A Magazine for Alumni & Friends of the University of Minnesota, Crookston
Vol. 40, No. 3 Summer 2008
From the Chancellor What does it mean to be a leader at the University of Minnesota, Crookston? Leadership requires dedication, vision, risk and of course, perseverance. Our history includes some great leaders. Like Stanley Sahlstrom, Ph.D., our founding provost, whose passing June 2, 2008, deeply saddens us but also causes us to reflect on his visionary leadership during the campus transition from a high school to a two-year college. We will also be recognizing another of our great leaders, Donald Sargeant, Ph.D., during homecoming weekend, September 26-27, 2008. The campus will dedicate the Sargeant Student Center in his honor, a tribute to the man who led the campus during another forward-thinking period as we became a four-year institution and were nationally recognized as the first “Laptop U.” The Crookston campus also graduates leaders – we are known for creating the hands-on learning, technology-driven environment where students can take on responsibility, get the guidance and advice they need and be accountable for the results. Our graduates and alumni are in demand in the global marketplace because of their exceptional leadership skills. For more than 100 years we have been dedicated to delivering an exceptional education and fostering an exceptional work environment. The campus vision is clear and guides decision-making. We know where we are going and we know why we are headed there. We take risks to promote exceptional innovation and encourage new ideas and ways of thinking. And perseverance has served us well in expanding our student recruitment by reaching out to international markets and online audiences while keeping our strategic goals in sight. The University of Minnesota, Crookston is leading the way in Northwest Minnesota and expanding our reach around the globe. Leadership is our hallmark; it is encouraged in every avenue of campus life. Leaders like Stanley Sahlstrom and Donald Sargeant championed this campus and region, setting a standard of excellence that we proudly continue to build on today. We invite you to read this issue of the Torch to discover more about how we are building on our exceptional reputation and the role you play in our success. Sincerely, Charles H. Casey, D.V.M. Chancellor
CONTENTS Technology Computes for Crookston Campus ......................................2 Message from your Alumni Presidents ..................................................2 Message from Director of Development & Alumni Relations ............3 Holly Hanson-Kollar....................................................................................4 Campus News ............................................................................................5 Harold Bendix..............................................................................................6 Courtney Sonnek ........................................................................................7 Room to Grow..............................................................................................8 John Lambert ..............................................................................................9 Barbara (Hylland) Lunsetter ....................................................................9 Delano Robinson ......................................................................................10
Megan Purrington ....................................................................................11 Gerald Landby ..........................................................................................12 Rosemary Ketring ....................................................................................13 Class of 1968 Reunion ..............................................................................14 Commencement 2008 ..............................................................................14 Allison Zajicek ..........................................................................................15 Charles Habstritt ......................................................................................16 Jenae and Jessica Hanson ....................................................................16 Alumni News........................................................................................18-21 In Memory ............................................................................................22-23 Yearbooks Online ......................................................................................24
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Technology Computes for Crookston A leader in using technology to enhance learning in the classroom for the last 15 years, the University of Minnesota, Crookston embraces innovation as a way of life. With its history-making decision in 1993 it became the first “Laptop U” by being the first university in the world to equip all students and faculty with laptop computers. Since then the Crookston campus has advised campuses worldwide on how to enhance education and
prepare students for global career opportunities by infusing technology into curriculum. Employers continue to stress a need for graduates experienced in the use of technology. And they recognize the high level of competency of U of M, Crookston graduates with regard to understanding, utilizing and implementing technology in the workplace. Employer research ranks technology skills as the number one competency of Crookston campus graduates; and 97% of students find a job in their field of study within six months of graduation. “U of M, Crookston graduates have the computer skills employers want, and they have confidence in their ability to problem solve using the computer. It is a great advantage in the marketplace,” says Don Cavalier, director of Career & Counseling Services. Technology has changed the classroom environment over the last decade and a half in a multitude of ways to meet both student and industry demands.
Associate Professor David DeMuth, Jr., Ph.D., head of the Math, Science and Technology Department visits with Senior Ryo Iwasaki, a software technology major at the U of M, Crookston.
From Your Alumni Presidents Spring is always a busy time and at the University of Minnesota, Crookston there is no exception. We are happy to welcome all the new graduates into the alumni association, and we wish them well with the next step in their lives. Congratulations to the Top Aggies who were honored at this year’s Northwest School of Agriculture Reunion: Charles Vind, ’48; Wallace Sparby, ex. ’53; Ray Anderson, ’58; and Karen Good, ’68. It may seem like a long time off, but we also want to remind you of homecoming on Friday and Saturday, September 26-27. Gather your classmates, family and friends and join us for a great day of athletics along with a parade, music and contests. Make homecoming your new annual gathering spot! The Athletic Hall of Fame and Outstanding Alumni Banquet will take place on Friday, September 26. Who better to nominate people for these awards than you, our
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alumni and friends? Alumni of the Northwest School should think about nominations for Top Aggie as well. We want to recognize outstanding alumni from this campus, and you can help us do it. Fill out the form in this issue on page 23 or visit www.UMCrookston.edu/alumni. Wishing you a great summer, Kari Torkelson, O.D., ex. ’91 UMC Alumni Association President Chuck Holmquist, ’52 NWSA Alumni Association President
Campus
Assistant Professor Rachel McCoppin, Ph.D., helps students in her composition class.
“We strive to stretch our imagination looking to the next horizon – what demands in the marketplace do we need to anticipate so our students can support businesses even more effectively?” asks William “Bill” Peterson, professor of mathematics, who has worked on campus for more than 30 years and who helped spearhead the technology transition at the Crookston campus. The laptop university was the brainchild of thenchancellor, Don Sargeant, Ph.D., who says technology helped faculty establish stronger relationships with students. “They were communicating more because they had more access to one another through e-mail. We were creating a new learning environment in the classroom but also finding that more learning was taking place outside the classroom than ever before.” Today, faculty members at the U of M, Crookston have integrated technology into every avenue of instruction. Hands-on projects and research opportunities that were once impossible to consider have become the norm. From tracking and relocating prairie chicken populations to the development of a multicultural and diversity center in Second Life, technology innovation is as integral to the student experience at the Crookston campus as paper and pencil used to be.
From the Director of Development & Alumni Relations Congratulations, Class of 2008! It’s an honor to welcome each of you to the University of Minnesota, Crookston Alumni Association. As alumni, you will receive the Torch magazine to keep you updated on all the news and happenings at your alma mater. Best wishes on your future endeavors, and please make a special effort to stay in touch with the U of M, Crookston. Plan now to return for homecoming, September 26-27, 2008. With an unsettled economy, roller-coaster markets, federal deficits and a state deficit in Minnesota nearing $1 billion, these are challenging economic times, particularly in higher education. Despite today’s economic climate, the University of Minnesota, Crookston remains a valuable, long-term investment in the future. As alumni and friends you have firsthand knowledge of this institution’s remarkable history. Recently the U of M, Crookston received a significant estate gift from the late Stanley, ’35, and Hanorah “Pat” Alseth, Baltimore, Md. Their unrestricted contribution of more than $260,000 was an investment by the Alseths as a result of Stan’s history and memories of the Northwest School of Agriculture, the predecessor of the U of M, Crookston.
Stan and Pat passionately believed in supporting students, higher education and helping others by giving back. Today, more than ever before, your private (philanthropic) support is critical to the University of Minnesota, Crookston. With declining state resources, private financial support is vital to sustaining this exceptional organization. I encourage each of you to become more involved and strongly consider your short and long-term investments in the U of M, Crookston; there is no better investment than education. Remember, your financial support, no matter how large or small, is crucial! Sincerely, Corby Kemmer Director of Development & Alumni Relations 3
Holly Hanson-Kollar, Hallock, Minn., came to the U of M, Crookston Technical College in 1983 interested in the secretarial program.
Fashioning a Career The fashion merchandising degree offered by the University of Minnesota, Crookston Technical College began in the late 1970s. Students studied merchandising, management, marketing and etiquette. Many graduates went on to careers in retail and management. Fashion merchandising turned out to be a great experience for Alumna Holly Hanson-Kollar, ‘84. “What I learned in that program were skills I have used my entire life,” she says. Ella Strand, head of the fashion merchandising program at the Crookston campus, emphasized professionalism. “She taught us to treat others respectfully with the highest level of integrity and to be kind and elegant,” Hanson-Kollar recalls. “We had a conversation once where she very nicely told me I should consider upgrading my wardrobe from my regular faded jeans and sweatshirts to something a little more graceful. I listened!” Today, Hanson-Kollar heads the human resources department for the Neiman Marcus store in Scottsdale, Ariz. Responsible for the 300 employees, she serves as the head of recruiting, employee relations, education and human resources operations. As a member of the 8-person senior management team, Hanson-Kollar is responsible for ensuring associates are successful, meeting their goals, and in turn, meeting the store’s financial expectations. She prides herself in keeping the “human touch on the selling floor.” “What I learned at the U of M, Crookston played a part in my coming to Neiman Marcus,” she says. “Although I had the executive management background and human resources experience they wanted, they also wanted someone with a fashion background. Everyone plays a part in maintaining the company’s fashion-forward approach. It’s about providing the right customer experience, whether someone is buying a handbag or considering Neiman Marcus as a career opportunity.” 4
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Hanson-Kollar’s desire to be accessible to her employees keeps her very involved. “If a customer needs assistance, I need to help them in the same manner as our sales associates,” explains HansonKollar. “It needs to be seamless for the customer.” While she has worked for a number of large companies over the years, Hanson-Kollar’s enthusiasm for her work at Neiman Marcus is contagious. “Every day, I’m surrounded by the most luxurious and glamorous merchandise found anywhere, get to help with personal appearances by designers like Christian Louboutin, Chado Ralph Rucci, Laura Mercier and Nikki Sixx of Royal Underground, and, the most important part, I work with the best and brightest people in the industry.” If there is a downfall for Hanson-Kollar, it’s the employee discount. “I’ve always had a bad shoe habit, and I’ve indulged it working here. Every day I drive into the parking lot at work with a smile and say to myself, “I have the best job in the world, and I work at Neiman Marcus!’” Today, the University of Minnesota, Crookston offers degrees in business management and marketing. Visit www.UMCrookston.edu/academics to learn more.
Hanson-Kollar, ’84, has lived in Arizona for over 20 years. She works at Neiman Marcus and makes her home in Tempe with Dave, her husband of 17 years, and Boris, their black and white tuxedo cat.
Faculty receiving Outstanding Achievement awards.
Campus News Students Recognized for Outstanding Achievement At the U of M, Crookston, the award for “Man and Woman of the Year,” is the top academic, service and leadership award. Honors for 2008 went to Man of the Year Josiah Loll, a senior majoring in agricultural business; and Woman of the Year Katie Jeremiason, a senior with a major in business management with emphases in management and marketing and a minor in communication Students also honored faculty and staff members during the student award program held in April. These special awards are significant in that the entire student body votes to select the award recipients. Faculty and staff awards were presented as follows: Most Creative Use of Technology: Tom Sondreal, instructor and senior media producer; Outstanding Educator: Kevin Thompson, Ph.D., assistant professor of communication; Most Supportive of Students: Lisa Samuelson, director of student activities/Student Center; Outstanding Service to Students: Sonia Spaeth, assistant professor, health, physical education, recreation and art.
Fun Nite Supports Student-Athletes The second annual Bill Tyrrell Walk-a-thon, held in April, raised more than $10,000 for athletic scholarships. Teambacker Fun Nite was held the Friday evening after the walk-a-thon and raised the most money for scholarships in Fun Nite history. Brian Schumacher, ’88, was presented with the 2008 Teambacker of the Year award. Thank you to those who contributed to the walk-a-thon and to Crookston National Bank for sponsoring the lunch. We also appreciated those who contributed to Fun Nite as well as those who attended.
Top Aggies Announced The Northwest School of Agriculture (NWSA) Alumni Association awarded four alumni with the Top Aggie award on Saturday, June 28, 2008. The Crookston campus was home to the NWSA, a residential high school, from 1906-1968. The Top Charles Vind Wallace Sparby Ray Anderson Karen Good Aggie award is the highest award given to an alumnus of the Northwest School. It recognizes alumni who have displayed exemplary commitment and service to community, church, education, family or in their occupational field. The 2008 recipients include Charles Vind, ’48; Wallace Sparby, ex ’53; Ray Anderson, ’58; and Karen Good, ’68. 5
Bendix still has his diploma, signed by Lotus Delta Coffman, fifth president of the U of M, 78 years ago.
Ninety Nine Years Won’t Dim Aggie Memories Playing football for the Northwest School of Agriculture (NWSA) during the Great Depression is a treasured memory for Harold Bendix, ’30. You can hear the warmth in his voice when he recalls the rivalry with the West Central School of Agriculture at Morris, Minn. It is easy to visualize Bendix, who celebrated 99 years in May, as a young man – quick and agile Harold Bendix took – making the train to the tackles to the Northwest School of delight of a Agriculture from his hometown of cheering crowd. Henning, Minn. Students at the Northwest School, a residential high school and predecessor to the University of Minnesota, Crookston, were watched closely by the staff who served as surrogate parents to the young students who attended the school. Bendix came to the NWSA when he was 17 years old on the train from Henning, Minn. The years have not dimmed his memory of the school he loved. “I really enjoyed going to school in Crookston,” he says. “It served as a great help to me my entire life.” Livestock judging, playing class
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basketball and the Pioneer Literary Society kept the young Bendix busy, but what he remembers most is football. Although he wasn’t involved, Bendix remembers some school pranks. “One Halloween, students brought a sheep into the girl’s dorm and when the teacher came down in the morning, she nearly fainted when she saw it. Another time, a piglet was put in the window.” Bendix was “campused” for returning late after walking to Crookston to catch a movie. Being campused, a common discipline practice, Harold Bendix, ’30, still lives on his own and enjoys his seven grandchildren, 18 great grandchildren and two meant a student was great-great grandchildren. relegated to campus for a specific period of time. a dance. “We got to dance for an Another vivid memory is hour and I enjoyed that even coming home after playing Morris though I don’t think I was much of and having the front wheel come off the bus a few miles out of town. a dancer,” Bendix smiles. “I think that the thing I remember most is A rear axle shaft came out when football. It was the biggest deal for the bus was pulled so the boys me to play football at the school.” ended up walking the eight miles Today student-athletes at the back to Morris. That night, in the University of Minnesota, motel, they played banjo and sang Crookston continue the football until someone came and told them traditions begun at the Northwest to stop. “As soon as the person School. To learn more about who told us to be quiet was out of Golden Eagle athletics, visit earshot, we started right up again.” www.goldeneaglesports.com. Every Tuesday night, there was
Great Strides to Change Lives
Mohler helps care for 32 horses at Ironwood Springs. A new riding arena allows Mohler to give indoor riding lessons and work on plans for a therapeutic riding program.
It is uncertain exactly how long horseback riding has been used as a form of therapy. Some sources say it goes back to ancient Greece, but no matter how old it is, riding has proven beneficial to a rider’s health and well-being. At Ironwood Springs Christian Ranch near Rochester, Minn., they welcome riders of all abilities including those with physical, mental, emotional, behavioral and learning disabilities. A horse in the hands of a trained and capable instructor like University of Minnesota, Crookston Alumna Courtney (Sonnek) Mohler, ’07, provides riders at the ranch the opportunity to learn more than just riding skills. Mohler, a wrangler at Ironwood Springs, teaches riders about grooming, horsemanship and the work associated with caring for a horse. She is also available to riders with special needs. Mohler is licensed by the North American Riding for the Handicapped Association (NARHA) which means she has been through a rigorous certification process that includes 25 hours of teaching under a certified instructor and traveling to Missouri for a 3-day certification process. “I could not have passed the tests without the training I received at the U of M, Crookston,” Mohler explains. “My involvement in the Intercollegiate Horse Show Association gave me experience with riding and competing on horses I was unfamiliar with and that has proven invaluable.” In the summer Mohler spends her days with horses and riders; in the winter you can find her working around the ranch, hosting groups and assisting in the office. Mohler grew up on a farm near Minnesota Lake, Minn., a town of just under 700 south of Mankato. She attended the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities where she received her bachelor’s degree in family social science. Mohler chose to complete an equine degree at the University of Minnesota, Crookston because she says, “I could stay in the U of M system and everything would transfer.” Courtney Sonnek, ’07, married Jonathan Mohler in March 2008. Jonathan is head wrangler at Ironwood Springs. It was in the equine industries management program at the U of M, Crookston where she focused her attention on riding and the care of horses. “Nicky Overgaard was my riding instructor, and she taught me so much,” Mohler states. “I learned confidence and gained important hands-on experience.” What she learned on the Crookston campus is something she values. “I can’t emphasize enough what a big difference small classes make,” Mohler reflects. “Students have a great advantage when the class sizes are small and interaction with the instructors takes place all the time.” Mohler hopes to develop a therapeutic riding program at Ironwood Springs in 2008. As busy as she is, that might be an ambitious goal, but one she is determined to make happen. “I am working at my dream job,” Mohler says. “I understand the connection that takes place between a horse and rider. Once I saw that connection in a child’s eyes, I knew just where I wanted to be, and here I am.” 7
Northwest School alumnus Stanley, ’35, and Hanorah “Pat” Alseth left the Crookston Campus an unrestricted gift of more than $260,000.
Room to Grow A gift of more than $260,000 from the estate of Stanley, ’35, and Hanorah “Pat” Alseth, of Baltimore, Md., was announced early in the year by the University of Minnesota, Crookston. The unrestricted gift will support a number of initiatives. A great share of the gift, some $150,000, will be used to encourage others by providing matching dollars for donors who
Business students flank Sue Brorson, Ph.D., professor and head of the Business Department, and Corby Kemmer, Director of Development & Alumni Relations, after receiving a gift for $75,000 from the NWSA Alumni Association.
give to the campus. Another part of the gift, some $50,000, will help establish a business department conference center. The room will be furnished with state-of-the-art equipment and functionality. A very private man, Stanley Alseth cherished his years at the NWSA and found great joy in playing basketball for the Aggies. Alseth’s great student experience on the Crookston Campus led to his and Pat’s support of students over the years. To understand what his student experience meant to him, it is important to understand Alseth. After his mother died when he was only four years old, Alseth
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was sent to an orphanage where he lived until he was a teenager. He learned to play basketball in the barn at the orphanage. At 13, Alseth moved to northwest Minnesota to live with relatives and when he was old enough, he attended the Northwest School of Agriculture. After graduating, he went to the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis. During World War II, he served in the U.S. Army as part of the 129th Evac Hospital. His career included working at Martin Aircraft in Baltimore and for the City of Baltimore’s Health Department focusing on air pollution control. Stanley Alseth passed away on September 17, 2006, and his wife, Pat, passed away on November 12, 2007. The legacy left by the Alseths received some serious support in April when the Northwest School of Agriculture (NWSA) Alumni Association Board unanimously approved a contribution of $75,000 to be added to the Alseth gift in support of the new state-of-the-art business conference room. “We are excited to have the support of Northwest School of Agriculture alumni as we work to offer our business students an exceptional student experience,” explains Sue Brorson, Ph.D., head of the Business Department. “The Northwest School has given us a great legacy and this gift will continue that legacy and help our students achieve dreams. We are deeply grateful for their support.” The new business conference room, to be located in 116 Dowell Hall, is planned for completion by fall 2008. It will serve as a focal point for the Business Department and will provide students experience with many of the amenities they can use in their future roles as leaders in business and entrepreneurship.
John Lambert, ’06, enjoys his career working with computer technology at the Wyoming Women’s Center.
Sometimes it takes us a while to get things “right,” but when we do, there is nothing quite like it. That sentiment encapsulates the feelings of Alumnus John Lambert, ’06, an information technology management graduate. “It took me 14 years to get my bachelor’s degree, but I got it,” exclaims Lambert. “It fills me with a great sense of pride to be the first one on my side of the family to earn a bachelor’s degree.” Lambert graduated high school in 1991. Not knowing what to do at the time, he entered the National Guard and went on active duty in 1994,
Getting it Right
remaining on active duty until 1999. Then, Lambert decided to go back to school completing an associate’s degree in 2003 in networking and computer technology from Northland Technical College in East Grand Forks, Minn. For Lambert, the desire to get a bachelor’s degree helped him decide to return to the U of M, Crookston and study systems administration. “Bruce Brorson, Martin Lundell, Ph.D., and Jingpeng Tang, Ph.D., all influenced my college career,” explains Lambert. “They kept me on task and moving forward. They
Focus on the Board Barbara (Hylland) Lunsetter, ’56, grew up on a farm near Grygla, Minn., and has been a member of the Northwest School of Agriculture (NWSA) Alumni Association Board for two years. She currently serves as the board’s secretary. Girls at the NWSA, a residential high school, were taught the equivalent of at least two years of college-level home economics, and the boys received a solid agricultural education, often taught by faculty who had a doctorate and did cutting edge agricultural research. “The NWSA served me well academically and also enabled me to take part in activities such as music, plays and attend sports events which I probably would not have been able to do otherwise,” Lunsetter recalls. “I got to know a lot of students from a wide geographical area. I treasure the friends I had then and others, along with their spouses, that I have gotten to know better at various Northwest School alumni gatherings.”
helped see me through; I owe them a lot.” He also mentions George French, associate professor of music and theater as “always having a kind word” and providing him encouragement. After graduating, Lambert moved to New Castle, Wyo., as an assistant technology specialist for the Department of Corrections. In November 2007, he accepted a position as a computer technology specialist with the Wyoming Women’s Center in Lusk, Wyo., an all-female correctional facility where he is taking over as the system administrator. For Lambert, and many others, returning to school to complete a bachelor’s degree is a turning point in their lives. There are countless opportunities at the U of M, Crookston; to learn more, visit www.UMCrookston.edu.
Barbara (Hylland) Lundsetter, ’56
Lunsetter is grateful to the staff at the University of Minnesota, Crookston for supporting the annual reunions. Serving on the board has given her the chance “to learn more about the Crookston campus and how alumni can support the students and the campus.” “My goal as a board member is to help tie the NWSA alumni and the history of the campus to the current students, alumni and campus,” Lunsetter explains. “Our campus history gives the Crookston campus more than a hundred years of educational service and a much expanded alumni support base. It also gives NWSA alumni a home to connect to and a wonderful and supportive place for reunions.” 9
Delano Robinson (right) receives his first place award at the BDPA Technology Conference from Lorenzo Marshall, immediate past president of the Central Illinois Chapter.
Reach for the Sky Double majoring in information technology management (ITM) and business management will take Delano Robinson an extra year to complete his degree, but this senior from Bloomington, Ill., is in pursuit of a dream. Robinson came to the University of Minnesota, Crookston on a basketball scholarship. That scholarship and the program in ITM attracted
Robinson plays guard on the Golden Eagles men’s basketball team.
Robinson to the Crookston campus. “It was an adjustment to come to Crookston, but as you can see, I have adjusted,” Robinson smiles.
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At a conference sponsored by IBM and Eli Lilly & Company, Robinson won first place with a presentation of his research on Electronic Stability Control (ESC) System Benefits, focusing on increasing vehicle safety through computer technology. The National Black Data Processing Associate (BDPA) Technology Conference, held in August 2007, was the first time Robinson had showcased his information technology skills in a competition. That evening after winning the competition, Robinson received an invitation to participate in an internship conference at the company’s headquarters in Indianapolis, Ind. “When I went to the internship conference, I had interviews and learned more about Eli Lilly,” explained Robinson. “The treatment was exceptional, the people were great and students from all over the country were competing for these internships.” By the end of the day, Robinson knew he had been selected for an internship. With the
help of his advisor Associate Professor Martin Lundell, Robinson has chosen to intern on a project that will equip mobile devices to be used more effectively in training and sales. A dedicated and hard-working student, Robinson deeply appreciates the support he has received from Lundell, “He knows his stuff, and he is there to help you whenever you need it.” Lundell, who teaches software engineering, recognizes Robinson’s achievement. “Delano’s hard work and determination have paid off,” Lundell says. “He not only has an opportunity to intern at Eli Lilly, he is paving the way for future success.” When Robinson leaves the U of M, Crookston, he plans to continue his education by pursuing a master’s degree in business administration. “My education is really important to me,” Robinson states. “As a first generation college student, I wasn’t sure if I would even go to college. It took the support of the people around me, believing in me, that made the difference. Now, I believe I can do it, and that means the sky is the limit!”
Wayne Purrington, ‘49, graduated from the NWSA and was a part of the undefeated football team that won the Agricultural School Conference championship. Sadly, Wayne passed away in 1997.
Alumni Legacy Times Three When summer begins to fade, one starts to anticipate a new academic year and the annual homecoming celebration. For Wayne Purrington, ’49, from Ada, Minn., playing on the Northwest School of Agriculture (NWSA) Aggie football team led to the Agricultural School Conference championship in fall 1948. The NWSA, a residential high school and predecessor of the U of M, Crookston, celebrated that undefeated football season in 1948 with one of the largest groups of alumni at homecoming in their history. Nathan and Sherry (Lange) Purrington, ’80, were horticulture majors and part of the For some families memories of school are horticulture club. Nathan is currently an agriculture teacher and Future Farmers of America (FFA) advisor in the Ada (Minn.) High School. Sherry is a paraprofessional shared between generations. Wayne probably at the grade school in Ada. would not have imagined that one day his son, Nathan, ’80, would come to the same campus as a student at the University of Minnesota, Crookston Technical College. Even more surprising might have been Nathan’s eventual marriage to another Technical College graduate, Sherry (Lange) Purrington, ’80, and the fact that his granddaughter, Megan, would one day attend the same campus to earn her bachelor’s degree. Her grandfather’s legacy is the reason Megan Purrington was named a recipient of the Northwest School of Agriculture Heritage Scholarship. The $1,000 scholarship will help Megan pay for her education as she works on her early childhood education degree. The 4.0 G.P.A. she earned during fall semester 2007 and her involvement as president of the Early Childhood Club are a tribute to this hard working student from Ada, Minn. Purrington’s parents, as alumni of the U of M, Crookston, are also helping her – not just because parents help their children, but because the U of M, Crookston Alumni Association (UMCAA) recently established its own legacy scholarship. Megan is the first-ever recipient of the $500 UMCAA Scholarship. What drew the Purrington family to the Crookston campus? Megan’s response to that question is, “the small campus, the friendly atmosphere and being recognized by faculty and staff. I like that they know me personally.”
Junior Megan Purrington is an early childhood major with a passion for infants and toddlers. Soo-Yin Lim-Thompson serves as her faculty advisor. Megan wants to spend her life working with children.
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Gerald Landby stands on the award winning soccer field at Carroll College in Helena, Mont.
Grounds for Success As director of grounds at Carroll College in Helena, Mont., U of M, Crookston Alumnus Gerald Landby, ’82, takes pride in the soccer field’s turf. He has a right to be proud. Earlier this year, Landby was awarded the 2007 Sports Turf Manager’s Association (STMA) College and University Soccer Field of the Year at their national conference in Phoenix, Ariz. The Field of the Year Awards, established in 1992 by STMA, recognize outstanding fields and a commitment to excellence by their members. Over the past 15 years, fields from every region of the country have been honored with this recognition of
Martin Landby, Gerald Landby’s grandfather, graduated from the NWSA in 1913. He is seated in the front row, third from the left.
outstanding achievement in the sports turf industry. Landby is a working director; he supervises grounds staff but he also works side-by-side with his crew. “Students motivate me,” Landby says. When I see them out practicing on their own and working hard, I just know I have to give them the best facility possible. I see the work image I provide as the department of first and lasting impressions.” Landby continues, “My success contributes to student-athlete success.” Carroll College athletes have enjoyed tremendous success under Landby’s care of the athletic fields. Born in Warroad, Minn., Landby graduated from the U of M, Crookston with a degree in landscape,
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turf and grounds. He went on to receive his bachelor’s degree in landscape management from Montana State University in Bozeman. Landby is the son of Northwest School of Agriculture (NWSA) graduate Norm Landby, ’55, and his grandfather, Martin, graduated from the NWSA in 1913. “The U of M, Crookston and the NWSA are a rich tradition in our family,” Landby explains. His sister Belle (Landby) Nelson, ’78, completed her bachelor’s degree in 2003 from the Crookston Campus. “I did not take notice at the time, but the U of M, Crookston was giving me an education to last a lifetime, Landby says. “I am grateful I had professors and staff that were so committed to teaching and molding successful futures for students.” Today, the Crookston campus offers students the golf and turf management degree. Students enrolled in the program work to develop their interpersonal, relational, and managerial skills while gaining the depth of technical knowledge required of this highly specialized horticultural field. For information, visit www.UMCrookston.edu/academics.
Left: Gerald Landby’s class photograph in 1982. Right: Gerald Landby’s father, Norman, graduated in 1955. He is currently a member of the NWSA Alumni Association Board.
Ketring had a wide variety of responsibilities at the experiement station. Here she holds a Dorper lamb.
Agriculture in an Island Paradise Moving back to Bemidji, Minnesota from the U.S. Virgin Islands in March might seem like a difficult transition, but for Rosemary “Christie” Ketring, ’05, the cold and snow are no surprise. Growing up in East Grand Forks, Minn., Ketring found city life did not prohibit her from discovering a passion for agriculture. Ketring was used to a smaller high school and the proximity of the Crookston campus to home was appealing. More importantly, the campus offered her the degree
Ketring on horseback at the Petronella Cattle Facility.
option she wanted in animal industries management. She immersed herself in activities like the Horseman’s Club, Animal Science Club, and Intercollegiate Horse Show Association (IHSA) while on campus. “I really enjoyed my collegiate experience at Crookston. Even though I did not have a background in agriculture, I
wanted to learn everything I could,” Ketring explains. “The other students helped me learn and form my own ideas and opinions. As a group, we could get things done because we enjoyed working together; I never felt like an outsider.” Once graduated, Ketring set off on the adventure of a lifetime, taking a position as a research analyst in the animal science program at the University of the Virgin Islands Agricultural Experiment Station in Kingshill. Ketring had to make adjustments for the change in lifestyle and as the only female researcher at the station, she found the challenges gratifying. Ketring was responsible for managing the facility, ordering inventory, managing workers in the field and for the health and well-being of the experiment station’s sheep herd. “I think this whole experience has made me easier to deal with,” Ketring admits. “I am no longer intimidated by new situations, and I gained selfconfidence and self-reliance as a result.” Those abilities were enhanced because Ketring was allowed to take on responsibilities and manage. “I had the freedom to make decisions, offer suggestions,
Ketring takes a blood sample from a sick Barbados Blackbelly ewe.
have my name on published research and attend the animal science conference for professionals in my field.” Ketring relished those opportunities, and they were available to her because the experiment station is small. In her undergraduate experience she discovered that small class sizes offer students great advantages. Those same things were true in her work as a research analyst at the experiment station. Will she miss heading to the beach in one of the most beautiful places in the world? Probably, but Minnesota has its own special kind of beauty. That is something Ketring won’t have to learn to appreciate, she was born to it. If you would like to learn more about agriculture at the U of M, Crookston, visit www.UMCrookston.edu. 13
Calling the Class of ’68 Commencement 2008 This year marks the forty-year anniversary of the graduation of the The many achievements of the class of 1968. Historically, the late sixties was a time of great Class of 2008 at the University of transition on University of Minnesota, Crookston campus. It was the Minnesota Crookston were end of the Northwest School of Agriculture, the residential high recognized during commencement school that had called the campus home since 1906, and the birth of exercises on Saturday, May 3. the University of Minnesota, Crookston Technical College. Family and friends joined the more The graduates of the Northwest School celebrated their last than 140 seniors who participated. commencement by passing the torch of education to the first students The day began with a reception at to graduate from the Technical College. What an historic moment! 11 a.m., in the Student Center Two classes celebrate this momentous year in campus history. followed by commencement at The Northwest School’s Class of 1968 will have an opportunity to 2 p.m., in Lysaker Gymnasium. get together during the Northwest School Alumni Reunion on Friday The commencement address and Saturday, June 27-28, 2008. For the U of M, Crookston’s Class of entitled “More Lies Ahead” was 1968, plans are underway for a celebration during homecoming given by the Honorable Patricia weekend September 26-27. Simmons, M.D., chair of the For Debbie (Bolstad) Epling and Peggy (Lee) Hilton, who University of Minnesota Board of graduated from the Regents. Senior Katie Jeremiason, Technical College’s class president of the Crookston Student of 1968, the campus holds Association spoke on behalf of the precious memories. “I graduating class, and Alumna Cindy recall the close-knit Bigger, ’79, welcomed the new relationships we shared,” graduates into the alumni said Hilton, “particularly association. between our class and the The 2008 commencement Class of 1969. Dr. exercises mark the 99th to take place Sahlstrom is also a big on the Crookston campus. The event part of those memories.” also honored the Minnesota When Epling and Don Matson, ’68, was the catalyst for the reunion for the Sesquicentennial with the singing of Class of ‘68. Since he passed away in January, his Hilton met on campus late classmates have taken the lead and are working to get the official song for the statehood in 2007 to talk about a the classes of ’68 and ’69 to come back. Pictured (l to r): celebration, “Shines for All to See,” possible reunion of the Matson, Peggy (Lee) Hilton and Debbie (Bolstad) Epling. by the U of M, Crookston Choir. class, their classmate Don Matson was with them; sadly, Matson passed away January 15, 2008. He will be missed as they reminisce and plan this class reunion. In the late 60s the campus curfew was at 9 p.m. on weeknights and 11 p.m. on the weekends. “These were changing times on campus and around the world,” explained Hilton, “We got into our share of mischief, had some exciting adventures and cultivated lifelong friendships. Those were great times!” A business and legal secretary major, Hilton began her career as a legal secretary in Crookston, Minn., at the law firm of Erickson, Erie and Odland. Epling worked for Pillsbury for a year and a half and then went to work at Chrysler, where she spent 32 years as a production scheduler for dealers in the five state area. Plans for a reunion of the Class of 1968 are continuing and they are looking for their classmates to reunite in the best reunion ever this fall. If you are a member of the Class of 1968 or 1969, consider coming back. Rekindle friendships, see how the campus has changed and most of all make new memories with your classmates and friends. For information, contact Rose Ulseth in the Office of Development & Alumni Relations at 218-281-8439 (rulseth@umn.edu). 14
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Senior Allison Zajicek is a sport and recreation management major and captain of the Golden Eagle Volleyball team.
Scholarships help Student-Athlete Dig Deeper When you sit down for a visit with Senior Alison Zajicek, you will find an articulate young woman with a whole lot going on. The sport and recreation management major from Beatrice, Neb., plays volleyball for the Golden Eagles. She came to the University of Minnesota, Crookston on an athletic scholarship. “My scholarships help lessen the financial burden on me and on my parents,” says Zajicek. “It also means a great deal to me that alumni support student-athletes by giving to scholarships.” Along with a volleyball scholarship, Zajicek is the recipient of the June Shaver Athletic Scholarship and the Crookston National Bank Athletic Scholarship. Zajicek serves as president of the Student Athletic Advisory Committee (SAAC), a role she held as a junior as well. “Each of the athletic teams elects two to four representatives to serve on SAAC,” explains Zajicek. “We are the voice of the student-athletes on our campus.” In this important role, they focus on issues of concern for student-athletes. Rounding out her involvement, Zajicek serves as captain of the volleyball team, participates in Fellowship of Christian Athletes and is a member of the Sport and Recreation Management Club. She is also working on a minor in coaching. Attending the U of M, Crookston has been a great experience for Zajicek, and she has a long
list of reasons why. “Volleyball has allowed me to be around great teammates and coaches, and in the classroom I have great professors who know me by name. I appreciate the personal attention and support they give students.” This summer, Zajicek will be interning in San
Zajicek in action on the volleyball court. She was re-elected president of the Student Athletic Advisory Committee for the second year this past spring.
Leandro, Calif., as a personal trainer. Someday she would love to own her own athletic club, but for now, she plans to learn as much about the field as possible. In the fall she will return to Crookston to finish up her academic career and play her final season of Golden Eagle volleyball. Scholarship support helps students like Zajicek compete in NCAA Division II athletics while completing their degree. If you would like to help support Golden Eagle athletes, contact Bill Tyrrell, director of athletic fundraising at 218-281-8436 (btyrrell@umn.edu). Your support is a great way to say, “Go, Golden Eagles!”
Bill Tyrrell Director of Athletic Fundraising
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Members of an early crop judging team at the U of M, Crookston included Steve Hottinger, ’72; David Marihart, ’72; Dennis Simonson, ’72; and Coach Chuck Habstritt.
Coaching for Life Showcasing exceptional faculty and students at the University of Minnesota, Crookston is an opportunity to recognize outstanding achievement, to highlight research and to recognize dedication and hard work. Associate Professor Charles “Chuck” Habstritt describes his advising style simply, “Treat all students as equals, have open lines of communication, be a good listener, and make sure the student feels free to come in and visit even if it has nothing to do with academics.” Over the years, that has meant extra hours, but he finds deep satisfaction from the accomplishments of his students. Habstritt was recognized earlier this year with the 2007-08 John Tate Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Advising. His teaching career with the U of M, Crookston began in1969, focusing on agronomy and soils. Students have named Habstritt outstanding educator three times; and in 1998, students recognized him with the award for best implementation of technology. A year later, Habstritt received the distinguished teaching award. Amy Schwartz, a 2007 graduate, praises her former
The NACTA Team celebrates a Sweepstakes finish during the 2008 NACTA National Judging Competition in Stephenville, Texas.
advisor, “Chuck provides so much integrity and hard work when advising students. He is a great listener and creates a comfortable atmosphere for discussion about anything – from class schedules to making some of life’s major decisions.” This spring, Schwartz participated in the National
Success Times Two For twin sisters Jenae and Jessica Hanson, Andover, Minn., the equine science program has allowed the pursuit of their academic goals in an area that focuses on their passion for horses. Both of these young women took advantage of the post-secondary enrollment option at Anoka-Ramsey Community College and transferred to the U of M, Crookston after graduating from high school. As members of the Intercollegiate Horse Show Association (IHSA) team on the Crookston campus, they have had the chance to hone their skills in riding and compete in NCAA Division II athletics. Jenae competes on the hunt seat team and placed second at regionals and fifth at zones. She serves as secretary of Campus Crusade for Christ and is a member of the Horseman’s Association. Jessica, part of the western team, qualified for regionals twice during the past academic year. Like her sister, Senior Jenae Hanson is an exceptional student, and as an athlete, she has placed in both regional and zone IHSA competitions.
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Associate Professor Charles “Chuck” Habstritt works with a student in an advanced seed analysis class.
Association of Colleges and Teachers of Agriculture (NACTA) National Judging Competition in Stephenville, Texas, where Crookston’s NACTA team, continuing their long-standing reputation for success at NACTA, took first place. The team won both the four-year college division competition and the overall Sweepstakes competition between the top two- and four-year college teams. For the past 36 years, Habstritt has coached the highly successful Collegiate Crops Judging Team and is responsible for compiling the rules and regulations book used for the national contests in Chicago and Kansas City. He has coached his teams to top three finishes more than 25 times. During his career, Habstritt was also an assistant coach for hockey, and in 1986 received the University of Minnesota Regent’s Award for Excellence in Coaching. Outside education, Habstritt has been named Premier Seed Grower of Minnesota, and a Super Sunflower Grower as well as receiving the Honorary State Farmer Degree. But, he remains most proud of his students, “What they learn through crops judging, teaches them they can compete with the best.” The NACTA Crops Team took first place led by the first place In his years of teaching and advising, he continues to keep the individual finish of Senior Eric Proulx, Red Lake Falls, Minn. lines of communication open with his students coaching them to Team members included (l to r) Stephen Roerick, Jade Estling, Eric Proulx, and Justin McMechan coached great success in competition, but more importantly, for success in by Associate Professor Charles Habstritt. life.
she is a member of the Horseman’s Association and serves as vice president of Campus Crusade for Christ. Jenae and Jessica have been recognized for academic achievement as two-time members of the 4.0 Club and were named to the 2007-08 Athletic All-Academic Team as well. They are slated to graduate in December 2008, both with distinction. Following graduation, Jessica is interested in working at a variety of equine-related jobs to further her education and experience in the field. Jenae will also be looking for employment that involves horses, but she is interested in pursuing a degree in Sign Language Interpretation/ Transliteration. For the Hansons, it equals success; all you have to do is multiply by two.
Senior Jessica Hanson is focused on success academically and athletically. This equine science major has competed in IHSA since mid-way through her junior year.
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Alumni News 1
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50s
1 Paul M. Hansen, ’33, Plymouth, Minn., and his wife, Amelia, have been married since Sept. 14, 1940. Paul worked for Salem Engineering Co. until he was inducted into the Army in 1943. He served in the Pacific with the 139 5th Engr. until his discharge in 1946. In March, 1982, Paul retired from Dahlberg Electronics, Inc., where he had worked as production manager and staff consultant for 25 years. The Hansens have two children and three grandchildren.
Allen and Lorraine (Zipoy) Love, ’51 and ’54, East Grand Forks, Minn., celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on Nov. 3, 2007, with an open house. The event was hosted by their children and grandchildren at the Mendenhall Presbyterian Church.
leadership to the sugarbeet industry.” Representing the NWROC were Dale Kopecky, Patti Malme, Jim Cameron, Todd Cymbaluk and Jeff Nielsen, ’88.
40s 2 Allan Gustafson, ’41, Hallock, Minn., and his wife, Sylvia, celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary on August 3, 2007.
Osmund Moe, ’45, Fisher, Minn., and his wife, Carol, celebrated 50 years of marriage at a dinner party hosted by their daughters, Susan Trygg and Kristi (Tony) Benthin at the Benthin home in Plymouth, Minn. They were married at United Lutheran Church in Grand Forks, N.D., on November 2, 1957. Ozzie and Carol have four grandchildren. Manvel Green, ’48, St. Thomas, N.D., is pictured at the Red River Valley Sugarbeet Museum’s annual Volunteer Appreciation Banquet in Crookston, Minn., accepting an award on behalf of the Northwest School of Agriculture (NWSA). The NWSA and the Northwest Research and Outreach Center (NWROC) were honored with a plaque for “continued dedication and 18
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Merna and Charles Vind, ’48, Fertile, Minn., were chosen Experienced Americans for the month of November, 2007, and honored at a reception at the Golden Link in Crookston, Minn. The Vind’s have been married 56 years and are natives of the area. They lived in California for 11 years before moving to Fertile where they owned and operated the Fertile Locker Plant for 15 years. Charles worked for 15 years at Fair Meadow Nursing Home in Fertile. Charles is active in the VFW and the American Legion, and they’ve volunteered and delivered meals for many years. The Vinds have five children, 12 grandchildren and six great grandchildren. Omar and Lavonne (Thoreson) Johnson, ’49, Fairdale, N.D., celebrated their 50th anniversary in June, 2007, at Leech Lake, Minn., with their five daughters, spouses and seven grandchildren.
Harland Bohach, ’52, Grand Forks, N.D., is pictured here in this four generation photo. Pictured are great grandpa, Harland; grandma, Vicki Jelinek; father, Jason Jelinek and 7 month old daughter, Hailey Jo Jelinek. 3 4 Leon Thoreson, ’56, Climax, Minn., and his wife, Donna, celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on April 12, 2008; at the Climax Community Club. The open house was hosted by their four children, 13 grandchildren and great grandson.
Mavis (Munter) Malone, ’57, Elk Grove, Calif., is a retired real estate broker. Email Mavis at mkmalone@surewest.net Norman S. Larsen, ’58, International Falls, Minn., spends January through March in Ft. Myers, Fla. E-mail Norman at Oldehickory4@comcast.net
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70s Alan Roebke, ’70, Chaska, Minn., is a Seventh District Republican candidate hoping to challenge Democratic incumbent Collin Peterson in the upcoming election. His resume includes onetime sugar lobbyist and longtime sugarbeet farmer. Ken Roberts, ’73, New London, Wis., is the owner of The Print Shop in New London. He and his wife, Harriet, live on a hobby farm and enjoy square dancing. E-mail Ken at printshop@pitnet.net Rick Terway, ’76, Fergus Falls, Minn., is the director of Park, Recreation and Forestry Department in Fergus Falls. He visited the Alumni Office in March while he was on campus for an Urban Forestry Workshop and purchased a souvenir Trojan license plate. 5
Randy Bye, ’79, Brainerd, Minn. E-mail Randy at m10017779@brainerd.net
80s Kevin D. Beekman, ’80, Blue Earth, Minn. E-mail Kevin at beekski054@bevcomm.net Janet (Klemetson) Maesse, ’81, Ulen, Minn., is teaching second grade at Ulen-Hitterdal School, her 22nd year of teaching. Her family includes husband, Brian, and children, Griffin, 9, and Tate, 7. Richard Magnussen, ’81, Roseau, Minn., recently traveled to Washington, D.C., as a Minnesota delegate to the Council for Agricultural Research, Extension and Teaching for their annual meeting.
5 Nancy (Kotval) Salentine, ’81, Fergus Falls, Minn., enjoyed a visit last fall with Jackie, De and Shawn (great to be with UMC friends). Life is looking good this year after a health bump in 2007. She’s keeping busy with life at home, work, volunteering and with their dogs. E-mail Nancy at nancysal@arvig.net Julie (Snyder) Sandman, ’81, Crookston, Minn., is the new online student support services assistant at the U of M, Crookston. Julie works with student support services for online and distance students advising potential and current online students on issues of application and registration processes, finances and technology. She also reviews and revises online processes and policies for improvement; plan new articulations with online and distance education programs and works with academic departments. Gerald M. Landby, ’82, East Helena, Mont., is the director of grounds at Carroll College in Helena. He was recently notified by the Sports Turf Manager’s Association (STMA) that Carroll College Nelson Stadium was the 2007 STMA College and University Soccer Field of the Year winner. He was presented the award during the STMA National Conference in Phoenix, Ariz., on January 18, 2008. (See story on page 12.) Timothy L. Meyer, ’82, Princeton, Minn. E-mail Timothy at tim31962@aol.com Sue (Moore) Steffen, ’83, Rockwall, Tex. E-mail Sue at lilycrown@gmail.com
Lori (Konstenius) Dobosenski, ’84, Magnolia, Tex., married Len in 1992. She has two stepsons, Jason, 23, and Tyler, 21, and two daughters, Christy, 12 and Katelyn, 4. They moved to Texas in August 2007 and Lori is employed as an accountant for a directional drilling company in The Woodlands, Tex. Geoffrey A. Jacobson, ’84, Thief River Falls, Minn., has been the owner of Printing Plus for 14 years and married to Tammy (Dilloubough) since 1993. They live in Thief River Falls and Clearwater Lake, Minn. E-mail Geoffrey at printplus@mncable.net Sandra (Mosher) Semerad, ’86, Rapid City, S.D. E-mail Sandra at sandra@rarapidreporting.com
90s Marnie Berglund, ’92, Thief River Falls, Minn., enjoys being a loving mother of Gretchen, 4, and is employed at Digikey.com as a custom quote representative. E-mail Marnie at marnie@mncable.net Linda Bunde, ’92, Thompson, N.D., is a realtor with Crary Homes & Real Estate. Check out her Web site, www.LindaBunde.com Stephanie (Reigstad) Johnson, ex. ’95, Warren, Minn., married Brian Jadeke on March 29, 2008. Stephanie is employed at DigiKey Corporation in Thief River Falls, Minn. and Brian is self-employed in the Warren area as a farmer.
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6 Amy (Elton) Anderson, ’97, Hawley, Minn., is working at PRACS Institute in Fargo, N.D., in Clinical QC. She and her husband, Ryan, and two children, recently moved back to the Hawley area. Marlon Bankston, ’97, Irving, Tex. E-mail Marlon at mrbankston@hotmail.com Jolene (Beiswenger) Pedersen, ’97, Fisher, Minn., was recently hired at the University of Minnesota Extension office in Crookston. E-mail Jolene at beis0011@umn.edu 6 ADawn (McLean) & Chris Melbye, ’97 & ex. ’92, Thief River Falls, Minn., were selected as Agassiz Ambassadors XLVIII at the 2008 Red River Emerging Leadership Program. ADawn is the agriculture education teacher in Thief River Falls and sees 337 students each year and has 73 FFA members. She will be joining the U of M, Crookston equine science faculty in August 2008. Chris works at Digi-Key in Thief River Falls. 7 Other alumni present and at the 2008 Red River Emerging Leadership Program included back row from left: Steve Worms ’85, Mahnomen, Minn., Neil Wiese ’99, Humboldt, Minn., Kylene (Odegaard) Lehmann ’01, Fertile, Minn. and U of M, Crookston Chancellor Charles H. Casey. Front row from left are: Conway Olson ’98, Oklee, Minn., ADawn (McLean) Melbye ’97, Thief River Falls, Minn., Renae (Hartwig) Wiese ’99, Humboldt, Minn., Joan (Sedenquist) Osowski, Hallock, Minn., and facilitator Cindy Bigger ’79, Alexandria, Minn.
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7 Rachel (Froelich) Tollefson, ’98, Hazen, N.D., married in 1999 to Mike. They have two children; daughter, Bailey, is 4, and son, Robby, is 2 years old. Rachel is a stay at home mom, runs a daycare, sells Uppercase Living and manages the family business TriLab Retrievers. E-mail Rachel at rfroelich@hotmail.com Dave Clauson, ’99, Moorhead, Minn., is employed by Microsoft in Fargo, N.D., as a support engineer. He married Kayla Kertz on December 28, 2007 at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Crookston, Minn. Scott Strohmeier, ’99, Mason City, Ia., was recently named Iowa Western Community College head football coach for the new program starting in 2009. Strohmeier takes over the new Reiver program after three years at North Iowa Community College in Mason City. He was a two-time allconference player at the U of M, Crookston.
00s Ryan Cochran, ’00, Hudson, Wis., would like to share the wonderful news of his engagement to Kate Dose from White Bear Lake, Minn. They met while he was deployed to Iraq in June of 2004 and he proposed in September when home on leave from mobilization training in Indiana. He’s currently deployed to Kosovo, located in the Balkans region of Europe, where their mission is to provide a safe and secure environment for the people of Kosovo.
Ryan expects to return this summer and finalize planning of a winter destination wedding. E-mail Ryan at ryan.t.cochran@us.army.mil
Chris & Mandy (Johnson) Cymbaluk, ’01 & ‘04, Detroit Lakes, Minn., and four-year old daughter, Ellianna Grace, welcomed a baby boy, William Christopher, to their family on Dec. 3, 2007. He weighed 7 lbs. 5 oz. and was 20 inches long. Chris works for Thrivent Financial as a regional support associate and as an agent for Blue Cross Blue Shield of Minnesota. Mandy is a full-time mom. They have lived in Detroit Lakes since 2001. Ben Diamond, ’01, Hallock, Minn., was recently promoted to senior insurance specialist at Ag Country Farm Credit Services. He is responsible for sales and service of crop insurance as well as hail insurance in the Hallock, Minn., and Cavalier, N.D., branches. Justin Grove, ’01, Bakersfield, Calif. E-mail Justin at justingrove_656@hotmail.com
8 Kylene (Odegaard) Lehmann, ’01, Fertile, Minn., is a volunteer coordinator for RiverView Health in Crookston. She was recently honored at the annual meeting of the Health Care Auxiliary of Minnesota in Brainerd, Minn. Lehmann was named the volunteer director of the year and given the Heart of Minnesota Award for her work with RiverView Health. Gina (Richter) & JaJonelle DeJarnette, ’02 & ex. ‘02, Colorado Springs, Colo., both continue to model part-time while pursing other career adventures. Gina is employed by Macy’s as a visual assistant. E-mail Gina at ginacathrine@yahoo.com Paul and Tamara (Fass) Detloff, ’02 and ex, ’01, New York Mills, Minn. E-mail Paul at pdetloff@nymills.k12.mn.us Marc Lemieux, ’02, San Ocean Beach, Calif., recently passed his certification exam to become a registered cardiovascular invasive specialist. Marc is employed at the Alvarado Medical Center, San Diego State University. He and his wife, Samantha, live in San Ocean Beach. Aaron Nelson, ’02, Thompson, N.D., married Stacie Chaplinski on December 8, 2007. He is currently owner/operator at Nelson Farms, his family’s business. 8
Jared Schjei, ’02, Burlington, Ia., recently joined the Burlington Bees staff as the Assistant General Manager for Sales & Marketing. The Bees are the Single-A affiliate of the Kansas City Royals.
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10 James Wittkop, ’02 and ’04, Bismarck, N.D., was recently hired by the state of North Dakota, Department of Game and Fish, as a warden/pilot. Erin (Potter) Lafferty, ’03, Milford, Ia., married John Lafferty on August 30, 2003. They reside in the Iowa Great Lakes region. Erin is employed as restaurant manager at Minervas Restaurant, Okoboji, Ia. The Laffertys have two children, Kierin, 3, and Kiera, 2. Steve Waling, ’03, Elkhart Lake, Wis. E-mail Steve at hick63@yahoo.com 9 Karen (Rose) Benson, ’04, East Grand Forks, Minn., is employed with Amazon.com in Human Resources. She married Bryan Benson on October 5, 2007, in East Grand Forks.
Kyle Smith, ’02, Windom, Minn., and his wife, Jessica, are proud to announce the birth of their daughter, Leah Jean. She was born on January 15, 2008 at 5:22 a.m. Leah was welcomed home by her 3 year old sister, Ada. Trevor J. Alt, ’05, Crookston, Minn. E-mail Trevor at ta_hunt@hotmail.com Jeremy Nguyen, ’05, El Centro, Calif., is currently living in southern California about 20 miles from Mexico. He recently started work for the Bureau of Land Management as a park ranger. Jeremy’s principal job is to rescue people who have injured themselves in off highway vehicle accidents in the Imperial Sand Dunes. E-mail Jeremy at nguy0831@gmail.com Beverly Vogt, ’05, Armour, S.D., was named Outstanding Dietetic Technician of the Year by the American Dietetic Association and was honored at an
awards luncheon at the annual South Dakota Association of Healthcare Organizations meeting held in Sioux Falls, S.D. Bev is employed at the Douglas County Memorial Hospital in Armour and is also the DTR at the Landmann-Jungman Memorial Hospital in Scotland. She is the wife of Terry Vogt and the mother of four children. Christie Chappell, ’06, Waite Park, Minn., is attending graduate school at St. Cloud State University and is the assistant women’s soccer coach. E-mail Christie at chappchr@hotmail.com 10 Deann Roers, ’06, and Nathan Dahl, ’06, Ventura, Calif., will be getting married August 2, 2008, in Fargo, N.D. Deann is a director of sales and marketing at a Holiday Inn and Nathan is a sales representative for Cintas. Contact Deann via e-mail at dmroers@hotmail.com and Nathan at ftb103@msn.com
Jen (Kaser) Tepovich, ’06, Madagascar, and her husband, Dave, recently began a Peace Corps assignment as forestry volunteers. Their service will last through spring of 2010. Check out what they’re doing in Madagascar from their blog at http://theteps.blogspot.com. Martin and Juli (Maurice) Tubby, ’06 and ’05, Fargo, N.D., recently moved to Fargo where Martin is employed with Northern Grain Equipment in sales/project management. Cody J. Hill, ’07, Hawley, Minn. E-mail Cody at cody.j.hill@monsanto.com Shane Mendez, ex. ’07, Crookston, Minn., was recently hired as a police officer by the Crookston Police Department. He is a veteran of the U.S. Navy. 21
In Memory Walter W. Hanson Northwest School of Agriculture and University of Minnesota, Crookston custodian Crookston, Minn. October 25, 2007 Selma (Hedstrand) Knutson, ’31 Waconia, Minn. December 12, 2007 Kermit L. Greenley, ’33 adv. West Salem, Wis., formerly of Dassel, Minn. December 2, 2007 Rose (Naplin) Salo, ’33 Hibbing, Minn. September 24, 2007 Norman A. Moen, ’34 Ada, Minn. February 25, 2008 Lois (Sargent) Smith, ’34 Baudette, Minn. November 3, 2007 Paul Billberg, ’35 Wannaska, Minn. November 19, 2007 Earl A. Newhouse, ’36, ’37 adv. Louisville, Colo., formerly of Crookston, Minn. October 14, 2007 Kennard L. Anderson, att. ’37-’39 Hallock, Minn., formerly of Kennedy, Minn. September 27, 2007 Morris R. Dahl, ’37 Drayton, N.D. April 4, 2008 Raymond Carlson, ’38 Umatilla, Fla. November 21, 2007 Elmer Moe, ’38 Grand Forks, N.D., formerly of Lancaster, Minn. March 19, 2008 Harold Holen, att. ’38-’39 Red Lake Falls, Minn. November 27, 2007 Esther (Norum) Gee, ’40, ’41 adv. Bakersfield, Calif. October 20, 2006
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Torch Volume 40, Number 3, Summer 2008 Torch is a publication of the University of Minnesota, Crookston.
Wilbur Hinkley, att. ’40-’41 Crookston, Minn. December 2, 2007
Director of Development & Alumni Relations Corby Kemmer 218-281-8434 ckemmer@umn.edu
Raymond Hoppe, ’40 Crookston, Minn. March 5, 2008
Support Staff Rose Ulseth 218-281-8439
rulseth@umn.edu
Sue Dwyer 218-281-8401
sdwyer@umn.edu
John Grenier, ’41 Red Lake Falls, Minn. February 10, 2008 Irvin Tollerud, att. ’42-’43 Hood River, Ore. October 25, 2007 Earl Nelson, ’43 Lake Bronson, Minn. February 13, 2008 Charles Gustafson, ’52 Beltrami, Minn. December 19, 2007 Henry Troska, ’53 Woodbury, Minn./Bella Vista, AK May 31, 2007 Joel Riendeau, ’59 Crookston, Minn. November 16, 2007 Kenneth Pahlen, ’65 Grand Forks, N.D. February 23, 2008 Donald Matson, ’68 Gary, Minn. January 15, 2008 Alan H. Filipi, ex. ’73 St. Louis Park, Minn., formerly of Warren, Minn. August 14, 2007
UMCAA Board of Directors Cindy Bigger, ’79 Brandy (Lietz) Chaffee, ‘00 Korey Hegreberg, ‘98 Kylene (Odegaard) Lehmann, ‘01 Amy (Peterson) Lubarski, ‘02 Carl Melbye, ‘79 Jennifer Novak, ‘06 Michelle Ramstad, ‘03 Leah (Stratton) Reitmeier, ’93 Rich Stangle, ‘07 Tara Sylvester, ‘06 Kari Torkelson, O.D., ex. ‘91 Kari Vallager, ’03 NWSA Alumni Association Board of Directors Lowell Hamrick, ‘53 Charles Holmquist, ’52 Don Holy, ‘53 Bob Kresl, ’53 Norm Landby, ‘55 Barbara (Hylland) Lunsetter, ’56 Berneil Nelson, ’42, ex officio Harvey Pulkrabek, ‘48 Gerhard Ross, ‘45 David Sorvig, ‘46 Richard Widseth, ‘49 Contact information: The Torch Elizabeth Tollefson, editor University of Minnesota, Crookston 2900 University Avenue Crookston, Minnesota 56716 Phone: 218-281-8432 Fax: 218-281-8440 E-mail: ltollefs@umn.edu
Conrad M. Dahl, ’75 Hallock, Minn. September 4, 2007
The University of Minnesota, Crookston is a public, baccalaureate, coeducational institution and a coordinate campus of the University of Minnesota. The Northwest School of Agriculture (NWSA) was a residential high school serving students from 1906-68 and the predecessor of the Crookston campus. The Torch is named for the historical passing of the educational torch between the NWSA and the U of M, Crookston in 1968.
Kimbertly “Kim” Turner, ex. ’76 Hallock, Minn. November 11, 2007
The University of Minnesota is committed to the policy that all persons shall have equal access to its programs, facilities and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status or sexual orientation.
Luann (Dawley) Ashpole, ’86 Edinburg, N.D. January 5, 2008 Alice Mae (Grove) Haaven ‘50 McIntosh, MN April 14, 2008
Printed on recycled and recyclable paper with at least 10 percent post-consumer material using agribased inks. Designed and printed at FinePrint of Grand Forks, Inc.
On the cover: University of Minnesota, Crookston Alumna Courtney (Sonnek) Mohler, ’07, a wrangler at Ironwood Springs Christian Ranch near Rochester, Minn., teaches riding, grooming, horsemanship and the work associated with caring for a horse. Photo by Terry Tollefson, ’06.
Stanley D. Sahlstrom, Ph.D. It is with deep sadness that the University of Minnesota, Crookston has learned of the passing of Stanley D. Sahlstrom, Ph.D., the “founding father” of the Crookston campus, where he served as provost from 1965-85. Sahlstrom was charged in 1965 with leading the effort to transition the Crookston campus from a residential high school, known as the Northwest School of Agriculture, to a 2-year technical college offering degrees in agriculture and business. The University of Minnesota, Crookston Technical College opened its doors in 1966 to 175 students thanks to Sahlstrom’s tireless efforts on behalf of the campus. “Dr. Sahlstrom had a great passion for education and students,” said Charles H. Casey, chancellor of the U of M, Crookston. “His enthusiasm for student achievement and success was a hallmark of his years as provost, and he never lost that zeal. He continued to connect with former students throughout their careers and made a point to visit them during his travels. “An ardent advocate for rural Minnesota, Dr. Sahlstrom was instrumental in laying the foundation for the Crookston campus. He is remembered for his vision, leadership and commitment to the campus, the community of Crookston, the region and the state. He will be deeply missed. Our thoughts are with his family, friends and colleagues.” Sahlstrom’s dedication and forward-thinking aptitude guided the U of M, Crookston in its formative years. He and his late wife, Ludmilla “Mil,” who passed away in 2004, were steadfast in their support for the new 2-year college and its leaders. During that
time, Sahlstrom secured funding for many campus buildings, and by 1977, there were more than 1,000 students taking classes in a range of degree options in the areas of agriculture; business; home and family services; and hotel, restaurant and institutional management. In 1985, Sahlstrom was elected to the University of Minnesota Board of Regents, a position he held for 12 years. He then resigned as provost of the University of Minnesota, Crookston. For his leadership and exemplary service to the campus and the region, Sahlstrom was presented the Torch & Shield Award in 1986, the highest honor bestowed by the University of Minnesota, Crookston and the Northwest Research and Outreach Center. In 1997, the campus named the Sahlstrom Conference Center in his honor, and in 2001, he was inducted into the U of M, Crookston Athletic Hall of Fame. The University of Minnesota, along with the Rotary Club of St. Cloud, Minn., recognized Stan Sahlstrom Day on September 11, 2007, in his honor. Sahlstrom graduated from the University of Minnesota with his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences in 1942 and 1953 respectively. He earned his doctorate in 1961 from the College of Education.
Nominate Outstanding Alumni This award recognizes alumni who have displayed exemplary commitment and service to community, church, education, family or in their occupational field. This award is given annually at the Northwest School of Agriculture Alumni Reunion the last weekend in June or during homecoming at the University of Minnesota, Crookston. I would like to nominate the following person as a candidate to receive the Outstanding Alumni Award: Name/Title: Reasons why this individual should be considered for an Outstanding Alumni Award:
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We Want to Hear From You! To submit an item for the Alumni News Section, complete this form and send it to UMC Alumni Relations, 115 Kiehle Building, 2900 University Avenue, Crookston, MN 56716, email: rulseth@umn.edu or complete the form on line at: www.UMCrookston.edu/ people/alumni/info-form.htm.
Check out the yearbook archive by visiting: http://yearbooks.UMCrookston.edu.
Yearbook Archive Available Online The Library at the University of Minnesota, Crookston is completing a project that will make all yearbooks from the Northwest School of Agriculture and the U of M, Crookston available on the Web. Access is fully functional and offers remote access to the only full collection of yearbooks in existence online. Anywhere the Internet is available, you can find your yearbook! Whether you attended the Northwest School of Agriculture (1912-68), the U of M, Crookston Technical College or the University of Minnesota, Crookston, if there is a yearbook commemorating the year, it will be available to you to search through the University Web site or Google. “This project will be of interest to our alumni, but also to historians, genealogists, family members of those who attended the schools,” says Director of Library Services Owen Williams. “It provides a rich visual history of the campus and preserves and protects fragile copies from use.” The Library has also digitized the Northwest School Monthly newsletter, commencement programs and Crookston campus bulletins. These projects along with the yearbook project offer extensive biographical information on alumni, faculty and staff members. This retrospective project is available at www.UMCrookston.edu/alumni. For more information on the project, contact Williams at 218-281-8397 (willi099@umn.edu). 24
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Name Address City/State/Zip Phone Email Year of Graduation or years of attendance May we include your e-mail in the news section of the Torch? ____________________________ Can we publish it in our online directory? ____________________________ Information or news you wish to share (new job, career, or family achievements, etc.)
2008 Events Calendar July 10
Golf Tournament, Ada, Minn.
Aug. 26
Fall Semester - Classes Begin
July 19
Teambacker Golf Classic, Crookston, Minn.
Oct. 29
Torch & Shield Recognition
Sept. 26-27 Homecoming “Mardi Gras Madness” Honoring classes from ’68, ‘73’ ’78, ’83, ’88, ’93, ’98, ‘03
Nomination Form available at www.UMCrookston.edu/alumni
Visit www.UMCrookston.edu/umcnews to find out what is happening on campus!
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