Vol. 18, No. 3, Spring 2003
A Publication for Alumni & Friends of Bemidji State University
BSUHorizons
BSUCalendar March 21, 2003 BSU Foundation Board Meeting April 26, 2003 BSU Alumni Board Meeting May 15, 2003 50-Year Reunion – Class of 1953 May 16, 2003 Golden Beaver Society Annual Luncheon May 16, 2003 BSU Commencement June 6, 2003 BSU Foundation Board Meeting August 22-23, 2003 BSU Alumni Association Board Meeting / Retreat September 12, 2003 BSU Foundation Board Meeting October 2, 2003 40-Year Reunion – Class of 1963 October 3, 4, 5, 2003 Homecoming
Alumni Author Listening When Stones Speak These stone walls evoked in their
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Bemidji State University Alumni Association 1500 Birchmont Drive NE, Box 17 Bemidji, MN 56601-2699 218-755-3989 / 1-877-BSU-ALUM alumni@bemidjistate.edu http://info.bemidjistate.edu/alumni
new owners a feeling of a deep, almost mystical connection to America’s past, especially when stumbled upon in the deep woods, where they are encrusted by lichen, stained by dissolving leaves, toppled by heaving soil, and smashed by falling trees that have long since rotted away. Instinctively, even casual observers could sense the human presence within each wall, knowing that each of its stones had once been lifted by a living, breathing person. By touching a stone, one could almost touch the hand of the anonymous person who had placed it there and appreciate the simple integrity of that life. (Stone by Stone, page 198)
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Robert Thorson once stumbled upon a stone wall during a walk in the woods, changing his life forever. Thorson describes his first encounter with a stone wall in the introduction of his book Stone by Stone, published in 2002. A professor of geology and geophysics at the University of Connecticut, he had just moved to New England and was exploring the countryside as well as scientific interests when he entered the woods. “I saw an obvious, old stone wall in the middle of the forest,” said Thorson, a 1973 graduate of Bemidji State with a degree in earth science. “That meant it was a ruin, and it peaked the interest of the archeologist inside me. It was something that can’t be seen in Minnesota or the other places I’d lived. “In Bemidji, you drive around and see bait shops everywhere because they are part of the visual environment. But outsiders who have never seen a bait shop wonder, ‘Why are they here? Why is one bigger than the other?’ You start asking questions.” This experience propelled Thorson on a lengthy journey to
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n a world overwhelmed by electronic devices, stone walls have real authenticity. You can touch them, feel them. I love them because they are the fusion of history, ecology and geology.” Robert Thorson
understand the stone wall from many perspectives. An academic foundation laid at Bemidji State and advanced studies in geology at the University of Alaska and University of Washington provided the scientific view. A fellowship in the Department of History at Yale University solidified the historical value of his inquiry. A year-long sabbatical at Dartmouth College provided access to the archives of documents describing early New England agriculture as well as time for an
expedition to examine the walls of a pioneering homestead in New Hampshire. “Somewhere in this process, my observations started to make sense,” he remembered. “I was able to move beyond anecdotes, and I knew I was onto something interesting.” That something became Stone by Stone, a book chronicling the forging of stone through fire and ice some 20 miles below the earth’s surface; a migration of rock propelled by an unyielding
passage of time and the inevitable intrusion of man; and the evolution of stone depositories that began as linear landfills and now are regarded as historic treasures. While founded in science (the appendices, notes, bibliography and credits run from page 233 to page 274), the work is a comfortable read that moves quickly from the complicated and abstract to interesting perspectives of natural history and literature. “This is not a beach book,” the author commented. “You actually have to work at it a little bit, but it is not unpleasant. It is science education for adults and a story that needed to be told.” Since the release of the book last fall, it has sold more than 10,000 copies, is in its third reprinting, and has rekindled affection for a part of the New England landscape whose allure had diminished in the pace of everyday life. His work has been cited in most of the major newspapers across the region and he was quoted extensively in a front-page article USA Today last December. It now takes Thorson 90 minutes each day to go through his correspondence on stone walls. He gives two talks each week on the subject, and the media interviews keep coming. His work helped draw attention to a loss of this regional treasure caused by urban sprawl, changing land use, and the exportation of sections or entire authentic stone walls for landscaping purposes. This phenomenon sparked editorials decrying the loss of this resource, talk show conversations on the rights of individual land owners and heritage, and a movement to nominate New England’s stone walls for the National Trust for Historic Preservation. “In a world overwhelmed by electronic devices, stone walls have real authenticity,” Thorson said when describing the growing interest in the topic. “You can (Continued on Page 6)
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Connections J-term Programs Offer Connections Students (left to right) Kevin Johnson, Danielle Lindee and Ann Ensign explore the gardens outside the Voortrekker Monument in Pretoria, South Africa. The monument was built to recognize the pioneers who moved inland in search of land where they could live in peace and freedom beyond the Cape government.
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ictures do not do it justice. You have to see it. It’s just remarkable. It’s nothing like I thought. It’s hard to explain how beautiful it is. It’s unbelievable.” Mary Hegna
S outh Africa first captivated Mary Hegna’s imagination after reading about apartheid in a high school English class. Four years later, the senior at Bemidji State University made her dream trip as part of a university J-term study abroad opportunity. “I wanted to try something different and I always wanted to go to South Africa,” Hegna said. Since high school, Hegna has wondered what it would be like to endure a government that legislated racial segregation. Images of the South African landscape, its people and wildlife appealed to her sense of adventure. The reality exceeded her expectations. “Pictures do not do it justice,” said Hegna, as she flipped through some wildlife photos and tried to describe encounters with a lion, leopard, herd of elephants, buffalo and rhinos. “You have to see it. It’s just remarkable. It’s nothing like I thought. It’s hard to explain how beautiful it is. It’s unbelievable.” Hegna was one of 20 Bemidji State students who made the trip to South Africa and about 60 BSU students who spent part of January 2003 studying in a J-term program, courses typically offered in the break between fall and spring semesters. Bemidji State offered J-term programs this year to Malaysia and Thailand, South Africa and Ha-
waii, each lasting about 15 days. Other two-week, study-tour programs are available in the summer to China, Iceland and the Boundary Waters and Superior National Forest in Minnesota. Future study tours are being contemplated for Machu Picchu, Peru, and Perth in Western Australia. These tours immerse students in unfamiliar territory, usually in a foreign country where they experience the interconnections of humanity and hands-on learning. Jterm programs are credit courses and involve traditional academic components, journals, exams, lectures and papers. Study tours provide important insights about what it means to live in a global society, according to Sanjeev Phukan, BSU professor of business administration. He has been a visiting professor at the University of Western Cape and the University of Cape Town, and led his first group of students there this year. “Every time I went there, I loved it, loved the people and the culture,” Phukan said. “It’s had a very interesting, yet sometimes unpleasant, history.” Students began their tour in Mpumalanga, an Eastern province where they hiked in the Dragon Mountains, home to the largest man-made forest in the southern hemisphere and an important watershed abounding with waterfalls and gorges. Each day included lectures about the area to be visited and time for journaling. A striking aspect of South Africa, Phukan said, is how well the country has made the transition from apartheid, the lack of bitterness among the people and the broad ac-
ceptance of Mandela. In planning the tour, Phukan hoped that students would make similar observations and come away with a less U.S.-centric view of the world. He found that students were far more observant than he anticipated. “In certain parts of Africa, it’s like a whole other world,” Hegna said. “The people are so different, yet they are the same. Every person needs to experience a different country like this. Just seeing something different from what you’re used to changes the way you think.” Patrick Welle found his students, too, were astute observers in a J-term tour he led to Hawaii. Welle, director of the Center for Environmental, Earth and Space Studies, said he was impressed by students’ observations in their journals and papers. “They’re fun for me to read because of the different styles of learning,” he said. “It’s interesting to see the variety of insights that students chose to emphasize and the different lessons they took away from the same experiences.” Welle’s goal for students is threefold: to expose them to a natural environment outside the lab or classroom, to help them see the interconnections of humanity and the environment, and finally, to gain insights on human interconnections through history. “Hawaii is the closest to an international experience that you can get without leaving the U.S.,” Welle said. “It has the advantages of exposing students to a different culture and a different natural environment. It’s also one of the best places on the planet to expose students to the interconnectivity of social systems and ecosystems.” Students spent all but two of their 15 days in less developed locations of Hawaii where pristine places are still to be found. Two days were then spent in a tourist area of Oahu where students observed how housing, parking lots and other developments have allowed invasive species to move in and destroy natural vegetation. They observed how water cycles are changing and volcanic soils are eroding into the ocean, damaging coral reefs and muddying blue waters. In some places, water runoff is washing away highly prized black sand beaches. Students also explored issues of Hawaiian sovereignty and met with native Hawaiians to learn their history and concerns for the future. BSU sophomore Tina
Ridlon was most impressed with a lecture given by Keolalani Hanoa, a native woman and professor at the University of Hawaii who is recognized as a leader in the Hawaiian cultural movement. Hanoa shared insights about native beliefs and how they blend with Christian beliefs; stories about Pele, the goddess of the volcano; and reflections about the great respect native Hawaiians have for nature and their concerns for environmental protection. “I’ve never been political, but now, I really try to follow issues,” Ridlon said. “It amazes me how blind we all are. It seems like there are so many little things that we can all do to turn things around.” Mike Thomas, now a BSU graduate student, made the Hawaii trip a year ago. Among his more memorable moments was a mountain hike in Waipio Valley where he remembers the scenery as breathtaking and the mosquitoes as intolerable. Thomas found the mosquito problems related largely to pig populations in Hawaii. Polynesians introduced pigs to the island hundreds of years ago. Later, Europeans brought boars. Today, their offspring wallow and rut in the native vegetation destroying the landscape and creating fertile breeding grounds for mosquitoes. Disease-carrying mosquitoes have destroyed native bird populations in parts of the island and threaten those that remain. The solution – destroy the pigs. It works, said Thomas, but it’s not that easy. Pig hunting is a cultural tradition in Hawaii and many people don’t want them destroyed. “It’s similar to issues with ATVs and jet skis here in Minnesota,” Thomas said. “The pigs are a huge issue there and it goes beyond the environment. It’s political. People are passionate about it.” Both Welle and Phukan said their students are often changed and enriched by their study tours. Phukan said that his students came home more mature, big-hearted and broad-minded. Many also came back with a passion for travel. “I definitely want to go back,” Hegna said of South Africa. “Too many people put off doing things because they don’t have the time. That’s the thing that I’m going to do differently is make the time. You can’t learn everything in a book.”
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The 2002-2003 Bemidji Choir, directed by Dr. P. Bradley Logan
Bemidji Choir Earns National Recognition Andy Leshovsky may be a rookie collegiate vocalist, but his freshman year at Bemidji State University has landed him in the Super Bowl of collegiate choral events. The Bemidji Choir was one of nine collegiate ensembles selected to perform at the February national convention of the American Choral Directors Association (ACDA) in New York City. Leshovsky, a graduate of Park Rapids High School, was there with the choir singing second tenor. “I’ve been to New York and Las Vegas performing with my high school choir and we’ve won multiple top awards, but to be one of nine colleges in the U.S. selected to perform at the national convention really can’t compare with my previous experiences,” Leshovsky said. “It’s unbelievable to me.” The 42-member Bemidji Choir was selected through a highlycompetitive, double-blind audi-
Bemidji State University
BSUHorizons Vol. 18, No. 3, Spring 2003 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. Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Al Nohner Designer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Kathy Berglund Photographer . . . . . . . . . . . . . John Swartz President . . . . . . . . . . . . Dr. Jon Quistgaard Alumni Director . . . . . Marla Huss Patrias Contributing Writers . . . . . . . . Jody Grau, Cindy Serratore Editorial Assistance . . . . . . . . Peggy Nohner Editorial Board: Dr. Jon Quistgaard, BSU president; Al Nohner, director of news services and publications; Carl Baer, vice president for university advancement; Marla Huss Patrias, director of alumni relations. A member of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system, Bemidji State University is an equal opportunity educator and employer.This document is available in alternative formats to individuals with disabilities by calling 1-800-475-2001 or 218-755-3883. 03-207
tion, a process that had the group’s work reviewed anonymously twice before being chosen for the honor. According to Gene Brooks, national executive director of the ACDA, a record number of choirs auditioned for the performance. The Bemidji Choir is the only collegiate choir from its six-state region to be selected. “Our students are excited to represent Bemidji State University and the state of Minnesota at the ACDA National Convention,” said Dr. Brad Logan, director of the choir and BSU faculty member. “This is the most prestigious choral event of the year.” Bemidji State singers were featured three times at the convention with concerts in Riverside Church and Avery Fisher Hall of the Lincoln Center. In attendance were 6,000 to 9,000 choral directors from throughout the United States, as well as some from around the world. “It was a rather high-pressure situation when you know that the people who are listening to you are highly qualified and many of them have performed some of the pieces that you have performed,” Logan said. Bemidji singers performed seven selections concluding with famous Swedish composer Hugo Alfvén’s folk song, “Och jungfrun hon går I ringen,” chosen as a reflection of Minnesota’s northland Scandinavian roots. Also included was “Lux Aurumque” by Eric Whitacre, who was in the audience. It was the second appearance by the Bemidji Choir at the biennial
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ACDA event as the 1993 ensemble with Dr. Paul Brandvik directing was selected. It was Logan’s second trip with an ensemble to the ACDA National Convention, having directed his Concert Choir from the University of Montevallo (Alabama), also on the 1993 program. Founded in 1959, the ACDA is a nonprofit, music education organization that promotes excellence in choral music through performance, composition, publication, research and teaching. Its 20,000 members represent more than one million singers across the United States and choral directors nationally and internationally who teach in public as well as private schools, from kindergarten through the university level, or direct community and church choirs. The ACDA is divided into seven geographic regions and 50 state chapters, each with its own conventions, festivals, clinics and workshops. Last year, both the Bemidji Choir and the BSU Chamber Singers performed at the Minnesota ACDA State Convention and the six-state North Central Division Conventions. This is the second time in less than a year that the Bemidji Choir sang in New York having presented both a solo concert and a Festival Chorus performance last April in Carnegie Hall. BSU senior soprano Talia DeBenedet of International Falls made that trip and performed last year with the Bemidji Choir at the Third International Festival of Choirs in Italy, where the choir also sang for Pope John Paul II at
’ve been to New York and Las Vegas performing with my high school choir and we’ve won multiple top awards, but to be one of nine colleges in the U.S. selected to perform at the national convention really can’t compare with my previous experiences. It’s unbelievable to me.” Andy Leshovsky
St. Peter’s Basilica. She attended Bemidji State in part because her family wanted her close to home so that they could attend her performances. “I’m really happy that I came to Bemidji because of the experiences I’ve had,” DeBenedet said, noting that the ACDA national convention was the ultimate experience: “I don’t think there’s anything as big as this.”
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Sports Wrap SPORTSWrap VOLLEYBALL
CROSS COUNTRY
BSU volleyball experienced a resurgence under first-year head coach Patricia Mickow. The Beavers finished 11-17 on the season, 8-10 against the NSIC, but the team’s eight league wins doubled the program’s effort from a year earlier (4-12). In addition, the Beavers posted an 8-3 record on their home court, including four wins in their final six conference matches. Lisa Smith and Heather Haugen were named First-Team All-NSIC for their efforts, the first all-conference honors of their respective careers.
The Beaver cross country squad had a solid fall campaign, highlighted by a third-place finish at the NSIC Championships, which BSU hosted at the Bemidji Town and Country Club. Christa Pribula finished ninth in the individual race to earn AllNSIC honors. The Beavers then advanced into the NCAA Regional Tournament, where the team finished 22nd. Martha Miltich led BSU runners with a 65th place individual finish.
SOCCER
FOOTBALL Despite an 0-3 start, Bemidji State rallied to keep alive its school-record streak of consecutive winning seasons and in the process tied the school record for most conference wins in a season. BSU won six of its final eight games, finishing 6-5 and 6-3 against NSIC foes. The 6-5 record extended
BSU’s record streak of winning seasons to five, and the six NSIC wins tied the school mark set in 1999 and 2000. Ten BSU players earned allconference honors, and linebacker Jon Aamot and receiver Ryan Welle earned several all-region honors as well. The Beavers also rewarded head coach Jeff Tesch with his 40th career victory, making him one of just three head gridiron coaches in BSU history to win 40 games.
The BSU women’s soccer program experienced growing pains under first-year head coach Jim Stone, but with a full-time coach for the first time in the program’s history showed promise for the future. BSU finished 4-12 in 2002, 1-8 against the NSIC. BSU also set several records in a 10-0 win over WisconsinSuperior, including a six-goal effort by Lindsey Natwick, which tied the NCAA single-game record for goals scored.
WOMEN’S GOLF Bemidji State took a lead into the second day at the NSIC Championships, but tough weather conditions drove the team to a third-place finish under first-year head coach Annette Tingelstad. Jeanne Larson, an NCAA regional qualifier after the 2002 spring season, paced BSU with a third-place finish at the championship and joined teammates Marci Falldorf and Traci Depew on the All-NSIC squad. The women finished in the top four in each outing of the fall.
MEN’S GOLF The BSU men finished fourth at the 2002 NSIC Championships, finishing 12 strokes behind league champion Minn.-Crookston. Toby Palmiscno (fifth) and Nate Baldry (eighth) finished amongst the top 10 individuals and earned All-NSIC honors.
Where We Are ... What We’re Doing
ALL CITIES ARE LOCATED IN MINNESOTA UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED.
1920s Marie Smilanich (’27) of Minneapolis celebrated her 95th birthday on November 22. She has three children, nine grandchildren and 10 greatgrandchildren. She enjoys calligraphy and in 1994 wrote her memoirs entitled Forget Me Nots. She worked as a teacher until her retirement.
1940s Harry Sartain (’48) and his wife, Ruby, live in Pittsburgh, PA. He’s retired from the University of Pittsburgh and now occasionally volunteers to teach university courses at a state penitentiary. He’s also active with the Audubon Society as coordinator of the American Indian Garden and in leading children’s hikes.
1950s Bill Marchand (’54) has been a professor of humanities at the University of Minnesota since 1960. He and his wife live in St. Paul... Patricia Clark (’57) of Laguna Niguel, CA, was named Most Valuable Professor in spring 2002 and recently retired from teaching... Bob Ness (’57) has retired after
serving 10 years in the Minnesota House of Representatives and now owns and operates Dunrovin Resort on Blackduck Lake. He and his wife, Marianne, have been married 46 years and live in Dassel. They have four grown children, Ken, 45, John, 43, Eric, 41, and Becky, 37... Eindride Karlsgodt (’54) of Alexandria retired in 1984 after teaching for 30 years in Alexandria. She has four grown children, Terry, Julie, Sara and Kevin... Martha (Bourdon) Woods (’56) and John Woods (’57) live close to Ft. Collins, CO, where Martha is an avid golfer and antique collector. John retired from the University of Wyoming in 1995 and is a marine consultant and golfer. The have three sons and four grandchildren who love spending time with their parents and grandparents at their summer home in northwestern Ontario.
1960s Bob Ness
Mary Jane Paulston (’64) and her husband, Marlin, are retired and living in Menahga. They have four grown children and
seven granddaughters and spend their winters in retired and living in Walker. Her career began back Florida... Richard Salmi (’63) filed this fall as a in the late 1950s when she was involved in mission candidate for a two-year term on the Bigfork Village work with Native Americans in North and South Council. He’s retired from a 37-year teaching career Dakota. Her teaching experience includes work the and has served on the city council in the past as both a Mille Lacs Lake area, Walker-Hackensack, in council member and mayor. He’s also a retired Arizona for a year and Utah. volunteer firefighter... Dick Kieren (’64) has 10 1970s years of experience in Proctor city government and Brad Rivard (’76) and his wife, Laurie, live in De filed this fall for re-election to the city council. He Pere, WI, and have three children, Michelle, 18, taught junior and senior high school for 36 years at Rachael, 15, and Chad, 11... Harold Kunz (’74) Proctor prior to retiring... Lenore (Leaders) has been teaching for 28 years. He and his wife, Marken (’60) retired from a career of teaching in Cindy, live in Esko and have three children, 2000 and now tutors English. She and her Husband, Kristin, 19, Jason, 17, and Ashlan, 15... Jeff Don, have two grown sons and live in Avon Lake, OH... Jeffrey Johnson (’69) and his wife, Marjorie, Beattie (’77) and his wife, Cindy, live in Apple Valley and have two children, Peter, 10, and Sam, live in Leominster, MA. He’s worked 30 years with 13... James Tuorila (’79) of St. Cloud was recently the city of Leominster and 28 years in community appointed the Minnesota VFW POW-MIA chair education... Robert Salo (’65) and his wife, Judith, and to serve on the VFW National POW-MIA live in Kenai, AK, where he serves on the board of Committee. He and his wife, Diane, have one son, trustees for the Alaska teachers retirement system... Dan Bergan (’68) has retired, concluding a 34-year Clint, 30... Rick Tracy (’76) and Sandy Tracy (’70) live in Darwin and have two career of teaching, having spent 33 granddaughters. Rick is a social worker of those teaching English at for the State of Minnesota and Sandy Hibbing High School... Paul works as a software trainer for a Bloom (’66) was selected in Noconsulting firm in Cokato... James Saari vember as the 2002 Brainerd Citi(’72) and his wife, Julie, of Bemidji zen of the Year. He has worked as announce the November 30 birth of a the Brainerd Community Educason... Scott Harstad (’78) filed this fall tion director since 1985. Prior to for re-election to the at-large seat of the that, he was an art teacher in Plymouth City Council. He’s been a city Brainerd for 10 years and also a council member since 1999 and is boys’ gymnastics coach. Paul and employed as a technical project manager. his wife, Sandie, have been marHe and his wife, Carol, have a son and a ried for 32 years and have two childaughter... Paul Just (’78) filed this fall dren ... Emma Isaac (’68) is Emma Isaac
for re-election to the Aitkin School Board, having already served two terms. He owns Bill’s Sportsman’s Service and he and his wife, Catherine, have four children, Elizabeth, Thomas, Sarah and Phillip... Debbie Carlson (’75) filed this fall as a mayoral candidate in Sebeka, having served two years as mayor and two more as a city council member. She and her husband, Brad, have lived in Sebeka for 27 years and have three children and two granddaughters. Debbie also drives bus for the Sebeka School District... Tom Peltier (’73) of rural Cohasset filed this fall as a school board candidate in District 318. He’s been employed for 10 years as an Itasca County deputy sheriff and prior to that for 20 years as an Itasca County juvenile probation officer. He and his wife, Kathy, have one daughter, Roberta, 20... Michael Bielecki (’78) of Pengilly retired recently from his lieutenant’s position with the San Jose Police Department and returned to Minnesota. He and his wife, Valerie, have three children, Nick, 26, Chris, 25, and Tim, 13... John Zak (’74) and his wife, Deborah, live in St. Hilaire. He is an editor with the university relations office at the University of Minnesota-Crookston... Linda (Momb) Livingston Wiedewitsch (’76) of Detroit Lakes is employed as a police officer. She and her husband, Archie, have a daughter, Linda, who’s currently enrolled in the criminal justice program at BSU... Dana Johnson (’73) of Excelsior played with a rugby team, the California Bald Eagles, that won this year’s over-35 league championship in Aspen, CO. She has two children, Julie, 21, and Dana Andrew, 18... Mike Ohl (’77) and Julia Skime, both of Bemidji, created a coloring book and storybook about folklore legends Paul Bunyan and Babe. Ohl,
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Minnesota Northwoods Writers Conference Planned Bemidji State University is welcoming applications for the Minnesota Northwoods Writers Conference scheduled June 22-27 with sessions in poetry, fiction and creative nonfiction. Applications are being accepted on a first-come, first-served basis until the workshops are filled or until May 1. Interested writers will be required to submit a manuscript for review with conference participants selected on the basis of promise or accomplishment as evidenced by the writing sample. Each of the genre workshops has an enrollment limit of 18. “The conference evolved partly in response to requests from students and others, and partly as a natural extension of the English Department’s new bachelor of fine arts in creative and professional writing,” said Susan Hauser, BSU English faculty member who is directing the event. “It is for anyone who works hard at writing and who would like to better understand the creative act.” The conference features three writers-in-residence who will conduct daily classes in a specific area. All are published authors who were selected for their writing accomplishments and proven classroom success. The writers-in-residence are: POETRY, Dr. Tina Parke-Sutherland, editor of Missouri Poets, an annual publication of the American Academy of Poets; author of The Home Latitudes, a collection of poetry;
Fulbright Professor in Finland; recipient of the Bartlett Prize for Literary Scholarship and the Patrides Fellowship at the University of Michigan; and winner of the AllAlaska Competition conducted by the American Academy of Poets. FICTION, Dr. Ann Copeland, Hallie Ford Chair in English at Willamette University; author of short fiction collections At Peace, Earthen Vessels, and Season of Apples as well as The ABCs of Writing Fiction, a nonfiction work; published in Best American Short Stories, and Best Canadian Short Stories anthologies; and winner of honors from the National Endowment for the Arts and the Canada Council. CREATIVE NONFICTION, Dan O’Brien; author of Buffalo for the Broken Heart and Equinox (nonfiction); In the Center of the Nation, and Spirit of the Hills (novels); Raptor and A Falconer’s Memoir (screenplays); recipient of a Bush Artist Fellowship and a National Endowment for the Arts Grant; winner of the Western Heritage Award and the Iowa School of Letters Short Fiction Award. Dr. Joe Parini will serve as the distinguished visiting writer for the conference, conducting discussions with registrants and presenting a reading of his works. An award-winning poet, novelist and biographer, Parini is the Axinn Professor of English and director of the Creative Writing Program at
Middlebury College in Vermont. Among his 14 published titles are the poetry collection The House of Days, the novel Benjamin’s Crossing, and the critical and biographical work Robert Frost, which received a Chicago Tribune-Heartland Award for nonfiction. He serves as an essayist and reviewer for the Times Literary Supplement, the New York Times Book Review, Harper’s and The Nation. He also was editor of The Columbia History of American Poetry and The Norton Book of American Biography as well as general editor for The Oxford Encyclopedia of American Literature. In addition to the sessions with published authors, afternoon seminars will cover the seldom-addressed topics of how to start and maintain a writers’ group, teaching creative writing, and understanding writers’ rights. A fourth seminar offers a conversation on publishing with the conference staff. “Ample free time is scheduled so participants have time to write and talk,” Hauser noted. “This is unusual. Conference participants often have little time for creative writing or thinking while they are at a conference. The participants can plan on going back to their lives inspired and energized.” The conference fee is $350, and includes participation in a genre workshop, afternoon seminars, an evening reading series, and opening and closing banquets.
Anne,12... David Johnson (’75) is the owner of Johnson appraisal which recently expanded its office in Bemidji... Lucille Thias Stinson (’72) recently celebrated her 80th birthday with family and friends in Bloomington. She lives in Palm Harbor, FL, most of the year and has three children, James, Joanne and Jerry... Joanne Stillman (’72), daughter of Lucille Thias Stinson, has two children and lives in Florida... Richard Liapis (’79) and Marcia Liapis (’76) of Worthington recently celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary. They both teach in Worthington and have two children, Matt, 21, and Sarah, 18... Jean Mann (’70) was among four Watertown-Mayer school teachers honored as teachers of the year in October. She currently teaches kindergarten at the elementary school where she has spent her entire 30year career as an educator. She previously taught first-and second-graders and worked in the special Helen A. Whitney education department of the school district... James with his wife, Maryanne... Carol Berg (’71) and her Hoey (’76) was honored for his 20 years of teaching who illustrated the books, has been an art teacher at husband, Norton, of Guthrie celebrated their 40th at Farmington Middle School when Congressman Horace May Elementary for nine years... Helen wedding anniversary recently at a family gathering Bill Luther entered his name in the United States Whitney (’75) lives in Plant City, FL, and has 10 with their children and grandchildren. They were Congressional Record and presented him with an children...Marcia Ford (’79) recently completed a married in August, 1962, in Butte, ND... Janice award for being an outstanding teacher in the area of master’s program in developmental adapted Sklenicka (’72) received her master’s degree in civic education. He’s been a teacher in Farmington physical education at the University of Minnesota. education from the University of St. Thomas in 2001. since 1981 and taught at the high school until four She and her husband, Douglas, live in Coon Rapids She teaches at Northeast Regional Catholic School, years ago …Richard Westergaard (’79) of and have two sons, Philip, 11, and John, also 11... Minneapolis... Mike Newman (’74) is vice president Newfield, NJ, was recently elected major of the Scott Lindberg (’75) and his wife, Ellen, recently of the St. Paul Companies Foundation. He and his Borough of Newfield... Robert Hoyum (’73) and his adopted a child, Cody, who joins their biological wife, Deb, live in Eagan with their children, Zach, 16, wife, Cheryl, live in Kelliher and have three children, children, Zack and Britt, as part of the family. They Sarah, 12, and Tyler, 10... Timothy Looby (’76) and Peder, 24, Nils, 21, and Sonja, 19... Adele live in Mill Valley, CA... Gregg Wilimek (’76) was his wife, Lynn Ayers, plan to celebrate their 50th Munsterman (’74) of Brooklyn Park was honored the featured artist at the Bemidji Art Center in birthdays this year by traveling to China with a group by her colleagues as the 2002-2003 Fridley November. He created 15 wooden wall panels in of family and friends. They live in Waconia and have Education Association Teacher of the Year, also which to display his paintings. He lives in Bemidji three children, Maureen, 19, Bridget, 15, and making her a candidate for Minnesota Teacher of the
Application material and more information are available by contacting the Minnesota Northwoods Writers Conference, Summer Session Office, Bemidji State University, 1500 Birchmont Drive NE, Bemidji, MN 56601-2699 (218755-2068; writersconference@bemidji state.edu; www.bemidjistate.edu/ writersconference).
The Minnesota Northwoods Writers Conference is one of many learning opportunities at Bemidji State this summer. The offerings vary from workshops that last a few days to regular classes scheduled during one of two sessions: June 3 to July 5 and July 8 to August 9. A complete summer schedule is available by contacting the Center for Extended Learning (1-800-475-2001, ext. 4; 218755-2068) or by visiting the website (www.bemidjistate.edu/summersession).
Year. She is also the new president of the Minnesota Council on the Teaching of Languages and Cultures, the professional organization for all world language teachers in the state... Susan Amos Palmer (’75) of Arden Hills is Adele Munsterman celebrating her 25th anniversary as publications/news services director at Metropolitan State University. She’s also volunteering with the Girl Scouts of the St. Croix Valley and serves as co-director of the North Suburban Grief Coalition. It hosts two grief support series each year... Jim Wheeler (’72), principal of the Bemidji Middle School, was recently elected as president of the Minnesota Association of Secondary School Principals for 2002-2003. In that position, he represents more than 1,200 middle and high school administrators across the state. He has been an educator for 22 years and was honored as the Northwestern Minnesota Counselor Association Administrator of the Year in 1995... Rich Morris (’72) and Susan (Olson Gorski) Morris (’72) are currently living in Swansea, IL. Rich recently retired as a chief master sergeant after serving 30 years in the U.S. Air Force. They have been married for nearly 20 years and have spent most of their married life living in Europe. They are adjusting to life back in the U.S. and are looking forward to the marriage of Susan’s daughter, Sabrina, later this year.
1980s Paula Bauer (’84) and her husband, John, of Moscow, ID, announce the October 20 birth of a daughter... Tess Pinkerton (’84) and Steven Pinkerton (’84) of Bemidji announce the October 30 birth of a son... Joanne (Totman) Kell (’81) of Lino Lakes teaches special education in District 12 and also at the Anoka County Juvenile Center. She and her husband, Mike, have three children, Jarrett, 18, Anna, 11, and Joseph, 8... Mike Mohler (’82) married Judy Bushie in June and they live in Bemidji. He’s employed as an ad sales representative for Paul Bunyan Broadcasting... Sally Colehour Myrom (’80) and her husband, Gary, live in Redwood Falls where they’ve owned a video store for 15 years. Sally is the fund development director for the Girl Scouts Peace Pipe Council in southwestern Minnesota. She and Gary have two grown children, Janie and Leslie, and a grandson, Tyler, 10... Mark Kurtzahn (’82) and Lesley (Williamson) Kurtzahn (’83) have two children, Ashley, 16, and Spencer-Anne, 9. Mark is a pilot with UPS and Lesley has gone back to school and enjoys playing tennis... Robert Knutson (’88) and his wife, Leslie, have one child, Madison, five-months, and live in Steamboat Springs, CO... Todd Bever (’81) and Janette Poppen-Bever (’81) have been married for 20 years and have two children, Max, 17, and Maggie, 15. They live in Gurnee, IL... Jeff Wiebe (’80) and Cindi Wiebe (’78) live in Hines and have two children, Kelly, 20, and Casie, 16... Lenee Ross (’83) has been inaugurated as Leech Lake Tribal College president. He is an enrolled member of the
Horizons Page 6
Listening When Stones Speak
Communiques
Continued from page 1
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 Saturday, April 26, 2003. 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 Mass Communication Department at 218-755-2915.
50-Year Reunion of the Class of 1953 Alumni from the class of 1953 will celebrate their 50-year reunion this May in conjunction with BSU commencement. Festivities will begin with a reception and dinner on Thursday evening, May 15. Members of the wrap-around classes of 1952 and 1954 are also invited to participate. Registration materials will be mailed to members of all three classes soon.
Second Annual Golden Beaver Society Luncheon Following on the heels of the extremely successful event last spring, the second annual Golden Beaver Society luncheon will take place on Friday, May 16, in the Beaux Arts Ballroom. All alumni who graduated in 1953 or earlier are members of this special recognition group. Acting as grand marshals, Golden Beaver Society Members will then lead the commencement walk across campus, and be honored guests at the BSU commencement ceremonies. Registration materials will be sent in the mail soon. Mark your calendars now and plan to attend!
Homecoming 2003 Set for September 29 - October 5 Homecoming dates for next fall have been set. Homecoming will be held from September 29 through October 5. A 40-year reunion of the class of 1963 will be held on Thursday, October 2 in conjunction with Homecoming. The annual Alumni Honors Banquet will again be held on October 3. 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 Fifth Quarter alumni reception following the game. Sunday’s activities will include the Carl O. Thompson Memorial Concert. 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.)
Alumni Association Web Site Renovation The Alumni Association and the BSU Foundation are in the process of redesigning and renovating the content of our web sites to better meet the needs of our constituents. The goal of the committees working on this project is to make the sites more dynamic and interactive. It is our hope to launch the new sites by late spring. Watch for additional information in upcoming publications.
touch them, feel them. I love them because they are the fusion of history, ecology and geology.” Although this focus of his attention hadn’t yet been identified, his interest in walls came from a love of science that started as the curiosity of a child growing up in southern Minnesota and Bemidji. He was given the freedom to poke things and prowl around nature. When he started at Bemidji State, he had no idea where he wanted to go or what he wanted to do. He was encouraged by a classmate to take geology as a class because it supposedly was an easier required science course than others. “I didn’t even know what it was in 1969,” he said. “I found it wasn’t easy, and that I was good at it. I had been doing it my whole life without knowing it was an academic subject. My life and my career are real testimonies to the value of general education.” After completing his advanced studies, he began his career as a field assistant with the U.S. Geological Survey, where he participated in projects involving geologic hazards, glaciology, and paleontology in Alaska. In the late 1970s and 1980s, he worked as a research associate for archaeological projects funded by the National Geographic Society and the National Park Service. Prior to focusing on stone walls, he directed the first detailed excavation of a frozen mammoth in Alaska and dissected New England’s largest sand dune and most of the wetlands in the colonial town of Lebanon, CT. Family considerations prompted his move from Alaska to Connecticut, his forays into woodlands began, and an introduction with a stone wall was made. Thorson has since spent countless hours with stone walls. In the book, he describes their feel, sounds and smells. He talks of a stone’s restlessness and steadfastness. He said in the closing pages, “A stone pulled from an authentic New England wall speaks, all at once, of ancient Robert Thorson seas, glacial mud, and the tip of a scythe being broken during spring mowing a century ago.” And he listened to what the stone walls had to say. (Excerpts published by arrangement with Walker & Co., New York). Robert Thorson will be presenting the keynote address during the fourth annual Student Scholarship and Creative Achievement Conference at Bemidji State on April 9. Thorson is the first alumnus to address the faculty, students, staff, parents and guests at the event that celebrates academic and creative accomplishments. More than 160 students participated in the 2002 conference. The 9 a.m. keynote session is open to the public.
STUDENT SCHOLARSHIP
& Creative Achievement CONFERENCE 2003
Where We Are ... What We’re Doing (Continued from page 3) Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe and was born and raised on the Leech Lake Reservation. He has taught for more than 20 years in higher education and completed coursework for a doctorate in administration at the University of Minnesota... Mona Carter (’82) was elected to the Bemidji School Board this fall... Barbara Meuers (’88) won election to the at-large seat on the Bemidji City Council this fall... Lynda Tarbuck (’87) of Upsala teaches art in grades K-12 in Upsala. She was recently selected as one of 24 Arts Connect Ed. Org trainers... Elaine (Lainey) Schneider (’83) of Lake Zurich, IL, has been involved in Montessori education and home schooling for nearly 10 years. She is also developing a part-time business involving black and while photography and handcoloring photos, specializing in photos of children, cats and rock bands... Beth (Lauber) Siverhus (’82) and Jeff Siverhus (’83) live in Warroard and have two children, Sara, 18, and Emily, 16. Beth is a medical technologist in the Roseau Hospital lab and volunteers with the DNR doing bird surveys. Jeff is a product planner at Marvin Windows and a volunteer firefighter... Joanette (Green) Long (’80) is employed as the graduate and international admissions officer at Southern Illinois UniversityEdwardsville. She has one son, Trevor, 15... John Lund (’89) has worked for 10 years with the Donaldson Company, currently as the purchasing manager for North America. He is also in his third year as a firefighter for Minnetonka. He and his wife, Brenda, live in Minnetonka with their children, Ben, 7, and Royce, 4... Al Cleveland
(’87) and his wife, Carol Ann (‘90), live in Menahga with their children, Erica, 15, Megan, 12, and Tarah, 8. Carol Ann was honored to be inducted into the BSU Teacher Hall of Fame in 2002 ... Michael Simmerman Carol Ann Cleveland (’82) and his wife, Jean, live in St. Charles, MO, with their children, Samantha, 16, and Lucas, 13. He works as a placement manager with IT Consulting Company “Comsys” …Karla Fried Hill (’85) is employed as the LD teacher and elementary principal for Scranton Public Schools. She’s worked in the district for 14 years and lives in Bowman, ND, with her husband, Duane, and their children, Jessica, 8, and Kaitlyn, 4... ArMand Nelson (’82) and his wife, Pam, live in Champlin, with their children, Spencer, 8, and Carter, 6. ArMand works for Gander Mountain Stores as a manager in the information systems department dealing with corporate systems. He serves as vice chairman of the City of Champlin Parks and Recreation Commission and sings in the church choir, filling in occasionally as choir director... Julie Olson (’88) teaches English at Lester Prairie High School. She also started the junior high drama program at the school last year and is coaching one-act plays this year. She is engaged and has two children, Lindsay, 23, and Jeremy, 19... Craig Hegna (’89) is in his 13th year of employment as a senior groundwater technician at Leggette, Brashears & Graham, Inc. He and his wife, Wanda
(‘89), live in East Bethel with their children, Jennifer, 8, Jamie, 5, and Jordan, 2... Julie Harris (’84) was recently honored for her years of service to the Salvation Army. She joined the Bemidji area Salvation Army board in 1984 and is employed in the Beltrami County Veterans Services office... Lon Jones (’83) of Becker is a lab director for a vitamin and mineral supplement company. His wife, Denise (‘83), is a human resources representative for Stearns County. They have three children, Ben, 13, Danielle, 11, and Jack, 1... Paula Feldt (’87) works part-time as a network administrator for Aetna, Inc. She and her husband, Steven, have two children, Connor, 7, and Anna, 4... James Neppl (’83) owns Jon Neppl Consulting of St. Cloud which offers services in corporate spirituality, team building and business development. He and his wife, Karen Jean Dinndorf, live in St. Cloud.
1990s Tyler Kondos (’99) and his wife, Jennifer (‘00), of Bemidji, announce the November 14 birth of a son... Paula Aubert (’99) and her husband, Timothy, of Bemidji, announce the November 5 birth of a son... Eric Kalli (’94) and his wife, Sariina (‘00), live in Williams with their daughter, Sierra Janae, who was born in March, 2002. Eric is in his fifth year as head girls basketball coach at Lake of the Woods High School and Sariina teaches business at the same school... Joe Tuma (’99) and Tracy Larson were married on August 24, 2002, in Northfield. Joe is an environmental field engineer for Interpoll Laboratories in Circle Pines and Tracy works in the sales and marketing division of the Star Tribune in
Minneapolis... Nathan Krohn (’99) and Maria Castellanos were married September 6 at Ruttger’s Birchmont Lodge, Bemidji, and now live in Albertville. Nathan works as a personal trainer at Lifetime Fitness in Plymouth and Maria is employed as an electrical engineer with LSI Logic in Bloomington... Lynnette Haller (’97) and her husband, Thomas, of Bemidji announce the November 24 birth of a daughter... Lorri Mostad (’94) is the owner of Mustard Seed Garden & Gifts, a garden-themed shop and perennials nursery in the Bemidji area offering garden statuary, art, handcrafted toiletries, candles and giftware... Jodi Schroeder (’92) and her husband, Bill, are the new owners of Pete’s Place West, a convenience store and touchless car wash at the intersection of Highways 2 and 89 near Bemidji... David Anderson (’93) filed this fall as a city council candidate in Rosemount. He’s a legislative assistant with the Minnesota House of Representatives and has lived in Rosemount for seven years. He and his wife, Becki, have one daughter. He’s been active in the Heritage Foundation and Taxpayers League in his community... Greta Seitz (’97) and her husband, Jason, of Bemidji announce the October 28 birth of a son... Dan Money (’93) filed this fall as a city council candidate in Hallock. He’s employed as the district administrator of the Two Rivers Watershed District and has served one four-year term on the Hallock City Council... Jon Olson (’90) of Aitkin filed this fall as a candidate for the District I Aitkin County commissioner’s seat. He’s been employed as an Aitkin City Police officer for 10 years. He and his wife, Rayette, have been married for nine years and have four children... Luke Roberts (’99) filed this
fall as a candidate to the Sebeka School Board. He works at the R&R Bar in Nimrod and also plans to substitute teach for area schools and work as a personal trainer... Jan Nelson (’91) of Wadena is working as a field representative for Education Minnesota, serving 14 locals from Detroit Lakes to Crookston in the Western-North Area. Her son, James, is 17... Loretta Cruz (’98) of South Royalton, VT, recently took first place in several primitive biathlons and was named top woman in state primitive biathlon competitions in Vermont for 2002. Events included competitions with woodframe snowshoes and black powder muzzleloaders... Tessa Lauderbaugh (’94) and her husband, Les, of Bemidji, announce the November 1 birth of a son …Sara Hager (’97) and her husband, Boyd (‘98), live in Big Lake. Sara teaches kindergarten in Elk River and Boyd is an advertising consultant for Qwest Dex... Gregory Brickell (’90) of Conyers, GA, teaches at Veterans Middle School in the Newton County School System. He coaches high school wrestling and also does construction work. He and his wife, Connie (‘87), have two children, Haley, 7, and Heath, 4... Allison Kreibich (’98) was elected to the Bemidji School Board this fall. She works as a claims representative for State Farm Insurance and she and her husband, Todd (‘96), have three young children... Jennifer Pochardt (’97) and her husband, Nathan, of Bemidji announce the November 4 birth of a son... James Figliuzzi (’95) and his wife, Jana, live in Sioux City, IA, with their children, ages 5, 3 and four-months …Dawn Bly (’91), a Fosston elementary teacher, has been appointed to the Governor’s Interagency
Horizons Page 7
Alumnus Named to Head BSU Foundation Dr. Ed McDunn has been selected to serve as the executive director of the Bemidji State University Foundation. A 1965 graduate of BSU, McDunn will administer all facets of the BSU Foundation in his Dr. Ed McDunn new position, including budget and investment management; fund raising goals and strategies; strategic and long range planning; and management of volunteers. A 1965 graduate of Bemidji State, McDunn was the senior vice president for the Florida division of the American Cancer Society for the past year. His fund raising experience covers over 25 years with the United Way. His tenure included serving as the United Way of America vice president for the Mid-America region, senior vice president of management and human resources for United Way of America, and as president and chief professional officer for the United Way of Metropolitan Dallas, TX. “I am looking forward to working with Bemidji State and its alumni and friends,” McDunn said. “The BSU Foundation enjoys strong support and has experienced growth in assets as well as contributions received. I’m excited to get started on moving it even further along in its goal of enhancing University programming.” After graduating from Bemidji State, he received a master’s degree from the University of Northern Colorado in psychology, guidance and counseling as well as a doctorate in higher education administration from the University of Wisconsin. Prior to starting his fund raising career, he was a member of the psychology faculty at the University of Wisconsin at Richland, where he also directed the counseling and admissions offices. The BSU Foundation has an asset base in excess of $9 million and supported University activities with more than $1 million in scholarship funds and other expenditures in the previous fiscal year. The organization also reported a record for giving during that period of $1.4 million.
Leave a Legacy
Membership in Legacy Society Increases Membership in the Bemidji State University Legacy Society continues to grow with the addition of the following new members: Alan and Linda Brew ‘77, Bemidji Neil McMurrin, Lancaster ‘54, CA Betty and George Murray ‘49, Bemidji Judy and Norman Nelson ‘66, Anoka, MN Rohl Peterson ‘57, Cook, MN Jeff Wallin ‘70, San Diego, CA Representing 88 members, the Bemidji State University Legacy Society recognizes the thoughtful generosity of those who have made a planned gift to the BSU Foundation to benefit Bemidji State University. Membership is open to anyone making a deferred or a planned gift to BSU. Members of the Legacy Society receive unique The Lake benefits, recognition and invitations to special events The Learning organized just for them. Individuals who qualify for membership or want more information should The Life contact the Bemidji State University Foundation by calling 1-888-234-5718.
Legacy
TheLegacySociety In Memoriam Viola Arneson (’32) - Shevlin, MN Nora Bagaason (’68) - Clearbrook, MN Florence R. Brown (’29) - Mpls, MN Jessica Hagenah (’96) - Bemidji, MN Clayton Haglin (’76) - Brainerd, MN Norma J. Haugen (‘41) - Thief River Falls, MN Andre H. Johnson (’97) - Osage, MN Diane E. Moen (’82) - Bemidji, MN Thomas Menzel (’50) - Bemidji, MN Mary H. Naegler (‘82)- Bemidji, MN Roger Piehl (former faculty) - Brainerd, MN Michael Rollheiser (’72) - Bemidji, MN
We Need Your Help Eight years ago university and community leaders conceptualized a scholarship program that, by providing full tuition support, would bring some of Minnesota’s best and brightest students to Bemidji State University. The result was the creation of the Full-Tuition Scholarship Program. To qualify for this elite scholarship, a student must graduate in the top ten percent of their high school class and earn an ACT score of 28 or above. Only the top 5 percent of all Minnesota high school graduates qualify for this award. Eight years ago the BSU campus had fewer than 20 of these top achievers; since then, the FullTuition program has attracted over 190 high achievers to BSU, and, because the scholars attract others of their caliber to come to BSU every year, there are now more than 100 on campus. The residual effects of the program have also been enormous. These students elevate the teaching and learning that goes on in the classrooms every day. They are also active in the broader Bemidji community volunteering in classrooms as tutors, reading in the elementary schools and serving as Meals on Wheels volunteers. If the student maintains a 3.5 GPA, the scholarship is automatically renewed. The success of the Full-Tuition Scholarship Program would not be possible without the overwhelming support of individuals and businesses who choose to adopt a Full-Tuition scholar. During the next academic year, $260,000 in full tuition scholarship will be awarded. Each year more students apply for the Full-Tuition Scholarship and recent tuition increases have greatly increased the cost of these vital scholarships. Please take this opportunity to become a partner in transforming Bemidji State University by adopting a Full-Tuition scholar.
Bruce Watson (’61) - Belvidere, IL BEMIDJI STATE UNIVERSITY FOUNDATION / Full-Tuition Scholarship Pledge Form In order to support the Full-Tuition Scholarship Program, I hereby pledge to contribute: $________ a year for four years towards the Full-tuition Scholarship Program $1,000
Coordinating Council on Early Childhood Intervention. She’s worked in elementary schools for 11 years, has been involved in many educational programs and served as a grant reviewer for the U.S. Education Department and the state Department of Children, Families and Learning... John Ingebritson (’96) is teaching first grade in St. Michael-Albertville Public School and coaching wrestling. He married his wife, Susan, in May of 2002 and they live in St. Michael... Jason Niemi (’98) and Jessica Croatt were married August 31, 2002, in Bemidji. Jason is a special education teacher at Red Lake Middle School and Jessica is a therapist at Cass Lake Middle School, employed by Stellher Human Services. They live in Bemidji... Nick Neeb (’95) and his wife, Roz announce the August 28, 2002, birth of their first child, Peter Martin. They live in Holden... Norm Gallant (’99) is teaching seventh-grade math in the Wadena-Deer Creek High School during this, his fourth year of teaching within that district. His wife, Mandy, teaches the junior kindergarten class at the WDC elementary... Michael Jobin (’95) lives in Duluth... Dan Voss (’90) and Darryl Holman (’95) were 2002 recipients of the Silver Scout Award. Voss is cubmaster of Cub Scout Pack 32 of St. Philips Catholic Church, Bemidji, and Holman is cubmaster of Cub Scout Pack 82 American Legion, serving children from Horace May and Lincoln elementary schools in Bemidji. The Silver Scout Award is the highest award given on a district level to individuals in Cub Scout, Boy Scout, Venturing or Explorer Post units. It’s given to adult leaders who best exemplify the scouting spirit with notable service to youth... Michelle Imberi (’98) and Marc Anderson were
married Sept. 1, 2002, on the shores of Lake Bemidji. They live in Bemidji where Michelle works as an engineering technician with Beltrami Electric Coop and Marc is a computer technician with Bemidji Communications... Tom Trepanier (’92) and Andrea Vogt were married January 25 in Bemidji.
$500
$250
$100
$50
Other_____________
Please charge my credit card: Master Card VISA Card # _____________________________________ Expiration Date ____________________________ Please send information on making this gift My company/my spouse’s company matching gift form is enclosed.
2000s Jodi Ramirez (’02) is living in Charlotte, NC... Jennifer Kondos (’00) and her husband, Tyler, of Bemidji announce the November 14 birth of a son... Heidi Ryan (’00) and her husband, Tom, of Bemidji announce the November 6 birth of a daughter... Sariina Kalli (’00) and her husband, Eric, live in Williams with their daughter, Sierra Janae, who was born in March, 2002. Sariina teaches business at Lake of the Woods High School and Eric is in his fifth year as head girls basketball coach at Lake of the Woods... Nick Doyle (’02) is teaching eighth grade in Phoenix, AZ... Ryan Donovan (’01) and Melissa Olson were married on July 6, 2002, in Franklin. Ryan works as a claims adjuster with Federated Insurance in Owatonna and Melissa is employed as an abstractor in Faribault... Joseph Lavine (’00) and his wife, Karen, of Bemidji announce the December 24 birth of a son... Tracy Larson (’00) and Joe Tuma were married on August 24, 2002, in Northfield. Tracy works in the sales and marketing division of the Star Tribune in Minneapolis and Joe is an environmental field engineer for Interpoll Laboratories in Circle Pines.
NAME (please print) ___________________________________________________________________________________________ ADDRESS __________________________________________________________________________________________________ CITY_____________________________________________ STATE_______________________ ZIP ___________________________ SIGNATURE___________________________________________________________________ DATE _________________________
Thank you! Please Return Form to: Bemidji State University Foundation 1500 Birchmont Dr NE, Box 17 Bemidji, MN 56601-2699
Horizons Page 8
Take Me Out to the Ballgame
Bemidji State University
usic M
IS THE KEY
Campaign 2002-2003 Music is the Key Campaign Update The fund raiser to benefit the Bemidji State University Department of Music continues to generate substantial dollars. With a goal of $811,000, $514,558 has been raised to date, which represents 64% of the goal. The following individuals have made generous gifts to allow the naming of rooms in the Bangsberg Fine Arts Complex: Technology Lab ($15,000 donation) Dr. Jim and Nancy Bensen Practice Rooms ($5,000 donation) Dr. Fulton and Nancy Gallagher Dr. Lowell “Ted” and Ardis Gillett Dr. James and Cathie Hatch Dr. Frank and Diane Labadie Dr. P. Bradley and Dawn Logan Dr. Del and Betsy Lyren Dr. William M. Petersen and Deborah A. Steinbar Pastor Ray and Marilyn Williams through Trish Quistgaard, Barb Schueppert, Mary Heffernan and John Williams Buster and Helen Spaulding Anyone wishing to make a donation to the Music is the Key Campaign or to inquire how to underwrite and name a room should contact the Bemidji State University Foundation by calling 1-888-234-5718.
Spring training has begun, and the buzz of baseball is back in the air. Minnesotans, along with Twins fans everywhere, watched the true Cinderella story in 2002 as the team went from contraction threats to contenders for the American League Championship. Don’t miss the opportunity to watch them in action again this season during BSU Day at the Dome. Join fellow Bemidji State alumni, family and friends at a game against the Milwaukee Brewers on Saturday, June 28, 2003. The BSU Alumni Association has reserved a block of tickets for the 6:05 p.m. game. There will also be a pre-game picnic in the tents on the parking lot side of the dome. There will be many door prizes at the picnic, including Twins memorabilia, as well as lots of good old family fun. The reserved seat package price for the game and the picnic is $30 per person. This year we are also offering a lower priced option with non-reserved upper deck seating. Tickets and picnic for this section are $16 per person. The deadline for purchasing tickets is June 12, 2003. To purchase tickets, call the BSU Alumni Association at 755-2876 (local) or 1-877-278-2586 (toll free).
Alumni have a chance to show their Beaver Pride through a promotion taking place at the Mall of America. Graduates of Bemidji State can go to the College Shop at the Mall of America and receive discounts on BSU and Beaver merchandise. The special event will continue through April, when the University will also be featured in a window display at the store.
Eight Candidates File for Alumni Board Eight candidates filed to run for election to five seats on the Alumni Association’s board of directors. The board holds bi-annual elections, with five seats up for election every cycle. In addition to the election, an appointment process will place three new members on the board. Of the eight candidates, two are incumbents seeking re-election for a second term. Terms are four years long, and members may serve two consecutive terms. In total, the board consists of sixteen members. Active members of the Alumni Association will be mailed a ballot on March 1 to elect five members. To be an active member of the Alumni Association, you must have made a minimum $30 gift to the BSU Foundation since July 1, 2001. Return ballots must be postmarked by April 1 to be counted. Election results will be certified at the April 26 meeting of the Board. New members will begin their term on August 23 at the summer meeting.
The BSU Beaver tries to warm golfers George Thelen (left) and Fred Luckeroth during the eighth annual Beaver Pride/Slims Golf Classic on the frozen links of Lake Bemidji in January. Close to 80 golfers braved icy temperatures and completed the course in the event that raised over $3,000 to benefit the BSU golf teams and Beaver Pride activities. Alumni interested in joining Beaver Pride, the team behind the Bemidji State teams, can contact the BSU Foundation at 1-888234-5718, 218-755-2827, or Beaverpride@bemidjistate.edu.
The candidates for election are: RANDY BOWEN (’73) Hermantown, MN; currently the secondary principal in ISD 99, Esko Public Schools BOYD BRADBURY (’88) Callaway, MN; currently the superintendent of schools in Waubun-Ogema-White Earth Community Schools MARION CHRISTIANSON (’50, ’71) Bemidji, MN, retired faculty member of Bemidji State University; has served one term on the Board and is seeking re-election. ARLIN MELGAARD (’80) Bemidji, MN; currently assistant director of Secondary Vocational Cooperative Center. ADELE MUNSTERMAN (‘74) Brooklyn Park, MN; currently teaches Spanish at Fridley High School; has served one term on the Board and is seeking re-election. CAROL RICHARDS (’81, ’90) Bemidji, MN; currently a faculty member in the Department of Theatre and Speech Communication at BSU. YVONNE SIATS-FISKUM (’54) Elkhorn, WI; retired faculty member from Gateway Technical College. JESSICA WARD (’96) Bemidji, MN; currently an agency field specialist and part of a regional management team for State Farm Ins. Co.