Torch, Fall 2008

A Magazine for Alumni & Friends of the University of Minnesota, Crookston

Vol. 40, No. 4 Fall 2008

For more homecoming photos, visit: www.UMCrookston.edu/alumni

From the Chancellor What Do You Want Your Legacy To Be? As the daylight hours shorten and the chill of autumn returns, farmers and gardeners often reflect on the season and on the seeds they planted in the spring. Given the right combination of weather and care, those small seeds can result in a bountiful harvest that can be shared with many.

It’s easy to see a parallel in higher education. Dollars invested in an education have the power to bring long term benefits to us all. The seeds of education grow into active and well-rounded citizenship, better jobs and opportunities, new ideas and innovative research—all of which directly improve everyone’s quality of life. Gifts supporting education through scholarships become a legacy that continues to benefit generation after generation.

Many of the alumni stories you read in this or any edition of the Torch resulted not only from the hard work of the individual but also quite likely from at least some financial assistance through scholarships. Gifts to existing endowed scholarships or establishing an endowed scholarship of your own serve much like the best Fehr, Walter & Elinor Agronomic Science Thank you to all who have given to Scholarship scholarships and have left a legacy to University of Minnesota, Crookston students. Filipi, Elenora Amalia & Ben Memorial Scholarship This list includes endowment funds at the Fortie, Francis Klein Scholarship U of M, Crookston.

Freberg, Brandon Memorial Scholarship 68 Agriculture Division Alumni Scholarship Habstritt, Steve Memorial Scholarship Alseth, Stan & Hanorah Entrepreneurial Hagen, Harlene Endowed Scholarship Endowment Hoefer, Gerald Memorial Scholarship Alseth, Stan and Hanorah Men’s Basketball Scholarship Hoff, David & Irene Scholarship Altringer, Larry & Diane Scholarship Hord, Carl & Lorraine Scholarship Anderson, Alton/Oltida Family Memorial Hospitality Club Scholarship Howard, Art & Joyce Scholarship Anderson, Rose Polski Scholarship Hvidsten, Earl Memorial Scholarship Bachmeier, Marvin & Diane Scholarship Johnston, Herbert & Anna Scholarship Bigger, Samuel & Norma Endowment Jorgenson, Mary Louise Scholarship Brost, Hilmer & Hildegard Endowed Kopecky, Albert Family Scholarship Scholarship LeClair, James Athletic Endowment Buckley, Dr. Philip & Ethel Scholarship Lysaker, Herschel Endowed Scholarship Charron, Darlene Scholarship Mallinger, Felix & Marion Ugland Scholarship Chowdry, Michael Memorial Management Club Endowment Scholarship Crookston Fund for Excellence Menzhuber,William & Ruth Memorial Dowell Scholarship Endowed Scholarship Dragseth, Allan & Judy Scholarship Meyer, Charles T. Memorial Scholarship East Polk County Fair Scholarship Miller, Wallace & Hanna Endowed Fehr, Clara & Eilert Family Endowed Scholarship Scholarship MINN-DAK Growers Association Scholarship

CONTENTS

Rita Resendiz ......................................................4 Walter Lunsetter ................................................5 Campus News ....................................................7 Ryan Blechta ......................................................8 Kerry Fredrich ....................................................8

combination of nurturing weather and care, and that enables those educational seeds to sprout and grow in our students.

Have you asked yourself what you want your legacy to be? Please consider investing in a legacy of education at the University of Minnesota, Crookston. We offer heartfelt thanks to those who have given gifts—both large and small—and I encourage you to think about your educational legacy.

All the best for a happy and healthy remainder of 2008.

Sincerely, Charles H. Casey, D.V.M. Chancellor Moe, Roger Scholarship Nakken Endowed Scholarship Newhouse, Ernest & Edna Scholarship Neilsen, Les & June Endowment Nielsen, Mitch Lien Endowed Scholarship Northwest Experiment Station Endowment Northwest Grain Endowed Scholarship NWSA Alumni Fund NWSA Heritage Endowment Oliver, Scott Scholarship Olsonawski, Mark Scholarship Paradise, William Memorial Scholarship Pearson, Edwin Scholarship Peterson, Albert Scholarship Peterson, Anton & Johanna Endowed Scholarship Peterson, George & Clarence Scholarship Peterson, Harold & Alma Endowed Scholarship Peterson, Harris A. Peterson, Leroy E. Scholarship Peterson, S. Wilbur Memorial Scholarship Roberts, Lyle Memorial Scholarship Robinson, Robert G. Robinson, Robert G. VI Rock Eagle Air Spray Scholarship

Marshall Johnson............................................10 Homecoming ....................................................11 Kari Hoffman ....................................................12 Reunion Highlights ....................................14-15 Aaron Wall ........................................................16 Bernard Selzler ................................................17 Orlin Ostby ........................................................18

Roelofs, Dr. Delton & Judy Athletic Scholarship Sahlstrom, Stanley D. Scholarship Sargeant, Donald & Mary Beth Endowed Scholarship Sather, Russell O. & Inez Scholarship Shaver Environmental Landscaping Internship Shaver, June GBS Endowed Athletic Scholarship Shaver, June Scholarship Sims, Jim Endowed Scholarship Spong, Carl Memorial Scholarship Stauning Carpenter Scholarship Stelter, E.C. Memorial Scholarship Teambackers Endowed Scholarship Tilleraas, Truman Student Development Treanor, Twyla Scholarship U of M - Crookston Endowment Veden, Dr. Frank W. Endowed Scholarship Veden, Dr. Frank W. Veden Chair for Rural Development VFW Post 1902 Endowment Ward Family Farm Scholarship Endowment Wardeberg, Andrew & Elmer Scholarship Widseth, Ed Scholarship Wold, Nels T. American Legion Post #20 Scholarship Women’s Assn. Endowment

Thomas Williams ............................................19 Ciara Mills ........................................................20 Daniel Schramm ..............................................21 Rene Heimer ....................................................22 Alumni News ..............................................24-27 In Memory ........................................................28

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Chuck Holmquist, ’52, president of the Northwest School of Agriculture Alumni Association and Kari Torkelson, O.D., ex. ’91, president of the U of M, Crookston Alumni Association.

From Your Alumni Presidents As presidents of our respective alumni associations, we have the opportunity to reflect on what is happening on our campus and to encourage alumni to be engaged in both alumni and campus events. Alumni are a very important part of campus life!

We had a wonderful time at homecoming; it is a highlight for us as alumni. Congratulations to Sherry Senske,’90, and Jeff Peterson,’96, who were honored as Outstanding Alumni. It is great to see our graduates doing well in their careers and in their communities. The annual homecoming parade started off the day on Saturday with Chancellor Emeritus Donald and Mary Beth Sargeant as our grand marshals followed by a ceremony naming the student center in his honor. Having Four Wheel Drive play live in the parking lot for the Teambacker pre-game tailgate was great! During half-time of the football game we recognized our Outstanding Alumni and Athletic Hall of Fame inductees again and enjoyed visiting with everyone at the post-game social at Minakwa Golf Club. As you can see, it was a busy weekend and one you don’t want to miss next year. So, watch for the dates of Homecoming 2009 and plan to attend.

As UMC Alumni Association president, this is my last letter in the Torch. At our annual meeting, we elected Cindy Bigger, ’79, our new president. It has been an honor and privilege to serve as president. I met so many great alumni and Crookston campus supporters in my role as president.

But, the end of my term doesn’t mean the end of my connection with the alumni association. The University of Minnesota, Crookston is too important to me so you’ll see me around at as many events as possible. I want to thank the great people on the alumni association board and in the Office of Development & Alumni Relations who work hard to promote the campus and our alumni programs.

If you are interested in serving as a board member for the U of M, Crookston or the Northwest School alumni associations, contact Rose Ulseth at rulseth@umn.edu.

For the Northwest School of Agriculture Alumni Association, this issue of the Torch celebrates the wonderful memories of our reunion last June. The photographs bring back recollections of what a great time we had together. I guess I would be remiss if I didn’t remind everyone to plan now for next year’s reunion to be held June 26-27, 2009. The times we share are powerful reminders of the years we spent together on this campus and how much we all have in common.

I also want to look ahead to the Arizona Social scheduled for Friday, February 20, 2009, at the Terrace Green at the ViewPoint Resort in Mesa. Like the reunion, this is a time when we gather to reminisce, rekindle old friendships and reconnect. Consider joining us in Arizona this winter!

One last thing, I would like to welcome the new board members elected at our annual meeting this summer.

Melvin Larson, ’55; Jean Vigness-Parker, ’55; and Allan Dragseth, ’57, will be joining the board and we are so pleased to have them. We will continue to work to preserve the great legacy of the Northwest School of Agriculture.

Wishing you all a fabulous fall and hope to see you on campus!

Kari Torkelson, O.D., ex. ’91 U of M, Crookston Alumni Association President Chuck Holmquist, ’52 NWSA Alumni Association President

Editor’s Note: The photo at left of Mark Huglen, Ph.D., was taken by Patrick O’Leary, photographer in University Relations at the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities. The photo credit was inadvertently omitted in the last issue of the Torch.

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From the Director A Lesson in Leaving a Legacy A Letter To My Daughter Dear Jordyn, As your mom and I watch you grab our cell phones to call your grandparents, see you playing on the home computer or putting your favorite movie into the DVD player, we know, at age three, you’re growing and learning faster than our generation or any other before.

At a recent football game, I gave you a $5 bill to throw into the free-will offering at a tailgate. Your curiosity arose and you asked, “Daddy, why are we putting money in that box?” I explained, “This helps other people, Jordyn.” You may not yet comprehend words like legacy, philanthropy, donation, and financial planning, but you soon will, and your mom and I believe it’s time we start educating you in this area.

So Ms. Jordyn, here’s our plan: in two years, when you celebrate your fifth birthday, you will begin to receive a monthly allowance, and we want you to gift 25% of that allowance. With our counsel, once a year you will choose a worthy cause to support.

Your legacy will begin at an early age. As you get older you will see what your dollars have done and how they’re changing the lives of others. You will quickly learn that giving back is an important quality and necessity in life. Over the years, your contributions will provide a sense of peace and relief to those in need while making the world a better place and encouraging others to become more engaged and generous in their giving. Jordyn, Mom and I love you very much.

Your proud father, Corby Kemmer Director of Development & Alumni Relations

Focus on the Board Amy (Peterson) Lubarski, ’02, has been on the University of Minnesota, Crookston Alumni Association Board since fall 2007. Her bachelor’s degree is in information technology management, and she has an associate’s degree in management and marketing.

“One of the things I liked best about the University of Minnesota, Crookston was the way technology was incorporated into every class,” Lubarski explains. “I think the technology advantage really gives students an edge in obtaining jobs upon graduation.” She also found the small class sizes and the close relationships students have with faculty a bonus.

Currently, Lubarski uses her technology skills as an executive administrative specialist in the Agriculture Department. She finds being an employee serving on the Alumni Association board to be rewarding. “I work on ways our alumni can help the campus plan and carry out activities involving the community and current students.

“Serving on the alumni association board is a great way

Amy (Peterson) Lubarski, ’02

to stay connected to other alumni,” says Lubarski. “As a board member, you help develop activities to help alumni stay in contact with the campus.”

Lubarski would like to see an increase in alumni attendance as well as community involvement in sporting events, homecoming, Ag Arama and other events. “It would be great if we could develop some new activities to encourage even more involvement.”

Lubarski and her husband, Nathan, have two boys, Jaden and Rylan. When they have free time, they enjoy Jaden’s swim meets, hanging out with family and friends, playing tennis, biking and chasing Rylan.

Growing up in Crookston, Rita Resendiz, ’95 always knew she wanted to attend the University of Minnesota, Crookston.

Technology and Service, the Perfect Combination For alumni like Rita Resendiz, ’95, the transition of the University of Minnesota, Crookston from a two-year to a four-year institution allowed students to continue their education without transferring. Resendiz already knew she would need a bachelor’s degree. She had known since the ninth grade that she wanted a career in the field of technology and that it would require more than a two-year degree. The major in information systems management offered at the Crookston campus suited her perfectly.

What she learned as a student on the Crookston campus laid the foundation for Resendiz’s career as web coordinator for the Hubert H. Humphrey Institute of Public Affairs on the University of Minnesota’s Minneapolis campus.

Growing up in Crookston, Resendiz also knew where she wanted to attend school, “The campus was right there, I had family in town and at the time, I wasn’t ready to leave.” Besides, her sisters, Rosie, ’84, and Rebeca, ’93, were both graduates of the U of M, Crookston so it just seemed natural.

While attending school, Resendiz served as president of the computer club and secretary/treasurer of the management club. She was working at the help desk when the first computers arrived in 1993. She also worked setting up class Web sites for biology instructors Bonnie Boyle and Wendell Johnson and helped Johnson and Ed Wene, Ph.D., specialist in microbiology and fermentation science at the Agricultural Utilization Research Institute, set up a Web site for their research on hybrid poplar trees.

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Resendiz took a year off after she graduated from the U of M, Crookston due to an illness in the family. During that time, she was employed on campus as a member of the Web team giving her the opportunity once again to work with faculty on projects. In fact, she helped wherever she could with anything Web-related.

What she learned in Crookston laid the foundation for Resendiz’s career as web coordinator for the Hubert H. Humphrey Institute of Public Affairs on the University of Minnesota’s Minneapolis campus. “I got my start in Web design in Crookston,” says Resendiz. “When I went on for my master’s degree at the University of Minnesota, I chose instructional design because I loved working in education and working with faculty. I knew I wanted to continue in this area.”

In November 1999 after completing her master’s degree and taking a few months off, she accepted a position at the Humphrey Institute, where she is currently responsible for maintaining the college’s entire Web site. She also designs layouts and templates for the Humphrey Insititute that reflect the University of Minnesota look and feel and develops training in everything from the Web management system to office software to student orientation training sessions.

Serving as a technology liaison between the Humphrey Institute and the University of Minnesota gives Resendiz a distinctive role. “What is unique about my job is that my time is split between the Humphrey Institute and the University of Minnesota’s Office of Information Technology,” Resendiz graduated in Resendiz explains. “That means I 1995 and went on to work with other colleges in the University of developing shared training Minnesota to opportunities.” graduate school.

Her myriad responsibilities are demanding, but Resendiz is ready to handle them. What began when she was a student on the Crookston campus has taken her to a career at one of the top professional schools of public affairs in the country. As her career path unfolded, Resendiz was able to merge her interests into the perfect career combination for her.

To learn more about computer-related careers available at the U of M, Crookston today, visit www.UMCrookston.edu/academics/mst.

Photos by Patrick O’Leary, photographer in University Relations at the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities.

Glimpse of Campus Days Gone By Walter Lunsetter, ’32, came to the Northwest School of Agriculture (NWSA) from Gatzke, Minn., when he was only 13 years old. Memories like his help create a better understanding of campus history and life at the Northwest School, which was phased out in 1968.

When Lunsetter registered for school in the fall of 1930, students were assigned a number to avoid having to stand in long lines and wait.

“I was walking outside with another student that day and what I saw puzzled me. There were six students in odd looking clothes running at each other. I could not figure out what was going on,” Lunsetter smiles. “That was the first time I ever saw anyone

Lunsetter still resides on the farm his parents homesteaded in 1897. He is the youngest of nine children and the only one in his family to attend the Northwest School of Agriculture.

practicing or playing football!”

As one might expect, the Stock Market Crash of 1929 and the subsequent depression affected enrollment at the Northwest School. In the fall of 1931, enrollment was 345 and by 1932, the fourth year of the depression, it was down to 184.

Lunsetter recalls room and board his first year was $50 per month, but difficult times saw it drop to $30.

Between his third and fourth year, Lunsetter worked on campus.

During that time, Stephens Hall was remodeled; Lunsetter recalls many men from Crookston showing up to remove plaster from the Lunsetter, ’32, and his wife, Mabel, raised four children in the walls in response to an home where Lunsetter was born. In the photograph, he stands advertisement in the local beside the original log barn his father constructed. paper requesting help.

Even students working was unavoidable. Bed tipping was a part time during the school term were popular prank. “One time there was a paid 25¢ per hour, which Lunsetter faculty dinner just before Christmas,” describes as “a lot more than most men reflects Lunsetter. “Some of the boys were getting at the time.” got together and organized an effort to The gymnasium, originally tip every bed in the dormitory. To top it on second floor of the Kiehle off, they poured water in the Building, took up the south preceptor’s bed.” Unfortunately, the half and the auditorium incident resulted in the expulsion of occupied the north half. A two students. spiral staircase led down to Lunsetter excelled in geometry and the shower room. His last algebra, subjects taught by his favorite year Lunsetter played teacher, J. W. Mlinar. “He was wise basketball and enjoyed and energetic and sitting at the athletes table in made learning the dining hall to eat. fun,” Lunsetter On the few occasions that recalls. Classes Lunsetter took the train back to were held school after a break, he recalls a full Tuesday through car of students returning to school from Saturday. “We all the small towns along the way. spent Monday There was a lot of camaraderie among getting ready for Lunsetter graduated these students, who grew up on farms our classes,” he in 1932 but attended and small towns in the region and lived remembers. the Northwest together during the school year. “I Following School in 1933 to learned a lot about getting along with complete his graduation, advanced year. others,” explains Lunsetter.

Lunsetter Life was filled with study and hard returned to the farm where he would work but not without fun. Silent begin the career that spanned his movies were shown in the auditorium lifetime. for student entertainment, and with so The late thirties were wet years on many students living together, mischief Continued on next page…

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One of the activities that Walter Lunsetter was involved in was the yearbook staff. Here he is seated on the far left with the 1932 Aggie Board members.

Focus on the Board Robert “Bob” Kresl, ’53, is in his second term on the Northwest School of Agriculture Alumni Association Board. Growing up in Tabor, Minn., Kresl came to the Northwest School when he was only 13 years old. “At the time, once we were done with country school, the Northwest School was the first choice for high school.” Kresl recalls.

He also appreciated the shorter school year which accommodated the farming season. Campus life helped him adjust to living away from home. “By living in a dorm with other people, I had no problem adjusting later to military service,” Kresl explains. “Most of the fellows were homesick!”

While in school, Kresl was involved in glee club and band, but his favorite activity was livestock judging. His coach, Lavon Sumption, made a lasting impression on Kresl and his teammates. “I would like to have an opportunity to thank Mr. Sumption,” Kresl says, “He was an outstanding instructor.”

“I enjoyed the livestock, carpentry and shop classes,” Kresl explains. “In fact, there were so many classes I was interested in that I could not Bob Kresl, ‘53 fit everything into my schedule; I missed out on some opportunities because there just wasn’t enough time.”

Kresl’s younger siblings, Larry, ’57, and Judy, ’60, also graduated from the Northwest School, and his son, Bill, ’85, and a granddaughter attended the U of M, Crookston. His son Joe has been employed by UMC for the past 10 years.

As a member of the board, Kresl would like to see a permanent memorial to the Northwest School, and he has a project idea in mind.

He also enjoys some of the board’s regular projects as well, “I enjoy working on the annual Northwest School alumni reunions and being involved in the selection of outstanding alumni for the Top Aggie award.”

These days his properties in Crookston and Arizona, plus their farm, keep Kresl busy. And he spends a great deal of time working at the Polk County Historical Society Museum in Crookston. In fact, he has been on that board for some 35 years.

…Lunsetter continued from page 5

the farms in Marshall County, and Gatzke is located in an area known for being boggy and wet. In the early 1900s, ditching efforts were underway to help drain the excess water from farm land. When the government completed construction on a dam in 1938 near Mud Lake, known today as the Agassiz Pool, the abundant water could no longer drain through the ditches the way it was intended.

Lunsetter and his neighbors needed help, and when it looked like the government was not going to aid them, they took matters into their own hands.

To get relief from the flooding, 200 farmers gathered together to dig out the dam. It took a long night of digging, but once the water made its way through, it washed out around the dam and poured into Mud Lake. “We were desperate,” Lunsetter remembers. “We had paid taxes to have those ditches put in and the dam was making drainage impossible.” Forty-four farmers had to appear in court for their actions, but the conflict was resolved when a spillway was added to help control the flooding.

Lunsetter used the education he received at the Northwest School on his farm, and his memories illustrate what an important contribution the campus made to Northwest Minnesota.

Today that legacy continues as the University of Minnesota, Crookston provides teaching, research and outreach to this region and beyond.

To learn more about campus history, visit http://yearbooks.UMCrookston.edu.

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Campus News Svec Returns as Director of Communications, Marketing and Public Relations Andrew Svec has returned to campus as the director of communications, marketing and public relations. He previously worked at the U of M, Crookston for 14 years through 2004, most recently as the director of communications. His experience since that time includes serving as director of marketing for the Washington Pavilion of Arts and Science in Sioux Falls, S.D., and as assistant to the executive director of the Community Surface Dynamics Modeling System (CSDMS), a Andrew Svec scientific cooperative agreement project with the National Science Foundation at the University of Colorado at Boulder. A graduate of the University of Minnesota, Morris, Svec’s experience includes developing comprehensive marketing plans, promotional themes, advertising campaigns, publications and Web sites for both university campuses and a non-profit arts organization.

New residence hall construction begins in fall 2008 With increased enrollment and the desire to offer students the best collegiate experience possible, the University of Minnesota, Crookston has begun construction of a new apartment-style residence hall. The $10.6 million, 128-bed facility will house the growing student population in two wings, each with 16 two-bedroom/4 bed units. Work began this fall with an expected completion date of July 2009. Housing on the Crookston campus this fall is filled to maximum capacity so Residential Life offered students some off-campus options for housing. This new residence hall is the second apartment-style living option available on the campus. In 2006, Centennial Hall was completed and has been filled to capacity ever since.

Regents approve offering a bachelor of science in applied studies degree online The University of Minnesota Board of Regents has given approval to offer a bachelor of science in applied studies degree online through the University of Minnesota Online at the Crookston campus. The applied studies degree program addresses the needs of individuals whose educational objectives cannot be met through traditional degree programs. The degree option will be available beginning spring semester 2009.

The online application is available at www.UMCrookston.edu, click on students then click online application. For more information, visit www.UMCrookston.edu/online or call 218-281-8680 or 800-862-6466, ext. 8680.

Campus hosted White Earth Academy of Math and Science Thirty-two students from the White Earth Academy of Math and Science focused on technology and engineering along with science and mathematics during a visit to the University of Minnesota, Crookston in mid-June. The students in grades five through eight had a wide variety of learning opportunities during their two-day visit which included topics such as Global Positioning Systems and mapping, to computer game design and equine science. A partnership between the Crookston campus, University of Minnesota Extension and the College of Education and Human Development on the Twin Cities campus helped offer the five-week summer session to enhance science, technology, engineering and math skills through applied learning.

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The Brains Behind the Beauty Every place has its own special kind of beauty.

This country’s scenic landscapes include everything from vast prairies and sandy beaches to forested trails and thunderous waterfalls.

For alumnus Ryan Blechta, ’02, the beauty of the Rocky Mountains offers not only snowboarding and skiing but a unique opportunity to work at the country’s premiere golf course – the Yellowstone Club.

Blechta, ’02, married Sarah Wooldridge When Blechta, who at a ceremony in Big Sky, Mont., in grew up in Chanhassen, September 2008. You may contact Ryan at ryan.blechta@yellowstoneclub.com Minn., was thinking or call him at 612-270-0824. about college, he wanted

to go somewhere outside the big city. “I attended a large high school, and I wanted to go somewhere smaller,” Blechta explains. “I had a friend attending the University of Minnesota, Crookston so I knew they had degrees in both turfgrass and horticulture. I visited the campus when I was a senior and really liked it.

“Meeting people from small towns and making new friends was what I liked most about Crookston. Everyone knew me by name including all my instructors; I really enjoyed that.” His roommates were both from Argyle, Minn., a town of only 650. Adam Chwialkowski, ’00, was Blechta’s roommate his second year, along with Brad Rivard, ’02, who was Blechta’s roommate for his last three years of college.

When he was a junior, Blechta interned for the Spring Hill Golf Club in Wayzata, Minn., and before he Ryan Blechta graduated, he had been offered a job from the 1998-99 there as a spray technician. Over the yearbook. next three years he moved up to second assistant and enjoyed his work immensely. When he discovered a job opening for first assistant at the Yellowstone Club in Big Sky, Mont., he was not seriously seeking another position, but after seeing the course and getting a job offer, he decided to take it.

Junior Kerry Fredrich at work on the golf course during his internship.

Last year when he needed an intern, Ryan Blechta, ’02, contacted Robert Golembiewski, Ph. D., assistant professor in golf and turf management on the Crookston campus. He recommended Junior Kerry Fredrich, New Holstein, Wis., a double major in golf and turf management and horticulture for the internship at the Yellowstone Club.

“I completed my first internship at the Yellowstone Club between my first and second year at the U of M, Crookston,” Fredrich explains.

Golembiewski (right), presented Fredrich with the “Ryan was able to provide the interns with responsibility outstanding golf and turf student award in spring 2008. as well as teach us about providing excellent playing conditions at a high-end, private club. Ryan also helped me find an internship for this summer that would help me build on my prior experience. I would encourage anyone to intern for Ryan, I was able to learn a lot from him.”

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With the mountains behind, Ryan Blechta, ’02, stands on the scenic golf course at the Yellowstone Club.

The Yellowstone Club is not just any golf club. It is the world’s only private ski and golf community. The clientele are high profile, and membership is by invitation only.

Established in 2000, the many breathtaking views are part of the club’s 13,400 acres which includes an 18-hole championship golf course and 7,500 acres of skiing terrain.

Blechta manages the day-to-day maintenance operations for the golf course and supervises a crew of 31. While the golf season is short, he uses the winter months to plan, repair and budget for the coming year. “I really enjoy being able to make decisions about how the golf course looks and plays,” Blechta says. “It is rewarding to be the mastermind behind this beautiful golf course.”

Working outdoors is a passion for Blechta and while someday he would like to be a golf course superintendent, he loves what he is doing and would not trade it for any indoor job. During the golf season that means 12 to 14 hour days six days a week, but when you work at one of the most beautiful places in the world, it hardly matters. What does matter is if you love your job, and Blechta does. And for those who enjoy golfing at the prestigious Yellowstone Club, Blechta is a part of the brains behind its beauty.

For more information on the golf and turf management degree or other degrees in the Natural Resources Department, visit www.UMCrookston.edu/academics.

Proposed improvements save energy, encourage recycling In late May 2008, Mckinstry Company, a performance contractor, was on campus to identify and evaluate energy savings opportunities. Their work will help the University of Minnesota, Crookston reduce carbon emissions by 20% and save energy costs. Many of their proposed improvements deal with lighting and building automation.

Tim Norton, director of facilities and operations, says “saving energy makes sense not just because it saves money but because it is a good sustainability practice. The campus wants to be more cognizant of saving energy as well as best practices.”

There is also a drive to continue the effort to recycle. A more formalized program has been established across the campus, including residence halls. New recycling containers have been placed all around campus to encourage faculty, staff and students to recycle paper, plastic and aluminum. The recycling initiative is being spearheaded by Peter Phaiah, Ph.D., associate vice chancellor for student affairs. The Delta Theta Sigma (DTS) fraternity has also committed to working on the project.

“We want to recycle because it is the right thing to do for the environment, but also because it is cost effective,” Phaiah states. “We want to be good stewards of all our resources.”

GREEN SPACES

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Marshall Johnson, student body president at the U of M, Crookston, interned for the Minnesota DFL party. He is pictured with Democratic National Chairman Howard Dean.

The Students’ Voice As liaison to campus administration, the student body president represents the students’ voice in both formal and informal situations. For University of Minnesota, Crookston Student Body President Marshall Johnson, galvanizing the students and making them feel like their voice will be heard is a priority. “When I think about my legacy on this campus, I want students to remember me because I believed their feelings mattered,” Johnson states.

A senior from Pomona, Calif., Johnson came to the U of M, Crookston on a football scholarship and played for three years until a medical problem cut his collegiate career short. “I have learned a lot coming to school here, and as I look back over the past few years, I know that even through the ups and downs, Marshall Johnson, a I would not have wanted to go to senior majoring in school anywhere else.” business, has been active in the Black A member and past president of Student Association the Black Student Association (BSA), as well as the Johnson has always adhered to one Crookston Student tenant. “Honesty is always the best Association. policy” and Johnson continues to hold to that belief. “As president of the BSA, I was able to grow as a leader, I learned the immense responsibility and dedication needed to advocate on behalf of a group that has entrusted me to be a leader,” Johnson explains. “You have to handle people on a case-by-case basis. You cannot generalize about them.” That important lesson has helped him handle situations as the leader of BSA and now guides him as the student body president.

Over the summer, this aspiring politician and business management major worked for the Democratic Farm Labor

party in Minnesota. The internship afforded him the opportunity to meet with many of the state’s leading lawmakers while working for the state Outreach Director RoseAnn Zimbro. The outreach director is responsible for developing programs to help the party reach out to individuals and communities that have not traditionally been involved in the political process. Having the opportunity to work for Zimbro served to increase Johnson’s passion for politics, and after graduating from the U of M, Crookston, his goal is to study law and prepare for a career in the field.

As for heroes, Johnson, the youngest of seven in his family, says he has always looked up to men like former Associate Justice of the Supreme Court Thurgood Marshall and Dr. Martin Luther King. “But, I also look up to my older brother, an All-American in football. I was happy living and learning in his shadow; he’s always been a great mentor,” Johnson says.

“My dad is the smartest person I have ever known,” Johnson reflects. “From a young age he always taught me to never shy away from things but rather compete and always stay involved. My dear mother is a dreamer and that quality has perhaps been my greatest asset. She never allowed herself to be confined by the custom or standard, but rather, she always thought outside the box, always striving to improve a situation.”

When he graduates, Johnson wants the campus to be better because he was here. “I want students to be respectfully outspoken because college is where we can be innovators, create change and make things better.” While Johnson is the one representing the students’ voice, he will be working enthusiastically to make sure it is heard every step of the way.

Have a tasty recipe, a family favorite or maybe a culinary masterpiece all your own?

Why not share your recipes in a cookbook that features favorites from the faculty, staff and alumni of the University of Minnesota, Crookston? That’s right! University Relations is putting together a cookbook that celebrates the maroon and gold we love!

If you have a recipe or recipes (up to four) that you would like to share, send them, along with your name and grad year, to Patti Tiedemann (ptiedema@umn.edu) or you 10

www.UMCrookston.edu

can mail them to: Patti Tiedemann Kiehle 119 2900 University Avenue Crookston, Minnesota 56716 The deadline for submitting recipes is February 1, 2009.

Watch for details about the cookbook in upcoming issues of the Torch or online at www.UMCrookston.edu/alumni.

Far Right: Chancellor Emertius Donald Sargeant addresses the crowd.

Right: Athletic Hall of Fame inductees Bob Clauson, ex. ’82, and Randy Coauette, ex ’75.

Naming Ceremony Highlights Homecoming 2008 Honoring the past was the focus of a celebration that took place on the University of Minnesota, Crookston campus during homecoming weekend. The three year old student center was named in a special ceremony honoring Donald G. Sargeant, Ph.D., who served as a faculty member from 1970 to 2007 and as chancellor of the Crookston campus from 1985 to 2003.

Chancellor Emeritus Donald Sargeant began employment at the U of M, Crookston in 1970 as chair of the Agriculture Division and serving as academic dean from 1973-85. The Regents appointed Sargeant chancellor in 1985, a position he held until 2003. The campus continued to grow under Sargeant’s leadership and transitioned from a two to a four-year college with the granting of the first baccalaureate degrees in 1993. The Crookston campus initiated a technology strategy that same year which provided all faculty and full-time students on campus with notebook computers, a first in higher education in the United States.

Buildings constructed during Sargeant’s service as chancellor included Bergland Laboratory; Seated: Kari Torkelson, O.D., Alison (Stanley) Caldwell, Sonia University (Walski) Kraft; Standing: Natalie (Ueland) Price, Angela (Cost) Malone, Sherry (Larson) Senske, Janna Hjelseth Teaching and Outreach Center; Early Childhood Building; the production greenhouses; Westside Apartments, now part of Centennial Hall; and Peterson Gazebo. Renovation of both Owen Hall and Kiehle Building also took place during his tenure and funding was received for a new student center, which opened in 2005.

Over the years, Sargeant worked closely with city and state agencies to secure funding to bring both the Valley Technology Park and the Agricultural Utilization Research Institute to campus. He most recently served as the director of international programs, a position he held until 2006. Sargeant and his wife, Mary Beth, reside in Erskine, Minn., and have two Chancellor Emeritus, Donald Sargeant and Mary Beth sons, Doug and Dan. stand outside the Sargeant Student Center.

Other highlights of homecoming included recognition of Outstanding Alumni and the Athletic Hall of Fame induction ceremony. The 2008 Outstanding Alumni are Jeff Peterson, ’96, Grand Forks, N.D.; and Sherry (Larson) Senske, ’90, Glyndon, Minn. This year’s inductees into the Athletic Hall of Fame include Randy Coauette, wrestling, ex. ‘75; Bob Clauson, Outsanding alumna Outstanding alumnus Sherry (Larson) Jeff Peterson, ’96. hockey, ex. ‘82; and the 1989-90 Women’s Basketball Team.

Senske, ’90.

They were all honored at a banquet on Friday, September 26 in Bede Ballroom in the Student Center, and during half time of the football game on Saturday, September 27 when the Golden Eagles defeated Minnesota State University, Moorhead in the annual homecoming football game.

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The Adventure of Tak Before Michael Chowdry, ’78, passed away in 2002, he lived the American dream.

Born in Pakistan, he immigrated to the United States in the mid-1970’s Kari Hoffman will graduate in May 2009. and began to pursue formal education for a career in the airline industry.

Chowdry enrolled in the agricultural aviation program at the University of Minnesota, Crookston. While going to school, he worked a variety of jobs from driving church buses on Sunday mornings to flying as an ag pilot to pay his tuition.

During that difficult but rewarding time, he met many people who supported him with their kind guidance, encouragement and support—people interested in helping a young man struggling to succeed.

In return for the support he received at the U of M, Crookston, Chowdry, the founder of Atlas Air, established a scholarship to encourage students on the Crookston campus interested in entrepreneurship. Since its establishment in 1998, the Michael A. Chowdry Entrepreneurial Scholarships have supported and encouraged some 100 students.

One of those students is Senior Kari (Schad) Hoffman, a business management major originally from Syracuse, N.Y. She took a circuitous route to end up in Crookston which led her from a stint in the U.S. Air Force to southern Minnesota. Stationed across the world from England to Turkey to South Dakota to Germany, Hoffman used every

chance she had to travel. “I think the only place I have yet to go is Asia,” Hoffman explains.

While in Turkey, Hoffman met her husband, Scott,’08.

When their military service was completed, they knew they would go back either to southern Minnesota where Scott is from or to New York. “We knew we wanted to be near one of our families,” Hoffman said. “And, we knew we were going to go to school.”

Scott wanted to find a horticulture program and discovered what he wanted at Crookston. When Kari found the business major, they decided to come to the U of M, Crookston. In fact, the two of them had never seen the campus before they came. “We just had a hunch and went with it,” Kari smiles.

Paying for school herself meant Hoffman would need to apply for scholarships. She worked hard on her application for the Chowdry Scholarship and was disappointed when she didn’t find it on the list of aid she was receiving.

One day sitting in class, she saw an e-mail come through that was titled “Chowdry Scholarship.” What she saw when she opened it nearly made her fall out of her chair. She had been awarded a $5,000 Chowdry scholarship, and the news made this reserved young woman want to jump up and share the news with entire class. “I had to calm myself down,” she explains. “It would have been very unlike me to do anything remotely like that, but the whole thing was so unexpected!”

Kari and Scott, ’08, Hoffman

king a Chance Hoffman was awarded another $5,000 for the 2008-09 academic year.

Scholarship support has helped her not just pay for college but has also encouraged her to pursue her dream to one day open her own business.

That is probably why she has such an appreciation for Sue Brorson, Ph.D., head of the Business Department, who taught the field studies class in entrepreneurship. “In that class we got connected to so many opportunities to learn about business directly from the Scott and Kari Hoffman discovered the degrees they both local business community,” Hoffman wanted on the Crookston campus. Kari is originally from says. “I learned about everything from New York and Scott is from southern Minnesota.

Small Business Administration grants and banking to insurance; that class really taught me a lot and it was real, hands-on learning.”

After completing an internship in New York this past summer, Hoffman is back to finish her degree. “I like my major, the Business Department and the atmosphere,” Hoffman reflects. “I have found this campus to be just what I hoped it would be—friendly Hoffman, a business major, is excited and supportive—all the things I thought it would be like in a small town. Scott and I about the new business boardroom. definitely made the right choice when we came to the U of M, Crookston.”

The classroom is state-of-the-art and carries out the maroon and gold of the U of M.

Sustainability – it’s about the future…

By Linda Kingery, executive director, Northwest Minnesota Regional Sustainable Development Partnership

(I)NSPECT is a acronym to guide observations of the future, developed by Richard Bawden, Director, Systemic Development Institute.

I = personal perspective and “my eye” N = natural resources S = social P = political E = economic C = cultural T = technological

How do you envision the future of northwestern Minnesota? What informs your vision (and version) of the future? However you answer these questions, we likely can agree that accurately predicting the future is impossible. Perhaps we can also agree that it is wise to orient ourselves, our communities and our region, to taking each step into the future in a way that is resilient to unpredictable changes and affords future generations a range of options.

Over the past year, the Regional Partnerships collaborated with the Ecosystem Science and Sustainability Initiative at the U of M to host scenario workshops. In these workshops, a diverse group of representatives from each region took a trip into the year 2050, making observations about natural, social, political, economic, cultural and technological factors. The goal of a scenario session is explore the range of plausible futures and to consider the drivers that lead to various outcomes. These workshops offer an opportunity to come face to face with both comfortable and uncomfortable futures.

Scenarios unfold in our collective imaginations and discussions the same way the future unfolds everyday around us: • Multiple futures emerge that reflect how a community uses its natural, social and political capital, and how it concerns itself with past and future generations.

• Systemic futures reflect the interactions between natural resources, political and economic systems, development of technology and social and cultural norms.

• Complex futures tie our actions to others; the actions we take affect others, and the actions of others define some of the parameters of our future.

While we cannot predict the future, we can act in ways that lead to the future we want. For more information, see www.regionalpartnerships.umn.edu and click the scenario link.

GREEN SPACES

The Northwest Regional Sustainable Development Partnership (NWRSDP) serves Northwest Minnesota by promoting active citizenship; helping the northwest region attain a sustainable future; and building strong partnerships with the University of Minnesota and the region. The partnership works to foster development of agricultural, tourism and natural resources systems that are profitable for citizens, while enhancing environmental quality and supporting rural communities.

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Marjorie (Ofstedahl) Hanson, ‘43

Betty (McVeety) Nisbet, ’36; Jean (Nisbet) Roberts, ’33; Helen Nisbet, ‘41

Shirley (Winkler) Welle, ’43; Mary Ann (Useldinger) Voight, ‘43

Arnold Pearson, ‘48

For more photos, visit www.UMCrookston.edu/alumni/NWSAReunion

Kenneth, ’44, and Rose Marie (Kochmann), ’48, Price

Robert Heckman and Tillie Gebhart

Johanna (Nabben) Green, ‘23

Top Aggies: Seated (l to r): Charles Vind, ’48; Karen Good, ’68. Standing: Ray Anderson, ’58; Wallace Sparby, ex. ’53; Corby Kemmer, director of Development & Alumni Relations

Class of 1968: Don Chisholm, Karen Good and Bob Kliner

Class of 1938: Walter Stromstad and Gladys Worman

Marvie (Vesledahl), ’49, and Raymond, ’47, Stromstad Class of 1958

Sophomore Aaron Wall is majoring in sport and recreation management. To learn more about the program, visit www.UMCrookston.edu/academics/Bus/SportsRec

Passion, Persistence Lead to Play A split second decision in football can have a big impact on the outcome of the game. Those quick decisions make the game exciting to watch and even more exciting to play. In life, sometimes it’s all about waiting. Patience and perseverance are often critical to reaching a goal.

For Sophomore Aaron Wall, New Orleans, La., playing football for the Golden Eagles is a dream come true. The transfer student played basketball for Oxnard College in California and in high school, he focused on track, competing in the long jump and triple jump and running the 400 meter dash and the 400 meter relay.

“I played football with my friends and some league basketball, but when I was in high school, I concentrated on track,” Wall explains. “I had offers to play Division I basketball, and I did play for a year at Oxnard, but I really wanted to play football.”

This talented athlete, who is majoring in sport and recreation management, began calling potential schools and hoping to find a way to play college football. “I didn’t have any film thanks to Hurricane Katrina, but I truly wanted to find a way to play,” Wall says. “When I talked to Coach Dufner, I told him my story and in the end, I was offered a scholarship to play for the U of M, Crookston. It wasn’t exactly the amount of money I had hoped for, but I knew I had to prove myself, and it was a chance I had to take if I wanted to play.

“I didn’t have the funds to pay for school nor did my parents” reflects Wall. “I wanted to use my athletic ability to help me pay for my education so scholarships mean a lot to me.”

Playing football at the college level for the Golden Eagles has taught Wall a great deal. “I have learned so much playing here; I am blessed they Bill Tyrrell welcomed me with open arms to this Director of Athletic Fundraising program. I was like a wild card.”

Wall smiles when he tells how he learned that his mother in Louisiana had listened to the game with Mayville State University in September, and the first words she heard the announcer say when she turned it on were “touchdown

by Aaron Wall.”

“Athletics keeps me working,” Wall confirms. “I want to add new skills and learning to the list of what I can do. When I play, I go for broke. If you don’t take risks, you might miss out, and I don’t want to miss out on anything.”

Support for student-athletes helps them play to win both athletically and academically. Attend a game, cheer on the Golden Eagles or make a difference by giving to scholarships. For more information on how you can show your support, contact Bill Tyrrell, director of athletic fundraising at 218-281-8436 (btyrrell@umn.edu).

Watch for details about upcoming games and athletic events at www.goldeneaglesports.com.

Aaron Wall catches a pass for the Golden Eagles.

The wide receiver is from New Orleans, La.

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Learning to Write, Writing to Learn For a college freshman, earning a baccalaureate degree might be considered a long-range ambition, but by the time that student reaches his or her senior year, a college degree has become a short-term goal.

Communication Professor Bernard “Barney” Selzler, Ed.D., knew that

Selzler and his wife, Carma, have a son and daughter, five grandchildren and two great grandchildren. He enjoys riding motorcycle and is an avid reader.

within ten years of obtaining his bachelor’s degree, he wanted to have his doctorate and to be teaching at the college level.

In 1969, Selzler had been working about three and half years in the Grand Forks, N.D., Public Schools when a position opened at the University of Minnesota, Crookston Technical College. He sought an interview and soon after had a position teaching at the collegiate level achieving the first of his goals. Following a year of teaching, Selzler began the pursuit of his next goal by taking a leave of absence to work on his master’s degree in American literature. He attended East Texas State University, known today as Texas A&M–Commerce.

The day he finished his last final, with his car packed and ready to head back to Minnesota, one of his professors told him he would make a

fine doctoral student. One thing led to another and in the end, Selzler stayed in Texas to complete his doctorate in British literature.

During his career at the U of M, Crookston, Selzler was involved with developing the communication courses as the campus evolved from a two-year technical college to a four-year institution offering baccalaureate degrees. “I was in the discussion and development for every adjustment,” Selzler explains. “From the changes we faced transitioning to a four-year campus to the development of a program in scientific and technical communication to the current communication degree, I played some kind of a role.”

Literature is Selzler’s first love, but it is through his writing courses that he has been able to encourage the transition of his students to an academic writing style. “We learn to write by writing,” Selzler says.

“Writing teaches us to stretch our minds and to think critically.”

Early in his career, Selzler taught interpersonal communications and composition II. He is retiring at the end of the 2008-09 academic year after a 40-year career at the U of M, Crookston.

the second or third year we got a second disk with the program that was a spelling checker.”

When he looks back over his career, Selzler has a list of accomplishments.

One standout is a textbook he coedited with Randolph H. Hudson.

Their work resulted in the publishing of five editions of their textbook Business Communication: Concepts and Applications in an Electronic Age. Selzler also considers his progression through the academic ranks from instructor to professor at a campus of the University of Minnesota a significant achievement.

If he were to give advice to current students or alumni, he would recommend they think through their long-range plans. “The secret is discovering how you learn, and writing teaches you that,” Selzler contends.

Communication staff members in 1978 included Arline Schubert, M.A., Lynnette Mullins, M.Ed., Alice Moorhead, M.A. and Bernard Selzler, Ed.D.

With a smile, Selzler recalls the early years of teaching writing using the computer. “It was 1985 when we started teaching writing in a computer lab on campus with dot matrix printers and a software program called Textra,” he recalls. “We were excited when in

“Once you know how you learn, you can continue to learn the rest of your life.”

For more information on the communication degree program at the U of M, Crookston, visit www.UMCrookston.edu/academics.

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Happy Trails from Pembina to St. Paul For Northwest School of Agriculture (NWSA) Alumnus Orlin Ostby, ’59, Gatzke, Minn., the idea of walking a 400-mile trek from Pembina, N.D., to St. Paul, Minn., had been crossing his mind ever since he was 17 years old. In July 1958, Ostby helped neighbor Delmar Hagen haul his cart, supplies and a Shorthorn steer named Napoleon to Pembina in preparation for the rigorous trip.

Hagen, father of NWSA Alumna Harlene Hagen, ’55, first reenacted the trip in recognition of the Minnesota Centennial and to highlight the vital role of travel by ox cart to 19th century fur traders and settlers.

Fifty years later, Ostby would haul his ox, Pum, to Pembina to take the same journey. Pum is one of a pair of oxen that came to the Ostby farm about five years ago from New Hampshire. At that time, walking the Pembina Trail was only an abstract idea for the Ostbys, but it would over time, become a reality. The trip captured the imagination and interest of many. The Ostbys were the subject of a number of radio, television and newspaper stories over the course of their trip.

Delmar Hagen is pictured with Napoleon on his 400-mile trek to St. Paul, Minn., in 1958. Photo courtesy of the Minnesota Historical Society.

Ostby’s father, Thorfin, once told his son he was “born 100 years too late” because he had such a passion for the “old ways.” That passion is what kept Ostby’s dream alive and it is what fueled the family’s adventure.

When he was a teenager, Ostby attended high school at the Northwest School for many of the same reasons others did, like the 6-month school term that allowed for spring planting and harvest on the farm. As a student, Ostby enjoyed classes by his favorite instructors, “Charles Whiting was a good teacher and so were Menzhuber and Beresford.

“I also remember the great food in the dining hall and helping out Ma Brown when there was trouble,” Ostby smiles. “I was kind of like her ‘bouncer.’”

After graduation, Ostby went into the Army, and when he was released in 1962, he lived in

Minneapolis, Minn., for a short time before returning to rural Gatzke. He has lived on the same farm for 66 years and farmed most of his life. He and his wife, Mandy, have ten children between them, seven boys and three girls. Their son, Chris, and daughter, Catherine, traveled with them on the 48-day trip this summer.

For the past 14 years, Ostby has worked for Polaris Industries in Roseau, Minn. He continues to keep draft horses and a few riding horses along with his oxen, meaning there are always chores to be done. For Ostby, chores are a way of life and certainly a part of the trip with Pum. If you would like to read more about the Ostby’s trip, visit http://pembinatrail.blogspot.com.

Today, students can pursue a degree in animal science, agronomy or even agricultural education at the U of M, Crookston, to learn more, visit www.UMCrookston.edu/academics.

Orlin Ostby, ’59, with his wife, Mandy, and daughter, Catherine, in front of the ox cart designed for the trip along the Pembina Trail in July 2008.

Ostby, ’59, and his ox, Pum, made a stop at Old Crossing Treaty Park on their journey. Pum had a chance to cool off in the Red Lake River.

Making It Feel Like Home Thomas Williams started his new role as director of diversity programs on the Crookston campus in mid-July.

He grew up in Fort Myers, Fla., but Williams is at home in the Midwest.

When he graduated from high school in Florida, Williams received a scholarship to attend the University of Mississippi. However, when he got there he felt the campus was too big for him. At that point in his life, he really desired a focus on academics rather than on football. “I always knew I wanted to be a counselor or coach,” Williams says. “Those were the people I looked up to growing up.”

Education brought Williams to Minnesota. He earned bachelor’s degrees in sociology, physical education and interdisciplinary studies from Southwest Minnesota State University in Marshall. Then he went on for a master’s degree in health education from South Dakota State University in Brookings.

Williams was a social worker at the Flandreau Indian School in Flandreau, S.D., and also served as director of social/health services at the Upper Sioux Community in Granite Falls, Minn. “I loved being a social worker,” Williams shares. “I enjoyed both working with the students and the people in the community.”

When he decided to take a job at Minnesota West Community and Technical College in Worthington, it gave Williams a chance to work in higher education. His responsibilities there were similar to the ones he has on the Crookston campus—providing direct support services to student populations in the areas of cultural adaptation, personal development and academic success. He also offers leadership for a comprehensive program dedicated to

creating a strong and supportive campus environment for students of color, international students, gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender (GLBT) students, women, students with disabilities, single parents and other traditionally underrepresented students in developing intercultural Thomas Williams, director of diversity programs, also competence. works with the Golden There is a wide spectrum of Eagle football program. people across the campus who work with Williams to serve students. His goals include increasing diversity and working on retention efforts. He also is looking for ways to be involved in the community and involving the community in campus projects as well.

“Small schools like the U of M, Crookston provide an important option for students,” Williams points out. “You have professors who know you, call you by your name and can have a conversation with you. Education is so different between urban, suburban and rural, and we want our students to thrive.” Educating faculty and staff is an important part of helping students succeed. Increasing cultural awareness and learning how to deal with diversity issues of all kinds is ongoing and crucial.

“I think if students find a family kind of environment on our campus, they will have a sense of belonging,” says Williams. “I want students to know they belong here.”

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Ciara Mills, ’02, works at the Hilton Garden Inn in Grand Forks, N.D., located on the west side of the University of North Dakota campus and connected via skywalk to UND Aerospace complex.

Mix of the Right Ingredients The director of sales at the Hilton Garden Inn in Grand Forks, N.D., is Alumna Ciara (Myers) Mills, ’02. With a degree in applied studies and an emphasis in hotel, restaurant and institutional management, Mills feels well prepared to handle the responsibilities that come with a career in this dynamic field.

“Hotel, restaurant and institutional management courses at the University of Minnesota, Crookston helped me

Mills and her husband, Brandon, live in Grand Forks, N.D. Learning and developing skills in tableside flambé and tallow sculptures are two memories that stand out for this 2002 graduate of the U of M, Crookston.

prepare and work with groups such as the Sundance Film Festival, World Cup Skiing, World Men’s Curling Championship and the filming of Warner Brothers’ “Unaccompanied Minors,” Mills explains. “I know the hospitality industry well enough to accommodate even the celebrities.”

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As head of the sales department, Mills directs the sales and events team. “It is our job to sell the entire facility and everything we have to offer.”

Previously, Mills was head of the sales department at the new Canad Inns Destination Center in Grand Forks. Opening a new hotel and taking on those responsibilities could be daunting to some, but Mills knew she was ready. “My job at the Canad Inns Destination Center-Grand Forks gave me the opportunity to open a new hotel giving me an opportunity to shine and demonstrate the skills and knowledge I developed while at the U of M, Crookston.”

Her dad, Associate Professor Ken Myers, was integrally involved in her development since he manages the hotel, restaurant and institutional management program on the Crookston campus. “He is a great professor and a great dad,” Mills smiles. “Being one of his students gave me the opportunity to get to know him in a very different way, and I can see why he is so respected by students.”

Classes in catering, facility layout and design gave Mills the chance to exercise her creativity and apply the principles she was learning in the classroom. It was definitely the right direction for her. Mills loves her career and the challenge of the constantly changing hotel industry. It is a high energy job, and she says it “keeps her on her toes.” The challenge is rewarding and she enjoys the many

interesting people she has contact with in her job.

Growing up in Crookston gave Mills a real advantage when it came to deciding where to attend college. “For me, it was an easy choice to go to the U of M, Crookston. It is a great university that is recognized worldwide, and it was right in my hometown!”

To learn more about a degree in hotel, restaurant and institutional management, visit www.UMCrookston.edu/academics.

In 2002, Mills, seated far right, received an HRI Service Award.

International Grad Found “Das Erfolgsrezept” at Crookston Campus There were three important reasons, Alumnus Daniel Schramm, ’03, decided to attend the University of Minnesota, Crookston. Those elements would make up “das erfolgsrezept”—the formula for success—for this 2003 graduate from Munich, Germany.

First, Schramm liked the fact that every student was issued a laptop computer. Second, as an international student, he was happy to discover the Crookston campus had students from around the world and third, he appreciated the small campus.

“I was friends with a lot of the international students,” Schramm says. And over the years, I became close friends with many of them.” One of his most memorable experiences as a student was spending a weekend at a lodge on a lake not far from the campus with a group of international students. “We had a great time hanging out together,” he remembers fondly.

His favorite instructor was Mario Prada, former director of multicultural and international programs on the Crookston campus. “I really enjoyed his Spanish course,” Schramm reflects. “I learned so much in that class,” Today Schramm works in Munich at the Goethe Institute. At a network of institutes located around the world, from New York City to Athens to Tokyo and even a virtual community in Second Life, students learn about Germany along with the country’s language and culture.

Working at the Goethe Institute keeps Schramm busy; he considers his work there to be his greatest professional accomplishment thus far. As part of the seminar department, he takes care of technical issues along with room set-ups. He loves the work because as he says, “it is

Daniel Schramm, ’03, came to the U of M, Crookston from Munich, Germany, in 1999.

Today Daniel Schramm works at the Goethe Institute taking care of technical issues and room setups as part of the seminar department.

never boring and I love working with people everyday.”

Much of what he learned about technology at the U of M, Crookston, Schramm has used in his career. “I learned a lot about computers at Crookston, like how to set them up, and that has proven beneficial in my current position.”

If Schramm were to give advice to current students, he would tell them to “learn as much as you can during your college years but remember to enjoy your time on the Crookston campus.”

To learn more about international programs at the U of M, Crookston, visit www.UMCrookston.edu/ internationalstudents.

Student designs solar-powered watering system An opportunity to conduct undergraduate research led junior Henry Raymond Pinta II, to explore the use of solar power.

Pinta is an agronomy and agricultural systems management major from Grafton, N.D., When a cattle pasture has a river running through it, the farmer usually fences it off, digs a well and pipes the water to a watering tank. Pinta has found a solution that makes all those steps unnecessary, saves energy and is better for the cattle.

Under the guidance of Assistant Professor Paul Aakre, ’70, Pinta designed a solar-powered watering system for cattle. He designed the solar panels, pump and water tank to fit on a trailer so the system can be transported easily from pasture to pasture. A neighbor of Pinta’s uses the system to water 160 head of beef cattle.

There are some big benefits to Pinta’s system: cattle stay out of the river which eliminates erosion of the river bank and reduces foot rot and other hoof problems. When cattle go to the river to drink, they stir up the sediment in the water so using Pinta’s method improves water quality which in turn, helps calves gain weight faster. The solar pump also automatically turns on and off saving the farmer both time and money.

GREEN SPACES

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The 1969 Homecoming Queen, Rene (Baron) Heimer celebrates a touchdown during the football game with Itasca State Junior College in Grand Rapids, Minn. The U of M, Crookston Trojans beat the Vikings 22-13.

Pull Another One Up Growing up in the late 60s was anything but dull. It was a time of great unrest in the country but also a time of great achievement. While war was raging in Vietnam, Neil Armstrong took humanity’s first walk on the moon. For those who lived it, these are iconic symbols of the past.

For Alumna Rene (Baron) Heimer, ’69, it was a time of self-discovery.

Following her high school graduation, Heimer decided to attend the University of Minnesota, Crookston Technical College. Her decision was based on a decision by a friend to attend. “I didn’t use the best criteria for choosing a school, but it turned out to be a good choice,” Heimer explains.

“In fact, it was huge in my life.”

There are three things that stand out in Heimer’s mind when she thinks of coming to school in Crookston—the wind and cold, the wonderful friends and the support that came from the

Rene (Baron) Heimer, ’69, uses her longarm quilting machine to quilt for area quilt stores.

Her Red Baron Longarm Quilting Company is two years old.

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faculty. One of the biggest influences on her during college was business instructor Rob Smith. “It was a small school,” Heimer says. “I felt the influence of the faculty on my life, especially Rob.” Heimer’s memories of the Crookston campus are fond ones— dances in the gymnasium, being the only girl in the lifesaving class and working in the remedial reading lab and as a student aid in the library.

Somewhat of an activist, Heimer, who grew up in Shoreview, Minn., joined protests taking place at the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities on weekends. She was one of forty students from the Crookston campus who took a bus in the fall of 1968 to the U of M to hear Nelson Rockefeller speak to collegians during the election race between Richard Nixon and Hubert Humphrey.

An active student, Heimer was crowned the 1969 homecoming queen, or as the yearbook describes it, “At a special pep fest and hootenanny on Friday, the Trojan Goddess was announced and crowned.” She also enjoyed cheerleading and being a member of the Distributive Education Clubs of America (DECA). She even won a trip to their national competition in Atlantic City, N.J., to present the research the club conducted on marketing downtown Grand Forks, N.D. Once she graduated, Heimer took a job with International Harvester (IH)

as a key punch operator. When a position for manager opened, Heimer applied and became the first woman manager at IH in Minnesota and the second in the country. She worked there for five years until she married her husband, Ralph.

Over the years, Heimer has always run a small business of her own giving her an opportunity to indulge her creative side.

Heimer graduated in Fabric happens to 1969. She and her be her favorite husband, Ralph, have medium and she two daughters and currently operates they enjoy having their two grandsons a quilting living close to them. business, the Red Baron Longarm Quilting Company, using the Gammill Professional Longarm Computerized Quilting System which merges the artistry of fabric together with the science of the computer.

Heimer’s passion for quilting has led to a number of championship ribbons at the Minnesota State Fair.

She also has taught others to quilt, an example of how she practices the one precept she has held to throughout her life—pull another one up. “If you have something you are passionate about, share it with someone, volunteer your time, give to others,” she says. “Live your life by pulling others up with you.

I believe that is one of the most important things any of us can do.”

Torch Volume 40, Number 4, Fall 2008 Torch is a publication of the University of Minnesota, Crookston.

Director of Development & Alumni Relations Corby Kemmer ckemmer@umn.edu 218-281-8434

Nominate Top Aggie/Outstanding Alumni These awards recognize 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 for NWSA alumni or during homecoming at the University of Minnesota, Crookston for UMC alumni.

I would like to nominate the following person as a candidate to receive the Top Aggie or Outstanding Alumni Award: __________________________________________________________

Name/Title: __________________________________________________________

Reasons why this individual should be considered for an Outstanding Alumni Award: __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________

You can submit your nomination by mailing this form to: Development & Alumni Relations 115 Kiehle, Crookston, MN 56716 Attn: Rose or Submit nomination online at: www.UMCrookston.edu/alumni

Support Staff Rose Ulseth, ’87 218-281-8439

rulseth@umn.edu

Sue Dwyer, ’75 218-281-8401

sdwyer@umn.edu

UMCAA Board of Directors Cindy Bigger, ’79 Brandy (Lietz) Chaffee, ‘00 Korey Hegreberg, ‘98 Nancie Hoerner, ’95 Juanita Lopez, ’08 Kylene (Odegaard) Lehmann, ‘01 Amy (Peterson) Lubarski, ‘02 Carl Melbye, ‘79 Jennifer Novak, ‘06 Michelle Ramstad, ‘03 Leah (Stratton) Reitmeier, ’93 Kari Torkelson, O.D., ex. ‘91 Kari Vallager, ’03 NWSA Alumni Association Board of Directors Allan Dragseth, ’57 Lowell Hamrick, ‘53 Charles Holmquist, ’52 Bob Kresl, ’53 Norm Landby, ‘55 Melvin Larson, ’55 Barbara (Hylland) Lunsetter, ’56 Berneil Nelson, ’42, ex officio Gerhard Ross, ‘45 David Sorvig, ‘46 Jean Vigness-Parker, ’55 Contact information: The Torch Elizabeth Tollefson, ’02, editor University of Minnesota, Crookston 2900 University Avenue Crookston, Minnesota 56716 Phone: 218-281-8432 Fax: 218-281-8440 E-mail: ltollefs@umn.edu 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.

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.

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: Rita Resendiz, ’95, is the web coordinator for the Hubert H. Humphrey Institute of Public Affairs on the University of Minnesota’s Minneapolis campus. Photo by Patrick O’Leary, photographer in University Relations at the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities.

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Alumni News 1 This alumni news reflects submissions that were received by September 10.

News received after that date will be in the next issue of the Torch.

50s

Betty and Don Roberts, ’54, Grand Forks, N.D., celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on May 18, 2008.

The open house was hosted by Delanie (Jim), Paula (Allan), Mallory, Ryan, Bailey and Brooklyn at the American Legion Club in East Grand Forks, Minn.

60s Terry Johnson, ’68, Rice Lake, Wis., is honored to announce his induction into the Wisconsin Amateur Hockey Hall of Fame and the Thrivent Financial Hall of Fame within the past three years. Terry is employed by Thrivent Financial; he and his wife, Jo Ann, have three children and three grandchildren. You can reach him by e-mail at thjjlj@charter.net.

Cal Krupa, ’68, Greenfield, Minn., came out of retirement after ten years to start a new company with two partners selling green products to the retail market. Learn more at www.ultragreenhome.com. E-mail Cal at calkfreshpac@tcq.net.

Sherry (Hoeft) O’Gorman, ’69, Sioux Falls, S.D. Contact Sherry by e-mail at bogorman@sio.midco.net.

70s Alan Roebke, ’70, Alexandria, Minn., is a Republican candidate for the 7th Congressional District in Minnesota.

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Portia (Olson) Harris, ’77, Olean, N.Y., is the assistant director of advertising at Olean Wholesale Grocery Coop, a supply warehouse for Shurfine grocery stores. Her husband, Mark, is a physical therapist at the Olean Hospital. E-mail Portia at theharrisplace@aol.com.

Mauricio Perez, ’84, Key Biscayne, Fla. E-mail Mauricio at mpg005@hotmail.com.

Grant Nordick, ’79, Tauranga, New Zealand, has lived in New Zealand since 1985. E-mail Grant at grant@c-thru.co.nz.

90s

80s Mike Barthel, ’80, Watertown, Minn.

E-mail Mike at mikebarthel58@yahoo.com.

Shawn Borud Tweiten, ’81, West Fargo, N.D., is self-employed with a family child care business. She has two daughters, ages 14 and 4, is married to Tim, and stays very busy.

Shawn says, “Hi to all my UMC friends.” E-mail her at sbtweiten@far.midco.net.

Kevin Peterson, ’81, Helena, Mont.

E-mail Kevin at kevinrpeterson@hotmail.com.

Gerald Landy, ’82, Helena, Mont., received a letter from the Professional Grounds Management Society (PGMS), established in 1911, announcing that Carroll College Nelson Stadium is a 2008 Grand Award recipient for the 36th annual PGMS Green Star awards.

Landby serves as director of grounds for Carroll College. The awards ceremony will be at the Galt House Hotel in Louisville, Ky. on October 25, 2008. www.pgms.org Micheal Manston, ’84, Bottineau, N.D., says “Any old friends wishing to contact may certainly do so.” E-mail Micheal at twinsfan@srt.com.

Scott Lee, ’89, Benson, Minn., would like to hear from anyone that remembers “the band” and a special shout out to the “Church Lady.” E-mail Scott at Leeseedfarm@yahoo.com.

Kim (Hoselton) Garman, ’91, Thompson, N.D., and husband, Todd, have two daughters, Courtney, 7, in first grade and Samantha, 4. Kim works for Shaft, Reis & Shaft Law Firm in Grand Forks, N.D. as an administrative assistant.

Todd is working for Widseth, Smith & Nolting in Grand Forks. Kim would love to hear from you; e-mail her at thegarman4@gfwireless.com.

1 Dawn Marie (Pietruszewski) Larson, ’91, Middle River, Minn., is married to John Larson who attended UMC during the fall and winter of 1988.

They have four children, Jordan, 14, Brayden, 12, Megan, 10 and Katelyn, 4.

Dawn Marie is the Director of Human Resources at Pennington Health Services in Thief River Falls, Minn. and John works for Stanley Farms of Grygla, Minn. and has started to take over his dad’s farm. They live on a farm near Gatzke, Minn. E-mail Dawn Marie at dslarson@trcc.sfhs.org.

Linda Bunde, ’92, Thompson, N.D., has been named 2008 Realtor of the Year

by Crary Homes and Real Estate.

Bunde has been a realtor since 2002.

She earned her Graduate Realtor Institute designation and is the broker assistant at Crary Homes and Real Estate. She serves on the board of directors of the Grand Forks Board of Realtors, Habitat for Humanity and the Quota Club.

2 Brian Norman, ’94, Detroit Lakes, Minn.

E-mail Brian at bnorman23@yahoo.com.

2 Mary Jo Sparks, ’97, Lakota, N.D., and Brian Allen Schmidt were married on the beach in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico Jan. 19, 2008, and were joined again in marriage at a family ceremony on July 12, 2008, in the Michigan Lutheran Church. Mary Jo is a bookkeeper for CHS Inc. elevator in McVille, N.D. The couple resides in Lakota.

00s Jennifer Fuchs, ’00, Coon Rapids, Minn., and Scott welcomed their son, Connor James, to the world on October 8, 2007. They are also pleased to announce their upcoming wedding date, May 1, 2009. E-mail Jennifer at jenfuchs77@yahoo.com.

3 Shane and Deb (Wosick) Kolling, ’00 & ’01, Grand Forks, N.D., welcomed their daughter, Claire Joane, on May 22, 2008. Claire also has an older brother, Jack Michael, who will turn three on December 12, 2008. Shane currently works for Airgas (www.airgas.com) as a sales/account representative and Deb is an insurance agent/account manager for Noridian Insurance Services, Inc. (www.mynisi.com). The Kolling family resides in the outskirts of Grand Forks. To contact Shane or Deb, send an e-mail to shanedebkolling@hotmail.com.

Kim (Stennes) Patteson, ’00, New Braunfels, Texas, and her husband, Glen, are happy to announce the birth of their son, Joaquin Walker Patteson, June 9, 2008. Kim has been employed as a vet technician for the past six years at Retama Equine Hospital.

E-mail Kim at pooterbean@hotmail.com.

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4 Nadine R. Raddatz, ’00, Grand Forks, N.D., is currently working at Ecolab in Grand Forks. E-mail Nadine at nadine.renae@hotmail.com.

4 Shane and Lisa (Detloff) Roers, ’01 & ’01, Fargo, N.D., along with brother, Tanner, announce the birth of Parker Daniel on August 29, 2008. Lisa is Market Center Administrator for Keller Williams Roers Realty in Fargo. Shane has recently been promoted to senior project manager for Roers’ Construction, located in Fargo. He had been project manager since 2001.

Congratulations, Roers family!

Gretchen (Johnston) Schmaltz, ’01, Mekinock, N.D., recently joined Nodak Electric Cooperative as an energy services analyst. She works with Nodak’s commercial accounts as well as load management control. Gretchen, her husband, Cory, and one-year-old daughter, Kylie, live in rural Grand Forks. In her spare time, Gretchen enjoys spending time with family and bargain shopping.

Michelle (Gregg) Simons, ’02, Minneapolis, Minn., married Mike Simons October 4, 2008, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Crookston, Minn.

Michelle is currently employed as an executive assistant at Pediatric Home Care in Minneapolis.

Jamie and Kelly (Riopelle) Morberg, ’02 & ’03, Plymouth, Minn., have been married for 21⁄2 years and are expecting their first child in August. Jamie is a district sales manager for Jung Seed Genetics (ASI) and Kelly is a registered nurse at North Memorial. E-mail the Morberg’s at morbs32@hotmail.com.

Rachel Morken, ex. ’02, Fisher, Minn., and Donovan Larson were married June 27, 2008, at Thumper Pond, Ottertail, Minn.

Rachel is employed

by Express in Fargo, N.D. and Donovan is employed by Super Valu.

Rebekah (Stortroen), ‘01, and Grant Seeger, att. ‘95-’97, League City, Tex., welcomed a son, Thor Steven Ray Seeger, on August 31, 2008. His older brother, Haakon, and older sister, Marit, are over the moon delighted to have a little brother. They currently live in the Houston/ Galveston area of Texas. Grant is a chief resident in the Radiation Oncology department at the University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB) in Galveston, Texas. They are very excited to have the opportunity to move back to Minnesota next summer where Grant will begin work at Altru Hospital in Grand Forks, N.D., as a Radiation Oncologist. Rebekah “retired” from her part time job at UTMB after the birth of Thor to take on a much bigger role as full time mommy to Haakon, Marit and Thor. You can keep up with the Seeger family on their website at http://seeger.aboutmybaby.com.

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5 Paul Arens, ex. ’03, East Grand Forks, Minn. E-mail Paul at paul_arens@hotmail.com.

Dr. Dustin J. Barton, ’03, Fargo, N.D., is a recent graduate of Northwestern College of Chiropractic. Dr. Barton’s newly opened chiropractic office in Fargo, Core Health Chiro, specializes in spinal correction and wellness care for the entire family. Dr. Barton states, “I would like to send a special thank you to all my wonderful business marketing, management and accounting instructors at UMC. My business background from UMC inspired me, infused confidence and provided knowledge for business procedures. Ultimately, my experience at UMC has enabled me to start a successful business and control my future. Along with academics, I want to acknowledge Coach Gary Warren for building my mental state of mind for not only hockey but what life has to offer. Coach and sports at UMC taught me teamwork, positive thinking, persistence, determination, being mentally strong and always knowing that the sun will rise tomorrow. My experiences have encouraged me to overcome many obstacles in my journey of life. Thanks Coach! A special, warm thank you to my classmates, hockey teammates, Bill Tyrrell and Coach Gary Warren, as well as my family, for your support throughout the years. I am proud to say I am a UMC alumus and thankful for my years at UMC.” 5 Tonia Baxley, ’03, Climax, Minn., married Adam Lizakowski June 14, 2008, at Sharon Lutheran Church in Grand Forks, N.D. Tonia currently works at Prairie St. John’s in Fargo, N.D. as the Health Information Management Director. Adam is the service manager at Crookston Motors.

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6 Vanessa L. Gadaire, ’03, Grand Forks, N.D., and James J. Hunter announce their engagement and recent marriage. Vanessa is currently employed as an assistant manager at the Village Inn Restaurant in Grand Forks. James served in the United States Air Force for nine years and is currently employed at Cabela’s in East Grand Forks, Minn. They were married August 16, 2008, at the Turtle River State Park in Arvilla, N.D. and reside in rural Reynolds, N.D., with their daughter, Alyssa.

9 Brett Spilde, ex. ’04, Karlstad, Minn., was recently married to Alicia Peitruszewski. The June 7, 2008, ceremony took place at St. Stephen’s Catholic Church in Stephen, Minn. with the reception and dance at A Touch of Magic in East Grand Forks, Minn. Brett is currently employed by the Marcil Group of Fargo, N.D. The couple resides in rural Karlstad, Minn.

Kari Vallager, ’03, Crookston, Minn., and Timothy Moe were married on August 2, 2008, at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church with a reception at the Northland Inn in Crookston. Kari is currently employed

by RiverView Health and also serves on the University of Minnesota, Crookston Alumni Association Board of Directors as secretary. Tim is employed by the Crookston School District.

Erica Stroot, ’05, Euclid, Minn. and Tyler Janke, ’04, Frazee, Minn., were married June 7, 2008, at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Crookston, Minn.

Erica is an annuity associate with Perot Systems in Lincoln, Neb. Tyler is currently employed

by The Nature Conservancy as a wetland restoration specialist in Syracuse, Neb. The couple makes their home in Burr, Neb.

7 Lisa DeAnn Wagner, ’03, and Brandon David Smilonich, ’02, Grand Forks, N.D., were married on July 26, 2008, in Grand Forks. Lisa is employed

by Peterson Veterinary Clinic as a veterinary technician. Brandon is a service technician with Bobcat of Grand Forks.

Chad Vien, ’05, Baraboo, Wis., recently accepted a promotion as market manager and moved to Baraboo in the Dells area. E-mail Chad at bigv9799@yahoo.com.

Sue Hanson, ’04, New Rockford, N.D., is dietary manager of the Lutheran Home of the Good Shepherd in New Rockford. Contact her at hans1622_s@hotmail.com.

8 Aimee Jo Lee, ’04, Crookston, Minn., married Marc Adam Wagner on July 26, 2008. Aimee is the personnel coordinator for Wal-mart in Crookston and the couple lives on a farm near Crookston.

Mark Gangler, ’05, Inver Grove Heights, Minn., is working in buying offices for Gander Mountain Corporate.

Danielle (Bratvold) Huderle, ’06, Grand Forks, N.D. married Ryan Huderle September 13, 2008, at United Lutheran Church with a reception and dance at the Alerus Center in Grand Forks.

Danielle is employed with the Alerus Center as a sales associate and Ryan is employed with UAP as the assistant warehouse manager.

We Want to Hear From You! 9 Matt Burdick, ’06, Grand Forks, N.D., recently started a new career as a personal banker at the US Bank on South Columbia Road in Grand Forks. E-mail Matt at burd0057@umn.edu.

Tara Sylvester, ’06, Warren, Minn., is the customer service representative at Community Bank of the Red River Valley.

She’s engaged to be married in March 2009 to Jerred Copp of Warren. E-mail Tara at tarasylvester@hotmail.com.

Kristina Herman, ’07, Walhalla, N.D. E-mail Kristina at k_herman34@hotmail.com.

David Hoenke, ’06, Grafton, N.D., married Jaime Narloch on July 12, 2008, at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Minto, N.D. The couple currently resides in Forest Grove, Ore., where Jaime is attending the Pacific University College of Optometry.

Adam Olmstead, ’06, Crookston, Minn., and Sarah Wieland were married June 28, 2008, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Crookston.

Adam is employed at Titan Machinery in Crookston.

Sarah works at Agassiz Federal Credit Union and is attending the University of Minnesota, Crookston where she will be receiving her bachelor’s degree in Business Management and Marketing.

Leda (Harris) Mox, ’07, Ramsey, Minn., has a new job working for Cargill in the animal nutrition unit. E-mail Leda at ledamox@hotmail.com.

Joe Field, ’08, Grand Forks, N.D., is an account coordinator with SimmonsFlint, working on all aspects of project management and execution. He’s enrolled in the master of business administration program at the University of North Dakota.

Lee Hoselton, ’08, Fargo, N.D., is currently employed as a SharePoint Support Engineer with Volt in Fargo. They are contracted by Microsoft to do some of their tech support.

E-mail Lee at leehoselton@gmail.com.

Mohamed A. Mohamed Elhad Ben, ’08, Grand Forks, N.D. E-mail Mohamed at abda0036@umn.edu.

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.

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.)

In Memory Alice Smith (Mrs. Glenn Smith) Northwest School of Agriculture bookkeeper in the 1920s Hudson, Wis. July 27, 2008 Homer D. Fausch Northwest School of Agriculture faculty and Northwest Experiment Station staff from 1947-1956 Northfield, Minn.

January 1, 2008 Harris Henderson, ’24 Halstad, Minn.

April 29, 2008 Ruth S. Marko, ’27 Loretto, Minn.

October, 2007 Daniel S. Letnes, ’30, ’31 adv.

Grand Forks, N.D. August 18, 2008 Arvin I. Gorden, ’32 Roseau, Minn., formerly of Greenbush, Minn.

May 21, 2008 Pearl (Thompson) Gehler, ’36 Redmond, Wash.

April 1, 2008 Milford A. Nelson, ’36 St. Paul, Minn.

July 4, 2008 Mable (Dahl) Roe, att. ’36-’37 Fertile, Minn.

April 14, 2008 Myrtle (Nisbet) Peterson, ’37 East Grand Forks, Minn.

July 20, 2008 Delsie (Filipi) Lofton, ’38 Bartlesville, Okla.

February, 2008 Milton “Bud” Ellinger, ’40 Crookston, Minn.

June 18, 2008 Erna (Aichele) LaChappelle, ’40 Ada, Minn.

January 3, 2008 Karlton “Jerry” Rosholt, ’40 Decorah, Iowa April 4, 2008 Irene (Olson) Coffelt, ’42 Oklahoma City, Okla.

June 9, 2008 Orville Pearson, ’43 Hallock, Minn.

July 6, 2008 Rolland Gullekson, ’44 Fertile, Minn.

June 5, 2008

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Sarah C. Hansen, ’44 Grand Forks, N.D. June 15, 2008 Eldo Jobe, att. ’44-’46 Crookston, Minn.

June 28, 2008 John Schafer, ’44, ’45 adv.

Red Lake Falls, Minn.

July 28, 2008 Tosten “Toddy” Johnson, ’46 Crookston, Minn.

August 1, 2008 Arvin Mandt, ’48, ’49 adv.

Moorhead, Minn.

March 24, 2008 Howard Halvorson, ’49, ’50 adv.

East Grand Forks, Minn.

July 2, 2008 Lyle Mandt, ’51 Oklee, Minn.

July 9, 2008 Larry Molstad, att. ’52-’55 Thief River Falls, Minn.

June 14, 2008 Darrel G. Christopherson, ’53 East Grand Forks, Minn.

June 10, 2008 Jim Dudgeon, Sr., ’55 East Grand Forks, Minn.

August 21, 2008 Geraldine (Kopecky) Jones, ’57 Esko, Minn.

March 28, 2008 Kenneth E. Steinke, ’59 Hamilton, N.D./Las Vegas, Nev. June 18, 2008 Eugene A. Timmer, ’61 Mahnomen, Minn.

March 31, 2007 David K. Trom, ’69 Prior Lake, Minn.

May 21, 2008 Lorne Peter McEwen, ’83 Emerado, N.D. June 17, 2008 Judy (Shuhart Bahr) Pittman, ’89 Bagley, Minn.

May 19, 2008 Jeremy D. Werness, ex. ’97 Roanoke, Va. May 2, 2008 Jamaal Curry, ’06 Nassau, Bahamas August 27, 2008

Richard (Dick) Christenson, Ph.D., passed away July 7, 2008. He earned his doctorate from the University of North Dakota. Over his 35-year career in higher education, he taught speech and communication classes at the University of Minnesota, Crookston and chaired the Arts & Sciences Division. In 1974, he took a sabbatical from the U of M, Crookston as a Fulbright-Hayes consultant to the King Fisal University in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. A return to Saudi Arabia in 1977 took him to the University of Petroleum & Minerals in Daharan, where he taught English. In 2002, he and his wife, Myra, moved to Tucson, Ariz.

Computer games and physics In his physics classes, David DeMuth, Jr., Ph.D., teaches students to apply physics to the computer environment through gaming. Like Senior Ryo Iwasaki, students learn to problem solve and experience firsthand the affect of physics in the real world by applying it to the physical forces created in the virtual world of the computer game.

Playing becomes an opportunity for real-world learning!

Upcoming Events Dec. 1, 2008

Ag Activities Day

Feb. 20, 2009

Arizona Social - ViewPoint Resort in Mesa

Dec. 6, 2008

FM Acro Team

Feb. 21, 2009

Bowl for the Cure

Feb. 5, 2009

Spin-tacular Basketball Show

April 24, 2009

Teambacker Fun Nite

Feb. 17, 2009

Special Olympics

Visit www.UMCrookston.edu/umcnews to find out what is happening on campus!

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Golden Eagle Athletics 218-281-8423 www.goldeneagleathletics.com