he became the fire training Howard, also a retired teacher, have two grown coordinator for Northwest Technical College. He is also daughters, Jolene and Rhea... Jeanette Quinn (’76) a hazardous materials instructor and is supervisor of celebrated her 50-year anniversary as a member of the Public Safety’s Anthrax/Hazmat Containment Team... Franciscan Sisters of Little Falls in June. She’s James Moon (’75) of Buffalo was recognized as 2001 ministered as a staff nurse, supervisor, nursing service director, head nurse, library assistant, file clerk, nursing Minnetonka High School co-curricular advisor of the year. He and his wife, Corrine, have two children, Brian, service secretary, school nurse, secretary, receptionist and domestic. She is currently ministering as a volunteer 22, and Sheri, 27... Paul Godlewski (’70) was recently elected to shareholder status in the firm of Schwebel, at St. Francis Convent... Jim Tausch (’74) and Lynn (Higgins) Tausch (’75) of Coon Rapids celebrated their Goetz & Sieben, P.A. of Minneapolis. He and three other attorneys were selected based on their high level of second wedding anniversary in January. Jim works for professional integrity, their contributions to the field of the State Ombudsman for MH & MR and Lynn teaches law and their proven commitment to providing personal first grade at a music and arts magnet school... Trudy Rautio (’75) is the CFO and executive vice president for injury victims the highest level of legal representation. Carlson Hospitality Worldwide, a division of travel and He’s also received a top rating by the nationally hospitality giant Carlson Companies Inc. of Plymouth. recognized Martindale-Hubbell Law Directory, been She began her career 25 years ago as a cost accountant for certified as a civil trial specialist by the National Board of Boise Cascade Corp. and has also worked in finance and Advocacy, and been named a “super lawyer” multiple management positions with Green Giant, Pillsbury Co. years by both “Minnesota Law & Politics” and and Jostens. Away from the office, Rautio serves on the “Minneapolis St. Paul Magazine.” Godlewski has won a board of HIRED, a nonprofit organization that assists the number of record-setting settlements and verdicts, including one of the largest verdicts ever returned in
Minnesota. One of his jury trials helped to expand the law that requires manufacturers to warn the public when they discover a defective product that has gone to market... Art Gust (’74) is in his first year of teaching at Chatfield Public Schools. He has teaching experience at Rochester Vocational Technical Institute, Paul E. Godlewski Adrian High School and Blooming Prairie High School and 21 years of banking experience at Home Federal Savings Bank and US Bank. He and his wife of 24 years, Judy, have a daughter and a son... Joan McGuire (’72) and her husband, Jerry, recently celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary with a cruise to the Bahamas. They are former Bemidji residents who now live in Russellville, AK... Mary (Bishop) Anderson (’77) is employed in the Records Office at St. Cloud State University. She married Ted Anderson in August and the couple lives in St. Cloud... Dan Eikenberry (’75) and his wife, Sue, live in Hackensack and have two grown children, John, 25, and Allison, 22. Dan is the head volleyball coach at Walker High School. Both he and his wife have retired from teaching... Nancy Ainsworth Flynn (’76) and her husband, Bill, live in Brookings, SD, and have four children, Kayla, 19, Susan, 16, William, 13 and Michael, 9. She works part-time for the American Red Cross and volunteers her time at three area schools... Tom Wieczorek (’79) and Lynn Wieczorek (’78) live in Perham and have two children, Mike, 19, and Mary, 16.
Horizons Page 5 Theater Reunion to Recognize Scriba The University Theater will be holding a reunion in Bemidji June 15-16 to recognize Bob Scriba, who will be retiring this year after serving as a member of the speech and theater faculty since 1979. The reunion will include a reception and salute to Scriba June 15 as well as the opportunity to attend the performance of The Robber Bridegroom which will be playing throughout the weekend at the Paul Bunyan Playhouse. The reunion is open to family members and friends, and will afford theater alumni a chance to re-connect with the BSU program, meet new and veteran faculty, and share stories. More information is available by contacting Dr. Kay Robinson, Bangsberg Fine Arts Complex, Bemidji State University #16, 56601 (218-755-4051; kmrobinson@ bemidjistate.edu).
Zierer Resigns as Women’s Basketball Coach Doreen Zierer has resigned as head women’s basketball coach and assistant athletic director. Zierer, who has been at BSU for 12 years, cited medical and family reasons for the decision. She had been on medical leave from coaching since early January and has returned to campus, following doctor’s recommendations, to perform administrative duties on a limited basis. She has indicated that she will assume a direct role in the management of her family’s farm, which they have operated in the Elgin, IL, area for three generations. Her mother passed away last summer and her father died in a farming accident in 1993. Zierer came to BSU in 1990 and guided the women’s team to a 16-13 record and a district championship berth in the NAIA national playoffs. Her 1995-96 team finished at 19-8, the best ever record for a Beaver basketball team in NCAA Division II, and she was named NSIC Coach of the Year. Her overall record at BSU was 124-175. The BSU athletic program has initiated the process to search for a replacement and the vacancy will be posted following University hiring procedures and guidelines.
Tom is in his 10th year as business manager for Perham Public Schools and Lynn has been teaching social studies in the same school district for 10 years... Randy Bowen (’73) and Marlene Bowen (’73) live in Duluth and Randy is the new 7-12 principal at Esko High School. They have two grown children, Leah and Matt... James Baratto (’77) is employed as an industrial arts teacher and football coach at Crosby Ironton High School. He and his wife, DeAnna, live in Deerwood and have three children, Katie, 19, Ben, 17, and Anna, 13... Dale Schmid (’79) is visual and performing arts coordinator for the New Jersey State Department of Education and, in that role, is primarily responsible for the state’s art education reform efforts. He and his wife, Karen Stone, live in Philadelphia, PA... Mark Buschena (’78) has worked with the Bismarck, ND, Police Department for 22 years and is currently assigned to crime prevention. He writes, “I am the “poster child” for a new North Dakota law involving gas drive-offs. If you’re trucking through North Dakota, look for my picture on 5,000 gas pumps. Who says a college education doesn’t pay?”... Harlan Highberg (’70) has three grown children, Kristi, Tanya and Jared. In 1998 he married his current wife, Gayle, following the 1994 death of his first wife, Lois, in a car accident... Glennis (Hovelson) Olson (’71) lives in Frazee and is in her 27th year of teaching at Frazee Elementary School. She has four grown children ranging in age from 19 to 28... Sharon (Berven) Lake (’75) teaches second grade at Rippleside Elementary School in Aitkin. She and her husband, Robert, have two children, Shauna, 20, and Ryan, 17... Sharon Botelle-Sherman (’74) of Woodbury, CT, recently left a marketing and advertising career with Anthem Blue Cross & Blaue Shield to tutor sixth- through eighth-grade reading and math. She and her husband, Norman Sherman, have three gown
Tracking Tracking the Elusive Walleye for Research
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has funded a walleye tracking project undertaken by the Bemidji State Aquatic Biology Program to identify spawning locations for the fish in Lake Bemidji. The $25,000 grant was augmented by $800 from Kraus Anderson Construction Company, North Division, used to purchase additional radio transmitters. The goal of the research will be to use radio telemetry to track spring walleye movement and delineate spawning areas. In addition to documenting such physical attributes as depth, substrate, and temperature of the locations, the study will be used in future endeavors aimed at preserving or enhancing walleye spawning habitat in the lake. The effort was prompted by recent interest in shifting the methods used by fishery managers to increase walleye numbers in recreational sports fisheries. Past attention focused heavily on stocking programs. Recent work has indicated that maintaining healthy ecosystems may yield better results than simply adding fry or fingerlings to lakes that already contain breeding walleye populations. In lakes that contain pre-existing populations, stocking pro-
children, Leslie, 43, Kathy, 38, and Brett 35. Norman is an industrial inventor and one of his inventions is Trilene fishing line developed for Berkly Co.... Brian Eggert (’76) and his wife, Barbara, live in Elk River and have two children, Patrick, 13, and Tracy, 18 ...Ken Ricker (’62) is retired from a career of teaching math at Greenway High School and Hibbing High School. He and his wife, Jeanne, live in Pengilly and have three children, Gina, Dave and Mary... Stephanie Schleuder (’77) lives in Minneapolis and is employed as the head volleyball coach and director of intramural sports at Macalester College, St. Paul... Kim Johnston Moen (76) is in her 24th year of teaching and is active in Girl Scouts and church activities. She and her husband, Wayne, live in Ada and have two children, Aubrey, 8, and Michael, 4... Susan Berg Lohse (’73) is employed as the Grant County assessor. She tried out junior high volleyball coaching this fall and has been officiating volleyball since 1978. She and her husband, Bobby, live in Elbow Lake and have four children, Trevor, 26, Trisha, 23, Tommy, 17, and Tana, 12... Trudy (Swartz) Trettel (’75) is in her 27th year of teaching business education and was selected 2001 Teacher of the Year of Upsala Area Schools. She and her husband, Michael, live in Bowlus and have a son, Todd, 18... Ruth Hayden (’79) is in her 22nd year of teaching, now teaching physical education at Ada-Borup High School. She’d previously taught and coached at Climax School for 16 years and since beginning at Ada-Borup in 1996 she’s also served as Ruth Hayden
Graduate student David Strunk (left) releases a walleye into Lake Bemidji after implanting the radio transmitter (above).
grams often yield marginal results. As a result, managers are looking at investing money into ecosystems that favor successful spawning. Assessment of spawning areas must be completed on a lake-bylake basis since studies have shown that walleye spawning habitat can vary between lakes. The radio transmitters were surgically implanted into 30 walleyes last fall. Intensive tracking of the
head coach for volleyball and girls track. She and her husband, Dan, live in Ada and have two children, Rebecca, 22, and Kenneth, 15... Brad Rivard (’76) and his wife, Laurie, live in DePere, WI, and have three children, Michelle, 17, Rachael, 14, and Chad, 10... Rick McBride (’78) coaches the Warroad cross-country team and this fall the boys team was Section 8A champions and placed fourth at the state meet. McBride was named Section 8A coach of the year. He and his wife, Therese, live in Warroad and have two children, Allen, 12, and Kallie, 9... Nancy Goudge (’72) is a counselor at the Clearbrook-Gonvick Schools and lives in Clearbrook... John Schauble (’73) is in his 12th year of coaching track and cross country at Stevenson High School in Lincolnshire, IL, and, last spring, he coached Ian Cronin to an IHSA 1600-meter run championship. He lives in Lake Zurich, IL, and has two children, Angie, 22, and Sarah, 24... Sue Mattson Halena (’78) is “still a journalist after all these years.” She and her husband, Wayne, live in St. Cloud and have two children, Megan, 18, and Kelsey, 15... Linda (Sarner) Ashfield (’70) is planning a trip to New Zealand to visit her son, Joe. She is a homemaker, and a volunteer in her community of Oakdale. She and her husband, George, have three children, Joe, 24, Mike, 22, and Phil, 19... Dan Wilde (’70) retired in December after working for the City of Turlock, CA, as its water department manager for 21 years. He and his wife, Christine, live in Turlock... Bonnie Frantz (’77) works for Idaho State University as associate director of student unions and student activities. Her husband, Alan, is a professor at ISU. The couple lives in Pocatello, ID, and has two children, Isaac, 9, and Nathaniel, 5... Robert Montesano (’72) was recently selected as Minneapolis Public Schools Federal Magnet Assistance Grant Coordinator. He lives in Golden Valley and has two children, Emily, 13, and Rob, 11... Mark Kelly (’79) and his wife, Julie, live in St.
radio-tagged fish will be conducted during the spring spawning period while less-frequent tracking will be completed at other times. Data collected will be applied to GIS mapping software and samples will be taken from suspected spawning sites to determine the presence of walleye eggs. A report is expected sometime next fall.
Anthony and have four children, Gretchen, 20, Rebecca, 17, Jeanie, 15, and Jayden, 13... Richard Lafean (’78) has been a police officer in Coon Rapids for 22 years and his wife, Nancy, has worked in human resources for Hiawatha Rubber Co. for 23 years. They live in Coon Rapids and have two children, Chris, 14, and Kelly, 11... Scott Gibson (’77) and his wife, Michealle, live in Paynesville... Janice Jensen-Skoviera (’74) is employed as a teacher at Atwater-Cosmos-Grove City Junior-Senior High School. She and her husband, Sam, live in Willmar... Steve North (’72) and Krystie North (’72) live in Bemidji and have three children, Todd, 26, Sheryl, 23, and Erik, 18. Steve owns Northway Insurance of Bemidji and Hewitt-Zitzer Insurance, Park Rapids, and Krystie has been working with Bemidji Community Education for the past 16 years... Larry Aitken (’74) facilitated a workshop in November entitled “Understanding Human Diversity” in Bemidji. Aitken is an instructor at ICC and a member of the Leech Lake Band of the Minnesota Chippewa. He has served as president of the Leech Lake Tribal College and taught in the American Indian Studies program at the University of Minnesota-Duluth... Neil Freborg (’76) became a conservation officer with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources in October. Prior to that he’d been with the Beltrami County Sheriff’s Department for 14 years. Freborg’s area of enforcement includes East Polk County to Highway 59, northward to Pennington County border, eastward to Clearwater County and southward to include all of Mahnomen County. He has one son, Jeremy... Debrah Veeder (’79) and her husband, Dave, live in Pueblo, CO. They traveled for two months in the Arctic this summer and swam in the Arctic Ocean which they reported was “just about as cold as Lake Bemidji.”... RuthAnn Nordlund (’74) of Bagley exhibited her paintings at the Uptown Cafe in Bemidji during the
summer. She owns and operates a working studio in Bagley, where she and her art colleagues produce and exhibit their art. She loves things from the past, especially family heirlooms from her Norwegian and Swedish heritage and translates her passion for tradition into her art. She has taught art in Bemidji and Bagley Public Schools... Dan Dan Gartrell Gartrell (’72) received the Torch and Shield Award from the University of MinnesotaCrookston this fall. The award recognizes individuals who have provided leadership and aided in the development of campus education in northwest Minnesota programs. Gartrell, a professor of early childhood and elementary education, is director of the Child Development Training Program at BSU and the coordinator for college and competency-based early childhood education... Daryle Russell (’76) has been named as new captain of the Bemidji Police Department. Over the past 21 years he’s been an intern, patrolman, detective and, for the past 11 years, a sergeant with the police department... Julia Sullivan (’76) is enjoying retirement, volunteers many hours at her church and sings in two church choirs... Marcia Homstad Sandahl (’72) of Thief River Falls is an instructor at Northland College in Thief River Falls and has been employed there since August of 2000. She’d previously worked as an executive assistant to the superintendent of schools in Thief River Falls for 19 years... Karen Koshiol Breuer (’78) and her husband, Bryan, live in a compound near Dammam, Saudi Arabia, with their nine-year-old son Nicholas. They have a three-year contract with Honeywell to live and work in sales in the Middle East. (Continued on page 6)
Horizons Page 6
Communiques
Communiques from the alumni director Marla Huss Patrias
Mass Communication Alumni and Student Banquet
Alumni and students from the Mass Communication Department will be holding their annual banquet on Friday, April 26, 2002. The event will again be held at the Bemidji Town and Country Club. Registration materials will be sent to mass communication alumni soon. For more information, please contact the Department of Mass Communication at 218-755-2915.
50-Year Reunion of the Class of 1952
Alumni from the class of 1952 will celebrate their 50-year reunion this May in conjunction with BSU commencement. Festivities will begin with a reception on Thursday evening, May 16 and continue through Friday with a reunion luncheon in the Beaux Arts Ballroom. Acting as grand marshals, 50-year participants will lead the commencement walk across campus and be honored guests at the commencement ceremonies. In addition to 50-year participants, this year we will be inviting all alumni who’ve already celebrated their 50-year anniversary from BSU to join us for the luncheon and receive special recognition. Registration materials will be sent in the mail soon. If you are interested in serving on a planning committee for the reunion, please contact the alumni office at 755-3989 (local) or 1-877-278-2586 (toll free). Members of the wrap around classes of 1951 and 1953 are also invited to participate in the reception and luncheon.
Homecoming 2002 Set for October 4-6
Homecoming dates for next fall have been set. Homecoming will again be held the first weekend in October, from October 4-6. A 40-year reunion of the class of 1962 will be held in conjunction with Homecoming. The annual Alumni Honors Banquet will be held on Friday evening this year. Saturday’s events will include a pre-game tailgate party co-sponsored by the BSU Alumni Association and Beaver Pride, the Homecoming football game, and a 5th Quarter alumni reception following the game. Sunday’s activities will include the Carl O. Thompson Memorial Concert. Mark your calendars and plan to attend. More details will be sent to active members of the BSU Alumni Association this summer. (Active membership requires a minimum annual $30 contribution to the BSU Foundation.)
Legacy Builders Richard and Sharon King Endowment Richard King came to Bemidji State “College” from Grand Rapids, MN, and graduated in 1965 with a major in business administration. He and his wife, Sharon Mitchell King, a graduate of Mankato State University, currently reside in San Ramon, CA, where they have lived since 1985. King values the quality experience he received from Bemidji State and recognizes the importance and value of higher education. As a result, the Kings have established the Richard and Sharon King Scholarship Endowment Fund through a generous provision in their estate planning. The scholarships will ultimately be awarded to high school graduates of Hill City, MN. Richard and Sharon feel this is their way of thanking Bemidji State University while at the same time providing opportunities for future generations of students to receive the same quality education that Richard received as a student. “We hope these scholarships will give students the opportunity to reach their career goal,” Richard said.
Golfers Find Fun on Frozen Links To the delight of all the participants, the 7th annual Slim’s / Beaver Pride Winter Golf Classic was held on January 26, 2002. The event required twomember teams to navigate an 18-hole golf course on frozen Lake Bemidji with a tennis ball. With close to 40 teams competing, golf enthusiasts Jim Grimm and Charlie Warring took first place honors with a score of 40, followed by Tom Burlingame and Paul Friesen. Winter golf committee Chair Ken Traxler reported that the event was a huge success and is scheduled for next year on Saturday, January 18. “Winter Golf is all about the chance to get out of the house and enjoy the company of friends and the excitement of Bemidji Polar Daze,” he said. “We had a great turnout this year, and I hope the event is even better next year!”
Alumni Association Web Site Survey
The Alumni Association and the BSU Foundation are working on a new look for our web site. As part of this process, BSU students from Dr. Jeff Totten’s marketing research class have developed a survey that will be sent to all alums with email addresses on file with the BSU Alumni Office. The survey is designed to provide input regarding what information alums would like to see on the site. If you would like to participate in this survey, and you’re not sure if we have your email address, you can contact the Alumni Office via email at alumni@bemidjistate.edu. Alumni with valid email addresses will receive a message from the Alumni Office sometime in early March directing you to a link where you may complete the survey. All survey participants will be eligible for a drawing for a green BSU fleece pullover jacket.
Beaver Pride board members who participated in the tournament were (left to right): Dr. Ken Traxler, Bill Mawe, Lisa Haberman, Dr. Jon Quistgaard (BSU president), Dawn Richardson and Joe Dunn
Where We Are ... What We’re Doing (Continued from page 5) The couple has a house in Arizona which they intend to return to at the end of their contract. Karen had taught fourth grade in Phoenix for 11 years before moving to Saudi Arabia in August 2000 and prior to that spent 11 years teaching elementary school in Farmington.
1980s Connie (Solberg) Brickell (’87) lives in Conyers, GA, with her husband, Gregory, and their children, Haley, 6, and Heath, 3... Lance Chambers (’83) has been hired as principal of Jordan High School. For the past seven years he’d served as principal at Gibbon-Fairfax-Winthrop Middle School in Fairfax... Joanne Bougalis (’98) of Hibbing has been named director of Lutheran Social Service Range Youth Services in Kinney. She supervises a staff of 30... Ann West (’86), instructor of trumpet at the University of Wisconsin in Superior, was the featured performer at a university recital in November... Richard Holz (’84), associate professor of inorganic and biological chemistry for the College of Science at Utah State University, received the researcher of the year award from USU in 2001. Holz and his graduate students are conducting basic research that could have implications for cancer chemotherapy... Paul Parthun (’87), a 14-year veteran with the Bemidji Police department, has been promoted to sergeant. He’s served as a detective in the department for the past six years and 10 years ago revived the department’s canine program. He is also employed as a part-time police instructor for the Northwest Police Training Institute and has served as the local motorcycle safety instructor for the past 11 years... Mary (Mausolf) Werdal (’86) works in the medical records department at the University of Minnesota Vet Teaching Hospital. She and her husband, Doug, live in Bloomington and have two children,
Emily, 8, and James, 6... Connie Leyendecker (’88) of Prior Lake was selected as the WEM Foundation Academic Coach of the Year, an honor which brings its recipient a $10,000 cash award. She is in her fifth year at Benilde-St. Margaret’s teaching English and serving as head speech coach. During her time there she has built the speech team in both quantity and quality and sent three students to nationals in the past two years. Last year, almost 10 percent of the student body participated in speech... Wade Anderson (’84) and his wife, Peggy, live in Mt. Horeb, WI, where he recently accepted a new position as a senior account executive... Dawn Kalvig (’84) was selected this fall as the Minnesota Music Educator of the Year after being nominated by her colleagues and the Minnesota Music Educators Board. Kalvig serves as the primary grades music specialist at the Howard Lake-Waverly-Winsted School District... Will Awe (’88) teaches seventh-grade math, advanced math and geometry at International Falls High School where he was selected by students as November’s Asset Builder. He’s been teaching for 13 years, with the last five years spent at International Falls. He and his wife, Lori, have two children, Paige, a 10th grader, and Tony, who is in seventh grade... Janet Yackle (’81) lives in St. Louis Park... DeeAnn Eskeli (’88) and her husband, David, of Plummer announce the May 21 birth of a son, Isaac... Chad Sackett (’89) lives in Nevis where he is a major in the Minnesota Army National Guard, serving as the operations officer for 2-136 Infantry Battalion as well as airport security officer for the Guard... Arlene Schwerzler (’85) is a mortgage lender for Merchants Bank in Winona where she’s lived for 16 years. She and her husband, Thomas, have two children, Ted, 11, and Amanda, 9... Michael Hedlund (’87) and Paula (Rouillard) Hedlund (’86) live in East Grand Forks with their children, Alexandra, 11, Kori, 8, and Lauren, 3. Michael is a sergeant with the Grand Forks Police
Department and will be working as a law enforcement volunteer at the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City, UT. Paula is a teacher and coach in East Grand Forks schools... Stacy Muckala Bury (’86) and her husband, Tim, live in Delano. They have two children, Will, 8, and Rick 4... Paul Lauber (’89) and his wife, Corinna, live in Minneapolis. They have two children, Collin, 3, and Kristin, 2... David Arola (’80) and Terryl Arola (’80) live in Pine City and have two sons, Rob, 17, and Andy, 15. David is in his sixth year as principal of Pine City Elementary and Terryl works for Pine County as a court services director... Dale Erickson (’87) and Barb Erickson (’88) live in Rochester and have two children, Tony, 9, and Rebecca, 6. Dale works at IBM in Rochester and Barb operates a home-based graphics design business called Graphics Ink... Paula Raabe (’81) recently accepted a new position as material control analyst at 3M in New Ulm. She and her husband, Jeff, live in Montgomery and have two children, Nicole, 16, and Nate, 13... Paul Meskan (’86) and Jill (Johnson) Meskan (’84) live in Minneapolis and have three children, Jordyn, 6, Paige, 6, and Payton 1... Michelle Steien (’87) teaches high school at Heritage Christian School. She and her husband, Mitch, live in Karlstad and he works as a firefighter and medic with the Grand Forks Fire Department. They have four children, Marcus, 11, Matt, 8, Marissa, 7, and Mikey, 2... Lydell Husmann (’82) is employed by Gateway Computers as a senior finance manager. He and his wife, Karen, live in Dakota Dunes, SD, and have five children, Hannah, 10, Noelle, 8, Brian, 7, Erin, 4, John, 2... Brad Fevold (’85) recently graduated from Moorhead State University with a master’s in business administration. He and his wife, Teresa live in Roseau and have five children, Derek, 13, Jordan, 9, Matthew, 6, Liana, 5, and Zachary, 1... Tom Swanson (’89) is a deputy at the Hennepin County
Sheriff’s Jail in Minneapolis. He and his wife, Julie, live in Apple Valley and have a daughter, Madison... Kirby Johnson (’82) and his wife, Beth, live in Plymouth and have two children, Charlie, 11, and Nils, 10... Bradley Wold (’83) and Marie (Wilson) Wold (’83) live in Harris and have three children, Sam, 12, Rebecca, 10, Jacob, 7. Brad is in his 17th year of employment with Cambridge Community College and Marie is employed at Cambridge Christian School where all their children attend school... Mark Fodness (’82) and his wife, Karen, live in Bemidji and have three children, Kyle, 7, Adam, 4, and Halle, 1... Cheryl Peterson (’86) of Seaford, DE, is employed as director for pharmacy services for Hospital System in Maryland ...Debbie Anderson (’87) is working as a career corrections agent for the Department of Corrections in Benton County. She and her husband, Tom, live in Sauk Centre and have a daughter, Stephanie, 10... Colleen (Mahoney) Abear (’86) teaches second grade for Crosby Schools and is currently the mayor of Deerwood. She and her husband, Terry, have two children, Paul, 11, and Marie, 9... Cindy Rogers (’85) lives in Guthrie with her husband, Dan, and their children, Linda, 13, Laura, 11, and Wesley, 11... Kathleen Lundberg-Hill (’88) works in the lab at the Cass Lake PHS Indian Hospital. Her husband, Duane, works as a civil engineer with the Minnesota Department of Transportation. They live in Bemidji and have one child, Kendall, 3... Martin Templeton (’87) and his wife, Roberta, are grandparents to three and live in Bemidji... Terri Johnson (’85) and her husband, Eric, live in Shakopee and have two children, Sarah, 6, and Ben, 3... Wendy (Witmer) Perry (’81) plays in a professional string quartet that recently performed at a function attended by First Lady Barbara Bush. She teaches elementary strings in the Omaha, NE, Public Schools and lives in Omaha with her husband, Joel, and their child, Paige, 6... Brett Bahr (’89) and Marcia
Bahr (’87) have two children, Isaac, 9, and Anna, 4, and live in Mankato. Brett recently started a new job as controller with Cotswold Swine Genetics in Mankato... Edward Hadash (’87) of Burnsville works with REMAX and has been a real estate agent for 13 years... Cory Shubert (’83) of St. Louis Park is a senior web designer for MLT vacations Inc. and a web photographer for the Minnesota Wild NHL team. He and his wife, Susie, have two children, Vivian, 5, and Sullivan, 1... Craig Stubbins (’81) and his wife, Jayne, live in Eden Prairie and have three children, Jesse, 16, Callie, 7, and Joanna, 5... Karen (Sletten) Mattson (’80) has been employed as a special education teacher at Warroad Elementary since 1984. She and her husband, LeRoy, have three children, Ryan, 13, Lisa, 12, and Stephen, 9... Orville Gore (’81) owns Live Oak Consulting, Inc. He and his wife, Marilyn, have a son, Steven, 14, and live in Gilbert, AZ... John Lund (’89) is beginning his ninth year with Donaldson Company in Bloomington and is currently a purchasing manager. He also serves as a volunteer firefighter for the City of Minnetonka. He and his wife, Brenda, have been married for 12 years and have two children, Ben, 6, and Royce, 2... Mike Turnbull (’81) and Pam Turnbull (’83) live in Hibbing and have two children, Lexie, 18, and Blaine, 16. Mike coaches volleyball and men’s basketball and baseball at Hibbing Community College... Christine Greve (’83) of West Yellowstone, MT, is an assistant supervisor at the West entrance of Yellowstone National Park. Her husband, John, works as a gift buyer for Hamilton Stores, Inc.... Jonathon Gunderson (’88) and his wife, Cheryl, live in Minnetonka and have two children, Abby, 6, and Katie, 3... Jim Hoffman (’88) works at Cargill, Inc., and is president of the Labrador Retriever Club of the Twin Cities. He and his wife, Alanna, live in Brooklyn Center and have a son, Matt, 7... Peggy Johnson (’89) is a
Horizons Page 7
Sinosummer for Alumni The BSU Alumni Association is exploring the idea of sponsoring a trip to China. Patterned after the popular Sinosummer trip for BSU students, the alumni version would be shorter, 17 days, and will include some different experiences than the popular campus program. The tentative itinerary includes two days in Beijing; six days at Liaoning University including a trip to Inner Mongolia; two days in Xian; a three day cruise on the Chang Jiang through the Three Gorges; and two days in Shanghai, including a day trip by train to Suzhou. The estimated cost will be $4200, and eligibility includes BSU alumni who may be accompanied by family or friends. “This is a chance to experience China for those who weren’t able to participate in Sinosummer as undergraduates and for those who graduated before there was a Sinosummer Program,” said Dr. Pete Smith, BSU faculty member who will co-lead the trip with Jan Weiskopf-Smith. “At this point, we are trying to determine if there is enough interest to schedule the trip. If so, the trip will take place during the last two weeks of August 2002.” Individuals who might be interested in an alumni Sinosummer should contact Marla Huss Patrias, director of BSU Alumni Relations, 1500 Birchmont Drive NE, Box 17, Bemidji, MN 566012699 (FAX: 218-755-4146; e-mail mpatrias@bemidjistate.edu). Reply information should include a return mailing or email address. Individuals will be contacted with more information if there is sufficient interest in the trip.
fourth- through sixth-grade multi-age classroom teacher in Akeley... Joani Bergstrom (’85) organized the ninemile Youth to Heal the Nation walk from rural Orr to Cook Oct. 7. She serves as youth director at Trinity Lutheran Church, Cook. The walk along Minnesota Highway 53 raised $1,616 for the American Red Cross. She and her husband, Terry, have two sons, Levy, 13, and Isaac, 11... Ruth Clark (’82) has been named curriculum director and is a long-term substitute for a counselor at Wadena-Deer Creek High School. She had been a guidance counselor at WDC since 1982 and returns after taking an early retirement in June of 2000... Chris Fettig (’86) took the Bemidji High School show choir, Vocalmotive, to competitions in Onalaska, LaCrosse and Holmen, WI. Fettig, BHS vocal music director, has been teaching at the high school for 15 years... Brian Williams (’82) is employed as bank president for US Banks in Alexandria and Fergus Falls. He and his wife, Sue, have lived in Alexandria for 12 years and have three children, Brooke, 13, Brittany, 11, and Blake, 9... Charles Powell (’83) is board certified as a trial advocate by the National Board of Trial Advocacy. Requirements include extensive documentation, including independent peer review from judges and attorneys, as well as successful completion of a day-long examination... Mark Edwards (’82) was a candidate to the Pine River-Backus School Board. He has worked as an industrial arts teacher in Minnesota and Hawaii schools and also worked in carpentry in Montana and Pine River. He volunteered as a handicap access fabrication consultant for the cities of Brainerd and Crosslake... Leah Pigatti (’83) of Park Rapids was recently awarded the Community Builder award by the Northwest Minnesota Women’s Fund. She serves on several regional committees and advisory boards, works with low-income families and has helped parents of young children through the development of parent
Singers Welcome for Fourth Season of BSU Alumni Choir The BSU Alumni Choir, under the direction of Dr. Paul Brandvik, BSU professor emeritus of music, and Sarah Aamot-Lundin (’89), will begin rehearsals in February for its fourth season. The choir will perform two concerts this spring. The first will be Sunday, April 28, 2002, at Maternity of Mary of the Ascension Catholic Church in St. Paul, MN, with a second scheduled Saturday, May 4, 2002, at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, Minnetonka, MN. A reception sponsored by the BSU Alumni Association will follow the April 28 concert at the church. The BSU Alumni Choir was founded by Aamot-Lundin in the fall of 1998 as a performance choir for her master’s conducting recital. The choir’s first concert was held on May 1, 1999, and featured a program consisting entirely of choral works written or arranged by Brandvik. This year’s program consists of classic choral favorites—”O Lord, Increase My Faith,” Byrd’s “Ave Verum Corpus,” Scarlatti’s “Exultate Deo,” Samuel Barber’s “Reincarnations” trilogy, the spirituals “Deep River” and “All My Trials,” two new Brandvik compositions, and Benjamin Britten’s masterwork “Rejoice in the Lamb.” The purpose of the Bemidji Alumni Choir is to provide an opportunity for any and all interested Bemidji Choir alumni to sing with their old choir mates. There is still time to join the Bemidji Alumni Choir for this season. Alumni, especially tenors and basses, of the Bemidji State Choir under directors Carl Thompson, Brandvik, or Brad Logan who would like to sing should contact Aamot-Lundin (651-459-1845, or slundin@media one.net) or Brandvik (kspress@northernnet.com All rehearsals this season will be held at Minnetonka Lutheran Church.
Nominations Sought for Outstanding Mass Communication Alumni Nominations are now being accepted for candidates to be considered for the BSU Outstanding Mass Communication Alumni Award. The nomination deadline is March 22, 2002. Presented annually during the Mass Communication Alumni and Student Banquet slated this year for April 26, the award goes to a mass communication graduate who has achieved a great deal in their field of expertise. Alumni are invited to the banquet to catch up with old friends and meet the new faces in the Mass Communication Department. A nomination form can be obtained by contacting the Alumni office (1877-278-2586, toll free; 218-755-3989; or email alumni@bemidjistate.edu).
In Memoriam James S. Love (’74) – Rochert, MN Edith Rider (’33) – St. Petersburg, FL Marion Weekley (’98) – Bemidji, MN David S. Jore (’73) – Center Barnstead, NH Duane Hurd (’76) – Staples, MN Douglas Kirkeby (’58) – Glencoe, MN Dr. Philip Sauer (Professor Emeritus) – Bemidji, MN Ann K. Dunlap (’72) – Bagley, MN Donald Huff (’67) – Bemidji, MN Keith Hanson (’68) – Mizpah, MN Maureen Thommes (retired faculty) – Little Falls, MN Joanne Frey (’74) – Park Rapids, MN Evelyn Coughlin (’61) – Rosemount, MN Thelma Rusten (’66) – Clearbrook, MN David “Doug” Thireault (’53) – Sweet Home, OR Jeffrey Rademacher (’98) – Mayer, MN Bruce Hillestad (’63) – Thief River Falls, MN Evelyn Liebherr (’35) – Marshall, MI Paul Bunte (’83) – Barnum, MN Hubert Hovland (’53) – Battle Lake, MN
A Special Tribute for a Special Pair There are retired Bemidji State faculty members and then there are. . . well, RETIRED FACULTY MEMBERS who were and are so special that they transcend the long list of reitirees simply by their being. . . well, so special. In this special category two names leap out, Harold Hagg and Phil Sauer. They were deemed special when they arrived on the tiny Bemidji State campus within a year of each other in the late 1930s. They remained special on the fast-growing, post-war campus, as witnessed by their having the then new classroom building named after them - Hagg-Sauer Hall — in 1970. Late in the 70s they would both retire, within a year of each other, each having taught over 40 years. This special pair and their identification with Bemidji State were such that for virtually three generations of students and townspeople, they not only taught at the college, they were the college. Now recently they would both pass away, within a year of each other, with both large funerals held in the same church in town that they both loved so well, Trinity Lutheran. Both men were in their 90s at the time of their deaths. Yet Dr. Harold Hagg, professor of history, “The Walking Encyclopedia,”and Dr. Philip Sauer, professor of English, “The English Scholar,” remained mentally sharp and sound right to the end. No surprise. Perhaps for today’s students the “good old days” may be now, but for generations of former students, the best of the “good old days” were epitomized by professors Harold T. Hagg and Philip von Rohr Sauer. Renaisance Men. A Special Pair. – Art Lee
training and support systems... John Fischer (’82) has been promoted to operations manager of Tecton Products, Fargo, NS. He has 18 years manufacturing experience in customer service, engineering, plant management, engineering management and material management, most recently serving as special project manager for Tecton. He lives with his wife, Kara, and their daughter in West Fargo... Connie Brickell (’87) lives in Conyers, GA, with her husband Gregory (’90) and children, Haley, 6, and Heath, 3. . . Jeff Haukebo (’83) is one of eight new owners of the certified public accounting firm of Miller, McDonald, Erickson & Moller, Ltd., with home offices in Bemidji. He is a certified public accountant, has been with the firm for more than eight years and works out of the Park Rapids office... Glen Lindeth (’83) is one of eight new owners of the certified public accounting firm of Miller, McDonald, Erickson & Moller, Ltd., with home offices in Bemidji. He is a certified public accountant, has been with the firm for more than eight years and works out of the Bemidji office... Tom Sexter (’83) of Woodbury is regional manager-merchandising manager with the Minneapolis office of the LouisDreyfus Corp. His duties include procurement of commodities in the north central states including wheat, corn and soybeans, managing the transportation logistics and price risks as they are shipped to export grain terminals and managing the Minneapolis office and its employees.
1990s Neil Cooper (’98) is completing his chiropractic internship at the Advanced Chiropractic Center in International Falls... Patricia Davidson (’99) and her husband, Ron, live in Baudette with their children, Dessa, 13, Cody, 10 and Bryan, 7. She works at Lakewood Health Center. . . Jeffrey Carpenter (’90)
with their children, Blake, 7, and Justin, 1. Deborah works as a chiropractor in Park Rapids and the family was anticipating the birth of a third child this winter... Norm Gallant (’99) and Mandy (Johnson) Gallant (’99) both teach in the Wadena-Deer Creek School District. They were married in June, 2000, and bought a home in Wadena later that year... Marc Glowack (’91), Robert and Anna McClanahan Amy Gall Carrie (Krump) Solberg his wife Rachel Hasbargen-Glowack, and their son, Joseph, live in Nashwauk where Marc teaches third with their children, Riley and Aubrey... Carrie and his wife, Mary Jane, have three children, Taylor, 5, grade and serves as assistant varsity football coach... (Krump) Solberg (’94) and her husband, Todd, of Zackary, 2, and Ali, four-months... Gregory Brickell Brian Weierke (’91) recently completed his master’s (’90) and his wife, Connie (’87), live in Conyers, GA, Moorhead announce the birth of a son, Garrett, in degree at Metro State and was promoted to sergeant with with their children, Haley, 6, and Heath, 3. He teaches September. They have also started a website business; the Fridley Police Department. He and his wife, Birgitta, @http://www.safeguard your family.com. Their sixth- and seventh-grade social studies, coaches high live in Fridley and have two children, Alexis, 4, and school and middle school wrestling and also works in daughter, Carolyn, is three... Robert McClanahan Sydney, 2... Jannessa Moris (’95) is teaching construction... Valkyrie PenDragon (’99) of Cass Lake (’90), his wife, Anna Mae (’90), and their children, kindergarten in Blackduck this year. She and her is chief information officer and chief technology officer Cassie, 8, and Alexis, 6, recently moved to Wellington, at the Leech Lake Tribal College in Cass Lake... FL. They’d previously lived for three years in Portland, husband, Patrick, live in Kelliher and have a five-yearold son, Andrew... Brian Trunk (’91) and his wife, Lisa, Heather Dehn-Brastad (’94) and Kale Brastad (’94) MA, and prior to that had spent eight years in live in Little Falls with their children, Tucker, 5, Owen, Minneapolis... Crista Stahl (’96) lives in Windom with of Brooklyn Park announce the Oct. 5 birth of a son, 3, and Micah, 1. Heather works as a math tutor and Kale her son, Jordan James, 11... Kimberly Elhardt (’98) has Jeremy. Brian is employed by Target Corp. as a computer support specialist... Rebecca Maki (’96) and recently started his own construction business... Cindy been teaching kindergarten at Bigfork Elementary for Ness (’93) and her husband, Jon (’91), live in Bemidji four years. She and her husband, Eric, have a son, Ethan, her husband, Greg, live in Solway... Wendy Larson Scholler (’97) and her husband, Rob, live in Random and serve as foster parents. They also have three 1, and live in Marcell... Amy Gall (’98) of Sauk Rapids Lake, WI, and recently bought a sporting goods children, Jade, 8, Nicholas, 6, and Trinity, 4... Kristin teaches kindergarten in the Sartell-St. Stephen School business. They have one child, Tristan, 2... Susan Brandt (’96) and Bert Brandt (’96) live in Wheaton, IL, District... Marti (Klinkner) Schroepfer (’91) lives in Jensen (’95) is a nurse and a massage therapist. She and Sleepy Eye with her husband, Joel, and their children, where Bert had been working on a recently completed construction project at the Joliet Speedway (NASCAR Evan, 6, and Jena, 2... Deanna (Hamilton) Kruse (’90) her husband, Dennis, live in Duluth and have three lives in Baraboo, WI, with her husband, Keith, and son, children, Kyle, 26, Kara, 24, and Kevin 20... Lee track)... Heather (Englund) Opsal (’98) and her Westrum (’91) has worked at Benson High School husband, Mike, have a one-year-old daughter and live in Colton, 5. She’s been employed as a pharmacy Laporte... Ann (Johnson) McCann (’90) is a senior technician at Wal-Mart for eight years... Carl Rudi (’90) since 1992 and currently teaches American government serves as a seventh-grade math teacher and head football and serves as the high school activities director. He was a accountant in the controller’s department of Ball coach in Colfax, WI, where he lives with his wife, Polly, candidate for election to the Benson City Council... Corporation in Broomfield, CO. She lives with her Paula Swan (’99) and Timothy Auburt were married husband, Joseph, and their daughter, Samantha, 1, in and children, Alexis, 5, and Jarrod, 3... Pat Randall Oct. 5 in Bemidji. The couple will move to Memphis Brighton, CO... Kelly (Spierings) Aspen (’91) and her (’97) and her husband, John, live in Osage. They have where Paula plans to finish her nursing degree at the husband, Bryan, are planning to move to the LaCrosse, five children, Jennifer, 27, Martina, 24, Alisha, 21, University of Tennessee and Timothy will pursue a WI, area in the spring and expand their orthopedics Jerod, 19 and Delacey, 12... Erik Montzka (’91) and Deborah (Shepersky) Montzka (’90) live in Osage business. They currently live in Amherst Junction, WI, (Continued on page 8)
Horizons Page 8
Realizing the
“
Olympic Dream
E
very athlete dreams of playing in the Olympics and representing their country. I know I sure did. This is truly incredible - the chance of a lifetime. I know it may sound hokey, but this is really a dream come true.” Kari (Liapis) Erickson
K
ari (Liapis) Erickson had dreams, like all kids do, when she was growing up as a young girl in Bemidji. Tucked away in one of those caverns of her mind was a faint glimmer of the Olympics, the pride of representing her country in international competition and trying for the gold. But unlike the dreams of many children, this glimmer turned brighter and brighter with each passing year until the dream became reality. Erickson, a 1999 Bemidji State graduate, led her team to the women’s curling title at the U.S. Olympic trials and earned a berth to the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City, UT. “Every athlete dreams of playing in the Olympics and representing their country,” she said during a media interview before the competition started. “I know I sure did. This is truly incredible - the chance of a lifetime. I know it may sound hokey, but this is really a dream come true.”
Erickson was the skip, or the play caller, of the U.S. women’s team that fought their way into the medal round with a 6-3 record, which included a win over the eventual gold medal winning squad from Great Britain. The Erickson Rink saw their bronze medal hopes dashed by a Canadian crew that had been picked as the pre-Olympic favorites. Curling is a team sport of finesse and concentration with four members on a team. Played on a 146-footlong sheet of ice, curlers push a 42pound stone of granite toward a target, known as the house, with scores awarded to the team with a stone or stones closest to the center. Developed in Scotland 400 years ago, curling is played by an estimated 1.5 million people around the world. It became an Olympic medal sport at the 1998 games in Japan. The U.S. team was coached by father Mike Liapis, a 1974 BSU
graduate, and her mother, Suzanne (Amble) Liapis, is a 1973 Bemidji State graduate. The opportunity to start chasing her Olympic dream came late for Erickson. Erickson was introduced to the game by her parents as a 16year-old. Her 14-year-old sister Stacey Liapis, who was also a member of the U.S. team in Salt Lake City, was brought into the sport at the same time. In 1988 they entered competitive curling. Erickson was on five consecutive Minnesota junior championship teams and part of national junior championship teams in 1990, 1992 and 1993, when she was named the United States Curling Association Athlete of the Year. She made several appearances at the national
women’s tournament as well, and went into the U.S. Olympic trials as the defending U.S. champion. Erickson, a swimming instructor at the Bemidji Middle School, was joined on the U.S. foursome by sister Stacey, who has applied to the police academy in Chicago; Ann Swisshelm, a Chicago-based freelance casting director; and Debbie McCormick, who works at Home Depot and hails from Rio, WI. The team had won the women’s nationals but had finished back in the world championships, where, like the Olympics, a slip with a single rock can mean the difference between a win or a loss. As the skip, Erickson bears much of the responsibility for the team, which has an opportunity to discuss strategy during the game. Still, the
skip calls the shots, directs the sweeping action for the team, and throws the critical final rocks. She was described by her teammates as the consummate leader, tough under pressure, possessing steely nerves, and constantly lifting the spirits of the team. While the spirit has been quieted for a while and the quest for the dream in 2002 is over, Erickson has opportunities to consider future tries for gold. At age 30, she is just entering her prime as a curler and any team she skips would be a challenger for any title. Dreams after all, never really fade. Given an opening, they simply reappear.
Bemidji unit and also as commander of the Wadena Guard for one year. He is currently a captain and serves in the brigade office as an operations officer... Bryan Hammitt (’96) and his wife, Kris, built a neighborhood hockey rink on their property in the Bel Tree Drive Northeast area of Bemidji. Amenities included a 115-by65-foot sheet of ice, regulation-size boards and goals, three halogen lamps on 20-foot poles, a warming house and homemade Zamboni-like machine. Neighbors and businesses donated time and money to build and maintain the private rink, which the Hammitts share with their neighbors in order to give the children in the neighborhood something to do and strengthen ties between neighbors... Janie Sorheim (’94) and Andrew Nordberg were married October 13 in Maple Grove. Janie is employed as a graphic artist and Andrew is a flight attendant for United Airlines. The couple enjoys ballroom dancing and a focal pint of the reception was a ballroom dance presentation featuring a special dance by the newlyweds... Christina Lindseth (’99) married Mitchell Vaughn January 8 in Maui, HI... Michelle (Steile) Goudge (’97) and Jeremy Goudge (’95) live in Bemidji were Michelle works from her home as an account manager for C.H. Robinson, Eden Prairie. Jeremy is a trooper with the Minnesota State Patrol... Kenneth Perreault (’98) and his wife, Theresa, announce the January 23 birth of a son... Holly (Strachan) Koehler (’93) lives in Fridley and has two children, Mary and Elizabeth, both 4. She and her fiancé, Daniel Knoss, are planning an August wedding... Melanie Rietveld (’93) and Tom Rietveld (’93) of Bemidji announce the November 9 birth of a daughter... David Mans (’92) is one of eight new owners of the certified public accounting firm of Miller, McDonald, Erickson & Moller, Ltd., with home offices in Bemidji. He is a certified public accountant, has been with the firm for more than eight years and works out of the Bemidji
office... Sandra Nelson (’93) is one of eight new owners of the certified public accounting firm of Miller, McDonald, Erickson & Moller, Ltd., with home offices in Bemidji. She is a certified public accountant, has been with the firm for more than eight years and works out of the Bemidji office... Gayle (Runck) Gillard (’91) married Kalin Gillard Nov. 18, 2001, in Tonpah, NV, where the couple now lives
substitute teacher... Dawn Paurus-Foss (’00) is a firstyear science teacher at the high school in Sebeka. She lives in rural Sebeka with her husband, Jeff... Amy Koebke (’00) and her husband, Ron, of Bemidji announce the January 10 birth of a daughter... Kami Kelm (’00) and her husband, Chad, of Bemidji announce the January 16 birth of a son... Kristy Mueller (’00) lives in Maple Grove ...Suzanne Mathews (’01) began teaching fifth grade at Indus this school year. She is a lifelong resident of International Falls... Leslie Johnson (’01) is teaching second grade in the BELL program at the Bagley Elementary School. She had interned at the school last year in sixth-grade classrooms... Michael May (’01) is a student at the University of Minnesota Medical School in Minneapolis... Sara Ellenson (’01) is teaching music at Badger High School. She teaches Title I, general music in grades K-4 and directs the varsity concert and jazz choirs... Katrina Grothen (’01) is teaching senior high social studies at Bird Island, having been hired this fall... Janie Skoien (’01) is employed as a shop teacher at the Bemidji Middle School... Duncan MacLeod (’01) began teaching high school math in the Clearbrook-Gonvick School District this fall... Greg Kapsner (’01) is working as a first-year teacher at Paynesville Area High School this year teaching drafting and woodworking classes there as well as industrial arts for seventh-graders in the middle school. He is single and lives in St. Cloud... Ryan Bartosiewski (’01) was hired this fall by MontgomeryLonsdale schools to teach secondary health and physical education at the high school... Susan Diffley (’01) was hired to teach high school English this year in the Montgomery-Lonsdale School District... Megan Kaiser (’01) is in her first year of teaching second grade in Ely. She’d previously been substitute teaching in the EvelethGilbert School District and St. Louis County schools... Chad Larson (’01) is teaching high school math in Moose Lake this year.
Photograph by Monte Draper, Bemidji PIONEER
Where We Are ... What We’re Doing (Continued from page 7) career in music... Diane Scott (’93), a Northland College Registered Nursing instructor, recently received national certification in oncology from the Oncology Nursing Certification Corporation of the American Nurses Association. She teaches at Northland’s satellite site in Bemidji, maintains an active clinical practice and is employed at North Country Hospital, Bemidji... Marty Torgerson (’95) is the new manager of Split Rock Creek State Park at Ihlen. His father, also named Marty, had served in the same position when the new manager was just a boy. He’d previously spent a year as an assistant manger at Cascade River State Park near Grand Marais... Chris Johnson (’95) and Traci Johnson (’95) live in Hutchinson with their children, Dean, and Caleb... Greg Stish (’98) teaches seventh- through 10th-grade health and physical education at Ely High School... Lila Finney (’95) received her Ph.D in psychology from Miami University in May. She is a fellow in the National Cancer Institute’s Cancer Prevention Fellowship Program... Tony Palm (’96) and Leesa (Foss) Palm (’96) are living in the Baudette area where Tony works as a commercial lender with Border State Bank, Baudette, and Leesa works for Marvin Windows. Tony comes to Border State Bank from MTD Products in Minneapolis. Prior to this, he’d managed Michael’s Furniture in Detroit Lakes. The Palms have two children, Clara and Simon... Dana Smith (’95) is Nicollet High School’s new eighth through 12th grade science teacher. She’d previously taught science for two years at New Ulm Cathedral and one year at Bemidji State University. Her husband, Jason, is an environmental chemist... Lee Furuseth (’95) is employed as an elementary principal in the Walker-Hackensack-Akeley School District... Rita Fish-Whitlock (’94) practices law in Roseau, having joined the law office of Alan Fish as an associate this fall. She focuses on general law and has been certified by the Supreme Court of Minnesota in
alternative dispute resolution services. She and her husband, Brett, live in Roseau with their children, Samantha, 9, Tara, 6, and Josie, 4... Edward Maiorana (’99) and Lisa (Rongnlin) Martine, both formerly from Bemidji, were married Nov. 2 in Providence, RI. He is active in the Department of Intelligence, USS Navy Sup Base Group 2. Lisa is employed at Arizona State University West, Phoenix, AZ... Jodi Gregory (’93) and Sam Lundquist were married in September in a private ceremony at Superior Shores Resort in Two Harbors. Both are employed in law enforcement positions... Pat Zea (’91) and her husband, Larry, live in rural Blackduck and own a herd of Scottish Highland cattle. Pat taught school in Blackduck for 28 years and Larry has pursued a number of business careers, including owning an insurance business in Blackduck... Chris Janssen (’97) was promoted to Isanti County investigator in July after joining the force as sheriff’s deputy in March of 2000... Chris Ismil (’98) has served as coordinator of the Iron Range Youth Association for the past year. He previously had worked as an adjunct instructor at BSU while working toward his master’s degree in English with an emphasis on short-story writing. Prior to that he served in the US Army as a paratrooper from 1993 to 1996. He was trained in air assault, jungle operations and as a combat lifesaver. He also participated in a humanitarian mission in which he cared for Cuban refugee children and taught them English... David Herring (’93) lives in Grand Rapids with his wife, Kelly Jo, and son, Cole, 4... Becky Klobuchar Bone (’97) was a candidate seeking a seat on the Eveleth-Gilbert School Board. She’s been employed for more than 26 years as a public health nurse, is married and has three children... Brian Stefanich (’90) was hired this fall as principal in Sebeka. He’d previously taught elementary school in Bemidji for 11 years. He’s also served for 14 years in the Minnesota National Guard, having served as commander for the
2000s Gail Larson (’00) and her husband, Donald, live in Newfoldon and have three children, Sarah, 23, Andy, 18, and Josh, 18... Diana Tobin (’00) is teaching at a St. Paul charter school and mentoring school-age care programs. She and her husband, Bruce, live in North St. Paul... Ryan Thomas (’00) is Bemidji district manager of Special Deliveries, a direct mail advertising company that, while new to Bemidji, has been in business for 11 years... Sky Jager (’00) has accepted a new position as employment director with Evergreen of Bemidji. Jager was a case manager with Evergreen’s Transitional Living Program and is a licensed social worker. As employment developer, she will connect young people with job opportunities and teach jobsearch skills, expectations of employers on the job and general independent living skills. Jager started working as a volunteer at Evergreen Shelter in 1997... Stacey Stratton (’00) teaches fourth-grade spelling and English, seventh-grade science and literature and K-8 art at the St. Thomas School. She’d previously worked as a substitute teacher at area schools... Michael Elke (’00) is a teacher and was a candidate to the East Grand Forks City Council... LaDonna Hanson (’00) is teaching physical education at the Cass Lake-Bena Elementary School and the Area Learning Center. She’d completed her student teaching in Grand Rapids and worked for a year in Akeley as a long-term