BSUCalendar June 11, 1999
Iron Range Beaver Hockey Golf Classic, Eagle Ridge Golf Course, Coleraine, MN June 18, 1999
Pabst/Skaar Memorial Golf Tournament, Bemidji Town & Country Club, Bemidji, MN
Vol. 14, No. 4, Summer 1999
A Publication for Alumni & Friends of Bemidji State University
BSUHorizons
June 19, 1999
Arrowhead University Center’s 10th Anniversary Celebration, Iron World July 9, 1999
BSU Founders Walk Induction Ceremony, Alumni Arch August 6, 1999
First National Bank BSU Women’s Athletics Golf Classic, Bemidji Town & Country Club, Bemidji, MN August 6, 1999
Galen Nagle Memorial Golf Tournament, Castle Highlands Golf Course, Bemidji, MN August 20, 21, 1999
BSU Alumni Association Board of Directors Annual Retreat and Board Meeting, David Park House, Bemidji, MN October 1,2,3, 1999
BSU HOMECOMING, “Rock, Roll and Reminisce!” •BSU Alumni Association Annual Meeting •Annual BSU Alumni Association Honors Luncheon •BSU Beavers vs. Concordia College of St. Paul •“Fifth” Quarter Social •1974 & 1959 Class Reunions
Believer A Daydream Believer
Bemidji State University
BSUHorizons
Bemidji State University Alumni Association 1500 Birchmont Drive NE, #DPH Bemidji, MN 56601-2699 218-755-3989 1-877-BSU-ALUM alumni@vax1.bemidji.msus.edu http://info.bemidji.msus.edu/alumni
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As a youngster, Pat McCullough used to find some quiet time when he was herding cows. After getting up by 5 a.m. to do chores, he and his siblings were sent to pasture with the cows to keep the animals out of the neighbors fields. As the day got longer and the cows more docile, McCullough would lay down on a hill overlooking the herd and daydream of kings and lands far away. In January, McCullough became royalty, crowned as King Boreas, the ruler and lord of snow, winds, ice and frivolity during the St. Paul Winter Carnival. “This would have been a fairy tale dream when I was growing up,” said McCullough, a 1967 Bemidji State University graduate from Newfolden. “We didn’t have TV, so you had to have a good imagination to get through the work and the days. Laying in the sun, I could do anything I wanted to in my mind.” Herding cows was one of the treasured opportunities to let his mind roam. It was a task that fell to the nine children of the McCullough family since they couldn’t afford posts or barbed wire to fence all of their land. “We had more kids than fences, so we herded the cows,” McCullough remembered about growing up in a log home with no electricity, no running water, and no indoor bathroom facilities. “But we were always very happy because we didn’t know we were poor, and there weren’t very many affluent people around us.” At 14 he started working as a farmhand while attending high school. Following graduation, he joined the military and boarded a plane taking him to boot camp. He had heard and seen pictures of airplanes in school, but had never been near one. Frequently ribbed by his family for his wellknown fear of heights, he stepped foot into the transport while a strange thought passed through his head, “Some fools even jump out of these things.”
Naturally, he joined the paratroopers, serving in the 101st Airborne for two years. “Overcoming my worst fears and challenges proved to me that I could do anything I wanted to do,” said McCullough, who entered BSU after service. “I wanted to go to college so my children wouldn’t have to experience poverty and go through the struggles I did growing up.” At first he wanted to be a psychiatrist, and earned a degree in psychology with minors in German and sociology. As class president, he also came to enjoy debate and lively interaction with people. He took another leap and decided to change career directions. McCullough earned a law degree from the William Mitchell College of Law and hung his shingle on a building in the east side of St. Paul. “It was different starting out in 1971 than it is now,” he said. “It wasn’t easy, and I joined many organizations to get some exposure in the community.” One of the organizations was the St. Paul Winter Carnival, being chosen as the East-Wind in 1975. Using his background in psychology and sociology, his practice grew in two specialties – family practice and personal injury law. He is now the senior partner in McCullough, Smith, Wright and Kempe, P.A. He is one of two attorneys in Minnesota and only one of 100 nationwide who have been selected as a member of the American College of Family Trial Lawyers. McCullough has also been named by his colleagues as a Leading Attorney, a designation that is attributed to approximately five percent of practicing lawyers, in each of his fields of concentration. Married, he and his wife Marlys raised two children and now live on a ranch in rural Stillwater where they raise primarily registered Charolais cattle. Their heifer Adalida was chosen as the grand national female champion in 1998. During this growth, McCullough remained active with the St. Paul
W “
Pat McCullough
hen I look back, it all is like one of those daydreams I might have had sitting on the hill overlooking a field of cows – a king arriving with a full court, speaking to people, and knighting subjects. That would have been my fairy tale.” Pat McCullough
Winter Carnival, which he saw as a great opportunity to carry many positive messages about the city. The event was started in 1886, which makes it the oldest known festival in the United States, when a writer in New York called St. Paul, “the second Siberia, not fit for human habitation.” That challenge was met by a parade and many other activities, including the birth of the king of winter, now known as King Boreas. “The legend of the king was started in 1886,” he explained. “He’s changed somewhat over time, but basically has the same job of keeping the festivities moving before Vulcanus Rex and the Vulcan Krewe defeat winter to close out the 10 days of the carnival.” Dethroned, the king becomes an ambassador for St. Paul, traveling extensively to promote the city, region and state. “I will make approximately 300 appearances as King Boreas,”
McCullough said. “Nearly 100 happen during the carnival, but the other 200 are at parades, coronations, or festivals during the rest of the year. My job is to show them that we have fun in St. Paul.” He has fun on the job as well, and enjoys the times when he brings the Winter Carnival to those who cannot go out and join in the activities, like at nursing homes and hospitals. Part of his task is bestowing knighthood on people. “I don’t care if they’re young or old, they like being knighted with the scepter,” he commented. “When I look back, it all is like one of those daydreams I might have had sitting on the hill overlooking a field of cows – a king arriving with a full court, speaking to people, and knighting subjects. That would have been my fairy tale.” This is one, however, that came true.
Horizons Page 2
Sports
Sports Recaps Track
Renee Perry
Women’s Tennis First-year head coach Reva Howe earned NSIC Coach of the Year honors while guiding the Beavers to the school’s first-ever conference championship. Senior Renee Perry (Auckland, New Zealand) captured MVP honors, and Melissa Edman (Bemidji), Tara Bromenshenkel (Sauk Centre) and Hannah Warweg (Cannon Falls) were named All-NSIC. The Beavers were a perfect 5-0 in the NSIC regular season.
After breaking 13 school records in 1998, the Bemidji State track teams enjoyed another successful season for 1999, snapping 18 more school marks. The men finished second in the indoor and outdoor NSIC seasons while the women placed fourth. Craig Hougen was named NSIC Outdoor Coach of the Year for 1999, and John Pietila (Lake Park) was NSIC Outdoor Athlete of the Year. Fifteen Bemidji State studentathletes garnered All-NSIC honors. Amber Bohman (Park Rapids) and Darcy Faul (Outing) earned all-league honors for the women while the conference honored 13 men: Pietila, Jim Indahl (International Falls), Quinn Hastie (Deer River), Kenny Miller (Park Rapids), Ben Baird (Mizpah), Jesse Miller (Deer River), Dan Frette (New Brighton), Aaron Feia (Cushing), Joe Ferraro (Forest Lake), Jason Leden (Stevens Point, WI), freshmen Jason Schultz (Eagan) and Jeff Fjosne (Karlstad).
Basketball The Bemidji State men’s and women’s basketball teams took steps forward in the building process after the 1998-99 season. The BSU women’s basketball team put together a championship run at the Land of Magic Classic in Florida, and won 7-of-10 games heading into the NSIC season before finishing an injuryriddled 1998-99 campaign at 10-
17 overall. The Beavers completed the 1998-99 season as the NSIC three-point shooting champion. BSU was also No. 2 in NCAA II for three-point shooting percentage, led by All-NSIC selection Erin Walker. The junior from Madison, WI, tied a single-game school record with eight treys and topped the career 1,000-point mark. The Beaver women’s team will return all five starters next year. The Bemidji State men’s basketball team also battled the injury bug most of the year before closing out the season at 10-17. After losing top rebounder Ken Ponto (Menomonie, WI), sophomore Mac Smith (Burnsville) stepped in to win the NSIC rebounding title and earn first team All-NSIC honors. Senior B.J. LaVelle (Monticello) closed out his career with 944 points, earning Honorable Mention All-NSIC accolades. The Beavers return 10 letterwinners for 1999-2000.
includes the inaugural season of the Women’s Western Collegiate Hockey Association (WWCHA). The Bemidji State men’s program shifted from small college powerhouse to Division I hopeful. The Beavers closed out the season at 18-14. Shane Kalbrener (Grafton, ND) led the Beavers in scoring for the second straight season with 12 goals and 18 assists. Adam Pavlatos (Duluth) became the eighth Beaver goaltender to post five career shutouts. R.H. “Bob” Peters, the second winningest coach in college hockey history with 728 wins, has now brought his career full circle. After starting his coaching career at Division I North Dakota, Peters will usher in the official Division I era with BSU next season as a member of the Intercollegiate Hockey Alliance with Air Force, Army, Findlay, Niagara and Alabama-Huntsville. BSU returns 21 letterwinners for 1999-2000.
Hockey The Bemidji State men’s and women’s hockey teams entered a new era in 1998-99-Division I hockey. The women’s team notched the program’s first win on January 2 at St. Mary’s. Jessica Bina (Grand Forks, ND) finished as the team’s top scorer at 11 goals and five assists. Janet Hicks (Portage, MI) led the Beavers in goal with an .868 save percentage. First-year coach Ruthann Cantile is recruiting for the 1999-2000 campaign when the Beavers will face Ohio State, Minnesota, Minnesota State-Mankato, Minnesota-Duluth, St. Cloud State and Wisconsin on a schedule that
Baseball The Beavers started the conference season at 3-0, but saw the season deteriorate quickly. The squad, coached by alumnus Jim Grimm, finished the campaign at 9-34 overall and 5-14 in conference play. Joe Thoma (Swanville) led the Beavers with a .374 batting average and 38 RBIs. Thoma and Joe Friedrichs (Sauk Centre) were named All-NSIC, while Steve Exsted (Deerwood) and Shaun Zenner (Long Prairie) garnered Academic All-NSIC accolades. Mike Benke (Roseau) and Gunner Geller (Guthrie) were Honorable Mention All-NSIC.
Softball The BSU softball team captured the school’s first NSIC Championship after sharing honors with co-champion Southwest State. Junior Kelly Price (Topeka, KS) earned NSIC Player of the Year honors while head coach Nichie Bendt was named NSIC Coach of the Year for the third straight year. Price led the NSIC in RBIs (14) and home runs (3) while batting .426. Annie Block (Huson, MT), Misty Muter (Kimberly, WI) and Becca Beal (Anoka) were All-NSIC for 1999. Block, the career strikeout leader at BSU with 237 Ks, led BSU with an 11-10 record on the mound. Stritesky was honored as a 1999 NSIC Female Athlete of the Year.
Shane Kalbrener
Where We Are ... What We’re Doing
ALL CITIES ARE LOCATED IN MINNESOTA UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED.
1940s
published by Creative Art Press of West Bloomfield, MI … Richard P. Manlove (’59) of Long Prairie has retired from 40 years of teaching industrial arts and is enjoying his retirement … Kathryn (Gordon) Graf (’59) of Arnold, MD, is retired after 35 years of teaching and is enjoying her grandchildren and traveling to Norway, Sweden and Denmark … Glendole Perkins Tweten (’53) of Arvada, CO, and her husband, Stan, have been full1950s time recreational vehicle travelers for 11 years … Travis B. Olson (’50) of Hendrum is employed at Alden Kittleson (’55) and Jan Kittleson (’57) live Norman County West High School … Mary E. Eddy (’56) of Clearbrook taught school from 1959- at Lake San Marcos, CA. Alden is president of the San Marcos Lions Club and is in the mortgage and 1979 in Tanzania, East Africa, and believes “everyone should have a money management business. Jan works in the taste of the Third World” human relations department of Blanchard Training … Jim Spitzer (’53) of & Development. Hebron, ND, is still 1960s hunting, fishing, traveling and enjoying Ruth Cole (’67) of Perham was honored in February when she received the J.C. Penney retirement … Dick Breaking Barriers Award. The honor is part of the Green (’56) of National Girls and Women in Sports Day held to Bloomington teaches honor women who have been instrumental in the watercolor workshops development of women’s athletics. Cole, who has at five art centers and been in Perham since 1970, has coached has had two paintings Dick Green Harold Melby (’46) of Minnetonka has been enjoying his retirement since 1981. He was an elementary principal in Minnetonka for over 33 years ... Doris Krogstad (’45) lives with her husband, Blanchard, in Winger where she enjoys gardening, canning, weaving at her loom and playing piano.
gymnastics, track, cross country and basketball … Donald Pollary (’64) of Chisholm operates his own sporting arms and goods business, having retired in 1998 from teaching chemistry and math … Darlene Clemenson (’69) retired in 1998 after teaching 29 years in Bagley and now spends more time in Gonvick and Trail where she lives. She now spends her time working for the Farmers Independent newspaper and with her husband. She’s also become more visible as a volunteer with a variety of organizations … Eileen Willcox Lang (’62) of Osakis has been retired for a year and is now an active volunteer. She’s served as a volunteer driver and is now the coordinator for the home delivered meals program in her area ... Eileen Lang Belle (Sutton) Storbeck (’61) will retire this summer after teaching for 37 years at Aurora Hoyt Lakes/Mesabi East Schools. She writes that she’ll miss teaching but is looking forward to spending winters in a warm climate … Dale Captain (’64) of Isle retires June 30, ending a 35-year career in education. He taught for 13 years, served five years as a principal and 17 as a superintendent of schools … Larry A. Yonemura (’60) of Pearl City, HI, has retired after teaching 36 years with the Hawaii public schools … Gary G. Anderson (’63) of Nevis retired from teaching industrial technology in 1994 and now works as a
part-time custodian at the school leaving him “lots of time to fish and golf” … Virgil Prestby (’63) of Bagley is a metal and woodcarving artist … Bob Shock (’60) of Chisholm has Virgil Prestby retired from a 33-year teaching career. He has three children, two of whom now are teachers themselves … Norbert Pastir (’61) of Roseau works part-time as an insurance adjuster. He retired in 1993 from a 33-year career in teaching and coaching … Thelma Rusten (’66) of Clearbrook retired 16 years ago but is “busier than ever” … Larry Erie (’62) of Pinewood and his wife, Gladys, are directors at Camp Dellwater and volunteer in the winter … Kathryn Huwe (’67) of Bagley is on leave from teaching and spends winters in warm southern climates … Myrl Larson (’66) of Bagley is retired but remains busy with volunteer work and home maintenance projects … Linda Ranisate (’65) of Bagley is still teaching … Hal Meyer (’60) of Novato, CA, has been married for 39 years to Betty. He’s a retired teacher and loves traveling … Joe Sacco (’63) of Champlin has retired after 34 years of teaching and has two sons. His wife teaches for the Anoka-Hennepin District … Tom Nendick (’68) who owns Nendick Hardware, Blackduck, received the 1998 President’s Paint Award, awarded to stores ranked in the top 50 in paint sales … Bob Vleck (’65) of Blaine retired from Honeywell, Inc., after 30 years. He now works with
immigrants and refugees as an English as a second language volunteer tutor … Vernamaree (Peik) Nelson (’61) of Richfield and her husband, Bill, are “loving every minute of grandparenting” three grandchildren under three-years-old … Norman E. Hecimovich (’60) has retired after being a principal for 32 years. He also retired out of the military after 42 years as a major and sergeant major and serving in three wars ... Dennis Schuster (’68) of Eden Prairie has for the past three years been helping companies around the country in applying computer technology to satisfy business critical system needs … Lowell Nomeland (’65) was honored posthumously with the 1998 dedication of the new high school gymnasium in Faribault, the Lowell Nomeland Memorial Gymnasium. He was affiliated with the Faribault High School from 1965-1994 as teacher; 1965-1971 as coach and 1971-1994 as activities director. He died July 7, 1994 … James E. Hanson (’61), a member of the River Valley Arts Council and resident of Stillwater since 1994, presented a retrospective exhibit of his works at the Lakeview Hospital gallery in February. He is an art specialist with AnokaHennepin school system where he’s been employed since 1960. Bill Malwitz (’61) of Fosston was elected vice-governor of District 5M-11 of the Lions during the organization’s convention at Mahnomen during January. That position automatically becomes Lions governor next year. He’s been a member of the Lions Club for 29 years, with an amazing 21 of those years with perfect attendance. He and his wife, Phyllis, became owners of Bill’s Clothing in 1995. They have three children and four grandchildren …
Horizons Page 3
A Quest for Best When Moses Tsang graduated from Bemidji State University in 1972, he wanted to do good in the world. Even though his career found a dramatically different direction shortly after leaving BSU, it turned out that he ended up doing much better than good. Tsang received a degree in sociology, went to the University of Iowa for a master’s degree, and was on the verge of completing his doctorate in social work at the University of Chicago when he entered the highly competitive field of international finance, bonds, money markets, debt syndication, capitalization, pricing and trading, merger acquisitions, and stock equities. To some, it was quite a change for a person who had followed his father’s example and prepared his entire early life for a career focused on social responsibility. A civil servant, Tsang’s father was a role model who used his job to attain such advances as schools and clinics for factory workers. An ordained minister, he
I
worked on a voluntary basis for the Episcopal Church in many ways. The value of his work was measured as much by what was accomplished and learned as by what was earned. That lesson served Tsang well as he started his college studies at Bemidji State. “It was a very rewarding experience, from not just an educational perspective but also a life experience perspective,” Tsang said. “I liked the campus environment where you had young people who were trying to be helpful and didn’t attend school just to study and play.” This allowed Tsang to work in campus ministry, at nursing homes and with handicapped children. It also was helpful in guiding him to the next step, one that led him to pursue advanced degrees in social work with an eye on affecting public policy. After he had completed his course work and passed his preliminary exam for a doctorate degree from Chicago, he worked for a consulting firm on issues
“
can take a very philosophical view of what I now do. International business doesn’t have to be survival of the fittest. After all, we’re human beings. We should be able to do better for ourselves.” Moses Tsang
1970s Jim Aitken (’73) of Lincoln, NE, works in a school supplies sales position … Coleen Hoeschen (’73) was recognized by the American Society of Clinical Pathologists when she received the Regional Associate Member Award for the North Central Region. She is the laboratory manager for Douglas County Hospital in Alexandria … Dave Hallan (’70) lives in Bagley and has spent 25 years coaching golf in the Bemidji school system … Duane Northagen (’78) of Hibbing was recently named chairperson of the Iron Range Economic Alliance. Created by the Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation Board in 1994, the IREA is a regional economic alliance of area leaders who meet quarterly to share information and ideas and take action to spur economic development in the area. Northagen has served as the City of Hibbing’s community economic development coordinator since May, 1997 … Charles Dibley (’72) of Rock Valley, IA, is a director of instrumental music and a tubist for the Sioux City, IA, Symphony. He’s also an adjunct instructor at Dordt College at Sioux Center, IA, and a member of the brass section in a professional performance company … Lloyd Styrwoll (’71) will take over as Grand Rapids superintendent of schools when Jim Luoma retires in June. He is currently the high school principal at Grand Rapids and had previously served as an assistant principal at Buffalo Senior High School … Luann Rice (’76) was one of four finalists in Pequot Lakes for recognition as teacher of the year. She’s taught for 36 years, 33 of which have been in Pequot
Moses Tsang
ranging from housing policies to work incentives. While in Minneapolis, a friend urged him to explore financing, a field far removed from his training and background. He discounted the idea. His friend persisted, and finally got Tsang to consider the notion after convincing him that there were more ways to help society than through social reform. Economics could play a vital role in changing lives for the better, and the world of finances could benefit from an individual with his ideas, communication skills, and background. Eventually, Tsang joined Goldman Sachs in 1978 in the international fixed sales department in New York. He became a vice president in 1981 and worked both in Tokyo and London, where he became a general partner in 1988.
College, Bemidji … Richard (Woody) Belpedio (’72) and his wife, Nancy, both teach in the Anoka Hennepin School District and they have two children, ages nine and seven. Richard plans to retire after next year’s school year … Tom Swanson (’70) of Brainerd has been teaching for the past 29 years in Brainerd. His wife, Helen, is a Title I and reading Bradley Clift Luann Rice recovery teacher. The couple has three daughters … Lakes. She has two grown sons and is a grandmother Susan (Wysoski) Markstrom (’77) of Alexandria … Bradley E. Clift (’78), a photographer for the practices internal medicine and is administrator and Hartford Courant in Hartford, CT, has won one of the director of the primary care service at the St. Cloud most prestigious awards in photojournalism – the Veterans Administration Medical Center. She Kodak Crystal Eagle Award for Impact in received her medical degree from the University of Photojournalism. The award recognizes a Minnesota in 1986 … Karl Weisenhorn (’76) and photojournalist who has explored and reported a his wife, Julie, live in Mound and return to visit subject of significant social concern and whose work Bemidji whenever possible … Steve Hagenah (’77) has had an impact on society. The photographs in lives in Bemidji and works with the Bureau of Clift’s award-winning entry focused on addiction Criminal Apprehension … Lisa M. Tvedt (’72) of and encompassed 10 projects he completed over 13 Plummer was recently hired as a distribution clerk years, starting with a 16-picture essay on teenage with the U.S. Post Office in Thief River Falls … drug and alcohol abuse in 1986 … Steve Syrett (’74) Curtis Hanson (’75) of West Duluth is an instructor was recently honored as Special Education Teacher of voice at John Duss Music Conservatory. He of the Year. He is a teacher/director at the Area teaches private voice lessons for individuals and class Learning Center in Cloquet that serves the Cloquet voice. He’s also the senior choir director at Our Cooperative member districts. He has 24 years of Savior’s Lutheran Church. He and his wife, Brenda, experience working in special education with at-risk have one son … Nancy Hagen Staiger (’76) of students … Dana Johnson (’73) of Minnetonka is Moorhead serves as a foster mother … V. Joe Hess self-employed and has two children. Johnson plays (’71) of Burnsville is vice president of Baltre rugby with the Minneapolis Rugby Club, which won Mortgage in Eden Prairie and recently bought a lake the U.S. National Championship in Aspen, CO, for home north of Brainerd … Duane Jenkins (’79) of the over-35 group in September, 1998 … William J. Bemidji retired from the U.S Postal Service and is Schneider (’76) of Bemidji has retired after teaching selling real estate for First Realty/Better Homes & auto technology for 27 years at Northwest Technical Gardens of Bemidji …Helen Lunos (’72) of Roseau
He was appointed chairman and managing director of Goldman Sachs (Asia) Limited in 1989, and for the next five years guided the Hong Kong and Singapore offices through a growth period where they expanded from 25 to more than 400 employees. During that time, representative offices were opened in Beijing, Shanghai, Seoul and Taipei. “At first, my parents didn’t want me to get into financing,” Tsang remembered, noting that it didn’t quite fit into the pattern of his early upbringing. “But now they’re proud. “I can take a very philosophical view of what I now do. International business doesn’t have to be survival of the fittest. After all, we’re human beings. We should be able to do better for ourselves.”
teaches music in the Roseau School District … Carter Pettersen (’70) of Grand Rapids supervises family and children’s services for Itasca County. He’s worked with the county for 24 years … Pat Schoeller (’75) of Avoca, IA, coaches high school wrestling. He and his wife, Jeanne, (‘75) have two sons … Doris Souder Hazelton (’74) of Lake Bronson retired in June, 1994, after teaching elementary and learning disabilities for 41 years at Karlstad … Phil Johnson (’71) and Hazel Johnson (’73) will have been married for 26 years in July, 1999. They have four grown children, including twins, and a son still in high school … Ann Cassidy (’74) of Belgrade is still a teacher … Kim Johnston Moen (’76) of Ada is in her 21st year of teaching at the Ada-Borup district. Her husband, Wayne, farms near Ulen and the couple has a five-year-old daughter and a two-year-old son … Stephen Collins (’73) of New Prague is dean of students at New Prague Middle School and is completing his administrative licensure through St. Mary’s University … Gregg Hanson (’70) is owner of Hanson Silo Company. Founded in 1916, the company designs and manufactures silo unloaders and has had continuous family ownership with son, Mathew, representing
Stephen Collins
(Continued on page 6)
For Tsang, that also meant cultivating ventures beyond those available at Goldman Sachs. He retired in 1994, becoming a limited partner and a senior advisor to the firm. Since then his attention has been in the area of direct investment, most notably in health care and technology. “The medical and technical fields are growing fast in Asia,” Tsang commented. “I’m involved with a group of doctors in building hospitals across China. One of our specialties is treating disease that requires high technology at a cost that is affordable to the general population.” His investments also include startup companies in software development, telecommunications, system integration, and Internet-related services. He also remains active as a volunteer with the Hong Kong Children’s Cancer Foundation. It is an attitude and action that would be expected from a person who looks at international financing as something more than a bottom line. “I think the world is definitely better off now than it was 20 years ago,” Tsang said. “Apart from regional warfare, the world is becoming a better world to live in for many reasons. But it is still dangerous. We still need to guide ourselves to better conditions, whether it is with the environment, disease control, or hunger.” That would be consistent with the perspective of a person who wanted to do good, made the world better, and still strives to make things the best.
Bemidji State University
BSUHorizons Vol. 14, No. 4, Summer 1999 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 . . . . . . . . Jody Grau 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; Jeff Totten, assistant professor of business relations.
Horizons Page 4
Artists Different Strokes For decades, Bemidji State University has awarded degrees in art, graphic design, and visual arts. Many graduates found their niches in high schools or in design studios across the country. A few matriculated to higher education; some ventured into the highly competitive world as studio artists. This special feature of HORIZONS profiles four graduates of the program that span 30 years in time. Their career choices and stories are varied, but their words clearly convey a passion for art and making art.
Lifestyle of a Rural Potter Jeff Oestreich, BSU 1969
Ceramist who operates his own store and studio in Taylors Falls, Minnesota.
PAT CLARK, “TRODDING ON OUR PAST”
H A Grain of Sand in Time
C
Pat Clark
Professor of drawing, painting and art education, California State University-Long Beach
“As an artist, it is a privilege to be a grain of sand in time, trying to document the experience.”
Pat Clark, BSU 1957
hallenges early in my career were somewhat different than the contemporary thoughts of today. Graduating in 1957 before the women’s movement, options were not the same. Careers ranged from china painters to illustrators that did the “fill in” work. As a woman artist, I looked forward to teaching as I thought at least I’d have time to do my own work. Therefor, my role in the visual arts was somewhat predetermined. As a student, I didn’t think about this much, mostly due to some excellent role models. I never sought other forms of employment. Teaching in the arts and directing in various areas of arts administration have always supported my studio work. The old adage of “those who can’t, teach” never was something I took as a negative. Galleries, museums and art centers have always shown an interest in showing my work … of course, sales are great too. What started my career was a love and dedication to arts education. To stay viable and current in the educational process, especially in higher education, a part of the contract is to publish or per-
ish, and in the case of the studio artist, that means exhibit. The touch stones of teaching art have always included being on the competitive edge and evaluating how the work fits into a perceived or adjusted time. I enjoy the creative process most. This process has become my life’s path – a journey through a variety of media: graphite, ink, chalk, paint and machines (computers). I draw 4-5 days a week; it’s as natural as breathing. Being a practicing artist keeps me alive and interested in changing times. With teaching and being a practicing artist, I feel more whole and engaged with life. I’ve never been bored in this existence.
“There was this attraction to the lifestyle of a rural potter.”
aving been a studio potter for 30 years, there are no basic challenges in marketing myself as a potter. The initial challenges of this aspect have been worked out over the years. Ninety percent of my income comes from pottery sales and 10 percent comes from conducting workshops and lecturing. I have also received grants over the years. And yes, it is financially viable to work solely as a studio artist. When I first started out as a studio potter, what prompted me to do art on a regular basis was an apprenticeship in England. It was geared for potters who wanted to work full-time and not teach. The sacrifices were low incomes for the first 15 years. There was no turning point that led me to believe I could make it. I hardly thought about it. I was driven to make the best work possible. What helped was dogged persistence and support of friends and family. Recognition had a role in terms of encouraging me to continue when going through a low spot. I do not feel a need to compromise my work for the market-
place. What I enjoy most about my career is the quiet rural lifestyle and being in the studio. The major benefit of being a successful practicing potter is that I can continue to produce work until I die.
Jeff Oestreich
JEFF OESTREICH, “DESSERT PLATES”
Horizons Page 5
The Canvas is a Playground Tom Paquette, BSU 1985
Painter who has his own studio in Portland, Maine
PAMELA HOVLAND, BILLBOARD DESIGN
A Tool to Affect Change Pamela Hovland, BSU 1983
Graphic designer who works from a studio in New York City and lectures in graphic design at Yale University
I
“My art making is as a social activist, using design as a tool to affect social change.”
am a professional graphic designer, design educator, and a social activist. Although these are separate activities, my personal philosophy pervades all three and unites the work that is created. The kind of art I am involved in is not intended for the gallery or museum, so it is not something that needs to be marketed or promoted for that end. My work for hire – graphic design for corporations, cultural institutions, foundations, entrepreneurs – is often a result of those clients seeing my activist work and the work of the collective. The idea of “designer as author” is attractive to people interested in the collaborative process- - whether on an annual report or an identity for a non-profit organization or CD packaging. My financial stability comes from my work as a professional designer and educator, not from my activist work. I do work within an art collective called Class Action, a group of graphic designers committed to creating and increasing awareness of social issues through activist strategies. Class Action was formed in 1991 and has received national and international attention for its work on domestic violence, AIDS awareness, reproductive rights, issues of representation, federal funding for the arts, and other topics. I became frustrated early in my career because I felt a dis-connect with the content of the work – I was only in it for the formal manipulation. I had what I call a crisis of authorship, just as the design profession was experiencing the same thing. Since then I’ve lived a fragmented life – one that includes professional design work, activist work as part of
“What we all have – a radical freedom to create our lives as we see fit – is particularly evoked in the artistic process. The canvas is a playground of possibility.”
E
Class Action, teaching, and my own personal activist art. I realized that for me to do even one well, I needed to do all. Traditionally graphic designers work to craft a client’s message. The designer’s role is often a passive one; we function mainly as interpreters of a client’s will. With activist work, rather than employing my talents for the goals of others, I can choose my own goals and make work that achieves those goals. It is definitely trendy to co-opt the ’60s anti-establishment lingo and strategies to promote products and services. There is a blurring of boundaries between the commercial and the artistic, the approved and the subversive. This atmosphere of mixed messages calls for ever newer techniques for penetrating public consciousness. It’s an environment that is waiting for some very clear and powerful voices. I believe that in one’s chosen work – whatever it is – we can promote the status quo or we can challenge it. Everything we do does one or the other. I prefer to make appropriate, compelling, beautiful work that changes a mind, initiates a discussion, gives out valuable information.
ach painting session is kind of a metaphysical exercise, an opportunity to experiment with the unknown. I paint oil on canvas, gouache on paper, mainly from the landscape. As regards to my subject matter, I try to match the poignancy of an experience in life with an equal or greater poignancy or subtlety on the canvas. For the past 11 years I have been fortunate enough to live from my work as a painter. Prior to this, I had more than 30 different jobs; I worked as a welder, an art conservator, and even put in time as the ice cream man. You never know what might save you. Ultimately I decided that it was better to starve trying to make something great and to do something interesting with my life than to find out at the end of my life that my priority was to eat well. After graduate school, I took a bicycle trip to Nova Scotia. Before I left, I dropped off a few paintings at a gallery. When I returned to face my employment dilemma, I found that three large ones had sold. I didn’t know how long my luck would last, but I decided to rent a studio with that money and work until the paint ran out. And although it has been very tight sometimes, I could never quite put down my brushes to do anything else while I still had the rent paid. The only compromise I am aware I fall prey to comes from my perceived need to get the paintings to galleries as soon as possible, and that is sometimes before the work is done. Of course, at the time I think the work is finished, but in fact, in some instances it is several
years more of adjustments – or even complete revision – to a painting before it is truly finished. It is impossible to judge surely on short notice. On the other hand, there is nothing like the pressure of an upcoming show to bring out the best in your work. Fury can be a powerful ally. What are the major benefits of being a successful practicing artist? The radical freedom of possibility inherent in the blank canvas, and its implications in life. And being able to work when you are inspired, sleep when you are tired. You will notice I didn’t say eat when you are Tom Paquette hungry.
TOM PAQUETTE, “PURPLE PINES”
Pamela Hovland
Horizons Page 6 Beaver Pride Fund Drive Eva T. Lind Estate Provides Nearly $400,000 to BSU Foundation Bemidji State University alumna Eva (Torkelson) Lind has provided to the BSU Foundation a gift of nearly $400,000 through her estate. The largest gift ever made by an individual to BSU, the gift will fund the Roy and Eva T. Lind Endowment Scholarship for students returning to Bemidji State University. Eva Lind was born and raised near Bagley. Her parents were immigrants from Sweden. She graduated from Bemidji Teachers College in 1928 and later received a bachelor’s degree from Great Falls School of Education in 1947. Lind taught for a few years on Minnesota’s Iron Range before moving to Montana where she taught in several communities in the Great Falls area for 38 years. According to friends and fellow teachers, she was very dedicated to teaching and was creative and innovative in her teaching methods. While teaching art, she introduced puppetry to her students to allow instruction in a variety of art principles. Well read, she closely followed environmental, political and educational issues.
Gift Creates Library Fund and Book Collection
Eva Lind
Eva and Roy were married on July 5, 1950, in Great Falls. After retiring in 1965, the couple returned to Minnesota where they lived together until Roy’s death in 1996. Eva passed away in June of 1998. “Eva was an incredibly special and caring person,” said Sue Kringen, director of BSU alumni relations and long-time friend. “She was a strong advocate of education as demonstrated by her life’s work and through the presentation of this generous gift from her estate. “The Roy and Eva T. Lind Endowment is a gift that will immortalize them forever since the principal amount of an endowed gift can never be touched and only the interest is utilized. As a result, even after her death, Eva will continue to touch and impact the lives of literally thousands of students who will be attending Bemidji State University. For that, Bemidji State University and its students are most grateful.”
Ivan Musicant, a 1971 BSU graduate and noted historian, passed away in March leaving Bemidji State University a collection consisting of hundreds of books on military and naval history. In addition, his wife used the memorial contributions she received to create the Ivan Musicant Memorial Fund, which will be used by the A.C. Clark Library for support and acquisition of materials for the Ivan Musicant Naval History Collection. From the Bronx, Musicant earned a history degree from Bemidji State and spent his adult life in Minnesota following graduation writing books and articles on naval history. At the time of his death, he had published five books on the subject and had written several articles for naval history publications.
Musicant was a two-time recipient of the prestigious Samuel Eliot Morison Award for Naval Literature - an award that’s been termed the naval-history equivalent of the Pulitzer. The first was awarded to him in 1987 for his book titled Battleship at War, a profile of the battleship U.S.S. Washington. The second Morison Award was presented in 1998 for his book Empire by Default, an account of the Spanish American War. “Bemidji State University and the BSU Foundation wish to express to the family of Ivan Musicant our sympathies at his passing, and our appreciation of their generous contributions in his memory,” said Dr. Dave Tiffany, vice president for University Advancement.
Ann Lamb Piano Scholarship Funded Ann Lamb loved playing the piano, and she loved teaching children to do the same. For 18 years, Lamb taught piano to hundreds of children from the Clearbrook, Leonard, Gonvick, Bagley, Pennington and Bemidji areas. Upon her death in 1985, several friends collected contributions to set up the Ann Lamb Piano Competition to honor her. It was an event held annually for eleven years, with winners receiving cash prizes. The scholarship competition was held until last year, at which time it was decided to end the
competition and turn the balance of funds into an annual scholarship for students attending Bemidji State University. Lamb received her undergraduate degree from BSU in elementary education in 1971 and a master’s degree in music in 1982. The Ann Lamb Piano Scholarship at BSU will provide $500 per year to a sophomore or junior majoring in piano. If there are no applications from piano majors, the scholarship may be awarded to a student majoring in music with an emphasis in piano through continued private study.
Every spring Beaver Pride, the athletic booster organization for BSU athletics, holds its annual membership fund drive. This spring the drive ran from April 5-April 23, 1999. The goal was to raise $50,000 in support during the drive and an additional $100,000 throughout the year to support athletics at BSU. The drive was highly successful with over $75,000 pledged from Bemidji businesses, local fans and athletic alumni. Funds raised through Beaver Pride help support athletics at Bemidji State University by providing funding for recruitment, equipment and scholarships. If you would like information about supporting Beaver Pride, please call toll free 1-888-234-5718 or local 218-755-4039.
In Memoriam Shirley Ann Stern (’65) of Pennington Ivan Musicant (’71) of Minneapolis Rollie Boldt (’67) of Roseau Rodney Johnson (’79) of Crosslake Raymond Robb (’62) of Roseau Beverly Mabie (’74) of Hiawatha, IA Helene Sveom (’74) of Fort Atkinson, WI Willis Richards (’70) of Monticello Ernest Neuenfeldt (’67) of Linden, MI
Where We Are ... What We’re Doing (Continued from page 3)
the fourth generation in the company … Marilyn Stone (’72) of Isanti completed her master’s in education at St. Mary’s University in May, 1998 … Rebecca Tischer (’78) of Grand Rapids is close to earning her master’s degree from the University of Minnesota Duluth … Wendy Flinner (’78) of St. Paul teaches music at Chelsea Heights Elementary in St. Paul … Constana Buck Nieland (’77) of Coon Rapids is the assistant principal at Coon Rapids High School. She has a son who will attend college this fall and a daughter in sixth grade … Bruce Engel (’78) of Rancho Cordova, CA, is a systems engineer for EDS and has two daughters, ages five and three. He’s working on a web site about the history of Minnesota boys’ high school hockey … Ruth Tangjerd Edevold (’70) of Bagley recently celebrated a 40th wedding anniversary with husband, Marvin, and works as director of the Northwest Minnesota Foundation , a community foundation serving 12 counties in northwest Minnesota … Gerard (Jerry) Wenzel (’72) of East Grand Forks has been teaching seventhgrade biology for 27 years and in 1998 was honored as Minnesota Biology Teacher of the Year. Besides teaching at the East Grand Forks Middle School, he teaches education majors at UND who will go out and teach in middle schools … Mike Dubois (’78) has been preparing taxes for other people for the past 22 years and has now “hung out his shingle” in Sleepy Eye to build his business, Mike’s Tax Preparing and Accounting. In addition, he works full-time at Mathiowetz Construction as a controller, overseeing all financial and accounting business for the company … Rubin Stenseng (’72) of Sauk Rapids is director of
Byrne. Morgan has had work shown in other international exhibitions and internet collections, including a show last fall in which works were projected on buildings in Los Angeles, CA. She’s most recently been working as a consultant and web designer for BSU … Jim Neppl (’83) of St. Cloud is an independent consultant providing services in the areas of marketing, advertising, organizational development and web site development … Kirk 1980s Saiger (’87) and his wife, Janelle, announce the April 5, 1998, birth of their son, Byrce Christopher … Marcella Hallan (’80) of Keewatin retired from a Audrey A. Anderson (’82) of Cannon Falls is career with Itasca Human Services in 1994 and is enjoying her grandchildren and free time … Debbie married and has one son. She writes, “ Winters are R. Anderson (’87) of Sauk Centre was promoted in spent sliding and snow shoeing and summers are spent gardening, fishing and riding the Harleys” … April, 1998, to director of court services in Pope Margaret Bahr (’87) of Bemidji has been working in County… Barb Witt Kavan (’80) of LeCenter a management position at the PHS/HIS Red Lake teaches K-2 primary physical education in New Hospital since March of 1998 … Vicky Lynn Prague and has two adopted sons from Romania, Charon (’82) and her husband announce the recent both 10 … Paula Feldt (’87) of Savage has been birth of a son, Stefan Adam. They live in Bemidji working as a local area network administrator for Aetna for nine years. She has a son and a daughter … where they work together in prayer and cross-cultural Kay Evers (’81) of Windom and her husband, Dale, ministry … Brian O’Neill (’85) is employed as a have two children, ages 5 and 3, and live on a farm… claims systems manager at Federated Insurance in Owatonna … Bruce Ponath (’88) has been Brian Gustafson (’81) has been teaching band at appointed chief deputy by Sibley County Sheriff Medford for 17 years. He’s also director of the Douglas Schulte. He has been employed as a deputy community band and plays in a brass quintet …Mitze Olson (’80) of Becker teaches second grade in the Sibley County Sheriff’s Department for nine at Sartell …Scott Vogel (’88) of Princeton is the new years. For the past six years, he’s served as the Drug band director at Coon Rapids High School. He lives Abuse Resistance Education officer and instructor in Sibley East Schools … Arlene Schwerzler (’85) has with his wife, Kari, and their three-year-old son … Vivienne Morgan (’89) of Bemidji currently has an been hired as assistant vice president/mortgage lender in the personal loan department of Merchants art work in an international internet exhibit called National Bank of Winona. She previously worked for “x99.” Her work is part of a larger project, “CoinNorwest Bank and Norwest Mortgage for 13 years … Note-Sign,” compiled by a Scottish artist, Christ the Center for Information Systems at St. Cloud State University … Pam Johnson (’73) was chosen as Nevis’Teacher of the Year. She’s taught first grade at Nevis since 1976 … William Pettit (’73), a board certified obstetrician/gynecologist, joined the LRH Medical staff in October 1994. He is a member of the Fergus Falls Medical Group and lives in Fergus Falls with his wife, Mary, and two children …
Jonathan Gunderson (’88) of St. Louis Park announces the Sept. 15, 1998, birth of his second daughter, Katherine … John J. Konopek (’88) of Shorewood, IL, was recently promoted to the rank of sergeant with the Plainfield, IL, Police Department. He and his wife, Maureen, have two children … Rebecca Novak (’87) works for the Minnesota Department of Transportation – District 7 in Mankato. She is active in church, community theater and local festivals …Steve Lazaarski (’87) of Minneapolis has established a home-based business offering wildcrafted and organic whole food nutrition … Stuart Desjarlait (’80) recently completed Northwest Minnesota Foundation’s Leadership Development Program held near Park Rapids. The program enables participants to identify and fulfill leadership roles in their home communities and build on the area’s rural lifestyle and economy …Kerry (Christensen) White (’86) of Park Rapids has been teaching for 12 years at Menahga Public Schools. Her husband, Bob, also teaches in Menahga and the couple has two children … Bill Stephan (’85) and Cherri Stephan (’85) live in Minneapolis and have two sons. Bill has worked for the last eight years as technical design supervisor for Midwest of Cannon Falls. Cherri is employed as a product designer for Seasonal Specialties in Eden Prairie … Troy Pladsen (’88) and his wife, Lisa, announce the March 19 birth of their first child, Kyle Francis. Troy is a regional manager for USA Travel Corporation in Plano, TX. He also plays and coaches in-line hockey teams … Tracy Treanor (’87) of Minneapolis is a training supervisor for Aetna US Healthcare. She was married in 1997 … Carla (McDaniel) Stall (’85) and her husband, Scott, of
Brainerd announce the June, 1998, birth of a daughter, Madison. The couple also has three sons, ages 7, 5 and 3 … Leslie Black (’88) of Superior, WI, teaches fifth- through eighth-grade orchestra in Superior schools. Prior to that, until June, 1998, Black had been teaching fourth- through eighthgrade orchestra in Waukegan, IL … Mike Larson (’82) of Acworth, GA, is a self-employed manufacturing representative selling infrared cameras … Kathryn (Wilder) Mellen (’87) of South St. Paul announces the April 14 birth of a daughter, Maeve Therese. She also has one other daughter and two sons at home … Connie Fragodt (’86) and her husband, Randy, opened Fragodt Floor Covering II nearly two years ago and recently added a paint room to the business capable of handling all exterior and interior painting and floor covering needs. She also teaches Jump Start, which is a program that involves teaching pre-schoolers on a one-on-one basis in their homes, and has also been teaching Head Start in Montevideo since 1991 … Janelle Klinke (‘83) of Erskine and her husband, Taylor, have three children and own a store on Union Lake. She also works in real estate and does consulting … Cindy Starkey (’82) teaches English in Northome. She also teaches Shakespeare, science fiction, creative writing and independent learning skills and public speaking … Linda Frances (’86) of Fergus Falls recently published her first book, “Mother to Mother: Letters About Being a Mom.” The book is a collection of letters written to mothers with Bible-verse support. Frances is a freelance writer … Lucy Derosier Mazzoni (’81) and her husband, Massimo, both saxophonists, performed a
Horizons Page 7
Recent Bemidji State University graduates who are looking for opportunities to network with other young BSU alumni in the Twin Cities area now have a new organization to help them out, the Evergreen Club. Formed by alumni volunteers, the Evergreen Club is designed to meet the needs of young alumni. After reviewing models from other young alumni programs, Evergreen Club co-chairs Jen Thoen-Swenson (‘97) and Tresa King (‘97) developed a program that is unique and applicable to recent BSU graduates. The mission statement of the Evergreen Club is: • To better serve and support recent graduates with programs and communications that are uniquely tailored to their needs; • To foster and sustain the active involvement of young alumni in support of Bemidji State University and its Alumni Association; • To encourage the development of volunteers in ways that deepen their commitment to the University and prepare them for future leadership and support. The goals of the Club are to enhance networking and professional development; develop and maintain personal and professional relationships; encourage pride and loyalty to Bemidji State University; and serve as a unified voice for young alumni. Eligibility in the Evergreen Club is open to alumni who have graduated in the past 10 years. A kick-off reception is scheduled (no charge, and complementary hors d’oeuvres will be provided): dEVERGREEN CLUB KICK-OFF RECEPTIONd
6-8 p.m., Thursday, June 24, Al Bakers Saloon & Restaurant 3434 Washington Dr., Eagan, MN (Right off I35E) Individuals interested in getting involved in the Evergreen Club can contact the BSU Alumni Association Office at 1877-BSU-ALUM (toll free) or may e-mail Thoen-Swenson at thoen@daily.umn.edu or King at tking@uhc.com.
Communiques
from alumni
Communiques
Evergreen Club Organized for Young Alumni
AND SUE KRINGEN, DIRECTOR OF ALUMNI RELATIONS
1999 BSU Winter Rendezvous....Another Huge Success
On March 14h and 15th, 141 alumni and friends of Bemidji State University met in Laughlin, Nevada, to participate in the third annual BSU Winter Rendezvous. The event was another huge success. Everyone seems to have a grand time getting together, socializing, and reminiscing. It takes a great deal of work and organization to coordinate an event like this. I know I couldn’t do it without the help of some key volunteers including BSU alumnus, Bill Howe ’51, who coordinated another successful BSU Winter Rendezvous Golf Classic. It was held at the Mojave Resort Golf Club and 21 teams participated. In addition, I don’t know what I would have done without the help of Jack and Marie St. Martin. They are such a valuable resource to me. During the awards banquet on Monday evening, Dr. Jon Quistgaard, BSU vice president for academic and student affairs, updated participants about programs relating to Bemidji State University. Many door prizes, contributed by participants, were distributed including a two-day halibut fishing trip to Alaska, donated by Donald and Lani Kassube, and won by Buster Spaulding. The event continues to grow and all participants are eagerly looking forward to the 2000 Rendezvous, which will take place on March 12-13, 2000, at the Colorado Belle Hotel and Casino in Laughlin, Nevada. I invite interested BSU alumni to mark their calendars and plan to attend. For further information relating to the 2000 BSU Winter Rendezvous, contact the Bemidji State University Alumni Office by calling 1877-BSU-ALUM (toll free).
in various places throughout the southern belt of the United States… Debra Morgan Woodburn (’83) of San Antonio, TX, is dean of student success at Northwest Vista College. She’s been married seven years to Richard Woodburn and the couple has a twoyear-old daughter … Nancy R. Ettish (’86) of Perham is director of human resources forArvig Communications Systems, Perham. She has a 17-year-old son … Kevin Mahle (’84) is the new fire chief of the Brainerd Fire Department. Previously he’d worked as a fulltime firefighter at Woodbury and prior to that as a volunteer firefighter and prison guard at Oak Park Lucy Derosier Mazzoni Heights. He and his wife, Elizabeth, have two concert at BSU in March. Lucy is a professor of daughters … Tammy M. Virnig (’82) has been saxophone at the Conservatory of Cesena in Italy and appointed principal in The Vanguard Group. She her husband holds a similar post at the Conservatory began her career in 1989 as supervisor in investment of Fermo in Italy. Lucy has numerous performance advisor services. She was promoted to manager in credits in Europe, Switzerland and the United States. 1991 and has held various management positions. In She’s appeared on recordings in Europe and Japan her new position, she is responsible for coordinating and has represented the United States at the World the development and implementation of services for Saxophone Congress in Nuremberg, Germany, in Vanguard Brokerage Services clients … Will Awe 1982 and 10 years later represented Italy at the same (’88) was honored as educator of the month in January event when it was held in Pesaro, Italy … Ronald by the International Falls High School Renaissance Honga (’89) of Menahga completed his master’s Committee and the local Kiwanis Club. He teaches degree at Hamline University in the fall of 1998 … geometry, math analysis and math for today and David Bleth (’83) of Winder, GA, announces the coaches junior high boy’s basketball … Rick recent birth of a son. He and his wife, Lori, also have Peterson (’81) of Red Wing recently adopted a child, two daughters. David is head of a 1,400 employee built a new home and moved into a new school … poultry complex that produces 220 million pounds of Bruce Felt (’81) of Thief River Falls has been granted poultry products each year … Ron B. Gramer (’82) a sabbatical for 1999-2000 to attend the University of of Brainerd has for the past nine years worked as a Minnesota to work on a master’s degree in music freelance video specialist focusing on sporting education … Dwayne Frykman (’84) teaches Pre-AP events, particularly hockey. After graduating he World Geography at Uvalde High School at Uvalde, spent considerable time traveling overseas and living TX. His wife, Linda Frykman (’72), is a librarian in
Taking home first place honors for the third annual BSU Winter Rendezvous Golf Classic were (left to right) Rose Skyberg, Betty Ahrens, Dave Melby and Lowell Anderson.
During the finale banquet, Bill (Robbie) Robertson (’53, left) presented Bill Howe (’51) with Bill’s BSU #23 football jersey.
ATTENTION! BSU CLASSES OF 1959 AND 1974 Bemidji State University’s classes of 1959 and 1974 will be celebrating their 25th and 40th class reunions during the weekend of Homecoming 1999, October 1-3. Ken Henrikson has volunteered to serve as chairman for the 1959 class reunion and Adele (Luvchak) Munsterman will chair the reunion for the class of 1974. Class receptions will take place on Friday, October 1, with other events folded into Homecoming activities. A complete brochure will be mailed in June and will include final details, schedules and registration information. Additional information can be obtained by contacting the Alumni Office at 1-877-BSU-ALUM (toll free).
three … Kent Johnson (’91) of Mahomet, IL, and his wife, Deborah, are parents to two children, ages three and 17-months … Judy Schroeder (’92) of Grand Rapids teaches kindergarten and first-grade at a Christian school. She is grandmother to six… Scott Steinberg (’95) of Bovey is enrolled in a training course for refrigeration and heating repair … Jeremy Schwartz (’98) of Bemidji recently accepted a position as a product engineer with Research & Development in Bagley … Grant Nellis (’96) and Maria Nellis (’94) live in Plymouth. Grant works in research & development at EA Sween/Deli Express and Maria teaches kindergarten in Orono. They have a daughter who will be a year old in May … Kurt Reynolds (’97) teaches English at Lincoln High School in Thief River Falls and coaches football at Northland Community College … Jeffrey Spry (’90) has rejoined Westmoreland Agency, Duluth, as art director after a 14-month absence. He had left the agency to launch a Twin Cities-based athletic shoe company. He has been a senior graphic designer for Spangler Design Team, Minneapolis, and was an inhouse designer for FSI International … Todd Winter (’92) of Alexandria is currently an account management coordinator at Dairyland Computer and Consulting at Glenwood … Nicole Belpedio (’96) of 1990s Virginia is employed by the Mt. Iron - Buhl School Tracey Piepenburg (’90) of rural Appleton teaches District as head girl’s basketball coach, B-team softball coach and as a fourth-grade teacher … Kara general biology and advanced biology at Lac qui Parle Valley High School and also teaches part-time Suzanne Tomazin (’93) of St. Cloud has been in Minnewaska. In the past two years, Piepenburg and employed as a marketing specialist at St. Cloud Hospital since 1997. Prior to that she worked with his classes have constructed and placed 300 wood duck houses and 200 bluebird houses. He lives with Russell & Herder Advertising, Brainerd … Shana his wife, Mardi, and their two children, ages five and Pazdernik-Hensch (’98) of Bethel, AK, is an
the Uvalde district at Flores Elementary … Dean Thilgen (’87) works in the IT Department of the Minnesota Historical Society … Doug Lindgren (’81) owns Harwood Oil and is the creator of a menagerie of metal creatures including “Muffler Man,” eagles and “Moof the Cow,” which welcome westbound travelers entering downtown Bagley on U.S. Highway 2. Lindgren and his wife, Colleen, have two sons and a daughter. He has a degree in elementary education … Julie Loose (’88) of Brooklyn Park is the new extension educator for Houston County. For the past six years, she has worked as a part-time extension educator in Pine, Isanti, Chisago, Kanabec and Mille Lacs counties. She’d also been working as a part-time adult basic education instructor for a consortium of three school districts … Barb Moran (’80) of Longville received a 1999 Women of Excellence Award from the Land Of Lakes Girl Scout Council. She is director of the Longville Area Family center and was instrumental in the community-built playgrounds of Longville and Remer, including raising $90,000 and developing a skating rink. She serves on the Recreational/Well-being Task Teams, Community Education Advisory Board and as a Girl Scout coleader.
emergency medical system instructor. Her husband, Travis Hensch (’98) is a high school teacher … Jennifer M. Johnson (’98) of Kelliher teaches elementary and middle school music in Kelliher schools … Lisa Falk (’95) of Crookston has been the junior high band director at Crookston for three years … Kathryn Nordine (’98) of Roosevelt teaches K12 band and chorus in Goodridge … Paul Swanson (’90) of Chaska writes to say his kids “are new and interesting” in his life … Jennifer Ulven (’97) of Walker teaches fourth through 12th grade vocal and general music classes … Shelly Niewobner (’91) lives with her husband in Scribner, NE, … Marleyce Rieck (’93) of New London is in her third year of teaching New London-Spicer High School bands … Dan Juni (’97) of New Ulm teaches at Washington Elementary … Dana McCabe (’92) of St. Cloud teaches kindergarten through sixth-grade music … Angela Mitchell (’97) of Minneapolis teaches vocal music at Stillwater High School. In November, she married Eric Mitchell … Kerri (Franzen) Bilben (’96) of Elko, NV, teaches six levels of elementary music, five bands and one choir. She also coaches track and volleyball …Sue Estabrooks-Anderson (’91) has been promoted to service area manager for the Head Start Program at Ottertail - Wadena Community Action Council headquartered in New York Mills. She and her husband, Scott, have two daughters and live in the Wadena area where Scott restores antique furniture … Thomas Chong (’92) and his wife, Sylvia, live in Singapore where he works with Temesek Polytechnic. He left IBM World Trade Asia in 1998 after winning the Asia-Pacific (Continued on page 8)
Horizons Page 8 Coya Knutson Named Distinguished Minnesotan
Coya Knutson
Coya Knutson, the first and only woman from Minnesota to serve in the U.S. Congress, was named as the recipient of the 1999 Distinguished Minnesotan Award from Bemidji State University. Coya Knutson, who died in 1996, is the 19th recipient of the award, which is annually presented to a current or former resident of the state who has performed exemplary service to the people of Minnesota or the United States. The daughter of Norwegian immigrants, Knutson was born Cornelia Gjesdal in Edmore, ND, where she learned firsthand the problems facing the family farm. She graduated from Concordia College in Moorhead and embarked on a 16-year career teaching high school music. Living in Oklee, her political career began in 1948 when she became chair of the Red Lake County Democratic-Farmer Labor party and served as a delegate to the DFL National Convention. She won a seat in the Minnesota House of Representatives in 1950 and supported issues relat-
ing to dairy farming, maternal care, education for the handicapped, and mental health. In 1954 she successfully challenged a Republican incumbent for the U.S. Congress, basing her campaign on the need for better support of family farmers and a critique of the farm policy of President Eisenhower and his secretary of agriculture, Ezra Taft Benson. After her election, she became the first woman to gain a seat on the influential Agriculture Committee. During her two-term tenure in Congress, she advocated
increased price supports for farm products, an extension of the food-stamp program for the distribution of farm surpluses, and a federally supported school lunch program. She felt that her greatest professional accomplishments were legislation initiating the student loan program and the first money for cystic fibrosis research. The award was presented during spring commencement ceremonies at Bemidji State with Terry Knutson accepting the honor for his mother.
HOMECOMING 1999
Heritage Club Names Charter Members The BSU Foundation is proud to present the Charter Members of the Heritage Club, a planned gift recognition club. Planned gifts are those that are deferred until the end of a person’s lifetime and include bequests in wills, insurance policies, retirement accounts, charitable gift annuities and trusts. These gifts are the lifeblood of the future of the Foundation and of financial support of the University. These gifts are also the most personal of gifts, as they are often involved in the planning of one’s estate, and are considered along with the donor’s wishes and desires for their own family.
Heritage Club Charter Members The Bemidji State University Foundation expresses sincere appreciation for the generosity and thoughtfulness of these gifts. If you have made a planned gift to Bemidji State and your name is not on the list, please contact the BSU Foundation at 751-2876 or toll-free at 1-888-234-5718. Anonymous Anonymous Anonymous Joan Campbell Anderson H.C. and Jessie Baer M. James and Nancy Bensen Marie Bishop John “Fred” Breen Estate Raymond Breen Estate Lynne E. Bunt Estate Lyle E. Dally Lowell “Ted” and Ardis Gillett James D. Gribble Kathryn K. Hamm
Myrtie Hunt Oluf and Margaret Haugsrud Estate Esther F. Instebo John “Jack” and Delphine Jacobsen Vince Johnson Estate Margaret A. Kircher Eva Lind Estate Dorothy L. Moore Harry W. Moore Claude W. Morris David L. Peterson Estate Merril Thiel David M. and Margaret M. Tiffany
Homecoming Set for Sept. 27 to Oct. 3 “Rock, Roll and Reminisce!” is the theme for Bemidji State University’s 1999 Homecoming celebration and another exciting weekend is being planned. All alumni events will be held at the David Park House or on campus in the Beaux Arts Ballroom, including the alumni breakfast pepfest, the annual alumni Honors Luncheon, and the “Fifth” quarter post-game reception. The BSU Beavers will host Concordia College of St. Paul during the traditional Homecoming football game October 2. The BSU Alumni Association will also be sponsoring reunions of the Classes of 1974 (25 years) and 1959 (40 years). More information relating to Homecoming 1999 will be included in the next issue of HORIZONS and brochures will be mailed to all active members of the association. For additional information, contact the Bemidji State University Alumni Office by calling 755-3989 (local) or (1-877-BSUALUM (toll free).
Where We Are ... What We’re Doing (Continued from page 5)
President’s 1998 “Win-Execute-Team” award. The couple has two children … Shane Zutz (’98) is a communications teacher with Franklin Middle School in Thief River Falls. He recently became a father, coaches baseball, and is a football referee … Kara Bernard (’93) is currently working on her master’s degree in counseling psychology at the Minneapolis campus of St. Mary’s University … Luke Nemec (’95) recently joined the Family Chiropractic Center of International Falls, where he completed his chiropractic internship. He and his wife, Marci, have one son … Jamie Pettit (’96) works as an internal auditor for the First National Bank, Wadena. He is also a Section 4A High School Hockey statistics coordinator and provides high school hockey color commentary for KSKK Radio … Joanne Nigbor (’97) of St. Paul is a member of Sebastian Orange, a band composed entirely of BSU graduates … Teresa Hinkkanen (’98) has been named as the diabetic education coordinator of a newly developed Diabetes Resource Center at the University Medical Center Mesabi at Hibbing. She will be responsible for coordinating patient education, as well as program development, implementation and evaluation. Hinkkanen is a registered nurse and has most recently served as a staff nurse at the same Hibbing hospital … Andrew Maki (’98) of Blaine was hired in January as an environmental technician with Superior Special Services of Moundsview. The company deals with hazardous waste transportation, response and remediation. He will manage his own crew this summer … Janelle (Fay) Saiger (’98) and her husband, Kirk, of Bemidji announce the April 5, 1998,
birth of their son, Bryce Christopher … Danae (Beattie) Lund (’91) of Bemidji works as a pediatric psychologist and her husband, Eric, teaches in the math department at BSU. They have a son who’s not yet a year old … Nancy Pearson (’90) of Fosston has two sons and teaches K-12 music at Pershing High School in Plummer … Julie Maciej (’97) of Bemidji works at Pizza Hut and is involved with the Red Line Swingers. She went on tour with the university band in November and also performed two concerts with the Bemidji Community Band … Misty Miranda Bauman (’97) and Eric Jobe (’98) were married Aug. 8, 1998 in Bemidji. Misty is employed as a program coordinator for Lakes and Pines CAP in Mora. Eric teaches mathematics at Mora High School … Robin Reed (’95) works for Norwest in the employee benefits department and recently bought a house in South Minneapolis … John D. Ingebritson (’96) of Pipestone teaches first grade. He recently returned to Minnesota after spending two years teaching in Grapevine, TX … Brian Weierke (’91) is in his fourth year as a police officer for the city of Fridley … Nicholas Walk (’96) of Erskine works at Erskine Manufacturing Co. as a tech-purchasing agent. Last August he married Gina Marion, who works at Arctic Cat… Ann Johnson (’90) of Westminster, CO, works in the controller’s department of Ball Corporation Headquarters in Broomfield, CO. She plans a June 5 wedding in St. Cloud … Melissa M. (Larson) Brelje (’92) teaches seventh and eighth grade at Sacred Heart Catholic School at Sunfish Lake … Cheryl Olivanti (’98) is a financial advisor at
American Express Financial Advisors in Virginia, a position she’s held for about a year. In July she will become an independent contractor for the company. Prior experience includes 14 years of work in a variety of banking positions … Randy Hilliard (’90) was recently hired as the first economic director for the Clearwater Economic Development Organization. Hilliard brings over 10 years of experience to the position, most recently serving as the executive director of the Mille Lacs Area Community Development Corporation. Other experience was gained in positions at the Headwaters Regional Development Commission, Bemidji; the Region 5 Development Commission, Staples; and the Central Minnesota Initiative Fund, Little Falls … Steffanie Arneson (’98) of Pillager has joined TDS Telecom as a customer sales and service representative in the Pequot Lakes office. She previously worked at Madden’s Resort, Inc., as a sales/event support associate. She had also been employed by Paul Bunyan Rural Telephone Cooperative as a public relations and marketing specialist … Daren Blanck (’91), Pequot Lakes science, drama and speech instructor, will take a one year leave of absence to study theatre in London, England. He won the opportunity through a competitive audition process and will enroll in a graduate course in acting and the musical theater at the Guildford School of Acting, the University of Surrey, one of the most respected theatre schools in the United Kingdom … Allison Myers (’98) has joined Bremer Bank of Crookston as a credit analyst. She will provide assistance and support to the agricultural and commercial lending
Vegas, NV, and plans to marry Boyd Hager (’98) on Aug. 14 … Judy Farber (’93) is the coordinator of the first Kinship program in Todd and Wadena Counties. Kinship is a program that asks an adult volunteer to become a mentor for a young person between the ages of five and 17. Faber’s Kinship program office is in Wadena, where she is also a Hospice volunteer … Amy Daren Blanck Janke Sobieski (’90) of St. Paul departments by analyzing financial and credit was recently married and is working for the information … Deanna (Hamilton) Kruse (’90) of Minnesota Department of Agriculture … Lyle Barabo, WI, works as a support manager with WalWallin (’98) will go to South Africa to give a Mart. She’s been married since 1992 and has a twopresentation on micrometeorites found near Walker year-old son … Alisa McNallan (’96) of Bagley in glacial outwash areas. The particles are works as a substitute teacher and has two small approximately 20 microns in size and have to be children … Meg Holt (’96) of Ames, IA, is finishing a viewed through a scanning electron microscope … master’s in ecology and evolutionary biology at Iowa Kaylene K. Stieg (’94) of Coon Rapids is currently State University and works for the USDA’s Natural the finance manager in charge of handling budgeting Resource Conservation Service … Diane Trevena and re-foresting for Paragon Cable, a Time Warner (’91) of Pompano Beach, FL, graduated in May, 1998, Inc. company, in Minneapolis … Kurt Boyum (’94) from Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton, FL, was recently named assistant coach of the year for completing her master’s degree in nursing as a nurse Section I Boys’ Cross Country. He coaches at practitioner … Mark McCoy (’91) moved to Plainview and lives in Rochester with his wife, Wilmington, NC, right after graduation to pursue a Cindy, and two sons. He’d previously spent about career in the film industry. He’s worked on 12 four years coaching in Fairmont … Sue Hurlbert productions including ”The Young Indiana Jones (’95) and Brian Sauve, both of Bemidji, were Chronicles” with George Lucas, “Virus” with Jamie married April 10 at the Flamingo Hilton Gazebo Lee Curtis, and the soon-to-be-released “Elmo in Chapel in Las Vegas, NV. Sue is employed with Grouchland” and “Muppets from Space” … Sara Kraus-Anderson Construction and Brian works with Raderschadt (’97) is teaching first-grade in Las the Beltrami County Highway Department.