Alumni & Friends Magazine Winter 2020
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Greetings Alumni and Friends! As I look around our beautiful, snow-covered campus, I am reminded that every winter brings new life, a new season, and a new start for us all. Many new starts are possible for our students because of donors like you. In early October, we welcomed alumni and friends to campus to celebrate the completion of our “Opening Doors, Transforming Lives” campaign. Since 2014, we raised $61,252,244 towards building additions, renovations, and student scholarships. I cannot say it enough: thank you for your support! The results of this campaign have better positioned us to serve our students. They can now compete in the state-of-the-art Harold Newman Arena, socialize in the Student Engagement Center located in the Lyngstad Center, worship in the restored Voorhees Chapel, and build their strength in the Larson Center’s renovated weight room. Most importantly, they have the opportunity to grow at a University dedicated to developing wholeness in students. This issue focuses on how our mission has helped alumni lead successful lives—both in their careers and beyond. From the professional preparation that develops skillsets for specific careers, to the liberal arts foundation that helps graduates stand out amongst their peers. From the wholistic environment that encourages continuing growth, to our Christian foundation that reminds us to trust and serve God. All are important. And all are taught at University of Jamestown. I hope you enjoy this issue of Alumni & Friends. If you have any ideas for future stories, please share them with me or any of our Alumni staff. I look forward to connecting with you soon. With gratitude,
Dr. Polly Peterson ’89, President
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On the Cover:
GPAC volleyball tournament championship game on November 16, 2019
Features
6 Getting through it Mary McLain ’75
8 Finding early success in the law
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Tim O’Keeffe ’95, Andrew Peterson ’14, and Luke Heck ’11
10 A season of change leads to a lifetime of success University of Jamestown’s Nursing Class of 1969
12 Prepared for wherever the future takes you Bruce Belzer, M.D., J.D. and Bill Tarnasky, M.D., J.D.
Welcome to Alumni & Friends magazine! The Winter 2020 issue focuses on how a curriculum of academic excellence, which blends the liberal arts with sound professional preparation, has helped University of Jamestown graduates find success in their careers—no matter where their lives have taken them.
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In This Issue 14 Campus Ministry 15 Performing and Visual Arts 16 Homecoming Schedule 18 UJ Athletics
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19 Greetings from the Alumni Association 20 Dine & Bid Benefit Auction 21 Hall of Fame Nominations 22 Jimmie Scramble 23 Refer a Student 24 Congratulations on your retirement, Marlene Wiest 25 Marriages and Births 26 In Memoriam
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28 Important Dates
Alumni & Friends Winter 2020 Board of Trustees Chairman James Unruh ’63
Research Assistant Dan Hornung
University of Jamestown President Polly Peterson, Ph.D., ’89
Office Manager Bridgett Brewer
Alumni Board President MaryBeth Hegstad ’97
Stewardship Manager Joleen Steinmetz
Vice President of Development and Alumni Relations Brett Moser (’03)
Senior Director of Marketing and Campaigns Karen H. Crane
Director of Annual Giving and Jimmie Booster Club Jim Klemann ’09
Director of Design and Publications Donna Schmitz
Director of Alumni Relations Setareh Campion
Creative Writer Natalie McKenna
“Alumni & Friends” is published two times per year, in the winter and summer by the University of Jamestown Office of Development and Alumni Relations for alumni, faculty, staff and friends of the University of Jamestown. University of Jamestown welcomes your thoughts and comments about “Alumni & Friends.” Please send letters to: Alumni & Friends 6082 College Lane Jamestown, ND 58405 Send address changes to: Bridgett Brewer Office of Development and Alumni Relations 6082 College Lane Jamestown, ND 58405 or by e-mail to alumni@uj.edu
GETTING THROUGH IT HOW MARY MCLAIN (’75) TURNED STRUGGLES INTO A LIFE OF PURPOSE
Mary McLain is a woman who has struggled. She’s had more rough patches in her life than many could imagine possible. And yet, through it all, she tells her story with such grace and humility, completely open to sharing her struggles...and her successes.
“I enjoyed my whole education at Jamestown College,” Mary explained. “The liberal arts really grounded my education. I was part of the choir, was a Representative Jimmie in Leadership, and did work study. I just enjoyed the whole atmosphere and the rigor of academics.”
“I want others to know—look part of life are the downs, but you can still shine and be a bright light and get through it,” she explained, with a comforting yet determined tone to her voice. “My house burned down. I got pregnant. I was abused. But you, you can still get through it.”
As if balancing schoolwork and co-curriculars with a baby was not enough of an accomplishment, Mary went on to graduate in three years with a double major in Social Sciences and Special Education. She was even crowned homecoming queen in 1974.
Mary didn’t just get through it. She took her struggles and turned them into an amazing life, full of purpose.
“I feel so very grateful, because I was supported and encouraged at Jamestown College. I would take my daughter to class when we couldn’t get a sitter,” she explained. “It didn’t matter that I had a child. At the time, a lot of places were not accepting of women with kids.”
AN UNCOMMON UNDERGRADUATE From the very beginning, Mary’s journey to her law career was far from standard. It started with an unexpected pregnancy as a senior in high school. But, she was determined to still attain her education as a young mother. She completed her high school degree and her first semester at University of Jamestown in the same year—all with a new marriage and a new baby.
GROWING HER EDUCATION “I knew I always wanted to go into law,” Mary explained. “I come from a family of social activists, and I saw firsthand that when there’s such social discord in civil society, you need lawyers to help get through the difficulties you face.” Her family of activists and alumni include her father Rev. Bernard McLain ’38, brother Harley McLain ’75, sister Christeen McLain ’75, and nephew Max Kirchdorfer ’12.
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Mary applied to law school right before her second child was born and deferred for three years. She would then commute from Jamestown to the University of North Dakota with her youngest daughter, stay for a week, and come home on weekends. And still, she found time to be active in her school’s co-curriculars. “I was very involved in the student council and I was governor of the American Bar Association, Law Student Division.” In this role, Mary represented the 8th Circuit and would help create policies for students in that circuit. Mary explained that throughout her studies, she struggled with being in an abusive relationship. And she realized, in Jamestown, there was nowhere she could just go at the drop of a hat. So, Mary, with the help of two other women, researched and wrote the grant that funded Safe Shelter in Jamestown—an organization that is committed to empowering victims of physical, emotional, and sexual assault. IMPROVING PROCESSES AMONGST TRAGEDY Mary and her first husband divorced. She went on to marry her husband Barry and had two more children. From 1984-1999, Mary worked as a litigator in San Francisco. “I was hired by firms to go in and do the trials. And I just always thought, there has to be a better way.” She continued, explaining, “Even when clients would win the case, they were still upset because of the emotional and financial toll, not to mention the time it took.” Not one to settle, Mary returned to school, this time, for her Master’s of Law in Dispute Resolution—all while running her own mediation practice. While pursuing her LLM, Mary’s oldest daughter, Summer, was diagnosed with brain cancer. She paused her studies to take care of her daughter. Mary then explained, ever-so calmly with the resolve and strength of a mother, that Summer passed away a few short years later in a drowning accident. “That really changed the direction in which I was going,” she continued. “But, I was so involved in my community that the lawyers I knew just surrounded me. They said, ‘Don’t give up. You have good work to do.’ I have always felt community and relationships are key to the human experience, and this proved that.” Mary continued with her mediation practice, serving as a Federal Court mediator, but now, she had a desire to start teaching. She taught mediation, mediation clinic, and negotiations at University of California Berkeley School of Law and University of California Hastings CNDR, INTA, as well as leadership and international negotiations for MBA students at HULT International Business School.
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TEACHING HAS OPENED EVEN MORE DOORS FOR MARY. In 2009, Mary went through a rigorous application process and was one of two people interviewed by the United Nations to head their Global Internal Mediation Program. You could feel the smile in her voice as she said, “I failed with enthusiasm. I was interviewed, and it was wonderful!” Shortly after, a student told Mary about the International Chamber of Commerce’s Mediation Competition that takes place in Paris. She’s traveled there every year, for the last ten years, and continues to do so, to help organize, participate, and serve as a judge and mediator in the event. “It’s excellent to facilitate these young participants as they develop an interest-based negotiation, collaborating respectfully to reach understanding and resolution. I truly believe they will be the bedrock of a global civil society, and that makes me immensely proud,” she said. “It fills me with hope and inspiration for the world.” In 2011, Mary began training professionals in mediation and advanced mediation for the International Trademark Association. WHERE DOES SHE GO FROM HERE, AFTER YEARS OF A SUCCESSFUL CAREER? Retirement? Not for Mary. Instead, she applied to be a member of the U.S. Supreme Court after learning about the border crisis. She was sworn in last year. She said, “When I lost a daughter and found out children were being taken away from their families, I couldn’t come to terms with that.” She contacted a supporting organization to see how she could help. They needed someone who could write briefs and argue in front of the Supreme Court. “I sure hope to be called on to help. I believe we can each be a changemaker in our own way, and I’m ready for that,” Mary said. Mary continues to honor her past, as well as her first daughter. She is a past board member for the Center for Domestic Peace and is the President of the Send It Foundation, a group that gifts adult cancer fighters and survivors with an outdoor adventure. She and her family named their cabin Skye Lodge, with a ridge nearby named Summer’s Ridge in her daughter’s honor. “I have learned along the way, you can’t always control what happens to you,” explained Mary, “but you can control how you respond to it.” No one can argue that Mary has responded in a way that will positively impact the lives of others for years to come.
FINDING EARLY SUCCESS IN THE LAW A LIBERAL ARTS EDUCATION HELPED THESE GRADUATES FEEL PREPARED TO GROW IN THEIR PROFESSIONS AS LAWYERS.
TIM O’KEEFFE ’95 Founding Partner, President O’Keeffe O’Brien Lyson Foss, Fargo
Practice Areas Serious personal injury, wrongful death, business/commercial litigation, and criminal defense
Notable Achievements Tim is familiar with success at a young age. Coming to UJ, he was a Wilson Scholar. Then, just five years after taking the bar exam, he opened his own practice. “It was a risk, took a little bit of courage. People have asked me, ‘Is O’Keeffe on the sign your dad or your grandpa?’ And no, it’s just me,” Tim said humbly. His firm started out as a team of four, and now has more than 30 members. “It’s been a roller coaster at times,” he explained. “But I’m very happy with the success we’ve had.”
Community involvement Tim and his team strive to give back. Once a month, they encourage employees to volunteer for a day or afternoon for a specific organization as well as lend their skills to non-profit boards. And once a year, they do a big push—really impacting an organization with donations.
On UJ “I felt prepared for law school. It was perfect for me to have a broad background. It provides a lot of creativity and flexibility in what you want to do. It just made me a well-rounded person.”
Being a lawyer is great, because… “I get to investigate situations and handle them in the worst moment of people’s lives and make it better. The pinnacle of any case is getting to trial, being in front of a jury. You train and prepare for it. That’s sometimes the most stressful part, but it’s the part I enjoy the most.”
ANDREW PETERSON ’14 Associate Nilan Johnson Lewis, Minneapolis
Practice Areas Labor and employment law
Notable Achievements Andrew found a lot of success while in law school, but it was never just handed to him. He put in the work, balancing school with side projects and activities. He participated in international moot court, a key extracurricular activity that takes months of preparation and writing to compete against other schools in simulated court. Andrew also served as senior editor of his school’s Law Journal and earned a position as a judicial law clerk—all while graduating magna cum laude.
On just starting out in law “As a short-term goal, I hope to leverage the knowledge that’s around me—the people I work with are really good at their jobs—to become a better writer, to learn those nuanced areas that separate people and cases, and just to get better at my job.”
LUKE HECK ’11 Attorney Vogel Law Firm, Fargo
Practice Areas Criminal Defense
On UJ
Notable Achievements
“I think I had a bit of a jumpstart on law school with writing particularly, because it was such a strong component at UJ. … There’s a different structure to UJ as a private, liberal arts school—the structure of you are constantly doing things. You learn how to lean on people, be a part of a team, do group projects, how to manage your time—those are all important as you become a lawyer.”
Luke was voted by his class in law school to be the graduation speaker. He spoke about what he learned, “not only from my teachers, but from other students and my family,” Luke explained. His speech was about how “it’s important to be a great lawyer, but it’s equally important to remember that we want to be good people, too—working hard and treating people with respect and compassion.”
Being a lawyer is great, because…
On just starting out in law
“There’s a storytelling component to labor and employment that I really enjoy. They each have their own side. Whoever you represent, you are trying to push their side of the narrative. You do everything to push your factual story and hope the law is on your side of the facts.”
“It’s humbling, and it can be intimidating. But in all, being able to get advice—legal, professional, personal—from some of the best attorneys in the area, that experience is priceless.”
On UJ “I never really thought about going anywhere other than UJ. It was engrained in me growing up. My mom was a graduate. My dad worked there. I was the ball boy on the basketball team. It was the obvious next step. And I’m glad it was. … After graduation, I felt more prepared [for law school] thanks to Jamestown and getting a well-rounded liberal arts education that allowed for a lot of back and forth in discussion.”
Being a lawyer is great, because… “I love litigating legal issues, especially criminal specific. I like defending the little guy and helping people. A lot of good people make bad decisions, but they aren’t bad people. They are in a criminal courtroom, and we’re just trying to do what’s best for them and for society.”
A SEASON OF CHANGE LEADS TO A LIFETIME OF SUCCESS UNIVERSITY OF JAMESTOWN’S NURSING CLASS OF 1969
The Nursing class of 1969 remember their years at University of Jamestown as a season of change. There were four different directors in four years. Accreditations were shifting, and the program was moving from a five-year requirement to four. When this class initially came to UJ, about 30 students were in their program. In two short years, only 13 remained; the rest had transferred. Joyce Kost Heitmann
And yet, those that stayed don’t look on this season negatively; rather, they see it as a very formative experience—crediting their tight-knit class, personal connections, passionate professors, and flexible scheduling as reasons they stayed at UJ. “It was really a pioneering adventure while we were there, because our nursing program was in transition, and we as individuals were in transition with our own interests and how we pursued them,” explained Dr. Susan Holli Homan Neidlinger (’69). “It laid a really good foundation.”
Ann Piltingsrud Dau
Qualities of flexibility and resilience continue to unite the class, who have kept in touch and recently reunited on campus to celebrate the 50th anniversary of their graduation. As their biographical document states, it “seems like the group that stuck with our studies at JC learned how to be flexible and flow with changes, which seems to have infiltrated into our lives in serving our communities and health needs after leaving our initial studies.” Many have gone on to get advanced degrees, become educators, and travel the world.
A GROUP OPEN TO NEW IDEAS “I think that Jamestown at that particular time had a strong nursing program, and they gave us enough background so we could expand and feel comfortable,” said Gail Cameron Saxowsky (’69). “I think as a group of people we were really open to ideas and eager to try new things out.” Susan, who was a member of the National Student Nursing Association (NSNA), is the perfect example of a student with this eagerness. “The foundation we had [at University of Jamestown] was very rich,” she said. “We wanted to get out there in the world. We were not yes people; we were questioning people.” Towards the end of her freshman year, Susan applied for a travel sponsorship and with that, went to San Francisco to attend an NSNA conference. “There were over 4,000 nurses there from all over the country,” she explained. “And speakers from around the world. It opened my eyes to what there was in the profession.” When the opportunity arose, five of her classmates joined her on a trip to Dallas to support her as she ran for a position on the national board. “All of us going together and getting to see the bigger picture of what was going on in nursing—we saw that there was work to be done. There was more out there, and we needed to be involved,” Susan continued. “It all made for quite an amazing journey at Jamestown College.”
Bonnie Kay Moxness
Dennis Dean Rieker
Esther Marie Snader
Fredricka Leigh Chase
Gail Meredith Cameron
Sharon Erickson Unruh
MAKING A DIFFERENCE ACROSS THE COUNTRY & WORLD Their excitement towards traveling has taken many of the graduates across the country and the world with their careers. Gail moved to Alaska following graduation, and eventually came to work on an ambulance in the rural part of the state. She was instrumental in helping her service become one of the first in Alaska to have the capacity to start IV fluids in the field, as well as with writing the state protocols for having Epi Pens in first responder kits, and in developing guidelines for an EMS personnel debriefing program.
Gail Cameron Saxowsky, Fredricka Chase Gilje, and Susan Homan Neidlinger at Homecoming 2019
MAKING A DIFFERENCE LOCALLY Still, others decided to stay local, and make an impact on their immediate community, like Sharon Erickson Unruh, who accepted a position as a Public Health Nurse for the City of Jamestown. After just three years, she was offered an administrator position. She felt inadequate for the position, but was motivated to make a difference. “Elegrace Reekie, Director of JC Nursing Department, had instilled a love of Public Health in me,” Sharon said. They grew from six employees in 1972 to about 30 when she retired in 2006. “Grants were written for WIC, Title III Aging health services, Family Planning, Women’s Way, Bioterrorism, and Maternal Child Health Programs. … I felt honored to be a part of it,” she said, commenting on the impact her department made on the counties they served. LIFELONG LEARNERS Many graduates of this class also went on to earn higher degrees, four with a master’s and two with PhDs. “We had some excellent mentors, I would say, in our faculty,” explained Dr. Fredricka Chase Gilje (’69). “The chair of our program was a woman with a doctorate in nursing, and she really paved the way and inspired us to think beyond.” With these mentors in mind, most members of this graduating class went on to become educators themselves—doing everything from substitute teaching to serving as the Chief Professor and Academic Leader at a University in China.
suffering instead of backing away from them. I want to make sure those skills are integrated into the nursing curriculum.” A SENSE OF DIVERSITY Another unique position this class was in was having a male classmate, Dennis Dean Riegler. “He was a forerunner for men getting in nursing,” explained Gail. Fredricka expanded on this thought saying, “[Having a male in the nursing program] was pretty rare, and he brought a lot of diversity to our group. He was a really adept practitioner.” Dennis went on to serve as a nurse in the U.S. Army, becoming a Colonel and the director of surgical nursing at the Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington. After retiring from the Army, he worked in nursing administration until his death in 2003. SUCCESS FOR LIFE The graduates of the nursing program of the class of 1969 are no strangers to change, spending their formative college years in a program that was in transition, all during the women’s movement and the Vietnam War. And yet, beyond—and potentially due to—this season of change, the graduates have gone on to lead successful careers and lives.
Fredricka focused her studies on psychiatric mental health nursing in the practice area of education. She went on to teach at universities across the country, including University of Jamestown, and across the globe in places like Sweden, Finland, and China.
“That support that helps you to grow and be nourished and go out into the world and continue through life—it’s unique to Jamestown College,” said Fredricka, as she reflected on her time as an undergraduate. “The mission and philosophy of the college. The bondedness. There’s something different there, something very deep and meaningful. It’s like your family.”
“It’s important to look at mental health from a nurse’s perspective,” said Fredricka. “It’s about the courage to come close to someone who is
University of Jamestown is proud to have these graduates as part of its family.
Susan Lee Davy
Susan Homan Neidlinger
Meredith Lillehaugen
Vonda Skaare
Rebecca Rodenberg
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PREPARED FOR WHEREVER THE FUTURE TAKES YOU HOW FAITH HELPED TWO GRADUATES FULFILL THEIR GOALS
Plenty of students change their majors. Many do it multiple times. And plenty of professionals switch careers. It’s common. What’s not so common is investing years in earning an advanced degree, and then returning to school to follow a completely different path—one that still requires extensive years of schooling. Two UJ graduates, Bruce Belzer (’76) and William (Bill) Tarnasky (’58), did just that. And they quickly realized that trust in God, paired with a solid, liberal arts foundation, would take them where they were meant to be.
BRUC E BE L Z E R , M . D., J. D. Bruce grew up in a small town and saw firsthand the impact a family practitioner can have on a small community. “To be able to have a doctor nearby—it’s something a lot of people take for granted. It really impacts the community, both from a health standpoint and the economy.” Bruce also saw firsthand someone change their career later in life. His mother was a registered nurse and would also stay home to take care of her family. But she always felt drawn to music, having an incredible passion and talent for playing instruments. “She talked to my dad about going back to school, but he couldn’t understand what she would do with that [music] degree,” Bruce explained. “We were in a small town. There weren’t many opportunities. So, she didn’t do it.” Not until later in life, that is. After Bruce’s dad passed away, his mom returned to the classroom to get her undergraduate degree in music. She was 60 years old. Although Bruce was always drawn to medicine, he found himself on a path to becoming a lawyer. He graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in History-Political Science and felt like law school was the natural next step. So, that’s what he did. And he did it well.
He passed the bar exam and started working in law, eventually moving in-house at a large corporation and grew his success as a professional there. “I liked my job. There was nothing wrong with it. I just always felt like I wanted to do more,” Bruce explained. “I thought about my mom. I didn’t want to be 60 when I went back to school. That’s not even really feasible for someone wanting to be a doctor.” So, he went to his wife and told her he wanted to go to medical school. “I can be pretty impulsive.” He joked. “So, my wife said to wait a year, and if I still wanted to go to med school, she would support it.” He marked the date on his calendar. On that day, one year later, he approached his wife—fully ready to transition his career to one in medicine. As promised, she was fully supportive. Bruce did it. He completed medical school, while married with three children and a law degree under his belt, in 1998. “People say to me I wish I could do that. I wish I could do what you do. And I say, you can,” Bruce explained. “It’s never too late.” Looking back, Bruce is happy about the path he took, commenting, “I can relate to patients in a unique way, because I really understand the stress of working for a corporation. The anxiety that can come with knowing you can lose your job at any time. And the effect that has on your health.” Bruce credits his success in switching careers to the liberal arts foundation he received at UJ and to his wife. “Marrying a supportive spouse is critical” he said, closing with advice for anyone interested in switching paths in life, “Just trust in yourself and trust in God.”
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“I’ve had a very blessed life and successful life,” explained Bill. “I’ve done it by following biblical principles. Jamestown College gave me reinforcements for that.” BI L L TA R NA SK Y, M . D., J. D.
Bill explained, “I lived on two different bases and was delivering babies while husbands were away serving.”
Bill Tarnasky admittedly isn’t much of a planner. And despite this trait, you’ll find the letters M.D. and J.D. after his name. How did he accomplish such a task? By trusting in God.
In 1972, Bill, along with his wife and children, moved to Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, where he was the first board certified OBGYN in the community. He started his own medical practice with a front office clerk and a nurse.
“I never planned ahead and said I want to do ‘this’,” Bill explained. “I just went along my path, and when I hit a fork in the road, I knew I would make the right decision with the Holy Spirit.”
“I thought, if I got to law school, I’ll learn how lawyers think. Even after four years in law school, I still haven’t figured out how they think,” Bill said, while laughing. “I was in my 50s, so it was all a somewhat selfish endeavor.” An endeavor, though, that most would not be willing to take—to put in an extreme amount of time and energy, all for the sake of learning.
Bill majored in Math and Chemistry at UJ, and then went on to coach football and teach high school. After two years, he began working as a graduate assistant in the biochemistry department at University of North Dakota and earned his master’s degree. “I realized while I was there that I didn’t want to spend my life convincing people how important my research is,” he continued. “So, I thought, well, I guess I’ll go to med school.” Bill completed his medical degree in 1966, did his residency in obstetrics and gynecology, and then served as a medical officer in the U.S. Army.
During that time, despite still running his own practice, Bill decided he wanted to expand his education, this time in the practice of law.
Bill graduated law school in 1988, 22 years after graduating medical school. With both degrees in hand, Bill continued to practice medicine at his clinic and used his law degree when needed. He explained, “I decided to act as an in-house council at the clinic—you know, if someone was going through a divorce and needed help, things like that.” Bill’s medical practice grew to five doctors and multiple employees before the local hospital bought it, just weeks before Bill’s retirement. “I’ve had a very blessed life and successful life,” explained Bill. “I’ve done it by following biblical principles. Jamestown College gave me reinforcements for that.”
CAMPUS MINISTRY UJ campus ministry has experienced tremendous growth this year. Student engagement is evident across the campus. More and more students are participating in campus ministry opportunities; these activities encourage students to explore, expand and embrace their faith. Three years ago, we had two student chaplains. This semester, we have fifty students serving on ten campus ministry teams. Each team meets weekly to execute their aspect of the campus ministry. ӵӵ Care Team I offers support to individuals who are struggling or have experienced a loss or tragedy in their lives. ӵӵ Care Team II offers support to students who transferred to campus midyear. ӵӵ Connection Team reaches out to prospective and current students who desire to be engaged in campus ministries. ӵӵ Cru/Discipleship & Evangelism Team plans and executes opportunities to win, build, and send Christ-centered multiplying disciples. ӵӵ Cru Music Team selects, practices and leads music for our weekly gatherings. ӵӵ Fellowship Team assists with the planning, promotion, and implementation of fellowship opportunities where Christians and non-Christians are able to interact with one another. ӵӵ Missional Outreach Team intentionally forms relationships that enable them to share the good news of God’s love with others. ӵӵ Music Ministry Team assists with music for the chapel worship service. The goal is to offer different styles of music.
ӵӵ Spiritual Formation Team assists with the planning, promotion, and implementation of spiritual formation experiences: Bible studies, faith dialogues, prayer gatherings, etc. ӵӵ Worship Design Team assists with designing worship that glorifies God. They strive to offer a weekly worship experience that celebrates the gifts of the gathered community. These teams plan, promote, and execute weekly ministries i.e. chapel worship service, Bibles studies, fellowship groups, music gatherings, prayer nights, current event and faith integration dialogues and theological discussions. This fall, we opened the Faith and Life house; there are six young women who reside there. They regularly invite others into their home for Christian fellowship and Bible studies.
Performing and Visual Arts
Theatre
The Theatre Department opened their 2019-2020 season with the Tony Award winning musical comedy A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder. The cast navigated its audience through a hilarious quagmire of never-ending deceit, untimely death, and undeserved inheritance of the D’Ysquith family—a pompous, large, and wealthy family that is for the most part played by a single cast member. Upcoming productions include: Middletown by Will Enlo, An Enemy of the People by Henrik Ibsen and adapted by UJ’s own Michael McIntyre. The season will close this spring with An Evening of One-Acts featuring original plays written UJ Theatre Students.
Choir
The UJ Chapel and Concert Choirs performed in this year’s Homecoming Concert and three-day Christmas Concert series titled “As A Child.” The Concert Choir is currently gearing up for the group’s 10-day National Tour with stops in Phoenix, LA, Denver, Billings and Bismarck, among others. The final home concert of the year will take place at St. James Basilica on Saturday, March, 21 at 7:30 p.m.
Band
Junior Brandan Schmitz, who is a current wind ensemble flutist, Jamestown Rural Fire Fighter, and Two Rivers Activity Center Lifeguard, participated in collegiate band during his past two summer internships at NASA’s Langley Research Center in Virginia. The Wind Ensemble’s 2nd annual February Pops Concert will feature music from popular films series Harry Potter, Pirates of the Caribbean, and The Chronicles of Narnia. In May, Dr. Lynch and the Wind Ensemble will head to Europe for a trip through Austria and Germany, stopping in the cities of Vienna, Heidelberg, and Salzburg. The Department welcomes two faculty members this year: Dr. Jason Kihle, director of Jazz Ensemble and Big Orange Pep Band, and Mr. John Clodfelter, resident accompanist, Piano Pedagogue, and Music History Instructor.
Visual Arts
UJ’s pottery wheels and kiln were put to good use this fall with students throwing and baking their own artistic creations to then be put on display in the Reiland Fine Arts Center. Student photography and pencil drawings were also exhibited. Demonstrations on French crepe making, Calligraphy, a Traditional Chinese Tea Ceremony, and displays in Cuneiform and Greek were featured at the International Education Week Reception in November. The Spring Student Art Exhibit will begin on March 22, 2020.
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HOMECOMING
2020
OCTOBER 9-11 Catch up, reminisce, and see all of our campus! We hope to see you in your ORANGE and BLACK! Homecoming festivities include: Booster Club luncheon, alumni sporting events, Band and Choir concerts, the annual street fair, tailgating, and of course, the Homecoming football game. Check the UJ website at UJ.EDU/HOMECOMING for updates and registration details.
Schedule of Events Tentative events for October 9-11, 2020
Friday, October 9
Saturday, October 10
Registration
5kRun/Walk
Campus Tours
Jimmie Jane Breakfast
Class Photos
Athletic Hall of Fame Breakfast
Booster Club Luncheon
Street Fair
Alumni Association Board Meeting
Booster Club Tailgating Party
Alumni Sports Games
Football Game vs Doane University
Alumni Banquet with President Peterson
Post-Game Social
Homecoming Band and Choir Concerts
Sunday, October 11
All Class Alumni and Friends Social
Chapel Service
FOR MORE INFORMATION Setareh Campion Director of Alumni Relations (701) 252-3467 ext. 4104 setareh.campion@uj.edu
ATHLETICS By Sean Johnson
JIMMIE ATHLETICS WEBSITE JIMMIEATHLETICS.COM
Other highlights included both soccer teams advancing to the semifinals of the GPAC Tournament and the Jimmie football team winning on both Homecoming and the home season finale.
Highlighted by a magical run to the NAIA Final 4 by the Jimmie women’s volleyball team, it’s been another outstanding fall and winter for UJ Athletics. Coach Jon Hegerle and his mixture of veterans and youngsters came within two matches of capturing the school’s first national championship during a thrilling week in Sioux City, Iowa. The Jimmies had a strong regular season, finishing second in the Great Plains Athletic Conference regular season standings at 14-2. Then, the fun really began as UJ hosted 3 GPAC Tournament matches at Harold Newman Arena, and capped a thrilling 3-set victory over College of St. Mary in the tournament finals before a raucous home crowd. The Jimmies entered the NAIA Tournament ranked #8 and earned the top seed in their pool for the first time in school history. After going 2-1 in pool play, the Jimmies were forced into the one-set tiebreaker for the 3rd time in 4 years, defeating Columbia College to advance to the Sweet 16 for the second time in school history. The Jimmies advanced to the quarterfinals by rallying from down 2 sets to 1 to beat #10 Lindsay Wilson (Ky.). In the Elite 8, UJ defeated #2 ranked Northwestern in 4 sets to advance to the national semifinals. Eventual national champion Marian (Ind.) defeated the Jimmies 3 sets to 1. UJ finished with a 33-6 record and a #4 ranking in the final NAIA poll, its highest ever. Jake Fulsom was named the NAIA Assistant Coach of the Year by the American Volleyball Coaches Association, and seniors Britta Knudson (2nd team) and Isabel Wedell (Honorable Mention) earned AVCA All-American honors and were also selected first team All-GPAC.
The Jimmie men’s hockey team is having another outstanding season and will travel to Frisco, Texas March 19-29 for the ACHA national tournament, while the Jimmie women’s wrestling team will host the NAIA Women’s Wrestling Invitational at the Harold Newman Arena March 13-14. The Jimmie basketball teams are both headed towards winning seasons with hopes of success at the GPAC Tournament February 26-March 3rd and a return to the NAIA National Tournament on March 11-17 in Sioux City, Iowa, and Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Twelve of UJ’s teams earned at least a 3.0 cumulative grade point average. Thirty-two student-athletes, representing 13 different sports, earned a perfect 4.0 grade point average during the fall semester. A total of 160 student-athletes achieved University of Jamestown Dean’s List status (3.5 grade point average or better) during the 2019 fall semester.
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UNIVERSITY OF JAMESTOWN
Alumni Association Update The Alumni Association is anticipating an excellent 2020. Change continues to be a theme for our board. After consultation with Dr. Peterson regarding the University’s needs and the board’s role in meeting those needs, we amended our bylaws to more effectively guide our service to the Alumni and Friends of the University of Jamestown. The most significant substantive amendments relate to the board’s standing committees. Our new committees include the Board of Directors Nominating Committee, and the Alumni Hall of Fame/Young Alumni Medallion Nominating Committee. These new committees will improve the board’s overall effectiveness and provide increased opportunities for board member participation and engagement. We are in the midst of adding five new board members. Our new members will join the Alumni Association Board for our upcoming spring meeting on April 18, 2020.
ALUMNI ASSOCIATION BOARD MaryBeth Hegstad ’97, President Tonya (Schlaht) Holmstrom ’04, Vice President Carol (Prentice) Land ’80, Secretary to the Executive Committee
We are always looking for new ideas for socials and gatherings in your areas. If you have suggestions, requests, or would like to host a social, please contact Setareh Campion at Setareh.Campion@uj.edu.
Kyle Blumenshine ’13/’16
Thank you for your support. We look forward to seeing you soon. Please join us for our upcoming events:
Andrew Klose ’08
February 26, 2020
Networking Night, Fargo, ND
Emily Paulson ’15
March 18, 2020
Networking Night, Jamestown, ND
April 1, 2020
Networking Night, Bismarck, ND
April 18, 2020
Dine & Bid 2020, Jamestown, ND
May 8, 2020
Alumni Hall of Fame Banquet, Jamestown, ND
May 13, 2020
Networking Night, Minneapolis, MN
MaryBeth Hegstad ’97 Alumni Association President
Matt Gooding ’94 Deb (Clark) Hornung ’85 Sami King ’98 Jack Lawrence ’98 Tim O’Keeffe ’95 Scott Peterson ’82 Sandi (Long)Piatz ’98/’18 Kelly Rachel ’84 Dan Stoudt ’07
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A LL H T ! G I N K
DINE & BID 2020 34th ANNUAL BENEFIT AUCTION • APRIL 18, 2020
Save the Date Featuring • Social hour beginning at 5:00 p.m. • Unique items on the live and silent auctions • Exquisite four-course dinner and student entertainment All proceeds benefit UJ student scholarships. For more information, contact Setarah Campion at setareh.campion@uj.edu or call 701.252.3467 ext. 4104.
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Nominations sought for Halls of Fame Young Alumni Medallion The Young Alumni Medallions honor the successes of individuals possessing the characteristics of a University of Jamestown liberal arts education. The recipients will reflect the following qualities: • • • •
Combined professional competence and skills with a commitment to broad-based learning and intellectual curiosity. Demonstrated commitment to life-long learning through a continued effort to learn and grow as individuals. Rendered valuable service to the local or wider community. Demonstrated good character in their relationship with other individuals and the community as a whole.
Recipients will be graduates from any classes of the previous twelve years, who exemplify the traits listed above by success in personal and professional areas of life.
Alumni Hall of Fame The Alumni Hall of Fame honors alumni who have made outstanding contributions to their alma mater and humanity. Admission to this Hall of Fame is the highest honor presented by the University of Jamestown Alumni Association. To be considered for the award: •
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A candidate must have received a degree from the University of Jamestown or provided outstanding service for the development of University of Jamestown. Ten years must have elapsed since the candidate graduated, or in the case of non-graduates, 10 years from the completion of service to the University. The candidate must have made an outstanding contribution to the University or humanity as a student, faculty member, or administrative staff member of the University; or through a distinguished career and/or volunteer efforts in the period following his/her years at University of Jamestown.
Athletic Hall of Fame The Athletic Hall of Fame honors former University of Jamestown athletes, coaches, and friends for outstanding contributions to the University’s athletic history. Admission to the Athletic Hall of Fame is the highest honor presented to a University of Jamestown athlete, coach, or team. Candidates must be men or women of outstanding qualities, high moral character, fine leadership abilities, and must be held in high esteem by their colleagues, former coaches, or former athletes.
Rollie Greeno Award The Rollie Greeno Award for Outstanding Commitment in the Field of Education and Coaching was established in 1994 by the Jimmie Booster Club to honor Coach Greeno’s many years of dedicated service as an instructor and coach at the University of Jamestown. The award honors individuals who have demonstrated a commitment to youth through their careers in education and/or coaching professions.
Jim Clark Award The Jim Clark Award for outstanding commitment to character-driven, servant leadership was established in 2017 by the Jimmie Booster Club to honor Coach Clark’s many years of dedicated service as a coach at University of Jamestown. The award honors individuals who have demonstrated a commitment to serving others through their career since leaving the University of Jamestown. Individuals considered for the award shall meet the following criteria: 1. A graduate of University of Jamestown 2. A former student-athlete at the University of Jamestown 3. Of outstanding character as demonstrated through his or her commitment to community and global betterment, volunteerism, empowerment of others, and leadership
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Deadline
for Nominations Nominations for the Young Alumni Medallions must be received by the Office of Development and Alumni Relations no later than April 30 of each year for induction during the Opening Convocation in the fall. Nominations for the Alumni Hall of Fame must be received by the Office of Development and Alumni Relations no later than January 15 of each year for induction during May Commencement. Nominations for Athletic Hall of Fame, Rollie Greeno Award, and the Jim Clark Award must be received by the Jimmie Booster Club no later than April 1 of each year for induction during Homecoming in the fall. The Jimmie Booster Club Board of Directors is responsible for the selection of the honoree(s). Inductees are honored at Homecoming each year. To submit a nomination or for more information about any of these awards, call Jim Klemann at (701) 252-3467 ext. 5024 or e-mail jklemann@uj.edu. Or, submit nominations online at uj.edu/HOF
Inductees’ pictures are included in the Hall of Fame Kiosk located in the Office of Admission and the Harold Newman Arena.
34 Annual th
JIMMIE SCRAMBLE SATURDAY, JUNE 20, 2020
Jamestown Country Club
For more information, contact Jim Klemann (701) 252-3467 ext. 5024 or e-mail jklemann@uj.edu
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LEGACY AWARD Tradition is celebrated at the University of Jamestown through our Legacy Award program. Legacy Awards are valued at $1,000 annually ($4,000 over four years, applied to tuition only), and are provided to new students whose father, mother, brother, sister or grandparent graduated from or is currently attending the University of Jamestown.*
ALUMNI REFERRAL SCHOLARSHIP Additionally, one of the best ways to support your alma mater is to “Refer a Student” to the University of Jamestown. Alumni referrals are a strong source of future Jimmies. Encourage a college-bound young person in your church, school, or community to consider the University of Jamestown. You can provide us with the student’s information by completing and mailing the form below or at uj.edu/alumniandfriends (select “Referral Form”). Our response will be made in the Jimmie tradition…personal, caring, and enthusiastic.
Introduce us to a student you know. Alumni Referral Scholarship ($250 per year for four years) Contact Admission: 1-800-336-2554 | admission@uj.edu Refer a student online at uj.edu/refer-a-student or send in the form below. Please send information to this student: Name________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Address______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ City___________________________________________________________________ State_________________________ Zip______________ Phone Number_______________________ Cell Phone Number___________________E-mail_________________________________________ Parent’s/Guardian’s Name_______________________________________________________________________________________________ Academic Area of Interest_______________________________________________________________________________________________ Year of Graduation______________ Co-curricular Activities____________________________________________________________________ Your Name________________________________________ May we use your name when contacting student?_____ yes______no How do you know this student?__________________________________________________________________________________________ Mail this form to University of Jamestown Office of Admission, 6081 College Lane, Jamestown, ND 58405
*Please visit with the Office of Admissions to discuss which awards students may be eligible to receive; admission@uj.edu or 1-800-336-2554, ext. 5562.
Congratulations on your retirement, Marlene! Marlene Wiest worked in alumni relations at University of Jamestown since 1990. She retired in 2019, after serving as the Office Manager for the Office of Institutional Advancement. “People like Marlene are one of a kind,” said Dr. Polly Peterson. “Marlene took such pride in her work and cared deeply for our alumni and the success of UJ. She knew many by their voice, and when donors called, they could trust that Marlene was going to take care of them.” It’s always difficult when a career Jimmie decides to retire, but everyone at UJ wishes Marlene well and will always consider her part of the Jimmie family!
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Marriages Heath Jordan ’05 (BA) and Morgan Suppes June 22, 2019
Kayla Sabinash ’16 (BSN) and Aaron Rodin February 5, 2019
Calli Adams ’10 (BSN) and Nicholas Hanson July 1, 2019
Ellen Schnabel ’18 (BA) and Scott Quanbeck June 1, 2019
Christopher Kjolhaug ’12 (BA) and Sarah Nelson October 5, 2019
Alyssa Studer ’18 (BS) and James Stein ’18 (BA) September 21, 2019
Katie Bjertness ’14 (BSN) and Michael Heinrich October 12, 2019
Justin Meyer ’20 and Savannah Kramlich ’20 August 10, 2019
Jacqueline Thomas ’14 (BSN) and Troy VanRay August 17, 2019 Jacoby Holte ’16 (BA) and Sydney Johnson ’16 (BA) September 21, 2019 Michael Heinrich and Katie Bjertness
Births Davin ’02 (BA) and Lisa Leier daughter Danica Rochelle born August 25, 2019 Heather (Anderson) ’05 (BA) and Erik Wilkins son Bennett Scott born December 18, 2019 Elliot ’07 (BA) and Lina Sims son Bennett born October 24, 2019 Brian ’09 (BA) and Meaghan Mistro son Nolan Paul born August 23, 2019 Devin ’15 (BA) and Olivia (Knott) ’17 Arnold daughter Sophia Rae born July 19, 2019 Bennett Sims
Bennett Scott Wilkins
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In Memoriam Alberta L. (Salisbury) Sagehorn-Burson ’45 (BA) October 15, 2019
Jeanne (Slaght) Wilhelm ’52 (BA) November 17, 2019
Geraldine (Condit) Logan ’46 May 7, 2019
Leona (Worms) Boldt ’53 August 31, 2019
Donald A. Raatz ’46 January 5, 2020
Carolyn L. (Herigstad) Lusson ’53 (BA) September 7, 2019
Lois M. (Compton) Johnson ’47 (BA) December 13, 2019
Arlene J. (Lee) Ratz ’54 (BA) October 23, 2019
Beverly J. (Wheeler) Flath ’48 (BA) December 13, 2019
Jean M. (Schrock) Reifschneider ’55 (BS) December 6, 2019
Myron R. Fried ’50 (BA) October 22, 2019
Lawrence W. Hoganson ’56 (BS) October 12, 2019
Dolores A. (Bavendick) Harrington ’50 October 19, 2019 Orville “Dale” Repko ’50 November 8, 2019 Roy V. Dittus ’51 October 18, 2019 Natalie R. (Erickson) Johnson ’51 (BA) October 23, 2019
Helen (Davidson) Kippen ’57 July 10, 2019 Nannette L. (Canfield) Van Deest ’57 (BS) July 31, 2019 Gerald A. Bouck ’58 December 14, 2019 Darwin G. Cleveland ’58 August 30, 2019
Harry T. Sheppard ’51 August 23, 2019
Bartlett J. Berndt ’59 (BS) December 6, 2019
Charles A Bovee ’52 December 22, 2019
Alvin R. Illig ’59 (BS) October 21, 2019
Dr. Gerald Swafford ’52 October 3, 2019
Robert L. Larson ’59 (BS) January 3, 2020
Mary (Wanner) Whitmer ’52 August 10, 2019
Dorothy (Sund) Fisher ’60 (BA) April 25, 2019
Charles Pfeifer ’61 (BA) December 1, 2019
Darcy A. Zink ’74 (BA) November 27, 2019
Helmut Albrecht December 16, 2019
Sharon D. (Lee) Schroeder ’61 December 27, 2019
E. Joyce Banning ’75 (BA) August 9th, 2019
Marlys M. Anderson October 13, 2019
Francis E. Vogel ’77 November 6, 2019
Duane Barth December 26, 2019
Deidra (Steller) Brown ’78 (BA) January 7, 2020
Gertrude Berndt August 28, 2019
James T. Crowe ’78 (BA) August 30, 2019
Tammara Braunberger September 8, 2019
Shawn K. Flaherty ’78 (BA) December 4, 2019
Edith A. Dawson August 15, 2019
Arlene H. (Lang) Gran ’62 (BA) November 16, 2019
Joellen J. (Dent) Pahl ’80 December 1, 2019
Nita Dura January 8, 2020
Judith K. Krauth ’62 December 25, 2019
Greg D. Voss ’80 September 26, 2019
Lois Florhaug December 6, 2019
Patricia (Schaffer) Martin ’63 January 22, 2020
Brian R. Ruckman ’81 (BA) December 24, 2019
Elizabeth “Betty” Hanson September 10, 2019
Marjorie J. (Schmiess) Rohn ’65 (BA) October 29, 2019
Mark Ferderer ’82 September 28, 2019
Richard P. Larson November 29, 2019
Jacquie Brown-Stratford ’91 (BA) January 30, 2020
Larry McDaniel August 25, 2019
Thomas L. Troseth ’61 (BA) January 14, 2020 Faye E. (Eggar) Burrows ’62 December 28, 2019 Jacqueln (Fields) Curtis ’62 (BS) June 3, 2019
Linda (Schatz) Carman ’66 (BA) June 22, 2019
Allen Paulson December 23, 2019
Barbara (Tesky) Glinz ’68 July 3, 2019
Nanette F. (Sova) Hockert ’91 (BA) January 1, 2020
Maridell Reid October 7, 2019
Mary M. (Stauffer) Gutzwiller ’68 January 22, 2020
Geol L. Yeadon ’91 (BA) December 9, 2019
Ronald Rempfer January 5, 2020
James A. Tank ’68 (BA) September 24, 2019
Dr. Angel (Hoggarth) Overvold ’96 (BA) September 23, 2019
Gary M. Riffe November 17, 2019
Richard W. Massman ’97 (BA) January 10, 2020
Elsie Johnson Tennyson August 7, 2019
Verle McDaniel Jr. ’69 (BA) September 26, 2019 Rodney Roaldson ’70 (BS) September 7, 2019 Robert A. Syverson ’71 (BA) September 24, 2019
Friends
Doris E. Bandel ’73 January 1, 2020
Nels Albin September 30, 2019
Orville Samuelson August 31, 2019
Teri Undem September 1, 2019
Faculty Dr. Timothy Bratton August 1, 2019
Editor’s note: Alumni who received a degree are designated by the year of graduation followed by the degree they received.
Office of Development and Alumni Relations 6082 College Lane Jamestown, ND 58405
Important Dates 34th Annual Dine and Bid Benefit Auction April 18 Alumni Hall of Fame May 8 Baccalaureate and Commencement May 9 34th Annual Jimmie Scramble June 20 Community Block Party August 27 Opening Convocation/Young Alumni Medallion Awards September 3 Character in Leadership Conference Keynote Speaker: Greg Hawks, Corporate Culture Specialist October 8 Homecoming 2020 October 10 Visit UJ.EDU/ALUMNIANDFRIENDS for additional alumni events coming soon!
