Vol. 19, No. 2, Winter 2003-2004
Alumni Author, page 4
BSUCalendar December 13, 2003 BSU Alumni Association Board Meeting January 3, 2004 Pre-game Alumni Reception BSU vs. Air Force, Sawmill Inn, Grand Rapids January 23, 2004 BSU Foundation Board Meeting January 24, 2004 BSU Winter Golf Classic January 31, 2004 BSU Snowball – Beaux Arts Ballroom February 7, 2004 Pre-game Alumni Reception BSU vs. U of M Gophers, Radisson Metrodome – Minneapolis March 7 – 8, 2004 BSU Winter Rendezvous - Laughlin, NV April 16, 2004 BSU Foundation Board Meeting April 24, 2004 BSU Alumni Board Meeting September 24-26, 2004 Homecoming October 15-16, 2004 Athletic Hall of Fame Induction
A Publication for Alumni & Friends of Bemidji State University
BSUHorizons
Connected Online 5,000th Student
Connected Online to Bemidji State
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
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When Amber Johannes signed up for a class at Bemidji State that will lead to licensure as a teacher coordinator of work-based learning, she became the 5,000th student to take a course during the fall 2003 term, marking the first time the University had reached that enrollment plateau since 1992. And she never had to stand in a line to be photographed for her ID, buy a text at the bookstore, or join the rush of a crowd heading back to the residence halls through the tunnels. In fact, she never had to leave her home in Pennock, a small community in southwestern Minnesota eight miles from Willmar. Johannes is among a growing number of students earning University credits through alternative delivery methods. Some are attending a class at one of 20 sites across Minnesota, from the Twin Cities to International Falls or from Duluth to Moorhead. Others are involved in interactive television, whether at George Brown College in Toronto, Canada, or at Central Lakes College in Brainerd. Johannes is completing her work online, using the web to obtain lecture components, turn in assignments, and interact with faculty as well as other students through chat rooms. At Bemidji State, the online component is the fastest growing among the University’s distance learning options. In two years, the number of individuals taking a course over the web increased by more than 130 percent. The numbers are significant. The University’s unduplicated headcount of students for this fall will approximate 5,100. Of those, 470 will be cruising the Internet for their education. They are part of more than 1,370, or 27 percent of the total enrollment, who are enrolled in a distance-learning program through BSU. Johannes became involved with the work-based learning project while teaching in Clara City. The endorsement is required for teachers who supervise and oversee
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student activities that involve spending time in a workplace setting. Students participate in these programs to explore career opportunities, enhance future employment skills, and make connections between what they learn in the classroom with the world outside of school. “I started with the online program because the school where I taught needed a work experience coordinator,” Johannes said. Last year she took a new job at Willmar High School, a career move that was helped, in part, by her involvement in the BSU program. “Willmar needed a person licensed in this area and didn’t have one, so when I mentioned I was getting it, they were excited.” Johannes is a 1999 graduate of St. Cloud State who tested online learning for the first time through BSU. She has completed almost half of the credits required for the endorsement, and hasn’t regretted getting involved. “I really like the fact that online classes are set up to meet a real person’s schedule,” she explained. “I don’t have to travel an hour or more several times a week to get the same information I can get from my home computer. “When I started, I thought the classes were going to be, ‘Read
really like the fact that online classes are set up to meet a real person’s schedule. I don’t have to travel an hour or more several times a week to get the same information I can get from my home computer.” Amber Johannes
a book, do some journaling, and email me a paper when you are finished.’ These are not what I imagined at all. I interact with the other people in my classes and the instructor. We are discussing and emailing and chatting quite often in order to deepen our understanding of career and technical education.” The online opportunity has also had benefits at home, where she can be with husband Jeff and their 19-month-old daughter. It takes a time commitment from every member of the family so that chats and assignments are finished on schedule. For Johannes, it will be worth the extra effort. “My husband will be glad when I am done with the program, purely because it takes time,” she said. “But this will mean we can offer students with learning disabilities the chance to learn from real experiences and help them along on their path to the real world. “For me, I love the fact that I can be a mom, teacher, and wife and still earn this license.”
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Go the Distance Students Find it Easy to Go the Distance Students, especially non-tradi-
tional ones, are discovering it is easy to go the distance to get University courses through Bemidji State. Of the 5,100 students enrolled in classes through BSU in the fall 2003, 1,370 or nearly 27 percent were taking their class from a program that did not require attendance on campus. “There are many reasons people choose distance learning to achieve their educational goals,” said Bob Griggs, dean of the
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he goals of our different programs are to develop lifelong learners, expand graduate education, provide training for work and careers, and to offer electronic learning options.” Bob Griggs
Bemidji State Center for Extended Learning. “It could be family considerations, job responsibilities, location, or ease of access. Regardless, we know that more and more students are exploring these opportunities.” Griggs pointed out that the central focus of the University will remain on traditional-aged students, those recent high school graduates and transfer students who have been served by Bemidji State for nearly 85 years. In today’s fastpaced society, institutions are learning they have to expand their campus by presenting offerings in alternative ways. “The goals of our different programs are to develop lifelong learners, expand graduate education, provide training for work and careers, and to offer electronic learning options,” Griggs explained. Bemidji State has responded with programs that utilize one of three main delivery systems. The guided, self-directed approach features more than 100 courses that assist with degree completion and liberal education requirements. The student enrolls directly in the course and works with a single faculty member via a variety of correspondence methods. Extension courses feature delivery of courses to sites across Minnesota and in Toronto, Canada. The content may be presented via in-
teractive television or by faculty who teach at the location. Most of these are the result of collaborative efforts with other higher education institutions that want to enhance their program mix or offer students access to bachelor degrees. But the fastest growing component is online education. Since the 2002 Fall Semester, the Center for Extended Learning saw a 176 percent increase in online credit generation. Three degree programs are leading the way, and all are currently being reviewed for accreditation.
DLiTE The Distributed Learning in Teacher Education (DLiTE) program affords students the opportunity to complete a bachelor of science degree in elementary education. While a variety of delivery methods are currently employed, the University is retooling the program to allow students to complete nearly all required course work online.
Master of Science in Education This collaborative program with Minnesota State University Moorhead offers students the opportunity to complete an emphasis is education/information communications and technology by completing electives from Bemidji State and MSU-Moorhead. Seven core courses are currently
online, and those offerings will grow to encompass all degree requirements.
Master of Science in Industrial Technology The University recently received approval to begin offering the master’s in industrial technology to individuals interested in an advanced degree in industrial technology, manufacturing, business, and enterprise quality leadership. Once operational, all courses will be available online. Placing a program online allows anyone to log in, sign up, and take a course wherever they are in the world. As an example, 43 Minnesota National Guard members are enrolled in classes this fall while deployed in Bosnia. In the spring, the opportunities will be expanded to include those serving in Kosovo. “The distance learning initiatives will become more important in the future as cities and towns realize education is one way to create vital communities,” Griggs commented. “They will understand that an educational institution doesn’t need to be located right in their town. As long as Internet access exists, education will be available to provide a highly trained workforce and support economic development initiatives.” To find out more about distance learning options, visit www.bemidjistate.edu/cel/
Where We Are ... What We’re Doing Bemidji State University
BSUHorizons Vol. 19, No. 2, Winter 2003-2004 Produced by the News and Publications Office and the Alumni Office at Bemidji State University, HORIZONS is published quarterly and distributed without charge to BSU alumni, students, faculty, staff and other friends of the University. Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Al Nohner Designer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Kathy Berglund Photographer . . . . . . . . . . . . . John Swartz President . . . . . . . . . . . . Dr. Jon Quistgaard Alumni Director . . . . . Marla Huss Patrias Contributing Writers . . . Jody Grau, Cindy Serratore, Colleen Burke, Andy Bartlett Editorial Assistance . . . . . . . . Peggy Nohner Editorial Board: Dr. Jon Quistgaard, BSU president; Al Nohner, director of news services and publications; Carl Baer, vice president for university advancement; Marla Huss Patrias, director of alumni relations. A member of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system, Bemidji State University is an equal opportunity educator and employer.This document is available in alternative formats to individuals with disabilities by calling 1-800-475-2001 or 218-755-3883. 04-010
30 years as a technical college teacher and administrator. They raised three children, Andy, 34, Pete, 32, and Carrie, 30, all of whom live in California... Pamela Olson (’68), principal of Cass Lake-Bena Elementary, has been recognized as one of 12 elementary principals to be recipients of the Minnesota Elementary School Principal’s Association 2003 Leadership Achievement ALL CITIES ARE LOCATED IN MINNESOTA UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED. Award. The award honors principals whose leadership and sustained efforts are exemplary in contributing to the operation of effective schools 1940s 1960s and learning programs. An educator since 1969, Dora Sather (’41) and her husband, Irvin, live in Marilyn Rutherford Olson (’66) is a substitute Auburn, CA, and are enjoying traveling together teacher in the D.C. Everest District of Wisconsin. Olson has been a principal since 1985, leading Cass Lake-Bena Elementary since 1987... Larry having taken recent trips to Palm Spring, CA, and Her husband, Doug, is retired from Wausau to historical sites in New York. Insurance, having completed a 30-year career with Groves (’69) has retired, concluding a 33-year career as choir director at Virginia High School. In the company. They live in Rothschild, WI, and addition to the school choirs, he has directed the have four grown children, Jeff, 32, Chad, 30, United in Christ Lutheran Church Choir in 1950s David, 28, and Marc, 19, and three grandchilTravis Olson (’50) lives in Hendrum and keeps dren... Beverly (Schinderle) Pfeilstifter (’63) of Eveleth for the past 19 years... John Stefanich (’64), former Long Prairie High School coach, busy with hobbies as well as coaching basketball Racine, WI, retired recently after teaching for 36 was inducted into the Minnesota Golf Coaches and doing some tutoring ... Alden Spray (’58) years. She and her husband, Chuck, spend their Association Hall of Fame. His teams won three recently presented a pottery demonstration at the winters in Florida... Roberta Olson (’63) writes Gonvick Community Center. He taught for 32 that she’s come out of retirement and is now editor consecutive State Class A titles in 1985, 1986 and 1987. From 1982 to 1987, his team advanced to years as an arts educator, including 27 years as a of the Melrose Beacon. She and her husband, state five times, winning the championship three fine arts teacher in the Bagley School District. He John, live in Sauk Centre and have three grown retired to rural Gonvick to raise beef cattle with his children, John C., 34, Phyllis, 32, and Adam, 30... times and placing fourth and fifth on the other trips... Sue Sele (’69) has retired from a 34-year youngest son and started a furniture accessories Tom Richard (’66) was honored recently for his teaching career with the Crookston School business with his wife and daughter-in-law... 25 years as a public address announcer for the District. She received the Citizenship in James Bensen (’59), president emeritus of BSU, BSU football games. BSU President Jon Education Teacher award from VFW Post 1902 received a community relations award recently Quistgaard presented him with a framed No. 25 this year for her work on a school program called from the Bemidji Area Race Relations Council. football jersey during a home game... Cathy Respect Courts. It teaches students manners and (Thompson) Sullivan (’66) and her husband, Dennis, of Bemidji are retired. Cathy had worked respect for others and themselves. She and her 25 years in elementary education and Dennis spent
husband, Lee, have three children, all living in Fargo, ND... Paul Bloom (’66) retired in June, having spent 28 years with the Brainerd School District. He’s been community education director there since 1985 and is active in many community committees and organizations. These efforts were recognized in 2002 when he was selected as Citizen of the Year. During his retirement, he plans to do consulting work and spend time on his hobby of pottery... Rosemary Whelan (’62) recently retired from teaching. She was the Title I teacher at Wadena-Deer Creek and St. Ann’s Catholic School and had taught first, second, fourth, fifth and sixth grades. She plans to spend more time with her three children, Shelly, Mary, and Vincent, and their families... Judith (Eaton) Lamp (’69), a high school principal in the Osseo Area School District, was selected to receive the Distinguished Educator Award by the Minnesota Association of Secondary School Principals. The association cited Lamp for the leadership and service she has demonstrated in her roles as principal, president of the association and membership on numerous state and national committees.
1970s Joyce Oberg (’71) and her husband, Gordon, recently celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. They were married on August 2, 1953, in Akeley... Wayne Gartland (’77) and his wife, Susan, bought a 1900 farmhouse on five acres in Chisago City. They’re enjoying the country lifestyle, having spent 21 years in suburban Bloomington. The Gartlands have two
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Sports Wrap FALL SPORTSWrap leaves as the fifth-leading tackler in school history with 304 career stops. He set a school record for defensive backs with 14.5 tacklesfor-loss. Jason Smith became just the second passer in BSU history to throw for 4,000 yards and 40 touchdowns in a career, and Adam Noble tied the school single-season record with 10 touchdown catches in 2003.
2003 All-Conference First Team, marking the first team in the history of the program to have four players represented on the all-conference squad.
CROSS COUNTRY
Eddie Acosta
FOOTBALL Bemidji State’s football team became the seventh in school history to win seven games, winning four of its last five starts to finish at 74. Along the way, senior running back Eddie Acosta ended his stellar career as the 10th-leading rusher in NCAA Division II history. Acosta finished with 5,766 yards and 64 rushing touchdowns, and leaves the program with 11 career records and eight singleseason records. Not lost in Acosta’s accomplishments was the play of BSU’s defense. It was led by senior linebacker Jon Aamot and senior safety Marty Humeniuk. Aamot finished as BSU’s second-leading career tackler with 362 stops, is the program’s career leader with 157 solo tackles, and tied a single-season record for interceptions by a linebacker with four. Humeniuk
children, Alexis, 22, and Grant, 18... Connie Dahl Nelson (’72) fills the combination position of superintendent and elementary principal at Lake of the Woods School. She and her husband, Bruce, live in Roseau and have two grown children and two grandchildren... Nancy Hagen Staiger (’76) and her husband, Doug, live in Moorhead and have four children, Greta, 26, Marissa, 23, Tony, 17, and Stephanie, 17... Gary Torstenson (’75) and his wife, Mary, celebrated their 27th wedding anniversary in August. They met at BSU in 1973 and have two sons, David, 22, and Daniel, 19... Stanley Ostrowski (’71) is retired and serving as president of two board of directors associations. He and his wife, Constance, live in Melrose, FL... Sherry Myers (’79) of Minneapolis is finishing school for her teaching license for secondary social studies in preparation for her “second career”... Jim Baratto (’77) of Deerwood took a five-year leave of absence from his career as an industrial technology teacher and started a construction company, Baratto Brother’s Construction, with his brother, Jerry. Jim and his wife, DeAnna, have three children, Katie, 21, Ben, 19, and Anna, 15 ... John Stewart (’72) of Chisholm is beginning his 32nd year of teaching English and coaching. He has two children, Adam, 20, and Katelyn, 18... Jackie Witty (’73) and her husband, Tom, live in Mt. Iron and have two children, Scott, 22, and Jennie, 20... Michael Kemper (’71) lives in Mahnomen... Ron Leverington (’76), principal at WarrenAlvarado-Oslo elementary School since 1977, recently retired from his career in education. His
VOLLEYBALL
Kari Torgerson
SOCCER The Beavers finished with a school record five wins after posting four victories in each of the past three years. BSU was 5-13-1 overall and 2-6-0 in Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference play. Freshman goalkeeper Kari Torgerson, sophomore defender Cristina Egnell, sophomore forward Lindsay Natwick and freshman forward Katie Meinhardt each were named to the NSIC
wife, Jean, is employed as a paraprofessional at the elementary school. The couple raised four children together... Max LaVelle (’70) retired recently after spending 31 years in Monticello and a total of 33 years as an educator and coach. He started his teaching career in Bagley in 1970 where he taught seventh-grade American history and was the head boys basketball coach. Two years later he moved to Monticello and has been there ever since... Dennis Bartz (’75) has been a physical education teacher at Northern Elementary School in Bemidji for the past 28 years... Rodney Schwarzrock (’72) has spent the past 27 years teaching physical education at the Bemidji Middle School ... Gerry Vuchetich (’73) of Apple Valley opened Midwest Photo Agency in 1998, which he still operates. He is also attending Bethel Theological Seminary, Arden Hills, pursuing a master’s of divinity degree. He is a volunteer chaplain at Fairview Ridges Hospital in Burnsville... Lisa Peterson (’77) has been selected as the director of disability programs at Northome Healthcare Center. She’s responsible for the overall operations of a 16-bed ICF/MR unit, four-bed SLS and in-home supports program. She’s responsible for all of the programs for developmentally disabled at the Northome campus. Peterson has more than 20 years of experience working with persons with developmental disabilities and will oversee a staff of 30... Doug Gish (’76) is the director of general services-construction management at North Country Regional Hospital, in charge of a three-phase expansion project that’s expected to
blocks, good for ninth on the school chart. Peterson finished in the Top 10 all-time at BSU in total attacks, kills, digs and service aces, and Smith finished in the Top 10 in kills and total attacks.
The Bemidji State volleyball team finished with a 15-17 overall mark, its best since the 1999 season. The 15 wins by first-year head coach Kim Falkenhagen is the second-most by a rookie skipper at BSU. The Beavers finished in fifth-place in the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference with a 7-9 mark. Senior Kristin Peterson ended the year with 17 doubledoubles, the most since Jill Anundson had 18 in 2000. Seniors Nicole McDougall, Peterson and Lisa Smith appeared in a combined 1,012 out of a possible 1,302 (78%) games. McDougall ended her career with 280 total
The 2003 Bemidji State women’s cross country team put a wrap to its season with a 25th-place showing at the North Central Regional Championships. The Beavers were led by the 88th-place finish of sophomore Christa Pribula. Pribula took first on the squad in all five invites in Christa Pribula 2003. The East Grand Forks native was the fourth-best runner at the 2003 NSIC Championships, which gave her consecutive all-conference honors. As a team, BSU was fifth at the championships with five runners placing in the top 50. A good sign for
the club is that a good nucleus will be returning. However, one senior, Jami Peterson, ended her career.
GOLF The Bemidji State men’s golf team closed the fall portion of the 2003 season with a 646 (324322) good for a fourth-place finish at the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference Championships. Junior Toby Palmiscno tied for 11th to lead the Beavers. Freshman Jared Stull ended up tied for 13th. Matt Gordon and Palmiscno posted overall stroke averages of 77.54 and 77.58 to lead the Beavers at the end of six events. The BSU women’s golf team finished the 2003 fall season at the NSIC Championships, where seniors Tracy Depew and Dana Hasselberg competed individually with Depew shooting a 265 to take 14th overall.
Toby Palmiscno
be completed in mid-summer 2005. Construction on the $28.5 million project began in July of 2002... John Redebaugh (’70) is a chiropractor who’s in his 25th season as sports injury specialist for the Pequot Lakes High School Patriots football team. He and his wife, Mary Sue, were honored as grand marshals of the 2003 Homecoming parade. The couple has three children, all of whom have graduated from Pequot Lakes High... Louie Seesz (’71), publisher of the Montevideo American-News for the past 15 years, retired this summer. He and his wife, Barb, have two grown children, Brian, and Jenny... Mary Kvanvig-Therneau (’77) was hired this fall to teach music at the Bigfork High School, having taught for several years at elementary schools in the district. She has three stepdaughters. Her husband, Steven, has been a Blandin employee for about 27 years... Cindy (Miller) Schultz (’77) is employed as a corporate claims manager for the St. Paul Fire & Marine Insurance Company in St. Paul. She and her husband, Tim, live in Prior Lake... Debra Johnson (’84) of Eden Prairie is employed as a senior sales specialist with Pearson NCS in Bloomington... Denny Perreault (’76), Connor-Jasper Middle School principal of 17 years, was named 2003 Secondary School Principal of the Year for Northeast Minnesota. Recognized with the same award in 1994, Perreault was chosen for his leadership and program development as well as acknowledgment from his peers... Terry Mejdrich (’70), a life-long resident of Cass County and a former math and science teacher, has had a new novel
published. The online publishing company, iUniverse.com recently announced the publication of “A Mammoth Resurrection,” described as a “fast paced mystery adventure with considerable depth.” The book is available on the Web at Barnesandnoble.com or at www.amammothresurrection.com/ mamoth.htm... Judy Westerman (’77) has been teaching elementary students at Cass Lake-Bena for 23 years and still finds each day unique. She and her husband have two daughters... Al Thomas (’77) filed as a candidate to the Minnetonka City Council this fall. He is currently employed as a fund-raiser for an environmental nonprofit organization and was previously a financial consultant. He and his wife, Joyce, have five children... Dick Rhoades (’77) became Milaca’s new high school principal in August. For the past five years Rhoades served as high school principal at Wadena-Deer Creek High School and prior to that he was the K-12 principal at Verndale Public Schools for five years. He and his wife, Margaret have three grown children and three grandchildren... Kate Eberline Smith (’76) recently exhibited her photographs of the people, monuments and landmarks of South Korea at the Waseca Art Center. Dick Rhoades
Until recently, she and her husband, Ken Smith, an executive for Pfizer Pharmaceuticals, lived in South Korea. Kate didn’t immediately embrace photography as her art form. After graduating from BSU, she pursued a career in acting in New York City and later moved to Hong Kong and traveled extensively through out Europe and Asia, camera in hand... Donna Stotesbery (’72) is teaching physics and chemistry this year at Red Rock Central High School. She previously taught at St. Paul and in South Dakota and is also a scuba dive instructor, EMTB... Thomas Lager (’72) and Karin (Wagner) Lager (’73) live in Neenah, WI, where Thomas is manager of international adult care with Kimberly Donna Stotesbery Clark. Karin is currently a licensed marriage and family therapist, certified alcohol and drug counselor and member of the trauma team at Family Services of Northeast Wisconsin. The couple has three grown sons, Will, Jim and Mike... Joyce Larson (’78) has been retired for 11 years. She’d spent 37 years teaching elementary students, mostly first-graders. She and her husband, William, live in Wadena and have three grown children, Maren, 49, Krista, 46 and Mark 43. Continued on page 5
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Alumni Author Following the Good Path:
Peacock finds inspiration in Ojibwe heritage I remember my grandfather. His house once cleaved a stand of lilacs and willow at the end of an old road. He lived in Fond du Lac Reservation (Minnesota) near a hill that overlooks the river flowing through Nahgachiwanong (place where the water stops). He would tell stories in the dark quiet of winter evenings. He has been gone for many years, but I carry his memory when I walk the hills and fields of that sacred land. In the warm rain that lights upon summer grasses, in the singing of trees and wind, and in the hushed quiet after heavy snow, his spirit runs through the land, in the deep still of that place. – Thomas Peacock, The Good Path, page 24
In 1991, Thomas Peacock was sent by his reservation, Fond du Lac in northern Minnesota, to review the central office files of the Bureau of Indian Affairs for historical information about the reservation. What he learned anchored him personally into his Ojibwe heritage. The second file folder that he opened on that visit contained a letter from a mother written to the commissioner of Indian Affairs asking that she be allowed to keep her boys home from the federally mandated boarding school for Indians that year because she was ill and needed help on the farm. Instead, she hoped to send her boys to one of the schools close to home. The boarding schools denied Indians their own heritage and
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o many people go through life wondering, ‘What am I here for?’ I want to look at that from a historical and contemporary perspective and write it for kids.” Thomas Peacock
language in hopes of assimilating them to European culture. Scanning to the end of the letter, Peacock found that it had been signed by his great-grandmother. His grandfather was her eldest son. An attached response from the commissioner showed that her request had been denied. In reviewing other files, Peacock learned that his great-grandmother had died that winter in a flu epidemic while her boys were at school. Overcome with anger and grief, Peacock wept openly for the injustice suffered by the greatgrandmother who he never knew and for the boy who would grow into his grandfather. It would not be the last time that his research would bring him to tears. Peacock, a 1973 graduate of Bemidji State University, grew up on the reservation in a tar-paper shack. He took his grandfather’s stories with him as he grew into adulthood, as well as the stories of others. He later earned a master’s in administration from the University of Minnesota, Duluth, a licensure in administration from St. Cloud State University, and in 1989, a doctorate from Harvard College. Today, he teaches as an associate professor of education at UMD.
As Peacock approached his mid 40s, he began to pursue in earnest the Ojibwe philosophy of giving back from the gift of one’s life. In discerning his own purpose, he reflected often on his experiences as an Ojibwe and the stories of his people. His gift back is to share those stories. Peacock, now 52, has written five books about Ojibwe culture and heritage, each reflecting Ojibwe philosophy, as well as insights into his own experiences written as personal narratives. “It’s like a signature,” Peacock said of his writing style. “I can’t write anything without being deeply touched by what I see and hear. Personal narratives are blended in to show that history and culture are not something abstract. They’re real, living things.” Two of his books, co-authored with Marlene Wisuri and published last year, received Minnesota Book Awards from the Minnesota Humanities Commission. Ojibwe: Waasa Inaabidaa (We Look in All Directions) won in the Education, Teaching and Academic category. The Good Path won in the Young Adult Fiction category. Ojibwe: Waasa Inaabidaa is a personal history of the Ojibwe nation by Peacock. The book includes topics such as tribal sovereignty, treaty rights, economic development, language, education and the Ojibwe relationship with the environment, all interwoven with excerpts from Peacock’s own life experiences. The story also became the basis for a six-part documentary on the Ojibwe nation produced for public television. The Good Path focuses on the nine core values called the Good Path that are the fundamental basis of Ojibwe philosophy. The book is written for children, but is full of adult messages about how to live life and give back to one’s people. The Good Path calls people to honor the creator, elders, women and plant and animal beings; be peaceful, kind and mod-
erate in thoughts, words and deeds; be courageous; and keep all promises. Each chapter concludes with a list of activities to help children further explore those values and the Ojibwe heritage. Peacock’s most recent book, The Seventh Generation, published in January 2003, received the Multicultural Children’s Book of the Year award from the National Association for Multicultural Education. The book provides insight on what native children have to say about life. Writing from the heart, Peacock tells both the beautiful stories of Ojibwe creation traditions and ways of living, as well as the tragic stories of oppression and genocide experienced by Ojibwe ancestors at the hands of European settlers. In the introduction to The Good Path, he and Wisuri write that some of these stories “may make some nonnative people uncomfortable.” But they explain that the “healthiest way to deal with these issues is to confront them, understand them, and then move on, without blame or guilt.” Peacock has confronted many horrific stories, like that of his great-grandmother, and he, too, moves on. His sixth book, now in progress, focuses on an ancient Ojibwe view that life is a journey of four hills, each with its own challenges and responsibilities: the first is birth to infancy, the second is youth to young adulthood, the third is adulthood and the fourth is being an elder. “So many people go through life wondering, ‘What am I here for?’” Peacock said. “I want to look at that from a historical and contemporary perspective and write it for kids.” Passing along the stories to the young, the osh-ki-bi-ma-di-zeeg, Ojibwe for “new people,” is important in Peacock’s work and for continuing the Ojibwe ways into the future. For Peacock, it’s also a way to honor his ancestors.
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Alumni Online ONLINE COMMUNITY WILL KEEP ALUMNI CONNECTED TO BSU
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dmit it, if you’re reading this article you’ve probably already looked at the “Where We Are ... What We’re Doing” section of Horizons. It’s one of the most read parts of the publication because everyone is curious about what happened to the people with whom they went to school. Getting in touch with old friends from BSU, learning what’s new with fellow alumni, or updating others on the changes in your life will be a lot easier and faster when the Alumni Office unveils the new alumni online community. The community, which is expected to go live at the end of January or early February, will be accessible through the alumni link on the college’s Web site — www.bemidjistate.edu — or directly through the alumni site — www.bsualumni.org, which also will sport a new look. “This is a great opportunity for alumni to connect with each other and the University through an online presence,” said Marla Patrias, BSU director of alumni relations. The interactive tool, as Patrias describes it, will allow alumni to sign in and update their information. While the Alumni Association will have access to that information, each individual controls how much information about themselves they want to reveal to others. The site will be password-protected and accessible only by alumni; the information it contains will not be used for solicitations. There is no cost for the 35,000 BSU alumni to use the site. The site’s online directory will list each alum and his or her graduation year. “Any information beyond those basics is information that the alumni chooses to make public,” Patrias said. “They can even post photos. “We will be encouraging all alumni to register at the site once it’s live, and go in and choose what information they would like to be made public,” Patrias said. The idea to invest in an online com-
1980s
Continued from page 3 Michael Simmerman (’82) of St. Charles, MO, is a technical recruiter for “IT” consulting ... Clayton Liend (’84) of Keewatin is division coordinator for ODC in Hibbing and Virginia. His daughter is a freshman at BSU... Susan Wilder Akre (’85) and her husband, Joseph, have five children, John, Matt, Ashley, Emmy and Erek... Cindy (Warner) Westbrook (’88) and her fiancé, Keith English, are in the process of converting a ranch home into a Cape Cod-style home. She has a son, Aaron, 9... Jill Katrin (’86) teaches second grade at Holler elementary School. She and her husband, Mike, live in International Falls and have two children, Angie, 21, and Andrew, 15... Marcalla Hallan (’80) retired from a career with Itasca Human Services in 1994. She and her husband, George, are busy remodeling a brick home they bought in Keewatin... Jeff Wade (’87) is a fifth-grade teacher at Northern Elementary School and is leading a fifth-grade project to raise $500 to purchase books for the Evergreen House in Bemidji... Doug Lindgren (’81) of Bagley is the incumbent Minnesota House 2B representative... Janet Weaver (’87) is employed as a full-time sixth- and seventh-grade band director at the Bemidji Middle School... Chris Fettig (’86) is the Bemidji High School’s choir teacher and department chair for Bemidji High School Music... Bonnie Olmanson (’82) was hired this fall as a long-term substitute business teacher
munity came, in part, from the alumni. “Many of the phone calls and emails to the alumni office are from people looking to get in touch with other alumni, but privacy laws prohibit us from giving out that information,” Patrias said. Instead, the office sends a postcard to the alum who is being sought, telling him who is trying to reach him. That alum could decide if he wants to contact the original alum. The online community will take the alumni office out of the middle for those alumni who choose to make their contact information public. “This is the wave of the future for helping alumni to maintain connections with other alumni and with the university,” Patrias said. “We believe it will offer a better way of communication for the alumni.” It also offers another opportunity for the alumni office to reach BSU grads. The site will not replace the alumni office, Patrias said, but it will give the office another way to reach, and to help, alumni. “Improved communication is a main goal for our office,” she said. “The online community is just one way for us to reach this goal. We are constantly evaluating what we’re doing for the alumni and seeing how we can do it better.” Other features of the site include: Event Registration: The site will allow alumni to register for events and to see who else is planning to participate. Personal Pals: Once you dictate who your “personal pals” are, the system will alert you when one of them has updated his or her information. Clubs and Chapters: The site will provide “a forum for their interaction,” Patrias said. Club and/or chapter members can communicate through the web site and can post information about, and for, their groups. Mentoring: Through this site, alumni can reach other alumni or current students who are looking for mentoring opportunities. What Patrias hopes to see with this site is what’s called a pinball effect.
“
with Sauk Rapids-Rice High School. She comes to her new position with 13 years of teaching experience from Annandale and lives in St. Cloud... Frank Serratore (’82) served as head coach of the 2003 U.S. Under-17 select Hockey Team which competed in August in Prievizda, Slovakia against teams from the Czech Republic, Germany, Slovakia and Switzerland - earning a gold medal. Serratore is entering his seventh season with the United States Air Force Academy, and is the only coach in AFA history to lead the team to five consecutive 15-win seasons, and his 81 victories were the most by any Falcon coach in his first five seasons behind the bench. Serratore came to the Academy from the Manitoba Moose of the International Hockey League, where he was the director of hockey operations in 1996. In October, he and three others were inducted into the Omaha Hockey Hall of Fame... Joe Grabowski (’80) is now president of Wenck Associates Inc., an environmental engineering company in Maple Plain, having previously served as executive vice president with the same company. He and his wife, Patty, have two children, Ben and Katie... Del Moen (’82) is a pastor serving two parishes, Messiah Lutheran Church in Wadena and Balsamlund Lutheran Church in Aldrich. He was chosen this summer to be grand marshal for Wadena’s June Jubilee Parade. He’s involved in many organizations in Wadena including Habitat for Humanity, Faith in Action, Friends of the Depot, and Wadena County Youth As Assets... Frank Ivancich (‘88) is a social studies teacher and coach in Ely. Each year,
Draft of online community home page.
W
e will be encouraging all alumni to register at the site once it’s live, and go in and choose what information they would like to be made public.” Marla Patrias
“We’d like this site to stimulate everyone into adding and updating their profiles,” she said. “We think that the more people use it, the more interesting it will become. Hopefully if one person makes a change, it’ll prompt someone else to update his or her information, and so on. “The site is dynamic. It’s updated in real time so it’s as current as the alumni choose to make it.” Along with the introduction of this site will be a monthly e-newsletter. Alumni with valid email addresses will receive this e-newsletter, which will keep them posted on current events and news about the university. “We have been getting many requests from alumni to receive information electronically,” Patrias said. “This is one way we can do it.” Alumni will receive a mailing that will instruct them on how to access the password-protected site. Watch for it in January.
for the past nine years, he has led Ely High School seniors on a whirlwind tour of Washington, DC, as a way of bringing history alive and exposing students to the country’s racial and cultural diversity, sometimes for the first time... Kelly Hanson (’84) is a senior account supervisor with Prisma International, Inc. in Minneapolis.
1990s Brandy Toner (’97) and her husband, Dylan Millet, live in Berkeley, CA. She was planning this fall to file her dissertation in the Department of Environmental Science Policy and Management at UC Berkeley ... Lori NohnerJohnson (’97) is teaching special education at Hinckley Elementary this year. She lives in the Brook Park area with her husband, Travis... Tina Diaz (’97) was hired this fall by the Greenbush Middle River School District to teach sixth- through eighth-grade English, reading review and to serve as a drama Lori Nohner-Johnson assistant at Middle River. She has six years of teaching experience at schools in Thief River Falls and Colorado... Kim Elhardt (’98) is in her sixth year of teaching kindergarten in Bigfork. She lives in Marcell with her husband, Eric, and their children, Ethan, 3, and Dylan, 11 months... Bruce Jean (’95) is now dean of students and activities director for the Dassel-Cokato Middle School. He was
CALL FOR NOMINATIONS 2004 BSU Outstanding Alumni
Nominations are now being accepted for candidates to be considered for the Bemidji State University Outstanding Alumni Award presented annually during Homecoming. The Outstanding Alumni Award is the highest honor presented by the Bemidji State University Alumni Association. The recipients of the award bring much recognition to their alma mater through distinguished and professional achievements. They are honored for exceptional service and contributions to Bemidji State University and to their community, state and nation. All nominees must have graduated no less that 10 years ago from Bemidji State University. Nominations will be accepted until January 31, 2004, and can be made by anyone except an immediate family member. Current BSU faculty, staff and members of the board of directors of the Bemidji State University 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), 218-755-3989 (local); writing via email at alumni@bemidjistate.edu; or by visiting the website www.info.bemidjistate.edu/Alumni/Awards.
previously employed as a middle school science teacher and volleyball, golf and basketball coach... Rebecca Lundgren (’91) of Grand Rapids recently finished her educational administration K-12 principal certification Bruce Jean from St. Mary’s University... Rebecca Frenzel (’96) and her husband, Grant, of Bemidji announce the October 10 birth of a son... Sharon Mealey (’90) of Grinnell, IA, is employed at Iowa Telecom as a customer support supervisor in their repair call center... Amy Gall (’98) of St. Cloud is a teacher with the Sartell-St. Stephen School District... Ted Halbur (’95) and Amy (Engler) Halbur (’98) live in Lino Lakes with their son, William. Ted is a senior art director for Target, focusing on designing community relations and gift cards, and Amy is in her fifth year of teaching at Centennial Elementary in Circle Pines... Kathy (Smeby) Broder (’96) and her husband, Gregory, of Sisseton, SD, announce the May 12 birth of their first child, Rachel Faith... Norm Gallant (’99) and Mandy (Johnson) Gallant (’99) live in Wadena. This fall, both began working toward master’s degrees in educational development and leadership... Sandy Fynboh (’99) of Akeley creates lampworked beads, beaded embroidery, off-loom stitching, fiber arts and bead stringing for her business, Blue Sky Beads. Working in her tiny shop, Fynboh uses glass rods to form detailed
beads. The rods are heated in the flame of a propane torch and then wound onto metal mandrels where designs are worked into the beads. In addition to her art, she also teaches piano and guitar... Jamie Snowdon (’96) teaches Indian education at the Warroad High School, including an Ojibwe language and culture class. An enrollee of the Turtle Mountain Band of Belcourt, ND, he has taught in Bemidji and Moorhead and hopes to one day pursue a career as a college professor... Jennifer Parker (’95) served this fall as artistic director of the Blackduck High School Drama and Music Departments’ presentation of “Fiddler on the Roof”... Keith Thompson (’91), a painter from Calumet, presented his second solo exhibit at the Reif Center in Grand Rapids this fall. Since 1999, when he said he was still learning to paint, he has exhibited in solo and group shows through the country. His watercolor “Color Guard” took first place in the two dimensional category in the MacRostie Art Center’s Juried Show in 2002. Other awards include the People’s Choice Award at the MAC’s Juried Show in 1990 and the Purchase Award at the 2000 Reif Invitational... Leah Bratlien (’98) of Bemidji has been named program director for the Boys and Girls Club of the Bemidji Area. She’d worked for the past five years as an art teacher, two years at Bemidji Middle School and three years at Northern Elementary. She’s also worked with youth in the community in a variety of settings ranging from the Upper Mississippi Mental Health Center and the Northwest Continued on page 6
Horizons Page 6
Communiques
from the alumni director
Communiques
Marla Huss Patrias
Deadline for Alumni Relative Scholarship Applications Coming Up
20-Year Reunion of 1983-84 Men’s Hockey Team
The deadline for BSU’s Alumni Relative Scholarship is coming up soon. Applications for returning or transfer students are due Tuesday, December 31. Applications for incoming freshman are due Friday, January 31. Applications are available on-line at http://info.bemidjistate.edu/alumni/scholarship/or by contacting the Alumni Office at 1-877-278-2586.
Members of the 1983-84 BSU hockey team were recognized on center ice during a celebration of the 20th anniversary of this team’s perfect 31-0-0 national championship season. The celebration was held on ice just before the start of the Beaver men’s hockey game on Saturday, October 18, 2003.
40-Year Reunion Class of 1963
Members of the class of 1963 attended a 40-year reunion brunch during Homecoming. Front Row: L-R Lavina Hoselton; Dick Haugo ’61 / ‘63; Darlene (Lindseth) Schultz ’62; Kathy (Chisholm) Heinze; Susan (Stapleton) McAvey; Marcia (Erickson) Gingles; Wayne Thorson; Gerry Gingles ’62. 2nd Row: L-R Carol (Hall) Cech; Judith (Ehrenberg) Johnson; Myrna (Rosenow) Warto; Lucille (Rydeen) Aasland; Ron D’Orazio; Barb D’Orazio; Gary Anderson. 3rd Row: L-R Delphine (Forte) Jacobsen; Kay (Wik) Wedul-Steiger; Howie Schultz; Dale Wolden; Bill Hansen; Paul Ofstedal. Back Row: L-R Ken Waldemar ’64; Dave Forte; Jack Jacobsen ’64.
First Ever All-Class American Indian Alumni Reunion The first ever all class American Indian alumni reunion was held during Homecoming and in conjunction with the grand opening of the new American Indian Resource Center on campus. The alumni reception was held in the Great Hall at the center, with a very good turnout of alumni, their families and friends of BSU.
Pictured from left to right are team members Todd Donaldson, David Jerome, Dan Kimball, Mark Lescarbeau, Scott Monsrud, co-captain Bob Fitzgerald, Coach Bob Peters, co-captain Joel Otto, Marlys Nagle (representing her son and team goalie, Galen Nagle), Jim Roo, Mark Liska, Assistant Coach Robin Anderson, Todd Lescarbeau, Tim Lescarbeau, Del Gregory, co-captain Drey Bradley and Eric Gager.
Otto’s Number Retired For the first time ever, the BSU Hockey program has retired the jersey number of one of it’s most storied players, Joel Otto. This honor occurred during a ceremony celebrating the 20th anniversary of the 1983-84 team’s undefeated national championship season, of which Joel served as co-captain. In a portion of the program kept secret from Otto, a banner depicting his number was raised in the John Glas Fieldhouse. Otto’s career honors include three All-American selections during his tenure as a Beaver; receiving the 1984 college hockey’s prestigious Hobey Baker Memorial Award (Division II); completing a lengthy career in the NHL, including a Stanley Cup win with the Calgary Flames in 1989; serving as alternate captain on Team USA in 1996 when they won the World Cup; and playing on the 1998 US Olympic Team. Otto is now retired from hockey and lives in Calgary with his family. Joel Otto with wife Kari and children Ben and Kacey.
Where We Are ... What We’re Doing Continued from page 5 Juvenile Training Center to volunteering at the Extreme Faith youth rally in 2002... Jessica Kuryla (’94) and Barry Werk (’94) of Mankato announce the September 12 birth of a son... Ross Faldet (’92) and his wife, Jennifer, of Clearbrook announce the September 20 birth of a daughter... Michelle Dahlby (’93), a fifthgrade teacher at Solway Elementary School, was selected as the Bemidji Education Association’s 2003-04 Teacher of the Year. The award is presented annually by the Bemidji Education Association. More than 20 parents, students and colleagues nominated Dahlby... Deborah Shough (’93) lives in Selton, WA, and Travis Hensch is pursuing a master’s degree in psychology at Saint Martins in Lacey, Washington. She and her husband, Mathew, have three children, Jerimey, 23, Josh, 22, and Kinsey, 13... Shawn Klimek (’99) is teaching second grade in Nevis. He’d previously taught in Blackduck and Bemidji... Travis Hensch (’98) and Shana (Pazdernik) Hensch (’98) moved to Wadena this summer where Travis is teaching English at Wadena-Deer Creek High School. Shana recently graduated from the University of South Dakota’s master’s program in secondary education (biology). The couple also announces the June 8 birth of a son, Bret. He joins a big
brother, Bryce, 10, and sister, Brandy, 3... Eric Luedtke (’99) of Antioch, TN, recently accepted the position of vice president of artist relations with IndieHeaven.com... Nick Neeb (‘95) and his wife, Roz, recently moved to Northfield. Nick is a mathematics assessment specialist with Harcourt Assessment, a company based in San Antonio, and Roz is director of alumni and parent relations at St. Olaf... Amy (Nelson) Trast (’96) was recently added to the Fergus Falls Community College’s Athletic Hall of Fame. Trast has worked as a personal banker with Wells Fargo Bank for the past seven years in Grand Rapids. She lives in Grand Rapids with her husband, Eric, and their daughter, Emily. Trast was an accomplished and well-recognized volleyball and basketball player during her years at Fergus Falls Community College and BSU... Jennifer (Haugen) Koski (’95) and Stewart Koski (’95) were married in 1996 and have lived for the past seven years in Rochester where Jennifer is a freelance writer and editor and Stewart is an art director for the Mayo Clinic. Stewart has won 10 awards for his design work from the Minnesota Magazine & Publication Association and Folio magazine’s Ozzie Award. Jennifer has received an editorial excellence award from the American Society of Business Press Editors and in 2002 was awarded the MMPA’s Greg Carey Leadership Award. They have two sons, Chistian, 4, and Bergen, 1... Rosa (Bailey) Jones (’96) and Ron Jones (’96) of Fridley announce the August 24 birth of a daughter, Raelynee Hope... Sharon (Bjorklund)
Mills (’99) and Carl Mills (’99) recently moved from Two Harbors to Brainerd. Carl works as a fisheries specialist with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. They have two daughters, Summer, 21 months, and Brecken, three months... Nicole (Sorenson) Simpson (’97) is employed as an accountant with Wayne K. Sorenson Tax Service in Park Rapids. She and her husband, Ray, live in Park Rapids... Jennifer (Mellum) Thompson (’99) and John Thompson (’98) of Owatonna announce the June 8 birth of their first child, a daughter, Nora... Scott Jaeger (’98) of Fargo, ND, has been working for Red River Software as a software trainer for nearly three years. The company has been developing accounting software for more than 20 years. Jaeger describes his position as providing direction in the installation process, making sure interfaces are communicating with the new software and training customers on daily, monthly and yearly accounting procedures... Lisa Peart (’91) is the new Squaw Lake Elementary School special education teacher for all six grades and math Lisa Peart teacher for third- and fourth-grade students. This is her fourth year of teaching, having taught one year each at Riverview, Cohasset and Cyrus M. King
elementary schools. She and her husband, Todd, who is a teacher at Riverview, have three children, Maddi, 5, Sadie, 2, and Jack, four months... Catherine Miyamoto (’98), a medical review examiner in Medicare Part B Medical Review at Noridian Administrative Services, has agreed to serve as a community board member on the Institutional Review Board at MeritCare Health System, in Fargo, ND, where she lives. She will review research processes and protocols from the point of view of a patient advocate...Jody Hanson (’95) is a guidance counselor with the Cass Lake-Bena High School, providing guidance to students in such areas as graduation preparation and choosing a college or university... Dane Jones (’97) and his wife, Jennifer, of Bemidji announce the August 21 birth of a daughter... Michael Allison (’99) was inducted into the NW Ontario Sports Hall of Fame on September 27. He played in the NHL for 10 years prior to attending BSU. He spent three years with the LA Kings, one year with the Toronto Maple Leafs and six years with the NY Rangers. He was a volunteer assistant men’s hockey coach while attending BSU. While attending BSU, he left periodically to serve as a color commentator for the LA Kings Alumni Association. He currently lives in International Falls and works as a Canadian Customs inspector... Scott Wilson (’99) and his wife, Sarah, live in Fargo, ND, where he works as a quality control manager with Cardinal IG... Justin Johnson (’96) married Julie Hafenstein in May and the couple now lives in
Whitewater, WI. Justin is employed as a hall director with the University of WisconsinWhitewater... Kari (Chaffee) Soderholm (’98) is an academic advisor/instructor with the Iowa State University Department of Curriculum and Instruction in Ames, IA. She and her husband, Tim, live near Des Moines, IA... Anita Spangler (’94) has retired from a 34-year career with BiCAP in Bemidji... Lori Welle (’91) and her husband, Pat, recently celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary with an open house... John Mollard (’97) of Virginia is a screenwriter for Haze Films Productions in Burbank, CA. At present he has three screenplays under option, with two in pre-production. His screenplays include “The Hitchcock Fan” (1996), “Moosebirds (1998), “Hat Trick Avenue” (2000in pre-production), MacGuffin (2000- in preproduction), “Two Floors Are Better Than One” (2002), “The Tanzanian Find” (2003-under option) and “A. Bookbinder” (2003 – in development). When he’s not writing movies, John works part-time in materials management at the Virginia Medical Center... Brian Michaelson (’99) is a science teacher with the Swanville Public Schools. He’d previously taught at Redwood Falls Middle School and Onamia schools and has done some coaching. His wife also teaches in Swanville... Brian Michaelson
Horizons Page 7
Roger Aitken
Nancy Bensen
Dr. Joanne Provo
Michael Spry
Dr. Roxanne Struthers
Gen.Thomas Waldhauser
SIX RECEIVE OUTSTANDING ALUMNI AWARDS Six individuals received Outstanding Alumni Awards during ceremonies October 3 at Bemidji State University. Alumni accepting the recognition during the Honors Banquet at BSU were Roger Aitken, Walker; Nancy Bensen, Bemidji; Dr. Joanne Provo, Minneapolis; Michael Spry, Los Alamos, NM; Dr. Roxanne Struthers, Columbia Heights; and General Thomas Waldhauser, Stafford, VA. The Outstanding Alumni Award was established to recognize contributions BSU graduates have made to their professions, communities and alma mater. Since 1972, 108 individuals have received the recognition. ROGER AITKEN graduated from BSU in 1973 with degrees in business management and sociology. Prior to recently accepting a position as the director of the central purchasing division within the business corporation of the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe, he was the executive director of the Midwest Alliance of Sovereign Tribes, a consortium of 36 federally recognized tribes in a five-state region. His previous work experience included serving as the director of the Indian Talent Search Program, executive director of the Leech Lake Reservation Tribal Council, and superintendent of the Minnesota Agency of the Bureau of Indian Affairs. NANCY BENSEN earned
a degree in 1962 in elementary education. After teaching kindergarten for four years and taking time off to raise children, she earned a master’s from the University of Wisconsin-Stout in guidance and counseling. Chippewa Valley Technical College hired her to establish an innovative Adult Learning Center on their Menomonie campus. She built the program into a model that gained regional and national attention. It was the first to use a mainframe computerized learning system and was a pioneer in applying personal computers as learning software developed. Now retired, she and her husband Jim are charter members and co-chairs for the Legacy Society of the BSU Foundation.
DR. JOANNE PROVO obtained a degree in 1982 in business administration and went on to earn an MBA from DePaul University in Chicago and a doctorate from the University of Minnesota. She currently serves as the vice president of Personal Decisions International, where she leads the organizational solutions group working with Fortune 500, Global 1000 and private organizations throughout the world. Her specialty is the translation of business strategy to the talent and organizational implications and partnering with leaders to initiate and sustain change. She also serves on the faculty of the Executive MBA Program at the University of St. Thomas, where she received the Excellence in Teaching Award. MICHAEL SPRY is a 1983 graduate of Bemidji State with a degree in environmental studies. After receiving a master’s at Montana State University, he began a career in the environmental field. In 1992, he and two partners formed Portage Environmental, Inc., an engineering and environmental consulting firm. Since 1995, Portage has grown to employ over 170 people with annual revenues exceeding $25 million. The business has been recognized as one of the top 500 fastest growing companies in the U.S. for three years in a row, and has won national awards as the Minority Service Firm of the Year and the Indian Business of the Year. DR. ROXANNE STRUTHERS received degrees from Bemidji State in 1984 in community service and 1988 in nursing. She went on to earn a master’s degree from the University of North Dakota and a doctorate from the University of Minnesota in nursing. Currently an assistant professor at the University of Minnesota School of Nursing, she is a Reiki Master and is certified as a healing touch practitioner, a holistic nurse, and in transcultural nursing. An active researcher and presenter at conferences who has won many awards, she is the recipient of a Bush Leadership Fellowship and was named an Ethel Curry Scholar. BRIGADIER GENERAL SELECT THOMAS WALDHAUSER received a degree in psychology from the University in 1976.
A four-time letterman in the Beaver hockey program, he was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the Marine Corps following graduation. His command assignments included a tour as the commanding officer of the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit, a forward deployed Marine air and ground task force. With the unit, he led the Marines in combat in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan and of Operation Iraqi Freedom in Iraq. He is the recipient of a master’s degree in national securities strategies. His promotion to the rank of brigadier general will be formalized early next year.
Gary Russell (’90) is the director of Evergreen House in Bemidji... Stacy Kingbird (’99) was among those recognized recently for their efforts by the Bemidji Area Race Relations Task Force... Tracy Piepenburg (’90) is the new life science teacher at Paynesville Area Middle School. In addition, he teaches a section of biology at the high school. He has 10 years of teaching experience, one year at Minnewaska and nine years at LacQui Parle. His wife works as a Tracey Pieppenburg special education teacher at Minnewaska where his two children go to school... Travis Hensch (’98) teaches High School English in the Wadena-Deer Creek School District. He also serves as the yearbook adviser and coaches both ninth-grade basketball and eighth-grade girls softball. He and his wife, Shana, have three children, Bryce, 10, Brandy, 3, and Breck, three months...
2000s Jill (Peitruszewski) Ellerbroeck (’02) married Chris Ellerbroek September 20 and the couple now lives in Mankato... Lorina Dehnert (’02), originally of Breckenridge, is currently teaching at a small school in Dhaka, Bangladesh... Theresa (Carleton) Meyer (’03) was recently married and is working as a substitute teacher. She lives in Brainerd... Amber Rohr (’00) is teaching all-day kindergarten at Annandale’s
Bendix Elementary this year. Her experience includes three years teaching preschool at BSU... Bruce Manske (’00) is the new English, study skills, ILS and applied communications teacher at Northome High School this year. He also serves as the volleyball coach. Most recently he’d worked as an optician for Whelan Eye Clinic from 1994 –2002 in Bemidji... Joel Wolleat (’02) teaches high school English at Alden-Conger schools. He’d previously taught college writing at BSU, had completed his student teaching in Bemidji and had also worked as a substitute teacher at Bemidji High School... Steve Thompson (’01) is working as a long-term substitute teacher in the physical education program at King Elementary in Deer River. In recent years he’s been coaching and substitute teaching in Bemidji schools... Steve Thompson Bryan Hickey (’03) is teaching eighth-grade math and pre-calculus in Roseau... Erich Knapp (’01) teaches vocal and classroom music at Sebeka Public School. He is also the director of the 60-voice Park Rapids Classic Chorale, has been organist at First Bryan Hickey
English Lutheran Church in Menahga for 10 years, and recently performed as pianist with the Northern Light Opera Company during their presentation of “The Telephone,” a 25-minute comic opera, at Sebeka School... Christy Cook (’00) and her husband, Jeremy, of Bemidji announce the September 26 birth of a daughter... Mindy McCannell-Unger (’03) is employed as a second-grade teaching assistant in the Cass LakeBena School District... Sarah Nelson (’01) lives in St. Paul and is attending her second year of dental school at the University of Minnesota ... Ryan Stanley (’01) is in his first year of teaching with the Chosen Valley District, instructing industrial technology students in grades 7-12. He and his wife, Jessica, live in St. Charles... Kristie Schraut (’03) is teaching language arts to sixth, seventh and eighth graders at Mary of Lourdes Middle School in Little Falls... Kelly Main (’02) of Forest Lake is employed with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources as a fisheries specialist, a position he accepted in April... Brian Triplett (’02) is employed as a math and language arts teacher and boys soccer coach at Friendly Hills Middle School in the West St. Paul School District. He lives in Mendota Heights ... Maureen (McCartney) Tischer (‘01) and her husband, Jesse, live in Janesville, WI, and are anticipating the birth of a child in December... Troy Sepion (’03) is a photojournalist with WDAY–TV in Fargo, ND. He lives in Moorhead... Kathleen Furlong (’01) is a graphic artist with H.T. Klatzky & Associates in Duluth... Sara Carpenter (’01)
Singers Welcome for Fifth Season of BSU Alumni Choir The Bemidji Alumni Choir formed in 1999 stays active and well received in the Minneapolis/St. Paul area. Conducted by Dr. Paul Brandvik, BSU professor emeritus of music, the 45-member choir will begin its 2004 season with rehearsals beginning Thursday, February 19 at University Lutheran Church of Hope in Minneapolis. The group recently performed at Mount Olivet Lutheran Church for four services and received an enthusiastic response. Pastor Paul Youngdahl called the group “awesome” and insisted they come back again to sing soon. The choir will perform an evening concert at University Lutheran Church of Hope in Minneapolis on Saturday, May 1, and an afternoon concert at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church in Minnetonka on Sunday, May 2. A reception sponsored by the BSU Alumni Association will follow the May 2 concert at the church. Though the choir consists of a core group of singers and others that change off from year to year, the group enthusiastically reaches out to new alumni singers. To participate or to learn more about the 2004 season, please contact the manager, at BACsingers@yahoo.com.
In Memoriam Chad A. Bring (’90) – Minneapolis, MN Jeremy Carpenter (’01) – Sleepy Eye, MN Virginia Gladen (’63) – Fresno, CA Donald Lean (’62) – Buhl, MN
teaches K-4 general music and 7-12 choir at Badger School. She and her husband, Dan, live in Greenbush... Julie (Altiero) Austin (’01) teaches at Chisago Lakes High School. She and her husband, Michael, live in Forest Lake... Richard Rhoades (’02) is the new industrial arts teacher at Lancaster School. He and his wife have three daughters... Ben Hanson (’02) is the new English teacher, girls softball coach and student council advisor at Lafayette High School. He did his student teaching at Grygla and had served as a long-term substitute at Red Lake ... Jenna Austgen (’02) Ben Hanson and Justin Austgen (’02) recently bought a home in Farmington and are expecting a baby in December... Ellie (Levenhagen) Marschel (’02) and Troy Marschel (‘00) were married March 1 and they now live in Hanover... Nick Hudson (’00) of Maple Grove has been chosen as one of the 25 semi-finalists in the “All My Children’s” Search for the Sexiest Man in America Contest. The winner will appear on-air in an episode of the ABC Television Network’s soap opera. Hudson is currently employed at Success Personal Training in Maplewood... Jason Kissel (’00) and Laura Brustad were married July 19 at Itasca State Park. Jason is employed by the Minnesota Department of Transportation and Laura by
Merit-Care Clinic-Walker. The couple lives in Bemidji... Londa Moen (’02) is teaching third grade at Lehua Elementary in Pearl City, HI, on the island of Oahu. She also serves as the grade level chairperson for the third and fourth grades. Londa and her husband, Craig, live in Aiea, HI ... Jeremy Schneider (’00) and a partner, Jesse Koskiniemi, bought The River Inn in Aldrich on June 6. The business has a main bar, a dining area and a reception hall with a dance floor... Mark Hanson (’00) has been hired as a fulltime staff member to teach grade 6-8 social studies at Middle River and to coach eighth grade basketball and junior high baseball. He has previous teaching experience at Hastings and Hill City... Keith Anderson (’00) is in his third year of teaching seventh- and eighth-grade science at Milaca Public Schools and was recently the subject of a feature story in the Mille Lacs County Times. His wife, Michelle, works as a Title I teacher in the same school district... Olena (Bartyenyova) Claypool (’02) married Chris Claypool on July 12. They live in Little Canada and are expecting a baby... Tony Kerr (’03) is the new music teacher at the Cass Lake-Bena High School. He’d previously worked at the Leech Lake Boys and Girls Club... Brian Hill (’02) serves as the orchestra director at Bemidji High School... Aaron Spicer (’03) is the new industrial tech teacher at the high school in Sandstone this year. This is his first year of teaching.
Horizons Page 8 Nursing Program Earns CCNE Accreditation
Joe Lueken with sons Mike, Dave and Joe, Jr.
BUSINESSMAN JOE LUEKEN
Added to Founders’ Walk
Bemidji businessman Joe Lueken was added to the BSU Founders’ Walk during a ceremony early this fall. Located on the Alumni Arch in front of Deputy Hall on campus, the Founders’ Walk recognizes individuals who have played a major role in the development and growth of Bemidji State University. Lueken has long been an advocate for Bemidji State in the Bemidji community. He has been a member of the Bemidji State University Foundation since 1973 and has served on its board of directors since 1999. An original donor for the Full-Tuition Scholarship Program, he serves on the BSU Foundation committee for this program as well as the committees for fund raising and allocations. Lueken’s Inc., which operates grocery stores in Bemidji and Wahpeton, ND, is involved in Beaver Pride, the fund raising group for BSU intercollegiate athletics. Active in civic affairs, Lueken was an original member of the Bemidji Area Race Relations Task Force and continues to serve on the Race Relations Council. He and his company are known throughout the community for their financial and in-kind donations to various organizations, including the Bemidji High School, the BSU Council of Indian Students, the North Country Hospital, Holiday Meals on Wheels, Bemidji Area United Way, American Cancer Society, the American Diabetes Association, the Alzheimer’s Association, and numerous youth groups. He and his wife Jan have four sons: Mike, Wethersfield, CT; Jeff, Chino Hills, CA; and Joe, Jr. and Dave, both in Bemidji. Initiated in 1993, the Founders’ Walk now includes A.P. Ritchie, Lloyd Pendergast, Leonard Dickinson, A.P. White, Tams Bixby, William “Bill” Howe, the Baer Family, the Naylor Family, the Welle Family, George W. Neilson and Katharine Neilson Cram.
The baccalaureate program in nursing at Bemidji State University has received accreditation by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), a national agency that works to support continuous quality improvement in nursing education. “CCNE accreditation affirms that we’re doing things right at BSU,” said Dr. Riki Scheela, chair of the BSU Nursing Department. “We’re meeting national standards in curriculum, expertise, student performance and other important areas, while also looking for opportunities to expand upon and improve. “CCNE accreditation is a recognized quality benchmark for nursing programs and assures that our students are well received in master’s programs and well prepared for professional positions.” Accreditation followed an intensive self-study by the BSU Nursing Department and an on-campus review by a CCNE accreditation team last fall. The process included interviews and or feedback from students, faculty, alumni, employers and university leaders; curriculum assessments; reviews of faculty credentials; and evaluations of strategic plans for growth and improvement. Performance was reviewed in four key areas: mission and governance, institutional commitment and resources, curriculum and teaching-learning practices, and student performance and faculty accomplishments. A CCNE board review found that the BSU program met all four accreditation standards with no compliance concerns in any key area. CCNE will review a progress report from the BSU Nursing Department in 2006 followed by another on-site evaluation in 2007. Officially recognized by the U.S. secretary of education as a national accreditation agency, the CCNE is an autonomous accrediting agency contributing to the improvement of the public’s health. CCNE ensures the quality and integrity of baccalaureate and graduate education programs preparing effective nurses. CCNE serves the public interest by assessing and identifying programs that engage in effective educational practices. As a voluntary, self-regulatory process, CCNE accreditation supports and encourages continuing self-assessment by nursing education programs and the continuing growth and improvement of collegiate professional education. BSU graduated its first nursing students in 1985. Since then, 380 registered nurses have completed the nursing program at BSU. At present, 68 students are enrolled in the baccalaureate program, which has four full-time and four part-time faculty members. The BSU nursing program collaborates with all practical nursing and associate degree nursing programs in Northern Minnesota to offer flexibility in educational opportunities uniquely suited to students living and working in economically deprived rural areas. Students may enroll in general education courses at BSU while completing programs at either practical nursing or associate degree nursing programs. In the Bemidji area, Northwest Technical College offers a practical nurse program, and Northland Community and Technical College offers an associate degree in nursing program. In addition, BSU works to better serve nursing students living in a large geographic area by alternating campus classes with courses offered online and/or via interactive television in six locations throughout the region.
BSU ALUMNI PHONATHON ●
Keeping you informed about campus news. ● Keeping alumni records up to date. ● Developing professional skills of 30+ student employees. ● Helping to raise money to benefit Bemidji State University students.
Calling BSU Alumni For The Future
Be part of the BSU Winter Rendezvous 2004! All BSU alumni and friends are invited. Plans are shaping up for the Alumni Association’s Eighth Annual golf tournament and winter celebration to be held March 7 - 8 For more information, or to be put on the registration mailing list, contact the in Laughlin, Nevada. alumni office at 877-278-2586 (toll free), 218-755-3989 (local) or via email at alumni@bemidjistate.edu.
Nominations Sought for the Athletic Hall of Fame The Alumni Association and the Intercollegiate Athletic Department are seeking nominations for the 2004 Athletic Hall of Fame. Up to eight former athletes and BSU coaches are inducted every other year into this prestigious group. Nominations for the Athletic Hall of Fame must be in writing and will be accepted until January 1, 2004. Nominees must have earned an athletic letter at BSU, must have attended BSU for at least two years and not have graduated from another University. They also must have attended BSU at least 20 years ago. Previous coaches and / or administrators who made significant contributions to the development and success of BSU athletics may also be considered. Selections will be based on merit in four categories: athletic accomplishments while at BSU; post-collegiate professional accomplishments; service and contributions to community, state and nation; and service to BSU. More information is available by contacting the BSU Alumni Office at 1-877-BSUALUM (278-2586 – toll free) or 218-755-3989, or via email at alumni@bemidjistate.edu.
Thank you for making last year such a great success! ●
Your contributions through phonathon totaled over $122,000. ● Your support of academic programs and scholarships helps us attract the best professors and students, building on our tradition of excellence. ● We’re counting on you to make this another successful year.