BSUCalendar April 17, 1998
BSU Education Wall of Fame Induction Ceremony, 6:00 PM; Beaux Arts Ballroom, BSU Campus April 25, 1998
BSU Alumni Association Board of Directors Meeting, David Park House, Bemidji
Vol. 13, No. 3, Spring 1998
A Publication for Alumni & Friends of Bemidji State University
BSUHorizons
May 9, 1998
BSU Mass Communication Alumni Reunion, Bemidji Town & Country Club May 16, 1998
Danny Kraus Memorial Golf Tournament, Princeton, MN May 22, 1998
Bemidji State University Commencement June 19, 1998
Pabst/Skaar Memorial Golf Tournament, Bemidji Town & Country Club June 20, 1998
Grandma’s Marathon Challenge, Duluth, MN July 10, 1998
BSU Founder’s Walk Induction Ceremony, Beneath the Alumni Arch on BSU Campus August 7, 1998
15th Annual Lady Beaver Golf Tournament, Bemidji Town & Country Club September 26, 1998
BSU HOMECOMING 1998
Bemidji State University
BSUHorizons
Office of Alumni Affairs 1500 Birchmont Drive NE #DPH Bemidji, Minnesota 56601-2699
NON-PROFIT ORGAN. U.S. POSTAGE
P A I D
Bemidji, MN 56601-2699 PERMIT NO. 9
Penalt y for Private Use
Bemidji State University has announced a fund raising effort that could affect the nature of Beaver athletics in the 21st century. Dr. Jim Bensen, BSU president, in early April opened the Drive to D-I, an effort to raise sufficient money to support the move of men’s and women’s hockey at the University to the NCAA Division I level. “Such a move has been long discussed in Bemidji, and contemplated many times,” Bensen said. “However, the timing for the Drive to D-I has never been better, for several reasons.” The first is the formation of the women’s ice hockey program. The search for a head coach will be concluded this spring; discussions are taking place on potential conference affiliations and play; and a limited schedule is being put into place for the 19981999 season. The second reason is the uncertainty of NCAA Division II ice hockey for men. The NCAA conducts men’s ice hockey championships for Division I, Division II and Division III. The primary difference between the divisions is the amount available for scholarships to studentathletes, with the maximum allowed on the Division I level and none allowed for Division III players. The NCAA annually assesses the status of its ice hockey championships, and Division II is the most tenuous of the three levels. For most of this decade, the Bemidji State men’s ice hockey team has competed on the NCAA-II level. Currently, there are a dozen teams competing in Division II men’s ice hockey. Championship guidelines for the NCAA require a minimum of 40 teams in any division, but the organization has, for the time being, continued the Division II ice hockey program despite the low number of teams. Other BSU men’s and women’s teams currently compete on the NCAA-II level as members of the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC), which allows partial scholarships. The Beaver men’s ice hockey team, however, is a member of a different conference, the Northern Collegiate Hockey Association, which is affiliated with the
BSU Exploring Move to
NCAA-Division I Hockey
Bob Peters speaks at the press conference announcing BSU’s interest in NCAA Division I ice hockey.
NCAA-III and does not allow scholarships. With the fluctuating status of Division II men’s ice hockey, Bemidji State finds itself in a difficult position. The hockey teams cannot move down to Division III unless all BSU intercollegiate athletic teams move to the division, which would not be possible to maintain current NSIC affiliation and historic rivalries. While teams cannot play in a lower division, they can move up according to NCAA guidelines. If the University is to play men’s ice hockey on the Division I level, Bensen noted that the University must commit to be competitive on the Division I level. Resources would be needed for scholarships, the added costs of travel, and increased operational expenses. “Bemidji State cannot achieve this goal alone,” he said. “The Drive to D-I is a drive to raise $175,000 each year for the next five years through sponsorships.” To achieve this goal, BSU will be looking for businesses, organizations or individuals to make five year pledges of $5,000,
T
“ hetimingisperfectforthistohappenbecause IbelieveBemidjicanbecomecompetitive quickly.IfBemidjiplayedaD-Ischedule,they’dbe competitiverightnow.Theyareeightplayersorso awayfrombeingaDivisionIcaliberteam.” Frank Serratore
$10,000 or $25,000 annually. The University will also be working to develop a large endowment pledged to hockey and assessing the strength of potential season ticket sales. Bemidji State has until the end of May to obtain the pledges, ticket sales and other commitments. If the Beavers are planning to change divisions, the NCAA must be notified by June 1. As a result, on May 26 Bemidji State will evaluate the drive and review its options for 1998-1999. “We are confident that Bemidji State can recruit and compete at the Division I level for men and women because of our rich hockey heritage and the strength of our alumni,” said Bob Peters, Bemidji State University athletic director for hockey and head men’s ice hockey coach.
Frank Serratore, BSU alumnus and coach of the Division I Air Force team that beat Bemidji State twice this year, felt the move would be natural. “The timing is perfect for this to happen because I believe Bemidji can become competitive quickly,” he (Continued on page 7)
THE DRIVE TO
D-I
HOCKEY BEMIDJI STATE UNIVERSITY
Horizons Page 2
Child Development Program
Child
Celebrates 30 Years
Development
O
“
A great deal of attention recently, both on the national and state levels, has been focused on child care and the importance of professional training for early child care providers. A White House summit, a presidential commission and numerous state legislatures have emphasized the need and importance of professional training for workers who deal with children during their very important formative years. The concept of child development training is nothing new at BSU. Through its Child Development Training Program (CDTP), the University has been providing early childhood workers with fieldoriented education for 30 years. Dr. Dan Gartrell, CDTP director, said the University program traces its roots to 1968 and the start of the federal Head Start Program. From the beginning, Head Start has been a comprehensive program, focusing on the needs of preschool children and their families. For eligible families, Head Start provides services in four major component areas — education, health, parent involvement and social services. Eligibility to participate in Head Start is based
urmaingoalinteachingchildrenis forthemtodevelopapositiveattitudetoward themselvesandtoseethemselvesascapablelearners.That’sthebigpush.Throughourprogramswe helpearlychildhoodfolksworkwithchildrenand parentsinthehealthyraisingofchildren.” Dr. Dan Gartrell
on income and other criteria. Head Start program administrators in Washington D.C. recognized early on a great need for staff training and sought proposals from post-secondary institutions across the country in service areas having Head Start agencies. In 1967, under then BSU acting president John Glas, the University received a federal grant of about $20,000 to establish a Head Start Supplementary Training Site (HSST). Through HSST, learning packages were developed and delivered, providing course work that leads to a four-year degree. Drs. John Yourd and Ernest Plath, both education professors at BSU, were the leaders for this innovative education program on campus. Later, a Child Development Associate (CDA) program was adopted by the CDTP, offering the opportunity for professional development. A competency-based rather than credit-based program, the CDA results in a nationally recognized credential. About 500 Head Start and child care staff have earned CDAs through the BSU program. So, as training of child care professionals has received national attention lately, BSU has known the importance of such programming for decades and has become recognized as a leader in the field. Gartrell traces the new found emphasis for professionally trained child care employees on a changing political climate, resulting from national and state welfare reform efforts of the last two years. Under welfare reform,
parents — mainly single mothers who previously stayed at home to care for their children while receiving Aid For dependent Children (AFDC) benefits — now are being thrust into the work world. As a result, there’s a greater need than ever for a variety of daycare services. With that increased need has come a focus on having professionally educated workers fill child care positions. Over the past 30 years there has also been substantive research done on brain development of young children, Gartrell reported. That research acknowledges the importance of early development, how it lays the basic groundwork necessary for children to reach their full potential. “We know a lot more about the importance of early development of children than we did 30 years ago,” he said. “That was a big part of the White Conference last spring. Brain development isn’t completed at birth, it continues through the early childhood years. The experiences children have during these formative years affects that development.” For example, it is now known that children who are exposed to nurturing environments that encourage open-ended exploration show greater brain development and are healthy. Brain development is actually negatively affected if the child lives under traumatic conditions the first few years of life. The focus on the training programs through the CDTP follows the precepts of a developmentally appropriate practice, gearing instruction to the age and developmental stage of each child. Team teaching, a concept that has since
Early Childhood Mega Conference Attracts 650 This year marked the 20th anniversary of the Bemidji State University Mega Conference, a three day professional development program that attracted a record 650 registrants from across the state and region. The conference is an opportunity for early childhood professionals and parents from across Minnesota to participate in over 80 educational sessions designed for individuals from Head Start, early childhood family education, early childhood special education, nursery school, public school, and center as well as in-home child care programs. Reflecting a growing interest in the child care and an emphasis on the profession, participation at the conference has increased from about 400 in 1994 to its record level this year, according to Cherry Brouwer, project coordinator with the BSU Child Development Training Program. Sessions offered at the conference covered a wide range of subjects, including conflict resolution, safe foods for healthy children, understanding the effect of domestic violence on children, celebrating diversity, and gaining parent’s trust. Co-sponsors for the Mega Conference were the Northern Minnesota Head Start Cluster and the Great Lakes Resource Access Project (RAP) of Portage, WI.
been embraced by the public school system, is important to this teaching method. “Our main goal in teaching children is for them to develop a positive attitude toward themselves and to see themselves as capable learners,” said Gartrell. “That’s the big push. Through our programs we help early childhood folks work with children and parents in the healthy raising of children.” While the field of early childhood development has undergone major changes over the years, one of the biggest needs is something that hasn’t changed. “Folks in early childhood fields, even if they have degrees, are still working for very low wages — usually without any benefits,” Gartrell reported. “In Head Start, people earn about one-half the wage of a public school teacher even though they are performing very valuable work.” Generally, people are in the early childhood field because they are dedicated and know what they’re doing is important. “They’re willing to work for low salaries because the job is important to them,” Gartrell said. These low wages generally lead to a high turnover of child care workers, a situation which is not beneficial to the programs or children. Having a stable workforce creates quality conditions in which children can flourish. However, if turnover is high it’s difficult for programs to be as effective as possible. Gartrell said programs such as the CDTP are attempting to rally support for highly trained child care staff. “If we have a high number of staff with professional training, we’re in a better position to seek higher salaries that will in turn promote stability and quality child care,” he said. “When there are quality conditions, children benefit and grow.” ■ Bemidji State University
BSUHorizons Vol. 13, No. 3, Spring 1998 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. Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Al Nohner Designer . . . . . . . . . . . . Kathy Berglund Photographer . . . . . . . . . . . John Swartz President . . . . . . . . . . . Dr. Jim Bensen Alumni Director . . . . . . . . . Sue Kringen Contributing Writer . . . . . John McRae Editorial Assistance . . . . Peggy Nohner Editorial Board: Dr. Jim Bensen, BSU president; Dr. David Tiffany, vice president for University advancement; Al Nohner, director of news services and publications; Sue Kringen, director of alumni relations.
Horizons Page 3
Connecting Students
Students
with Bemidji State
For many years, the furthest thing on the minds of seniors graduating from Sauk Centre High School was Bemidji State University. In fact, it was so far out there that it was practically nonexistent. During a ten-year period, a total of one (yes, that’s 1) graduate of SCHS came to BSU. Then something changed. In one year, five students enrolled at BSU. Then another five, and more the next year. And the students have been exceptional. Karla Kohorst became active with student media on campus. Anne Miller participates in many singing groups and won the highly competitive Ione DeKrey vocal scholarship. Joe Friedrichs joined the BSU baseball team and will captain the Beavers this spring. The newest addition is Amber Bromenshenkel. A senior at Sauk Centre High who is interested in a chemistry degree, she became the second Mainstreeter to accept a Full-Tuition Scholarship and
take, according to Paul Muller, acting director of admissions at BSU. Alumni should nurture the college search proCharlie Warring visits with a SCHS student. cess and, if they will enroll at BSU in the fall. feel Bemidji State might be an What could cause such a shift appropriate option, get the stuat one school in just a few years? dent to explore more. Although many factors likely in“Alumni need to relate their fluenced the sudden interest in experiences at BSU, but don’t Bemidji State, one definitely has: need to feel as though they have the dozen alumni who teach in the to be experts on the University,” Sauk Centre school district. Muller said.“They may have “There are a number of been away from campus for a Bemidji State graduates on staff number of years, and things have here, and that has had an impact,” changed. It’s our job to get the said Charlie Warring, a BSU information to the student.” alumnus who teaches and When approached by prospeccoaches in the high school. “A lot tive students about possible colof students talk about colleges, lege choices, Muller would have and they talk to a lot of teachers. alumni take these steps. “I don’t tell anyone they should • Forward the name, address, attend BSU. Generally I advise and phone number of the student them to look around and com- to the BSU admissions office. pare, to find out what they like • Have the prospective student and don’t like. If they find out check out Bemidji State through they are looking for a smaller the school’s guidance office, which school, I encourage them to should have material on most check into Bemidji State. It’s a schools in the state and region. great school, is in an awesome • Encourage the student to visit location, and has a friendly cam- the campus. A visit is far more informative than any brochure, pus atmosphere.” For alumni who know of stu- and goes a long way in helping a dents who are searching for a student understand if they will college, that’s a good approach to feel comfortable at the school.
The University also has a free CD-ROM which alumni can use to see what’s new at BSU, both in academic programs and student life. It is compatible with DOS, Macintosh, and Windows machines.
I
“ don’ttellanyonetheyshouldattendBSU.
GenerallyIadvisethemtolookaroundand compare,tofindoutwhattheylikeanddon’tlike. Iftheyfindouttheyarelookingforasmaller school,IencouragethemtocheckintoBemidji State.It’sagreatschool,isinanawesomelocation, andhasafriendlycampusatmosphere.” Charlie Warring
To order a CD-ROM or to make connection with the admissions office, alumni can use one of the following methods: mail:
Admissions Office, Deputy Hall #D-2B, Bemidji State University, 1500 Birchmont Drive, NE, Bemidji, MN 56601-2699 phone:
218-755-2040 or 1-888-345-1721 e-mail:
admissions@vax1.bemidji.msus.edu Internet:
http://info.bemidji.msus.edu/ admissions/ ■
Where We Are ... What We’re Doing ing with senior citizens and traveling to destinations which have in recent years included Canada, Denmark, Israel, China, Japan and portions of Europe.
ALL CITIES ARE LOCATED IN MINNESOTA UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED.
1940s Verna Syverson (’45) is retired and living in McIntosh. Her career included serving 30 years as a foreign missionary in Cameroon, Africa, and 10 years as a teacher at Clearbrook, Crosby, McIntosh and Gilbert schools … Violet Johnson (’43) is retired and living in International Falls where she enjoys keeping up with an extended family which includes 16 grandchildren … Louis Marchand (’48), a retired BSU professor,
recently gave a lecture in Bemidji entitled “Homesteading Was Only the Beginning: Fifty Years in Rural Beltrami County,” as part of a series presented by the Area Academy for Lifelong Learning … Otto Mickelson (’47) of Eagan attended BSU’s 75th Anniversary Gala and “enjoyed every minute of it” … Harold Shellum (’41) of Sunnyvale, CA, and his wife, Ruth, celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary Dec. 28 … Murray Warren (’48) and his wife, Darlene, of Crookston, were recognized as the Golden Link Senior Center’s “experienced Americans” in October. Murray taught a variety of high school courses in Crookston over a 33-year period and has continued to substitute teach since his retirement in 1988 … Cheryl Bjella Horton (’49) lives in Fremont, NE, when she’s not indulging her passion for travel. Horton raised four children and now spends Louis Marchand much of her time volunteer-
Davidson. “For some reason we are driven to make improvements, but modernization ruined it. We were happier without all the conveniences.” Working in another artistic medium, Davidson was one of five local artists instructing painters in a five-week Water Media 1950s Series offered by the Headwaters School of Marianne Work Newcomb (’59) of Orchard Music and the Arts this winter…John Lake, MI, teaches private music lessons and serves as director of the Adele Thomas Handbell Buckanaga (’59) has committed a lifetime of service to the White Earth community, as well as Ringers. She is interested in hearing from to statewide and national health care developindividuals who have been sucment on Indian cessful in coping with the sympreservations. Even in toms of Lyme Disease … Sylvia retirement, the 62-yearEngbretson (’53) of International old former Indian Health Falls teaches Montessori preService executive and school and has served as school dieducator continues to rector since 1976 … Bob Norman work as a strong leader (’58) is living in Buffalo City, WI, and positive role model … Robert Green (’57) of St. Pein his position as District tersburg, FL, is retired from a caIII representative on the reer which included 21 years in the White Earth Tribal U.S. Navy and 16 years with Council. From 1966-68, Sperry. Green and his wife, Peg, Buckanaga worked at will celebrate their 42nd anniverthe Minnesota Capitol as sary this year. They have four chila liaison for the tribal dren and seven grandchildren governments and the ...Marlon Davidson (’59) has state department for the written a book titled “The Pig Minnesota Sate Affairs Barn,” based on 10 weeks of perCommission. He then sonal journal entries during a sumworked as a health mer when he purchased a pig barn educator at White Earth on Hand Lake and set out to reand in 1973, when the model it. “There was an innocence Bemidji office became Marlon Davidson about that summer,” said
an area Indian Health Services office serving the 26 tribes in a three-state area, Buckanaga was selected as the first area director.
1960s Harold Fenske (’66) was selected as ’97 middle school science teacher of the year by the Minnesota Science Teachers Association. Fenske teaches in Blackduck and lives with his wife and two step-daughters in Nebish … Renee Redmer (’67) recently celebrated her 30-year anniversary with the Office of Legislative Auditors … Dr. James Belpedio (’64) of Worcester, MA, will present his paper, “Real to Reel: the Many Lives of the Cape Nome Conspiracy,” at the annual Pacific Centuries Conference at Stockton, CA, in April. Belpedio is a professor of history, government and humanities at Becker College in Worcester … T. Alan Twietmeyer (’68) has been teaching college for 20 years and is currently in his 12th year at Concordia College, Ann Arbor, MI. He lives with his wife, Patricia, in Canton, MI. The couple has seven children between the ages of 14 and 28 … Betty Kvande (’67) of Bagley is volunteer director of the Agape Community Center at Bagley … Harriet Tveitbakk (’68) of Clearbrook married Olaf Tveitbakk in 1994, following the 1991 death of her first husband, Oscar Shellum … Norm Mansel (’69) lives in Salem, OR, and has two grandchildren ages 4 and 1 … John Dalton (’61) lives in International Falls where he serves on the local library board (Continued on page 4)
Horizons Page 4
Build Bridges
Campus Programs Build Bridges
toAreaStudents
Share the Future in Science and Mathematics, a program designed to acquaint approximately 240 seventh- and eighth-grade girls to the opportunities awaiting them in science and math fields, is held annually at BSU.
On just about any given day, hundreds of students can be seen walking around the Bemidji State campus. Not the typical BSU freshman or senior, but students who might be 17, 14 or even 10 years old. While they don’t fit into the mold of the typical BSU student body, they do fit into the University and its role of serving as a resource for all residents of north central Minnesota. They are the thousands of students from area grade, middle and high schools who attend activities sponsored or hosted by Bemidji State. Nearly everyone notices the influx of students on campus during high school athletic events, from fall volleyball playoffs to
indoor track meets in the spring. Students of all ages are also bussed to campus for music concerts, art exhibitions, theatrical productions, or other events. Many, however, come to BSU for more than entertainment. They attend one of the activities or competitions scheduled to enrich the student. A sampling of such events would include: • Creativity Festival, attracting nearly 250 students for a day-long program that challenged middleschool participants with new ideas and exciting projects; • Language Day, competitions and presentations for approximately 300 students of all ages; • Knowledge Bowl, competition for 125 academically-gifted students;
• Northern Minnesota Mathematics Contest, a 25-year tradition that features competitions for over 475 students; • Northern Minnesota Regional Science Fair, another annual event on the BSU campus where up to 150 students in grades 6-12 display the results of scientific experiments or research; • Jazz Fest, an opportunity for dozens of jazz bands and ensembles from the U.S. and Canada to participate in a twoday clinic with nationally acclaimed musicians; and • Honors Concerts, where top high school vocalists and instrumentalists are invited to campus to perform. Such events showcase the impressive talents of high school students from across the area while also providing participants with broadened experiences. Dr. Alex Nadesan, professor of political science, has played the key role in holding a Model United Nations for high school students each year. Through the event, teams of students are assigned a specific country to represent. Generally, students act as if they are actual ambassadors. “Events like the Model United Nations require assistance and a lot of work, but there are a lot of tangible benefits to be gained,” Nadesan said. “These events bring students to campus, many for the first time.”
Key to staging the events is administrative support. “I know in my case, I can’t do it all myself. I need the help and support of the campus leadership,” Nadesan added. Dr. Jim McCracken, professor of industrial technology, coordinates Tech 2000, an event that brings together junior and senior high students to participate in technology activities. Tech 2000 includes a written knowledge bowl test, a bridge building competition, CO/2 car races and a Rube Goldberg design challenge. To further connect the students with BSU, the Industrial Technology Department sponsors an open house where Tech 2000 students and advisors may tour campus facilities and take part in demonstrations. “Through Tech 2000, students visit our campus and see what’s going on,” McCracken said. “Some even stay overnight in the dorms or with host families.” McCracken agrees that hosting such events provides an important public relations function to the University. “We try very hard to leave the students with a good impression about the University in general and our department in particular.” All seem to agree that these events can be the first step in developing a long-term relationship with students, their families and the schools they represent. ■
North Country Health Services Auxiliary … Deb Nelson (’78), an energetic wife, mother of three and music educator from Wadena, in December presented a concert and talk about abortion, families and choices in the ‘90s during a program in Parkers Prairie. The concert was sponsored by Christian Mothers. Nelson has applied her talents and education in presenting programs aimed at educating adults and teens on choices that face them today on chastity, sex and abortion …. Steven Besser (’79) joined the Litchfield law firm of Henretta, Cross, Ness and Dolan last fall. He comes to the new position after spending eight years in Duluth where he specialized in personal injury and workers’ compensation law … Steven Fogelson (’76) was elected for a three-year term on the Bemidji School Board … Dave Zachor (’76) has just completed a year as chairman of the board of the White Bear Area Chamber of Commerce, a 350-member organization. He owns a certified public accounting practice in White Bear Lake … Tim Bursell (’79) lives with his wife and daughter in Mesa, AZ, … Linda (Erickson) Hanson (’74) owns and operates a travel agency in East Grand Forks … Mike Newman (’75) lives in Mendota Heights and is employed as manager of North American Community Affairs Field Operations for the St. Paul Companies in St. Paul. Newman is married and has three children … Mike Delong(’78) and Susan (Lahm) DeLong (’79) and their five children live in a suburb of Milwaukee, WI, where Mike serves as senior pastor of Ridgewood Baptist Church and is pursuing
doctrinal work with Asbury Theological Seminary and the Beeson Institute for Advanced Church Leadership … Steven Savageau (’74) lives in Duluth and works as an administrative assistant for the Recovery Center, Inc., in Superior, WI, … William Perreault (’73) and his wife, Darcy, live in Lewisville, TX, and he owns a business in Dallas, TX, … Lyle Goins (’78), Ponemah Elementary School principal, joins other educators in the Red Lake School District in participating in the Success For All reading program designed to help students learn to read at or above their grade level. The program, developed by The Johns Hopkins University in 1987 for use in schools with high poverty and many at-risk children, is a coordinated schoolwide attack on reading problems in the earliest grades with a focus on one-on-one tutoring. Coaches, librarians and anybody in the district schools who is certified work with small groups, teaching students to read phonetically, using regular storybooks. Interruptions are kept to a minimum during the 90-minute SFA sessions and children read aloud while instructors listen and assist. “We are seeing every child show significant improvement,” said Goins during a recent newspaper interview. The Red Lake District is also using the program in its middle school … Joyce Oberg (’71) of Bemidji was recently elected by the North Country Health Services Auxiliary as gift shop chairperson … Bruce Jones (’75) is the new city administrator at Lakefield. Prior to taking the position he’d
Where We Are ... What We’re Doing (Continued from page 3)
…Sam Evanoff (’61) lives in International Falls where he is “retired and enjoying it” … Blanche Halverson (’62) of International Falls taught for 35 years and is now substitute teaching … Mary Ellen Ettestad (’61) is retired and living in International Falls … John Stevens (’65) serves as executive director of the Texas Business Education Coalition in Austin, TX, … Dianne (Sinkola) Riffle (’64) of Goleta, CA, is a fulltime teacher in international programs at UCSB Extension … Allen Rasmussen (’65) is president of Rainy River Community College and lives in International Falls … Lee Swanson (’60) was elected to the city council of Paso Robles, CA, and will serve in that post until the year 2000 … Keith Hanson (’68) of Mizpah married Marlys Fraley in May of 1994 following the 1992 death of his wife, Kathryn … Bernice Parta (’61) of New York Mills recently returned from a trip to Switzerland and Paris, France … Robert Hallett (’67), principal of Eden Lake Elementary School, is participating in the ninemonth Leadership Eden Prairie program which is designed to introduce emerging community leaders to critical issues facing Eden Prairie and the surrounding suburbs … Stan Hendrickson (’62) is retired and lives in International Falls … Gale Anderson (’65) lives in Bloomington and is an AT&T project coordinator. He and his son, Brian, each wrote a deer story which appear in the book “Up North” … Judy Welte (’68) of Anoka is a senior technical training specialist with Hoffman Enclosures, Inc. in Anoka …
her field at Cass Lake/Bena Elementary School. She is also certified as a reading recovery teacher … Robin (Norgaard) Kelleher (’72) graduated summa cum laude from William Mitchell College of Law in 1995. Since 1996 she has practiced labor and employment law with the firm of Burk, Seaton & Castle in Edina … Kevin Doty (’79) was promoted recently to the position of president with the Marquette Bank’s Monticello/Otsego branch … Beryl Blashill (’72) of Bemidji received an Outstanding Service Award from the Association of Minnesota Counties for her work in assisting flood relief efforts last spring … Darlene Beck (’78) is an accountant with 1970s Orlan Echternach (’71) was recognized for his Northwest Linings & Geotextile Products Inc. in Kent, WA, where she lives with her husband, services to the Bemidji Youth Hockey Steven, and daughter … Chris Starr (’73) was Association at the annual Paul Bunyan International Hockey Tournament. Echternach selected as a Minnesota Music Educator of the Year. She teaches in has coached in the BYHA ranks at nearly every the Howard Lakelevel during the past 30 years. He received a Waverly-Winsted plaque and a limited edition bronze sculpture schools … Dorothy entitled “Coach Can I Play?” by local artist Jon Jorgensen (’74) Echternach (’74) … Lois Jenkins (’74) served was nominated as a as coordinator of the community holiday meals “Someone Special program in Bemidji this Christmas season … Volunteers” at Max and Sharon Deraad (’78) live in North Country Wyoming, MN, and Max is an elementary school Regional Hospital principal at White Bear Lake … Pat Carroll in Bemidji where (’75) has left a teaching and coaching career and she contributes now owns a gourmet popcorn business located in hundreds of hours the Rochester Skyway … Nancy Houg and serves as McGuire (’78) completed her master of science secretary for the degree in special education in 1994 and works in Nancy Houg McGuire
Wayne Andresen (’68) is the new president of Inland Empire Paper Co. in Spokane, WA. Andresen has been with the company since 1979, most recently in the position of general manager of the Inland’s Millwood plant since 1991 … Lois (King) Swanson (’65) lives in Garfield …Martha Lyngen (’63) lives in Alexandria and is anticipating the arrival of her first grandchild in the spring … Mary Rollheiser (’69) and Brian Israelson of Bemidji were married Dec. 12 at the Angel Park Golf Course in Las Vegas, NV.
Horizons Page 5 Full-Tuition Scholarship Applications Set Record A record number of applications, 60, were received for Full-Tuition Scholarship consideration this year. To be eligible, individuals must be 1998 spring high school graduates, rank in the top 10 percent of their class, and score 28 or above on the ACT. The applicants included 14 students who ranked either first or second in their class while 27 earned an ACT of 30 or higher. The University expects to award 20 of the scholarships next fall.
Reading Course Available on CD-ROM Elmer Nies, long-time BSU faculty member, has put all the vital elements of his reading course in a CD-ROM that will be available soon to schools and colleges. In addition to the CD-ROM, the materials include practice exercises, a workbook, and an answer key. Anyone interested in purchasing individual copies or licensing the materials for school or college use, contact Nies at 218/ 755-2615 or Dave Tiffany at 218/755-2762.
Grant Supports Development
Virtual Lab School T ofVirtualLabSchool
A $650,000 award from the Minnesota Department of Children, Families and Learning to Bemidji State University will support the creation of the virtual Lifework Learning Laboratory School. The project is designed to create connections between learning and work through a laboratory school concept that will develop innovative teaching strategies for K-16 students and adult learners. The grant application was developed in conjunction with Itasca Community College, the Grand Rapids school district, the University of Minnesota North Central Experiment Station and Extension Service, and the Blandin Foundation. With BSU, they form the Northern Minnesota Education Collaborative, which was established in July of 1997 with the vision of leading educational reform, innovation and excellence in northern Minnesota. “This funding will enable the partners in addressing one of its primary concerns,” said Dr. Jim Bensen, president of Bemidji State University. “The collaboration recognized that the distance realities of their rural educational institutions created barriers to the innovation of teaching and learning necessary to prepare students for the 21st century. “The project will bring together components that will explore new
served as city administrator in Sutton, NE, … Mark Christianson (’72) has lived in Winnipeg, MB, Canada, since 1973. For the past 20 years, he’s taught private horn lessons and been active as a high school and junior high band director. Christianson is married and has three children … Brian Israelson (’77) and Mary Rollheiser of Bemidji were married Dec. 12 at the Angel Park Golf Course in Las Vegas, NV.
Lyle Goins
approaches for preparing future teachers, support innovation among current teachers, create a comprehensive lifework learning program, and integrate information technologies into every aspect of teaching and learning.” The grant will provide start-up resources for the project, which will be extended to five years through continued support from the collaborative partners. During that time, the laboratory school will develop a comprehensive approach to lifelong learning that addresses several needs as identified by the Northern Minnesota Education Collaborative: • The combining of new strategies, technologies and approaches for the learning delivery system, including cooperative, outcomebased learning; team teaching; and the transference of responsibility for learning from the institution or teacher to the learner. • The fusion of work and learning that must occur, along with the appropriate knowledge of technology, in order to create knowledgeable workers who are adaptable to workplace needs with business and industry serving as meaningful contributors in the discussion of learning outcome expectations and, conversely, education having an increased role in relating work and learning. • The extension of teacher education beyond the traditional academic environment to the work-
the Minnesota Forensic Science Laboratory . She was recently published in the “Journal of Forensic Sciences” and is planning an August wedding … Kristopher Kramer (’85) of Bloomington is currently employed by Simplex Corporation as a technical representative … Tom Baczewski (’89) of Virginia recently graduated from the Dealer Candidate Academy of the National Automobile Dealers Association. The course combines six weeks of classroom study with 45 weeks of in-dealership training to prepare students for dealership management positions. Baczewski is employed with Iron Trail 1980s Motors of Virginia … Rona Blees (‘85) was Ron Bornetun (’80) and his wife, Cassie (Gravel) Bornetun (’83), live recently appointed manager of Long Prairie in Andover and have two children. Ron Memorial Hospice and Home Care, a program providing home services to both terminally ill has worked for 18 years with Carterclients and their families and to clients who are Day Co. in Fridley and Cassie is homebound due to illness or accident. Blees teaching social studies at Sandburg manages a staff of 14 … John Sitzman (’86) of Middle School in Anoka … DeeAnn Klasen (’88) of Oklee has been working Cape Girardeau, MO, is employed as assistant at Digi-Key Corporation for the past six director of residence life at Southeast Missouri years, with three years spent as inbound State University … James Hecimovich (’88) serves as principal of the Hayfield-Brownsdale sales training supervisor … Audrey Elementary Schools of Hayfield. Hecimovich Ann Anderson (’82) lives in Cannon lives with his wife, Heidi, and two children in Falls with her husband, John, and 6year-old son, Bennett … Steven Lende Brownsdale … Tom Saga (’85) and Tim Saga are (’84) and his wife, Lona, live with their the new owners of the Highway Host and Backyard restaurants of Bemidji …Melodie two children in Spirit Lake, IA, where Allen (’84) and her husband, Eric, live in Two he is employed as a graphic designer with the Outdoor Technologies Group Harbors where they both teach music lessons. They have two sons. ages 3 and 5-months … … Ann Marie Gross (’86) of Minneapolis is a forensic scientist with Linda (Bernhardson) Kastl (’81) of Angle Inlet is in her 11th year of teaching in Minnesota’s last
“ heprojectwillbringtogethercomponentsthat
willexplorenewapproachesforpreparingfuture teachers,supportinnovationamongcurrent teachers,createacomprehensivelifeworklearning program,andintegrateinformationtechnologiesinto everyaspectofteachingandlearning.” Dr. Jim Bensen
place so that future students are prepared to be successful workers and contributors to society. • The assumption of responsibility by the various partners for the dynamic relationship between learning and purposeful work over a lifetime. • The realization that effective, lifelong learning must include everything dealing with the quality of life at home, in one’s community and workplace. To satisfy these needs, the project will support present teachers in change and innovation; link teacher preparation with lifework learning; build business and industry networks for lifework learning; integrate technology with learning visions; and provide continual program evaluation. Initial grant moneys will be used to provide project direction and management, acquire computer laptop support, purchase educational software, design curriculum, and present an educational symposium. ■
one-room public school in the Northwest Angle. She teaches grades K-8 and travels to school each day via snowmobile or boat, depending on the season. “Nowhere but BSU could have prepared me better!” writes Kastl, who adds that she lives with her husband and three children five miles from the nearest road … Linda Chandler (’87) is currently completing a primary care residency in pharmacy at the U.S. Public Health Service Indian Hospital in Whiteriver, AZ. Chandler received her doctor of pharmacy degree in June of 1997. She lives with her husband, Harry, and her son, Scott, in Whiteriver … Tom Schedin (’84) is the face behind “the voice” at Grand Rapids High School sporting events. Schedin has served as public address announcer at Grand Rapids High School events for a number of years and is an active volunteer for community sports in directing the annual fund raiser for the Grand Rapids Baseball Association, volunteering as a driver for Veterans of Foreign Wars and American Legion baseball teams and as a PA announcer at baseball games and hockey events … Kristin McCarthy (’82) is the new shop teacher at Lincoln High in Lake City … Lorraine Bunn (’88) has joined Hibbing Electronics Corporation in the newly created position of training and development administrator. She is responsible for training and development programs for the company’s 500 employees … Marcy Boe (’87) of Hibbing works for St.
Mary’s/Duluth Health System at its Hibbing site … William Lewis (’82) of Roseville recently retired from a 35-year career in education and now plans to enjoy time with his five grandchildren and travel …Cindy Rae (Johnson) Witschen (’80) of Monticello balances a part-time kindergarten teaching job at Pinewood Elementary with caring for her own children ages two and five. Her husband, Tim, is a supervisor for NSP in Monticello … Edward Hadash (’87) of Burnsville has been selling residential real estate in the Twin Cities with RE/ MAX for the past six years. During the last two years he achieved executive sales levels and earned a CRS designation … Rick Lemonds (’86) is the new manager of the Lyon-Lincoln Electric Cooperative at Tyler. Lemonds, his wife, Wendy, and 11-month-old son moved to Tyler from Menomonie, WI, where he was employed by the Rural Utility Service … Patrick Avery (’89) owns Deck Masters, a business that cleans and seals decks and restores exterior wood, in Grand Rapids, MI, where he lives with his wife, Amy, and one-year-old son … Brian Oftelie (’81) announced that he would be a write-in candidate for mayor in Grand Rapids after noting that the incumbent, Juan Lazo, was running unopposed. “I just can’t see any candidate getting in an office of such importance so easily,” said Oftelie. He moved to Grand Rapids during the past year having sold his business, the Eastern Itascan newspaper in Nashwauk, where he had served as owner/ (Continued on page 6)
Horizons Page 6
Construction Starts on
A.C. CLARK LIBRARY
A.C. ClarkLibrary
T
A. C. Clark Librar y under construction.
“
osaywe’reexcited,afterallthistime,would bemorethanabitofanunderstatement.” Stuart Rosselet
Expansion and remodeling of the A.C. Clark Library began in earnest on January 16, bringing smiles to people across campus. “To say we’re excited, after all this time, would be more than a bit of an understatement,” said Stuart Rosselet, associate professor of library and library services. As most connected with the University know, the project has experienced significant delays, all beyond the control of BSU.
The existing library facility was vacated prior to the 1996-97 school year. Library personnel and certain resources have been temporarily housed in Memorial Hall with large portions of the various book collections located away from campus. The removal of asbestos and other potentially hazardous materials was completed during the winter of 1997, and the old building sat vacant for a year while architects, government officials and others in St. Paul revisited the proposals and plans. Those postponements are now over and the University community is planning to reopen the library sometime in late spring or early summer of 1999.
The work being done will renovate the existing 66,882 square feet in the building, while new construction will create an additional 4,590 square feet to the facility. Once completed, the renovated and expanded library will include: • First floor: two computer/instructional labs; a multimedia lab; three group study rooms; compact shelving for older copies of periodicals; and individual media carrels with CD-ROM readers, video viewers and audio stations. • Second floor: eight group study rooms; K-12 collections and a portion of the general collection; special collections and University archives; staff offices and a conference room. • Third floor: main entrance and circulation desk; a classroom; an eight-station computer lab; the reference collections and service area; interlibrary loan; two group study rooms; the reserve collection; government publications; and current periodicals. • Fourth floor: the bulk of the general collection; casual study and reading areas. • Entry way: designed to showcase the stained glass creations of New York artist David Wilson. All of the floors will have individual study carrels as well as access to PALS and other electronic library resources. What can the BSU community expect from the new facility? Rosselet said that environmentally, improved climate control
will make the entire facility a much more comfortable place to visit and work. The remodeled and expanded facility will also include major electrical upgrades that will provide access to electronic information, along with making that access more convenient to library users. The resource collection for the library won’t change through the project, Rosselet noted, but there will be greater potential for better access to electronic resources. For instance, many students will be able to connect with Internet at various locations in the facility. In terms of student users, Rosselet said he’s especially excited about the fact there will be 13 group study rooms in the facility.“The traditional library building had two group study rooms,” he said, “Over the years, they were overrun by other uses. In terms of the curriculum, there’s a greater emphasis on collaboration and working on projects with a team approach. Where do the students work on these projects? The group study rooms will provide not only the necessary space, but also data connections.” Audio/visual equipment will also be placed in some rooms. Additional equipment will be placed on carts that could be moved between the other group study spaces, he explained. ■
Alexandria is in his second year of teaching junior high and high school social studies at Osakis Public Schools. He also serves as assistant girls basketball coach and head softball coach … Wayne Schultz (’93) is a new full-time staff member at Truman High School where he had previously been a substitute teacher. In his new position, he teaches physical education to grades 7, 9 and 10 along with freshman and sophomore health courses. Wayne also coaches freshman and junior varsity football … Darlene Rollins (’96) teaches fourth grade at Boase Elementary School … Leah Poppe (’96) recently joined the sales team at Rapid Travel in Grand Rapids … Jason Laurich (’94) married Theresa Mistek in the autumn. The couple lives in Eveleth where he works as a supervisor at Fingerhut … Kristi Streed (’96) recently announced her engagement to Christopher Bowman. The couple plans a June 20 wedding at the First Lutheran Church in Baudette. Kristi is employed with Adult Day Services of Bemidji and Christopher is employed by Steele’s Auto Body, Bemidji … Linda Johnson (’91) of Bemidji recently took a position teaching high school English at Laporte. She previously was employed by the Cass Lake-Bena High School as a special education aide and English teacher … Chris (’93) and Shelby Erickson (’93) have been teaching for the past five years at the Rosebud Reservation. Chris teaches K-2 grades and is co-president of the local education association. Shelby teaches third and fourth grades. The couple has a 15-month old daughter,
Kendra. They enjoy pheasant hunting together … Eric Bain (’94) and his wife, Kristina, live in Allegan, MI, where Eric is director of operations for ARC Ministries, a non-profit company that conducts school assemblies dealing with substance abuse. The Bains are expecting their first child in late March … Holly Koehler (’93) and her husband, Bert Koehler, of Fridley doubled the size of their family Oct. 8 with the birth of identical twin daughters, Mary Rose and Elizabeth. The Koehlers also recently moved into their first house … Chadwick Feldman (’96) of Grand Forks married Tricia Olson July 26. Chadwick is an assistant men’s basketball coach at the University of North Dakota and a first-year graduate student majoring in educational administration. Tricia teaches deaf and hearing impaired students at two elementary schools and at the Grand Forks Air Force Base … Bob Bridgewater (’90) of Charlotte, NC, works as a freelance video and film producer with credits appearing on the Hallmark Hall of Fame movie Saint Maybe and commercial spots for Ford Explorer, Erickson Cellular and Oldsmobile … Tandy Sunarto (’97) of Minneapolis is employed as a software developer with the PowerCerv Corporation … Andrea Johnson (’95) accepted a position in October with Concordia University, St. Paul, as a marketing coordinator. Andrea and her husband, Todd Johnson (’94), recently purchased a home in Coon Rapids. Todd is a financial analyst with Hoffman Engineering in Anoka … Sandra Dahl (’97) accepted a position this winter at The
Where We Are ... What We’re Doing (Continued from page 5)
publisher since 1989 ... Steve Bader (’80) owns and operates a home beer and wine supply shop in Vancouver, WA, where he lives with his wife, Jeanette, and two children. Bader also volunteers weekly at his children’s schools … Bonnie Benham (’87) of Park Rapids joined two coworkers in participating in the Walking for All Seasons program sponsored through MultiCounty Nursing. Benham is director of the family management division for Mahube’s Headstart program, an organization she’s worked with for the past 20 years. Benham said the walking program has helped her decrease her cholesterol level and increased her stamina ... Jerry Hotakainen (’86) is living in Heidelberg, Germany, and working on publications for the University of Maryland’s European Division, which offers classes to American soldiers and their families at U.S. military bases in 20 countries overseas. Hotakainen has been in Heidelberg since 1995 with his wife, Kathy, who is the Sunday magazine editor for The Stars and Stripes, an English newspaper for Americans living overseas. Prior to ’95, Hotakainen had worked for five years at the St. Cloud Times and three years at the Fergus Falls Journal … Darcy Perreault (‘89), Lewisville, TX, teaches at D.F. Long Middle School and recently accepted a position as English department chairperson for the district’s new high school. She lives with her husband, William, and three daughters … Diane Corcoran (’85), an incumbent on the Bemidji
School Board, ran for a new five-year term of office … Susan Bryan (’89) of Yorktown, VA, manages Apartment Stuffer and Relocation Wizards, located in Virginia Beach, VA … Doug Desjarlait (’86), Red Lake boys’ basketball coach, and Eric Niskanen (’84), Bemidji High School boys’ golf coach, tied this winter for the honor of top coach of the year as determined by the annual Bemidji Pioneer yearin-review poll … Pam Nelson (’83) is one of five local artists instructing painters in the five week Water Media Series offered by the Headwaters School of Music and the Arts … Nance VonArx (’83) has been appointed director of Children’s World Learning Center in Brooklyn Center. VonArx lives in Woodbury. She has 15 years of experience in early childhood education and has started work on a master’s degree in that field … Linda McDonald (’89) joined in fund-raising events to fund university athletic programs during the Beaver Pride Winter Golf Classic … Dean Thilgen (’87) recently took a position with the Information Technology Department of the Minnesota Historical Society. For the past six years Thilgen has been co-owner of Valley History Press, a history and genealogical reference publisher in Stillwater.
1990s Don Anderson (’94) received a doctor of chiropractic degree from Northwestern College of Chiropractic … Jeremy Sollund (’94) presented his original graduate research project
entitled “Teachers’ Understanding of Technical Terms Used in Psychological Reports,” in December at the University of Wisconsin– Superior, where he is currently enrolled … Deborah Steinbar (’92) of Bemidji teaches private piano lessons and performs with a Celtic group called Caleigh. She holds a master’s degree in music from the University of North Dakota … Chris Mahoney (’94) and Jill Saulsbury (’94) were married in July, 1995. They live in Jamestown, ND, where Jill is the director and a teacher with the pre-school program at St. John’s Academy. Chris teaches at Jamestown College, a private four-year college, where he is also the head volleyball coach for the women’s team … Bernie Brandon (’90) teaches math and coaches tennis at Bowie High School in El Paso, TX. He also coached a 6-0 mixed doubles team to a second place finish at the nationals in Tucson, AZ … Darian Wesolowski (’95), of Milpitas, CA, earned a degree in the “art & science of 2D and 3D computer game programming” from the Digipen Computer Graphics School … Nathan Andersen (’96) has been appointed assistant customer service manager at Midwest Wireless Communication (Cellular 2000) in Mankato … Allison Kaul (’93) and Chris Deleone (’95) were married in August and now live in Vancouver, WA, where Allison is an account manager at Exhibitgroup/Giltspur in Portland, OR, and Chris is a regional manager for Advance Machine Company … John Stigman (’93) of
Horizons Page 7
THE DRIVE TO
D-I HOCKEY
(Continued from Page 1)
IN MEMORIAM John Graupman (’50) of Bemidji Mark Tarmann (’85) of San Diego, CA Elois Segersten (’72) of Bemidji Orvis Wik (’48) of Bemidji Betty Lou Locke (’65) of Bemidji Arloene “Westy” (James) Sekula (former faculty) of Bemidji Scott Albiston (’95) of Barnum Karen Bernard (’77) of McIntosh Muriel Phelps Ross (’68) of Buckland, AK Wallace Marvin Abbott (’38) of Bemidji Dulcie M. Sunne (’48) of Baudette Agnes Ostrem (’53) of Lanesboro Donald English (’57) of Mentor Dennis Frederick (’81) of Sauk Rapids Madie Holty (’34) of Bagley Terry Del Monte (’72) Budgeteer News, Duluth, as community events coordinator and editorial production staff member. While at BSU, Dahl served as president of The Rivers Meeting Poetry Project, an anthology of student creative writing … James Tousignant (’91) teaches eighth grade math and seventh grade computer at Clark County School District, Las Vegas, NV. James holds a master’s degree in computers from Lesley College and is currently playing semipro hockey for the Las Vegas Blues … Russell Clark (’97) of Scammon Bay, AK, teaches English for the Lower Yukon School District at the Keggatmuit School … Ruth Quam (’94) and Timothy Webb were married Oct. 20, 1996, on Paradise Island in the Bahamas. Ruth and her husband both live and work in Shakopee and are expecting their first baby in April …Dawn (’94) and Tim (’90) Hinrichs of Bemidji had a daughter on Nov. 30 … Paula Anderson (’94) married Daniel Baier June 28 at Carlton. Paula is a teacher at Barnum Elementary School and Daniel works for Potlatch Corp. in Cloquet … Greg Swenson (’92) and Cindy Swenson (’91) live in Baxter with their two-year-old daughter. Greg teaches special education in Brainerd and Cindy is a social studies teacher at MotleyStaples Middle School … Carolyn Hokkanen (’92) has written a book, “Courageously Seeking,” based on her experiences using holistic healing practices in battling cancer, which she was diagnosed with in the late ‘80s. Now free of cancer, she said the experience has helped her to be more sympathetic to others and
Gift Annuity
PerpetuatesaLifetimeofGiving
For Esther (Carlson) Instebo, her lifetime has been one of giving. Now, through the benefits of a charitable gift annuity, she has discovered a means to extend the giving to many future generations. Instebo grew up on her parent’s homestead outside of Bagley. She graduated from Bemidji State Teacher’s College in 1937. After teaching a few years in Minnesota she followed her heart and her future husband to Seattle, WA. They married in 1940 and Esther spent the next 36 years teaching elementary school. She and her husband, Al, shared the belief that it was their responsibility to be contributing members to the society in which they lived and to take care of the planet we all call home. This sense of responsibility found them actively participating in recycling programs long before it was a way of life. Through recycling, they raised enough money to purchase land for a park in their community. They also purchased plants and flowers for the park. Their efforts were recognized by Washington’s King County and the residents of Upper Preston when they named this park the Instebo Park. A few years ago, they helped organize and fund the Clearwater County (MN) Humane Society, so animals were cared for and looked after responsibly. They
that she’s achieved an inner peace which she’d like to share with others. She is now a Title I teacher at the Orr School and teaches several community education classes focusing on holistic practices and relaxation techniques … Dawn Rossbach (’97) accepted a position this fall as an art teacher for the Menahga School District …Christine Blomberg (’94) and her husband, Steven, of Bemidji had a daughter Oct. 29 …Deanna (’91) and Scott Nyegaard (’93) of Bemidji had a daughter on Oct. 28 …Laine Larson (’96), a Bagley High School teacher, was chosen as one of 12 teachers in the state to receive the Christa McAuliffe Fellowship. The fellowship is a federally funded program established as a tribute to McAuliffe, a teacher
Ruth Quam and Timothy Webb
GIFTS
said.“If Bemidji played a D-I schedule, they’d be competitive right now. They are eight players or so away from being a Division I caliber team.” Bensen added that it will take a lot of work, from alumni and local fans, to get the Drive to DI completed and that the University would not move up to Division I unless the support came through sponsorship and fund raising. He also felt that the challenge is worth the effort. “We have a fine University in our academic programs and student services,” he said. “Division I will give us much more visibility. I am convinced that moving to Division I Men’s Hockey will be good for all of North Central and Northwest Minnesota. We’ll need fan support from throughout the region. Moreover, it will give us the opportunity to promote this region and its people across the country.” ■
As a BSU alumna and a public school teacher for 41 years, Instebo knows the value of a good education - both for herself and for young people. She is so committed to that belief that she’s invested in it through a charitable gift annuity to the BSU Foundation. The annuity will pay her a good income for the remainder of her life, and then be turned into a scholarship fund so that others may also have the benefit of a
Esther Instebo
H
have served as surrogate parents to many youngsters, helping them to achieve all that they are capable of. And it is her dream to someday replant the trees that have been harvested on her mother’s homestead, so that it will be left as they found it. Instebo has spent her whole life giving. It’s what she knows best. In her retirement, she has found a way to give financially and still make sure she has a sufficient income for the remainder of her life. Instebo discovered that a charitable gift annuity is a terrific way to make a gift to the causes she cares most about, increase her annual income, and reduce her tax bill - all at the same time. That’s what she found out a few years ago when she made her first charitable gift annuity. It worked so well, she’s done more.
who died during the explosion of the Challenger space shuttle. The fellowship recognizes teachers who have contributed to improving classroom instruction. It awards $3,000 to each recipient which can be used to either develop innovative programs, or to expand or replicate model programs of staff development to help students learn. Larson has been a leader in implementing the Minnesota Graduation Rule in the Bagley School District and believes in the associated graduation standards She says her classes have changed dramatically since the rule has been implemented. “I am no longer a distributor of knowledge but a facilitator for student performance,” said Larson … David Wagner (’93) currently serves as executive director of the Twelve Step House at Virginia. The facility provides group support and a home atmosphere for clients struggling to overcome drug and alcohol abuse … Deb Hartman (’90) joined the Beltrami County Public Health Services staff as they sang Christmas carols to home-care clients who were home-bound during the holiday season … Lee Martie (’90), a Monticello attorney, spent 11 days in his birthcountry of South Korea in November receiving advanced training in tae kwon do and searching for members of his birth-family. Although the search for his Korean family was unsuccessful this time, Martie returned home with a renewed sense of respect for the decision his birth-mother made in putting him up for adoption at the age of five and an enhanced view of his own citizenship in America … Susan Anderson (’97) and her
“
owelsecanseniorcitizensbeassuredof highinterestontheirinvestmentsandhave the added benefit of reducing the amount ofincometaxtheypay?” Esther Instebo
quality college education. “How else can senior citizens be assured of high interest on their investments and have the added benefit of reducing the amount of income tax they pay?” she commented. “One’s halo really shines when we realize it allows us to live on in the lives of the young people who receive the scholarships long after we have gone.” Individuals interested in learning how to make a difference in the lives of young people and receive additional income may contact the BSU Foundation at 218755-2876 or toll free at 888-2345718. ■
husband, Dave, of Cook dream of the day their combined artistic endeavors might support them. In the meantime, their artwork finds an audience at the Natural Foods Co-op in Virginia where Susan is currently employed. Her favorite mediums include ceramics, tile work, drawing and painting while Dave fashions bowls, platters and furniture from wooden burls .. Kirsten AskMickelsen (’93) and her brother, David Boyd Ask, are pursuing a Christian music career in Nashville, TN. The pair, singing under the name Kirsten Boyd, have signed with Foremost Talent of Louisville. They plan to release a compact disc and embark on tour early this year … Daphne Johnson (’97), coordinator of the Warroad Schools Indian Education Program, is writing a grant that, if approved, would expand offerings made by the program … John Eklund (’91), a Red Lake Elementary School teacher, represented Minnesota at the National American Indian Science and Engineering Society conference at Houston, TX, in November … Jim Graham (’94), president of TR Electric in Bemidji, was recently selected as Associate Builder of the Year by the Builders Association of Minnesota … Eric Allen (’90) and his wife, Melodie, live in Two Harbors where they both teach music lessons. Eric also does audio video work and drives a school bus. They have two sons ages three and five-months … Jamison Carl Lindseth (’96) and Robyn Trae Peterson plan to be married March 28 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Gilbert. Lindseth is
Examples of Single-Life Gift Annuity Rates Age of Donor
60 62 64 66 68 70 72 74 76 78 80 82 84 86 88 90 or over
Rate of Return
6.9% 7.0% 7.2% 7.3% 7.5% 7.7% 7.9% 8.2% 8.6% 9.0% 9.4% 9.8% 10.2% 10.8% 11.4% 12.0%
employed with R.E.M., Inc. in Bemidji … Jason Hermiston (’95) was recently hired as a probation officer for Clearwater County where he handles all juvenile cases, adult misdemeanor and gross misdemeanor probation cases in the county as well as supervising the sentence to serve crew … Fred Yiran (’90) gave students at Horace May Elementary School a multi-cultural music lesson using carved wooden drums. The African artist used the carvings on the drums as a basis for teaching an appreciation of each person’s individual talents and strengths. His presentation was part of Horace May’s winter festival … Tom Robertson (’92) has been named producer/reporter of Minnesota Public Radio station KCRB/KNBJ in Bemidji. Robertson worked for the past five years as news director for R.P. Broadcasting in Bemidji and has also held reporting and editing positions at several local newspapers … Kelly John Foy (’97) works for a Minneapolis sporting goods manufacturer. He and his wife, Rebecca, recently added a son to their family … Tracy Aandal (’92) and Jeff Bluth (’93) were married in ‘93 and live in Brainerd with their one-year-old daughter. Jeff works for Enterprise Rent-A-Car and Tracy has returned to graduate school at St. Cloud State to complete a special education licensure ... Sara Boettcher (’94) lives in Mankato and works as a graphic designer at Corporate Graphics Commercial.
Horizons Page 8
Communiques from the Alumni Office WANTED: Alumni Runners for Grandma’s Marathon
Summer atBemidjiState
Summer Time is School Time Summer, a time for vacations, weekends at the beach, evening picnics with the family, and crisp mornings spent canoeing down rivers, hiking through a state park or watching the sunrise while catching up on that new novel that’s been waiting for months. And time for classes - yes, classes - at Bemidji State. Summer has seen an increase in activity on the BSU campus over the past few years as more students of all ages are signing up for one of the many programs. Summer is a time for camps for school-age children and BSU has traditionally hosted a number of these. Sports camps — including basketball, hockey and cheerleading — will all be held again. The University’s longestrunning program for young students, the MusiCamp, will be starting its 51st year of offering sessions for instrumentalists and vocalists. Upward Bound Project is another summer activity featured on the BSU campus. Continuously funded since 1966 through a grant from the federal government, Upward Bound serves qualifying students from area high schools each summer. The 1998 Upward Bound program will be held for six weeks, starting June 14, and is expected to include 65 students. While on campus, the Upward Bound students are exposed to a number of classes that challenge them academically and personally. The students also take part in a number of social and cultural offerings through the program. Summer is also a time for students over the age of 60, who have a variety of Elderhostel programs to explore as they expand their horizons and develop new interests. The participants live in
university housing, dine on campus and attend classes instructed by University personnel. Elderhostels are usually held in one week blocks and offer a variety of interesting subject matter, including a choral workshop, a class on mining in the state, and a course on Native Americans in Minnesota. While these offerings for specific individuals add a diverse mix to the student population from June through September, the vast majority of individuals come to campus to enroll in short courses, workshops or regularly scheduled classes during summer sessions. A major cross section of all University academic departments offer summer session classes, according to Joelyn Scriba, acting dean for the Center of Extended Learning/Summer Sessions. “Within each college, departments are able to offer courses in a variety of formats,” Scriba explained. “They allow for students to select a class in a more traditional setting with a regular meeting time over a long period of time to a class that meets for concentrated blocks of time, usually two weeks or less.” The summer of 1998 may be one of the busiest ever for these academic offerings. Scriba expects the normal interest from teachers and other professionals returning to campus to upgrade skills and learn the latest trends in their fields. This summer will also be the final one where classes are offered in the quarter system as BSU joins other Minnesota state colleges and universities in shifting to semesters in the fall of 1998. Many students will be rounding out requirements or finishing off degrees prior to the change.
For these students, Bemidji State has an academic program that includes three different types of learning opportunities. • Summer Sessions, hundreds of classes from the University catalog presented in a traditional setting during the course of a day; students take a variety of courses over one or both sessions; first summer session runs from June 8 to July 10 while the second session is scheduled July 13 to Aug. 14. • Block Courses, classes that are listed in the University catalog but are offered as an intense program of study during a period of two weeks or less; typically a student will enroll in one block course during a given time period; offered throughout the summer in a variety of field. • Workshops, intense experiences offered for credit that explore an academic class that is not listed in the current University catalog but is applicable to a variety of professions; like block courses, students generally enroll in one workshop during a specific period of time and a wide variety of sessions are offered throughout the summer. Summer is a popular time for these selections, especially in Bemidji where many people bring their families along to enjoy the natural setting while they earn additional credits. A schedule of summer courses and activities is available by contacting the Summer Session Office, Deputy Hall D-3D, Bemidji State University, 1500 Birchmont Drive NE, Bemidji, MN 566012699 (218-755-2068; or 1-800475-2001 weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., dial extension 2738; cel@vax1.bemidji.msus.edu). ■
The Bemidji State University Alumni Association, in collaboration with the other six Minnesota state universities, will be sponsoring the second annual Grandma’s Marathon Challenge, which is a competition between Minnesota state universities and will be folded into the Grandma’s Marathon. In 1997, Team BSU won the event and are in possession of the traveling trophy which was presented during the Marathon Challenge Awards Ceremony. To be eligible, each university must have a team comprised of at least five persons who must be individually entered in the marathon. All members of a team must be either an alum, student or employee of that university. At least one team member must be female and at least one must be over 40 years old (one master woman can fulfill both requirements). Team members must pay the individual entry fee to Grandma’s Marathon, but, there is no additional fee to participate in the team challenge. Members of the team representing Bemidji State University will receive a singlet from the BSU Alumni Association to wear during the race and will be invited to attend the awards ceremony and reception at 5 p.m. at Grandma’s Sports Garden in Duluth’s Canal Park. If you are a runner in Grandma’s Marathon and want to register as a member of the Team BSU, please contact the BSU Alumni Association office by phone 218-755-3989; toll-fee phone 1-888234-2687; or via e-mail alumni@vax1. bemidji.msus.edu. This is a fun event for everyone involved. Go Team BSU!
Homecoming 1998 is September 25-26 It’s not too early to mark your calendars and plan to attend BSU Homecoming 1998 which is scheduled to take place September 25-26, 1998. All alumni events will be held in the Beaux Arts Ballroom on the BSU campus, including the Athletic Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony on Friday evening, September 25, as well as the events scheduled for the Saturday, September 26: the Alumni Association Honors Luncheon, the post-game reception and the Homecoming dance featuring “The Whitesidewalls.” Mark your calendars now!
Keeping in Touch with the BSU Alumni Association The Bemidji State University Alumni Association wants to stay in touch with you! Check out the following addresses/ telephone numbers! Web:
http://info.bemidji.msus.edu/alumni/ E-mail:
Alumni@vax1.bemidji.msus.edu Telephone:
(218) 755-3989 (local calls) (888) 234-2687 (toll free) (218) 755-4146 (fax) Address:
1500 Birchmont Dr. #DPH, Bemidji, MN 56601-2699
Join BSU Alumni listserv Join fellow BSU alumni on the BSU alumni listserve. To subscribe and unsubscribe from the list, all you need to do is send your commands to the following address. listserv@info.bemidji.msus.edu The listserve will respond to the following three commands, SUBSCRIBE alumni UNSUBSCRIBE alumni HELP The first command subscribes you to the alumni list; the second takes you off the list; and the third sends a help message. These commands should go in the subject part of your e-mail. When you send the SUBSCRIBE command, the listserve will send you a reply that indicates that you have subscribed. Similar messages appear for the UNSUBSCRIBE command. Once subscribed, messages can be sent to all listserve participants at the following address. alumni@info.bemidji.msus.edu