Spring 2016 Alumni Review

Page 1

alumn

INSIDE: Ed Schafer steps in to lead UND until a new president is named. p. 10

Spring 2016

UNIVERSITY OF NORTH DAKOTA ALUMNI ASSOCIATION

REVIEW

THE GOLDEN ERA

Golden Feathers plan to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the pep club’s founding. P. 6


Find the Flame: We’ve cleverly hidden the UND flame somewhere on our cover (hint: it’s not the one in the Alumni Association logo). Find it for a chance to win a prize! Simply e-mail AlumniReview@UNDalumni.net and give a detailed description of the flame’s location. Subject line: Found the flame. We’ll let you know if you’ve won.

fea tur es

6

r ns re utio uh rib r F ont c Derd’s pics. he tt nd lla m ou ’ a z Po Oly ab . es ng itz Frit er s m r it k i w wal ‘Fr ng m zie e, eri Su en be of ss mb 36 M k ie ts Je eme e 19 anda al ie W efi 4 W er n ben 2, ’7 14 R at th Am odold B alth e, ’7 By Go ar- he ieb r A ye nd W he at t. 6 81- ys a rnie 1 Fe iri er jo B e n sp m By a lde ol for Er Go ho g s. n he e sc brin Fork de o, t ais ill d nd ol ag to r n w ran k ry a gs y. o G i rs es reta brin enc e Gyea med eun k to e D Sec fer esid Th ty for a r ac Six lub fall, rs b ith th ture Scha pr C is be Sm nd ul Ed rim Th em ilo hi gric ov. inte m M Be .S. A ta G the om By an r U ko ce str M ormeth Da erien Sand 10 F N o r s e x p r r i e hi y C a B

2 | Alumni Review Spring 2016

4 Message from DeAnna Transitions

18 What’s New

News from around campus.

ts ten con

inside  this issue

ALUMNI REVIEW | VOL. 99 NO. 1 | SPRING 2016

departments 30 UND Proud

Points of pride on the UND campus.

40 Alumni News

Who’s doing what: News about your fellow classmates.

48 In Memoriam


CEO DeAnna Carlson Zink, ’86 Editor Milo Smith Associate Editor Alyssa Konickson, ’06 Designer Sam Melquist Contributing Writers Emily Aasand, ‘14 Mark Danes Teresa DiGregorio David Dodds, ’88 Gabriella Fundaro, ‘15 Alyssa Konickson, ’06 Amanda Menzies Juan Miguel Pedraza, ‘02 Carrie Sandstrom Milo Smith

your legacy

Contributing Photography Jackie Lorentz Shawna Noel Schill, ’06 Milo Smith

UND ALUMNI ASSOCIATION & FOUNDATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS Chair Jody Feragen, ’78 Vice Chair Doug Podolak, ’72; Directors: Dean Beckstead, ‘65; Cindy Blikre, ‘91; Steve Burian, ’90, ’92; Marc Chorney, ’81; Kris Compton, ’77; Sara Garland, ‘68, ‘72; Phil Gisi, ‘82; Dr. John Gray, ‘87; Marten Hoekstra, ‘82; Chuck Kluenker; Linda Laskowski, ’72, ’73; Rick Lee, ‘78; Doug Mark, ’86; Rob Mitchell, ‘74; Jennifer Neppel, ’86; Carrie McIntyre Panetta, ’88; Fernanda Philbrick, ’94, ‘96; Cathy Rydell, ’88; Lisa Wheeler, ’75, ’82; and Terri Zimmerman, ’85. Ex Officio: Laura Block, ’81, ’10; Alice Brekke, ’79, ’87; Ed Schafer, ‘69, HON ‘08; DeAnna Carlson Zink, ‘86; Tom DiLorenzo; Lori Reesor; Susan Walton and Dr. Joshua Wynne. The University of North Dakota Alumni Review (USPS 018089: ISSN 0895-5409) is published quarterly by the University of North Dakota Alumni Association, 3501 University Avenue, Stop 8157, Grand Forks, ND 58202-8157. Periodical postage paid at Grand Forks, ND 58201 and other offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the Alumni Review, 3501 University Avenue, Stop 8157, Grand Forks, ND 58202-8157. For inquiries about advertising, additional copies, reprints, submissions, or general comments, contact 800.543.8764, 701.777.0831 or alumnireview@UNDalumni.net.

32 Mapping a Legacy

Dr. Gary Johnson, ‘65, ‘66, establishes an endowed scholarship in his former department. By Gabriella Fundaro

34 Beaming with Pride

UND celebrates placement of the final beam atop the Collaborative Energy Complex. By Teresa DiGregorio

UNDalumni.org | 3


DEANNA’S TRANSITIONS

letter

Dear Alumni & Friends,

TRANSITIONS The second half of winter has been a series of transitions on the University of North Dakota campus. President Kelley and first lady Marcia departed in mid-January, and interim President Ed Schafer and his wife Nancy hit the ground running the very next day. Meanwhile, the Presidential Search Committee has been working diligently to find the next leader of UND. As I’m writing this column, six outstanding candidates have begun making campus visits.

President Schafer

I was convinced that Ed Schafer, ’69, HON ’08, was the right person to lead the University during this transition, and he has proven to be spot on. As you may know, the University had been facing a $5 million budget shortfall. Interim President Schafer has tackled that problem head-on, and now he and the University face additional cuts as the state has mandated an acrossthe-board 4 percent cut due to falling revenues (oil and farm commodity prices are both down substantially). Ed and his team have taken the time to visit with others on campus to find ways to fix the budget issue while limiting the impact on students. Additionally, Ed has demonstrated an affinity for connecting with the UND community as well as the Grand Forks community. I think one of my favorite stories about our interim president involves his desk. Ed brought his own desk to the president’s office. It’s an heirloom that he has hauled from Bismarck to Washington, D.C., and back again. Ed likes to point out that the sturdy desk has no drawers and no cubbyholes. That way there are no places to lock away an issue; it remains front and center — top of desk, top of mind. You can read more about President Schafer’s first weeks on campus on page 10.

100 Years of Tradition

We are very excited to be planning the 100th anniversary of Homecoming at the University of North Dakota this fall! That first Homecoming came one year before the United States entered World War I. In fact,

4 | Alumni Review Spring 2016

the war would lead to the new event being put on hold in 1918 because the University didn’t field a team that year! We have great plans to honor the traditions of Homecomings past while building traditions for future gatherings. It should be an extra special event, and we hope you will mark Oct. 10 – 15 on your calendar and make plans to join us. We’ll have more information on Homecoming in the next issue of the Alumni Review. You can also visit UNDalumni.org/Homecoming for the latest schedule.

Sioux Awards

Speaking of traditions, I am pleased to announce that four outstanding alumni have been chosen to receive Sioux Awards from the UND Alumni Association & Foundation during Homecoming 2016. They are Minnesota Twins President David St. Peter, ’89; businessman and former Alumni Association & Foundation board member Rick Burgum, ’68; Cardiologist Dr. Timothy Henry, ’78, ’80; and businesswoman Elizabeth Abraham, ’70. Public Health Nurse and healthy living advocate Haley (Swanson) Thorson, ’05, and U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds pilot Capt. Nicholas Eberling, ’06, will receive Young Alumni Achievement awards. The banquet celebrating our exceptional alumni is always a highlight of Homecoming, so make plans to attend this year’s ceremony on Thursday, Oct. 13.

Women for Philanthropy

I’m also excited to announce that we’ll be hosting the second annual Women for Philanthropy event on April 13 at the Gorecki Alumni Center. Our goal is to educate and empower women to embrace philanthropy while strengthening their connection to each other and UND.

We are delighted to have Nancy Schafer as our keynote speaker this year. Nancy was an integral part of her husband’s North Dakota gubernatorial administration, heading initiatives for women’s and children’s health, drug and tobacco prevention, mental health issues and the promotion of the arts. She became the first First Lady to have an office and staff in the North Dakota Capitol. Thanks to donors at last year’s event and the sponsorship of SEI and Dakota Medical Foundation, we will be awarding $2,000 Women for Philanthropy Scholarships to three outstanding UND seniors. To register to attend the event or sponsor a student, please visit UNDalumni.org/wfp. Between events like Women for Philanthropy, pregame and watch parties, alumni gatherings and special events like UND in MSP, we’ve had a busy start to 2016. We hope you can connect with your alma mater and other alumni at an event near you! The best way to find out about events in your area is to register on our website, UNDalumni.org. Once we have your contact information, we will email you when an event is being held near you. It’s that simple to stay connected to UND! Thank you for all you do for your University of North Dakota! Sincerely,

DeAnna Carlson Zink, ’86, CFRE UND Alumni Association & Foundation CEO Deannac@UNDfoundation.org


O T T N A W E W

O H W K N OW THE G N I D A IS RE

I N M U L A W E I RE V

Have we created an alumni magazine that you value and appreciate? Will you tell us what you think? It will only take a few minutes to fill out our reader survey. Your answers will help shape the future of the Alumni Review. Go to UNDalumni.org/alumnireviewsurvey.


FEATURE

story

THE GOLDEN ERA

6 | Alumni Review Spring 2016


THE

Sixty years ago, the Golden Feather Club formed to raise school spirit. This fall, a reunion will bring former members back to campus to reminisce.

ERA

By Milo Smith UNDalumni.org | 7


FEATURE

story

THE GOLDEN ERA

K

en Johannson, ’58, ’62, one of the founders of the Golden Feather club, says he and some other fraternity members were sitting around one night in 1956 talking about the “apathetic” school spirit on campus when they hit upon the idea of starting a club to fight indifference with intensity. “We were just trying to get the students involved in supporting UND athletics,” said Johannson. “The hockey team was doing fine, but football and basketball were not doing very well from a school spirit standpoint.” The club was set up to include two members from each fraternity on campus, plus two independents. No one seems to remember the significance of the name Golden Feather. A 1968 Dakota Student article detailing the origins of the club said someone came up with the name during a brainstorming session. “It had no significance,” the paper said, “but all liked it, so they adopted it.” The club also adopted a signature look; a black jacket with a golden feather on the front and a Sammy Sioux logo on the sleeve. The jackets, as well as a black Cadillac hearse driven to many events, became the group’s calling card.

Cheerleaders

One of the primary tasks of the Feathers was to support the cheerleading squads for football, basketball, and hockey. Not only did the Feathers raise money for uniforms and out-of-town travel to games, but club members also took on the task of selecting the squad members. Feathers admit that sounds like a pretty great incentive to join the club, but they say they took the job seriously. Sara Garland, ’68, ’72, a cheerleader for football and basketball, agrees. “I think they wanted to choose young women who would represent the University well,” Garland said, “They also reflected back on the Golden Feathers, so they wanted the best they could find. “It was a difficult responsibility for them because we all knew each other. The UND community was pretty close, so it had to be difficult for them because they were choosing a select few out of a lot of people who wanted to have one of those roles.” Golden Feathers were also on the football field and the basketball court sidelines cheering right along with the cheerleaders. Gary Nelson, ’63, says you had to have the right personality to be a member of the Feathers. “We had a lot of energy in those days; a lot more than I do now!” Nelson said with a laugh. “You could not be a Feather without having a lot of school pride and to be wanting, and willing, to display it. You just couldn’t do it.”

Exclusive Club

Denis Daly, ’63, says the Golden Feather club was unique in that it was “a remarkable combination” of leaders from all the fraternity houses. “I think it was another chance to practice leadership abilities,” said Daly. “I don’t know that we were conscious at the time that that’s what we were doing, but we were building leaders for the future of

8 | Alumni Review Spring 2016

Sara Garland, ‘68, ‘72, (top left) and fellow cheerleaders chosen by Golden Feather members.

North Dakota as evidenced by the results.” Those results were the number of former Golden Feather members who went on to have highly successful careers in North Dakota and around the country — including lawyers, judges, military and business leaders, and politicians. “It is really remarkable how many of these guys who were in Golden Feather went on to have tremendous careers,” said Daly. “I loved being a part of it.” Along with school spirit, the role of Golden Feather also required, as described by Nelson, a bit of “mischievousness.” A common initiation involved driving to Fargo and “stealing” the jackets of members of NDSU’s rival Rahjah club. The jackets would be returned at halftime of the UND/NDSU football game, but that fact didn’t ease the concerns of Erling “Curly” Haugland, ’70, when he got pulled over by a Fargo police officer early one morning with a trunkful of pilfered Rahjah jackets. It probably didn’t help that the initiates along for the caper bolted from the car when it came to a stop. “I figured my best bet was to confess right up front,” Haugland said. “I told him ‘Here’s the deal. We’re UND pranksters. We are down here stealing Rahjah jackets. We do it all the time. They come and steal ours, too.’ I showed him the trunk. He said we’d better cool it driving and to ‘Round up your guys and go home.’” In another initiation prank, Gary Nelson was instructed to change the light bulbs in the Gamma Phi house sign from white to red. Denis Daly says he felt sorry for assigning Nelson to such an unconventional initiation, so he joined him on the roof. All went well until the police showed up and the two Golden Feathers decided to jump to the ground. Daly sprained his ankle and smashed his jaw, which eventually cost him four teeth. “I’d like to be able to say that we were more mature back then,” Daly said, “but we weren’t.”


and includes an invitation to cheerleaders from the era as well. Nelson, Haugland, Lynn Melby, ‘68, Rick Besse, ‘69, and other Golden Feathers have been meeting at recent Homecomings to plan the get-together. The last reunion was held in 2001, so Nelson anticipates a big turnout for the 60th anniversary of the Feathers. Sara Garland says it is impossible to resist the opportunity to catch up with old friends and remember a time when UND was such an important part of their lives. “I think all of us look back at those days as being very precious, and many of us are still involved in some way, shape or form in supporting the University,” said Garland, who currently serves on the UND Alumni Association & Foundation Board of Directors. “I think that was a very important part of our personal development and many of us have spent decades continuing in that role of supporting the University and encouraging school spirit.” “It was really a remarkable thing for a farm boy from Crosby, North Dakota, to come to UND and get to intermingle with so many different people,” said Haugland. “A lot of guys were from all over the country, different cultures and different classes.” Though the Golden Feather Club, like the Rahjahs at NDSU, faded away in the mid-’70s, those who proudly wore the jacket will never forget memories like driving the hearse into Memorial Stadium and piling out to cheer for the team. “Those fall days up there, the football games,” said Daly. “All the guys that were involved in this were all into that. I think we accomplished a lot of good things and people had a good time.” AR Members of the Golden Feather club prepare to fire up the crowd at a UND football game.

The group’s antics were sometimes fueled, as you might imagine, by beer. “Believe it or not,” Haugland deadpanned, “drinking was sometimes acceptable in the club.” After a short pause he added, “In fact, it was basically mandated.” It was, as Haugland points out, a different era. A 1968 Dakota Student article included a Golden Feather plan to improve student spirit at football games by encouraging fraternities to host”kegger” parties before games. “You yell better after a few beers,” Golden Feather President Tom Lynch was quoted as saying. “A lot of people thought we spent more time at the bar drinking beer,” said Daly, “but the truth was we raised a hell of a lot of money and we were serious about it.” In addition to funding the cheerleaders, money raised from dances and other Golden Feather initiatives paid for a trophy given to the top goalie in the league each year, athletic scholarships, the Homecoming bonfire and other activities related to the Feathers’ motto: Spirit Excelsior!

A Golden Feather club reunion will be held during Homecoming 2016. Plans for a social, breakfast and tailgating are in the works. Visit UNDalumni.org/goldenfeathers for updates on the reunion. If Golden Feather alumni are interested in ordering a new Golden Feather jacket, they can contact 701.577.1837.

Reunion

The beer might not flow quite as freely as in the past, but the stories will, when club members gather for a Golden Feather Reunion to mark the 60th anniversary of the founding of the club. The event will be held this fall during the 100th anniversary of UND Homecoming, UNDalumni.org | 9


FEATURE

story

MAN BEHIND THE DESK

Man Behind the Desk

From private sector boss to state governor to U.S. presidential cabinet member, Ed Schafer brings a wealth of past experiences and knowledge to the job as interim head of UND. By Carrie Sandstrom

10 | Alumni Review Spring 2016


F

ormer U.S. Secretary of Agriculture and North Dakota Governor Ed Schafer has an old desk that he’s been using for years. Schafer found it in a storage closet in 1971 when he moved out to the East Coast to work for his family’s business. The large wooden desk doesn’t have any drawers, but two wings on either side pull out to enlarge the surface area. Schafer says when he gets a lot of paperwork, he’ll pull them out. Since he uncovered it, the desk has been a constant for Schafer, traveling with him as governor to the North Dakota Capitol Building in Bismarck and to Washington, D.C., when he headed up the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The desk can be taken apart and reassembled for easy transport, but Schafer’s the only one who knows how to do it, so he does it himself. This January, he put the desk together in the university president’s office in Twamley Hall. Just as he’s the only one who can fit the pieces of the desk together, many believe Schafer is the right person to bring the campus community together and guide it until a new full-time leader takes over. “It’s been kind of fun to be back on campus,” Schafer, a UND alumnus, said. “I know the community well, and since I graduated a million years ago I’ve had the opportunity to work on various boards and organizations that are connected with the school. I’ve had a lot of attachment to it over the years, so I have the unique position of getting to come in knowing what’s here.”

Making rounds

Sitting on Schafer’s special desk and displayed around his office are knickknacks and tokens from his years in both the private and public sector — a traditional Native American flute presented to him by Keith Bear, a Mandan-Hidatsa storyteller and musician, photos of his wife, Nancy, and their large group of children and grandchildren, a small wooden box that when opened reveals the secret to success is “work.” But Schafer says he isn’t one to hide behind his desk. In the short time he’s been serving in the University’s top role, he’s been making his rounds on campus. Schafer has already visited with many student groups and spent time in student hubs like Wilkerson Commons and the Memorial Union. He even lectured a campus law class. Despite his long standing relationship with UND, Schafer says it’s not the same campus he remembers attending. “It’s energizing to be around students whether you’re a student or an interloper,” Schafer said. “But there are lots of differences. I lived my freshman year in West Hall. That was the first year it was open in the fall of 1964. It was the only thing on the other side of the coulee, and there was no such thing as a heated tunnel or a windbreak. You just trudged from West Hall — which seemed like a lot farther than it looks like to me today — but we trudged down the road and over the coulee and went to class. That was just the deal.” UNDalumni.org | 11


Left: Ed Schafer, ‘69, HON ‘08, assembles the desk that has followed him from North Dakota to Washington, D.C., and back again. Top: Schafer speaks to a law class. Right: Schafer and his wife, Nancy, pose for a photo with UND students.

Recognizing the growth and change that UND has experienced, Schafer says it’s important to talk with people — students, faculty and staff alike — and, more notably, that it’s important to listen to people to learn about their experiences and to hear their thoughts. Schafer keeps a quote from Saint Thomas Aquinas on hand to help him remember to “love them both” when listening — those he agrees with and those he might not. “Everybody has input,” Schafer said. “Whether you agree with them or not, their input is honest and earnest and learned and educated and prayerful and that’s what they believe. That doesn’t make them right or wrong or they agree with you or they don’t agree with you. You need to incorporate that discussion so that you seek the truth so that you get to that right place. That’s something that’s been a guide of mine for probably as long as I’ve had that desk.”

12 | Alumni Review Spring 2016

New direction

Schafer’s had lots of opportunities to listen since taking the position as president — attending meetings, hosting meet and greets to get to know members of the University community and even responding to student emails. “My goal is to steer the University through this time period until we get a new president,” Schafer said. “My effort will be to create the direction of the University that will provide a launching pad for the new president, so they can spend their time and resources and effort for the University to go up and above and beyond, and not having to deal with some of these morale issues or directional issues that I think we can move through.” While his desk has been a constant throughout his career, Schafer says it’s not just the desk he’s brought with him to each new job and challenge — it’s the experiences he’s gained along the way.

“Everything that I’ve done until this point has converged to work here,” Schafer said. “If you look at supposed morale issues on campus, I’ve had to deal with that a lot. If you look at budget issues, I’ve had to deal with that a lot. If you look at some kind of administration issues or the grievance process or the types of things that are kind of bounced around as ‘problems’ … You know I ran an agency in Washington, D.C., that had 107,000 people. And you learn a lot doing that — how to communicate and how to get your point across and how to motivate people to attack the problem at hand. “So I sit here and I think everything fits — everything I’ve done, everything I can bring to the table.” AR


The search for President Robert Kelley’s permanent replacement is well underway. Six semifinalists did campus visits from mid-February to mid-March. They are: • Dr. Steven Shirley, Minot State University President • Dr. Morgan Olsen, Arizona State University Executive Vice President, Treasurer and CFO • Hon. Mark Kennedy, George Washington University Graduate School of Political Management Director and Professor • Dr. Mark Rudin, Boise State University Vice President for Research and Economic Development • Dr. Jay Noren, University of Illinois-Chicago College of Medicine and School of Public Health Director and Professor Clinician Executive Master of Healthcare Administration Program • Dr. Nagi Naganathan, The University of Toledo Dean of Engineering and Professor As this issue of the Alumni Review was going to press, the search committee was slated to meet to pick three names to pass on to the State Board of Higher Education, which will make the final decision on selecting the 12th president of the University of North Dakota. You can follow the progress of the search at UND.edu/president-search.

UNDalumni.org | 13


FEATURE

story

JESSE, ‘FRITZ’ AND DER FUHRER

The 1936 Summer Olympic Games in Berlin are best remembered for Jesse Owens’ dominance on the track against Adolph Hitler’s hope for Aryan superiority. At those very same Games, a pioneering young UND alumnus also played a key role in erasing any thoughts of a master race. By Amanda Menzies

14 | Alumni Review Spring 2016

Photo: UND Chester Fritz Library Elwyn B. Robinson Department of Special Collections and the UND Athletic Department.

Jesse, Fritz and Der Fuhrer


E

ighty years ago, the world was on the brink of another war in Europe that would spread across the globe. One of the main instigators of that eventual conflict was “Der Fuhrer,” Adolph Hitler, who, in early August 1936, was preparing a massive stage to showcase a resurgent Germany, poised to flex its muscle and new-found swagger for all to see. That stage was the Summer Olympic Games in Berlin. Hitler had amassed an army of German athletes that epitomized his Aryan vision of pure white racial superiority. The idea, at least in the minds of Nazi elite, was that this master race of athletes would dominate the games and advertise Germany’s looming foothold in a new order of nations. There was one problem — a young black man by the name of Jesse Owens, the son of an Alabama sharecropper, was destined to alter the German dictator’s grand plan with an athletic display that, in the words of ESPN writer Larry Schwartz, “singlehandedly crushed [the] myth of Aryan supremacy.” Owens would win gold medals in four track and field events at the 1936 Games: 100 meters, 200 meters, long jump and 4 x 100 relay – all under the disapproving gaze of Der Fuhrer. A major motion picture about Owens’ achievements, titled “Race,” arrived in theaters in February. The film documents Owens’ rise from dirt-poor southern austerity — the youngest of 10 children — to one of the greatest American track and field athletes in history.

Legacy of Firsts

But this story isn’t just about Owens. Owens was not the only black athlete on the U.S. men’s track and field team in Berlin. In fact, there were seven other athletes of

color on the 25-member squad, including University of North Dakota alumnus Frederick Douglas “Fritz” Pollard Jr. Pollard left a legacy no one would soon forget in his years at UND. He was the school’s first black athlete* — a triple threat when it came to sports; football, track and boxing. Pollard was born on Feb. 18, 1915, in Springfield, Massachusetts. He was the son of Fritz Pollard Sr., who also held a few “first” designations, one of which was as a pioneering black athlete at Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island. There he played halfback and led the Brown Bears football team to the 1916 Rose Bowl (the first black athlete to play in the Rose Bowl). The elder Pollard also would later become the first black football coach and quarterback in the then fledgling National Football League. He was posthumously inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2005. In 1936, while the world was fixated on Jesse Owens at the Olympics, the younger Pollard was poised to make UND proud with a strong showing of his own. Despite the fact that Pollard had only run hurdles in five meets before competing in the Olympics, he took home a bronze medal in the 110-meter hurdles. By the time of the closing ceremonies, Pollard, Owens and the other black athletes put Hitler in an embarrassing position after winning 12 medals.

UND Years

Before coming to UND, Pollard excelled at track and academics at Senn High School in his father’s native Chicago. Later, he would follow his father’s footsteps to Brown, where he continued his success on the track, equaling the then world record in the high hurdles. Circa 1935, Pollard left Brown after three semesters and eventually enrolled at UND. It was about this time, prior to the

UNDalumni.org | 15


Pollard did not run track in his senior season at UND as he was recovering from injuries suffered playing football.

1936 Games in Berlin, he was selected to join his close friend Owens on the 1936 U.S. Olympics Track and Field team. While at UND, Pollard excelled in football. He was All North Central Conference in 1937 and 1938 and was a Collier’s Magazine Little All-America selection in 1938. As for track, in order to train during the long Grand Forks winter, Pollard was known to wear thick layers under his sweat suit and would run atop the train boxcars that lined the southern edge of the UND campus, hurdling the gaps between, because this was one of the few places he could train that were kept clear of snow. Pollard also was a member of UND’s varsity boxing squad.

Loyal Alumnus

Besides athletics, Pollard was a member of Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity, vice president of his graduating class and vice president of the UND Chapter of the Blue Key club.

16 | Alumni Review Spring 2016

Pollard graduated from UND with a bachelor’s degree in education and later earned a law degree from the John Marshall Law School in Chicago. He also served in the U.S. Army as a special services officer during World War II. After the war, Pollard held numerous jobs, ranging from a physical education teacher to a real estate broker in Chicago. He eventually became a Foreign Service Officer with the U.S. State Department, overseeing U.S. educational institutions abroad. He retired from the position in 1981. Throughout the years, Pollard remained loyal to his alma mater as a member of the Old Main Society, a UND Foundation philanthropic club. In 1986, he was honored during UND’s Homecoming parade and football game, and received UND’s highest alumni award, the Sioux Award , that same year. “Fritz was one of the most unassuming and classy men I ever had the privilege of meeting,” said DeAnna Carlson Zink, CEO of the UND Alumni Association & Foundation. “Fritz was extremely proud of his connection to UND, and his love of the University brought him back to campus many, many times over the years.” Pollard died on Feb. 15, 2003, in Washington, D.C. AR — Additional reporting by University & Public Affairs *One could argue that Era Bell Thompson was the UND’s first black studentathlete, participating in track and basketball several years before Pollard came to campus. It’s a matter of interpretation, since women of the time did not have as many opportunities for organized competition.


Women for Philanthropy brings women together to embrace philanthropy, network, and share experiences. Women of all ages are invited to this inspirational luncheon to feel the power of their own philanthropy and strengthen their connection to the University of North Dakota. Wednesday, April 13, 2016 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. Gorecki Alumni Center Grand Forks, N.D. Register at UNDalumni.org/wfp

Keynote by UND First Lady Nancy Schafer

Questions: events@UNDalumni.net | 701.777.2611

Score Big—with bonus points! Now, after you make your first purchase with your UND Alumni Association & Foundation Visa Signature® Card, you’ll earn an ADDITIONAL 5,000 bonus points1 in your account. Plus, a portion of your everyday card purchases will be contributed automatically to the UND Alumni Association & Foundation.

We may change APRs, fees, and other Account terms in the future based on your experience with U.S. Bank National Association and its affiliates as provided under the Cardmember Agreement and applicable law.

Apply today! Call 888-327-2265 Ext: 38426 Visit usbank.com/38426

1Account must be open and in good standing to earn and redeem rewards and benefits. Please refer to your Rewards Program

Rules for additional information. To earn first use bonus, purchase must be made within 90 days of account open date. Please allow 6-8 weeks after your first purchase for your bonus points to be credited to your Account. Subject to credit approval. The creditor and issuer of the University of North Dakota Alumni Association & Foundation Card is U.S. Bank National Association, pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A. Inc. © 2016 U.S. Bank National Association


FEATURE A GOOD WALK

story

A Good Walk Editor’s Note: Bernie Wiebe, ’72, ’74, submitted this rumination on the benefits the 81-year-old has experienced thanks to his daily walk. We thought Bernie’s story may encourage others to stay active. By Bernie Wiebe

W

alking is one mainstay for holistic health. We are advised to walk about 10,000 steps per day to keep well. Research suggests most walk less than half of that goal. It is easy for us to find excuses not to walk. Cars are so handy; walkways can be unsafe; time is too rare to walk; we don’t feel like walking. And, there are buses and bikes. I am not interested in making readers feel guilty or suggesting you should walk like I do. My story is meant to be simply that: my story about walking.

For Exercise and Health

When I married in 1956, I weighed 185 pounds (85 kilograms). In 1970 I weighed 270 pounds (122.5 kilos). Today I weigh 186 pounds (85.2 kilos).

18 | Alumni Review Spring 2016

At age 35, my doctor told me I was obese and not healthy. In one year, 1970, I lost 70 pounds by walking a lot, finishing the basement in our house, and doing other general exercising, besides my regular full-time job. I am now 81, have mostly kept my weight in check and I still do a lot of walking and other exercising. My daily walking and other exercises average 100 minutes per day. I am a type 2 diabetic, have a pacemaker, one knee transplant, and worked full time till the end of 2012. I still serve in churches when they need short-term pastoral or preaching help. My doctor has me on four prescriptions. My blood sugar is checked daily and has been in good range since starting testing in 1996. To date, my health is a big encouragement to keep on walking and exercising.


Bernie Wiebe, ‘72, ‘74, walks in the skywalks in downtown Winnipeg.

including one special one. She is a hockey fan to the core. We both love our Winnipeg Jets. But my most favorite team for more than 70 years is the Toronto Maple Leafs. Hers is the Montreal Canadians. In great fun, we review the latest scores and then agree to disagree about the best players and teams around today. These people, and others not mentioned, have become like a “family” or a special body to me. I miss them when they are not there; and they often ask me where I’ve been when they have not seen me for more than a day.

Walking with a Bonus of Spiritual Growth

Photo: Downtown Winnipeg Magazine/Cory Aronec Photography

Walking for Fun

I walk for exercise and health, but also for fun. On bitter cold days I can walk inside the skywalk in downtown Winnipeg to stay warm. Just to look around every day at the inner city, the streets, the people, the green spaces which become snow spaces in winter, the signs and posters, the paintings, the traffic, the weather changes, the building repairs and construction, the ups and downs (I avoid escalators and elevators everywhere I can; climbing as many stairs as possible.), all are fun to me.

Walking for Socializing

When I start my walk, my first encounter is with the people who sit regularly at the crossword puzzle table. Always a comment: “You’re walking again? How far do you go?” There’s a cleaning man from rural Manitoba whom I speak with almost daily. Along the way now, I often meet some other walkers who may be from my building or church or simply people I know. And there are the masses who may nod, but seldom engage in words. Then I meet my busker friend who is somewhat like a lay minister in the walkway. He sings gospel songs and, when people stop, he talks to them about Jesus. A lot of people stop by, including myself. On to one of the drugstores where I have a half dozen friends,

I believe that the Bible can be a helpful book. One quote I relate to deeply is: “For all the peoples walk, each in the name of its god...” (Micah 4:5). This quote puzzles a lot of people. After all, the Bible seems very monotheistic and hardly leaves room to tolerate other than one God — Yahweh. This god is often portrayed as exclusive, not inclusive. Even Micah sounds that way quite strongly in other parts of his book. But, in this verse, we see a catholicity which opens a window to freedom and tolerance for ALL who walk after the spiritual. And I like his image: walking. It can be carried too far; any thinking person knows that there are unitive powers, principles and structures in the world and in our lives that must be observed. As our insights continue to grow in science, wisdom, and spirituality, we discover that all of us have much to learn. To absolutize our small intelligence in any area of life, is the quickest way to dogmatism, intolerance, and nihilistic violence. That is what pits one religion against another, religious against irreligious, conservative against liberal, instead of daring to see all walking in unique ways to come closer to the ultimate ground of our being. My walking has drawn me closer to many others walking in unique ways and my own spirituality has grown ever more meaningful. AR Bernie Wiebe is a retired professor of Conflict Resolution Studies at Menno Simons College, affiliated with the University of Winnipeg in Winnipeg, Manitoba. He has also been editor of The Mennonite , and has served his church in a variety of ways since being ordained in 1960.

UNDalumni.org | 19


CAMPUS

news

NEWS FROM AROUND CAMPUS

What’s New

News from around campus A Partnership with the Division of University and Public Affairs

Thanks to you, UND students are enjoying tremendous opportunities in the classroom and in their campus lives. During Spirit Week in late February, students held a Thank-A-Thon where they filled out postcards with messages of thanks to send donors.

20 | Alumni Review Spring 2016


President Ed Schafer

DEAR ALUMNI & FRIENDS

It is great to be back on the UND campus! The reception for Nancy and me has been warm and friendly, and it is an honor to serve as your president for this interim period while we prepare for a new leader. It has been a real thrill to rediscover the University: the high-quality faculty, the hard-working and engaged students, and the dedicated staff and administration. The focus on excellence is everywhere, the facilities and programs are top notch, and I am convinced the learning experience here at the University is serving our students and the state of North Dakota well. Since taking over the leadership role on January 15, we have already seen and been involved in so much: a multi-community celebration of the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.; the Feast of Nations, where we and 1,000 other diners spent the evening celebrating the 85 countries represented among UND’s student body; and the 133rd Annual Founders Day banquet, where we honored retiring faculty and staff, employees who have reached the 25-year mark, and faculty and departments who are excelling in teaching, service, and research. I told the audience that I believe the quality of this institution and the quality of the employees, the faculty and staff, ensure that we are graduating able, nimble-minded, engaged students ready to engage in world affairs. I have seen that firsthand as a guest lecturer. I have also had the opportunity to speak to campus groups and community organizations, and to be engaged in higher education on a statewide basis, as well as at UND. And Nancy and I have enjoyed cheering on our athletic teams, who are doing so well on the ice, the basketball court, the baseball diamond, and more. It is an exciting time on campus. Presidential candidates started visiting in February. It has been a pleasure to get to know them. We will likely know in mid-March who will be the next leader of this great University. We have also begun the process for developing a graphic identity for the Fighting Hawks nickname. SME Branding, the firm we selected to help us in that process, visited campus in early March to learn about our University, our historic and storied athletics programs, and our state. We anticipate rolling out the new logo by late May. We do have some financial challenges ahead of us, but I believe UND is well-positioned to meet the fiscal issues head on; to roll up our sleeves and work together to reshape our budget — to reshape this University — so that it will be stronger and well positioned for the future. We have already solved a $5.3 million gap from the beginning of this fiscal year, and found an additional

$8 million for extraordinary repairs and other priority needs. Now we are addressing a $9.3 million budget reduction, which is UND’s share of the Governor’s statewide budget reduction, based on lower-than-expected state revenues due to changes in the energy and agriculture industries. I’ve been through budget challenges before on a statewide basis as Governor of North Dakota. It is not something that is fun, it is not easy, and it is not something that you initiate. But we are going to meet this situation by focusing on priorities, so that, when we are done, we will have a stronger and better institution. It will be a place where we have engaged and well-paid faculty, where the staff and administration find jobs and careers that are long-term, solid and permanent and where students get an excellent educational experience, preparing them for their careers and their families and for engagement in their communities. My goal in these next few months is to steer our great alma mater through this time period, and my effort will be to provide a launching pad for the new president so that person can spend time, resources and efforts preparing to move the University up and above and beyond. Thank you for all that you do for the University of North Dakota. Our alumni and friends are an essential part of the UND family and play a vital role in our success and our future. Sincerely,

Ed Schafer President

UNDalumni.org | 21


CAMPUS

news

NEWS FROM AROUND CAMPUS

s

tudents on the University of North Dakota campus have probably noticed an increase in activity from the University of North Dakota’s Police Department (UPD) this past school year, and if so, UPD will consider themselves successful. UND’s Police Department had been striving to become more visible and more involved with the campus community, and social media is the perfect platform for that. Marketing UPD free pizza giveaways, launching the #BestCopsAround hashtag, and challenging University police chiefs of UND Men’s Hockey opponents to jersey wagers are just some of the engagement campaigns launched by the UND Police Department this past year. “Last year, when we were playing Boston University in the Frozen Four, we challenged their police chief that if they won, our police chief would have to wear a BU jersey, and if we won, they’d have to wear a UND jersey,” said Sgt. Danny Weigel, investigator & public information officer for UPD. “That Facebook post alone reached over 111,000 people. So the more active we are with communicating with people through social media, the more it promotes your page, and encourages people to follow you.”

Establishing camaraderie

“If we want to be relevant and continue to communicate with our students, our faculty, and our staff, we need to be able to evolve, just as they’re evolving through new apps and technology,” said Weigel.

22 | Alumni Review Spring 2016

Weigel and his team aren’t afraid to address the negative posts that come in. “We’re going to reply back to everything, and we’re going to be engaged with people,” said Weigel. UPD has found that being more engaged on campus has made it easier for people to reach out to the department for things they normally might not have. “I want to be on top in social media,” said Weigel. “We’ve really tackled this and we’ve even gone as far as getting our Director of Public Safety and Chief of Police, Eric Plummer, on Twitter. I have a UND Police Department account and so does Chief Plummer, so if someone’s not comfortable reaching out to UPD’s account, they can reach out to us personally and it helps put a name to a face.” Since arriving on campus in 2012, Chief Plummer has worked hard to build relationships with people on the UND campus. “People are very comfortable with him, so his UPD account gives people the opportunity to reach out to him and it’s something we’ll continue to promote,” said Weigel.

Building a presence

Managing the University Police Department’s social media presence is essentially a part-time job for Weigel. “I’ve been with UND for four years and we talk about being able to communicate with students and as how we promote our message and we weren’t really doing that,” said Weigel. “I think we were being seen more as an adversary


#BestCopsAround

Becoming More Visible UND POLICE OFFICERS HAVE BECOME SOCIAL MEDIA TRAILBLAZERS IN LAW ENFORCEMENT.

The University Police Department has emblazoned their vehicles with social media icons to encourage awareness.

rather than a resource to a lot of students on campus.” The addition of Chief Plummer brought about change to the culture, the expectations, and the goals of the department. “Shortly after he [Chief Plummer] started, I suggested we get the department more engaged in the campus community by way of social Weigel media, and he was all for it,” said Weigel. From there, it was trial and error. “I started following other law enforcement agencies and really kind of took from their best practices and how they could work for us,” said Weigel. “The important thing was figuring out how our students liked to communicate with us.”

Weigel is a licensed instructor who has developed a course on social media and public relations that he uses to go out and teach other law enforcement officers. “I was in Grafton six months ago and gave them a course in digital practices and they have since developed a Facebook page. Walsh County also developed a Facebook page,” said Weigel. “A lot of the smaller agencies don’t have the training or the capability to send people to training like we may have, so it’s important that we get out there and help them out as well.” UND PD has had inquiries about its social media program from Bismarck’s Police Department, as well as from North Dakota State University’s Police Department. “Having people reach out to us is great because it means we’re doing something well and we’d love to be able to share some of those things,” Weigel added. “Social media has helped us change our image and put out an image that we could be proud of and that we could build upon. It’s what all agencies should strive for.” AR — Emily Aasand

Industry trailblazers

The UND Police Department wants to be the front-runner for social media in law enforcement in North Dakota. “It’s starting to grow a little bit, but I think we’re leaps and bounds ahead of other law enforcement agencies when it comes to social media and how we engage with our community,” said Weigel. UNDalumni.org | 23


CAMPUS

news

NEWS FROM AROUND CAMPUS

Fellow with

Connections

UND STUDENT BENJAMIN OLSON JOINS PRESTIGIOUS INNOVATION AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP GROUP DESIGNED TO PUT IDEAS IN MOTION ON COLLEGE CAMPUSES AND BEYOND

u

Benjamin Olson (center) with his faculty sponsors Timothy O’Keefe (left) and Brian Tande (right). Photo: Jackie Lorentz

niversity of North Dakota student Benjamin Olson doesn’t sit on an idea long before acting. In fact, it’s hard to find Olson doing much sitting at all. He’s one of the more active students on and off campus with one foot in the classroom and the other firmly planted in the local business community. Olson’s ambitious knack for innovation and entrepreneurship has earned him a prestigious distinction as one of only 150 University Innovation Fellows in the nation selected by the National Center for Engineering Pathways to Innovation, known as “Epicenter” for short. He is the first Innovation Fellow ever from UND, and joins students from 52 other institutions around the country to make up Epicenter’s newest cohort. The Epicenter program is funded by the National Science Foundation and is directed by Stanford University and VentureWell. Epicenter’s University Fellows advocate for lasting institutional change and create opportunities for students to engage with innovation, entrepreneurship, design-thinking and creativity at their respective schools. They are encouraged to design innovation spaces, start entrepreneurship organizations, host

24 | Alumni Review Spring 2016

experiential learning events and work with faculty to develop new courses. Olson, a native of Fargo, is supported by his UND faculty sponsors Timothy O’Keefe, director of the School of Entrepreneurship, part of the College of Business & Public Administration (CoBPA); and Brian Tande, chair of the Department of Chemical Engineering in the College of Engineering & Mines. Olson hopes to pursue an MBA/JD at UND and is interested in politics, carpentry and engine mechanics. But his greatest passion is working with people, developing connections, and fostering positive relationships. “I maintain four strategic priorities for my Fellowship,” Olson said. “I strive and love to help students engage in outreach, develop talent, increase collaboration and pursue ventures.” While a student at Davies High School in Fargo, Olson stayed busy with many interests, including competitions in forensics (debate team), choir, theatre arts, business clubs and held jobs as a restaurant worker on the side. At UND, he’s busy pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Public Administration, a bachelor’s degree in Public Relations Communications, a minor in Political Science and a certificate in Entrepreneurship Studies. He’s also vice president of public relations with the UND Speech


UND School of Medicine and Health Sciences

Dean’s Corner: A New Home and Debate Team. Olson’s hard work on the team enabled him to become a nationally qualified competitor. Olson also is the treasurer for the CoBPA Student Advisory Council and a coordinator for The Edge, a co-working space located in downtown Grand Forks. Early this year, Olson spent six months as an intern in the mayor’s office assessing the entrepreneurship environment in Grand Forks. During this time, he had the opportunity to work with many businesses and nonprofits within Grand Forks, as well as student entrepreneur and research teams at the University. “My experiences at UND have helped me prepare for this because of the support from the School of Entrepreneurship, (CoBPA) Dean (Margaret) Williams, and Bruce Gjovig from the Center for Innovation,” Olson said. Olson also is involved with a Grand Forks-based 3D printing and design company called 3C Innovators. Olson and his business partner work directly with clients to turn their ideas into developed prototypes. The main emphasis is working with students at the high school and college levels by integrating entrepreneur and design education to provide experiential learning. “Owning a business wasn’t something that I expected to be doing so early on,” Olson said. “But I am absolutely thrilled to be a part of the business community.” AR — Teresa DiGregorio, University & Public Affairs student writer

Dear Alumni and Friends, The opening of the new UND School of Medicine and Health Sciences building is almost here! The 325,000-square-foot structure that will house all of the academic departments of the School will open its doors on July 15, 2016, just in time to welcome the medical student class of 2020 and even more freshman students in the various health sciences disciplines. The building will be the center of our educational and research activities, but also will be open and available to the public who, after all, paid for it! The majority of the first floor is devoted to functions that can and, we hope, will be accessed and utilized by community visitors, including the large learning hall that is adjacent to the main entrance, the Simulation Center on the north side of the building, and the offices of both Student Affairs and Admissions and Community and Alumni Relations. As we prepare to open the new facility, it’s important to reflect on why the North Dakota Legislature, in its wisdom, decided to approve and fund this $124 million project. The primary reason was to accommodate the growth in class sizes — by about a quarter — specified in the Healthcare Workforce Initiative (HWI), a four-pronged approach to address the state’s healthcare workforce challenges now and in the future. The four fundamental pillars of the HWI are to (1) reduce disease burden, (2) retain more healthcare graduates for practice in North Dakota, (3) train more students, and (4) improve the efficiency of our healthcare delivery system. Two other secondary considerations were to consolidate all of our academic departments into one facility so that we could optimize interprofessional education, and to maximize the revenues that we get from the federal government for doing research (socalled indirect cost return, or facilities and administration [F&A] costs). To celebrate the inauguration of the new building and thank the people of North Dakota who made it possible, we will be holding a grand opening on Friday of Homecoming 2016. So mark your calendar for 1 p.m. on Oct. 14, 2016, and plan to join us for the festivities. Following the ceremony, there will be directed tours throughout the building. The theme of the opening ceremony is based on a well-known quote from Winston Churchill: “We shape our buildings, and thereafter, our buildings shape us.” In this case, we designed the building, but the building will help shape the landscape of North Dakota for decades to come by providing an incubator that will help to nurture and prepare the next generation of compassionate, committed, and well-prepared healthcare providers who will provide outstanding healthcare to the citizens of North Dakota and beyond. I hope to see you there! Joshua Wynne, MD, MBA, MPH

UND Vice President for Health Affairs Dean, UND School of Medicine and Health Sciences UNDalumni.org | 25


Bound and

Determined UND LAW STUDENT ARIANA MEYERS IS A QUIET, EFFECTIVE AND MOTIVATED DOER, FOCUSED ON HELPING OTHERS SUCCEED

s

What’s Next?

Photo: Rob Carolin

ince graduating from Balmoral Hall, a Winnipegbased private school for girls, Ariana Meyers has long dreamt of helping young women gain advancement through higher education. At 18, she founded an endowment funded by investors she identified and sold on her vision. The fund continues to grow and benefit high school girls with clear ambitions. So how did this ambitious young Canadian, who’s already done a lot for others in her life, end up at UND? “The best way I can describe how I feel about law school here is it’s a family,” said Meyers of her close-knit relationships fostered during her three years. “I felt it in my first visit to campus; I chose UND because of its size, accessibility and the quality of the law school.” Meyers is keenly focused on a career in immigration law. She is passionate about helping clear the way for crossborder sharing of opportunities. “Since early in my life, I have seen so much pain and frustration among families, and I know I can help make a difference by helping them be processed properly and quickly,” said Meyers. “From an early age, school saved me, and I want — no, need — to make education available to others who are committed to a better life and to helping others. We need to address the bureaucratic impediments and laws and, in turn, help people achieve their dreams.” At UND, Meyers has taken full advantage of student organizations within the law school. She holds leadership positions in the Law Clinic (devoted to providing pro bono work for area residents), UND’s Moot Court Board, Graduation Banquet Committee, the Sports Law Student Society, and she chairs this year’s Art Auction. To date, she’s helped raise $14,000.

After law school, Meyers says she will pursue the deepest experiences possible. With her interest in immigration matters, she hopes to land a stint with Global Affairs Canada (a ministry equivalent to the U.S. State Department) to gain relevant experiences in immigration matters and to identify procedures for improvement.

Staying Balanced

With an undergraduate degree in psychology, Meyers knows the dangers of obsessions and the importance of balancing one’s life. As part of her weekly regimen, she offsets intense studies and many extracurricular activities in support of fellow students with a healthy dose of weightlifting and training at UND’s Wellness Center. “Often, it’s while training I have breakthroughs that help me move to the next level in my studies and career pursuits,” she said. “It’s relaxing and motivating at the same time.”

All About Collaboration

When asked if her experiences at UND have turned out as expected, she nodded pensively. “Not at all,” she said. “It has been so much richer than I expected — on every level.” Meyers, who will graduate in May, credits the faculty, the Law School dean’s staff and fellow students for providing a supportive, open and collaborative system that helps students excel. “One of the best aspects of being here is the dynamic instruction and collaboration among students and faculty; UND is welcoming and there is no distracting hierarchy,” she said. “And, don’t forget our amazing new law school building,” she said. “The newly renovated building was absolutely worth the wait!” Of UND, she says “I have grown in every way. I have made lifetime friends, mentors and colleagues. It will be very emotional when we move on in May. But, I’m also eager to apply what I’ve learned from judges, instructors and practicing attorneys to help the world.” AR — Mark Danes University & Public Affairs writer

26 | Alumni Review Spring 2016


Culture of Community

UND’S COLLIN HANSON NAMED NATIONAL NONPROFIT LEADERSHIP ALLIANCE STUDENT LEADER OF THE YEAR

u

niversity of North Dakota student Collin Hanson draws on his small-town roots when it comes to making bigtime progress toward his goals. Hanson, a native of Sheyenne, North Dakota, a community of some 200 people in the east-central part of the state, was recognized as the Nonprofit Leadership Alliance’s national Student Leader of the Year at an NLA gathering in Houston this winter. The award is presented each year to a student who exemplifies leadership as a Certified Nonprofit Professional. It’s given to a current NLA-member student who exemplifies leadership and success on his or her campus and takes a handson approach to help the organization meet its mission. “In Sheyenne, our community depends on the collaboration of nonprofit and social organizations,” said Hanson, who is majoring in political science and minoring in nonprofit leadership at UND. “My parents modeled the importance of getting involved and making life better for all.” Hanson has been very active on the UND campus since his freshman year. Hanson served as the student representative on the North Dakota University System’s Student Affairs Council. He also was the first executive director for College Democrats of North Dakota. “Growing up in a busy community like Sheyenne, I have learned that one of the best ways to get involved and make a difference starts by simply showing up,” says Hanson. “Now

Photo: Shawna Noel Schill

I’m a senior here at UND and it is because of the countless possibilities for student involvement, the mentorship of intelligent staff and faculty, and the expanding network of friends that I have gained many incredible opportunities to enhance my education and play a part in the community.” Hanson serves as the executive chair of the NLA at UND. In that role, he successfully raised $1,800 in funding for an Opportunity Fair to connect UND students with local nonprofits. “My experience with local nonprofits has confirmed that we must continue to search for innovative approaches to social problems,” Hanson said. “The thriving nonprofit community in Grand Forks speaks to the character of the region and it has been extremely supportive of our program and student association.” The Opportunity Fair brought local and regional nonprofit organizations to UND to share internship, career and volunteer opportunities with students. This fostered relationships between nonprofit organizations and UND faculty. “The most important learning experience for me has been the influence of relationships and networking,” Hanson said. “Accomplishing a task is difficult, but when we work together we can create a culture of community, camaraderie and compassion to see things through.” AR — Teresa DiGregorio University & Public Affairs student writer

UNDalumni.org | 27


CAMPUS

news

NEWS FROM AROUND CAMPUS

Reaching for the

Stars

FINLEY, N.D., NATIVE HAYLEE ARCHER PART OF UND STUDENT TEAM SEARCHING FOR DISTANT DWARF GALAXIES

w

orking at a cosmological scale — “huge” doesn’t begin to cover it — University of North Dakota physics major Haylee Archer peers deep into the universe. Archer, from Finley, North Dakota, is part of a UND team that recently searched for distant dwarf galaxies using the Kitt Peak National Observatory in Arizona. Booking time on that scientific instrument or any other big telescope is seriously competitive. The four-student team, Archer; Gregory Foote, Los Angeles; Madina Sultanova, St. Cloud, Minnesota; and Sandanuwan Kalawila, Sri Lanka, is working with UND’s Wayne Barkhouse, associate professor in the Department of Physics & Astrophysics. Barkhouse studies galaxy clusters, extragalactic globular clusters and is an associate member of the international Dark Energy Survey. He’s also a member of the Large Scale Structure LSST Science Collaboration. Like Barkhouse, who enjoyed stargazing growing up in a Maritime Canadian province, Archer says living on a farm in rural North Dakota encouraged her love of the night sky. “So I’ve wanted to study space since I was very

28 | Alumni Review Spring 2016

young,” said Archer. “I want to know as much as I can about everything related to the stars and to the universe, which is why I’m majoring in physics, with an emphasis on astrophysics.”

Focus on details

Archer, who expects to graduate in May 2017, got the astrophysics bug early when she came to UND. “I took a course in introductory astronomy from Dr. Barkhouse when I was a freshman,” she said. “I reached out to him when I was in his course and I’ve been working with Dr. Barkhouse since then. I’ve been researching galaxies, especially dwarf galaxies, which are among Dr. Barkhouse’s interests. When he applied for time at the Kitt Peak National Observatory for his dwarf galaxy research project, he asked if I would be interested in working on the team.” Barkhouse says he occasionally runs into students such as Archer who are willing to tackle the exceptionally challenging work of becoming scientists. “I recognized that Haylee was a serious student, and she has proven able to handle complex research, including data


Members of a UND team of physics and astrophysics students recently went to Arizona to study distant dwarf galaxies using the Kitt Peak National Observatory (left). They are (left to right) Madina Sultanova, St. Cloud, Minn.; Sandanuwan Kalawila, Sri Lanka; Gregory Foote, Los Angeles; and Haylee Archer, Finley, N.D.

Photo: Joe Parks

gathering and analysis, both of which require a disciplined focus on details,” said Barkhouse. Archer aims to build a career in academic research. She plans to go on to a Ph.D. program in astrophysics.

Logging light years

So what is this project all about? “This research has to do with the large-scale structure of the universe and how galaxies formed,” said Barkhouse. “According to the best estimates of astronomers, there are at least 100 billion galaxies — maybe as many as 200 billion — in the observable universe. And to put that into perspective, there are billions of stars in each of these galaxies.” “Observable” is a relative term, according to Barkhouse. “We can only see a minute part of the universe at any one time—and even then, we’re working at scales that dwarf human understanding,” Barkhouse said. “For example, the dwarf galaxies that I sent my student team to Kitt Peak to observe contain ‘only’ millions of stars, while galaxies such as our own Milky Way contain many billions.”

And, he points out, the mega-distances in astronomy, mostly measured in light years, are tough to comprehend — who’s counting after a million miles (one light year, for example, is the distance covered by a beam of light in one year, or about 5.8 trillion miles, or the equivalent of about 63,000 trips to our Sun and back). “Galaxies are the building blocks of the universe,” Barkhouse said. “Our work is part of an ongoing quest by scientists worldwide to figure out how the universe evolved from an earlier state.” “So what we’re doing with our work here is to better grasp how star formation occurs, particularly in the context of dwarf galaxies,” Barkhouse said. “It’s an unsolved problem, which makes it an intriguing subject for research. We use the observations that we collect and the analyses that we perform and put that information into a computer simulation — we test the model by seeing if a dwarf galaxy we observe, pushed ahead by the model billions of years, matches what we see around us.” AR — Juan Miguel Pedraza University & Public Affairs writer

UNDalumni.org | 29


UND

Proud

OF NORTH ITY D S R

A OT AK

UN IV E

HONORING THE EXCEPTIONAL

d u o r P We’re proud of the faculty, staff, and students at the University of North Dakota for all they do to make UND an exceptional public research university. Take pride in your alma mater when you see how it’s being recognized regionally, nationally, and globally.

One of the Best

UND’s Student Wellness Center has been ranked as the 30th most luxurious college recreation center in the nation, according to collegerank.net. The website highlights the Wellness Center’s rock wall and cosmic climbing, complete with black lights, along with its outdoor recreation, such as the trails behind the building that provide excellent cross country skiing. The website also mentions the Wellness Center’s Culinary Corner, where students can learn how to make quick and healthy meals.

UND’s Children’s Learning Center has received pre-kindergarten approval and licensure from the North Dakota Department of Public Instruction. The UCLC provides childcare for children ranging from ages 18 months to 12, serving UND community members, along with members of the greater Grand Forks community.

% 4 9

UND again leads the nation in pass rates for the Nursing field’s qualifying exam for 2015. More than 94 percent of UND students passed the test. 30 | Alumni Review Spring 2016


%

UND’s online MBA program ranks among the top schools nationally according to Online MBA Report. OnlineU also ranked UND number 21 on its 2016 list of most affordable online colleges.

Iseminger Receives Regional Award

University of North Dakota Chester Fritz Distinguished Professor of History Gordon L. Iseminger recently became the second professor in two years from his university department to receive an award that recognizes dedication to historical research in the region. Iseminger accepted The Larry Rowen Remele Award from the 2014 winner, his colleague in the UND Department of History, Professor Kimberly Porter. The award is granted annually to a person who performs outstanding work for the Northern Great Plains History Conference. This conference features the research of historians on a variety of topics in local, regional, U.S., Canadian and world history. Iseminger has been a teacher and researcher at UND for the past 52 years.

Eight-time National Champion

The University of North Dakota Aerobatic Team flew past the competition last year to lock up yet another national championship – its eighth in a row. Earning this honor for UND were the following student competitors, in alphabetical order: • Alex Hunt, senior, Hallock, Minn., aviation management • Cameron Jaxheimer, graduated August 2015, Kingston, Wash., commercial aviation. • Estin Johnson, junior, Seattle, commercial aviation. • Patrick Mills, junior/senior, Houston, commercial aviation. • John Perillo, senior, Hudson, Wis., commercial aviation & Unmanned Aircraft Systems. • Christiaan Schrimpf, senior, Grants Pass, Ore., commercial aviation major with safety specialization. • Michael VanderMeulen, senior, Fargo, commercial aviation. • Alex Volberding, senior, Crystal, Minn., Unmanned Aircraft Systems. The team’s highest scoring competitors were Mills, Schrimpf and Perillo. Mills took the honor of top Collegiate Individual Competitor in the Sportsman or Higher Fight Category. Jaxheimer, flying in the Advanced Category, qualified at the U.S. National Aerobatic Championships to represent the United States with the U.S. Advanced Aerobatic Team at the World Advanced Aerobatic Championships to be held in Poland, later this year.

Professor Publishes Book

University of North Dakota Professor of English Michelle M. Sauer recently released her new book, Gender in Medieval Culture. The book provides a detailed examination of medieval society’s views on both gender and sexuality and shows how they are inextricably linked.

UNDalumni.org | 31


THIS IS YOUR

Legacy

CREATE THE FUTURE OF UND

Mapping a Legacy Dr. Gary Johnson, ‘65, ‘66, is establishing the first fully endowed scholarship for the Department of Geography and Geographic Information Science.

D

iana Johnson stood by her husband, Dr. Gary Johnson, ‘65, ‘66, as he completed his education at the University of North Dakota, working to support him the whole way. In 1966, Dr. Johnson had finished up both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees at UND. For her part, Diana earned some accolades of her own. “In those days the Alumni Association awarded a certificate called a ‘PHTC’, which is ‘Putting Hubby Through College,’” Dr. Johnson said. “They would have a banquet at the commencement in the spring and those who were supported by their spouse through their college years would be recognized. So the degree that [Diana] holds from the University of North Dakota is a PHTC, awarded by J. Lloyd Stone.” Dr. Johnson earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Geography, and completed his Ph.D. at Indiana State University. He was an instructor in UND’s Department of Geography and eventually served as the school’s interim Vice President for Research from 2007-08.

32 | Alumni Review Spring 2016

Diana passed away in 2013 after a battle with cancer, just a few months shy of the couple’s 50th anniversary. To honor his wife and her contributions, Dr. Johnson is establishing the Diana and Dr. Gary Johnson Memorial Scholarship Endowment. “She was not a graduate of the University of North Dakota, but she was very supportive as I worked on my bachelor’s degree,” said Johnson. The scholarship will be awarded annually to students within the Department of Geography and Geographic Information Science, and is expected to be the first fully endowed scholarship for the Department. “The Geography and Geographic Information Science Department is humbled by the generosity of Dr. Johnson in establishing this scholarship in memory of Diana,” said Dr. Gregory Vandeberg, chair of the Department. “This scholarship will have a big impact on our current students, and in helping to attract new students to the exciting field of geography.” As a former professor of geography at UND, Johnson is happy to make an impact on the Department with this gift.


Below: Dr. Gary Johnson has established the Diana and Dr. Gary Johnson Memorial Scholarship in honor of his wife, Diana, who passed away in 2013. Right: UND assistant professor Michael Niedzielski works with a student on the interdisciplinary “Mapping North Dakota” project.

“My first paying job was as an instructor of geography upon completing my master’s degree at UND in 1966,” Johnson said. “I taught in the department for a total of seven years, so I still have empathy for that department and like to follow its comings and goings.” Preference for receiving the scholarship will be given to students who are natives of North Dakota. “As a native North Dakotan, I wanted to be able to provide a scholarship for deserving students, with a priority for North Dakota students but to any student that was deemed worthy and in need of some support to continue their studies in the Department,” Johnson said. The scholarship was announced at the UND Gamma Theta Upsilon banquet last year, where Johnson served as keynote speaker and received the UND Geography Department’s Distinguished Alumni Award. He spent 46 years working in the field and holding positions in government and academia. Much of his work in the industry was focused in remote sensing and geographic information systems, and over his career he held positions with NASA, NOAA, and the United Nations Environment Program. After Johnson earned his master’s, UND received a National Science Foundation College Science Improvement award, allowing him and other junior faculty to pursue their Ph.Ds. While completing his Ph.D. at Indiana State, he served as a visiting researcher at Purdue University before entering his career field. Johnson returned to UND following a 26-year absence, serving as Executive Officer of the Upper Midwest Aerospace Consortium and as an adjunct professor in the Department of Geography.

Later, he moved into the office of the Vice President for Research in an associate position and was appointed interim Vice President for Research in 2007. During his tenure, UND surpassed the $100 million mark in annual research awards. Johnson acknowledges that his education from the University of North Dakota served as a launch pad for him to become such an accomplished member of his field. “It certainly gave me the grounding in the discipline of my choice,” he said. The opportunity to further his education that was provided through the National Science Foundation award also opened some important doors for Johnson. “It was actually in that time frame that I discovered remote sensing and served as a visiting researcher at Purdue University,” he said. “I got in on the ground floor of some early remote sensing experiments and applications.” Thanks to Dr. Johnson’s gift, those same kinds of doors may be opened for today’s students in the Department of Geography. — Gabriella Fundaro Scholarship endowments at the University of North Dakota require a minimum gift of $25,000 in order to start awarding scholarship payments. Gifts can be fulfilled as a series of pledges. The Diana and Dr. Johnson Memorial Scholarship Endowment is expected to be fully funded by the end of 2016. If you are interested in contributing to this generous scholarship award, please visit UNDalumni.org/GiveNow or call the UND Foundation at 701.777.2611. UNDalumni.org | 33


THIS IS YOUR

Legacy

CREATE THE FUTURE OF UND

Beaming with Pride

UND celebrates placement of the final beam atop the Collaborative Energy Complex

T

he crisp, frigid air didn’t keep a crowd of brave souls from witnessing something special at the University of North Dakota’s College of Engineering and Mines on Jan. 12. The UND campus and Grand Forks community, along with state and local officials, celebrated the emplacement of the final structural beam atop the College’s new Collaborative Energy Complex (CEC). The “Topping-Off” ceremony, held on the first full day of spring semester classes, took place on the CEC construction site near Leonard Hall. The determined workers placed the final beam in below-zero weather while a crowd of 50 cheered from below. Many of the onlookers had a chance to sign their names to the beam before it was hoisted into position. The 37,000-plus square-foot facility is nearing completion thanks to private funding and state match dollars. The new structure connects two existing facilities forming a major engineering education and research complex on campus that will

34 | Alumni Review Spring 2016

include Upson Hall I & II, Harrington Hall and the nearby Wilson M. Laird Core and Sample Library. In addition to providing state-of-the-art labs and multipurpose teaching centers, the new facility will provide space for interdisciplinary collaboration and innovation among students, faculty and industry representatives. While the CEC addition is slated to be complete later this year, fundraising for the project continues with the Open the Door Campaign. “We still need help in raising funds to open the door to the CEC,” said CEM Dean Hesham El-Rewini. “Our alumni and industry friends have been incredibly supportive, so we are confident they will unite in this final push to fully fund this remarkable building.” — Teresa DiGregorio University & Public Affairs student writer Photos: Shawna Noel Schill


Workers move the last structural beam into place on the CEC after it was signed by attendees (left and right) as North Dakota Sen. Phil Murphy and others look on (middle).

The Collaborative Energy Complex has been made possible through gifts from our alumni, industry friends, and the North Dakota State match program. But to open the door to our dream home, we need to unite in one last push for funding. We are asking for your help in finishing this project. By giving a gift of any size to the CEC, you will impact tomorrow’s graduates, UND, North Dakota, and the energy industry.

You hold the key.

Give at UNDalumni.org/OpenTheDoor

or contact Andrew Bjerke,‘01 AndrewB@UNDfoundation.org


WHAT IS

YOUR LEGACY?

You can benefit students at the University of North Dakota by making a gift in your will. Your generosity can cement your legacy and support students for years to come. Q. Why should I leave a gift in my will? A. Leaving a gift in your will to the University of North Dakota through the UND Foundation is a simple way to impact students. Anyone, no matter how rich or famous, can help shape a student’s future. Decades from now, centuries from now even, your gift will still be hard at work for students at the University of North Dakota. Q. How will my gift be used? A. You can choose to support scholarships, educators, or facilities of your choice. No matter what, you will be benefiting students for years to come. Have a program, college or school that means a lot to you? You can give to whatever means the most to you. You decide your legacy. Q. Is it easy to make a gift to UND in my will? A. Yes. You can contact a member of our Development team at 701.777.2611 or giftplanning@UNDfoundation.org. We can provide sample language for your will or trust. For more information on wills and other gift options, visit UND.giftlegacy.com, call 701.777.2611 or email giftplanning@UNDfoundation.org.


thank you DONORS

The UND Alumni Association & Foundation sincerely thanks all alumni and friends who have made gifts and commitments to support students, faculty, programs, and places at UND. Thank you for all that you do!

The following donors reached a new giving circle in the Eternal Flame Society between October 1 and December 31, 2015. * indicates deceased For more information about the Eternal Flame Society, visit UNDalumni.org/EternalFlame

WILLIAM BUDGE

$1,000,000 - $4,999,999 Edson Larson Foundation Charles & Carlen Fee Goehring

Circle

THOMAS CLIFFORD

$100,000 - $999,999

Circle

American Petroleum Institute - Williston Daniel Bauer Patricia A Beithon Dr. Michael & Donna Ebertz Donald & Joan Gorowsky Dr. John Gray & Karen Schmidt-Gray Dr. David C. Johnson & Karen Erdman Johnson Lois & Fred Madsen Wayne & Christi Rae Papke Bev & Casey Ryan Marlys E. Schuh, M.D. Strata Corporation Elaine E. Vig Caldis* Drs. Joshua Wynne & Susan Farkas

LEGACY

Circle

The Legacy Circle includes donors who have indicated they plan to give to the UND Foundation through their wills. Members of this circle have pledged to have their legacies live forever at the University of North Dakota. Gail M. Jones Daniel & JoEmily Nieuwsma

PRESIDENT’S $10,000 - $99,999

Don & Polly Aaser Mary & Quentin Anderson Patrick L. Buell Brooks F. Burgum Matthew N. Cavalli Douglas M. East David P. Eberly Epcon Partners Dr. C. Peter & Beverly Fischer Phyllis Dolyniuk Gifford Glen & Marilyn* Gustafson Brenda L. Haugen Thomas & Joanne Heck Leonard W. Hoffmann Maureen & Brent Holman Kenneth W. C. Hung Ronald L. Jenson, M.D. Dr. Gary & Diana* Johnson Walter & Melissa Johnson Mel & Faye Kindel Dr. Robert & Joyce Knodell Pamela & Paul Lander Lori Martindale

Circle

Bruce & Sharon Miller Dr. Linda & Marc Well Nagel Chester E. Nelson, Jr. Jill J. Newby-Forte & Stephen A. Forte O. Henning & Jeanne Olson Estate Real Property, Probate and Trust Section of the State Bar Craig J. Riendeau Roger A. Royse Dr. Mark & Gloria Sanford Scheels All Sports Dr. Sara J. Schultz Arlene B. Skjervem Estate John R. Solberg Cameron R. Stewart Estate Robert Thom, M.D. Travis O’Neel Scholarship Endowment Kenneth & Debra Vein

UPCOMING EVENT Women for Philanthropy Women for Philanthropy brings women together to embrace philanthropy, network, and share experiences. You’re invited to this inspirational luncheon to feel the power of your own philanthropy and strengthen your connection to the University of North Dakota. Three UND seniors will be awarded the Women for Philanthropy scholarship. These outstanding students have shown leadership and philanthropy in service to others both on campus and around the community.

Wednesday, April 13, 2016 | 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. Gransberg Community Room | Gorecki Alumni Center Keynote by UND First Lady Nancy Schafer Visit UNDalumni.org/wfp for more information.

UNDalumni.org | 37


THIS IS YOUR

Legacy

CREATE THE FUTURE OF UND

Meet a Student Kimber Weathersby

Tioga, North Dakota Kinesiology and Pre-Occupational Therapy, ’17 Why did you choose UND?

I first visited Grand Forks in 2009 with my family as a junior high student. We were in town for a football game, and were also privileged to tour the Ralph Engelstad Arena for the very first time. Following our tour I was able to explore UND’s campus with my parents and we all completely fell in love with the campus and the people we met within the community. My junior year of high school I decided that I wanted to pursue a degree in health science and with UND’s promising programs in that field, it really just seemed like it was meant to be.

What is your dream career? Someday I would love to work as an Occupational Therapist and

specialize in Gerontology. In the past I have worked as a Certified Nursing Assistant in both a hospital and a long-term care setting. Through this experience I was able to realize how big of an impact can be made in the lives of the geriatric population by being a thoughtful health care professional. As an Occupational Therapist my biggest dream is to help each of my future clients to live their lives to the best quality possible.

38 | Alumni Review Spring 2016

How is UND helping you realize that dream?

When I began college at UND as a freshman, I had my heart set on pursuing a degree in Physical Therapy. However, like many other students do in their first couple of years of school, I changed my mind. And I have the Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy departments at UND to thank. It was the faculty of the Physical Therapy department who encouraged me to volunteer as much as possible in as many settings as possible as an underclassman. And it was the Occupational Therapy department that welcomed me to my new major with open arms once I was able to find my true passion through my volunteer work. Right away the faculty helped me feel confident in my decision to change my major by equipping me with all of the information I needed as well as access to a network of students with my new major. How has the power of philanthropy helped you shape your legacy? Throughout my three years at the University of North Dakota I have had the privilege of being awarded scholarships from the Elmer Ness Scholarship Trust, Alva J. Field Memorial Trust and the Tioga Area Dollars for Scholars annually. Thanks to these scholarships and the support that I have received from my family, I have been able to dedicate some of my free time to student organizations.


ADVANCE CLASSROOM INNOVATION University of North Dakota Annual Impact Fund

THIS IS

YOUR LEGACY.

One of the coolest things we’ve done with the UND Annual Impact Fund is create two SCALE-UP classrooms. The SCALE-UP classrooms facilitate interactive, team-based activities that revolve around inquiry and creative problem solving. They transform what normally would be large, lecture-based courses into small, discussion-based experiences with students at the center of instruction and learning.

“The SCALE-UP room fosters a student-centered, collaborative learning environment. The format of the room allows me to interact with small teams of students on a more personal level to help them learn and focus on the concepts that they struggle with the most. Students learn best by doing — not just by listening.” Dr. Jeffrey Carmichael Associate Professor, Biology


ALUMNI

news

UPDATES FROM AROUND THE WORLD

DO YOU REMEMBER…

Professor Ernie Norman? Norman spent 35 years on the faculty of the Department of Social Work, including 17 years as the chair of the department. Among his many accomplishments, Norman pioneered the Social Work Distance Education program at UND, the first of its kind in the nation. Norman died in 1999.

1960s Remember when, in

1966, the UND baseball team started playing on a new diamond at the west end of University Avenue? In previous seasons, the team played at Stauss Park in East Grand Forks. 1960 Duane Littlejohn, ‘60, received an award for service to Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity. Littlejohn served as president of the fraternity during his time on campus.

40 | Alumni Review Spring 2016

1966 Starla Anderson, ‘66, has created an extensive website documenting her family’s history in North Dakota, Saskatchewan and elsewhere. Anderson is retired after more than 40 years working as a teacher and researcher. She lives in Victoria, British Columbia. 1967 Joan (Meyers) Baker, ‘67, was selected for a second term on the Board of Directors for the United States Tennis Association (USTA). The USTA is the national governing body for the sport of tennis in the U.S. and the leader in promoting and developing the growth of tennis at every level. It owns and operates the U.S. Open and selects the teams for the Davis Cup, Fed Cup,

Olympic and Paralympic Games. Baker serves as the Chair of the Audit Committee.

1970s Remember when, in

1974, Mike Halstenson received the first Lawrence Welk music scholarship? Halstenson is currently the longtime music director at Anoka (Minn.) High School. He is also a composer whose works have been performed by the St. Paul Chamber Orchestra, Minnesota Orchestra, and the University of Minnesota Opera.

1971 Howard Dahl, ‘71, was honored by the country of Kazakhstan for doing business with the nation for 25 years. Dahl is the president/CEO of Amity Technology and Honorary Consul of Kazakhstan in North Dakota. Dr. Ray Gerszewski, ‘71, ‘75, ‘84, has retired after 32 years with Mayville (N.D.) State University. Most of his tenure was spent as vice president for student affairs. Melinda (Martin) Rice, ’71, had a chapbook of poetry, “Sea Fever,” published in February by Finishing Line Press.


1972 Leigh Jeanotte, ‘72, ‘74, ‘81, Director of UND’s American Indian Student Services for the last 40 years, has been selected as this year’s Paul V. Boswell Community Scholar Award recipient.

Frank Haynes, ‘80, is the executive director for Helping Hands Outreach in Holdingford, Minn. The nonprofit organization provides services, education and support to older adults and adults with disabilities in Stearns County.

Patrick Zavoral, ‘72, is a senior management consultant in the Fargo office of AE2S. Prior to joining AE2S, Zavoral worked 37 years for the city of Fargo.

1983 James Traynor, ‘83, is chairman of the North Dakota Economic Development Foundation board of directors. Traynor is the director of partner development with Intelligent InSites in Fargo.

1973 Wayne Dewald, ‘73, was inducted into the UND Accountancy Hall of Fame during Homecoming 2015. Dewald retired in 2014 after a long career spent mostly with Deloitte. Dewald lives in San Jose, Calif. Margaret Landry, ‘73, ‘78, is a licensed acupuncturist who has opened an acupuncture office in Grand Forks. She treats adults and children. 1975 Daniel S. Kuntz, ’75, ‘78, has been named general counsel and secretary for MDU Resources Group.

1980s Remember when, in

1982, the street in front of Merrifield Hall was renamed “Centennial Drive” in anticipation of the 1983 UND Centennial? 1980 Patricia (Jacobs) Fern, ‘80, has retired after spending 27 years as a Social Worker for Mountrail County Social Services.

1984 Lynn (Volker) Homgren, ‘84, is vice president of customer care for Comcast’s Keystone Region (parts of Pennsylvania, eastern Ohio, West Virginia and Maryland).

1990s Remember when, in

1993, Bruce Dekrey, a Bismarck, N.D. farmer, became the first person to earn a master’s degree from UND entirely through classes offered over the North Dakota Interactive Video Network? 1991 Rick Volk, ‘91, is Senior Litigation Counsel with the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Fargo. 1992 Marina Spahr, ‘92, is Senior Assistant States Attorney for Burleigh County (N.D.).

1993 Neil Brackin, ‘93, is president of Weather Modification, Inc., an atmospheric research and cloud seeding company based in Fargo. 1995 Steven Rosenau, ‘95, has been promoted to treasurer at American Crystal Sugar in Moorhead, Minn. He has been with the company for 21 years. 1996 Sharon Busche, ‘96, published a book about her hometown’s history. The book is called “Verona North Dakota HistoryThe James J. Stephens Story.” Aaron Garman, ‘96, has been named North Dakota Family Physician of the Year.

Teresa (Geigle) Larkin, ‘84, ‘86, is the Principal of New Branches Charter Academy in Grand Rapids, Mich. 1985 Kimberly (Stockstad) Olson, ‘85, is a physical therapist for Pediatric Therapy Partners Fargo clinic. Peter Schmit, ‘85, ‘89, has been elected president of the Minnesota Association for Justice. Schmit is a partner and chair of the Personal Injury and Medical Malpractice Group at Robins Kaplan LLP, a national law firm with headquarters in Minneapolis. 1988 Marie Hvidsten, ‘88, has been honored for her work as director of the North Dakota State University Extension Service’s Rural Leadership North Dakota Program.

A Trip to Remember Some UND alumni and friends traveled together to Europe and sent along this photo taken in Burgundy, France. Pictured left to right are: Jim, ’62, and Barbara (Wood), ’62, Williams; Tim, ’71, and Becky O’Keefe; Bard, ’70, and Nicki (House), ..’71, Baukol, Jody (Stibbe), ’74, and Rick, ’68, Burgum; and Deborah (Hagen), ..’70, and David, ’70, Iverson. Not pictured: Lisa Wheeler, ’75, ’82, and Tom Wold, ’60, ’62.

UNDalumni.org | 41


ALUMNI

news

UPDATES FROM AROUND THE WORLD

Jay Kleven, ‘96, has been hired as a Senior Project Manager for AE2S in the firms Grand Forks office. 1997 Ross Johnson, ‘97, has been hired as a paint department sales consultant at Grand Fork’s Sterling Carpet one. Jennifer Klemetsrud Puhl, ‘97, ‘00, is a Criminal Supervisor in the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Fargo.

1998 Tami DeCoteau-Kwant, ‘98, has received the Distinguished Alumni Award from the UND Department of Psychology. DeCoteau-Kwant is a clinic psychologist in Bismarck, N.D. She is an expert in cross-cultural considerations involving American Indians and psychology.

Scott Kutscher, ‘98, was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel in the U.S. Army in October. He is currently stationed at West Point, N.Y. 1999 Lindsey (Knoop) Anderson, ‘99, has been hired as an internal auditor at First Western Bank & Trust.

April (Klinker) Kraemer, ‘98, is manager of outreach therapy services for Altru Health System in Grand Forks.

2000s Remember when, in

2005, UND Athletics celebrated 100 years of Men’s Basketball? 2000 Anthony Swain Benson, ‘00, has been appointed to the position of North Dakota Northeast Judicial District Judge. Benson had been the Bottineau County Assistant States Attorney for 10 years. 2002 Daniel Cramer, ‘02, is director of the South Central Human Services Center in Jamestown, N.D. He is a clinical psychologist who has worked for the North Dakota Department of Human Services since 2007. 2003 Daniel El-Dweek, ‘03, ‘06, is a district judge in North Dakota’s Northwest Judicial District. Brooks Grotte, ’03, ‘06, is promoted to assistant vice president-credit at Choice Financial’s Bismarck, N.D. location.

Postcard from the Past UND graduate John Gargrave, ’57, came across this 110-year-old postcard at an East Coast antique shop. It features a panoramic photo of the UND campus that was taken in 1905. The card was sent from Flora Naylor of Larimore, North Dakota, to a friend in Denver, Colorado. In the note written on the back of the card, Flora wrote that her son Ralph would soon be attending the ‘U.’ Ralph Naylor did in fact attend UND. Despite being listed in the 1910 Dakotah annual as having been freshman class president and excellent in Chemistry and Geology, Ralph left UND without receiving a degree.

42 | Alumni Review Spring 2016

Melanie Nadeau, ‘03, has received the Alan Allery Health Research Award at the American Indian Health Research Conference. Nadeau is a doctoral student in Epidemiology at the University of Minnesota. She was recognized for her research of breast cancer among Native American women. Krista Stone, ‘03, is a mental health therapist with St. Sophie’s Psychiatric Clinic in Fargo. 2004 Jennifer (Pederson) Brekhus, ‘04, ‘06, is a physical therapy manager with CHI Mercy Hospital in Devils Lake, N.D.


2005 Melissa (Heikes) Artlip, ‘05, is the director of university marketing for the University of Mary in Bismarck, N.D. David Jenson, ‘05, has been elected as a partner in the Minneapolis law firm Stinson Leonard Street LLP. Jenson represents businesses in the broadcasting, manufacturing, financial services, energy and medical technology industries.

Chris Moen, ‘05, is branch manager of Alerus Financial’s Banksouth location in Grand Forks. Marie Vetter, ‘05, is the owner of Chicago Hearing Services, a private Audiology practice in Chicago, Ill. 2006 Rebecca (Rustvang) Vigen, ‘06, ‘13, has joined the interventional pain management team at Altru

1955

Fickle Mother Nature You can experience just about any kind of weather in any season in Grand Forks, and these photos prove that it has always been that way – even in the winter. James Thysell, ’58, sent the Alumni Review these photos of his experiences delivering mail as a student in December 1955 and 1956. As you can see, in the ’55 photo, he is bundled up for typical winter

Professional Center in Grand Forks. Vigen is a certified nurse practitioner. 2008 Paige Anderson, ‘08, is an accounting administrator with Onsharp in Fargo. Brooke Downs, ‘08, has been promoted to Credit Tech/CSR Job share at Choice Financial in Langdon, N.D.

Beverly Larson, ‘08, is a facility coordinator at Prairie Harvest Mental Health in Grand Forks, where she manages a group home for adults with serious mental illnesses. She also mentors at-risk youth in the Grand Forks community. 2009 Paul Campbell, ‘09, ‘12, is a partner in Kennelly Business Law in Fargo after merging his law office with Kennelly.

1956

weather, but the next year he was able to wear shorts on his route! Weather data for Grand Forks shows the highest temperature in December 1956 was 46 degrees on December 2, 11 degrees warmer than the highest temperature for all of December 1955. The mean temperature in December 1956 was 39 degrees – a full 10 degrees higher than the mean December temperature in 1955. What a difference a year makes!

UNDalumni.org | 43


Jacqueline DeMolee, ‘09, ‘12, is an advisor in One Stop Student Services at the University of North Dakota. Tony Trimarco, ‘09, is the special projects coordinator for the Greenwood Lake, N.Y., Chamber of Commerce. He is facilitating a strategic planning process designed to improve and grow the local economy.

2010s Remember when, in

2012, Pat Nybo retired as secretary/receptionist for the Department of Music? Nybo had spent 52 years with UND and the state of North Dakota.

Social Takeover Social media has evolved the way we share information, how we communicate with each other, and how we stay connected. It has become such a staple that jobs have been created solely to “tweet” and “post.” The University of North Dakota Alumni Association & Foundation aims to use social media as a platform to connect students, Kahlhamer alumni, and friends of the University. In fact, the UND Alumni Association recently unintentionally connected two former UND resident assistants (RAs) through its Twitter account (@UND_Alumni). Cullen Rude and Max Kahlhamer both graduated from UND in 2008, Rude with a Master of Arts in counseling and Kahlhamer with a Bachelor of Science in commercial aviation. “It was all kind of random,” KahlhamRude er said of the Twitter reconnection. “It was move-in weekend in Grand Forks and my wife and I were in town for something and there were just so many moms, dads, and kids walking around. It was just fun to see all the excitement and it reminded me of moving in as a freshman and being an RA, helping other people move in. It was a lot of fun. So I figured I’d just throw it on Twitter, and then the Alumni Association retweeted it.” And that’s when Cullen Rude replied. “After I saw that he replied, I thought ‘Cullen! I know him.’ So I followed him and we chatted for a little bit. It was a lot of fun; it was really cool to catch up that way,” said Kahlhamer. “I saw a retweet of Max, and I wondered how he was doing, so I added him and his wife, Erica, on Twitter and we kind of just went back and forth a couple times,” said Rude. “At the very least, I’ll now see his tweets and what he has going on in life.” Rude currently lives in New York, where running into UND alumni is limited. “Every now and then I’ll run into a pilot, but it’s very rare,” Rude said. “So online, ‘running into people is really fun and a cool way to get and stay connected.”

44 | Alumni Review Spring 2016

2010 Preston Page, ‘10, ‘12, has been recognized by Prairie Business magazine as one of the Top 40 Under 40 award winners. Page is the owner of Page Petroleum LLC, a partner in Quantum Industries, and the owner of Intuitive Innovations in Bottineau, N.D. Robert Bryan Rainbow Jr., ‘10, ‘14, is one of 22 tribal citizens in the Dakotas and Minnesota selected to the Bush Foundation’s Native Nation Rebuilders program. 2011 Jennifer Gudding, ‘11, has earned her behavior analyst licensure in North Dakota. She works at the North Dakota Autism Center in West Fargo.

2013 Travis Albers, ‘13, is one of 22 tribal citizens in the Dakotas and Minnesota selected to the Bush Foundation’s Native Nation Rebuilders program. Albers works as a program coordinator with the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe. Jessica Gilbertson, ‘13, is the foundation director for Missouri Slope Lutheran Care Center in Bismarck, N.D. Dan Lissick, ‘13, is GIS specialist with AE2S. He works in the firm’s Fargo office. John Safranksi, ‘13, was awarded the Mike Gish “Top 10” honor at Northwestern Mutual’s annual meeting.

Annah (Klamm) Hannasch, ‘11, is an account coordinator with Flint Group, a marketing and communication network of agencies. Hannasch works at the Fargo office.

2014 Dan Jacobson, ‘14, embarked on the longest open-water swim race in America, a 36 mile race in the Red River, to raise money to provide meals for refugees across the world.

Brice Welch, ‘11, is a branch manager with Bremer Bank at its Grand Forks North location.

Cheri Poitra, ‘14, is superintendent of the McClusky (N.D.) Public School District.

2012 Anne Gillie, ‘12, is a team leadbenefit account specialist with Discovery Benefits in Fargo.

Madelynne (Roth) Sager, ‘14, has been hired as a physical therapist at Pediatric Therapy Partners in Fargo.

Rachel Hoffman, ‘12, is a 2015 compliance analyst with Town & John Roll, ‘15, has been hired Country Credit Union in Fargo. as clinical nurse specialist in the pain management department Kristina Holtgard, ‘12, is a at Essentia Health in Fargo. client account manager with Choice Financial in West Fargo. Matthew Zimney, ‘15, has joined the Wilson Law Firm in Janie Schroeder-Herman, Garrison, N.D. He focuses on ‘12, ‘15, is one of 22 tribal family law and criminal law. AR citizens in the Dakotas and Minnesota selected to the Bush The information for Class News Foundation’s Native Nation is compiled from newspapers, Rebuilders program. Schroeder- online postings, reader Herman is the chief clerk of submissions, and the UND AA&F court for the Mandan, Hidatsa database. If you spot an error, and Arikara Nation District please email alumnireview@ Court. UNDalumni.net.


MEET WITH

US

Corporate Retreats Conferences & Workshops Board Meetings Banquets & Receptions 701.777.4408 thegorecki.com


ADDITIONS 1

Aaron, ’04, ’05, and Lisa (Adam), ’05, Orwick welcomed their third child, Alex William Orwick on Aug. 17, 2015. Alex joined his older siblings Ella and Adam at their home in Eden Prairie, Minnesota.

2

Adam McCracken, ’02, and his wife, Tina, along with big sister Addison have welcomed Finnegan Daniel to their family. Finnegan was born on July 2, 2015. The McCrackens live in Bloomer, Wisconsin.

3

Todd, ’03, and Lacie (Silha) Van Orman, ’06, are the proud parents of Collins Josephine, born Sept. 3, 2015. The Van Ormans reside in Bismarck, North Dakota.

4

Philip, ’10, and Ashlee Lee, ’10, welcomed Macey Marie on July 8, 2015. Big brother Silas is excited to have a sister. The Lees reside in McIntosh, Minnesota.

5

Tanner and Brittany (Foertsch) Johnson, ’05, welcomed Rook Patrick Johnson to the world on Dec. 28, 2015. He joins his big sister, Maris, at home in Grand Forks.

6

Karissa (Larter), ’09, and Oliver Burr, ’09, are the proud parents of Elliott, born Oct. 18, 2015. The family resides in Omaha, Nebraska.

7

Jackson William Bruss was born Sept. 13, 2014, to Jon Bruss, ’05, and his wife Sarah. Jon, Sarah, Jackson and his sister, Adalyn, live in Cologne, Minnesota.

CELEBRATIONS 8

Stephanie Schaub, ’15, and Scott Gabert, ’13, were married on Sept. 19, 2015. The Gaberts live in Fairborn, Ohio.

9

Amanda Kubasch, ’13, and Christopher Dahl, ’13, were married on March 22, 2014. Pictured from left to right are Alex Bjerke, Brooke Kubasch, ’15, Adrian Galassi, ’14, Arielle Piekkola, ’13, Christopher Dahl, ’13, Amanda Dahl, ’13, Kaley Schmidt, Tyler Earls, Travis Earls, and Michael Dahl. The Dahls live in Fort Rucker, Alabama. If you would like your addition or celebration to be included in the next Alumni Review, send a high resolution photo to alumnireview@ UNDalumni.net. We do not accept Facebook or mobile uploads. Photos will be published in the order in which they were received, space permitting, and at the discretion of Alumni Review staff. We look forward to helping you celebrate!

46 | Alumni Review Spring 2016

1

2

3


4

6

5

8 9

7


In Memoriam

It is with great honor we dedicate these pages to alumni and friends of the University of North Dakota who have recently passed away. These members of the alumni family helped ignite the spirit of UND, paving the way for a bright future.

1930s

Nels Ellertson, ..’37, Grand Forks Ruth (Leum) Ulrich, ’38, Caliente, Nev. C. Francis Swanke, ’39, ’40, Grand Forks

1940s

Charlotte (Pathmann) Otterberg, ’40, Mobridge, S.D. Arden Vie, ’41, Pasco, Wash. Elaine (Johnson) Vig Caldis, ’41, Saint Louis Park, Minn. Robert Heen, MD, ’42, ’44, Portola Valley, Calif. Lt. Col. Clifford Olesen, ’42, Gainesville, Fla. Richard Arnason, ’43, Martinez, Calif. Mae (Gilbertson) DeGrote, ’43, Clara City, Minn. Leonard Gryte, ..’43, Grand Forks George Pratt, ..’44, Fargo Patricia (Houston) Marburger, ..’45, Williston, N.D. Richard Leet, ..’46, Devils Lake, N.D. Ruth Lerud, ..’46, Denver Esther (Grorud) McClintock, ’46, Rugby, N.D. Phyllis (Berg) Campbell, ..’47, Minot, N.D. Mary (Baldwin) Crist, ’47, Pasadena, Calif. Alan Adams, ’48, ’53, Mesa, Ariz. Jack August, ’48, Bellevue, Wash. Shirley (Trapp) Dixon, ’48, Bismarck Walter Gomer, ’48, Lafayette, Calif. Jerome Arndt, ..’49, Dallas Martin James, ’49, Houston Robert Moses, ’49, Santa Fe, N.M.

1950s

John Achttien, ’50, Moorhead, Minn. Nace Halpin, ’50, Rathdrum, Idaho Allen Heneman, ’50, Surprise, Ariz. Norman Jenson, ’50, Las Vegas, Nev. Sybil (Kelly) Knudson, ..’50, Crookston, Minn. Kermont Mickelson, ’50, Dallas Phyllis (Brown) Rowe, ’50, Owatonna, Minn. James Fenelon, ’51, Eden Prairie, Minn. Duane Liffrig, ’51, Bismarck Kenneth Matson, ’51, Valley City, N.D. Harvey Rhodes, ’51, Glendale, Ariz. Robert Steinbach, ’51, Bismarck Richard Bechtel, ..’52, Palm Springs, Calif. Duane Henry, ’52, Gill, Colo. Robert Boeder, ’53, Fargo

48 | Alumni Review Spring 2016

Paul Rohde, ’53, ’59, Saint Paul, Minn. Robert Carriere, ’54, Foley, Minn. Marilyn (Aandahl) Johnson, ’54, Brattleboro, Vt. Col. Hugh Thorfinnson, MD, ’54, Fort Ransom, N.D. Zane Gray, ’55, Argyle, Texas Dolores (Munger) King, ’55, Grand Forks Robert Anderson, ’56, Northfield, Minn. John Behl, ’56, Bloomington, Minn. Joan (Anderson) Berg, ’56, Peoria, Ill. Melvin Just, ’56, Wishek, N.D. Jerome Kopp, ’56, ’57, Modesto, Calif. Dr. Harvey McMullen, ’56, ’65, Mayville, N.D. Mary (McDonald) Peel, ’56, Denver Robert Peterson, ’56, Saint Paul, Minn. Rueben Storsteen, ’56, Phoenix, Ariz. Jack Wilson, ’56, Green Valley, Ariz. Joseph Dvorak, ’57, Merritt Island, Fla. Col. Richard Goven, ’57, Colorado Springs, Colo. Robert Jennings, MD, ’57, ’60, Bismarck Arthur Johnson, ’57, Bismarck Jean (Mehus) Mlinar, ’57, Chapel Hill, N.C. Lyle Schei,’57, Avon, Minn. Hans Walker Jr., ’57, ’60, Alexandria, Va. Betty (Rude) Galloway, ’58, Moorhead, Minn. Dr. Robert DuFresne, ’59, Winona, Minn. Keith Flom, ’59, Edina, Minn. Everett McKay, ’59, Longmont, Colo. Robert Schnell, ..’59, Grand Forks Ronald Stauss, ..’59, Baudette, Minn. Ervin Zavalney, PE, ’59, Punta Gorda, Fla.

1960s

Ray Adams, ..’60, Middlebury, Ind. Ardith (Twaddle) Aiken, ’60, Kalispell, Mont. Robert Alinder, ’60, Buffalo, Wyo. Lawrence Leclerc, ’60, ’66, Fargo Richard Mays, ’60, Muscatine, Iowa Leon Middleton, ’60, Sunnyside, Wash. Lucy (Vossler) Pfau, ..’60, Mesa, Ariz. Peter Riehle, ’60, Stillwater, Minn. Colleen (Igoe) Holtan, ..’61, Garrison, N.D. Arne Leom, ..’61, Watford City, N.D. Myron Schmidt, ’61, Kalamazoo, Mich. James Emch, MD, ’62, Seattle Edmund Motl, ’62, Dilworth, Minn. Robert Peterson, ’62, Terrell, Texas Mark Skjei, ’62, Fargo Kay (Bryant) Anderson, ’63, Inverness, Fla.

David Beach, ’63, Grand Forks Dr. Alfred Kaisershot, ’63, Normal, Ill. Robert Schulte, ’63, Duluth, Minn. Curtis Haga, ’64, Eden Prairie, Minn. Myrna (Dunlop) Haga, ’64, Edinburgh, United Kingdom Keith Robertson, ’64, ’66, Breckenridge, Minn. Erling Brostuen, ’65, Sedalia, Colo. Betty (Study) Iljana, ’65, Newcastle, Calif. Edwin Zuern, ’65, Bismarck Alfred Bortke, ..’66, Bismarck Lambert Brunkhorst, ’66, Warroad, Minn. Roy Davidson, ’66, Winnipeg, Manitoba C. Gary Pramhus, MD, ’66,’67, Pelican Rapids, Minn. Maj. Reed Prestgard, ’66, Orem, Utah Duane Tweden, ’66, Reno, Nev. Ronald Workman, ..’66, Carmichael, Calif. Pearl (Brietzke) Brostuen, ..’67, Sedalia, Colo. Leo Guckenberg, ..’67, Fort Wayne, Ind. Marie (McLaughlin) Hanken, ’67, Mandan, N.D. Dr. Peter Iverson, ’68, Springfield, Mo. Colleen (Harrington) Rekdal, ’68, Steele, N.D. Vance Rekdal, ’68, ’79, Steele, N.D. Charles Stowman, ’68, Valley City, N.D. Major Frederic Walsh (RET), ’69, Lancaster, Calif. Dr. Helene Zimmerman, ’69, Mount Pleasant, Mich.

1970s

Prudence (Aafedt) Halvorsen, ’70, Mansfield, Texas Dale Hurt, ’70, New Salem, N.D. Dr. Loren Jechort, ’70, ’78, Bismarck Carol (Dahl) Paulsen, ’70, Devils Lake, N.D. Dr. Takenori Aso, ’71, Fullerton, Calif. James Genereux, ’71, Minnetonka, Minn. Linda Mabry, ’71, Atlanta Eunice (McKay) Whiteman, ..’71, Fort Totten, N.D. Mary Huntley, ’72, Hyde Park, Vt. Dr. Helen LaMar, ’72, ’77, ’84, Minot, N.D. Lois (Strock) Larsen, ’72, ’79, Waubun, Minn. Philip Nelson, ’72, ’80, ’86, Bismarck Gordon Panzer, ..’72, Grand Forks Irene (Glickson) Rossman, ’72, Minneapolis David Ballingrud, ’73, Saint Petersburg, Fla. Judy (Vatsaas) Clausen, ’73, Minneapolis Siri (Ellisen) Eisenmann, ’73, Mandan, N.D. Paul Haugen, ..’73, Edmore, N.D.


Randall Skorheim, ’73, ’78, Mesa, Ariz. Gregory Negard, ..’74, Bemidji, Minn. John Obie, ..’74, Grand Forks Bruce Olson, ’74, New England, N.D. Janice (Mauch) Peterson, ’74, Grand Forks Hugh Robinson, ..’75, Bismarck Genevieve (Larson) Brandt,’76, Bemidji, Minn. Orvin Hastad, ..’78, Merrifield, Minn. Curtis LeBeau, ’78, Anadarko, Okla. Velia Salas, ’78, Mc Laughlin, S.D. Michael Schlosser, MD, ’78, ’87, Aberdeen, S.D. Brad Spaulding, ..’78, Milford, Utah Lois Callies, ’79, ’80, Milnor, N.D. Nancy Ludwig, ’79, Langdon, N.D.

1980s

Thomas Kaiser, ’80, East Grand Forks, Minn. Dorothy (Kessler) Oster, ..’80, Belfast, Maine Sheldon Idso, ’81, Clive, Iowa George Hsu, MD, ’82, ’84, Elgin, N.D. Duane Mickelson, ’82, Hawley, Minn. David Roberts, ..’82, Gig Harbor, Wash. Joseph Wood, ’82, Spokane, Wash. Mary (Brathovde) Mannes, ..’83, Grand Forks Susan (Delisle) Higginbotham, ’85, ’99, Bemidji, Minn. Jodie (Engberg) Skibicki, ’85, Katy, Texas

1990s

Mark Bullis, ’90, Burnsville, Minn. Lynda (Menke) Cartier, ’90, Gipsonton, Fla. Scott Dub, ’90, Strasburg, N.D. Richard Waslaski, ’91, Crookston, Minn. Kory Wahl, ’93, Bismarck Dr. William Young, ’93, ’00, Grand Forks Sandy Rhody, ..’94, Toronto, S.D. Joel Bergland, ’95, Moorhead, Minn. Stevens Johnson, ’95, Bemidji, Minn. Travis Vorachek, ’95, Grand Forks Troy Basaraba, ’96, Cloquet, Minn. Dolores Linn, ’96, Lane, S.D. Ryan Murphy, ’96, Katy, Texas Jacqueline Farrell, ..’98, Larimore, N.D. Tobias Klipfel, ..’99, Mandan, N.D.

2000s

Renee Mayer, ’01, New Town, N.D. Cynthia Martine, MD, ’04, Harvey, N.D. Susan (Berg) Kale, ’06, Rapid City, S.D. Robert Hooper, ’14, Brandon, Minn.

Blanche (Brosseau) Passa, East Grand Forks, Minn. Gary Ricke, Grand Forks Ronald Roth, Grand Forks Richard Gunville, Grand Forks James Nickson, Grand Forks Virginia (Burckhard) Rieger, Grand Forks

Friends

Richard Davis, MD, Leawood, Kan. Eunice (Kirking) Dockter, Bismarck Larry Drummer, Mentor, Minn. Richard Felton, Grand Forks Cheryl Grabinski, East Grand Forks, Minn. Donald Gravdahl, Grand Forks Mae (Newman) Howe, Grand Rapids, Minn. Dr. Donald Matthies, Rosburg, Wash. Ruth Ralph, Burbank, Calif. C.J. Sandberg, Saint Paul, Minn. Myrna Tarnasky, Hayden, Idaho Marvin Thorson, Lakota, N.D. Abalo Nunyakpe, MD, Milwaukee

Faculty/Staff

William Boehle, Altamonte Springs, Fla. Esther Jodock, Fargo Birdie (Anderson) Jorgenson, Grand Forks

UNDalumni.org | 49


THE

wrap

TIDBITS, NEWS AND NOTES FROM THE UND AA&F

Winter 2015

INSIDE: 25 years of the UND Champions Club on p. 32.

THE KELLEY YEARS

UND in MSP is Back!

The UND Alumni Association & Foundation is proud to bring the third event in the series to the Summit Brewery in St. Paul from 5 – 7 p.m. on April 21. Summit Brewery CEO Mark Stutrud, ’75, will be the featured speaker. It costs $25 to attend. Refreshments and hors d’oeuvres will be served. Make your reservations now at UNDalumni.org/UNDinMSP. To see a complete list of alumni events planned around the U.S., visit UNDalumni.org/events.

50 | Alumni Review Spring 2016

A look back at the tenure of UND’s 11th president as Robert and Marcia Kelley prepare to leave Grand Forks. P. 6

Find the Flame Winners!

The flame proved to be hidden quite well on the cover of the winter issue of the Alumni Review. Many people thought they saw it on Marcia Kelley’s coat or in her hair, but the true location of the hidden flame was on the garbage can (see above). Our three winners of a prize package from the Alumni Association & Foundation are Don Heavirland, Mark Beedy, and Travis Stepan. Their names were drawn at random from the list of names of those who found the flame. Make sure to try your luck at finding the flame on the cover of this issue for your chance to win!

Prize Winner!

Kate Crook, ’12, was the winner of the UND Alumni Association & Foundation’s Go Green in Denver contest. We asked alumni and friends to share their photos from the February UND/Denver series in Colorado on Instagram and Twitter with the hashtag #GoGreeninDenver in order to win a UND Athletics polo shirt. Kate shared this photo of her and her father, Tim, ’71, ’73, before one of the games with the caption “Families that alumni together stay together. Another year of our father-daughter UND vs. DU tradition.” Follow the UND Alumni Association and Foundation on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and Snapchat to stay connected to your University and to take part in future contests!


Pifer’s AUCTION & REALTY and Land Management

Land Auctions • Farm Land Management Real Estate • Machinery Auctions Commercial Auctions • Residential Auctions

“One of the largest land auction companies in America,”

- Land Report Magazine 2015

Pifer’s Exclusively Offers Drone Technology for Land Management Profiles! Record high farmland prices have prompted many farmland owners to hire professional managers to manage their land. This asset class has experienced unprecedented returns in recent years. What’s more, farmland owners have decided to capitalize on these record high prices by selling their land. Either way, the firm to call is Pifer’s.

Land Management Pifer’s specializes in managing farmland for individuals, families, retirees and investors. Pifer’s team of farmland managers are seasoned negotiators, astute managers and the best in their field.

Land Sales Pifer’s, the 4th largest land auction company in America, sells 50,000 acres annually. Call for a free consultation today for recommendation on selling your land. The hallmark of Pifer’s is to consistently do the very best for its clients.

Kevin Pifer inspects a field of dry land potatoes near Larimore in June.

Call Today for a FREE Consultation! Legend Real Estate Sales - Land Auctions Machinery Auctions - Livestock Auctions

Kevin Pifer, ‘81 kpifer@pifers.com 701.238.5810

Pete Pifer, ‘79

petepifer@gmail.com 720.587.7600

Pifer’s

AUCTION & REALTY

Bob Pifer

bob@pifers.com 701.371.8538

1506 29th Ave S Moorhead, MN 56560

Land Management

WHY CHOOSE PIFER’S?

550,000 + ACRES SOLD

Livestock Marketing Real Estate Sales - Land Auctions

IN THE PAST 13 YEARS At Record Setting Values!

877.700.4099 www.pifers.com


University of North Dakota Alumni Association 3501 University Ave Stop 8157 Grand Forks, ND 58202-8157

Dublin, Ireland

New England

Royals & Vikings

Aug. 3 - 15, 2016 London to Ireland

Discover the brilliant architecture, centuries-old landmarks and dramatic scenery of the British Isles on a luxury cruise aboard Oceania Cruises’ majestic Marina. Watch picturesque landscapes and enthralling city centers unfold in England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Ireland.

Canada & New England Fall Medley

Sept. 30 - Oct. 12, 2016 Montreal to New York

Experience the glorious autumn foliage along North America’s East Coast aboard Oceania Cruises’ regal Regatta. Savor stunning landscapes and visit historic sites in Canada and New England, stopping in Montreal, Quebec City, Saguenay, Havre-Saint-Pierre, Corner Brook, Halifax, Saint John, Bar Harbor, Portland, Boston, Newport and New York.

TO BOOK YOUR TRIP Call 800.842.9023 or to view all UND alumni travel opportunities, visit UNDalumni.org/Travel


Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.