Northland College Magazine

Northland Colle e g Winter 2012 Magazine Home of the Sigurd Olson Environmental Institute

Inauguration Northland College celebrates the Inauguration of its 13th President, Dr. Michael A. Miller. Pg. 9

Also in this issue: News • Class Notes • Athletics

Northland College Magazine WINTER 2012 President Dr. Michael A. Miller Design Bob Gross, rgross@northland.edu Copy Editors Lisa McGinley ’80, Lisa Williamson Mission Statement Northland College Magazine is published by the Offices of Marketing & Communications and Institutional Advancement for alumni and friends of the College. Its purpose is to illuminate the educational mission of Northland College and its Sigurd Olson Environmental Institute.

Environmental Commitment Northland College Magazine is printed at Pro Print in Duluth, Minnesota, on Endeavour 80# Velvet Book (25% Post Consumer Waste, 50% Total Recycled Content).

To submit comments, feedback, or ideas, write: David Wahlberg Vice President of Marketing Office of Marketing and Communications 1411 Ellis Avenue, Ashland, WI 54806 Phone: (715) 682-1307 dwahlberg@northland.edu © Northland College, 2011

On the Cover Northland College President Michael A. Miller prepares for his address prior to the Inauguration Ceremony on Saturday, October 29, 2011.

CONTRIBUTORS David Wahlberg, PhD David received his bachelor‘s in mass communication from Moorhead State University in Moorhead, Minnesota, and his master’s in mass communication and Doctorate in communication from North Dakota State University in Fargo, North Dakota. He has more than thirty years of experience in communications, working as a reporter, producer, public relations director, and teacher.

Jessica Wildes Jessica serves as the webmaster in the Office of Marketing and Communications at Northland.

She also provides design and web marketing support for the campus. She holds a degree in art and mass media from the College of St. Benedict/St. John’s University in St. Joseph, Minnesota, and is currently pursuing a master’s in integrated marketing and communication from Eastern Michigan University.

Danielle Kaeding Danielle is the station manager of WRNC-LP at Northland College. She holds a degree in mass communications from the University of Wisconsin-Superior. While attending UWS, Kaeding worked under Wisconsin Public Radio reporter Mike Simonson studying broadcast journalism. Kaeding went on to work for WPR at the La Crosse Bureau and later served as a staff writer for the Ashland Daily Press.

Bob Gross Bob is a senior communications specialist in the Office of Marketing and Communications at Northland College, providing photography, design, and writing services for the campus. He holds a degree in English from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point. He also owns and operates Hired Lens Photography.

CONTENTS FROM THE PRESIDENT PG. 1 NEWS PG. 2 INAUGURATION PG. 9 ELECTRIC CAR PG. 13 CLASS NOTES PG. 14

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FROM THE PRESIDENT The following excerpts are from the inauguration speech of President Michael A. Miller. Listen to the whole speech at northland.edu/magazine.

This is a remarkable and humbling moment. I promise you that I absolutely accept the charge to look after this great College. My dear partner, Mary Trettin, and I will do everything possible to live up to your hopes for continuing Northland’s record of extraordinary commitment to students and the future. ************* Northland College is a place of unique purpose, resilience, and placed-based healthy living. We value: The liberal arts—we care that our students are wise before their time.

Experiential learning—much of what is learned, mastered, or discovered at Northland is encountered through experience.

The gift of community—we value community. And not just what it brings us, but we value being able to be responsible to a community. ************* The book Blue Ocean Strategy describes how the world is fighting over scraps. The red ocean is where the competition is; it has losers, and the bounty in this zone is also limited.

The blue ocean is where no one else is, where people step out and lead uniquely. Our blue ocean will certainly involve caring for the earth in even more advanced terms than in the past. It will certainly involve social justice, caring communities, reasoned decision making, wise business practice, beyond organizational limits, working together… food systems, energy systems. *************

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How do we uniquely embrace the environment and sustainability?

Engagement – we must again weave ourselves to the community with unique openness and in a way that advances mutual stewardship. To make this whole region more thoughtful, more resourceful, and more sustainable will help us to prepare leaders and extreme problem solvers. We will promote new vibrancy in the arts, athletics, ethics, dialogue, and debate.

Sustained innovation—my father was a professor; I was a professor. Academia is known for stability, and occasionally, inertia. It is not typically known for innovation, nimbleness, or adaptation. But we live in an inspired place, and we are living with a sense of urgency about the environment, economy, social and political climates, and even our own college circumstances. What we have, then, is an opportunity to create a place of continuous evolution and innovation. ************* •• We will be less of a retreat center, more of a launching pad.

•• A place not concerned with scarcity but happy with sufficiency, driving toward prominence.

•• Dissatisfied with being observers and participants, driving to be to partners and leaders.

•• Rejecting fear (though there is a lot to be afraid of), exuding confident resolve.

•• Moving from concern for the future, to a mature assumption of responsibility for the future.

•• Moving from the limits of analysis to invention.

We matter and the world needs us to thrive!

NEWS 2011 Scholarship Golf Classic The 6th Annual Northland College Scholarship Golf Classic was held Thursday, July 14, 2011, at the Chequamegon Bay Golf Club. Net proceeds from the event, including matching funds provided by the Trustee Challenge, totaled $44,958. Funds raised by the event will support scholarships for local students.

Despite light rain and an overcast sky, 116 golfers participated in the event, an 18-hole best-ball scramble. The Golf Classic also included a Holein-One Challenge to win a Chevy Equinox provided by Von Holzen Auto and Truck Center of Ashland, as well as a silent auction, raffle, and several smaller competitions.

Class of 2015 Northland College faculty, staff, and returning students welcomed the Class of 2015 during the annual Convocation Ceremony on Friday, September 9, 2011. The incoming class of 152 freshmen and 48 transfer students is the largest in several years.

During the ceremony, the new class, led by orientation leaders and drummer Steve Matier (at right), symbolically entered the campus by crossing the Fenenga Bridge and marching onto the Mall.

Students also enscribed their names on individual stones that will be returned to them at Commencement.

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NEWS Cervenkas named 2011 Philanthropists of the Year Northland College has named Debra and Robert Cervenka the 2011 Philanthropists of the Year. The award is given annually to recognize individuals who demonstrate exceptional support of Northland and its educational mission. Through the commitment and support of Bob and Debbie Cervenka, of Phillips, Wisconsin, Northland has made great strides towards its institutional goals. Their support of the College’s marketing and enrollment programs has strengthened Northland’s position in a competitive marketplace, and they have provided transformative educational opportunities for students through the gift of scholarship.

with full-tuition scholarships for the duration of their degree programs at Northland College.

The scholarship is designed to provide high-achieving, motivated students from northern Wisconsin with the financial support they need to pursue their academic dreams.

“We are often asked why we support Northland College and the answer is really pretty simple,” says Debbie. “We love northern Wisconsin. Northland College is a critical part of keeping the community and area special, while providing jobs and a cultural connection to our environment.”

Bob was born and raised in Phillips, Wisconsin. He graduated from the University of WisconsinMadison with a degree in mechanical engineering and then began a successful career in plastics. In 1964, he started Phillips Plastics Corporation.

With a passion for technology and working side-by-side with his employees, he built one of the largest privately-held custom injection molding companies in the nation. The Cervenkas sold the company in December 2010 and are now retired.

In addition to the innumerable hours of effort Debbie provides in her service on Northland’s Board of Trustees, and the couple’s steadfast support of key strategic initiatives for the college, the Cervenkas also established the Robert and Debra Cervenka Scholarship at Northland College.

The award provides recipients 3 NORTHLAND COLLEGE MAGAZINE

Debbie Cervenka (right) meets with Sara Woodie of Park Falls, Wisconsin, on the Campus Mall. Woodie is the first recipient of the Robert and Debra Cervenka Scholarship, a full-tuition scholarship to attend Northland College for students from northern Wisconsin.

“Our scholarship to a Northland student does two things,” says Debbie. “First, it enables a young person from northern Wisconsin to have the benefit of receiving a liberal arts education from a small college that is connected to our natural environment. And, second, we hope that students will develop the passion for giving back as they grow and proceed through life.”

Debbie was educated at the University of Wisconsin-Eau

Claire, graduating with a major in journalism and communication.

She was part of Phillips Plastics Corporation for 34 years, serving as Executive Vice President of Marketing and Sales, Executive Vice President, as well as an officer of the Phillips Plastics Corporation’s Board of Directors.

Debbie has dedicated the past seven years to non-profit work and has served as a trustee on several non-profit boards,

including Junior Achievement, The Nature Conservancy, Big Sur Land Trust, and the President’s Advisory Committee for New Curriculum at the University of Wisconsin-Stout.

She currently serves on Northland College’s Board of Trustees and on the Ecumen Board of Trustees.

Throughout their careers, both Bob and Debbie Cervenka remained steadfast in their commitment to their values in a company that rewards its people,

treats everyone fairly, and gives back to the communities in which Phillips operates facilities.

In 1974, Bob co-founded the AnnMarie Foundation, a philanthropy organization that has donated more than $7 million to improve the quality of life within the communities where Phillips operates.

Northland is grateful to have such outstanding philanthropists and inspired entrepreneurs as friends to our students, faculty, and staff and in service on our leadership board. We thank Bob and Debbie for their numerous contributions of time and talent to Northland College and to the communities of northern Wisconsin.

To learn more about supporting scholarships go to: northland.edu/scholarships WINTER 2012 4

NEWS Our institution has enjoyed tremendous success in fundraising recently, and we are seeing the largest incoming class of freshmen and transfers in years. Tom’s leadership capabilities will quickly prove to be a tremendous asset to the continued development of the College.”

Martin named Chair of Northland Board Noted conservationist and environmental advocate Thomas D. Martin has been named Chair of the Northland College Board of Trustees. Martin, well known for his decades of conservation leadership, including senior positions at the National Parks Conservation Association and the National Audubon Society, was elected by the Board of Trustees in May to succeed outgoing Chair and Northland alumnus John N. Allen. Martin assumed his duties on July 1. Allen continues his service as a member of the Board.

“I am pleased to extend my congratulations to Tom,” said outgoing Chairman John N. Allen. “His extensive and impressive experience in conservation, advocacy and education aligns seamlessly with Northland’s sustainability mission.

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Community gardens flourish at Northland Incoming students get their first taste of life at Northland College when they arrive for their fourteenor five-day orientation trips, and this year that “first taste” included food grown by their fellow students. Each outgoing trip received fresh herbs and vegetables from the campus gardens.

Martin joined the Board of Trustees in 2008. He is President and CEO of the American Forest Foundation and manages nearly 200 acres of mixed hardwoods on family land in Wisconsin. A tireless champion of conservation, Martin has served as the Executive Vice President of the National Parks Conservation Association as well as the Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of the National Audubon Society.

In addition to his work in the private sector, Martin has long been a public ally of conservation efforts, serving as the Chair of the Great Lakes Commission, on the Governor’s Commission on a Sustainable Florida, and as Vice President of the Council of Great Lakes Governors.

Martin holds a B.S. from The American University, Washington, D.C., a J.D. from the UCLA School of Law, and was admitted to the Michigan Bar in 1979.

“For young people interested in preparing themselves for jobs in the new green economy, there is no better place than Northland,” said Martin. “It’s an honor to be of service to such a widely respected institution.”

“We try to show incoming students about what the food should look like when it’s ready to pick, and they ask a lot of questions,” says Emily Schlager (at left), student coordinator of Northland’s community gardens.

Students oversee two community gardens on campus. The school also leases additional land from the Agriculture and Energy Resource Center (AERC) in Ashland where students grow vegetables such as cucumbers, kale, and onions.

Food produced at the AERC is then harvested for use in the outdoor orientation trips, as well as the campus cafeteria.

Northland receives Platinum STARS rating Northland College was one of two schools in the nation to receive the highest score for sustainable education and research, according to data from the Association for the Advancement

of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE). Northland College is among more than a hundred top schools nationwide that have completed AASHE’s self-reporting rating system. The association ranks Northland ahead of other notable institutions, such as Yale University, in its sustainability performance.

Northland received a Platinum

STARS score in the association’s education and research category for its accomplishments in areas such as sustainabilityrelated courses, organic gardens, wilderness programs, and faculty engaged in sustainability research. To date, Green Mountain College in Vermont is the only other school to receive a Platinum STARS score in educa-

tion and research. STARS stands for Sustainability Tracking Assessment and Rating System, which AASHE developed to provide a transparent framework for colleges and universities to measure their sustainability performance.

Northland College received a Gold STARS rating for the institution as a whole.

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NEWS Students intern to gain field experience Since the inception of the Office of Applied Learning in October of 2010, Northland students have participated in fifty-four for-credit internships and more than thirty non-credit internships. Internship programs run the gamut from working for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in Ashland to the National Geographic Society in Washington, D.C. Northland’s goal to offer internships to all students includes more than preparing graduates for the real world, Northland is also connected to the community.

Whether testing water quality at area beaches for the Chequamegon Bay Area Partnership, restoring the Ashland shoreline with the Wisconsin DNR by removing invasive plants and replacing them with native species, or helping farmers harvest crops in the Growing Connections program, Northland students help meet the needs of area non-profit, business, and government agencies in a variety of capacities.

Clockwise from far left: Eythan Rossing clears downed timber in Big Bay State Park on Madeline Island. Sarah Paar serves as an interpretive ranger at the Northern Great Lakes Visitor Center in Ashland, Wisconsin. Corwin Holzman-Crass plants native species as part of the Ashland Shoreland Restoration Project. Nicholas Kunath serves as a kayak guide for Living Adventure, Inc., in Red Cliff, Wisconsin.

Northland receives more GLRI grants Two new grants totaling close to one-half million dollars were awarded to Northland’s Sigurd Olson Environmental Institute by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for local and regional efforts to protect watersheds and increase educational outreach under the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI).

Northland College will receive $300,000 to provide outreach to landowners for improved watershed protection. A second grant in the amount of $173,000

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was awarded to the Lake Superior Binational Forum program housed at Northland College to implement Lake Superior Lakewide Management Plan priorities. The award announcement brought the total number of GLRI grants received by Northland to five since September 2010.

Previous grants awarded to the SOEI through the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative include a $192,116 grant to conduct beach sanitary surveys, $251,414 to fund regional habitat restoration, and $144,623 for education and outreach projects conducted through the Lake Superior Binational Forum.

Northland receives grant from Bremer Foundation In August, the Otto Bremer Foundation approved a $161,383 grant to Northland College for the development of partnerships and community programs with local and regional Native peoples through the establishment of a new Indigenous Culture Center and a Council on Indigenous Relations. Programs provided through the center will encourage and support Native American students and families seeking further education, including four-year degrees.

Rick Geisen (left) President of Bremer Bank in Washburn, Wisconsin, presents President Miller with a check on behalf of the Otto Bremer Foundation.

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The Inauguration of Michael A. Miller 13th President of Northland College On Saturday, October 29, 2011, the Northland College community along with higher education colleagues from around the region, dignitaries, and Ashland area residents gathered to celebrate the Inauguration of 13th Northland College President Michael A. Miller, Ph.D. Thomas D. Martin, Chair of the Northland College Board of Trustees, imparted a list of charges for Northland College President Michael A. Miller during the inauguration ceremony.

recent accomplishments of Northland College. Miller said trust, open dialogue, shared responsibility, transparency, and integrity are core values espoused by the Northland community.

“Think big. The problems we face will be solved in small strokes, but they will be addressed with a big vision.

Think about how we meet the economic, environmental, and social challenges of today without compromising the call of future generations on those resources,” said Martin. “Remember our roots.

When this cutover country had a degraded environment and a lack of employment prospects, there was a vision to the future. It’s that root, nurturing the health of this environment and restoring the economy of the North Country, that we have to be a part of.”

“We have done good work over the last sixteen months.

We’re in a good position. In another twenty-four months, we’ll be in a great position and we vow to keep up what we’ve been doing,” said Miller.

During his inauguration speech, Miller touched on the 9 NORTHLAND COLLEGE MAGAZINE

Since arriving at Northland, Miller has highlighted the need for the College to continue ongoing efforts in making connections with surrounding communities and pursuing growth in a variety of areas.

“Because Northland’s broader mission is to change the world, we must, in addition to graduating extreme problem solvers, reach to be the very finest provider of informed advice, assistance, and perspective-

changing experience regarding all facets of sustainability,” said Miller.

“Northland exists in a full and competitive sector higher education. Northland will become the college that most completely sustains innovation and retains prominence.”

In 1977, Dr. Miller graduated cum laude at Hanover College. He pursued his graduate studies at Ball State University, where he earned his M.A. in educational psychology, his Ed.S. in school and education psychology, and his Ph.D. in school psychology.

An accomplished author, educator and highly regarded expert in the fields of school psychology, assessment and research methodology, and organizational leadership, Dr. Miller has contributed to more than thirty publications and major presentations over the course of his career.

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Page 10: (clockwise from top left) President Miller delivers his Inaugural Address. Campus Chaplain David Saetre’s academic regalia. Chair of the Board of Trustees Thomas D. Martin speaks during the Inauguration Ceremony. The Northland College Presidential Medallion.

Opposite page: (clockwise from top left) Bob Krumenaker of the National Park Service talks with Sylvia Whalen at a 11 NORTHLAND COLLEGE MAGAZINE

reception before the Inauguration. Melanie Goble, president of the Northland College Alumni Association, charges President Miller to carry on Northland’s great tradition of excellence.

Former Northland Presidents Robert Rue Parsonage (left) and Malcolm McLean. An inscription on the handle of the Northland College Mace reads “World, Community, Self.” President Miller and Mary Trettin, Ph.D., enjoy the student address given by Northland Senior Clara

Smoniewski. Rev. Barbara Essex of the United Church of Christ offers an inaugural prayer.

This Page: (left) President Miller. (top right) Bruce Lindgren of the Lake Superior Binational Forum speaks with Wisconsin State Assembly Representative Janet Bewley. (bottom right) Rolf Wegenke, President of WAICU.

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CLASS NOTES Varsity Club

CLASS OF 1951

Are you a LumberJack or LumberJill to the core? Northland College has established a new Varsity Club that will give additional support for athletic programs and facilities at the College. Join the Vartisy Club to support your favorite teams at

Henry J. Fitzgibbon visited the Northland campus during the first part of August when he was in Ashland as the house guest of Fred and Ellen Tidstrom ’51. On campus he had an opportunity to chat with President Michael Miller. He was pleased to see the new college gate, which fronts the campus, and had a chance to seek out his own name among those listed on the bronze plaque found in the entrance way of the new Mary Van Evera Visual Arts building on campus. Henry tells us that he is age 85 and is pleased to remain in touch with a few of his classmates from the Class of 1951.

northland.edu/varsity

CLASS OF 1967 To find out how the LumberJacks and LumberJills did this season visit: northlandcollegesports.com

VARSITY CLUB

Von Holzen’s provide Northland with new electric vehicle Jeff and Kris Von Holzen, owners of Von Holzen Auto and Truck Center of Ashland, Wisconsin, have given Northland College a threeyear lease on Chevrolet’s new longrange, electric vehicle: the Volt.

The vehicle, which can travel up to thirty-five miles on a full battery, can be charged using a special extension cord or with the builtin gas generator. Once the initial charge is exhausted, the generator kicks in, giving the driver more than 350 additional miles without stopping to charge the battery.

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Maria (Vezzetti) Matson is coauthor of the book Gelsomina’s Story of Caesar Lucchesi, A True Tale of Italian Immigrants, which was released on June 30, 2011 in northern Michigan. Maria is a proud Italian “Yooper” and invites students of all ages to learn more about the Italian-Americans who created such a rich history in the

area. Visit the web site: www.

TheLucchesiStory.com to connect with Maria or check out her new book.

CLASS OF 1970 Dwight Roepenack is a Health and License Officer for the Village of Niles, Illinois. In 2009, he completed an MA in Public Policy and Administration from Northwestern University.

CLASS OF 1971 Julee Becker Drennan has returned to Wisconsin (after 26+ years in Alaska) and is now working as the Human Resources Manager for Dairy State Bank, headquartered in Rice Lake, Wisconsin.

CLASS OF 1979 Susan Haig is a professor of Wildlife Ecology at Oregon State University in Corvallis. She was recently presented with the 2011 Loye and Alden Miller

Award for lifetime achievement in ornithological research by the Cooper Ornithological Society. In addition to her work on the Wildlife faculty at Oregon State University and the U.S. Geological Survey, she is the President-Elect of the American Ornithologists’ Union and spent the spring teaching a graduate course on animal movements at the University of Nairobi, Kenya via an award from the J. William Fulbright Foundation.

CLASS OF 1981 Deborah Bartl is a visual artist/ photographer in Fayetteville, Pennsylvania.

CLASS OF 1983 Patrick Reinhart and his wife have become small business owners in Alaska, having bought two Great Alaska Pizza Company franchises.

Patrick also works for the State on disability employment policies and programs. Patrick invites his fellow classmates to give him a jingle if they are planning on visiting Alaska

The new line of Northland College merchandise and clothing includes everything from classic t-shirts to soft-shell jackets, stainless steel water bottles, and Stormy Kormer hats. Find the perfect gift for the Northlander on your list. Or maybe just for yourself.

Available Colors: To learn more and watch the Volt in action go to: northland.edu/magazine

northland.edu/merchandise

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CLASS NOTES soon. He may have room for you, or at least guarantee free pizza. He and his wife also do an annual trip to either Mexico or the Dominican Republic should anyone want to join them mid-winter.

CLASS OF 1984 Tim Doyle was named to a tenure track faculty appointment as an assistant professor of Philosophy at Northland College. He transitioned to the new appointment from his role as visiting assistant professor of Religion and Philosophy.

CLASS OF 1986 Dodi (Hanes) Kingsfield is a technical services supervisor for Cliffstar Corporation in Dunkirk, New York.

CLASS OF 1987 Andy Rovella and Laurice Pillar were married on September 18, 2010. They reside in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

CLASS OF 1991 Brad Piers is a Registered Nurse.

He and his wife Megan have been married 15 years and have two sons, Will and Ben. They live on a small farm outside of Leavenworth, Washington.

CLASS OF 1994 Eugene Schlais is a chief petty officer for the U.S. Navy in Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii. He was married to his wife, Chris, on October 4, 2003.

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President’s Club Dinner Members of the Northland College community gathered on October 28, 2011, for the Annual President’s Club Dinner. The event included a cocktail reception, dinner, and speeches by Trustee Bob Banks, President Miller (below), student Supriya Kukreti (top right), and Vice President of Enrollment Management Rick Smith. Robert and Debra Cervenka were also named as Northland College Philanthropists of the Year at the dinner (read the full article on page 3).

To learn more about the Northland College President’s Club or to become a member, please go to: northland.edu/presidentsclub

CLASS OF 1997 Joe and Betsy (Garbe) Meres (’01) announce the birth of their second baby, Owen Dewey Meres, born November 14, 2010. He joins 2-year-old Ethan at home. They still live in International Falls, Minnesota, where Joe is a county forester. They would love to see any old friends who pass by their way.

CLASS OF 2000 Ben Rikkola is coach of the varsity boys basketball team at Southern Door High School. He previously coached junior varsity girls basketball at Sturgeon Bay High School for five years and spent one season as an assistant men’s basketball coach at Northland College.

CLASS OF 2001 Travis and Jennifer (Shefchik) Nye announce the birth of a daughter, Lucy Lee, on November 16, 2010. She joins sisters Lilly and Emily at home.

CLASS OF 2002 Sarah Johnson is an assistant professor of Natural Resources at Northland College. Sarah earned her Master’s degree in Biology from East Carolina University and a PhD in Botany from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where she also held a teaching assistantship.

William Knoblauch is a visiting scholar/historian at the University of Wisconsin-Richland, where he is conducting a project that digitizes historical photos and collects and archives oral histories, preserving aspects of history related to people and places of Richland County.

He has completed coursework for a Ph.D. in U.S. History at Ohio University, and is completing his dissertation.

CLASS OF 2003 Edward Hedican is a lending officer for the State Bank of Drummond, in Cable, Wisconsin.

He and his wife, Dorothy, have four children, Zakary, Chase, Jada and Mason.

Gail Lemiec is an environmental educator at NC Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores. She and Michael Dickson plan to be married on June 17, 2012.

CLASS OF 2004 Julie Culbertson recently received her Master’s degree in English, specializing in TESL (Teaching English as a Second Language) from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. She is employed as an ESL instructor with Lindenwood University in St. Charles, Missouri.

She recently became engaged to be married to Roger Hunt.

Jeremy Ford and his wife April welcomed their third child, Owen Ralph, on April 14, 2011. Their sons Isaiah (4 years) and Caleb (2 years) have been great big brothers.

Jeremy started doctoral studies at the University of Iowa this fall, where he is also working as a research assistant. His PhD studies are in Special Education with an interdisciplinary emphasis in Public Policy. He hopes to complete his studies in the Spring of 2014.

CLASS OF 2006 Erin Collins is pursuing an A.A.S. degree in dental hygiene.

Peter Werts is a project assistant for IPM Institute of North America, Inc. in Madison, Wisconsin.

CLASS OF 2007 Michael and Chandra (Pingel) Raphael announce the birth of their son, Michael David Raphael, on September 17, 2010.

Katrina “Kat” Werchouski recently completed a Master’s degree in Environmental Studies from Green Mountain College.

Currently she serves as Northland College’s Coordinator for Multicultural Programs.

CLASS OF 2009 April BeBault is a biologist with the National Park Service in Coulee Dam, Washington.

Sarah Bhimani is working with AmeriCorps VISTA at the Montana Food Bank Network in Missoula.

Carrie Welter is pursuing a Master’s of Social Work degree at the University of WisconsinMadison.

CLASS OF 2011 John Graetz is the Orientation Coordinator for Northland College.

He is responsible for all aspects of the new student orientation program, including the outdoor component, as well as supervising the Outpost gear rental program on campus.

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CLASS NOTES SYMPATHY TO THE FAMILIES OF: Maxine (Asplund) Dvorak ’40 died on June 10, 2009 in Anaheim, California. She was preceded in death by her husband of 50 years, Frank Dvorak. She is survived by her four children, Carole Evans, Stephen Dvorak, Susan Thies, Barbara Maddox; 11 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; two brothers and one sister.

Claudia (Vining) Kelley ’40 passed away on May 12, 2011.

Raymond O. Strom ’43 passed away on September 20, 2011 in Alpharetta, Georgia. He worked for General Electric for 37 years.

Survivors include his wife, Polly Creighton G. Strom, his daughters, Kristina and Marty Strom; his sons, Jon, Doug, Steve, Alan and Wally Strom; ten grandchildren; and one great-grandson.

Edward J. Miles ’44 passed away on February 13, 2005 in Newport Beach, California.

Marion (Gehrman) Abel ’46 died on November 20, 2010 at Kennedy Park Medical and Rehabilitation Center in Schofield, Wisconsin. Survivors include three sons, Leon, Bob, and Jim; two brothers, Richard Gehrman ’57 and Al Gehrman ’50; two sisters, Beverly Peters ’51 and Alice Anderson ’49; four grandchildren; and one great-grandchild.

Vivian (Stam) Nelson’47 passed away on August 21, 2011 at Ashland Health and Rehabilitation Center in Ashland. She was married to Thomas W. Nelson in 1946.

She and Tom owned and operated Nelson Surveying in Ashland for over 40 years. Survivors include her sons, J. Paul, Eau Claire, Wisconsin; Larry T. Nelson, Cable, Wisconsin; her daughter, Sherri Nelson Patterson, Ulysses, Kansas; three grandchildren; one great-grandson; and nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Tom, on October 14, 2005.

Dr. Louis “Jack” Boucher ’49 passed away on October 5, 2010 at the Overlook Masonic Home in Charlton, Massachusetts, where he resided. He is survived by his wife, Mary Lynn (Elsner ’49); four children; Lynn, Ellen, Carol and John; seven grandchildren; a brothers, H. James Sharp and Jerry Sharp; a sister, Elaine Hayden; and special cousins Don ’62 and Paul Chase ’70, and Jean Smart.

Dr. Boucher earned his DDS and PhD from Marquette University.

Throughout his career, he was a practicing dentist, dental educator and administrator. He served as president of seven national and international dental organizations.

He published seven textbooks and more than 90 articles pertaining to research, education and prosthodontics, and lectured in the United States, Canada and South America. The family has designated that donations may be made in his memory to Northland College or to Medical Ministry International.

Roland Culligan ’50 died on September 16, 2010 in West Palm Beach, Florida.

Alan Kursevski ’50 passed away on March 22, 2010 in Austin, Texas.

He served over 20 years in the United States military, including World War II, before retiring in 1966. He had a second career with the University of Wisconsin at Stevens Point, serving as the director of protective services.

He retired from there in 1988. He is survived by his wife, Elaine; a daughter, Mary Ziolkowski; and two sons, Stephen and Daniel.

Byron “Barney” McCorison ’52 passed away on June 24, 2011.

He served in the Navy during World War II. He is survived by his wife, Alice, Glidden, Wisconsin, four children: Rose, Lyle, Jim and Brenda; twelve grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Thomas M. Werner ’60 died on August 23, 2011 at Aspirus Wausau Hospital in Wausau, Wisconsin.

Thomas began his career as an accountant and retired as president of Schuette Building Centers in Wausau.

He is survived by several cousins and many friends.

Joseph Matuszak ’62 passed away on October 25, 2008 in St. Louis, Missouri. He is survived by his wife, Donna; children: Joseph, Steven and Gary Matuszak, Caryn Moore, Joseph P. Fuchs, Mike Fuchs, Ken Fuchs, Pamela Light, Laurie Lacey, and the late Keith Fuchs.

Paul Lange ’62 died on August 6, 2011 in Eau Claire, Wisconsin after a four-year battle with lung cancer.

Paul served in the U.S. Navy and then became employed at The Chetek Alert in 1963. He continued at The Alert for 36 years, purchasing half interest in the company. He retired in 1999.

He married Donna Dammer in 1990.

Paul is survived by his wife, Donna, Eau Claire; two sons, Michael Millard and Mark Millard; five grandchildren; four great-grandsons; and several nephews and nieces.

Karen Bents McCulloch ’62 died on June 29, 2011 at her home in Portage, Wisconsin. Karen earned a master’s degree in library science from the University of Wisconsin.

She worked for several years with the Wisconsin state library system before beginning a lengthy career with the Wisconsin Education Association Council, from which she retired in 2007. Karen married Lewis W. Charles in 1962 and they had two children.

She married Dr. Michael S. McCulloch in 1983. Karen is survived by sons, L.

Michael Charles and Mark W. Charles; four grandchildren; and her siblings, Dorothea Jirsa ’64 and Ralph Bents.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Michael.

Word has been received of the death of Myrtle (Keys) Roberts ’62 in Belgrade, Montana.

Einar “Alan” Josephson ’65 passed away on September 18, 2010. He worked as a senior design draftsman at A. O. Smith Corp and then Tower Automotive for over 32 years, retiring in 2001. He is survived by his wife, Ruth, Mellen, Wisconsin; a son, Aaron, Brown Deer, Wisconsin; a daughter, Holly DeGroot, Phillips, Wisconsin; four grandchildren; and a sister.

Rev. Melvin H. Nickel ’52 died unexpectedly on August 14, 2011. Survivors are a son, Larry Nickel; brother, Lester Nickel; other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his wife, Betty in 2009.

Robert O. Markeson ’53 died on April 25, 2011 in Brigham City, Utah. Bob moved to Brigham City in 1959 when he began working at Thiokol Chemical Corporation, and worked there until 1984.

He received his MBA from the University of Utah in 1968. He was preceded in death by his wife, Ethel. Survivors include his four children, Cathy, Michael, John and Thomas; many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and a brother.

Parenting isn’t the only challenge facing this loon.

What Loons Face: Lead, mercury, toxins, oil spills in the Gulf, shore land development, loss of habitat, increased lake usage.

What LoonWatch Does: Get the Lead Out! program, Speakers Bureau presentations, Annual Monitoring (LoonRangers), Sigurd T. Olson Loon Research Award, Wisconsin Population Survey, national education and collaboration.

What You Can Do: Support LoonWatch.

17 NORTHLAND COLLEGE MAGAZINE

Find out more at northland.edu/loonwatch

WINTER 2012 18

CLASS NOTES

Want to see your news in Class Notes? To submit notes, please contact: Phone: (715) 682-1215

Ed Kernan passed away on September 29, 2011, in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, from complications of Parkinson’s Disease. Ed served at Northland College as athletic director, head basketball and baseball coach, and assistant football coach from 1953 to 1963.

He was named to the Northland College Athletic Hall of Fame in 1984. He is survived by his wife of 13 years, Aleen Kernan, Two Harbors, Minnesota; children, Edward J. Kernan III, Barbara Lee Kernan, and James Kernan; 10 grandchildren; and three greatgrandchildren. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Barbara, in 1997.

Louis Dekker ’68 passed away on July 28, 2011 after a short battle with cancer. Louis worked at Procter and Gamble for 30 years.

He is survived by his wife, Marie; children, Carie, Craig, Ryan; a sister and a brother.

Mary (Corbine) White ’78 died on March 21, 2009 in Hayward, Wisconsin. She is survived by her sons, Fred and Mike Tribble, and James White III ’78; a brother; four sisters; twelve grandchildren; 24 great-grandchildren; four greatgreat grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, James E. White, Jr. ’76.

James Tilley ’12 passed away unexpectedly on October 11, 2011.

He is survived by his parents, Jon and Jean Tilley; a sister, Jennifer; and other relatives.

Robert W. Alvord, Northland College Trustee, died on August 27, 2011 at his home in Cleveland Park, Washington DC. He is survived by his wife, Jacquelyn, and his children, Kate Corbett, Carrie Alvord-Thompson, Jonathan Alvord, Suzanne Alvord, Shelley Alvord and Robert Alvord.

Email: alumni@northland.edu Mail: Office of Alumni Relations, 1411 Ellis Avenue, Ashland, WI 54806 Director of Grants Administration & Alumni Relations: Lisa Williamson Alumni News Editor: Vicki Nafey ’96 Alumni Association Board of Directors: Melanie Goble ‘01, President, Recruitment Chair, Career Mentoring and Retention Chair; Grant Johnson ‘02, Vice President; Richard Ackley ’71, Awards Chair; Roberta Blazkowski ’71, Board Development Chair; Mark Charles ‘80; Sue Cram ‘89; Dan Crawford ’76; Melissa Damaschke ‘03; Laurel Fisher ’72; Stu Goldman ‘69; Mark Gross ’83; Charles Guthrie ’69; Rachel Hahn ’12; Beverly Harris ’72; Roland Hicks ’65; Tam Hofman ’80; Sylvia Lieteau ’70; Peter Millett ‘69; Craig Mullenbrock ’77; College Advancement Chair, Ori-Anne Pagel ’69; Erica Palmer-Wilson ’02; Sam Polonetzky ’70; Jim Quinn ‘73; Robin Schroeder ’66; Wendy Shields ‘05; Patti Skoraczewski ’74; Kelly Zacharda ‘05, Events Chair; David Zeis ’93.

To submit a note go to: northland.edu/alumni

19 NORTHLAND COLLEGE MAGAZINE

Make a world of difference to a Northland student.

And make a difference in the World.

Rob Warner is a senior at Northland College majoring in Outdoor Education with an emphasis in Therapeutic and Universal Design. As part of a class project last year, Rob began designing a set of topographic maps for use by people with a visual impairment or blindness.

The goal was to provide a more equitable backcountry experience for people with visual impairments.

Working in cooperation with specialists at the Adaptive Technology and Accessibility Center at Indiana University, Rob developed a process for creating tactile-graphic maps that can be read similarly to braille. His maps are changing the way people with visual impairments can participate in outdoor experiences.

Rob’s time at Northland and his work on this unique project were made possible by the generous support of people like you.

“Without the scholarships and grants at Northland, I wouldn’t be here,” says Rob. Find out more about Rob’s project and how you can help to support education at Northland by going to:

northland.edu/scholarships

NONPROFIT ORG U.S. POSTAGE PAID DULUTH, MN PERMIT NO. 1003

1411 Ellis Avenue Ashland, WI 54806-3999

CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED

Orchids bloom on a windowsill in the Hotchkiss Chapel in the Ponzio Campus Center. Part of the Spiritual Life Center at Northland, the Chapel serves as a place for quiet meditation and is open to members of the campus community at any time. Photo by Bob Gross.