winter01 by Bemidji State University

Horizons Page 1 BSUCalendar January 20, 2001

BSU Snow Ball. Beaux Arts Ballroom January 27, 2001

Beavers vs. U of M Gopher Hockey BSU Alumni/Beaver Pride Reception Radisson Hotel Metrodome 5-6:30 p.m. Hockey Game/Mariucci Arena 7:05 p.m.

Vol. 16, No. 2, Winter 2000-2001

BSUHorizons

February 16, 2001

MN State Music Educators Annual Convention & BSU Alumni Association Reception, Minneapolis Hilton and Towers March 11-12, 2001

BSU Winter Rendezvous, Colorado Belle / Laughlin, NV April 28 2001

BSU Alumni Association Board Meeting May 17-18, 2001

50-Year Reunion of the Class of 1951 May 18, 2001

BSU Commencement Exercises

A Publication for Alumni & Friends of Bemidji State University

Bemidji State University

BSUHorizons

Bemidji State University Alumni Association 1500 Birchmont Drive NE, Box 17 Bemidji, MN 56601-2699 218-755-3989 / 1-877-BSU-ALUM alumni@bemidjistate.edu http://info.bemidjistate.edu/alumni

t was the fall of 1955 when Dr. Jim Bensen started his association with Bemidji State University. Bensen was pretty much a typical Bemidji State freshman for those times: from a small town, straight off the family farm, and a new graduate of Erskine High School. On September 26 of this year, he announced he would be retiring as BSU president in August of 2001. His length journey in education included stops at Wisconsin-Stout, where he earned a master’s degree, and Penn State, where he received a doctorate. His professional career included serving as the dean for the prestigious UWStout School of Technology and as president of the Dunwoody Institute before returning to BSU as the school’s eighth president in June of 1994. Bensen, who will be 64-1/2 when he retires, recently took time to reflect on his journey in education.

You were a young kid from a small town and straight off the farm when you arrived. How were you prepared for college? Growing up on a family farm in the ’50s I learned early about long days, staying with a task until completed and the rewards that come with a job well done. My father died when I was 16. My younger brother Kermit and I assumed full responsibility for carrying on the duties of our farm operation. It meant 5 a.m. mornings and very late evenings, as we were both heavily involved in extra-curricular activities at school. I was not as prepared for college as our current freshmen are. While I took all the math and science courses available, the variety and depth of offerings in high school today are so much greater than they were then.

Were you anxious coming to the “big town” and college?

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I was excited and busy. Back then, unless you had a rich uncle, there were no financial aid programs available to students without resources. I worked two jobs on campus, one in the lab school

Bensen to Retire in August

cafeteria and the other in the student center. The going rate was 35 cents an hour for on-campus jobs, enough to buy a gallon of gas. I also worked evenings at Sears unloading and loading freight, and was paid a big 50 cents an hour. I made the decision to become a teacher and coach from the experiences I had in high school. My teachers were mentors and terrific role models ... I felt education would be a challenging and rewarding career. Coming from a small high school, the opportunities to participate in sports, choir and theater were available to anyone. I particularly found the competition of sports to be exciting. I believe that the team work, leadership and hard work that come with athletics were important in preparing me for all aspects of life.

What is different or similar now compared to college life in the ’50s? Bemidji State was a teacher’s college when I arrived on campus and changed its name to Bemidji State College by the time I graduated. There were a few majors that did not lead to a teaching certificate. Now the range of majors provides so many more opportunities for our students. Students today face many of the same problems in meeting financial costs ... though the expectations are so different. Nobody could afford a car, so there were none on the campus. Today, with car costs, insurance, music systems, television, computers and other expectations, students assume more financial responsibilities than we ever had to take on. Many things are very similar

today than they were back when I was a student . . the caring faculty and staff that provide unselfish support for those who come to learn. On the other hand, the pace of change today is a whole different world. Students who enroll today at BSU can expect the knowledge base in the world to double twice before they graduate.

Has the field of higher education kept pace with the changing students?

We prepared for a profession and went out and did well with what was taught us. Today, it is much more important to teach our students how to learn and how to solve problems. One of the beneficial trends that developed over the years was a transition from theory to the application of theory. I have observed, over the years, that universities with a heritage in teacher education tend to take the application of knowledge right in stride. Student research, design, and application of what they learn have better prepared them to succeed in the world.

What’s in store for the future of education?

I believe that we are just at the cusp of change in education at all levels. We will see significantly more private ventures developing ways to provide learning and educational experiences. The “knowhow” that is coming on the scene in telecommunications, multimedia, and other information technologies will provide tools for continuous and asynchronous learning — anything, anywhere and anytime — that we could not have imagined a decade or two ago.

That’s a thought that frightens some administrators and faculty. Where does that leave higher education? Higher education will play a major role in preparing young adults and in retraining those already in the work force. The challenges and opportunities will come from the rising expectations of society, the explosion of knowledge, and the competition from the private sector in the delivery of educational services. Faculty will take on more of a model of diagnosis, prescription, “treatment” and assessment than they have in the past. The dissemination of knowledge will be much more far ranging ... faculty will become facilitators and partners in learning.

That’s a look into the future. What have you come to understand about your career in education? Early on I found my love for teaching. Where else can one make such a vital contribution to individuals as well as society as a whole? I have received dozens of awards in my career and many of them are for achievement at the top of my profession, but the one that I treasure most is being named by the students at Wisconsin-Stout as their “Distinguished Teacher.” I have been so fortunate to practice my profession with such talented and committed people. They, in all cases, deserve the recognition, but I feel privileged to have been able to work with them. (Continued on page 5)

Horizons Page 2

Sports

Fall 2000 Sports

Football

Women’s Golf The Bemidji State women’s golf team finished its season by capturing third place in the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference Women’s Golf Championship. Freshman Jeanne Larson (Springfield) paced the Beavers by earning All-NSIC honors with a fourth-place individual finish. The BSU women’s golf program, in just its fifth year, came into the league event as the defending champion having earned its first title in 1999. The Beavers are coached by Jim Mergens.

(9-2, 6-2 NSIC)

The Beaver football team completed its third-straight year of improvement, ending the season with the most victories in school history (nine), claiming sole possession of second place in the conference, and shattering several individual records along the way. Sophomore running back Eddie Acosta (Bemidji) led an impressive BSU ground game and earned new records for single season rushing (1,690 yards), rushing touchdowns (18), and total touchdowns (25). Junior quarterback Geoff Martinson (Sauk Rapids) tied a record for pass completions (165) and set new standards for passing attempts (296) and passing TDs (25). Junior wide receiver Jason Leden (Stevens Point, WI) set several career records with a season of play still ahead of him. He now holds the record for career receptions (135), career receiving yards (1,764) and career touchdown receptions (18). As a team, the Beavers scored 367 points this year to break the mark of 362 set in 1999. The team also scored the most points ever in a game, rolling out 70 against Minnesota-Morris. The 9-2 record lifted Jeff Tesch to 27-25 overall as the BSU head coach.

Volleyball

(10-19, 8-10 NSIC)

The Bemidji State volleyball team ended a rough season in a positive fashion by winning four of its last five matches with a variety of players making contributions to the team. Team leaders included senior Beth Virnig-Fischer (Pierz) with 288 kills and 313 digs; junior Jill Anundson (Baudette) with 932 set assists and 41 ace serves; and senior Maureen McCartney (Breckenridge) with 90 total blocks. Coach Donna Palivec’s squad faced one of the most ambitious NCAA Division II pre-conference schedules, which contributed to the slow start as the Beavers rebuilt from their 25-7 1999 campaign. The NSIC proved an arduous road as well with the Beavers finishing sixth in a league that featured a pair of nationally-ranked squads.

Men’s Golf The Beaver men’s golf team continued its NSIC domination by claiming its fourth consecutive and 15th overall league championship as five golfers finished in the top 10 during the conference showdown. The Beavers were led by sophomore Tom Jenkins (Bemidji) and junior Tom Downs (Bemidji), who tied for second in the two-day tournament. Joining them on the All-NSIC unit were sophomore Kevin Krigbaum (Bemidji) and sophomore Travis Quam (Fosston). Head coach Don Niskanen was named the league’s Golf Coach of the Year.

Women’s Soccer (4-9-2, 2-6-1)

The Bemidji State women’s soccer team continued its improvement, finishing the 2000 season with four wins after earning three last season and one each in the team’s first two seasons. Three of the BSU wins, however, turned to forfeits when a player dropped below the minimum of 12 credits needed to maintain eligibility. The Beavers posted its record under first-year head coach Jeff Mitchell. Bemidji State is a young team that will return all of its players for the 2001 season. Sophomore Becky Elk (Elgin, IL) led BSU with five goals and four assists while sophomore Lauren Miller (Orono) added three goals and four assists and junior Kelly Lessman (Bemidji) four goals and one assist. Sophomore Niki Dalka (Rhinelander, WI) handled the goaltending duties, ending the year with a .781 save percentage.

Women’s Cross Country The Bemidji State women’s cross country finished in sixth place at the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference Championships this fall. Sophomore Martha Miltich (Grand Rapids) paced the Beavers, finishing in 21st place while senior Kaia Swenson (Brainerd) was 29th. The league outing capped a 10-meet schedule for head coach Craig Hougen and his running crew.

Horizons Page 3

Plans Move Forward

on American Indian Resource Center

Bemidji State University plans to break ground for a new $2 million American Indian Resource Center next spring, fulfilling a dream envisioned decades ago by both university and tribal leaders. The facility will house innovative programs developed to attract, retain and graduate American Indian students, according to Carl Baer, vice president for university advancement. The exact square footage and a building site on-campus have yet to be finalized, said Baer. The $2 million in building funds were allocated by the Minnesota Legislature as part of its bonding bill approved last session. To date, an additional $250,000 has been pledged by Minnesota’s tribal leaders and area foundations to be used in developing the programs that will be housed in the new facility, which should be ready for occupancy by spring of 2002. “Programming will begin with the hiring of an outreach person who will travel to each American Indian community in Minnesota to meet with students and teachers at the elementary and middle school level to inform and excite them about post secondary education opportunities,” said Baer. “Detailed planning and organization of other center programs are underway and they will come on line as funding and space become available.”

Bemidji State University

The new facility will house BSU’s American Indian Studies Department, and future plans include a tribal government resource and training center, a cultural diversity training center and a visiting elder program. American Indian arts and artifacts will be appropriately displayed at the center, but it will not include a museum. Physical components of the center will include a gathering space, offices for the outreach person and American Indian Studies faculty members, a classroom, kitchen and an outside gathering space. “We want the building to be a very central part of the campus,” said Baer. “The program activities and cultural diversity knowledge and training they will foster across the campus will touch all other areas and create a unique valueadded environment for learning.” “It’s really being built for the students,” said Lenee Ross, executive director of the American Indian Resource Center. “It’s intended to help recruit and retain American Indian students as well as providing them with a refuge from what sometimes seems an alien environment to those who have experienced a reservation upbringing or who maintain close family connections with reservation communities. It will integrate academic support services with a social gathering place.”

For many American Indian students, the discomfort they may feel on campus stems largely from a basic cultural difference in their upbringing, said Ross. Having been raised with a cultural disposition to always put others first, in terms of respect and even in native speech patterns, American Indian students suddenly find themselves in a university environment where those who are most assertive in classroom discussions tend to get the most positive attention. The very characteristics that may have been frowned upon in their homes and communities are considered an asset in a university environment where free exchange of ideas and debate is encouraged. As evidence of the existing need, Ross said current statistics

Susan Carol Hauser, an associate professor of English, has published a new book about the fascinating history of wild rice, including its mythology and lore as well as a complete guide to harvesting, preparing and serving a variety of wild rice dishes. Wild Rice Cooking tells the story of the plant and the cultures that have depended on it for centuries. In addition, the book contains 80 wild rice recipes gathered by Hauser from friends and family. The easy-to-follow recipes include hearty dinner entrees, light breakfasts, snacks, desserts and even beverages.

Where We Are ... What We’re Doing

Vol. 16, No. 2, Winter 2000-2001

Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Al Nohner Designer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Kathy Berglund Photographer . . . . . . . . . . . . . John Swartz President . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dr. Jim Bensen Alumni Director . . . . . Marla Huss Patrias Contributing Writers . . . . . . . . Jody Grau, Cindy Serratore Editorial Assistance . . . . . . . . Peggy Nohner Editorial Board: Dr. Jim Bensen, BSU president; Al Nohner, director of news services and publications; Carl Baer, vice president for university advancement; Dr. Jeff Totten, assistant professor of business administration; Dr. Gerald Morine, professor of chemistry; Marla Huss Patrias, director of alumni relations.

dian Studies Program and developing a technology hub to help American Indian students use the Internet to overcome distance barriers to their education. Baer wants the new center programming to challenge our existing ideas of how to help any student population struggling to overcome individual or group obstacles. “Messages of success are very important. It’s a benefit to our entire campus for American Indian students to consider themselves proud ambassadors of their culture and local history and to share that with the faculty and student body,” said Baer. “Then we all benefit from that knowledge and more fully recognize its value.”

Faculty Member Publishes Book on Wild Rice

BSUHorizons Produced by the News and Publications Office and the Alumni Office at Bemidji State University, HORIZONS is published quarterly and distributed without charge to BSU alumni, students, faculty, staff and other friends of the University. BSU is an equal opportunity educator and employer.

show college drop out rates for American Indian students ranging from 75 to 95 percent, depending on the area of country. He believes educators need cultural diversity training and students need strong role models in order to improve this scenario. “Having successful students accessible who can serve as role models and work with high school students and new university students is a better way of encouraging American Indian students to pursue and complete a post secondary education,” said Ross. The center will provide an environment in which BSU’s Indian Studies Program can expand. Goals for that expansion include creating an Ojibwe language major or emphasis within the In-

ALL CITIES ARE LOCATED IN MINNESOTA UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED.

1930s Russell Harding (’39) writes a column about gardening for the Austin Daily Herald, which appears on Wednesdays . . . Erma Weir (’36) lives along the Pacific Coast in Oregon. She was a member of the Oregon State University physical education staff for 29 years, retiring in 1974.

1950s DeEtta (Kapphahn) Watts (’57) has lived in Fridley since 1963 and was a teacher for more than 20 years. In 1985 she took over her husband’s insurance agency. She became a widow in 1993. She has two daughters and two grandchildren . . . Ray Green (’50) was honored this summer when he received the Warroad High School Outstanding Alumni Award. Green taught in Badger, then taught for 15 years in Warroad and another 15 years in Bloomington, before retiring in 1984 and moving back to Warroad. Since then he’s been an active member of the community participating in The Z-

Men at Zion Lutheran church and singing and playing the guitar at many community events . . . Nolan Sorenson (’59) of Colraine has enjoyed wood carving since retiring from a career as an elementary teacher. He started his teaching career in a one-room country school located between Bagley and Fosston and then spent 32 years teaching and working as the elementary school librarian at Coleraine. He has one granddaughter.

1960s John Colosimo (’64) recently was named as a “Super Lawyer” (in the categories of Personal Injury, Employment Litigation, Insurance, and School Law) by the publication of “Minnesota Law and Politics,” placing him among the top five percent of Minnesota lawyers. He was selected by polling 8,000 lawyers across the state. He has practiced since 1972 and is the managing partner of the firm Colosimo, Patchin, Aronson and Kearney, Virginia . . . Harry Salminen (’67) filed as a candidate for a Becker County commissioner post.

He is an independent businessman and has lived in Lakeview Township since 1972. He’s a former educator and former employee of the governor’s Manpower office, which oversees economic development in rural areas of the state . . . Russ Goplin (’67) of Bemidji retired in 1999 after teaching for 31 years. His wife, Mandy, is in her 31st year of teaching, as well . . . Terry Fredin (’69) and Karen Fredin (’68) live in Windom . . . Allen

Rasmussen (’65) of International Falls plans to retire in 2001 from his position as president at Rainy River College, a post he’s held for 11 years. He’s been employed with the college a total of 31 years . . . Harold Knoll (’72) recently started his new position as superintendent of schools in Park River, ND. He’d spent the last eight years in Jamestown, first as assistant superintendent at Jamestown Public School and then as vice president of Jamestown College. He and his wife, Jan, have two collegeage sons . . . Bob Scarpino (’69) lives in Port Clinton, OH, with his wife, Jan. He is retired from the U.S. Coast Guard and works part-time as a paper delivery person and substitute teacher. Jan works as a receptionist at a local doctor’s office. They have three children, the youngest a high school senior.

1970s

A group of college classmates from the class of 1960 were reunited at BSU this summer to renew old friendships, reminisce and tour the campus. Pictured are (kneeling) Lenore Marken, Macine Harty, (standing) Kathryn Mertz, Janette Fox, Arleen Boyd, Carol Anfinson, Pat Kjellgren, and Helen Toriseva.

Kathy Gilbert (’73) is the new computer teacher at Deer River schools. Her teaching experience includes both King and North Elementary Schools at Deer River. She and her husband live on Deer Lake and have two sons and a daughter . . . (Continued on page 4)

Horizons Page 4

Hall ofofFame Athletic Hall Fame Gains New members Ten individuals were inducted into the Bemidji State University Athletic Hall of Fame during a banquet and ceremony October 6. Inductees into the hall were Lee Ahlbrecht, Bemidji; Greg Beaumont, Rockville; John “Dan” Bergan, Hibbing; Laurie (Bottem) Kelly, Roundup, MT; Jim McElmury, Cottage Grove; Warren Mertens, Motley; Don Otness, Belleville, IL; Don Papreck, Bemidji; Richard (Dick) Robbins, Bemidji; and Roger Twigg, Crosby. The Athletic Hall of Fame recognizes former coaches, educators or competitors at Bemidji State who have gone on to excel in their athletic, professional or personal lives. LEE AHLBRECHT is a 1966 graduate of Bemidji State who returned in 1968 to begin an exemplary coaching career for the Beavers. His swim teams compiled a 15049 record during his tenure while he coached 151 All-Americans, four national champions and seven Olympic trial qualifiers. His teams finished in the top 20 nationally every year. GREG BEAUMONT, a member of the men’s basketball team from 1969-1973, was a district All-Star selection from a 1973 squad that notched 19 wins. He recorded 777 points during his career as a Beaver. Currently at Rocori High School, he coached the girl’s basketball team to five conference championships and a second-

place finish in the 1987 state tournament. DAN BERGAN was a four-time letterman in baseball who was the conference strikeout king in 1966. He now teaches English at Hibbing High School where he also chairs the department. He was received a Minnesota Writer’s Grant from 1986-88 and was named a Minnesota Humanities Fellow in 1991. He also is the pitching coach at Hibbing High School. 2000 ATHLETIC HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES (Front row, left to right: Roger Twigg, Don Papreck, Laurie (Bottem) Kelly, Jim McElmury, and Lee Ahlbrecht. Back row: Richard (Dick) Robbins, Don Otness, Warren Mertens, Greg Beaumont, and John “Dan” Bergan. LAURIE KELLY (1978) was a standout in field hockey where she led the team to assistant coach of the Cottage Belleville East basketball team to primarily in California, his math one state tournament, seven re- students finished in the top five nationals for three straight years Grove high school team. and still is the all-time national WARREN MERTENS, who graduated gional championships, and six in the nation three times for the number of National Merit Scholsingle season scoring leader with in 1977, still owns the Beaver invitational tournament titles. 93 goals. A teacher at Lincoln baseball record for single season DON PAPRECK was a member of the arship Finalists. He retired as an High in Roundup, she guided her ERA with a 1.37 mark as well as gymnastics team from 1968-1970 assistant principal and now is acvolleyball team to the 1998 state the career strikeout record of 124. when he set a record for the most tive as a volunteer in Bemidji. championship, five district titles, He spent several years in the mi- points scored in a season. He ROGER TWIGG graduated from BSU and six conference crowns. nors, including one winter league qualified for nationals three in 1971 after a career in track and JIM McELMURY was an All-Ameri- season with Twins manager Tom times. After competing, he stayed field, as well as cross country. As can skater for the Beaver Kelly. Mertens now is the head at BSU to coach the men’s and a coach at Crosby Ironton, he was hockey team, which he baseball coach at Central Lakes women’s teams at different times. named Coach of the Year four captained for three years and led Community College in Brainerd. He remains active as a coach in times in track or cross country, to four NAIA championships. DON OTNESS (1957) was a mem- high school as well as club gym- had 71 state meet participants in Following graduation in 1971, ber of the basketball team for four nastics and was named Region 8 track and field, and won a dozen district track championships. He he was a member of the 1972 years, a co-captain his senior Coach of the Year in 2000. U.S. Olympic team that won a year, and a member of the track DICK ROBBINS was a member of the recently purchased a sports silver medal as well as four na- team. A high school teacher in men’s basketball team when he agency that assists runners in tional squads. He now is the Illinois for 35 years and a coach garnered All-Conference honors entering elite races. for 25 years, he guided his in 1957. A teacher for 30 years,

(Continued from page 3)

Waterville-Elysian-Morristown K-8 principal. Since 1991 he’d been a fourth grade teacher at Morris Bye Elementary School in Coon Rapids and completed a principal internship at St. Mary’s University …Wayne Ruud (’71) and Elaine Ruud (’71) live in Karlstad where Wayne is the city administrator. Elaine works as a reading recovery teacher at Karlstad schools . . . Steve Maanum (’72) is teaching fifth grade in Park Rapids and was selected as the K-6 Minnesota Forest Educator of the Year 2000. He’s been married to his wife, Deb, for 27 years and they have two grown children, Carrie and Scott . . . Sue Carstens (’77) is the new elementary LD and EBD instructor at Roseau schools. She and her husband, John (’81), live in rural Roseau and have two children, Sam, 20, who attends college in Ashland, WI, and daughter, Anna, who is a senior at Roseau High School . . . Jill Geisen (’77) was hired this fall to teach second grade at Fertile-Beltrami schools. She had previously taught Sue Carstens kindergarten, early

Beryl Blashill (’72) was recently promoted to communications supervisor, a newly created position in the Beltrami County Sheriff’s Department. She has worked in the department for 27 years, starting as a dispatcher in the old Bemidji City Hall. In her new position she will oversee 13 staff members and be in charge of all communications equipment for the county. Her department will also be working on longrange goals that include establishing a new emergency services frequency and updating shared frequencies. She also heads the emergency response team that handles missing persons and other emergency situations . . . Bill Bill Parish Parish (’76), a 16-year employee of the Cook County Highway Department, was selected recently as the department’s new supervisor . . . Cathy (Rehn) Sutton (’71) and her husband, Arnold (’81) , work with an international missions organization as consultants to missionary children’s schools. They live in Camdenton, MO . . . Gregory Ferrin (’74) has been hired as the new

childhood family education and learning readiness at Mentor for 23 years . . . Dave Courtier (’70) retired in July from his 20-year career at the Minnesota Correctional Facility-Red Wing and filed as a candidate for Fifth District Goodhue County commissioner. He lives in Spring Lake Park with his wife, Dawn, and 14-year-old son . . . Dennis Marchetti (’74) was recently elected as the new northern area business representative for Sheet Metal Workers International Association, Local 10. He was a 25-year member of Sheet Metal Workers Local Union 10 while employed by Chisholm Heating & Sheet metal Company and Range Cornice & Roofing Company of Hibbing, as their shop foreman and field superintendent for the past 12 years . . . Lynn Sibert (’73) is teaching fifth grade this year at Cannon Falls Elementary School. She and her husband, Jerry, live in Red Wing and have two children, Tara, who is attending UMD, and Jeff, a student at Iowa State . . . Gregory Ohl (’76) is the new superintendent of School District 192 in Farmington. He had previously been superintendent of schools in Foley since July of 1995 . . . Ralph Rokke (’73) was installed in July as the third full-time pastor at St. James Lutheran Church in West St. Paul. He had served as a part-time, interim visitation pastor at St. James for the past 18 months, during which he and his wife, Kathi (’73) , became well acquainted with the congregation . . . Gary Lamppa (’70) has become an

associate of the firm Short Elliot Hendrickson, Duluth. He is marketing manager for northern Minnesota and joined the firm in 1990. He has more than 30 years of experience in marketing and government-related services . . . Bernice Corner (’74) moved her law offices from Blackduck to her home in Northome in October. She began her practice in Northome in 1977, where she was the first attorney in 25 years and the first female attorney in Koochiching County . . . Dale Merschman (’70) was recently named runner-up in a national woodcarving contest. Merschman, of Baudette, placed second with a carving featuring Minnesota Governor Jesse Ventura and was awarded $500 in equipment from contest sponsor Rockler Woodworking and Hardware. He has been employed with the U.S. Customs Service since 1986, serving most of those years at Baudette . . . Steve Savageau (’74) was recently appointed manager of administrative services for the St. Louis County Historical Society. He had previously served on the advisory committee for Veterans’ Memorial Hall sponsored by the historical society. He lives in Duluth with his son, Robert, and daughter, Emily . . . Daniel Rose (’73), a colonel in the United States Marine Corps, retired after serving 27 years. He lives in Willow Grove, PA . . . Teri Brooks (’76), a former teacher at St. Philip’s Elementary School, will tour Japan as a participant in the Fulbright Memorial Fund Teacher Program. She

was selected from a national pool of more than 2,000 applicants. The program allows primary and secondary school teachers in the United States to travel to Japan for three weeks in an effort to promote greater intercultural understanding. Brooks currently teaches elementary physical education in Sauk Centre . . . Mandy Goplin (’70) is in her 31st year of teaching. She lives in Bemidji with her husband, Russ (’67) , who retired from teaching in 1999 . . .

1980s Mark Beer (’87) and his wife, Kathy, of Roseville announce the Oct. 9 birth of a daughter . . . Polly Sheppard (’86) is teaching English at Deer River High School this year. She has taught at Nicollet High School in the Twin Cities area, at Waseca Jr. High School and at Greenway High School. She lives in Grand Rapids with her husband , Mark (’85) . . . Carol Guy (’83) and her husband, Bruce (’96), live in Roseau with their sons, Adam, 17, and Jason, 14 . . . David Snetsinger (’88) filed as a candidate for reelection to the Mahnomen County Board, having served as a commissioner since 1996. He and his wife, Pamela, have been married 28 years and have four children. . . . Jane Trisko Chagnon (’84) lives in St. Paul and is working on finishing her master’s degree in management with hopes of graduating in May 20001 . . . Debra Blomberg (’86) is employed this year as a special education teacher in the New

Horizons Page 5

Communiques

from alumni and Marla Huss Patrias, Director of Alumni Relations

Fifth Annual BSU Winter Rendezvous March 11-12, 2001

The fifth annual BSU Winter Rendezvous will take place on March 11-12, 2001, in Laughlin, NV. The event, sponsored by the BSU Alumni Association, includes an opening reception, lodging at the Colorado Belle Hotel and Casino, a BSU winter golf classic tournament, and a finale banquet and awards ceremony. Alumni and current or former Bemidji residents are invited to participate. Look for registration information in the mail, or for further information, contact the BSU Alumni Office at 1-877-BSUALUM (toll-free) or 218-755-3989 (local).

Beavers vs. U of M Gophers, Hockey January 27, 2001

The BSU Alumni Association will co-host a reception in conjunction with the Beaver men’s hockey game at Mariucci Arena in Minneapolis on January 27, 2001. Game time is 7:05 p.m. The reception, co-hosted by Beaver Pride, will be held at the Radisson Hotel Metrodome from 5-6:30 p.m. Alums and friends of BSU are invited to attend. Tickets for the game may be available by calling the Gopher hockey ticket office at 1-800-U Gopher (toll free) or 612-624-8080 (metro area). A few tickets are also available on first-come, first-served basis through BSU by calling 1-877-3HOCKEY (toll free) or 218-755-3993 (local).

40 Year Reunion of the Class of 1960 Held at the David Park House on October 6, 2000

Members of the class of 1960 celebrated their 40-year class reunion this October during Homecoming, at the David Park House. We had over 25 people from that class participate, as well as several graduates of the classes of 1959 and 1961. A good time was had by all, catching up with friends not seen for many years, and reliving memories of the good times at BSU.

York Mills School District. She has taught in a number of Minnesota school districts and earned her developmental disabilities licensure from St. Cloud State University . . . Kathryn Awe (’84) of International Falls has published her first novel “Proud Mari” with Hard Shell Word Factory, a publisher that delivers its authors works over the Internet. The novel is about the feisty owner of a fishing resort on the shores of Rainy Lake. Awe calls her work a romance, but says it differs from the typical work in that genre. Readers may download her book from www.hardshell.com and it will soon be available through major book retailers, including Borders, Amazon.com and Powells . . . Mary Moen (’83) has been named the first music director of the Central Minnesota Boys Choir. Moen taught elementary music in International Falls and Argyle before accepting her current position at Staples Elementary School, where she has developed a strong choral program. The Central Minnesota Boys Choir works with choir members, parents and professionals to develop talent, artistic abilities, musical interest and leadership skills in boys. Mary lives in Wadena with her husband, Del (’82) who is a Lutheran minister, and their daughter, Britta . . . Tom Ringhand (’89) joined the teaching staff this fall at the Crosby-Ironton schools . . . Randall Sims (’89) was hired this fall as the new industrial tech teacher at Sauk Centre Public Schools. He has been teaching

since 1989, splitting his time among Sells, AZ, and Minnesota communities of Badger and Morris. He also served in the Minnesota Army National Guard . . . Anne Olmsted (’83) is teaching seventh grade reading, ninth and 10th grade composition and an elective class at Isle schools. She has held other teaching positions in West Germany, Texas and Minnesota . . . Donna Hickerson (’81) was selected by Bemidji School District employees as the 19992000 teacher of the year. She has been teaching language arts at the Bemidji Middle School for 11 years . . . Cindy Borowski (’84) was recently promoted to assistant jail administrator, a newly created position in the Beltrami County Sheriff’s Department. She’s been working for the county for more than 14 years having started in the records department in the old jail. She will eventually oversee the jail annex that is now being planned. . . . Ken Howe (’87) has been hired as the new partnership director for the Custom Training Services/Economic Development division of Northwest Technical College. He will be based at the Bemidji campus. Howe was previously employed as the general manager of Rural Vision, a television communications company, and at one time he had also served as director of enrollment management at Northwest Technical College. He and his wife, Kari, have three sons . . . Lois Ball (’86) has been appointed pastor of the Fosston and Erskine United Methodist Churches.

Nominations Sought for Alumni Association Board of Directors Active members of the BSU Alumni Association are encouraged to become candidates for one of the seven upcoming openings on the Alumni Association board of directors. In order to qualify to seek a position, candidates must have been awarded a degree from Bemidji State University and must be an active member of the organization. Active membership is defined as an alum who makes an annual contribution of $30 or more to the University Fund or any other program within the BSU Foundation. To be an eligible candidate, an alum must have made a gift since July 1, 1999. Nominations must be postmarked no later than February 1, 2001. Ballots will be mailed to all active alumni on March 1, 2001 and must be postmarked for return to the Alumni Office no later than April 1, 2001. New board members will be

In Memoriam Lester E. Drechsel, (’55) of Crookston Erland Welter, (’61) of Tucson, AZ (formerly of Bemidji) Adolph Kurtti, (’49) of Mahnomen, MN (formerly of Bemidji) Thomas Gardner (’94) of Bagley, MN Gloria Reuter (’69) (former staff) of Bemidji, MN

announced following the April board meeting. Board members whose terms will expire at the end of the current fiscal year include Don Gross ’81, Council Bluff, IA; Peggy Marvin Johnson ’67, Warroad, MN; Joanne Provo ’82, Minneapolis, MN; Pam Raden ’86, St. Cloud, MN; Jeff Wallin ’70, San Diego, CA; and Harvey Westrom ’57, Bloomington, MN. There is also one vacant position that will be filled through the election process. Any member of the BSU Alumni Association can nominate a candidate to seek election to the board. Nominations need to be submitted in writing and should include a brief profile of the nominee, including such things as: • employment experience; • previous involvement with the Alumni Association and / or the University; • special skills nominee will bring to the board; • notable accomplishments or achievements; and • other pertinent information. Submissions and inquiries can be forwarded to the BSU Alumni Office, BSU - Box 17, 1500 Birchmont Drive NE, Bemidji, MN 566012699 or by email at alumni@ bemidjistate.edu. The telephone number for the Alumni Association is 1-877-BSU-ALUM (toll free) or 1-218-755-3989.

Audrey (Thompson) Leonhardt (’34) of Kelliher, MN

She is a licensed local pastor enrolled in the Course of Study at Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary. Ball had recently been employed as a social worker for Mahnomen County and retired from that position to continue her education and serve the Fosston and Erskine churches . . . Nancy Bicanich Hanson (’87) was awarded a master’s of education degree in guidance and counseling from the University of Texas-El Paso in May . . . Craig Green (’80) was hired this summer as Kelliher’s new K-12 principal. He taught high school English classes in San Bernardino County, CA, for the past 12 years. He and his wife, Kathi, recently purchased a home near Waskish . . . John Peiffer (’80) is employed as an international business consultant. He lives with his wife and two children in Northbrook, IL . . . Todd Torguson (’89) manages Torguson Properties, LLC, and lives in Diamondhead, MS, along the Gulf Coast with his wife, Kelly, and three-year-old twin sons, Michael and Anthony . . . Jon Urquhart (’87) and Deb (Schlitz) Urquhart (’86) live in Coon Rapids and have two sons, Alex, 8, and Tyler, 6. Jon has worked for the Coon Rapids Police Department for 10 years and was recently promoted to sergeant. Deb is a consultant for Deloitte & Touche, an accounting firm . . . Linda Frances Lein (’86) is the author of two Christian-based books which have been published, “Mother to Mother: Letters About Being a Mom”

and “Mother to Mother: The Companion Study Book,” a Bible study guide. Lein also writes a column for Agri-Guide which is distributed in five Midwestern states. Her columns and poems on farming and family life on the farm are also being published in “Country Reflections.” She lives on a farm near Fergus Falls with her husband and sons . . . Arnie Sutton (’81) and his wife, Cathy, work with an international missions organization as consultants to missionary children’s schools. They live in Camdenton, MO . . . Jerry Vaughn (’83) married Lynda (Schmitt) Hyland Aug. 26 in Bemidji. He is an associate at Haack Engineering, Bemidji, and Lynda is employed as a secretary with United Methodist Church in Bemidji . . . Daniel Swalve (’87) has been employed with the Minneapolis Police Department since 1989 and is currently assigned as an investigator in the sex crimes unit. He and his wife of 10 years, Maribeth, live in Inver Grove Heights with their children, Morgan, 7, and Nolan, 5 . . . James W. Johnson (’89) has been promoted to North Suncoast news editor of the St. Petersburg, FL, Times. He oversees the production of four daily regional editions serving the counties north of the Tampa Bay area and had previously worked as a copy editor with the Times for two years. He lives in St. Petersburg with his wife, Barbara (’91) . . . Jill (Smith) Katrin (’86) of International Falls completed her master’s degree in education in May. She teaches second grade

BENSEN RETIRES (Continued from page 1)

You’ve indicated that you plan to stay active in BSU after you retire with work for the BSU Foundation as well as writing, consulting, and volunteering. That may keep you busy, but there will be things you miss. What do you think they’ll be?

I will miss the daily adrenal rush that comes by getting up in the morning and heading off to be with my friends! I don’t expect to be any less involved or that the pace of my life will slow down much. I have had numerous people already contact me with opportunities to be involved in some very exciting ventures. Now, the challenge will be to choose wisely and sort out new priorities. Nancy and I have been on a lifetime partnership throughout our marriage and I expect that the things that we take on will be done as much together as possible.

You’ve traveled the world and lived in many places, and still you and Nancy have decided to remain in the Bemidji area. Does that bring your life into a full circle? We love the lifestyle that we are afforded by living on Big Turtle Lake, close to a university and in a wonderful community. We treasure the arts, theater, music, sports and culture that are so abundant in Bemidji. We want to stay involved in ways that can make a contribution back to BSU and to society that has given so much to us. Mostly, however, we want to stay in the upper Midwest so that we can stay close to our family and our friends.

at Holler Elementary School . . . Dave Alfveby (’87) and Katie (Robinson) Alfveby (’87) live in Elk River with their three sons, Ben, 8, Daniel, 6, and Joel, 2. Dave is employed as a sales application engineer at Twin City Fan Corp. in Plymouth . . . Wendy Nyegaard (’88) teaches sixth grade math at the Bemidji Middle School. She lives in Bemidji with her husband, Curt, and four children, Bruce, 18, Kayla, 8,

Curt and Wendy Nyegaard and family (Continued on page 6)

Horizons Page 6

Outstanding Alumni Honored Dr. Steve DeKrey

Dr. Clinton Moen

Six graduates of Bemidji State University received Outstanding Alumni Awards as part of 2000 Homecoming festivities October 7. Recipients of the highest honor presented by the Alumni Association were Dr. Steve DeKrey, Hong Kong; Dr. Clinton Moen, Superior, WI; Dennis Peterson, Bemidji; Moses Tsang, Hong Kong; Joe Vene, Bemidji; and Yvonne Wilson, Deer River. The Outstanding Alumni Award was established to recognize the contributions BSU graduates have made to their professions, communities, and alma mater. Since 1972, 90 individuals have been named outstanding alumni. DR. STEVEN DeKREY, a 1975 BSU graduate, is currently the associate dean at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology School of Business and Management. He received a master’s from the University of Wisconsin, a doctorate from the University of Iowa, and an MBA from Northwestern University. He previously was the director of MBA programs at the University of Florida and served the Northwestern University J.L.

Dennis Peterson

Kellogg Graduate School of Management in a variety of administrative posts. He has served as the president of the Kellogg Alumni Club of Hong Kong as well as the Kowloon Rotary Club. DR. CLINTON MOEN graduated in 1969 and is currently at the Duluth Community Health Center. He received his medical degree from the University of Minnesota and performed his general surgery and orthopedic residencies at the Yale Medical Center. He has served as a clinical instructor for medical schools at Yale and UM-Duluth. In 1999 he completed a fellowship to the University of Utah Medical Center at Salt Lake City in total joint arthroplasty. His volunteer activities include providing orthopedic education and orthopedic care at a hospital in Uzgorod, Ukraine and at the Children’s Orthopedic Hospital in Caracas, Venezuela. DENNIS PETERSON, a 1979 graduate, taught two years in Waconia before moving to the Deer River school district to teach high school art in 1981. He is the recipient of several awards for

Moses Tsang

Joe Vene

Yvonne Wilson

teaching, including the Minnesota Secondary Art Teacher of the Year Award in 1988; a Christa McAuliffe Fellowship in 1989; a Visual Arts Teacher of the Year Award presented as part of the Disney salute to teachers in 1993; and Teacher of the Year Hall of Fame Award from BSU in 1995. He also assisted in the production of a 1990 movie, “Everyday Heroes,” which dealt with improving understanding between the Native American and White cultures in the Deer River area. MOSES TSANG completed his master’s at the University of Iowa and course work for a doctorate at the University of Chicago after graduating from BSU in 1972. He joined the firm of Goldman Sachs in 1978. Ten years later he was named a general partner and appointed chairman and managing director of Goldman Sachs in Asia, where he opened offices in Beijing, Shanghai, Seoul and Taipei. Following retirement as a general partner in 1994, he remained active as an entrepreneur, developer and senior advisor to Goldman Sachs Asia. He is a trustee of the Hong Kong Center for Economic Re-

search and is a member of the Young President Organization of Hong Kong. (Note: Moses Chang had a family emergency, and was unable to attend the award ceremony in October.) JOE VENE has served as the superintendent of the Northwest Juvenile Training Center in Bemidji since earning degrees from Bemidji State in 1974 and 1975. In 1998 he was named Corrections Person of the Year in the State of Minnesota by the Minnesota Corrections Association. Well known for his vocal talent, he earned a Finalist Award in 1970 from WGN Opera Auditions of the Air in Chicago, was an award winner in the 1973 Metropolitan Opera Auditions, and received the Stage Audition Award from the New York City Opera in 1975. Vene served on the board of directors for the Bemidji State University Alumni Association from 1979 to 1999 and was president in 1986. YVONNE WILSON earned her undergraduate degree from Bemidji State in 1985 and a master’s in 1993. A first-grade teacher in the Deer River school system since 1985, she has been the recipient

years teaching at Rockford . . . Jerald Ferdig (’99) was hired this year to be in charge of the ButterfieldOdin school’s instrumental music department which includes the concert bands . . . Christopher Mills (’93) is the new superintendent of schools of SAC District 2856 . . . Vicki Greenstein (’99) is working to start a new charter school in Duluth by the fall of 2001 that would serve 50 students in ninth through twelfth grades. She is a licensed teacher who has worked with troubled adolescents and has experience with charter school curriculum . . . Angela Dalzell (’98) is teaching the second and third grade multi-age class at the new Crosslake Community School this year. She has also worked as the synchronized swimming coach and aquatic coordinator for Bemidji Community Education . . . Michelle Derosier (’99) is

teaching mathematics this year at Cambridge-Isanti High School. She comes to her new position following a year of teaching at McGregor High School . . . Mark Syvertson (’92) is teaching geometry and tech prep mathematics at Paynesville High School. For the past six years he’d been teaching eighth grade math at Pequot Lakes . . . Melissa Brelje (’92) teaches English at Lincoln High School in Lake City. She previously taught in St. Louis Park . . . Shaun Pomplun (’99) was recently hired as an officer with the Arlington-Green Isle Police Department. He and his wife, Alese, a kindergarten teacher, live in Arlington . . . Ryan Bronson (’95) was recently hired as operations manager with the Minnesota Deer Hunters Association. For the past four and a half years Bronson worked in the Minnesota Legislature, most recently as the committee administrator for the House Environment and Natural Resources Finance Committee. Bronson will work out of Grand Rapids and plans to relocate there from St. Paul . . .Karen Lundin (’99) is teaching third grade at Hinckley Elementary School. She was previously a substitute teacher in Ely and the St. Louis County schools Her husband Justin Lundin (’98) is teaching fourth grade at Hinckley Elementary School. He previously taught in Ely and also coached girls basketball and Babe Ruth baseball there . . . Sandi Juni (’92) is a new teacher at St. Michael School in Morgan,

Nominations Being Accepted for Outstanding Alumni Award Nominations are now being accepted for candidates to be considered for the Bemidji State University Outstanding Alumni Award. Presented annually during Homecoming, the award is the highest honor presented by the BSU Alumni Association. Recipients are honored for exceptional service and contributions to Bemidji State and to their community, state and nation. All nominees must have graduated no less than 10 years ago from Bemidji State University. Nominations will be accepted until February 1, 2001, and can be made by anyone except an immediate family member. Current faculty, staff and members of the board of directors of the BSU Alumni Association are not eligible for consideration. A nomination form can be obtained by calling the Alumni Office at 1-877-278-2586 (toll free) or 218-755-3989 (local), or by going to the website info.bemidji state.edu/. Click on the alumni link and then Award Programs.

of many awards, including a Christa McAuliffe Fellowship; an Outstanding American Indian Teacher Award from the Minnesota Education Association in 1989; and a Teacher of the Year Hall of Fame Award from BSU. She has served on the national teacher advisory board for Instructor Magazine and is currently serving her fourth term on the Minnesota Indian Education Association board of directors.

Where We Are ... What We’re Doing (Continued from page 5)

David, 6, and Stephen, 4. Curt is employed at Potlatch Corp. . . . Andrea Baker (’88) and Kevin Hovila (’81) were married Sept. 2 in Bemidji and now live in Bigfork. Kevin is self-employed at the Pederson-Hovila Insurance Agency in Bigfork. Andrea had taught at Desert Rose Elementary School in Palmdale, CA, for 12 years . . . Tess Pinkerton (’84) and Steve Pinkerton (’84) of Bemidji announce the Nov. 4 birth of a son . . . Kate Mohler (’89) is teaching English at Estrella Mountain Community College in northwest Phoenix. From 1998 until recently she worked as coordinator of Arizona State University’s Writing Center. She lives in Tempe, AZ.

1990s Curt Nyegaard (’93) is employed at Potlatch Corp., Bemidji. His wife, Wendy (’88), teaches sixth grade math at the Bemidji Middle School. They live in Bemidji with their four children, Bruce, 18, Kayla, 8, David, 6, and Stephen, 4 . . . Andrea (Godwin) Miller (’90) married Greg Miller June 24 and the couple now lives in Bloomington. Andrea is employed as an account manager at redtagbiz.com in Eden Prairie and Greg is the national accounting manager at Electronsonic in Minnetonka . . . Tess Drotts (’90) is the new sixth grade teacher at King Elementary in Deer River. She lives north of Deer River with her husband, two sons and a daughter . . .

Stephanie Dailey (’99) is the new junior and senior high vocal music instructor at Mahnomen schools and will also teach sixth-grade music. She is married to Mike Dailey, a band instructor at Mahnomen, and previously taught in Nevis . . . Bill Fredin (’96) is teaching high school and middle school industrial technology at Windom-Walnut Grove schools. He had previously taught at Benson for a year and at Jackson for the past three years. Fredin owns and races sprint cars at Rock Rapids and at Huset’s Speedway in Brandon, SD. He also plays in the town hockey league in Windom and is an assistant coach for the Windom area girls hockey team . . . Brad Nepsund (’96) is teaching physical education and health to the sixth through eighth grades at Paynesville Middle School and spent the past three

Bill Fredin

Brad Nepsund

Jerald Ferdig

Christopher Mills

Sandi Juni

teaching a combined third and fourth grade class and music. She taught three years on the Leech Lake Reservation at Cass Lake and three years at Madelia before taking two years off. She and her husband, Dan, have two daughters, seven-year-old Katelyn, and Colleen who is three and a half . . . Darcy Qual (’98) is the first and sixth grade reading instructor at Hinckley Elementary School. She is married to Randy Qual and previously had taught for two years in Houston, TX . . . Sherri Spencer (’95) is teaching kindergarten special education in the Litchfield School District . . . Jennifer Telecky (’95) is teaching seventh and eighth grade English in the Litchfield School District . . . Carla Olsen (’98) is teaching seventh grade keyboarding and two sections of eighth grade English in Roseau. She and her husband, Shawn, have a three-year-old son, Derek . . . Heather Netland (’98) began teaching this fall for District 547 Public Schools in Parkers Prairie. She previously taught at Herman-Norcross Community School in

Horizons Page 7 Mrs. Arnold Johnson Honors Late Husband’s Memory In honor of the memory of her late husband, Arnold L. Johnson, Nancy Johnson recently made a generous gift to the scholarship fund he created three years ago. In addition, she converted it from an annual scholarship fund, where the principal is paid out in annual awards Arnold Johnson until the funds are gone, to an endowed scholarship fund that pays awards from interest earnings, and protects the principal forever. The Bemidji State Athletic Hall of Fame member funded the Arnold L. Johnson Basketball Scholarship in 1997. The scholarship currently provides $1,000 annually to a member of the men’s basketball squad. Johnson was able to attend BSU, earn a degree, and excel in sports because he was given a scholarship. The alumnus later did his part to see that the cycle repeated itself.

Renate Hagg Honors Her Husband, Harold Hagg To honor her husband and their 60th wedding anniversary this summer, Renate Hagg established the Harold T. Hagg History Scholarship. This endowed scholarship will provide a scholarship to a junior or senior student majoring in history. Harold T. Hagg is a professor emeritus of history at BSU. He began teaching at the University in 1936 after receiving his bachelor ’s degree from Cornell College and master’s as well as doctorate from the University of Iowa. He retired in 1976. It was also while working for Bemidji State University that

Herman for two years . . . Lorinda Chapin (’98) is employed as an EBD teacher at Detroit Lakes High School . . . Debra Raps (’94) has been hired as an associate software test engineer with Intellisol International at Fargo, ND. She and her son live in West Fargo . . . Bruce Guy (’96) and his wife, Carol, live in Roseau with their sons, Adam, 17, and Jason, 14 . . . Michelle Slover (’94) graduated this past summer from the University of North Dakota’s School of Medicine and Health Sciences with a doctor of philosophy degree in anatomy and cell biology. She has accepted a position as assistant professor at Clarke College in Dubuque, IA, where she will teach anatomy and physiology her first year and gross anatomy to physical therapy students the next year. Her husband, Jason, is employed by Wilde Construction . . . Kerry Slagle (’91) has been named special events coordinator - marketing assistant with the FargoMoorhead YMCA. She lives with her husband in Moorhead and previously worked as communications coordinator at Nodak Mutual Insurance . . . Mark Evans (’98) was recently hired by the Leech Lake Tribe’s Management Information Systems office. He is a Microsoft certified systems engineer, a Microsoft certified database administrator, as well as a computer repair technician . . . Jessie Townsdin (’99) recently joined Lake Country Journal Magazine as a graphic designer at is Baxter offices. She is a published illustrator, as well as freelance designer and has had

LegacyBuilders This new column will be a regular feature in each issue of HORIZONS. The column will highlight major gifts made by individuals or organizations to the University that support the mission of Bemidji State and build a legacy for the future. Renate met Harold. Renate is very pleased that she was able to establish this scholarship during Harold’s lifetime. The first scholarship was awarded this year to Kathy Wilson.

Marie Bishop Marie Bishop, BSU professor emerita of education, recently presented to the BSU Foundation a generous gift used to establish a gift annuity. Bishop received a generous tax deMarie Bishop duction for the gift. Additionally, she is to receive income from the annuity for the remainder of her life. The charitable amount of her gift has been directed to the Marie Bishop Early Childhood/Elementary Education Endowment Fund, which she established in 1989. Bishop received her bachelor’s degree from Northeastern State University at Tahlequah, Oklahoma, and her master’s degree from Northern Colorado State College, now the University of Northern Colorado. She started at Bemidji State in 1950 and retired in 1976. The minor for BSU elementary education and sociology majors with bachelor’s degrees in early childhood education that Bishop constructed while at BSU were accepted for certification to teach nursery school, day care centers and Head Start. Bishop continues to make her home in Bemidji and actively participates in and supports programs and events sponsored by the University.

several gallery exhibits of her paintings and illustrations . . . Melissa Marcotte (’92) has been hired by USLink as a financial analyst. She is a certified public accountant and has worked as a financial and operational analyst for Minnegasco Home Service Plus. She lives with her husband, Glen, in Nisswa . . . Melanie (Yarrington) Rice (’94) is living in Grand Rapids and working for Itasca Community College at their Computer Education Center . . . Jannelle Knott (’97) was newly hired this year by the Min-E-Mac School District to teach fifth and sixth grade language arts, fifth grade math and serve as junior high volleyball coach. She and her husband, Jason, live in Red Lake Falls where he is employed as an electrician . . . Sarah (Olander)

Jannelle Knott

Don Anderson Using Unique Ways to Support Bemidji State University Donald Anderson, a professor emeritus of English at Bemidji State, recently established the Anderson Family Scholarship Endowment. This unique scholarship will be awarded to students and faculty from Oak Hills Christian College who also attend Bemidji State University. Not only was Anderson able to establish a scholarship to help students at two institutions that mean a lot to him, but he is also using unique gifting methods to establish this scholarship. He has gifted a contract for deed to the BSU Foundation to establish the scholarship. He also hopes to complete the paperwork this year to make a retained life estate gift of his home. He and his wife, Vicki, will live in the home for the rest of both of their lives. After their deaths, the house will be sold and the BSU Foundation will receive a portion of the income. Anderson has included his four children in the will and each will receive a portion of the sale proceeds. This gift allows Anderson to receive a sizable income tax deduction during his lifetime and reduces the size of estate taxes owed at his death.

Mille Lacs, $50,000; Bois Forte $40,000; and Shakopee, $12,500. This spring, the legislature provided $2 million to build the center. The capital campaign will continue to raise dollars to support programs to be delivered through the Center.

Rick and Marcella Sherman Donate Pottery Collection

Donations or pledges have been made to the American Indian Resource Center by several Minnesota American Indian Communities. They include, Red Lake, $50,000; Leech Lake, $50,000; White Earth, $50,000;

The Bemidji State University Visual Arts Department was the recipient of an in-kind donation of 54 pieces of pottery made available through the bequest of the late Rick Sherman. The Rick and Marcella Sherman Pottery Collection was added to the Margaret Harlow Collection, which includes pieces of pottery of well-known potters from around the nation and world. Rick Sherman was a professional potter and arts orga- Marcella Sherman nizer who resided in San Jose, CA. He was a friend of Margaret Harlow, who had established the teaching collection to benefit students at BSU. After Sherman visited Bemidji State University in the spring of 1995, he decided that his pottery collection would someday go to the University. This past October, the Sherman Collection was displayed in the Talley Gallery and Marcella Sherman, Rick’s widow, attended a special reception where she presented historical facts and insights about the collection.

McNeil (’97) and her husband, Terry McNeil (’94), recently purchased a home in Osseo. Sarah is an account supervisor at the public relations firm Flieshman Hilliard in Minneapolis and Terry is a sales executive for legal publisher Lexis-Nexis . . . Dawnelle Martin-Sobb (’97) and Jeff Sobb (’97) were married on May 27 and currently live in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Jeff played hockey while at BSU and eventually went on to play professional hockey in Europe . . . Ted Halbur (’95) and Amy Engler (’98) were married June 24 and now live in Shoreview. Ted is a senior art director for Dayton’s and Amy is currently a fourth and fifth grade teacher at Circle Pines . . . Gretchen Danielson (’95) and her husband, Jim, announce March 27 birth of their first child, Tyler James. Gretchen is employed at MeritCare Clinic, Bemidji, as a supervisor in the coding department . . . Kelly Porter (’91) and her husband, Kent Porter (’92), have been living in Montevideo for the past two years and have two children, Hannah, 6, and AJ, 3. Kelly works at Project Turnabout/Vanguard in the compulsive gambling treatment unit at Granite Falls as a program aide. Kent has been employed full-time with the National Guard for the past two years . . . Brad Boser (’92) is employed with Wells Fargo Financial Acceptance in the credit department and has worked for the company for six years. He and his wife, Andrea, live in Shoreview with their daughters, Jacenta and Haley

. . . Eric Poehler (’97) lives in Charlottesville, VA, and is beginning his doctorate studies in classical art and archaeology at the University of Virginia. This summer he completed his third field season of excavation and survey in Pompeii, Italy. . . . Jennifer Dahlen (’98) is employed as a visiting professor at Valley City State University in North Dakota and, since graduating from BSU, has earned a master of fine arts in creative writing . . . Glen Drexler (’97) is living in Duluth and employed with Davidson Printing Co., Duluth. He is taking some graduate classes at the University of Minnesota Duluth and hopes to coach pole vaulting this winter and spring . . . Melissa (Beaver) Korman (’90) is employed as a financial advisor with US Bancorp Piper Jaffray in Minneapolis. She and her husband, Kurt, have two sons, Quayd, 3, and Charley, 1. Kurt is employed as an electrician and the family lives in Elk River . . . Wayland Denny (’93) is teaching sixth grade in Reno, NV, and is also coaching youth soccer and football. He married Lesa Dutton in August and plans to pursue a master’s degree in educational administration . . . Melanie Rice (’94) and her husband, Michael, of Grand Rapids announce the Sept. 23 birth of a son ... Heidi Buchmeier (’99) is teaching fifth grade at the middle school in Dassel . . . Darin Halverson (’93) and his wife, Becca, of Bagley announce the Oct. 2 birth of a daughter . . . Angela Vincent (’95) and her husband, Clark, of

American Indian Resource Center Donations

Gift Annuity Purchased by Dave and Brenda Odegaard Present Gift to BSU Foundation Dave and Brenda Odegaard recently presented another generous donation to the BSU Foundation. Their gift was designated to three endowment and scholarship programs which they initiated and contribute to on an annual basis: the Deloitte & Touche Scholarship, Dave Odegaard awarded to a BSU junior majoring in accounting; the Clearbrook - Gonvick Scholarship, awarded a student from the Clearbrook-Gonvick High School to attend BSU; and the Chet Anderson Scholarship, awarded to an athlete who participates in football, with preference given to those from Minnesota. Dave Odegaard is a 1966 graduate of BSU with a bachelor’s degree in accounting. He also received a master’s degree from the University of North Dakota. Odegaard currently is a partner in Deloitte & Touche and is on assignment as the Nordic tax director and assisting European tax practices. A standout in two sports, Odegaard was inducted into the BSU Athletic Hall of Fame in 1984. In 1993 he received the Bemidji State University Alumni Association Outstanding Alumni Award, the highest honor presented by the association. Dave and Brenda have one daughter, Tammy, who is married and living in Seattle with her husband, Nate Luce, and two children, Anna and Spencer.

Bemidji announce the Oct. 16 birth of a daughter . . . Allison Kreibich (’96) and Todd Kreibich (’98) of Bemidji announce the Oct. 17 birth of a son . . . Michele Strand (’98) and Rob Strand (’98) of Bemidji announce Heidi Buchmeier the Oct. 17 birth of a daughter . . . Erika Danielson (‘98) is teaching fifth grade at North Elementary at Deer River. Having tutored at King Elementary as well as taught a half of a year in the third grade, Danielson will be beginning her third year within the district. She lives with her husband and daughter on Deer Lake . . . Nadine Kruger (’95) is teaching EBD at King Elementary, Deer River. She is single and lives in Bemidji where she previously spent a year teaching at the Bemidji Middle School . . . Barbara Johnson (’91) works for the Human Resources Institute at Eckerd College in St. Petersburg, FL, where she researches and writes about human resource issues for U.S. corporations. She lives with her husband, James, in St. Petersburg . . . Denise Drennen (’94) is the new reading instructor at King Elementary in Deer River. She and her husband Dan (’94) live in Grand Rapids . . . Kandice (Continued on page 8)

Horizons Page 8 Students and visitors at Bemidji State University can enjoy several new amenities on campus this fall, including a new visitors center in Deputy Hall, a state-of-the art indoor climbing wall, and new homes for the BSU bookstore and Outdoor Program Center.

Campus Changes

Changes

Benefit Students and Visitors Visitors Center

The visitors center features a remodeled reception area for the Admissions Office and a new Northwoods Room, both located on the first floor of Deputy Hall. The reception area located at the main entrance of the building includes a new front desk and modular furniture to create a more comfortable and appealing area for prospective students and other visitors just arriving on campus. The Northwoods Room will be an enlarged and renovated reception area featuring tongue-andgroove pine paneling, elegant country style furniture, a television monitor, computers and resource material. The woodsy, yet professional, ambiance is consistent with the Northern Minnesota setting of BSU and the Admis-

LOOKING FOR MEMORIES OF BSU

sions Office theme, “The Lake, the Learning, the Life.” Planned to open in early winter, this multi-purpose room will also be available to faculty and staff who want to welcome guests on campus.

Bookstore and OPC relocation The BSU bookstore moved from Memorial Hall to a newly remodeled space in the lower Hobson Union. Its location in the old TV lounge, billiard and recreation area is more accessible and offers natural lighting on two sides to create a more welcoming atmosphere for visitors. The new space features compact shelving for text books and more modern display areas for other items, including an expanded display of clothing and novelty items to appeal to students and visitors. The Outdoor Program Center moved down the hall toward the food court in the lower Union. It now features a more comfortable and inviting area for visitors to read, browse through materials or plan an outdoor experience. It continues to offer workshops, clinics, weekend

The Climbing Wall in the Gillett Recreation-Fitness Center was a busy place this fall.

excursions, equipment rentals and longer outings to students as well as the general public.

Climbing Wall A new indoor climbing wall makes one more exciting recreational option available to BSU students who want a new challenge and opportunity to build strength, stamina and confidence. The wall, which is located on the southeast corner of the indoor running track at the Gillett Recreation-Fitness Center, opened in

September and has been a popular addition to the recreational opportunities available to the campus and larger community. The climbing wall was constructed by Nicros Inc. of St. Paul and consists of a natural rock surface featuring cracks, corners, overhangs and ledges that can be adjusted to accommodate different degrees of difficulty for climbers. It stands 35 feet tall and 40 feet wide and is one of the most modern, high quality facilities in northern Minnesota.

Where We Are ... What We’re Doing (Continued from page 7)

s part of the Alumni Phonathon this year, callers are collecting the favorite memories of alums from their time at Bemidji State University. The favorite stories of the students will be compiled and printed in the Summer 2001 issue of Horizons. Alumni with a fond memory of BSU to submit should share it with the student caller when they are contacted. Memories may also be submitted in written form and mailed to: Bemidji State University Foundation, 1500 Birchmont DR NE, Box 17, Bemidji, MN 56601-2699.

Bennett (’98) is teaching learning disabilities at King Elementary in Deer River. She comes to Deer River from the Grand Rapids school system . . . Kari Wahlstrom (’99) is the new fourth grade teacher at North Elementary in Deer River. This is her first teaching position. She is single and lives on Sand Lake . . . Pamela Johnson (’91) is the new librarian at King Elementary in Deer River. She has seven years of experience teaching theater and dance at the Miles Rief Performing Art Center as well as having served as a Head Start teacher. She’s married, with two daughters and one grandchild, and lives with her husband Jeff (’82) north of Grand Rapids . . . John Carlson (’92) of American Family Insurance in Bemidji has been granted the Life Underwriter Training Council Fellow professional designation which is conferred upon insurance professionals who meet exacting training and educational requirements. He is also a member and officer of the Headwaters Association of Insurance and FinancialAdvisors . . . Russell Torkkola (’98) is teaching technology education at St. Clair . . . Stacey Parteka (’99) is teaching junior high mathematics at St. Clair . . . Terese Ahrenholz (’99) is teaching third grade this year at West School in Raymond . . . Amy Myster (’90) is a computer specialist at Belle Plaine Elementary School. She previously worked with Blaine Public Schools . . . Brian Sportelli (’98) and

Sandi Sportelli (’98) live in Hutchinson where Brian 2000 is an engineering technician at HTI and a member of Kelly Clafton (’00) is spending the first half of this the Hutchinson Fire Department and Sandi is a school year as a tutor and the second half as a third corporate capital analyst for HTI . . . Gregory grade teacher at King Elementary in Deer River. She Brickell (’90) has been teaching middle school social is engaged to be married and lives in Grand Rapids studies for 11 years in Covington, GA, and is also a ... Derek Gladen (’00) married Megan Meade in high school wrestling coach. He lives with his wife, August at the Tenstrike Community Church in Connie, and their two children in Conyers, GA . . . Tenstrike. The couple lives in Duluth . . . Brian Sharon Mealey (’90) was recently promoted to a Stuvland (’00) is teaching construction, welding, supervisor of the repair department for Iowa Telecom, computer science, principles of technology and a local telephone company. She lives in Grinnell, IA eighth and ninth grade industrial technology at ... Scott Morris (’91) and Tracey Morris (’91) live in Pelican Rapids High School this year. He also serves St. Michael with their children, Shawn, 6, and Shane, as the seventh grade volleyball coach . . . Chris 1 . . . Randy Broderick (’99) works as a senior project Bjerken (’00) was hired in May as a full-time patrol estimator/cost controller withAgra Moneco in officer with the East Grand Forks Police Department Oakville, Ontario, Canada. He lives in Etobicoke, and is living in East Grand Forks . . . Ben Brovold Ontario, Canada . . . Leslie Grisanti (’00) of Bemidji has joined the Jeffrey (’90) was recently recognized as the Radke Agency of Aid Association for Northland Community and TechniLutherans in Grand Forks, ND.As a cal College Alumni of the Year. She district representative he will serve is currently field producing for the Lutherans in Beltrami County . . . Oprah Winfrey Show in Chicago. Amber Lane (’00) recently joined the Grisanti has also worked for CNN staff of Bark Design, Inc. as a public for eight years and PBS for two relations manager in charge of the years. She is single and lives in Chicompany’s creative writing, technical cago . . . Saskia Stange (’97) works writing and customer service. as a business analyst with LeapSource, Inc., Tempe, AZ, and lives in Scottsdale,AZ. Brian Stuvland