UND Alumni Magazine Winter 2019

ALUMNI

M A G A Z I N E Winter 2019 | Volume 102 | Issue 3

NOR T H D A K O TA

PROUD

Lead donors to Nistler College of Business & Public Administration credit humble North Dakota beginnings.

p. 18

Photo by Sam Melquist

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grandforksiscooler.com Friendlier Living

Smarter Schools

Better Opportunities

Healthier People

Livelier Events

Sheri knows what it means to be

#UNDProud

Sheri Gronhovd Schrock SVP/Chief Fiduciary Officer & Fiduciary Legal Counsel

UND’s hard-earned reputation as a university that prepares students to achieve career goals and become engaged leaders makes me proud to be a UND alumna. The rigorous course work at UND helped me in my legal career by improving my problemsolving and communication skills – skills I put to work every day to ensure our clients’ interests always come first.

24295

bell.bank | Member FDIC

Photo by Sam Melquist

from the

EDITOR

Your eyes aren’t playing tricks on you! The magazine you are holding in your lap looks different. It feels different and the name is even slightly altered. You are likely pondering if you like the changes, and why we made them. We felt it was time to bring a fresh new look to the magazine! As the University of North Dakota continues to expand with new buildings, programs and research, the publication that serves you should illustrate this exciting future as well!

The larger page size allows for bigger text. Yes, your eyes are important to us and we want to be sure you can read without squinting! The additional space also welcomes more life-like photos so images can help tell the stories too. We hope the modern look and soft cover spark your curiosity to dig in and learn more about what’s happening on campus and to read about the amazing things UND alums are doing in the world!

Some ideas have been slowly implemented through the last few issues, but the issue you are reading encompasses the total package re-design. We realize your entertainment options are endless, whether it’s social media, TV, books, or other magazines! As you read through these pages, our hope is that you feel engaged, connected, educated, inspired, and entertained!

As always, we love to hear from you and appreciate your feedback, story ideas and photos! Drop us a note at AlumniMag@UNDalumni.net anytime.

Happy reading!

Leanna Ihry, ’02 Editor • leannai@UNDalumni.net

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UND Alumni Magazine | Winter 2019

INSIDE 24

THAT SUPERCENTENARIAN SMILE Oldest living alum shares memories of days on campus, life and longevity.

By Leanna Ihry

IN THIS ISSUE 18

COVER STORY

WHATEVER I CAN The UND CoBPA now bears the names of lead donors, Werner, ’68, and Colleen Nistler.

By Milo Smith

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DEPARTMENTS From the CEO

10 From the President 11 On Campus 18 Features

34 Class Notes 44 UND Babies & Celebrations 48 In Memoriam 50 Giving Circles

30 Locker Room

41

The Face of Weather

Lydia Blume, ’18, fulfills childhood dream of becoming a meteorologist.

ON THE COVER

Werner, ’68, and Colleen Nistler of Beaverton, Oregon, return to UND to celebrate the naming of the Nistler CoBPA. Photo by Sam Melquist

By Dima Williams

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VOL. 102 NO. 3

WINTER 2019

CEO • DeAnna Carlson Zink, ’86

UND Alumni Magazine Editor • Leanna Ihry, ’02,

Lead Designer / Photographer • Sam Melquist

Writers • Milo Smith, Leanna Ihry, ’02, Mattie Hjelseth

Contributing Writers • Val Sussex, ’09, ’11, David Dodds, ’98, Patrick C. Miller, Connor Murphy, ’15, Dima Williams

Contributing Photographers • Sara Titera, Shawna Noel Schill, ’06, Mike Hess, UND Athletics, Connor Muprhy

Marketing & Communications

VP of Operations • Bob Knutson, ’79 Associate VP of Engagement • Sarah Prout, ’07

Senior Director of Public & Media Relations • Milo Smith UND Alumni Association & Foundation Board of Directors Chair • Sara Garland, ’68, ’72

Vice Chair • Dr. John Gray, ’87

Directors • Darla Adams, ’84, ’85; Lisa Barnes, ’88; Cindy Blikre, ’91; Angie Freeman, ’91; Phil Gisi, ’82; Mike Hamerlik, ’84, ’88; Marten Hoekstra, ’82; Jonathan Holth; Linda Laskowski, ’72, ’73; Dr. Michael LeBeau, ’02; Rick Lee, ’78; Doug Mark, ’86; Chuck MacFarlane, ’87; Rob Mitchell, ’74; Carrie McIntyre Panetta, ’88; Karen Phillips, ’77; Doug Podolak, ’72; Jim Poolman, ’92; Jodi Rolland, ’92; Karen Thingelstad, 89; and Chad Wachter.

Ex Officio • Dr. Tom DiLorenzo; Nancy Peterson, ’90; Jed Shivers; Dr. Joshua Wynne, and DeAnna Carlson Zink, ’86.

The UND Alumni Magazine (USPS 018089: ISSN 0895-5409) is published three times a year 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 UND Alumni Magazine, 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, 701.777.5819 or AlumniMag@UNDalumni.net.

CELEBRATING OUR ALUMNI

UND Alumni Association & Foundation CEO DeAnna Carlson Zink, ’86, addresses a crowd of more than 500 people at the annual Sioux Awards Banquet in October.

Photo by Sam Melquist

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UND Alumni Magazine | Winter 2019

from the Wow! What an exciting and emotional Homecoming we had this year. Not only did the football and hockey teams win on Homecoming Saturday, but the Sioux Awards Banquet was as inspiring as always, and we also celebrated the naming of the Nistler College of Business & Public Administration (CoBPA).

Werner, ’68, and Colleen Nistler are the generous lead donors for a new Nistler CoBPA building. Werner loves North Dakota and it was impossible not to get caught up in his heartful emotional response as students, faculty, staff and community members shared their appreciation with him and Colleen.

In my 30 years with this outstanding organization, I’ve had the opportunity to interact with many wonderful, successful, dedicated and loyal UND alumni and friends.

Werner and Colleen are among the best of the best. In addition to their philanthropic spirit, they run a highly successful business with integrity and compassion for their employees and their clients, and they are two of the nicest and most humble people I’ve ever met. You can get a sense of who the Nistlers are by reading their story on p. 18.

Fundraising for the new building has been a major focus of our organization this year and

we have set an aggressive goal to have the entire $50 million in private funding (the state is contributing $20 million in matching funds) secured by June of 2020. I’m proud to report that as we approach the end of 2019, we have $17.8 million left to raise for this vital project.

Campus Construction In the last issue, we gave you a taste of some of the major construction projects transforming the Grand Forks campus.

University Avenue, the gateway to campus, now looks incredible. The Stone House will reopen this spring after a multi-milliondollar renovation (thanks to donors Hal and Dr. Kathy Gershman), and the Chester Fritz Library renovation is nearly finished.

With a groundbreaking ceremony held for the new Memorial Union project during Homecoming, and the new Nistler CoBPA building breaking ground next fall, the transformation continues. It’s an exciting time at UND!

CEO

are many who deserve to receive one of these capes. We had more than 9,000 donors, including 846 first-time donors, help us reach $67.7 million in FY19. At about the halfway point of the current fiscal year, I can report that I continue to be amazed by the generosity and affection our alumni and friends have for this University.

Thank you to all who give; you are UND heroes!

Sincerely,

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

UND Heroes In my State of the UND Alumni Association & Foundation Address in August, I handed out capes with “UND Hero” written on them to those in the audience who had made contributions to improve the lives of UND students. As I discussed our record-setting fiscal year 2019, it was obvious that there UNDalumni.org

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DESCENDING COLUMBIA HALL

Thrill-seeking UND students went to new heights, literally, as they rappelled off Columbia Hall. Led by the UND ROTC, students had the unique opportunity to challenge themselves both mentally and physically through this experience. Pictured here, UND freshman Jacquelyn Krieger scales down the building with a breathtaking view of Greater Grand Forks below.

Photo by Sam Melquist

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UND Alumni Magazine | Winter 2019

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FROM THE PRESIDENT

Moving Forward, Striving for Success

Improving student retention is priority Dear Alumni & Friends, Fall is always an exciting time of year at UND with students getting into the swing of their classes and activities, athletics ramping up and, of course, Homecoming Week in early October.

“Perhaps the most rewarding aspect of Homecoming Week is that it serves as a reminder of what our graduates can accomplish and the impacts they have on the world as the result of their UND education.”

This year, Homecoming put us in an especially celebratory mood. We welcomed Werner and Colleen Nistler to campus to thank them for their extremely generous donation establishing the new Nistler College of Business & Public Administration. I also joined UND’s student leaders in breaking ground for a new Memorial Union. These two additions are among the many ongoing projects on campus that will keep us UND Proud for decades to come. They are solid indicators that your University is continuing to move forward while striving for excellence.

Homecoming Week is the time of year when UND traditionally honors its outstanding alumni. The 45th Annual Athletic Hall of Fame celebrated some of the University’s best athletes and teams.

The annual Sioux Awards Banquet saw honors bestowed on four worthy alums who have led amazing careers and two young alumnae who are already making significant impacts with their UND educations.

This issue of UND Alumni Magazine pays tribute to North Dakota’s oldest citizen, Iris Westman of Northwood, North Dakota, who turned 114 in August. She also happens to be a UND graduate – class of 1928. Imagine all the changes Iris has witnessed at the University since graduating 91 years ago!

There’s another reason for optimism this fall, and that’s progress toward achieving a major goal of the One UND Strategic Plan. The focus on improving UND’s graduation rate has paid off with a 38 percent increase since 2011. However, the other part of this goal is improving student retention, and this is a challenge we must address.

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UND Alumni Magazine | Winter 2019

For this reason, we’ve designated the 2019-20 academic year as “The Year of Retention.” There are steps the University has taken through its faculty and staff to improve retention and steps we plan to take. For example, UND has increased its number of core advisors to help students make good decisions while pursuing their education.

We’ve implemented Starfish, a tool that enables the University to track and provide coordinated support to all students. We’re also giving students a Degree Planner – essentially a roadmap that helps them plot their course toward earning a degree.

While everyone at UND plays a part in retention, I want to emphasize the critical role of our faculty in this effort. Countless students have had the experience of working with a faculty member who gave them reason to stay in school and complete their degrees. Knowing the many responsibilities and time demands currently on UND’s faculty, they deserve our thanks and gratitude for establishing the important bonds and making the key interactions with students that contribute to achieving success at UND. Upon reflection, perhaps the most rewarding aspect of Homecoming Week is that it serves as a reminder of what our graduates can accomplish and the impacts they have on the world as the result of their UND education. My thanks to all those who strive to make this possible.

Joshua Wynne, MD, MBA, MPH President, University of North Dakota Vice President for Health Affairs and Dean, UND School of Medicine & Health Sciences

ON CAMPUS

F E AT U R I N G

THE GIFT OF HEARING OLIVIA TAYLOR

UND freshman Olivia Taylor turns her own hearing disability into an ability to help others

By Dima Williams Photography by Mike Hess ///

O

ne day three years ago, when Olivia Taylor was in the 10th grade, her world expanded. She could finally hear her dog clattering around the house, the A/C humming and cars chugging on the street.

She could even hear herself better.

That day Taylor, who’s now a freshman at the University of North Dakota, was fitted with hearing aids.

“It was like, ‘Whoa’,” Taylor said. “Like an Aha! moment.”

As a child, Taylor struggled to hear. Her mom would call her name, but she wouldn’t even know. At around age 10, Taylor failed her hearing tests; this led to trips to the doctor, who found hearing loss in both ears. With nerve damage, her left ear is particularly impaired.

Taylor is not sure whether her disability is genetic. What she does know is that she wants to turn it into an ability to help others. Taylor’s audiologist, whom she has visited for a decade, inspired her to pursue a career in treating hearing disorders.

“Hearing is a gift,” Taylor said. “I don't think a lot of people understand that. I want to give that gift to people or help them get that gift.”

And so, this fall, Taylor arrived at UND. Which was a surprise, because Taylor lives in Grand Forks, graduated from Red River High School and earlier had shunned the notion of going to college in her hometown. But that was before she toured the campus.

Despite her hearing difficulties, Taylor took to music from an early age. Her first musical performance – with her great uncle’s opera company – came when she was only eight. In the following years, Taylor learned to play the violin, which sounded much louder once she got her hearing aids.

“I toured UND because my brother was looking to transfer,” she said. “I toured all the other places and I kept comparing them to UND.”

“I can actually hear people playing it and then replay it, which was great because sight-reading violin was really hard for me,” Taylor said.

The University also offers a communication sciences and disorders program, whose balance between audiology and speech pathology proved hard to find at other institutions, Taylor said. Besides, she already has mentors among the faculty in the music department, where she hopes to study singing, too.

And despite this busy schedule, she still finds time to volunteer and fundraise with a string of nonprofits – the Hearing Improvement Kids Endowment Fund, the Salvation Army, Special Olympics and Job’s Daughters, among others.

And when it comes to singing, Taylor’s hearing aids come in handy. Before getting them she would hear her voice “through the bones, like vibration to the bones.” Now, she can “improve faster or sound clearer, because I can make the connection better in voice lessons.”

A mere month into her freshman year, Taylor is juggling a busy schedule. Classes – biology, psychology, music theory, aural skills, and communication – fill her mornings. Sorority functions claim some social time. Voice and piano lessons often fill the rest.

Taylor’s drive to help others stems from the loss of her biological father, a grim episode that saw her grandparents and community pull together to help her mother regain a steady life.

“We went through a lot when I was younger,” Taylor said. “But everybody deserves a chance to succeed. We were given that chance to succeed.

I want to give people a chance to succeed, too.”

Whether it unfolds in a charity’s office or an audiologist’s studio, that’s Taylor’s Leaders in Action goal. ///

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ON CAMPUS

Photo by Shawna Schill

BY THE NUMBERS 13,581

OVERALL UND FALL ENROLLMENT

3,475

NEW STUDENTS (INCOMING, TRANSFER & GRADUATE)

33%

ENROLLMENT INCREASE IN SCHOOL OF LAW FIRSTYEAR CLASS

1.9%

OVERALL DECLINE DUE TO LARGE GRADUATION CLASSES

198

NEW GRADUATE STUDENTS (UP 37% FROM 2018)

2,909 TOTAL GRADUATE STUDENTS (UP 4.5% FROM 2018)

The Year of Retention Significant growth in the number of new graduate students at UND has helped boost the number of new students overall, reaffirming the University’s success at attracting the best and brightest.

As for the University’s overall headcount, it came in at 13,581 on Census Day, a 266-student decline from the headcount figure from a year ago due in large measure to more students completing their studies and graduating. UND officials planned for that decrease and the associated reduction in tuition revenue, and it’s on par with what the University had budgeted for, administrators said.

In recent years, UND has devoted great effort to improving graduation rates, a key goal of the One UND Strategic Plan – which includes key initiatives that strengthen the University’s service to the state. That focus on graduation rates has paid off. Starting with the class that entered UND in 2011 and tracking the numbers through the class that entered in 2014, UND’s four-year graduation rate increased by 38%.

Designating the 2019-20 academic year the "Year of Retention," UND Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs Tom DiLorenzo said the University will focus as intensely on retention as it has on graduation rates.

UND’s retention goals also are being helped by the increasing preparedness of its recent incoming classes. That’s because the more academically prepared a student is, the more likely that student is to stay in school and graduate on time. This fall’s incoming freshman class of 1,672 is making history with UND’s highest-ever collective high school GPA of 3.51. Since the launch of the One UND Strategic Plan, the collective GPA of UND’s freshman classes have consistently made steady year-to-year increases.

Aviation Surge UND’s John D. Odegard School of Aerospace Sciences, which includes the department of aviation, has been seeing marked growth, as students flock to UND to fill a nationwide shortage of pilots. ///

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ON CAMPUS

PERCENTAGE OF FEMALE COMMERCIAL AVIATION MAJORS IS ON THE RISE.

2X NATIONAL RATE 12.4 PERCENT AT UND

Photos by Sam Melquist

5.2%

INCREASE IN AVIATION MAJORS (OVERALL)

Why the significant growth in Aviation?

Attractive Career Pathways programs with major airlines provide waiting jobs for student-pilots and a pipeline of well-trained employees for the airlines.

8.2%

INCREASE IN COMMERCIAL AVIATION MAJORS

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ON CAMPUS

You Can’t

Learn When

You’re Hungry

Illustration by Sara Titera

48%

9%

of students in the U.S. experience some level of food insecurity, with 22% experiencing high levels of food insecurity.

(UND Website)

of community college students said they have gone at least one day in a month without eating because they lacked money.

(Campus Safety Magazine)

46%

of community college students

+ 36%

(Campus Safety Magazine)

of university students Photo by Mattie Hjelseth

“I would have never realized with financial aid and meal plans that you would have that much food insecurity,” stated Tyler Barnhardt, student volunteer coordinator at the Food for Thought Pantry at UND. University of North Dakota students are not exempt from food insecurity concerns, and the University is taking the proper steps to help alleviate that problem.

Did you know that more than one-third of college students don’t always have enough to eat?

Researchers blame increasing college costs, inadequate aid packages and growing enrollment among low-income students.

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reported difficulty paying for housing and utilities.

UND Alumni Magazine | Winter 2019

“I think it’s super important to realize UND really does care about its students and notices some of the struggles that students have,” stated Barnhardt.

It’s hard for students to be academically successful when they’re hungry. “So far this semester, there’s been 70 visits by 41 different people,” said Barnhardt.

But you can help, either by donating nonperishable foods or money. “Without alumni donations, we wouldn’t have this food pantry,” said Barnhardt.

Other than ramen and mac ‘n’ cheese, there are healthier options students can choose from.

“I worked with a dietetic student and she made recipes using food pantry food that are easy and healthy,” Barnhardt said with a smile on his face.

The Food for Thought Pantry is in Wilkerson Hall, room 169. If you’d like to donate, stop by Wilkerson Hall and drop off your items or make an online gift at UNDalumni.org/foodpantry. All proceeds will support the Food for Thought Pantry at UND. /// — by Mattie Hjelseth

UND Breaks Ground on New Memorial Union Standing under overcast skies and in a blustery fall wind, with a vacant lot behind her and a muddy campus lawn in front of her, Student Body President Gracie Lian had every reason to frown.

INVESTING IN THE FUTURE

From left to right: Student Body Vice President Matthew Ternus, Student Body President Gracie Lian, State Board of Higher Education Student Representative Kaleb Dschaak, Associate Dean of Students Cassie Gerhardt, former Student Body President Cole Bachmeier, former Student Body President Erik Hanson and former Student Body President Matthew Kopp stand with shovels ready at the Memorial Union construction site.

Photo by Mike Hess

Instead, the UND student body president beamed. “It’s a great time to be at UND,” she said during a Homecoming groundbreaking celebration for a new Memorial Union.

Having recently completed the old Memorial Union’s demolition, construction crews are ready for the first steps in building what will be a focal point for future generations on campus.

On Nov. 20, 2018, students voted to raise student fees and make a new facility possible.

Scheduled for completion in two years, the new Memorial Union will offer the amenities UND community members know and love and a whole lot more. Its technology will be upto-date and improved, its dining options more varied and its meeting spaces more versatile.

Looking at the way student investment created a top-notch facility in the form of the Wellness Center, students were receptive to the Memorial Union pitch explained Eric Hanson, who was UND student body president at the time of the vote.

“I’ve been gone for three months, and this place looks like an entirely new one,” the UND graduate said. “And if we can accomplish that in three months, I can’t wait to see what we accomplish in three years.

“I’m so proud that students decided to invest in the campus and the place they want for future students of UND to enjoy.” ///

UND Takes a Stand Against Violence

Photo by Connor Murphy

The University of North Dakota took a visible stand against violence in October, as it does every year, as the host site of the annual “North Dakota Clothesline Project” — a somber display of T-shirts with messages of empowerment and pain from victims who’ve experienced interpersonal violence.

CVIC spokeswoman Doris Cooper said The Take Back the Night rally, which drew about 100 people, provided a venue for individuals who have experienced violence in relationships to share how their past experiences have shaped their advocacy and empowerment.

In addition, the Grand Forks Community Violence Intervention Center (CVIC) and its CVIC at UND program hosted the annual Take Back the Night Rally as part of Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

Volunteers from UND Athletics and the Alpha Chi Omega sorority chapter also assisted at the rally. ///

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HOMECOMING

HO M EC O M IT’S TIME TO BIG WIN

COME HOME

2019 UNIVERSITY OF NORTH DAKOTA HOMECOMING REVISITED While it may have been one of the chilliest Homecomings in memory, hearts remained warm as alumni and friends came home in early October to celebrate their University.

If you were unable to make it back, we’ll give you a Hawks eye view at all things Homecoming 2019.

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UND Alumni Magazine | Winter 2019

The North Dakota Fighting Hawks celebrated after a 38-36 win over the UC Davis Aggies. Brady Leach’s 46-yard field goal with 57 seconds remaining sealed the deal for the Fighting Hawks in the exciting Homecoming showdown.

Photo by Russ Hons

CONNECTING

UND senior Tyler Head, of Fairmont, Minn., and his scholarship donor, Jill (Keena) Cholewa, ’77, of San Luis Obispo, Calif., had the opportunity to connect at the Sioux Awards Banquet.

Tyler, a marketing major and sports business minor at UND, says his scholarship alleviates financial stress and allows him to focus on school.

Photo by Sara Titera

M I NG CHAMPIONS

The 1998-99 women’s basketball team was among several inducted into the UND Letterwinners Athletics Hall of Fame Class of 2019.

Photo by Russ Hons

W EE K HOCKEY

Fans filled the Ralph as UND defeated Manitoba 5-1 in exhibition play.

Photo by Russ Hons

SIOUX AWARDS BANQUET

Six outstanding alumni were honored for their achievements at the annual Sioux Awards Banquet. Pictured (from left): Christina Sambor, ’05 (Young Alumni Achievement Award), Greg Everson, ’72 (Sioux Award), Dr. Gordon Henry, ’66, ’70 (Sioux Award), Jennifer Neppel, ’86 (Sioux Award), Gary Hagen, ’74, ’77, ’86 (Sioux Award), and Andrea Hanson, ’02 (Young Alumni Achievement Award).

Photo by Sam Melquist

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FEATURE

A HEARTFELT SPEECH

A captivated audience at the Gorecki Alumni Center listened to a warm and compelling speech by Werner Nistler, ’68, at a Homecoming Celebration for the newly named Nistler College of Business & Public Administration.

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UND Alumni Magazine | Winter 2019

WHATEVER I CAN The UND College of Business & Public Administration now bears the name of lead donors Werner, ’68, and Colleen Nistler.

By Milo Smith Photography by Sam Melquist ///

M

any people strive to live life with an inspirational quote as a guide, and Werner Nistler, ’68, has made a quote from George Bernard Shaw a central part of his philosophy of life and philanthropy.

“I am of the opinion that my life belongs to the whole community,” wrote the Irish dramatist in his essay “A Splendid Torch,” “and as long as I live, it is my privilege to do for it whatever I can.”

Werner and his wife, Colleen, are doing plenty for students at the University of North Dakota; they are the lead donors for a new College of Business & Public Administration (CoBPA) building planned for the corner of University Avenue and Centennial Drive. In honor of their generosity, the State Board of Higher Education voted in late September to rename the College the Nistler College of Business & Public Administration. It’s the first College at the University of North Dakota named for a donor.

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“Colleen and I want to provide great opportunities for students,” said Werner Nistler. “We think by giving back to the University in this way, we are paying it forward from where we were as students to now achieve a level of success where we can give this to students. We want to be part of this wave of excellence that’s occurring at the University.”

“Werner and Colleen are a remarkable example to our students for their business success and philanthropic spirit,” said Amy Henley, dean of the Nistler CoBPA. “Our students are going to take great pride in having the College named for such an outstanding alumnus.”

Humble Beginnings Werner grew up on a farm near Golva, North Dakota, and lived in nearby Beach, North Dakota, during his high school years. He and six of his nine siblings attended UND. After arriving in Grand Forks, Werner went to work as a dishwasher in the Smith Hall cafeteria in order to pay for college.

He worked his way up to cook and eventually became the student manager of the cafeteria. He held that job—essentially a full-time position—during his last three years on campus. Between the job,

“Our hope is to inspire others to join this effort.” classes, and his commitment to ROTC, Werner said he learned at UND how to be “a better person.”

Werner would start an accounting career after receiving a master’s degree from Arizona State University and spending two years in the Army. It was during a time when he served as the secretarytreasurer for a chain of nursing homes/retirement communities that he had the idea for a new kind of

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UND Alumni Magazine | Winter 2019

offering, one offering continuing services.

As he traveled to company properties, he was saddened to see couples separated as one needed more care than the other. He had the vision to create retirement communities where couples could stay together by providing a continuum of services. Touchmark was born in 1980 from that vision.

Today, Touchmark, based in Beaverton, Oregon, operates 14 full-service retirement communities in 10 states and one Canadian province, including the latest one in development in Texas. This includes Touchmark communities in Bismarck, Fargo, and Sioux Falls. The Nistlers have also owned medical records processing companies along with several other businesses. They also formed the Touchmark Foundation, a nonprofit

dedicated to enhancing the wellbeing of senior citizens by providing nursing scholarships to aspiring students, distributing food boxes to seniors and families in need, and funding university-based research.

Werner credits Colleen with guiding their philanthropy to the University of North Dakota. Colleen says they are blessed that Touchmark has done well, and donating to the University of North Dakota was a logical choice given their philanthropic focus on education.

“Werner is just so proud of being from North Dakota,” said Colleen.

“It was always in my mind that we would do something for the University of North Dakota. So, the timing was awesome that this building project came to our attention.”

Building the Future The building project is a longsought new home for the CoBPA as a replacement for an aging Gamble Hall. Werner and Colleen met several times with representatives from the College and the Alumni Association & Foundation as they considered being the lead donors for a new building.

Early in 2019, they were ready to step up with the lead gift, but the Nistlers really wanted to partner with the state to build the $70 million project. DeAnna Carlson Zink, CEO of the UNDAAF, went before state legislators in March. She told them she had an anonymous donor willing to make a significant gift to the project if the state would consider the creation of

a $20 million matching fund. State lawmakers agreed.

“The Nistlers are so very deserving of having the building and College named after them,” said Carlson Zink. “Their lead gift has launched this project into high gear. By convincing state lawmakers to offer the $20 million matching fund, we are well on our way to securing funding for this building by our goal of June 2020.”

“Our hope was to inspire others to join this effort,” said Werner. “We wanted people to think ‘Wait, if someone from outside the state can come forth with dollars like that as a tribute to the education they received at UND, we can step up too.’”

Homecoming Celebrations Two celebrations of the new Nistler College of Business & Public Administration were held during Homecoming 2019 in early October.

At a ceremony outside Gamble Hall, Werner urged students to take advantage of their educations.

“You’ve come to a great University,” he said. “Take this education and run with it. Believe me, people want to hire graduates of this University.

It’s been a wonderful path forward for me, and I appreciate everything UND has done for me.”

Later in the day at a community celebration, Werner gave credit to the team, including Colleen, his brothers Steve, ’78 and Charley, ’79, Tom Biel, ’80 and Tom Moe, ’81, of Crosby, Marcus Breuer,

CEO, and all the Touchmark team members that helped make Touchmark successful. “If you want to go fast, do it yourself. If you want to go far, do it as a team.”

He ended with an emotional thank you to his deceased parents and all of his family members and talked about his faith in God. Then, he encouraged those in attendance to seize the opportunities that come forth and live life to the fullest.

“My hope for all of you is that you live a life full of fun and reach out to others to help them along. As they say, we walk this way but once, and I want to walk the very best way I possibly can. I hope you take what is here and pay it forward; do what you can to help society.

When we use our talents and work

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with others, we can make a significant difference in the world.�

Speaking with the media after the ceremonies, Colleen said the day had solidified their decision to give so generously to UND. “Being here with all the excitement from the students and the faculty is just amazing.�

Werner remembered a time from his college days when he

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UND Alumni Magazine | Winter 2019

EVERY GIFT MAKES A DIFFERENCE Join the Nistlers and invest in future generations of business leaders.

Make your gift by March 31!

reflected on the motivations of one of the University’s most generous benefactors. Werner stood outside the Chester Fritz Library and pondered the gift the precious metals trader made to fund the building that bore his name. How had this man been able to do something like this? Werner wondered if he too someday might be able to do the same; to share his good fortune with students.

Now that day has come.

“It’s a really wonderful day,” Nistler said, his voice trembling with emotion. “I’m very happy with how this has all turned out, and I couldn’t be happier.”

There is a second part to the quote from George Bernard Shaw. Shaw concludes his pledge to do whatever he can for his community by saying: “Life is no ‘brief candle’ to me.

It is a sort of splendid torch, which I have got hold of for a moment, and I want to make it burn as brightly as possible before handing it on to future generations.”

“I really quite like that,” said Werner. ///

Contact Kim Woods, ’82 Associate VP, Senior Director of Development 701.777.4106 | kimw@UNDfoundation.org

FEATURE

“Sometimes I fe kind of tired, b then I think to myself, ‘I’m 11 my goodness, don’t I have the right to feel tir

24

UND Alumni Magazine | Winter 2019

eel but

14,

e red?’”

e l i m S THAT SUPERCENTENARIAN

Iris Westman, ’28, the oldest living North Dakotan, shares about life and longevity.

By Leanna Ihry, ’02 Photography by Sam Melquist ///

H

er demeanor is calm and gentle.

Her words, intentional and wise.

One-hundred and fourteen-year-old Iris Westman spends much of her time sitting quietly in her cozy rocking chair in her room at Deaconess Health Center in Northwood, North Dakota. Listening to audio books is her favorite hobby. She says they aren’t the same as the “real books” she used to read, but her eyes have failed a bit over the years so, “these talking books are a blessing.”

Iris became a resident of the nursing home at the age of 106 after a bad fall resulted in hip replacement surgery. Her doctor wasn’t convinced she would bounce back at such an accomplished age and asked her great-niece Jane Lukens, ’76, her goal for Iris following the surgery. Jane said that Iris needed to be able to crawl up into her pickup truck to go for country drives. In less than six months, Iris had surpassed doctor’s expectations and was riding shot-gun once again.

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FROM GENERATION TO GENERATION Hunter Pinke, Iris’s oldest great, great, great nephew is a tight end on the UND Fighting Hawks football team.

Born in 1905 on a farm near Aneta, North Dakota, Iris reminisces of days when the world was simple. She enjoyed sleepovers with her school friends, apple pie (which she still loves today) and playing with her barn cats and her three brothers. “It didn’t take them long to realize it was no fun to play with a girl,” she snickered.

Iris’s memory is sharp, and she is thoughtful as she continues to tell stories of her youth. “My folks decided when they were first married that their kids would go to school past the 8th grade,” she said, adding that she was the only one from her class to attend college.

In 1923, Iris enrolled at the University of North

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UND Alumni Magazine | Winter 2019

Dakota. She said it was the closest University to her home, so that is, “just where everybody went.”

it would take money to get in and then I would need nice clothes for those meetings those girls had,” she explained.

Her memories of her days on campus are as descriptive as if they happened just yesterday.

She gets excited as she tells about the UND ceramics department, which was led by Margaret Cable, who is famous to this day for her pottery.

“Margaret believed with all her heart that North Dakota clay would be a big business financially,” Iris stated.

Instead, she lived in a house “down University Avenue”. She explains, “I liked it except in the winter it was so cold. I would catch the streetcar and the University was the end of the line. It cost 10 cents to ride the streetcar from downtown to campus,” she reminisced.

Iris said she never joined a sorority because money was tight. “I was going to school on as little money as I could possibly manage. I knew

Iris remembers singing in the UND choir and has special memories of her graduation day when a parade marched down University Avenue.

“Because I was in the choir I had to line up in front of the dormitories and we had to be in the

“I am so proud of Hunter.

He is a person who is good in many things.

He can play football so well. And he plays piano beautifully.” parade. I remember all the professors marching in the parade wearing a stole of their college around their neck. That was neat,” she smiled.

Iris earned a degree from the UND College of Education and taught in several rural North Dakota schools before moving to Worthington, Minnesota to teach. She later went on to earn a degree from the Minnesota School of Library Sciences and became a librarian. Her love of books, which remains strong today, anchored her lifelong career.

A Family Legacy Iris never married or had any children. She firmly states, “I had a chance to be married once and I think my mother and father were quite disappointed I didn’t accept the chance. Later, I am so glad I didn’t accept the chance,” she said.

However, Iris has generations upon generations of nieces and nephews who admire her and have followed in her footsteps and graduated from UND. As we continue to reminisce of the past in her sun-lit room at Deaconess Health Center, a young man of whom she is most proud walks

over to Iris and squeezes her hand. “Hi, Iris, It’s Hunter,” he says, as Iris’s eyes light up and her voice exudes excitement.

Hunter Pinke, Iris’s oldest great, great, great nephew is a tight end on the UND Fighting Hawks football team. Though several generations of lineage separate Hunter and Iris, their relationship remains close. “I am so proud of Hunter,” smiled Iris. He is a person who is good in many things. He can play football so well. And he plays piano beautifully,” she said.

Side by side, Hunter and Iris walked to the commons area in the nursing home where Hunter

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played piano by ear for Iris and several other star-struck residents.

“I like most kinds of music,” said Iris. "I have not been very fond of jazz or ragtime. Classical music is probably best. But, not too classical,” she states.

That is unless Hunter is playing the tune. Then it's music to her ears. “Hunter is a very special person.

He asked to take piano lessons at eight years old.

Imagine an eight-year-old boy asking to take piano lessons,” she says.

The Oldest North Dakotan Iris recalls a conversation with her childhood best friend, Clara, about getting older. “We were probably 10 years old at the time and we talked about what age we would like to live to be and we decided not more than 100. We decided 90. Older than that was just too old,” Iris said.

Though Iris has far surpassed her childhood wish, she is grateful because she says she still feels pretty good. “Sometimes I feel kind of tired, but then I think to myself, ‘I’m 114, my goodness, don’t I have the right to feel tired?’”

According to the Gerontology Research Group, Iris is the oldest North Dakotan ever; and is currently one of oldest living people in the United States.

Regarding her supercentenarian status (a person who is 110 years or older), Iris says it’s simple. “There is no secret. It’s God.” She will continue to live each day lighting up the room with her sweet smile and positivity until it’s her time to go. “My faith is important to me. Isn’t it to you?” she concluded. ///

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UND Alumni Magazine | Winter 2019

100 More Than a Century

As of this fall, there are 29 University of North Dakota alumni in our records who are more than 100 years old.

Of those 29 people, 16 are women and 13 are men.

The second oldest UND alum after Iris is 108-year-old Mary (Hooper) Lacagnina of Midlothian, Illinois. Mary is a 1973 graduate of the College of Education.

Just a few months younger than Mary, the third oldest, also 108 years old, is Catherine (Alfonte) Woodruff of Englewood, Ohio. Catherine earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1933.

Iris is the only Supercentenarian alum of UND (110 years or older).

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LOCKER ROOM

Q&A with Kacie Borowicz (pictured right) Alumni Magazine (AM): At what age did you start playing basketball?

Kacie: I started when I was in 1st grade and was asked to play on my older sister’s 3rd grade team. I did well on their team, and the rest is history.

AM: Who has been inspirational to you in your basketball career?

Kacie: Now it’s popular for kids to hire a trainer, but growing up in the small town of Roseau I didn’t have access to that. My parents did everything for me. Every Sunday we would go to the gym and my parents would play ball with me. My mom played basketball at Moorhead State and my dad played football here at UND [David Borowicz 1993-96], so athletics has always been important to our family.

AM: How did it feel to be named Miss Basketball Minnesota?

Kacie: It was a really big surprise! I am the first one from Northern Minnesota who has ever won the award. There were some amazing players who graduated ahead of me from my area. I feel like the award was for them too!

AM: What would you tell young girls who want to play college ball someday?

Kacie: Just always try hard no matter what, even if it’s not what you want to do. And, never forget why you play. Always remember to have fun!

AM: You are the first Miss Basketball Minnesota to play at UND. Why did you choose to play here?

Kacie: It’s really close to home, and because my mentors have always been my parents, I want them to come and watch me. I also really connected with the coaches!

Q&A with Megan Zander (pictured left) AM: At what age did you start playing basketball?

Megan: I started when I was a little kid. My mom just kind of put me in it and I liked it!

AM: Who has been inspirational to you in your basketball career?

Megan: For sure my uncle. I always worked out with him and he would always lift me up and give me advice. He was always helping me get better.

AM: How did it feel to be named Miss Basketball North Dakota?

Megan: It was really fun! Maggie [Manson, West Fargo] and Lilly [Keplin, Bismarck] were contestants too and we have known each other for a long time, so it was fun to all be finalists and now all play together at UND. AM: What would you tell young girls who want to play college ball someday?

Megan: No matter what is happening on the court, keep your chin up. You’re going to have bad days, but just keep working hard and do your best. Give it all you’ve got, cause one day it’s not going to be there anymore.

AM: Why did you choose UND? Megan: When I came here to visit, it just had a good home environment. It feels like such a welcoming place to call home. ///

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UND Alumni Magazine | Winter 2019

JOINING FORCES

KACIE BOROWICZ & MEGAN ZANDER 2019 Miss Basketball Minnesota Kacie Borowicz, of Roseau, and 2019 Miss Basketball North Dakota Megan Zander, of Mandan, are two of seven standout freshmen flourishing on the court at the Betty this season.

Meet Fighting Hawks Women’s Basketball studentathletes Kacie Borowicz and Megan Zander …

By Leanna Ihry, ’02 Photography by Sam Melquist ///

Basketball is Back at the Betty!

UND Women’s Basketball is back in full swing with one of the largest incoming freshman classes in recent history. This youthful group is made up of seven true freshman including three from North Dakota and three from Minnesota.

Rewriting the high school record books, this group brings to the table North Dakota's leading scorer Lilly Keplin (Bismarck/Century), Minnesota's toprebounder Olivia Lane (Pequot Lakes, Minn.), Miss Basketball Minnesota Kacie Borowicz (Roseau, Minn.), Miss Basketball North Dakota Megan Zander (Mandan, N.D.) and Miss Basketball finalist Maggie Manson (Fargo/Sheyenne).

With eight battle-tested returners mixing in with this talented freshman class, this North Dakota team looks to get chemistry brewing early in the nonconference season and carry that momentum right into the Summit League. UND had a taste of victory in the Summit League tournament last season upsetting Denver in the first round, and these young women are poised to take another step forward this season. A great mixture of talent, youth, energy, and playing without fear makes this North Dakota hoops team a fun one to watch!

By Val Sussex, ’09, ’11

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LOCKER ROOM

BIGGER IS BETTER

Ralph Engelstad Arena Installs Largest Center-Hung Video Board in College Hockey

By UND Athletics ///

U

niversity of North Dakota Athletics and Ralph Engelstad Arena are pleased to announce a brand new center-hung video display and additional arena upgrades that once again make Ralph Engelstad Arena one of the more state-of-the-art arenas in the world.

The new center-hung video display measures approximately 15.5-feethigh by 34-feet-wide per side and offers a massive 2,100 square-foot viewing experience for North Dakota hockey fans. The display is capable of variable content zoning; allowing it to show one large image or be divided into multiple zones to show any combination of live video, instant replays, up-to-the-minute statistics, graphics, animations and/or sponsorship messages.

The total project cost is estimated to be $6 million. The Engelstad Foundation committed $4 million to the project and the remaining $2 million is provided from the Ralph Engelstad Arena's long-term repair and replacement reserve fund. The project donation is further evidence of the Engelstad Foundation's commitment to providing an unparalleled worldclass game experience for UND fans.

"We're very happy to help fund this project," said Kris McGarry of the Engelstad Foundation. "The fan experience is extremely important to my family. We remain committed to the UND hockey team and to the fans that are the lifeblood of the hockey program."

Ralph Engelstad Arena partnered with Daktronics to engineer and install all video boards associated with the fan experience upgrades. To integrate and control the new LED displays, two Daktronics Show Control user stations were included. With the push of a button, arena staff are able to display exclusive content on every screen in the bowl, thus enhancing the game experience for fans and sponsors alike. ///

Watch the UND Hockey Team Compete LIVE in “Music City”!

UND will take on Penn State in the 2020, U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame game in Nashville, TN, on Oct. 17, 2020 at the Bridgestone Arena.

As a base of reference, the Arena’s previous video boards were approximately each 9-feet-high x 16-feet-wide.

"We are constantly searching for ways to enhance the fan experience," said Jody Hodgson, General Manager of Ralph Engelstad Arena. "Consistent with Mr. Engelstad's original wishes, every fan, in every seat, will have the same viewing experience because of the square dimensions and rounded corners selected for our new video board. We're not going to stop with a new video board. Our goal is to create the most digitally advanced hockey arena in the country."

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UND Alumni Magazine | Winter 2019

North Dakota Champions Club (NDCC) members have an exclusive opportunity to purchase tickets: NDCC pre-sale Opportunity, Dec. 9-13 General public tickets available starting at 10 a.m. on Dec. 14.

theralph.com/Nashville

Sioux Shop proďŹ ts are reinvested back into UND athletics to help support the development of programs and student-athletes.

Hours: Mon.-Sat. 10 AM-6 PM, Sun. Noon-5 PM

siouxshop.com

CLASS NOTES 1958

Gerald VandeWalle, ’58, is chief justice of the North Dakota Supreme Court. He won’t seek reappointment but will stay on the court. VandeWalle is the longestserving sitting chief justice in the country and the longest-serving in North Dakota history.

1965

Sylvia (Tjostem) Christopherson, ’65, was inducted into the Alexandria Education Foundation Alumni Hall of Fame in Alexandria, Minn.

1969

Sherrilynn (Sperling) Smith, ’69, retired after practicing law in Maine for 43 years.

Casey Ryan, ’69, serves as vice chairman of the North Dakota State Board of Higher Education.

Clifford Cranna, ’69, retired from the San Francisco Opera after 40 years on staff, but remains in a consulting role with the company as Dramaturg Emeritus.

Thomas Winters, ’69, ’71, is an occupational health physician at New England Baptist Hospital. He became a pioneer in occupational medicine in New England, focusing on the diagnosis and treatment of conditions resulting from workplace exposures and injuries.

1972

Greg Cameron, ’72, was inducted into the Manitoba Baseball Hall of Fame.

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UND Alumni Magazine | Winter 2019

THAT UND SPIRIT

Corey Colehour, ’68, was honored with the Spirit Award during UND Homecoming festivities.

1974

Ronald Goodman, ’74, ’81, was chosen to be part of the new Ethics Commission in North Dakota. He was designated as the Commission’s convening chair to call the first meeting.

Photo by Mike Hess

1975

CAREER HONOR

1978

Encompassing that UND Spirit

Scott Swenson, ’75, is retiring after working in banking for nearly 47 years.

Bradley Coulthart, ’78, retired after teaching middle school and high school science in Apple Valley, Minn. He is a field supervisor for UND student teachers in the Minneapolis-St. Paul region.

1979

Paul Richard, ’79, was selected to the newly created Ethics Commission in North Dakota.

1981

Donald Forney, ’81, is general manager at the Devils Lake Journal.

Penny Miller, ’81, ’85, retired as clerk of the North Dakota Supreme Court.

Cynthia Lindquist, ’81,’ 06, was selected to be part of the new Ethics Commission in North Dakota.

Kermit Licklider, ’81, retired from The Dow Chemical Company in Freeport, Texas, after 36 years as a global specialist.

Corey Colehour, ’68, was presented with the Spirit Award from the UND Alumni Association and Foundation during Homecoming 2019. The award is presented to a select group of deserving alumni and friends of UND who have shown an uncommon dedication to the success of the University and its students.

One of the truly gifted football passers in UND history, Colehour, came to UND from Minneapolis.

He rewrote the Sioux passing record books. Several of his passing records remain on the books today, including completions, yards, touchdowns, and just about every category you can name. Two other important records he set were 42 career touchdown passes and 23 season TD passes.

After his junior and senior seasons, he was named to the All-NCC team.

He also served as tri-captain and was named the conference most valuable offensive back in both 1965 and 1966.

In both his junior and senior seasons he was named UND's most valuable back, and All-American honorable mention. Colehour was the 7th draft

choice of the Atlanta Falcons NFL team and played there in 1967 and 1968, then went on to play for the Edmonton Eskimos. After retiring, he was an assistant football coach in 1970-71.

Since his days on campus, Colehour has continually volunteered for UND – always staying connected to his teammates. He has been recognized as one of the top 100 football players at UND and his teams have been recognized in 2002, 2006 and 2014 Hall of Fames, as was Corey individually in 1983.

He has hosted events at UND and in Denver and Minneapolis. He has spent time with every Athletic Director and president at UND and has given them support.

His biggest volunteer undertaking was when UND made the move to Division I sports. It was Corey who stepped up to lead this fundraising effort to move from 36 scholarships to 63 scholarships for football. ///

1982

Michael Gjesdahl, ’82, ’85, was named 2019 Super Lawyer with Gjesdahl Law in Fargo.

1984

Joni (Johnson) Hjelseth, ’84, is a retired public health nurse from Cass County in Minnesota. She now works part-time as an RN at an assisted living facility.

CLASS NOTES

APPLAUSE FOR ALUMNI

A Legacy Family

Sharon Rezac Andersen, ’89, ’96, Mark Andersen, ’91, Jessica Andersen, ’18

Don Campbell, ’84, joined Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Dakota as senior vice president and chief legal officer.

1985

Mark Ellingson, ’85, retired from the Grand Forks Police Department after carrying on a 61-year family legacy.

Wade Pearson, ’85, is CEO of Home of Economy in Grand Forks. Pearson celebrates Home of Economy being in business for 80 years.

1986

Stephanie (Schoenrock) Bruggman, ’86, completed her doctorate degree in Occupational Therapy from Mount Mary University, in Milwaukee, Wis.

1987

Brent Finlay, ’87, is executive director of the West Valley Family YMCA in Los Angeles.

Gregory Thorsen, ’87, is senior vice president and general manager of the Textile Care North America division for Ecolab in St. Paul, Minn.

1988

Michael Knecht, ’88, joined Advanced Engineering and Environmental Services, Inc., in Grand Forks.

1989

Mary (Axtman) Dockter, ’89, ’04, was elected to the board of directors of the American Council of Academic Physical Therapy Association.

Cara Halgren, ’89, vice president for student affairs and diversity at UND, received the Outstanding Dean Award from the Student Affairs Professionals in Higher Education, a leading professional association for student affairs professionals.

Julie Cornett, ’89, is a third-generation banker, and was promoted to senior vice president, finance and accounting/ auditor/head compliance officer at People's Bank in Crothersville, Ind.

UND PROUD

Generation after generation, the Rezac Andersen family is proud of their UND educations. Pictured from left: Mark Andersen, ’91, former UND President Mark Kennedy, Jessica Andersen, ’18, and Sharon Rezac Andersen, ’89, ’96.

T

he Rezac Andersen Family is UND Proud!

In May 2018, Jessica Andersen became the third-generation graduate of the University. Her father, Mark Andersen, is a 1991 graduate of the College of Arts and Sciences, and grandmother, Sharon Rezac Andersen, earned a bachelor’s degree in 1989 and a master’s degree in 1996. Sharon says, “We all agree UND has led us to many successes in life, whether it be academically, personally or professionally.”

Less than a week after her UND graduation, Jessica was hired as an outpatient therapist and adult day treatment group leader in Brainerd, Minnesota. While completing her graduate degree, she was assigned to the UND

Counseling Center, where she completed her internship. She had the opportunity to be supervised by the senior staff at the Center to enhance her skills and provide the best care possible to the clients utilizing the counseling services. Jessica said, “The entire counseling center staff was instrumental in enhancing my knowledge of counseling.

My adviser in the counseling department, Dr. David Perry, was monumental in shaping my education and my therapeutic practices.” She was also mentored

by Dr. Judy Haynes, a former counseling center staff.

Rezac Andersen is president of the American Association of University Women in Green Valley, Arizona, where she is proud to represent her alma mater. She retired from UND as director of the International Centre and adviser to students, Although all three live elsewhere, UND and Grand Forks will always be their home. Sharon says, “Our hearts are there along with numerous friendships.” ///

Mark Andersen is owner of Park Rapids Auto Center and involved in the community development program ACE's (Adverse Childhood Experiences). Sharon

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$10

in advance

$15

at the door

Jan 16, 2020 5 - 7 p.m.

Gorecki Alumni Center 3501 University Ave Tickets available at thegorecki.com/GOshow20

Wedding + Event Showcase

1990

1994

Kari (Dosch) Hunt, ’90, was promoted to manager of District Sales for eastern North Dakota at Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Dakota.

Todd Mondry, ’94, was named vice president of engineering and operations at Red River Commodities in Fargo.

Wendy Muhlhauser, ’90, published a second children’s book.

James LaHaise, ’90, is a realtor with Park Co. Realtors in Fargo.

1991

Ryan Pederson, ’91, was promoted to senior vice president of United Community Bank in Minot, N.D.

1993

Aaron Schramm, ’93, of Park River Area High School, was selected as 2019 North Dakota Principal of the Year.

Ross Sundeen, ’93, was elected president of the North Dakota States Attorney’s Association.

Nichole Hensen, ’93, is chef and founder of Nichole’s Fine Pastry & Café in Fargo.

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UND Alumni Magazine | Winter 2019

Stephanie (Olson) Everett, ’94, is foundation director with Mountrail County Health Foundation in Stanley, N.D..

1996

Dave Hakstol, ’96, is assistant coach with the NHL Toronto Maple Leafs.

1997

Sponsored by:

1998

2005

2001

Joshua Klug, ’05, ’07, is vice president of business banking for United Valley Bank in Grand Forks.

2002

Emily (Pulis) Parrill, ’05, ’12, is a Spanish teacher at Red River High School in Grand Forks and received the 2019 Graciela Wilborn North Dakota Foreign Language Teacher of the Year award.

Kevin Glatt, ’98, recently resigned from Burleigh County Auditor/Treasurer.

Wendy (Ullyot) Lorenz, ’01, is a kindergarten teacher at Langdon (N.D.) Area Schools.

Antoninette (Blaesing) Peck, ’02, joined a law firm in Florida as an associate in the Divorce, Marital and Family Law Department.

Tony Gudajtes, ’97, was promoted to executive vice president and ag market president with Choice Bank in Grafton, N.D.

Amanda (Capp) Smallbeck, ’02, is grades 5-12 band and grades 7-12 choir teacher at Hillsboro (N.D.) Public Schools.

Peter Welte, ’97, serves as a U.S. District Court Judge for North Dakota.

Amanda (Heth) Fisher, ’03, ’05, was selected as Educator of the Year for Dickinson Public Schools.

She is the school counselor at Jefferson Elementary School.

Patricia Baker, ’97, was selected as the United States property and fiscal officer with chief federal financial officer duties for the Air & Army National Guard of Minnesota.

2003

Travis Berg, ’05, was promoted to AVP business/ag banker with Choice Bank in Walhalla, N.D.

Jason Askvig, ’05, ’08, ’12, received tenure and was promoted to associate professor in biology at Concordia College in Moorhead, Minn.

Tami Jollie-Trottier, ’05, is on the board of directors for the North Dakota Council on the Arts.

2006

Marcy Miller, ’06, is a Kindergarten teacher in Beulah, N.D.

CLASS NOTES

APPLAUSE FOR ALUMNI

‘Good Morning, Good Morning.

It’s Grand to be on Hand’

Dave Lee, ’76

MAKING WAVES

Dave Lee, ’76, never imagined becoming a big city radio host, but is loving every minute of it.

I

t was a beautiful, busy morning at the Minnesota State Fair on Aug. 23, 2019, as crowds of state fairgoers rushed to the WCCO Radio booth to watch the 830 AM live show with morning host Dave Lee, ’76.

Once I got to the booth, there was nowhere to sit or stand. Despite how busy it was, it wasn’t hard to spot Lee because he was wearing neon-orange shorts and shoes. That’s also where I saw a swarm of people who were huddled around him, waiting to take pictures.

But Lee, knowing I would be showing up in my UND gear, spotted me and greeted me with a huge smile on his face. He told me that doing live shows every summer at the Minnesota State Fair is the highlight of his job.

“The fact that I had that degree from the University of North Dakota was a big factor. It didn’t matter if it wasn’t in mass communications. In fact, I remember WCCO said they were glad I have my degree in something else because it makes me a little more well-rounded,” said Lee. What sparked his passion in radio wasn’t sitting in the classroom at UND, it was getting the opportunity to work at a commercial radio station, KRAD, in East Grand Forks back in college. That’s what Lee calls his “big break.”

“The guy said, ‘I’ll put you on Sunday from three to midnight, and if you’re any good we’ll keep you.’ I never intended to host a show. That had zero interest.

I never thought about it,” Lee explains.

right,” laughs Lee. “I always tell them they’re feeding the world on the farm and I’m just talking to it.”

The recognition comes from more than his fans. Lee’s received multiple awards, ranging from Emmys to the Minnesota Sports Broadcaster of the Year. He says he doesn’t get too caught up in receiving shiny trophies.

“I could tell you where they [the trophies] are in my house, and they’re in a box,” explains Lee. This is because the trophies aren’t the reason Lee does what he does. He says the trophies aren’t the “end-all.”

“This job lends yourself to be part of the community.

You can help a lot of organizations. You can raise money yourself. You can do a lot of different things for a lot of people, and that’s the beauty of this job,” said Lee. For his efforts, Lee was awarded the National Media Award for Excellence in Radio Fundraising.

He took a few more pictures, shook a few more hands and then the show started with the jingle everyone knew.

After doing the nine-hour trial run, Lee got a phone call offering him the job at KRAD. “I did whatever was needed because I wanted to learn the business.

“Good morning, good morning. It’s grand to be on hand. Good morning, good morning to you,” Lee and hundreds of people at the state fair sang together.

“The more I knew, I realized it would be easier for me down the road somewhere,” said Lee.

He recommends students have goals while they’re going to school, but to be open to something that might come up, because that’s how he became the well-known and well-established man he is today.

For many years following his gig in East Grand Forks, Lee worked at KFGO Radio in Fargo and eventually moved his way up to lead weekday morning host at WCCO.

“I am flattered by people who say I’m they’re inspiration, but I bet there’s somebody in their life that think they are,” Lee said humbly, “what goes around comes around.”

Lee said of the career he’s now embraced for more than 30 years that he enjoys every moment of it. “It’s enjoyable to go to work,” Lee said excitedly, “I love it!”

Just like that radio dial. ///

Originally from small-town Hatton, North Dakota, Lee never imagined he’d be a radio announcer, let alone a well-known one. While attending the University of North Dakota, Lee admits he “wasn’t the world’s greatest student the first year and a half.”

He ended up graduating with a history degree, but his career did a complete 180 when he landed a job as a morning radio host at one of the top-rated stations in the Twin-Cities market, WCCO.

“It’s nice people recognize me, but as my buddies tell me back home, ‘you’re really no big deal,’ and they’re

— by Mattie Hjelseth

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CLASS NOTES

APPLAUSE FOR ALUMNI

Tater Tot Titans

Grant Ramage, ’19

Angela (Boswell) Dauphinais, ’06, is the Director of Casino Marketing at Viejas Casino in San Diego, California.

Nicholas Hacker, ’06, was promoted to Chairman of the North Dakota State Board of Higher Education.

Ashley (Hagen) Kremer, ’06, ’11, is the new medical director at Northland Health Centers in Rolette and Rolla, N.D. Matthew Smaby, ’19, landed a job as an assistant hockey coach with the Salzburg Red Bulls in the top Austrian league.

2007

FLIGHT CREW

Cassie Scheving, ’07, ’10, works at ICON Architectural Group as director of corporate and legal services.

An aircraft replicating a massive tater tot flies high in Flugtag competition.

Pictured from left: Grant Ramage, ’19, Kendric Heck, ’19, Matt Vrchota, ’19, Andrew Sather, ’19, Kyle Batten, and Karch Anderson, ’19.

G

rant Ramage, a recent UND mechanical engineering grad, has always enjoyed building things and flying things. As he was trolling the Internet one day last spring, he came across an event that was the perfect pairing of those interests. “I had heard of the Red Bull Flugtag competition before and usually it was in New York or Los Angeles, but this year it was in St. Paul, so I knew we had to do it,” Ramage exclaimed!

The one-of-a-kind worldwide event challenges participants to design and construct an aircraft that will glide the greatest distance. But that isn’t all. The teams are challenged to create a unique design with a theme, and it needs to look like an airplane.

Pumped and ready for the challenge, Rampage started recruiting his UND engineering friends to join him.

Five fellow students quickly jumped in and the team got to work. “To even be in the competition we had to apply and submit a sketch of our design and an essay describing why we should be in the competition,” Rampage explained.

Then there was the theme. Rampage says he knew they needed to be creative. “I had seen gliders in past competitions paying homage to the musician Prince and to the Minnesota Vikings, so we said to each other, “What’s the most Midwestern thing we can think of? And, we came up with Tater Tot Titans.

Everybody around here loves tater tot hot dish,” Grant exclaimed.

Their application was accepted, and they were ready to bring their idea to life.

With a Midwestern comfort food as their blueprint, the team used their engineering skill-set to create a

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UND Alumni Magazine | Winter 2019

one-of-a-kind gigantic tater tot inspired glider! “We used foam and spray painted it to look like tater tots, painted oven mitts on the wings and a spatula on the tail,” Grant said of their masterpiece.

Many details were strongly contemplated including getting the wingspan just right to ensure the greatest distance of flight. “We really honed in on our engineering knowledge to make it the best design possible, but we also had a lot of fun,” Grant said.

With hours upon hours of design and construction work behind them, the Tater Tot Titans were ready for the big day! The Red Bull Flugtag competition (Flugtag means “Flying Day” in German), was held on Sept. 7, in St. Paul, Minnesota. The event attracted 40 teams from Minnesota and the surrounding areas in a challenge to discover which aircraft would glide the greatest distance over the Mississippi River when pushed by team members off a 30-foot cliff. Kendric Heck, a new UND alum, served as pilot of the 70-pound tater tot!

“It was an amazing experience. We didn’t win, but we got 7th place, which we were really happy with,” Grant said.

With all but one member of the Tater Tot Titans now graduated from UND, Grant says it was nice to have one final team project to do together, even though this one wasn’t for a grade — just a whole lot of memories.

“It is definitely something we won’t forget for a long time,” Grant said. /// — by Leanna Ihry

Blake Molmen, ’07, is a senior solutions engineer in the IT Service Management Office in Fairview, Minn.

Kara (Fuchs) Gansmann, ’07, was named chair of the CSH Law Elder Law and Estate Planning Practice Group in Wilmington, N.C. Leah (Ackerman) Ducharme, ’07, was named 2019 Super Lawyer with Gjesdahl Law in Fargo.

2008

Kayla (Delzer) Dornfeld, ’08, ’14, is a third grade teacher at Mapleton Elementary School. She recently received the California Casualty Award for Teaching Excellence.

Jade Rosenfeldt, ’08, is the district court judge in Minnesota’s Seventh Judicial District.

2009

Jacqueline DeMolee, ’09, ’12, is a registrar services coordinator at the University of Iowa.

Guillermo Guardia, ’09, received a Fellowship in Ceramic Award from the McKnight Foundation.

Dustin Goetz, ’09, ’14, is a physician with the Center for Pain Medicine in Fargo.

2010

Stacie Wellman, ’10, is a family medicine/obstetrics physician with Community Physician Group-Family Medicine & Obstetrics in Missoula, Mont.

CLASS NOTES

APPLAUSE FOR ALUMNI Jason Haus, ’10, joined the Anesthesia team at Marshfield Medical Center in Eau Claire, Wis.

2011

Leading the Way Photo by Mattie Hjelseth

Jessica Wagner, ’11, is the social service designee at St. Rose Care Center in LaMoure, N.D. Denise Jonas, ’11, is director of the Cass County Career and Technical Education Center. She was presented the NDACTE Impact Award for Champion.

Jonathan Godfread, ’11, is running for re-election for North Dakota Insurance Commissioner.

CLIMBING THE RANKS Jackie Huber, ’93, named first female adjutant general for the North Dakota National Guard, credits doing the right thing and holding on to Army values for success.

Jackie (Hoge) Huber, ’93 not those other characteristics.”

Brig. Gen. Huber never imagined she’d be the first female deputy adjutant general for the North Dakota National Guard when she enlisted in the military in 1989. A year after serving with the ROTC program at UND, she deployed as a sergeant to Saudi Arabia for Operations Desert Shield/Desert Storm.

“I always knew that if I was going to put in the time and effort, I wanted to be an officer and serve in that capacity,” said Brig. Gen. Huber.

Carolynn Orey, ’12, is the city auditor in Rolla, N.D.

To this day, she cherishes the friendships and comrades she met while in the UND ROTC program.

“You have this tight-knit community that can reflect back on UND days,” reminisces Brig. Gen. Huber.

Luke Roller, ’12, has been selected as the chair of the UND School of Medicine & Health Sciences department of radiology.

“We offer lifelong learning, leadership development, just everything you can build from. We don’t make a complete officer in our ROTC. What we do is build the foundation of an officer,” said LTC Murphy.

Mary Wakefield, HON ’12, has been named one of five “Living Legends” by the American Academy of Nursing.

Huber’s journey didn’t stop there; she moved up the ranks, once again, to General. Before the promotion, there were requirements Huber needed to complete.

That included education requirements both for the military and being a civilian, as well as requirements for command level assignments. She finished these requirements, allowing her to be named deputy adjutant general.

2012

2013

Michael Raich, ’13, was named Interim President of the Northeast Higher Education District in Minnesota.

Jessica Gilbertson, ’13, has been hired by Community HealthCare Association of the Dakotas as the policy and partnership manager.

Jill Andera, ’13, was promoted to Controller with Sterling Management, LLC in Fargo.

Heather Torgeson, ’13, is a counselor at May-Port CG School (MPCG).

2014

Micah Schott, ’14, is a postdoctoral research associate at Mayo Clinic and was recently awarded a National Institute of Health (NIH) grant to study alcoholic liver disease.

Danica (Lamoureux) Nelson, ’14, is special education director for the Bismarck, (N.D.) Public School District.

Tran Tran, ’14, works with his family at TD Nails and Spa in Grand Forks.

T

he United States Armed Forces believe that leadership doesn’t have a particular race, color, national origin, or gender. The first female to be named deputy adjutant general in the North Dakota National Guard is an example of that.

“When it deals with military and doing a job, it’s not about gender. It’s about doing the right thing for the people that you’re serving and holding on to the army values,” said the first female deputy adjutant general for the North Dakota National Guard, Jackie (Hoge) Huber, ’93.

Lieutenant Colonel Jason Murphy, a military science professor at UND, agrees with Brigadier General Huber. “It’s your leadership that makes the difference

Huber didn’t get here alone though; she’s had support through it all. “It’s because of the people I’ve worked with, who’ve worked for me, that have supported me, and that have embraced my command philosophies and my command ideas. I’ve also been very fortunate with a supportive family,” Brig. Gen. Huber said with a smile on her face.

In the new role, she’s looking forward to the growing opportunities that come with this position, while focusing on two major things. “My priorities are with readiness and taking care of our people to the best of our ability,” said Brig. Gen. Huber.

With over 30 years of military experience under her belt, she hopes “to use those experiences and knowledge to serve the North Dakota National Guard, our airmen and soldiers to the best of my capacity,” said Brig. Gen. Huber. /// — by Mattie Hjelseth

The UND ROTC Program recently celebrated its 100-year anniversary. “The building has stood the test of time and it’s a testament to army officers as we continue to go forth,” said LTC Jason Murphy, a professor of military science at UND. UNDalumni.org

39

JU LY 3 0 – A UGU S T 10 , 2 0 2 0

FORESTS AND FJORDS OF ALASKA Seward to Vancouver

Explore the forests and fjords of Alaska’s coastal cities on this unforgettable eleven-night trip aboard Oceania Cruises’ Regatta. See the starting point of the Iditarod Trail in Seward, watch for whales in Icy Strait Point, and visit the Haines for excellent birdwatching. Stop by the Tongass National Forest in Ketchikan and experience the pioneer heritage of Price Rupert. Take in the wilderness of Nanaimo and the natural vistas of Vancouver.

TO BOOK YOUR TRIP

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

2015

Lisa Pimentel, ’15, is a fourth and fifth grade special education teacher with Upper Valley Special Education in Grafton, N.D.

2017

Gregory Zebro, ’17, is a staff accountant at Conway, Deuth & Schmeising in Wilmar, Minn.

Blake Prozinski, ’17, operates unmanned aerial vehicles for iSight RPV in Grand Forks.

2018

Rooney Villegas, ’18, joined the Williston Office of KLJ, which specializes in engineering and planning services.

Jason Ulmer, ’18, is director of The Hockey Academy at the Ralph Engelstad Arena in Grand Forks.

Zachary Phipps, ’18, is maintenance engineer at American Crystal Sugar Company’s East Grand Forks factory.

2019

Lisa Hochhalter, ’19, is the executive director of the North Dakota Corn Growers Association.

Ryan Fetch, ’19, joined Houston Engineering Inc., in Bismarck. He is an engineer and will assist with water supply projects. ///

Find the Flame More than 150 readers submitted correct answers to the Summer 2019 “Find the Flame” contest.

They found the flame hidden in the upper portion on the right side of the tree that is located on the left side of the page.

Patsy Green, Sarah Olimb, and LaVern Johnson’s names were drawn from the correct entries to win a prize from the UND Alumni Association & Foundation.

Be sure to search for the flame on the cover of this issue. If you find it email AlumniMag@UNDalumni.net.

ALUMNI REVIEW Summer 2019

University of North Dakota Alumni Association

ALL

BUSINESS

A generous donor and the North Dakota Legislature kickstart a campaign to build a new College of Business & Public Administration building.

p. 6

Rendering by: JLG Architects

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UND Alumni Magazine | Winter 2019

CLASS NOTES

APPLAUSE FOR ALUMNI

The Face of Weather

Lydia Blume, ’18 Photo by Shawna Noel Schill

UP AND AT ‘EM

Lydia Blume, ’18, starts her day at 1:30 a.m. as the prepares for her role as weather forecaster for WDAY TV, Morning News in Fargo.

F

ew people would call a tornado a “masterpiece.” Lydia Blume is one of them.

It was a twister in the summer of 2004, after all, that hurled her into meteorology.

The weather forecaster for the WDAY-TV morning news show in Fargo, Blume recalled being in awe of the funnel that spun through her family’s backyard when she was still a little girl.

“And that was the moment when I knew what I was going to do,” Blume said. “I never questioned what I was going to be when I grew up. It was always, ‘I'm going to be a meteorologist.’”

Living that conviction, Blume now begins her days at 1:30 a.m. to parse the weather. She does forecasts, wraps them in easy-to-grasp graphics and glams up for the green screen, all of that happening before most of her viewers crawl out of bed.

“Five a.m. hits, the on-air light turns on, and it's show time from 5 to 7 a.m.,” Blume said.

Although her work schedule – peppered with radio cuts and local updates during Good Morning America – is unconventional, she would not have

it any other way. Blume relishes the science and communication that make up her job.

“I want the weather to make sense to people,” she said. “Like, when we lose clouds at night, that makes you a little bit colder. It's like taking off your blanket. But if you keep the clouds, that keeps you a little bit warmer. I like communicating those things.”

Blume got her first experience in weather broadcasting at the University of North Dakota, where she majored in atmospheric sciences. For her, attending UND was just part of pursuing a career in broadcast meteorology. She simply knew the path she wanted to follow, and that UND was the best place for her to follow it.

“I didn't look at any other schools,” Blume said.

“I fell in love with the campus. I fell in love with the faculty, the staff. I fell in love with everything about the University.”

In her last semester at UND, Blume interned with WDAY-TV and, by the end of the internship, she began presenting the weather live on TV. Then, she got a job offer from the station. Upon graduation

in 2018, Blume became a full-time meteorologist.

“I didn't even interview for the job because of the things that the University established in me,” she said. “They instilled in me what I needed (in order) to be successful in my career. Now I'm doing what I'm doing. And, I love it.”

Blume also credits her professional success, in part, to the social and leadership skills she honed as a Gamma Phi Beta sister and as Miss Grand Forks 2017. Marking her time at UND, these roles also nurtured her eagerness to be more than another TV personality. Today, Blume regularly steps out of the small screen to partake in community events.

“This platform that I've been given as a ‘public figure’ is really important to me,” she said. “Being out and about in the community and making that one-on-one connection with somebody is really important to me, and so is inspiring future generations. I love giving back to the community that has already given me so much.” /// — by Dima Williams

UNDalumni.org

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CLASS NOTES

APPLAUSE FOR ALUMNI

The Many Hats of Jim Vasichek Photo by Shawna Noel Schill

the City Council and his wife, Amie, serves as city auditor.

Then, most days, Vasichek is off to Devils Lake, North Dakota, a 30-minute drive west, where Leading Edge has a large outpost. There Vasichek gravitates toward the sales department. He has a knack for it, one he has cultivated for years.

He started out in the family business mowing grass and later transitioned to work on combines and headers in high school. After graduating from UND, he became an ag loan officer in Grafton, North Dakota – following his father’s advice to gain diverse experiences.

I

f there's a person who embodies what it is to be a North Dakotan, Jim Vasichek might be the one.

That’s because his success at the helm of one of the country’s best John Deere dealerships has not affected his modesty, friendliness and dedication to his community, traits North Dakotans admire.

Vasichek is easy to chat with and quick to smile. He seldom talks about his own accomplishments – and not because they’re scarce. The Michigan, North Dakota, native shifts the spotlight to those around him.

When explaining the success of Leading Edge Equipment, a four-shop operation that sells John Deere farm machinery and parts, he points to the people who staff the business that three generations of Vasicheks have owned. “It's the continuity of our staff,” he said.

“We have so many people who've been here for 20 to 40plus years. And that's how you get loyalty, because our customer base doesn't change at a rapid rate. We feel that there's a lot of value in having a crew that doesn't change faces frequently, either."

So, how does he keep the same people who worked for his father and, before that, even his grandfather, who, with a cousin, started the company in 1963?

In 2006, Vasichek returned to sell parts and handle equipment financing. A decade later, he bought the company from his father.

“I think it's just been our culture – my dad was also very sales oriented as well,” he said.

His secret to great salesmanship is a lesson he learned long ago: grasp customers’ perspectives.

With stores in Michigan, Devils Lake, Hampden, and Carrington, Leading Edge caters to farmers who grow wheat, barley, corn, soybeans, and canola, among other crops – in a 10-county area, stretching from the the Red River to Bismarck.

A Focus on Community As a Lakota City Council member, Vasichek helped support extensive road enhancement projects, the construction of a new water tower and the establishment of a daycare center.

Jim Vasichek, ’05 a small town can accomplish some big things.”

Leading Edge has the same mantra. The business has teamed up with Devils Lake’s community-based career education center to offer employment for students who struggle in the conventional work environment. The partnership has even delivered a full-time employee to Vasichek’s staff.

Reasons for Pride There are a few things in which Vasichek openly takes pride. His relationship with his father, who oversees finances at Leading Edge, is one.

“Over the years, we've worked together and we still work together just in different roles,” Vasichek said.

His family is another. “I really need to credit my wife Amie as being the greatest partner I could have in marriage, parenting and business,” said Vasichek.

And, with three young kids, the Vasicheks try to foster traditions to last for decades – including Saturday trips to Grand Forks for UND football.

Yet another reason for gratification is the success of a family business that has become a community staple and a John Deere standout. Attesting to the latter is Leading Edge’s position among the top 10% of John Deere dealers in the U.S., Canada and Australia.

“So, I would say what I'm proudest of is the relationships both with my family and with employees and customers,” Vasichek said. /// — by Dima Williams

“It's really been an excellent learning experience, just to see how people can come together for some of those projects,” he said. “It's been fun to see how Photo by Shawna Noel Schill

Vasichek, who obtained a business degree from UND in 2005, said he does his best to relate to his employees personally. After all, he is a business owner in a rural setting, where life and work interweave, where smalltown residents know each other well and where life moves at a John Deere tractor's pace.

A Knack for Business Vasichek’s daily routine includes chauffeuring his three kids – 6-year-old Lauren and the 4-year-old twins, James and Claire – to daycare in Lakota, North Dakota, where the family lives. Lakota also is where Vasichek sits on

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UND Alumni Magazine | Winter 2019

JOHN DEERE GREEN

At the helm of a three-generational family business, Jim Vasichek, ’05, focuses on grasping customer’s perspectives.

Be a

SMART COOKIE

this holiday season

Take advantage of the ND Tax Credit, give the gift of stock or contribute with a gift through your IRA.

Why a gift of stock?

By transferring ownership to the UND Foundation, you may receive a charitable income tax deduction for the fair market value and incur no capital gains tax.

Why an IRA charitable rollover?

If you are 70 ½ or older, gifts made from you IRA (up to 100,000/yr) are not reportable as taxable income and also qualify for your required minimum distribution, which can lower your income taxes.

Why the ND tax credit?

North Dakota tax payers, businesses and financial institutions may qualify for a 40% state tax credit on the value of their gift to a UND endowment (minimum gift of $5,000 – lump sum or total giving in one year).

Call 701.777.2611 or toll free at 1.800.543.8764 for more information or visit us at UNDalumni.org.

UND BABIES

FEATURED CUTENESS Shane Binkley, ’06, ’14, and his wife, Krista, welcomed Jack Reed on Aug 25, 2019.

Proud big sisters are Annabel and Lyla. The family resides in Grand Forks.

If you would like your announcement to be included in the next UND Alumni Magazine, send a high resolution photo to AlumniMag@UNDalumni.net. We look forward to helping you celebrate!

1

UND BABIES 1 Josephine Ruth Praska was born Nov. 1, 2018, to Jay, ’97, and Tara Praska. She joins three big brothers, Luke, Elijah and Samuel. The family lives in Valley City, N.D. 2 Ryan Paul Kalberer was born April 8, 2019, in Phoenix, Ariz., to Kelsey (Brockberg) Kalberer, ‘09, and Jacob Kalberer.

3 Iris Odens was welcomed to the world Nov. 2, 2018, by proud parents Lisa (Wersinger) Odens ’09, and Patrick Odens ’09. The family resides in Big Lake, Minn.

4 Rebecca (Burkstrand) Burken, ’10 and Kimberly (Stulken) Burken, ’13, ’18, celebrated the birth of their daughter, Rosalie Joan, on April 3, 2019. The family lives in Coon Rapids, Minn.

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UND Alumni Magazine | Winter 2019

CELBRATIONS

2

5 Christopher Evans, ’16, and Emmy (Erbes) Evans, ’17, welcomed their first child, Theodore Peregrine, to their family Aug. 16, 2018. The family lives in Grand Forks.

6 Matthew, ’01, and Jean D’Angelo, became first-time parents to triplets: Lucy Elena, Samuel Alfred and Mary Margaret, on Oct. 17, 2019. The family resides in Spring Lake Heights, N.J. 7 Jeff Schild, ’00, ’02, ’03, and Megan (McCarty) Schild, ’04,’07, of Bismarck, welcomed Hadley Gairyn in August of 2018. Hadley joins big sister Gracyn.

8 Geoff Slick, ’09, ’12, and Alli (Gorder) Slick, ’09, welcomed Gordie Henry on April 11, 2018. The family lives in Grand Forks.

9 Stella Lyn Johnson was born Feb. 20, 2019, to Adam, ’10 and Carrie (Opstedal) Johnson, ’10. Adam, Carrie, and Stella reside in Lakewood, Colo.

3

10 Lacey (Paulus) Long, ’07, ’09, and Jackson Long, ’07, ’08, welcomed Reuben Kenneth Long on Feb. 27, 2019. The Longs live in Bismarck.

CELEBRATIONS 11 Brian Kindrat, ’13, and Rachael Fashant, ’11, ’13, were married April 13th, 2019, in Crosslake, Minnesota.

The couple resides in Calgary, Alberta, Canada.

12 Erin Ferry ’14, ’17, and Dallas Dupey ’14, ’16 were married Nov 10, 2018, in Sioux City, Iowa. Their wedding party included many friends they met while attending UND. The couple currently reside in North Sioux City, S.D. 13 James Johnson, ’13, and BreAnna Vidas, ’13, were married April 25, 2019, in Washington D.C. The couple lives in Duluth, Minn.

14 William DeHoogh, ’15, and Rachel Moore, ’14, were married September

8, 2018, in Fargo. Ten members of their wedding party were also UND alumni.

15 Cassi George ’18 and Robert Knapp ’19, were married June 15, 2019, in Northwood, N.D. They currently live in Grand Forks.

16 Mark Harries, ’15 and Allison Moore, ’16, were married in October 2018. The couple resides in Plymouth, Minn.

17 Jaclyn Kramer, ’12, and Garret Hoeper, ’14, were married May 18, 2019, in Alexandria, Minn., where they reside.

18 Tamara Auer, ’17, and Nathaniel Bertram were married July 20, 2019, in Grand Forks, where they reside. ///

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UNDalumni.org

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18

ND Champions Club Golf Tournament Park River, June 4 Bismarck, June 18 Fargo, June 24 Detroit Lakes, July 16 Grand Forks, July 23

COMMUNITIES TO JOIN ...

Alumni Chapters

Alumni groups are a great way to connect with fellow UND alumni and friends right in your hometown — no matter where you live! Don’t see a chapter in your area? Start one! For more information on how you can set up an alumni chapter in your area, head to undalumni.org/leader.

Current Alumni Chapters:

Phoenix, AZ Cedar Rapids, IA Bemidji, MN Minneapolis, MN Fargo, ND Minot, ND Portland, OR Dallas/Fort Worth, TX Salt Lake City, UT Denver, CO Kalamazoo, MI Brainerd, MN Springfield, MO Grand Forks, ND Wahpeton, ND Boiling Springs, SC Madison, WI Maidstone, Kent, United Kingdom

50

EVENTS TO CONNECT ...

Events

From the recognition of prestigious alumni at our Honorary Degree events, to our Women for Philanthropy program, to alumni gatherings in Minnesota Lakes Country, Florida, California, and Arizona, we connect our most loyal alumni across the globe.

Upcoming 2020 Gathering Cities:

Grand Forks Fargo, ND Bismarck, ND Park River, ND Detroit Lakes, ND

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UND Alumni Magazine | Winter 2019

Minneapolis St. Paul, MN Nashville, TN Denver, CO Naples, FL

Scottsdale, AZ San Luis Obispo, CA Washington, DC Seattle, WA Carefree, AZ

Alumni Chapters Events

1 Upcoming 2020 Events The GO Show Wedding + Event Showcase, Jan 16 UND at the Wild, Feb. 6 UND at Boulderanch, Feb. 22 UND in Naples, March 13 UND in AZ, March 14 UND in D.C., March 18 US Hockey Hall of Fame, Oct. 2020 Homecoming 2020, Oct. 5-10 Gamma Phi Beta -100 years, Oct. 9 ATO Grand Opening, Oct. 9-10 UND vs NDSU Football, Nov. 14 UND in Austin, Jan. 31 Women for Philanthropy Grand Forks, April 16 Women for Philanthropy Fargo, April 23

ALUMNI FAMILY LET’S KEEP IN TOUCH!

You are the best reflection of the University of North Dakota and the education it provides. So, please keep us informed! Tell us if you've moved, if your email address has changed, if you've been promoted or honored, gotten married, or had a baby. Update your info at undalumni.org/profile-update or email AlumniMag@UNDalumni.net

UNDalumni.org

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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.

Photo by Sam Melquist

1930s Thorice (Sveen) Brekke, ..’39 New Richmond, Wis.

1940s Roland Loeffler, ’40 Modesto, Calif.

Bette (Hewitt) Lee, ..’41 Dunnigan, Calif.

Dorothy (Shol) Lutjen, ..’42 Portland, Ore. Ethel Torgerson, ’42 St. Thomas, N.D. Geraldine (Thompson) Trout, ..’42, Medford, Ore. Ruth (Mullis) Adams, ’42 Rochester, Minn.

Charles Lehman, ..’45 San Diego, Calif.

Joe Roller, ..’45, Grand Forks Doris (Thompson) Lorentzen, ’46, Woodway, Texas Ruth (Martin) Opp, ..’46 New Braunfels, Texas Mardelle (Vig) Bartholomew, ..’47, Grand Forks Gertrude (Maas) Berndt, ’47 Fargo Marilyn (Gjelsness) Champeau, ..’47, Naples, Fla. Eddyth (Rosenberg) Smith, ’47 St. Charles, Mo. Marion (Schumer) Adams, ’48 Mesa, Ariz.

Harriet (Legge) Knuth, ’49 Bismarck

Betty (Ouradnik) Bischke, ’54 Billings, Mont.

Ellwin Rakke, ’58 Albertville, MInn.

Dr. Gale Lennon, ’61, ’71 Happy Valley, Ore.

Robert Reinertson, ’49, ’63 Grand Forks

Jack Lees, MD, ’54 St. Paul, Minn.

Lee Stenseth, ’58, Scottsdale, Ariz.

Lyla (Sandberg) Rath, ..’61 Fargo

Jacque Stockman, ’49, ’50 Fargo

Dr. LaVonne (Kleven) Russell Hootman, ’54, ’75, HON ’09 Grand Forks

1950s Barbara (Lilja) Griffin, ’50 Walker, Minn.

Pauline (Bjornson) Bill, ’59 Escondido, Calif.

Barbara (Preston) Larson, ..’50 Bismarck

E. Duane Harder, ’55, Trent, S.D.

Richard Burchill, ’59 Ballston Lake, N.Y.

Jack Haugen, ’55, Minneapolis

James Dignan, ’59 Bottineau, N.D.

Wallace Olson, ’50 Corona del Mar, Calif.

William Porter, ’50, ’53 Park Rapids, Minn.

Robert Poyzer, ’50 Crosby, Minn.

Dean Strinden, MD, ’50 Williston, N.D. Joan Tracy, ’50, Bismarck Dorothy (Gray) Debele, ..’51 Kramer, N.D. Dr. Rodney Johnson, ..’51 Sheboygan, Wis. Wally Popejoy, ’51 Corpus Christi, Texas Thorlief Stangebye, MD, ’51, ’52, Roswell, N.M. William Wild, Jr., ’51, Chicago Robert Carter, ..’52, Fargo

John Rogalla, ..’48, Duluth, Minn.

Donavon Woessner, ..’52 Epping, N.D.

48

Darlene Bender, ’59 Incline Village, Nev.

Wayne Engbretson, ’55 Memphis, Tenn.

Henry Mahlman, ’52, ’56 Golden, Colo.

Jeanne (Jacobsen) King, ..’49 Reno, Nev.

John Carney, ’55, Grand Forks

Pete Bachmeier, ’59 Dilworth, Minn.

Kathryn (Loram) Hermes, ’50 Tyler, Texas

Joan (Blaisdell) Hooker, ’48 Monterey, Calif.

Lorraine (Larson) Sundquist, ’48 Hidden Valley Lake, Calif.

Col. Lewis Byzewski, ..’55 Riverton, N.J.

Charles Whipple, ’58 Mountain Home, Idaho

David Bing-Wo, ’53 Regina, Saskatchewan Donald Conner, ’53 Bemidji, Minn.

UND Alumni Magazine | Winter 2019

Carol (Monson) Moline, ’55 Olympia, Wash.

Henry Dhuyvetter, ’56 Orange, Calif.

Winifred Bergem Hankla, ’56 Minot, N.D. Robert Loe, ’56 Owatonna, Minn.

Richard Olafson, MD, ’56, 57, HON ’01, Miami Jack Paul, ’56, ’57, ’69 Minneapolis A. Maren (Eid) Wands, ’56 Spokane, Wash.

James Zieman, ..’56, Makoti, N.D. William Byron, ’57, Waupun, Wis. Norma (Tvete) Carlson, ..’57 Rockwell, Texas A. James Crackel, ’57, ’59 Baudette, Minn.

Wayne Goschen, ..’59 East Grand Forks, Minn.

1960s Robert Bradford II, ’60 Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. Cecile (Carlson) Ellis, ’60 Bismarck Marie Solberg Gregory, ..’60 Portland, Ore.

Mary (Ode) Stoller, ..’61 Battle Lake, Minn.

Stanley Wilson, ..’61 Thief River Falls, Minn.

James Wright, ’61 Southhampton, N.Y. John Gray, ’62, ’66 Winnipeg, Manitoba James Johnson, ’62 Kingsland, Texas Kathleen (Korsmo) Lambrecht, ’62, Lincoln, Neb. Floyd Martin, ’62 New Brighton, Minn.

Dr. Albert Schwenk, ’62 Falls Church, Va. Barbara (Dougherty) Bergeron, ’63, Baudette, Minn.

Gerald Danko, ’63, Powell, Wyo.

Beverly Nelson, ’60 Detroit Lakes, Minn.

David DeMars, ’63, ’65 Lake Park, Minn.

David Olson, ..’60 Sioux City, Iowa

James Devries, ..’63, Horace, N.D.

Mary Lou (Metzger) Stewart, ’60, Minnetonka, Minn.

Dwight Thrall, ’60, Fargo Harold Trosen, ’60, ’69 Lake Park, Minn.

Gerald Becker, ’58, Aitkin, Minn.

Beverly (Bossart) Wurzer, ..’60 Fargo

James Hockenberry, MD, ’58, ’62, Fallon, Nev.

Dr. Edward Halas, ..’61 Grand Forks

Robert Hoop, ’58, Jackson, Mich.

Dr. Kenneth Harstad, ’61 Sylmar, Calif.

Rodney Johnson, ..’58, Ray, N.D.

Donald Soli, ’61 Sequim, Wash.

Rosemary (Axford) Herrick, ’61 Plano, Texas

Gary Kelly, ..’63, Minot, N.D. Charles Rogenes, ..’63 Buxton, N.D. Jane (Trumbo) Stratton, ’63 Pinellas Park, Fla. Dr. Samuel Tuthill, ’63, ’69 Grand Marais, Minn.

Arlene (Axvig) Woodson, ..’63 Denver Donald Holloway, ’64, ’65, Fargo Carl Long, ’64, Red Wing, Minn.

Rev. Iver Torgerson, ’64 Macomb, Ill.

Janet (Peckham) Billings, ’70 Thousand Palms, Calif.

Richard Shinagle, ’75, ’91 Dickinson, N.D.

Gary Brackelsberg, ..’65 Aurora, Colo.

Maj. Harold Clayton (RET), ’70 Riverside, Calif.

Meredith (Olufson) Dubuque, ’65, Grand Forks Donald Duda, ’65, Missoula, Mont.

Dr. James Keifert, ’65, ’67 Olympia, Wash.

Vyrn Muir, MD, ’65, ’67 Kent, Wash.

Duaine Sanden, ..’65 Mentor, Minn.

Dewel Viker, Jr., ’65 Hillsboro, N.D. John Morrison, ’66 Selkirk, Manitoba Darrel Rytter, ’66, ’69 Kenmare, N.D.

John Murray, ’93, West Fargo, N.D.

Arnold Christian, Kennedy, Minn.

LeRoy Rice, ’76, Devils Lake, N.D.

Mary (Harris) Averill, ’94 La Grande, Ore.

Janice (Nelson) Crockett Tucson, Ariz.

Bradley Gibb, ..’70, Vergas, Minn.

Susan (Elkin) Fish, ’77 Wichita Falls, Texas

Lori (Pawlowski) Lopez, ’95 Manchester, N.H.

John LaLonde, MD, Grand Forks

Daniel Hagen, ..’70, Mandan, N.D.

Janet Lee, ’77, Hutchinson, Minn.

Glenn Kerr, MD, ’70 Hermosa, S.D.

Gregory Mickelson, ’77 Frazee, Minn.

Allan Skramstad, ’98 West Fargo, N.D.

Darlene (Reimers) Loebrick, ’70, ’72, Tucker, Ga.

Robert Shook, MD, ’77, ’79 Fargo

David Ophaug, ..’70 Grand Forks

Richard Halstenson, ..’78 Crookston, Minn.

Helen (Stavert) Peterson, ’70 Rolla, N.D.

Robert Agnew, ’79, Arlington, Va.

Donald Swenson, ’70 Rapid City, S.D. Barbara (Ostreim) Thomas, ’70 Billings, Mont.

Gloria Tosseth, ..’70, Wilton, N.D.

Orville Aune, ..’79, Oakes, N.D. Richard Davidson, ..’79 Rugby, N.D.

1980s

Peggy (Spoor) Hillebrand, ’99 Grand Forks Jamie Lund, ’99 West Fargo, N .D.

2000s Michael Heyer, ..’01, Albany, Ga. Jeffrey Palmer, ’03, ’10 Victor, Idaho Matthew Hjelden, ’04 Watford City, N.D.

Karen (Bauer) Myerchin, ..’80 Grand Forks

Jerome Arnold, ’67, Duluth, Minn.

Matthew Coad, ’71 Dell Rapids, S.D.

Theodore Quanrud, ’80, Bismarck

Patrick Inman, ..’07 Rochester, Minn.

Michael Coash, ’81 Brighton, Colo.

Cynthia (Waters) Brower, ’09 Comfort, N.C.

Patricia (Toman) Eck, ’81 Bismarck

2010s

Kevin Mickelson, MD, ’81, ’83 Bismarck

Dale Carlson, ’11, Roseau, Minn.

Russell Hersrud, ’68 Coeur D Alene, Idaho Cheryl (Hoff) Hoekstra, ’68, ’71, ’93, Grand Forks Patrick Kelly, ’68 Des Moines, Iowa Mark McGuire, ’68, Lincoln, Neb. Loretta (Czeczok) Movchan, ’68, Mandan, N.D. Duane Taylor, ..’68, Grand Forks Roger Breding, ’69, ’73 Prescott, Ariz.

J. Thomas Fredricks, ’69, ’72 Wilton Manors, Fla. Dr. George Gagnon, Jr., ’69, ’70, ’78, Saco, Maine

Robert Larimore, ’71 Larimore, N.D. Kenneth McPherson, ’71 The Villages, Fla. Thomas Eastburn, ’72 Hot Springs, S.D. Patrick Morley, ’72, ’76 Grand Forks James Numedahl, ..’72 Grand Forks

Judith (Johnson) Skeen, ’81 La Valle, Wis. Bradley Brosseau, ..’82, Bismarck

Mariah Burshia, ’18 Brockton, Mont.

Kristie Lande-Wagner, ’82 St. Thomas, N.D.

Michael Tibbetts, ..’18 Ogema, Minn.

Constance Hodney, ’83 Grand Forks

Faculty/Staff Gayle (Haroldson) Davidson Grand Forks

Scott McBain, ..’83, Bothell, Wash.

Helen Davidson, Grand Forks

G. Stephen Eccles, ..’73 Grand Forks

Douglas Weberg, ’83 Grafton, N.D.

Gloria (Slaubaugh) Douville Detroit Lakes, Minn.

Gail Larson, ’73, Kennedy, Minn.

Carol (Moose) Houser, ’87 Bismarck

Paul Jeanotte, Belcourt, N.D.

Beverly (Bolme) Bale, ’73 Fosston, Minn.

Roger Martin, ’73, Wichita, Kan.

Al Hoffarth, ’69, Grand Forks

Mark Motis, ’73, Devils Lake, N.D.

Randolf Dusek, ’88 Sioux Falls, S.D.

Karen (Weisser) Layton, ’69 North Myrtle Beach, S.C.

Sister Mary Jean Gust, ..’74 Crookston, Minn.

Mark Ellingson, ’88 Apple Valley, Minn.

Carol (Johnson) McMahon, ’69 Racine, Wis.

Peter Hauser, ’74 Woodbury, Conn.

Mark Erickson, ’88 West Fargo, N.D.

Kenneth Orchuk, ’69, ’70 Grand Prairie, Alberta

Carol (Fedje) Hensrud, ..’74 Grand Forks

Ross Wilson, ’89, Richmond, Va.

Carleton Schley, ’69 Gresham, Ore.

John Kolar, ’74, Seabrook, Texas

1970s Delene (Edwards) Berg, ’70 Riverton, Wyo.

Justin Silicz, ’12 Winnipeg, Manitoba

Arlin Jacobson, ..’83, Dent. Minn.

Carol (Hill) Solberg, ’72, Bismarck

Russell Braddock, ..’75 West Fargo, N.D. Dr. Roland Mower, ..’75 Payson, Utah Janell (Schafer) Peterson, ’75 Center, N.D.

Marvin Moen, Grand Forks Duane Mutch, Larimore, N.D. Raymond Mutcher, Grand Forks Harold Pedersen, Helena, Mont.

Aldene (Lenes) Avery East Grand Forks, Minn.

Dennis Hogan, Grand Forks Betty (Pilgren) Nordling East Grand Forks, Minn.

Vivien (Christ) Rude Grand Forks A double period (..) in front of a year indicates the year that a nongraduate left UND. ///

Geraldine (Thielman) Oas Grand Forks Melquiades (Avila) Ripley Grand Forks Betty (Christianson) Severson Thief River Falls, Minn.

Raul Tovares, Washington, D.C.

1990s

Joe Vethanayagam Rockville, Md.

C. Eric Benson, ’91, Palmer, Alaska

Friends

Dr. Lisa (Beltz) Burger, ’91, ’02 Grand Forks

Norris Anderson, Grand Forks

Greg Johnson, ’93 Rochester, Mich.

Gladys (Zahradka) Moen Devils Lake, N.D.

Gwen Solien, Moorhead, Minn.

Ernest Breznay, ’71 Detroit Lakes, Minn.

Thomas Hoganson, ’67 Minneapolis

Donald Mengedoth Edwards, Colo.

Alberta Martin Swartz, ’06, ’09 Jamestown, N.D.

Alfred Zorniak, ’66 Winnipeg, Manitoba

John Daucsavage, ’71, ’73 Sioux Falls, S.D.

Ron McGurk, Grand Forks

Phyllis (Stenehjem) Rovelstad Grand Forks

Emil Berard, ’71, Harrisburg, S.D.

Dean Heinle, ’67 San Tan Valley, Ariz.

Russell Mather, Bismarck

Erik Hinzpeter, ’06 San Francisco, Calif.

Larry Fish, ..’80 East Grand Forks, Minn.

Kathe (Rush) White, ’66 Blue Springs, Mo.

Dr. W. Brad Martin, Whitehall, Wis.

Audrey Burfening, Fisher, Minn.

Darrel Bye, Fargo

UNDalumni.org

49

T H A N K Y OU

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 June 1 – Sept. 30, 2019. * indicates deceased For more information about the Eternal Flame Society, visit UNDalumni.org/EternalFlame

W IL L I A M B UDGE

CIRCL E

$1,000,000 - $4,999,999 Jody & Duane Feragen Jack G. Marcil

T HO M A S CL IF F OR D

CIRCL E

$100,000 - $999,999 Mary* & Quentin Anderson

Richard & Linda Beall Arthur & Elaine Hetland* Donald L. & Sandy Hynek Kurt & Tami Lamp Robert & Grayce Mitchell Piper Aircraft, Inc. Zahradka Land & Timber Company

UND Alumni Magazine | Winter 2019

L E G A CY

$10,000 - $99,999

The Legacy Circle includes donors who have indicated they plan to give to the UND Foundation through their wills.

CIRCL E

Dr. Blaine & Denise Clausnitzer William C. Elder, M.D. Falkirk Mining Co. M. James Gibbs* Jewell L. Hanna*

Azore, Inc.

50

P R E S IDE N T ’ S

CIRCL E

Janet, James and Peter Klosterman in Memory of Annette Klosterman

Randall & Carma Hanson

Jack & Nettie Lindvig

Marvin & Susan Larson

Mike Marttila

Dr. Kimberly & Monte McCulloch Michael Miller QOL Medical LLC David Scott Texas A & M University The Coteau Properties Co. Erven* & Ida* Weber

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3501 University Ave. Stop 8157 Grand Forks, ND 58202-8157

University of North Dakota vs Penn State Saturday, Oct. 17, 2020 in Nashville, TN, at Bridgestone Arena.

Book Your Hotel

The 2020 U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame Game and the Nashville Convention & Visitors Corporation have created a onestop shop for all your Nashville hotel needs during the Hall of Fame Game weekend. As the event producer, Ralph Engelstad Arena has contracted more than 2,500 hotel rooms nightly for this event to provide fans with a frictionless and convenient way to book hotel rooms in Nashville.

Fan Party at Wildhorse

Get Your Tickets

Champions Club member tickets available Dec. 9-13.

General public tickets available starting 10 a.m. Dec. 14.

UND Athletics, Ralph Engelstad Arena and the North Dakota Champions Club (NDCC) are proud to offer NDCC members an exclusive opportunity to purchase tickets to the 2020 U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame Game before tickets are made available for sale to others. This “online-only” special opportunity is available only to NDCC members and is a benefit of membership in the NDCC.

Go online to

theralph.com/nashville

for detailed information on tickets, hotels and the fan party!

Friday night in Nashville will feature the biggest country music party North Dakota has ever thrown! The place to be on Friday, Oct. 16, 2020, is none other than the “World-Famous Wildhorse Saloon” in downtown Nashville. The Wildhorse features three floors of actionpacked fun and 2,000 North Dakota fans are going to show Nashville how to party at the North Dakota Fan Party at the Wildhorse.