AWARDS

Melissa (Cherney) Sobolik ’02 is CEO of the Great Plains Food Bank, Fargo, N.D. She previously was the development director for the Plains Art Museum, associate program director for Northern Great Plains Inc., and served on the Fargo City Commission, as well as boards of several local organizations. Sobolik hopes to change the stigma surrounding needing assistance and recognizes that without help her adult life could have been much different due to lack of nutrition.

2022 Sent Forth Awards

Cory Hepola ’03, a native of Perham, Minn., has had a nationally renowned professional career in the Twin Cities. He was the host of a daily show on WCCO Radio in Minneapolis, “Hey, it’s Cory Hepola.” He is a two-time Emmy Award winner for Outstanding TV Anchor and has worked as a TV anchor and reporter for seven stations across five states, earning Best Sportscast twice, once in North Dakota and once in New York.

The Sent Forth Award is conferred upon alumni of less than 20 years who have distinguished themselves early in their careers and in service to others.

Arnold “Casey” Stengel ’56, a teacher for several years, became a guidance counselor after earning a master’s degree in guidance counseling from the University of North Dakota. Along with serving Brainerd High School students as a guidance counselor for 30 years, he was also an assistant football and baseball coach. Stengel volunteered in the community and at his church and was honored with several awards, including Sertoma’s Service to Mankind Award twice.

2022 Called to Serve Awards

Handt Hanson ’72 served as worship and music director for Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, Burnsville, Minn., for 40 years. He began a new worship ministry for Prince of Peace with outdoor events that attracted hundreds of people who had never attended a church. During his tenure, the church grew from under 1,000 to more than 10,000 members. Hanson also led various musical organizations, wrote original music, and wrote and produced dozens of high school and children’s musicals.

The Called to Serve Award is conferred upon alumni of any year who have demonstrated notable commitment to the mission of the college through lifelong service to their faith communities, education, arts, or other not-for-profit activities.