Horizons - Spring 2005

BSUHorizons Vol. 20, No. 3, Spring 2005

Bruce Falk, page 2

BSUCalendar

March 11-12, 2005 CHA Tournament Alumni Receptions, Grand Rapids, MN March 19-21, 2005 BSU Winter Rendezvous, Laughlin, Nevada April 22, 2005 BSU Foundation Board Meeting April 23, 2005 BSU Alumni Board Meeting April 30, 2005 Mass Communication Alumni and Student Banquet, Bemidji Town and Country Club May 12, 2005 50-Year Reunion Class of 1955 May 13, 2005 Golden Beaver Society Luncheon, American Indian Resource Center, BSU May 13, 2005 BSU Commencement, John Glas Fieldhouse June 3, 2005 BSU Foundation Board Meeting June 17, 2005 Wells Fargo / Gordy Skaar Memorial Golf Tournament, Bemidji Town and Country Club July 15, 2005 Galen Nagle Memorial Golf Tournament, Castle Highlands Golf Course, Bemidji August 5, 2004 First National Bank Bemidji Women's Golf Classic, Bemidji Town and Country Club August 5, 2005 BSU Foundation Board Meeting August 19-20, 2005 BSU Alumni Board Meeting and Retreat October 1, 2005 2005 Homecoming

A Publication for Alumni & Friends of Bemidji State University

Teaching inMINNESOTA'S LAST

ONE ROOM SCHOOLHOUSE

Linda Kastl had been teaching

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first grade in Warroad for four years when she decided a change might do her some good. She visited with her principal, who had an interesting idea and one question, "Do you have a strong arm?"

She hesitated, but never looked back at an assignment that would take her to Minnesota's Northwest Angle and the last single-room schoolhouse in the state, the Angle Inlet School.

Although sixty-five miles from Warroad, the school is part of the Warroad school district. A popular destination for vacationers and those who liked to hunt and fish, the Northwest Angle and the nearby islands on the Lake of the Woods have become home to families seeking a different yet productive lifestyle.

Which leads to the strong arm.

In the winter, some of the students arrive by snowmobile and need an "assist" in getting their sleds started for the ride home.

A native of Thief River Falls and a transfer from Northland Community College, Kastl earned her education degree from BSU in 1981. Her northerly migration took her to Warroad and then to the Northwest Angle.

"I anticipated seeing a little red schoolhouse," said Kastl, whose task was to teach all grades, from kindergarten through eighth. "I arrived to find a newly erected school with indoor plumbing, electric heat, and skylights. I

“

“I

Linda Kastl

have enjoyed having my own kids in school; however, I feel all the students I have had in class have been my own. A kind of family grows having the same children each year in school. Even neighbors are family in this remote community.”

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learned the Angle residents had volunteered their talents and had built it themselves."

When she arrived, Kastl felt more confident about the strength of her arm than her ability to teach the 12 students who were spread across eight grades during that first year. At her desk were teacher manuals to help her prepare for not one, but for each of the grades. And there were different manuals for reading, math, science, English, health, spelling, social studies and the like.

"I would have loved to ask for guidance from an experienced one-room teacher, but the previous teacher had m ove d away, " Kastl explained.

"There were no computers, inter-

net, or satellite dishes. Telephones had not even reached this isolated area. I was on my own."

Like coaxing a reluctant engine to fire on a cold, wintry afternoon, Kastl approached the task with strong-armed tactics.

It took several hours to prepare each day's lesson plans. Nearly 20 years later, she still prepares for each day the same, one grade at a time, although the Inlet is connected electronically with the rest of the world. Her task was lightened somewhat in 1994 when the grades were reduced to K-6.

Kastl has developed a nurturing, cooperative learning style for the school. Working together, the younger students become interested in the studies of the older students, who in turn have built-in review sessions every time they assist those in the lower grades.

Each is still responsible to become independent learners, taking on their own reading and assignments individually.

She met her husband, Tom, one summer when she worked with the U.S. Customs Service. Tom was a chair maker, fishing guide and carpenter on the Northwest Angle. After marrying, she moved into his log cabin along the Bear River. They have three children, Erica 15, T.J. 14, and Kya 12.

"I have enjoyed having my own kids in school; however, I feel all the students I have had in class have been my own," Kastl said. "A kind of family grows having the same children each year in school.

Even neighbors are family in this remote community.

"As in a real family, problems arise and they are dealt with. Not everyone gets along all the time, but if one is in need, the rest are right there to lend comfort and support."

Situations are dealt with expediently as there is no opportunity to shuffle a dispute to the next Continued on page 8

Horizons Page 2

Summer Making a Difference AS A FARMER-DENTIST Good people in small places have

helped Bruce Falk accomplish things some people only dream of - or just never consider.

Building a home-based dental office at the end of a gravel road on dairy farm in rural Salol, didn't want a life where you just aMinnesota, probably falls lived for the weekend and I didn't want into the latter category. a lot of overhead so I decided I would Winning four national NAIA men's hockey titles just do it out of my home.” while attending Bemidji State University, earning Bruce Falk All-America honors and playing on the 1972 U.S. Hockey Team in the World College Games in Lake Placid, New York, falls into the former.

Regardless of his accomplishments on or off the ice, Falk is grateful for the support he found at BSU as a hockey player and a student.

"At a big school, I might never have gotten the opportunity that I found at BSU," Falk said. "I did have some talent, but I didn't have as much talent by far as many of my teammates, yet I still got a chance."

Falk grew up on the dairy farm where he practices dentistry, halfway between Roseau and Warroad, two of the state's oldest and finest hockey rivals. His patients drive from those communities and elsewhere to visit his office.

There in the farmyard, Falk learned to skate on a patch of ice before he was old enough for school. After that, most of his skating was done at the Salol Elementary School rink where the principal, who also doubled as a teacher and a hockey coach, would start lessons as soon as the buses arrived and skip recesses so that he could let his players out early to practice.

Falk eventually played on the Roseau High School team and competed in two state tournaments before being recruited to BSU. Making the team, however, was a challenge, according to Falk. Seventy players tried out, so many that BSU Coach R.H. Peters, now the commissioner of College Hockey America, had to schedule three separate practices just to get them all on the ice.

"If I hadn't been recruited and coach hadn't seen me play before tryouts, I wouldn't have made it," said Falk.

"I played horrible, but he gave me a chance and he was always very supportive of me."

Peters doesn't recall any deficiencies in Falk's play, but remembers the competition was stiff. The talent was so deep that Peters could rotate just about anyone into his starting line up.

Among Falk's teammates, three went on to become Olympians. Falk made his mark, as well.

"One of the greatest compliments I ever received about Bruce was from a referee," said Peters. "He said, 'If you

Making A Difference

“I

Bruce Falk

had 20 players like that you'd never lose a game.' He could do it all for us.

He was tenacious, relentless and very bright with the puck."

From 1968 to 1971, the BSU teams won three conference titles and four consecutive national championships.

Falk finished his senior year as captain.

Despite the talent, he credits much of the team's success to the mutual respect players had for one another.

"We had such great chemistry," Falk said. "Even with how good those players were, they didn't think they were better than anyone else."

In the fall of 2004, those teammates returned to campus to be inducted as a team into the BSU Athletic Hall of Fame. Of the 52 players, 36 of them - or their surviving spouses --attended the induction ceremonies.

"Talking on the phone with everyone was just like old times," said Falk, who had called many of his teammates.

"I've always felt close to the people on these teams. I'd like to see people get reconnected back to the university and to one another. It's so easy to let those connections slide, but everyone who came back was so glad that they did."

Falk is driven to reconnect in part because much of what he did might not have happened without the support he found at BSU. In his sophomore year, just one week after his parents first saw him play a BSU game, Falk's mother was killed in a car-train crash.

"It was the most tragic thing that ever happened to me," Falk said and he nearly quit hockey to go home and help with farming. But his friends and others prevailed and Falk finished his BSU career, graduating with a degree in chemistry and biology, as well as honors as the outstanding student athlete of the year.

Falk received a doctor of dental surgery degree from the University

of Minnesota in 1975 and completed a residency program at the Veteran's Administration Hospital in Minneapolis in 1976. Then, farming drew him home. He joined his brother and father on the farm and worked part-time for a dentist in International Falls until 1987 when he built a house on the farm and added on a dental office.

"I didn't want a life where you just lived for the weekend and I didn't want a lot of overhead so I decided I would just do it out of my home," Falk said of his dental practice.

He opened his farm-based office in May of 1987 and a year later found himself practicing dentistry five days a week. He would rise by 4:30 a.m., help milk 150 cows, work all day in the office and finish the day with farm work.

Somehow in the mix of things, Falk found room in his life for Mary Jo, who he married in 1997. He was 48.

The two had met in 1977 when he worked in International Falls and they became friends. While he farmed and grew his dental practice, she pursued a compelling life of her own, adopting two daughters from India, Allison and Amy, now 18 and 14, and raising them as a single mom.

In 2002, Falk and his brother sold the cows and shifted to beef cattle. He also doubled the size of his dental office.

He now practices with six dental chairs and a staff of seven. These days, he sometimes sleeps until 6 a.m.

That makes for a full life, yet Falk still finds time for BSU. In addition to serving on the alumni board, he has given generously to support Beaver Pride, academic scholarships and men's hockey. He's a tireless advocate for BSU, noting that he found himself better prepared for dental school than many of his classmates from private colleges and large universities. He believes that

it's important to support small, public colleges where students, regardless of their financial situation and professional ties, can get a good education.

He is also passionate about BSU men's hockey. Since moving to the Division I level in 1998, the team has held its own against much bigger schools, creating a lot of exposure for BSU and name recognition nationwide. Yet the team competes with fewer athletic scholarships than its competitors. Falk would like to see that changed so that BSU can continue to recruit talented players. He also believes that the growing Bemidji area would benefit with the addition of an events center to host hockey, as well as other attractions that draw people into the community and enhance the economy.

"If we want to be the university of and for northern Minnesota, then we need to ask what we can do to make students want to come here and to create opportunities for them to stay and have jobs to come back to," Falk said.

Falk wants to see BSU remain a strong academic institution, one that is attractive to northern Minnesota students, helps strengthen its northern communities and creates the kind of setting that can continue the strong hockey tradition he so enjoyed.

"It used to be that state funding covered public colleges, but today, less than 50 percent is funded by the state," Falk said. "Sometimes, people don't seem to realize that BSU needs funding just like any other school.

To create programs that people want to come to, we have to invest in the university."

For Falk, ensuring the future of BSU and its hockey tradition is a legacy he hopes to pursue as much as a tribute to the people who have supported him as to the students who are yet to come.

Horizons Page 3

Industrial Industrial TechnologyTech READIES FOR NEW FACILITY The first week of the New Year

found Bemidji State University's Industrial Technology Department starting a move into its new home, an addition to Bridgeman Hall named the Center for Advanced and Emerging Technology (CAET).

The programs housed under the CAET aim to provide a seamless transfer of students from two-year to four-year higher education programs, allowing sharing of resources and creating an environment for lifelong learning in those professions. Examples of these programs include manufacturing engineering technology and manufacturing management, construction technology and construction management, exhibit fabrication and exhibit design, and model technology and technology management.

Legislative funding of the new building covered the costs associated with construction, furnishings and fixtures. But the University now faces the challenge of raising $1.3 million needed for new computers, software and other equipment required to bring the technology up-to-date, explained Elaine Hoffman, chair

of the Industrial Technology Department. For now, the department has moved existing equipment into the new building, some of which dates back to 1964 when Bridgeman Hall was built.

"The building project itself is, of course, important," said Hoffman. "But our programs are really about helping students fulfill their need to be innovators. Most of them come to us with a vision and desire to be innovative, not just re-create the same thing over and over. It's our mission to provide them with the skills and outlets they need to fulfill that dream."

The second phase of the CAET construction project is now eagerly anticipated, Hoffman added. It involves a complete renovation of the existing Bridgeman Hall and further expansion with the addition of a third floor. Legislative approval of funding for the next phase of the project is currently pending.

Dr. Martin Tadlock, dean of the College of Professional Studies at BSU, envisions the completed center as a "showcase for industrial technology" and notes that, after the Department of Professional Education, the Department of Industrial Technology graduates the highest number of BSU students, representing an important draw for future students and faculty.

Bridgeman Hall and its new addition now house 10 programs and more than 500 declared majors, experiencing an 88 percent enrollment increase since 1998.

The department has extended its reach as well, providing online to distance learners across the globe and delivering degree programs to such locations as George Brown College in Toronto. It is also exploring an expansion of its degree offerings to include a new direction in applied engineering.

The CAET, both the completion of phase 1 and the beginning of phase 2 when funded, will

“O

Elaine Hoffman

ur programs are really about helping students fulfill their need to be innovators. Most of them come to us with a vision and desire to be innovative, not just re-create the same thing over and over. It's our mission to provide them with the skills and outlets they need to fulfill that dream.”

greatly assist the department in meeting the increasing needs of students while accommodating the program's enrollment growth, new directions, a renewed relationship with Northwest Technical College in Bemidji, and expansion of off-campus learning opportunities.

Where We Are ... What We’re Doing BSUHorizons Vol. 20, No. 3, Spring 2005 Produced by the Communications Office and the Alumni Office at Bemidji State University, HORIZONS is published quarterly and distributed without charge to BSU alumni, students, faculty, staff and other friends of the University.

Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Al Nohner Designer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Kathy Berglund Photographer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . John Swartz President . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dr. Jon Quistgaard Alumni Director . . . . . . . . . . Marla Huss Patrias Contributing Writers . . . Jody Grau, Cindy Serratore Editorial Assistance . . . . . . . . . . . . Peggy Nohner Editorial Board: Dr Joanne Fredrickson, Keith Marek, Ed McDunn, Al Nohner, and Marla Huss Patrias.

A member of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system, Bemidji State University is an equal opportunity educator and employer. This document is available in alternative formats to individuals with disabilities by calling 1-800-475-2001 or 218-755-3883. 05-018

ALL CITIES ARE LOCATED IN MINNESOTA UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED.

1940s Eileen Dexter (’46) is involved with an ongoing parish project of providing health kits, school kits and layettes for Lutheran World Relief and also serves on the Lakeshore Home Auxiliary Board.

She and her husband, John, live in Duluth and have five grown children and 11 grandchildren, ages 4 to 27… EvaYoung (’49) lives in Chula Vista, CA, and has a daughter, Autumn.

1950s Peter Marchand (’52) was a speaker at a September 22 presentation in Lengby on “Understanding the History and Beliefs of Buddhism.” He taught high school social studies in Bagley from 1952 until his retirement in 1995 and during his career developed and taught courses in world religion, ancient world history and the history and culture of India…

Muriel Copp (’57) of Red Wing married Sam Pearson on October 30. This is her first marriage…

Caroline Czarnecki (’50) lives in Roseville…

Erv Tolkinen (’57) and his wife, Eileen, live in Perham and have three grown sons. His hobbies include jogging and woodworking… Jack Miller

(’56) and his wife, Haroldine, live in Nashville, TN. He recently spent 10 days in Rome, Pompeii and Florence, Italy, and in August met with Korean War shipmates of the LST 1126 in Las Vegas… Dwaine Marten (’58) and his wife, Maureen, live in Moscow, ID. They have two grown children, Michelle and John… Dave Kankel (’58) retired as Red Lake County auditor in 1994. He lives in Red Lake Falls and enjoys fishing and golfing… HowardWatts (’52) celebrated his 80th birthday with an open house in Bemidji recently… Mary (Fleener)Anderson (’52) and her husband, Sid, live in Grand Forks. They have two grown daughters, Jennifer and Karen…

Patricia Clark (’57) of Laguna Niguel, CA, is retired but continues to work and exhibit as well as serving on museum boards and conducting seasonal workshops… John Liapis (’52) recently celebrated his 80th birthday with an open house n Bemidji.

1960s Rayome Koehler (’64) of Fosston was among 12 Minnesotans who were recognized for community service recently when they received the 2004 Virginia McKnight Binger Award in Human Service. The award honors Minnesota residents

who give time and energy to improve the lives of people in their communities. During the many years he’s lived in Fosston, he has developed numerous programs to bring people together. He established the Embassy Community Center more than 20 years ago when the Singles’Christian Fellowship grew too large for his apartment. He assisted in starting the Fosston Community Theater and Drama Society and helped restart the once inactive Fosston Garden Club and the holiday meals program as well as energizing many other Fosston organizations. He also taught elementary school in Fosston for 17 years and ran Koehler Floral for many years… Eileen MaloneBeach (’69) and her husband, James, live in Mount Pleasant, MI… Diane Hoselton Genova (’62) of Northfield is a volunteer with the Early Literacy program at the public library… Robert Garramone (’69) lives in Westfield, IN, and writes that he’s “contemplating retirement after 36 years of government service”… Bob Hazell (’61) has been retired for 10 years and lives in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. He and his wife, Ruth, have two children, Nissa and Nadine… Gerry Schram (’68) of Detroit Lakes filed this fall as a candidate to the Becker County Board. He has served on the Becker County Economic Development Board and has 33 years of business experience. He and his wife of 29 years, Janis, have two college-age sons, Bill and Tom… Lois Thomson (’66) and Bob Thomson (’61) of Bemidji celebrated their 63rd wedding anniversary on December 6… Bob Fladung (’69) filed this fall as a mayoral candidate in Pine River. He was a teacher for 36 years at Pine River-Backus schools and has served on the Pine River City Council and as mayor for 10 years … Ed Pessenda (’67), a long-time Chisholm City Councilor and former mayor, filed this

fall for re-election to the city council. He’s employed with Woodline Manufacturing in Fayal Township…

Richard Kieren (’64) filed for re-election to the post of mayor in Proctor this fall. He and his wife, Diane, have three grown children, Mark, Nicole and Beth, and five grandchildren… Carol Demgen (’68) filed this fall as a candidate to the East Gull Lake City Council. She’s been an elementary physical education teacher and driver’s education teacher at Pillager School District for 32 years and coached basketball, volleyball, track and field. She and her husband, Jim, have two daughters, Leslie and Shannon… William Gilman (’68) and his wife, Judy, live in Missoula, MT, and have two grown children, Brett and Nicole… Richard Sauer (’62) and Lorraine Sauer (’62) are retired and live in Bemidji… Harriet Driscoll (’68) of Duluth has retired from teaching elementary grades and now volunteers one day a week in a special education. She and her husband, Gerald, have two grown sons, David and Jonathon…

Joanne Sannes (’61) and Keith Sannes (’65) live in Erskine. They have four grown children and nine grandchildren… Norman Hecimovich (’60) was elected to the Austin City Council in November by a 75 percent vote. He and his wife, Helen, have three grown sons… Michael DeWitt (’66) is one of several artists who painted scenes that wrap around the food court at Bemidji State University’s Walnut Hall… Linda Charlton Evans (’65) of Rocky Mount, NC, has retired after 37 years of teaching in elementary classrooms and now enjoys having more time to spend with her six grandchildren… Loren Hoyum (’66) and his wife. Edith (’88), celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary January 2 with an open house at their cabin in Saum.

Continued on page 4

Horizons Page 4

“T

Signature Themes Build Community

here are many examples illustrating how all the themes have contributed over time to the legacy of Bemidji State University, and how they have become integral parts of our daily lives. Now it is our challenge to explore how these may help us forge new directions for the future."

IN CHANGING TIMES

Community

my days as an undergraduate at the University of Arizona, knowledge was valued as a virtue that filled the mind, challenged a spirit, and For higher education, the new provided a direction.

"While those attitudes are still millennium has lived up to its reflected on this university campromise of change. pus, knowledge has taken on a Information is growing at an new value.

In the information unprecedented rate, challenging age, knowledge has become a higher education to constantly commodity with colleges and refresh itself and its approaches. universities serving as brokers."

Communication technology has To help the University understand changed the way professors teach and connect the time-honored valand the ways students are taught. ues with new directions, Bemidji For-profit institutions are emergState began a process over two ing across all states, and compete years ago to identify signature on an equal basis with their public themes that were both imbedded in and private counterparts on status, the culture of the institution as well programs and reputations. as valuable in refining offerings.

The list continues to grow. A The process included a series of new consumerism pervades the faculty, staff and student forums student population as vocationalon campus to address key quesism dominates degree programs. tions on expectations, aspirations, Fiscal pressures stress even the wealthiest campuses. Competition responsibilities and intentions for for students is rising while access Bemidji State. Research with key is challenged as one of the corner- external audiences, such as alumni and community members, added stones for public education.

"Those of us who have toiled in more insight.

"The intention was not to usurp higher education for some time the traditional role of academic, are witnessing a far different student service and administrauniversity experience than the one tive components in determining experienced three decades ago, their own directions," Quistgaard 10 years ago, and even five years explained.

"The search for the ago," said Dr. Jon Quistgaard, themes was designed to broaden Bemidji State president. "During the perspectives of all areas so that

core values, those central to the University's character and nature, would be strengthened."

Last fall, Quistgaard proposed three signature themes for the BSU campus to consider: • Environmental Stewardship, a commitment to participating positively in interactions with the natural environment; • Civic Engagement, a commitment to lifelong service in support of democratic ideas that preserve and strengthen our nation; and • Global and Multicultural Citizenship, a commitment to inclusiveness and openness in creating solutions to challenges in a rapidly changing and interdependent world.

"Environmental stewardship is a good example of how these themes have permeated the campus culture and strengthen our community for the future," Quistgaard said. "In searching for nonephemeral values that run deep to the core of the institution, it would be difficult to ignore the world around us, the wildlife, the forest lands, the Mississippi River, the lake, and much more.

"It is a singular point that differentiates our campus from peer

institutions across the Midwest."

Examples of how this theme transcends the campus consciousness are evident from liberal education, where BSU is a regional leader in requiring at least one environmental course, to conservation efforts that have resulted in annual reductions of 45,000 watts of lighting and three million gallons of water consumption.

It is evident in the Chemistry Department, which incorporates micro-scale laboratory techniques to reduce both the amount of hazardous waste generated as well as the amount of chemicals used. A sustainable Campus Endowment has been established with the BSU Foundation to support scholarships for graduate and undergraduate students who propose projects focusing on resource conservation and renewable energy. A gift of $1 million established the George W. Neilson Endowed Chair in Wetlands Ecology.

"There are many examples illustrating how all the themes have contributed over time to the legacy of Bemidji State University, and how they have become integral parts of our daily lives," Quistgaard added. "Now it is our challenge to explore how these may help us forge new directions for the future."

They have three children, Larissa, 23, Breanna, 19, and Jordan, 13… Lisa Zera-Polley (’79) filed this fall as a candidate to the Apple Valley City Council.

She has a son and a daughter and is a consultant editor of education, industrial and business media.

Her previous experience includes being editor for policies and procedures with MPI and educational software with the Business and Technology Center, Minneapolis… Dave Langfield (’72) and Bonnie Langfield (’71) of rural Long Prairie attend several crafts fairs each year, selling Dave’s stained glass artwork. He calls his business Dave’s Stained Glass and Woodworking and operates out of a workshop in his home. Previously he’d been a teacher, worked as a supervisor for Fingerhut in Sauk Centre and then joined the work force at Banta Publications, Inc. of Long Prairie where he is a bindery machine operator. Bonnie teaches first grade at Long Prairie Elementary School. The couple has two grown sons, Jason and Nathan… Dave Doft (’70) is retired from a career as a counselor in St. Peter schools and now lives in Livermore, CO. He is a golfer and an avid walker, usually walking four miles each day… Maureen Bonacci (’75) joined the Bendix Elementary School staff this fall as a special education teacher. She has 10 years experience working with students with cognitive disabilities and learning disabilities at Brillion in both high school and middle school settings. She and her husband, Domenic (’77), live in St. Cloud and she has three grown children… Bob Hurd (’76), his wife, Pat, and daughters, Hayley, Heather and Hannah are the grand prize winners of $20,000 in cash and a $5,000 game room, having won the Skippy Peanut Butter “America’s Nuttiest Family” contest. They submitted a video featuring the

family in turquoise outfits and holding placards spelling out Skippy. Pat is the contest nut of the family… LarryAitken (’74) is a professor at Itasca Community College and provides diversity training for the Bemidji Area Race Relations Council. He was recently the featured speaker at a Bemidji Area Chamber of Commerce After Hours event held at the new American Indian Resource Center at Bemidji State University… Connie (Criswell) Daigle (’73) teaches sixth grade at the Robert J. Elkington Middle School, Grand Rapids, and has been teaching that grade level for 12 years. She was nominated by a student for the 2003-2004 Minnesota Teacher of the Year and was one of 140 finalists. She’s been involved in many musicals with the Grand Rapids Players… Lloyd Styrwoll (’71) has been superintendent of schools in District 318, Grand Rapids, since 1999 and a second-round inductee in the Bemidji State University’s Education Hall of Fame. He and his wife Linda ('74) have three grown children… Carol Holm (’78) and her husband, Everett, recently celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary… George Liapis (’75) of Thief River Falls and Roger Jarvi (’74) of Bemidji volunteered their help at the Bemidji Community Thanksgiving Holiday Meal. Volunteers served more 400 meals at the First Presbyterian Church and through deliveries… Mark Johnson (’76) and Gail (Bourquin) Johnson (’78) live in Blackduck and have two children, Trent, 22, and Danielle, 18. Mark has been teaching fifth- and sixth-graders at Blackduck for 27 years, taught physical education this year for the first time and has been coaching varsity baseball for 11 years. Gail has been teaching third grade at Blackduck for 26 years… Nanette

Where We Are ... What We’re Doing 1970s Mary (Roedl) Bayerl (’75) is a program coordinator at Mille Lacs County Area DAC in Princeton. She and her husband, David, live in Princeton and have three children ranging in age from 21 to 25… Valborg Nesseth (’73) lives in Bagley… Nancy Hagen Staiger (’76) of Moorhead has retired from 15 years of providing foster care for many children. She and her husband, Doug, have four children, ages 18 to 27… Betty Kempe (’73) of Verndale is a substitute teacher in Bertha-Hewitt Schools. She and her husband, Bob, have two sons… Mary ClearyAnderson (’77) is employed at St. Cloud State University as a supervisor in records and registration. She married Ted Anderson in August of 2001 and they live in St. Cloud… David McCollum (’70) of Mahnomen has a farming business and is an insurance agent with National Farmers Union Insurance. His wife, Judy, teaches third grade at Mahnomen Elementary.

They have four children ranging in age from 15 to 23… Dana Johnson (’73) of Excelsior played in and won the National Championship in Rugby – over 35 League… Terry Cuthbertson (’71) of Topeka, KS, is employed as CIO of the VAHRC in Topeka… CharlesWadena (’76) filed this fall as a candidate to the Waubun-Ogema-White Earth School Board… Jim DeVries (’75), an incumbent serving on the Mahnomen School Board, filed this fall for re-election. He lives in Bejou and since 1991 has been operating his own business, Dev-Air, Inc., doing commercial agricultural spraying and manufacturing. He had farmed from 1975 to 1996.

He and his wife, Adelle, have been married for 28

years and have three children… Scott Harstad (’78) filed this fall as a candidate to the Ward 3 seat of the Plymouth City Council. He’s employed as a financial advisor and he and his wife, Carol, have two children… Kris Hasskamp (’74) of Crosby filed this fall as a candidate to the District 5 seat on the Crow Wing County Board. She is a governmental affairs consultant/advocate, mediator, pain and stress educator/therapist and had served as a state representative for 12 years.

She is single… Linda Koskela (’70) returned to the Iron Range this summer after retiring from “34 memorable years” of teaching third grade at Cedar Elementary in St. Francis. She now lives in Embarrass… Richard Lafean (’78) and Nancy (Davenport) Lafean (’78) live in Coon Rapids and have two children, Chris, 17, and Kelly, 14.

Richard has worked as a Coon Rapids police officer for 25 years and Nancy has worked for Hiawatha Rubber Company for 26 years… James MaloneBeach (’72) and his wife, Eileen, live in Mount Pleasant, MI… Vance Balstad (’73), in character as Paul Bunyan, took part in the Paul Bunyan International Hockey Tournament in Bemidji. Vance is employed at Bemidji State as the hockey rink ice maker… Lloyd Fell (’70) and his wife, Helen, live in Dugald, Manitoba, Canada, and have three children between the ages of 21 and 25. He is director of distribution channels and sales with Vertical Financial Group, Inc., and vice president of marketing and sales with EMS Associates, Inc.… Sharon Braski (’74) and Ronald Braski (’73) live in Eveleth. Sharon has worked for 30 years as a fourth-grade teacher and Ronald has been with U.S. Steel for 30 years in environmental technology. They have two children, David, 22, and

Jonathan, 19… Thomas Fatticci (’73) and his wife, Trudy, live in Winthrop. They have three grown children and two new grandchildren, Reilly, 14-months, and Jaycent, two-months… Bill Brockberg (’78) has been deployed to Kosovo as a member of the U.S. Army contingent serving as part of the Multinational Brigade – East. He is a senior print and broadcast superintendent with 22 years of military service… Faith Rudnitski (’78) is a counselor working part-time in both the New Wheaton Area Schools and the Herman-Norcross School District. She has extensive experience in counseling and school administration in districts including Verndale, NewYork Mills, Staples and St. Cloud. She lives in Barrett with her husband, Leon, and their daughter, Tee, a sixth-grader…

John Stewart (’72) of Chisholm was hired this fall to teach at Nashwauk-Keewatin High School. He’d previously taught for six years at Chisholm High School and before that for 25 years at Lake of the Woods High School… Dale Bockovich (’74) and his wife, Linda, live in Grand Marais and have two children, Kenneth, 18, and Kristen, 17… Kyler Meers (’77) and Taunja (Basgaard) Meers (’77) live in Cold Sping and have three children, ages 20, 16 and 12. Kyler has started his own in-home therapy practice and Taunja has returned to her career as an inpatient mental health social worker…

Ralph Giffen (’73) of Manassas, VA, was promoted in July to the position of assistant director of rangeland management for the USDA Forest Service. He and his wife, Nancy, have two children, Benjamin, 9, and Alex, 7… Stephen Holm (’78) and Barbara Holm (’78) live in Middle River and run a family business there,Young’s General Store.

Horizons Page 5

Applications Sought for Annual Writers Conference Applications are now being accepted for Bemidji State University's 2005 Minnesota Northwoods Writers Conference scheduled for June 19-24 and featuring workshops in poetry, fiction, creative nonfiction, scriptwriting, and writing for novices.

Kevin Young will attend as this year's distinguished visiting writer. His first book, Most Way Home, was selected for the National Poetry Series and won the John C. Zacharis First Book Award from Ploughshares. His second book of poems, To Repel Ghosts was a finalist for the James McLaughlin Prize from the Academy of American Poets.

A former Stegner Fellow in Poetry at Stanford University, Young is currently Ruth Lilly Professor of Poetry at Indiana University and the recipient of a 2003-04 fellowship from the Guggenheim Foundation.

Conference faculty members are chosen for their writing accomplishments and their success in teaching. The faculty includes: • Poetry, Dr. Nancy Willard, English Department at Vassar College, author of 12 books of poetry, two novels, numerous children's books and a collection of essays on writing; Newbery Medal winner.

• Fiction, Rikki Ducornet, author of seven novels including The Jade Cabinet, a finalist for the National Book Critics' Circle Award; The Fan Maker's Inquisition, a Los Angeles Times Best Book of the Year; and Gazelle, the Lannan Literary Award for Fiction.

• Scriptwriting, Wayne Johnson, a Wallace Stegner Fellow from Stanford University who has had many projects with major and independent studios; the recipient of an O. Henry Award, a Transatlantic Review Award, and a Chesterfield Film Fellow in Hollywood.

• Creative nonfiction, Dr. Tina Parke-Sutherland, professor of English and creative writing and the dean of liberal arts at Stephens College; the author of the collection of poems The Dream Latitudes and is editor of Missouri Poets, an annual publication of the American Academy of Poets; Bartlett Prize for Literary Scholarship, the Patrides Fellowship at the University of Michigan and American Academy of Poets' All-Alaska Competition prize.

• New writers, Sue Silverman, faculty member at the Vermont College low-residency MFA in Creative Writing Program; author Love Sick: One Woman's Journey Through Sexual Addiction and Because I Remember Terror, Father, I Remember You, both memoirs; winner of Associated Writing Programs Award Series in Creative Nonfiction.

Prospective attendees may apply online at www.bemidjistate.edu/writersconference, download a printable application from the website or call 218-755-2068 to request a registration packet.

A five- to ten-page writing sample in the appropriate genre must be submitted and will not be returned. Participants are selected on the basis of promise or accomplishment demonstrated in the writing sample, and workshop sizes are capped at 13 each. Writing experience is not required to participate in the novice sessions.

For additional information contact Writers Conference, Bemidji State University #4, 1500 Birchmont Drive NE, Bemidji, MN 56601-2699; or call 218-755-2068.

Paul Loeb to Headline Student Scholarship and Creative Achievement Conference Author Paul Loeb will present the 9 a.m. keynote address at the sixth annual Student Scholarship and Creative Achievement Conference at Bemidji State University April 13.

An Affiliate Scholar at Seattle's Center for Ethical Leadership, Loeb has spent 30 years researching and writing about citizen responsibility and empowerment--asking what makes some people choose lives of social commitment, while others abstain. His newest book is The Impossible Will Take a Little While: A Citizen's Guide to Hope in a Time of Fear (Basic Books, 2004), and he's also the author of Soul of a Citizen: Living With Conviction in a Cynical Time, Generation at the Crossroads: Apathy & Action on the American Campus, Nuclear Culture, and Hope in Hard Times. He has also frequently contributed articles to national newspapers and magazines, lectured at over 300 universities, presented at numerous conferences around the world, and appeared on many TV and radio shows.

More than 200 students are expected to participate in the annual conference by presenting their research, performing, appearing on panels, or conducting poster sessions. Open to the public, the program starts at 10:30 a.m. and concludes with a 2:30 p.m. closing celebration.

Paul Loeb

Hagen Hinck (’79) and her husband, Thomas, live in St. Croix Falls and have two children, Ian, 19, and Enya, 14. They are currently hosting a foreign exchange student from Japan… Marcia Ford (’79) of Coon Rapids is a special education teacher in Northfield and coaches swimming part-time at Macalester College. She and her husband, Douglas, have two children, Philip, 13, and John, 13… Mark Kelly (’79) and his wife, Julie, live in St. Anthony and have four daughters, Gretchen, 22, Rebecca, 20, Jeanie, 18, and Jaedyn, 14… Robert Tichy (’73) of Kelliher retired after working 22 years with the Beltrami County Sheriff’s Department and now does some substitute teaching in Kelliher. He and his wife, Sandy, have three children, Tom, 22, Amy, 18, and Nick, 14… JackieWitty (’73) and her husband, Tom, live in Mt. Iron and have two children, Scott, 23, and Jennie, 21… Susan (Thompson) Senecah (’72) is a professor in the environmental studies department at the State University of NewYork College of Environmental Science and Forestry in Syracuse. She also serves as special assistant for environmental policy in the NewYork State Senate. She and her husband, Van Calhoun, live in Chatham, NY, and have three grown children, ages, 26,24, and 21… Ron Johnson (’75) was re-elected this fall to the Bemidji City Council, representing Ward 3…

Craig Hougen (’79), a track coach at Bemidji State University, participates in the Kinship North mentoring program, spending time each week or two with an eight-year-old Bemidji boy. He has been a coach for the past 28 years, 16 of them at BSU. He and his wife, Ann (’92), have three children, two in high school and one in college…

Jeff Baumgartner (’77) of American Time helped

38 second-graders at St. Philip’s School assemble clock kits with the name of the school and grade level painted inside at the school recently… Amos Hard (’72) has retired and moved from Northfield to Akeley. He and his wife, Joan (’66), have two grown children and a one-year-old grandson… Joe Vene (’74) was recognized at a reception recently for contributing his time and talents to the community by serving 17 years on the Bemidji Planning Commission. He is now the newest member of the Beltrami County Board of Commissioners, having won election to the District 2 seat in November.

1980s Connie Solberg Brickell (’87) is in her 10th year of teaching fifth grade at Palmer Stone Elementary in Oxford, GA. She and her husband, Greg (’90), live in Conyers, GA, with their children, Haley, 9, and Heath, 6. Greg teaches sixth-grade social studies…

Jim DeWenter (’82) and his wife, Deb (’93), live in Bemidji and have two children, Adam, 20, and Kate, 22… David Shoff (’86) of Albert Lea is general manager of the Albert Lea Holiday Inn Express and AmericInn hotels and filed this fall as a candidate for a seat on the Freeborn County Board… John Terwilliger (’84) filed as a candidate this fall for mayor of Lake Shore… Doug Lingren (’81) of Bagley filed this fall as an incumbent candidate to represent District 2B in the Minnesota House of Representatives. He owns Harwood Oil/ Service Station and Bagley Tool Rental, both in Bagley. He and his wife, Colleen, have three children… Janet Simonson (’82) filed this fall as a

candidate to the Lake St. Croix Beach City Council.

She’s employed as a probation officer with Washington County… Tracey John (’87) is now office manager at she and her husband’s chiropractic clinic in Little Canada after spending several years substitute teaching. She and her husband, Duane, live in Stacy with their children Spencer, 14, Zachary, 9, and Fletcher, 9… Chuck Carmichael (’83) and Lori Carmichael (’86) live in Andover with their children, Cameron, 7, Katie, 5, and Samantha, 2. Chuck is employed as an internal examiner with the Internal Revenue Service and Lori is a manager with the IRS in the self-employed small business division… Philip Muir (’82) and Patricia Muir (’81) live in Hallock and have three children, Jami, 19, Andrew, 17, and Kaitlin, 13. Phil is in his first year as head hockey coach at Kittson Central… David Martens (’80) and Cindy Martens (’83) live in Kasson and have two children, Katelyn, 18, and Ben, 15. David recently bought an insurance brokerage agency along with two partners in Fairmont and Cindy teaches preschool in Byron… Chuck Treder (’85) and Pat Treder (’84) live in Rochester. Chuck continues working at the Mayo Clinic, where he’s been employed for nearly 20 years, and Pat works with the adult education program in Rochester…

Thomas Sexter (’83) lives in Woodbury and has two children, Anne, 14, and David, 9… Jill (Glawe) Radley (’86) and her husband, Howard, live in Thatcher, AZ, and have a son, Caleb, 9… Robert Benedict (’81) has been employed for the past seven years with Wright County as a land surveyor.

He lives in Annandale with his children, Matthew, 14, and Gregory, 11… Mark Nohner (’80) and Sue Nohner (’80) live in Baudette and have two

children, Lynne, 20, and Kari, 15. Both are employed at Lake of the Woods School in Baudette, Mark as high school principal and Sue as the ECSE teacher. She plans to complete her autism certification in the spring… Troy Pladsen (’88) has been employed as vice president of sales development with Gradcity.com since August. He and his wife, Lisa, live in Plano, TX, and have two children, Kyle, 5, and Brett, 2 … ArMand Nelson (’82) filed this fall as a candidate to the Champlin City Council. He is employed by Gander Mountain as a manager of information systems. He and his wife, Pam have lived in Champlin for 14 years and have two sons, Spencer and Carter… Bryan Litsey (’84) filed this fall as a candidate to the Chanhassen City Council. He is chief of police – emergency management coordinator with the South Lake Minnetonka Police Department serving the cities of Excelsior, Greenwood, Shorewood and Tonka Bay. He and his wife, Lisa, have a son… Emeline Cook (’87) demonstrated the Polish art of paper cutting to a Bagley Elementary third-grade class during their Celebration of Cultures Day recently… Rod Imsande (’88) and his wife Rebecca Imsande (’89) were the subjects of an October 14 feature story in the Wadena Pioneer Journal focusing on how they and their three children are dealing with his being diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis or Lou Gehrig’s Disease. Rebecca teaches music at NewYork Mills Public School but Rod has had to retire at age 39 from a career in social services and now uses a motorized wheelchair to get around. The family lives in a farmhouse south of Mills… Matthew Erickson (’83) has been hired as a project scientist with Bloomington-based Braun Intertec Corp. He

will conduct environmental site assessments, including property history investigations, and will also manage hazardous materials inventories for building demolition and renovations… Karen Manske (’81) became coordinator of Bemidji Community Education in November. She’d previously served as coordinator of Early Childhood Family Education in the Bemidji district and had been with that program since 1991, spending the last five years as coordinator …Daniel Hawkins (’81) of Solway was among 12 Minnesotans who were recognized for community service recently when they received the 2004 Virginia McKnight Binger Award in Human Service. The award honors Minnesota residents who give time and energy to improve the lives of people in their communities. Hawkins is a family counselor at North Homes Inc. and a former counselor of eight years at Evergreen House in Bemidji. North Homes, headquartered in Grand Rapids, provides care for foster children throughout the area as well as children from families who are struggling. He and his wife, Rose, have five children… David Schnell (’83), commander of the USS Ford, said farewell to his crew and handed over command of the vessel on November 9. He’d commanded the ship since January of 2004 and is now headed to the Pentagon where he’ll work as a planner for the Joint Chiefs of Staff’s Counter Proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction office. He had just returned to Everett, WA, four days earlier after spending more than five months deployed to the Western Pacific as part of the USS John C. Stennis Strike Group… Rob Massengill (’87), an Alaska Department of Fish and Game Continued on page 6

Horizons Page 6

Legacy Builders

League of Women Voters

HONORS FORMER MEMBERS

FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: Lois Kruger, president of the League of Women Voters - Bemidji Area; Sue Kringen, BSU Foundation director of development; and Elizabeth Smith, treasurer, League of Women Voters.

T he Bemidji Area League of

Women Voters chose to honor three former members of their organization by making a $35,000 donation to the Bemidji State University Foundation to create endowments in their names.

The Hazel Shimmin Memorial Endowment and The Dr. Mabel Parker & Dr. Ruth Brune-Mangelsdorf Memorial Endowment will provide scholarships to BSU junior or senior students majoring in political science with preference given to women.

In addition to being members of the League of Women Voters, all three women had long professional careers at Bemidji State University and placed a high value on education.

Hazel Shimmin earned a bachelors of science degree in education at Dakota State University in Madison, South Dakota, before coming to Bemidji in 1938. She worked in the business office at Bemidji State for 30 years prior to retiring in 1968. Shimmin was active in the Bemidji community as a member of the Bemidji Public Library, the Bemidji Area Public Library Foundation and the Beltrami County Historical Society.

She was an honorary member of the Mu Chapter, Tau State of Delta Kappa Gamma Society International.

Dr. Mabel Parker was a graduate of the University of Minnesota.

After serving as registrar at Minnesota State University - Moorhead for two years, she accepted

the position of registrar in 1924 at Bemidji State University, a position she held until 1936. She continued her education at the universities of California and Colorado, where she received her master's and doctorate degrees in sociology. She returned to BSU and was a professor of sociology until retiring in 1962. Parker was a member of Delta Kappa Gamma, the American Association of University Women and the Paul Bunyan Retired Teachers Association.

Dr. Ruth Brune-Mangelsdorf was a member of the faculty at Bemidji State University for 39 years as a professor of English from 1924 until she retired in 1962. She received her undergraduate degree in 1916 from Baker University in Baldwin, Kansas, a master's from Columbia University, New York City, and her doctorate from the University of Colorado at Boulder in 1949. In 1947 Mangelsdorf organized the first journalism conference for high school students.

She served as the first advisor to the BSU Nautilus Club and was advisor to the Northern Student, the BSU student newspaper for 1930 - 1941. Brune-Mangelsdorf was the president of the League of Women Voters and the American Association of University Women. She was listed in Who's Who in American Education,

Who's Who of American Women, and Who's Who in Minnesota.

"The members of our organization take great pride in making this donation to the BSU Foundation and feel it is a most appropriate way to honor these three incredibly educated, dedicated and inspirational women," said Lois Kruger, president of the League of Women Voters.

"They each placed a high value on education and believed in and dedicated much of their lives to advancing educational opportunities at Bemidji State University.

"We miss them, but are most pleased and proud to know that their legacy will continue ... forever ... through the creation of these endowments, which will provide scholarships for BSU students.

"They so positively touched and influenced the lives of so many people throughout their long careers and devoted service to BSU, to the Bemidji community and to our organization."

The members of the League of Women Voters would encourage anyone who might want to further honor these women to consider making an additional donation to the newly named scholarship endowments by contacting Sue Kringen, director of development at the BSU Foundation at 1-888234-5718 (toll free) or 218-7553991.

Brainerd campus of Central Lakes College this fall.

She lives in Crystal with her husband and sons. In her art, she combines acrylic painting with found objects, particularly dress patterns, to create narrative compositions… Jeremy Goudge (’95), a Minnesota State Trooper, was recently selected to serve on the Executive Protection Detail for Governor Pawlenty and his family. Only eight troopers in Minnesota provide 24-hour a day security to the governor. Jeremy and his wife, Michelle, live in Eagen where she is an account manager for CH Robinson and senior sales director for Mary Kay Cosmetics… Nicole (Theroux) Worms (’95) and her husband, Mark, live in Eden

Prairie and have a one-year-old son, Zachary…

Bernice Kane (’97) recently joined Grand Itasca Clinic and Hospital, Grand Rapids, as its first physician assistant. She practiced nursing for more than 10 years and graduated from the physician assistant program at the University of North Dakota in 2001. She’s been practicing at the Deer River Clinic for the past two and a half years. She and her husband, Michael, live on Little Moose Lake, north of Grand Rapids, and have three children…

Marcella Melby (’98) teaches math at RLCC High School, Oklee… BrettWyman (’90) and Sherry Olson were married September 11 in Bemidji. They live in Bemidji… Jeri Fuller (’95) is a special education teacher in the Bemidji School District…

Paula Mortenson (’93) is the new ninth-grade physical science and 10th – 11th grade chemistry teacher at Triton school. She and her husband, Kevin, have two children, Morgan, 9, and Boyd, 7.

Kevin works for SYSCO, Minnesota… Ty Techar (’99) works with the Gilbert Police Department as an officer and handler of his partner, a drugdetecting police dog named Aymee. The team has helped neighboring police and sheriff’s departments as far away as Two Harbors and International Falls. He spent two years working for the Babbitt Police Department before moving to Gilbert… Deb DeWenter (’93) and her husband, Jim (’82), live in Bemidji and have two children, Adam, 20, and Kate, 22… Amy Gall (’98) of St Cloud is teaching kindergarten in the Sartell-St. Stephen School District… Dan McNulty (’91) is employed at Lakeville High School as a dean of students. He and his wife, Deborah, live in Lakeville and have two children, Bailey, 6, and Taylor, 4… Brian Trunk (’91) just completed his

Where We Are ... What We’re Doing Continued from page 3 employee since 1993 and Soldonta fisheries biologist since 2000, has been promoted to oversee the Kenai River Silver Salmon research programs.

The programs monitor the health of the silver salmon population in the Kenai River and information from these programs was used to extend the silver salmon sports fishery this season… Lori Kaufman (’89), a teacher at Princess Nahienaena Elementary School, is entering three classes in the annual Na Mele O Maui Student Song Competition. A total of 225 West Maui, HA, students will compete… Michelle (Arneson) Solsten (’85) and her husband, Mike, live in Fosston… Ann Dziengel (’80) has been teaching adult basic education for the past 16 years in northwestern Minnesota, spending the past three of those in Thief River Falls. She and her husband, Larry, live in Strandquist and have three children, ages 16 through 21… Lora Bertelsen (’86) is a licensed psychologist working in community mental health in Bemidji and the surrounding area.

She is single and recently took surfing lessons…

CindyWestbrook (’88) of Montoursville, PA, has been busy with major home renovations, turning a single story ranch home into a two-story cape cod with a loft. She has one child, Aaron, 10… Barbara Paulson Keith (’80) has been working for the past year as a home health and hospice nurse and is enjoying it. She and her husband, Arthur, have two children, Carissa, 17, and Catherine, 15… Debra Strane Knutson (’80) and her husband, Bob, live in Eden Prairie and have three children between the ages of 11 and 22… Terri Bergstrom (’89) is a massage therapist and Reiki practitioner. She is

self-employed and home schools her children, Rainier, 13, and Logan, 11… Barbara Meuers (’88) was re-elected this fall to the Bemidji City Council, serving in the at-large council seat…

Edith Hoyum (’88) and her husband, Loren (’66) , celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary January 2 with an open house at their cabin in Saum ….

Jayne Rivard-Fenske (’86) has worked in the Blackduck High School Library for 15 years…

Philip Braun (’85) and his wife, Jocyln (’94), live in Richardson, TX, and have twins that will turn three in March… Pete Prosen (’84) and his wife, Kim, live in Chanhassen and have two children, Tiffany, 20, and Nicholas, 17.

1990s Brandan Fiedler (’99) filed this fall as a candidate to the Chisholm City Council. He is an independent contractor for the Duluth News Tribune and Manney’s Shopper… Kristin Hanson (’93) and her husband, Edward (’00), live in Thief River Falls with their children, Brett, 15, Austen, 8, and Peyton, 3… TorreyWestrom (’98), an incumbent District 11A state representative, filed as a candidate for reelection this fall… Eva Pohl (’99) and her husband, Tom, live in Laporte and have two children, Jeannine, 21, and Amy, 18… Merri Swanson (’94) and her husband, Ron, live in Northfield and have four children, Erick, 9, Emily, 8, Natalie, 5, and Justin, 3… Diane Donnell (’95) married Richard Schultz on December 27 in Wausau, WI. She is employed as a teacher with the Merrill Area Public School system in Gleason, WI, and her husband is a focus factory supervisor with Greenheck Fan Corporation in Wasau. The couple lives in Ringle,

WI… SandiWeiland(’95) is the 4-H program coordinator for the University of Minnesota Extension Office in Roseau and filed as a Roseau School Board candidate this fall. She lives in Malung with her husband of 11 years, Troy…

Clinton Bahr (’90) and Jeanette Moss were married on September 11 at International Falls. He is employed by Customs & Border Protection, International Falls, and his wife works at Snyder Drug… LyleWallin (’98) was hired this fall as a temporary shop teacher at Warroad High School.

He’d previously taught in Clearbrook and Blackduck… KarenAnderson (’95) filed this fall as a candidate to a four-year seat on the Bagley City Council. She is employed as the office manager of the Clearwater Soil & Water Conservation District… Elaine Fleming (’99) ran for the post of Cass Lake mayor this fall. She is employed as chair of the Social and Behavioral Sciences Department at Leech Lake Tribal College and served 10 years in the U.S. Army… Patricia Davidson (’99) of Baudette is a staff nurse in cardiac rehab, pulmonary rehab and cardiac stress testing at Lake Wood Health Center. She and her husband, Ronald, have three children… Gloria Collyard (’96), a teacher from Red Lake Middle School, has been recognized by “Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers.” She was nominated by a former student as a committed teacher… Greg Brickell (’90) teaches sixth-grade social studies. He and his wife, Connie (’87), live in Conyers, GA, and have two children, Haley, 9, and Heath, 6. Connie teaches fifth grade at Palmer Stone Elementary in Oxford, GA… Jennifer Theisen (’95) displayed her acrylic and mixed media paintings at an exhibit on the

Zachary Worms

Horizons Page 7

Sam and Peggy (Marvin) Johnson

The Johnsons Make $100,000 Donation to the BSU Department of Music

Membership in BSU Legacy Society Continues to Grow at Impressive Rate "A little over two years ago when we first began the journey to grow the pool of individuals who have provided future gifts to BSU through their wills and estate planning, we qualified 46 members," said Nancy Bensen, Legacy Society co-chair. "Today we are most pleased and proud to share that membership has grown to 124 members.

"That is an incredibly positive statement to the impact Bemidji State University has had in the lives of BSU alumni and friends. Those 124 members came to a point in their lives where they knew it was the right time to make provisions in their wills and estate plans to include Bemidji State University. They knew it was the right thing to do.

"We also want to make sure BSU alumni and friends understand that membership in the Legacy Society certainly does have a minimum requirement," Bensen added. "We simply want individuals to include BSU as one of the charitable organizations they include in their estate plans. We have Legacy Society members who qualified with a future gift of as little as $500. We welcome all future gifts and, as a result, members!"

The newest members to the Legacy Society include Annie Czarnecki, '57; Fritz, '69, and Robin Ehlers; Helen Gill, '76; Beverly Henriques, '76; Margaret (Peggy) Miles '83; Dave and Kim Ramsey '78 / '77; Tom and Sandy Richard '66 / '66; Carol Russell '74; Irv and Pat St. John '54 / '54; Joanne Torfin; and Shirley Yliniemi.

For information on becoming a member of the Bemidji State University Legacy Society, contact Sue Kringen, BSU Foundation director of development, by calling BEMIDJI STATE UNIVERSITY FOUNDATION 1-888-234-5718 (toll free) or 218-755-3991.

The Lake The Learning The Life

The Legacy Society third year at Target Corp. in the computer support division. He and his wife, Lisa, have a son, Jeremy, 3, and are anticipating the birth of twins in March…

Jarrod Midboe (’97) is a team leader in clinical operations with Northwest Kinetics conducting clinical research in Tacoma, WA… Shawn Cavaness (’90) has been teaching kindergarten in Elko County for 15 years and lives in Spring Creek, NV… John Hanson (’91) of Houston, TX, has been working at Harmony LLC for 13 years. He and his wife, Linda, have two children, Brooke, 9, and Paige, 7… Glenn Bowman (’91) and his wife, Margaret Forsberg, live in Grants Pass, OR, and have two children, Annika, 5, and Bryony, 2…

Martha Lundin (’96) is serving as executive director of B-TEAM, a Beltrami County tobacco education awareness program. She and her husband, Paul, live in Bemidji… Barb Haluptzok (’92) and her family live in Tenstrike and were the subject of a December 12 Bemidji Pioneer feature story about their daughter BryAnna’s successful kidney transplant and cancer recovery. Barb, a firstgrade teacher at Kelliher School, received a twoyear leave to care for BryAnna, now 4, during her recovery. Barb and her husband, Troy, also have a son, Tobey, 6. Troy works out of his home for Pioneer Mortgage of Eden Prairie… Patrick Holm (’94) is teaching 7-12 math in Herman schools… Pat O’Connor (’98) has received a master’s of physician’s assistant degree from Western Michigan University School of Medicine.

He works with spinal cord injuries at an orthopedic clinic in Grand Rapids, MI… Paula Mortenson (’93) is teaching ninth-grade physical science and chemistry in Triton. She lives with her husband.

The Lake The Learning The Life

The fondest memories of college for Sam Johnson (1970) are easy to recall. "That's where I met my wife," chuckles the retired employee relations manager for Marvin Windows and Doors.

"What I liked about college," says Peggy (1967), Sam's wife, "was that it was small enough for me to be involved in a lot of things, but it drew interesting people, and it was a good experience to get to know so many students from out of state."

More than three decades later, the two decided to do something that they had wanted to do for some time. They made a $100,000 donation to their alma mater. $85,000 was to establish the Sam and Peggy (Marvin) Johnson Endowment fund. The earnings generated from that fund will provide scholarships for students majoring in music. The remaining $15,000 was directed to the BSU Concert Series Endowment fund with earnings used to attract first-rate musical performers. Past ensembles who appeared as part of the Concert Series included the Minnesota Orchestra and The Canadian Brass, an internationally renowned brass quintet.

"The College has meant a lot to us," says Peggy, who served eight years on the alumni board of directors. "I was aware of the College's needs and the good job it was doing

Kevin, and their children, Morgan, 9, and Boyd, 7, in the country near Dexter… Jacque Horvat (’92) is the new third grade teacher at Tower-Soudan Elementary. She’s been teaching for 10 years at schools including Babbitt, Cook and Virginia. She lives in Virginia with her husband, Bill, and their two sons, Trevor, 7, and Andrew, 2… Barry Rhineberger (’97) married Carrie Tazelaar on September 11 in Clearwater. They live in Montrose… Sandra Kitzman (’91) has joined the staff of Dilworth-Glyndon-Felton School as the special education director. She lives in Fergus Falls with her husband, Mark, who is the recreation director at the Minnesota Veteran’s Home there.

They have three children, Kelly, 14, Susie, 11, and Joseph, 8… Nancy Erickson (’90) was re-elected this fall to the Bemidji City Council to represent Ward 5… Kristi (Schmitz ) Langemo (’96) recently married Tory Langemo. They live in Raleigh, NC, where Kristi is the director of marketing for Outlook Pointe, a health care community, while her husband serves as defense council in the Judge Advocate General Corps of the U.S. Air Force… LoriWestin (’97) and WilliamWarner (’96) were married recently in Montego Bay, Jamaica. Loris is employed by Farner-Bocken as a sales representative and William is a sales and promotions manager with the St. Cloud Times. The couple lives in St. Cloud… Jocyln (Tiggs) Braun (‘ 94) and her husband, Philip (’85), live in Richardson, TX, and have twins that will turn three in March. She is a stay-at-home mom… Debbie Hilde (’99) is the new principal of the EvelethGilbert High School, having previously served as principal of that district’s junior high school. She’s worked as a teacher and administrator in the same

The Legacy Society BEMIDJI STATE UNIVERSITY FOUNDATION

in wisely using its dollars. That made me feel good," says Peggy, who is special projects manager for Marvin Windows and Doors.

She completed managing various events last year that celebrated the 100th anniversary when George Marvin, Peggy's grandfather and founder of the parent company of Marvin Windows and Doors, arrived in Warroad.

"It's something (giving $100,000 to BSU) that I could never have anticipated in my younger years," adds Sam. "I'm just glad it will help students."

"Endowment funds guarantee the future for Bemidji State University students," said Sue Kringen, BSU director of development. "The Foundation spends just the earnings generated from endowment balances to fund annual scholarships and university programs...into perpetuity. So, ultimately the Sam and Peggy (Marvin) Johnson Endowment will provide scholarships to students attending Bemidji State University . . . forever. It is a part of their legacy."

For additional information on establishing annual scholarships and/or named endowments, call the Bemidji State University Foundation off ices at 1-888234-5718 (toll free) or 218-7552762.

Go online ... find a friend Your intentions were good. You planned to keep in touch with friends and Bemidji State University after graduation, but life got busy. You moved every year, your address book got out of date, you found a job, got promoted, changed careers, started a family, got a palm pilot but never did get that old address book updated and ... you just lost touch.

Whatever your story, now is the perfect time to get back in touch with friends and BSU. With the launch of the BSU alumni online community, keeping in touch just got easier.

The BSU alumni online community is up and waiting for you. Log on to find someone, check out the news from BSU or just update your own personal profile and see what happens. It's easy. Here's how: STEP ONE: Visit the BSU alumni website -- www.bsualumni.org.

STEP TWO: Click on Alumni Directory and select First Time User. Log on with your name, graduation year and the last four digits of your social security number, or click on the manual authorization button and the Alumni Office will authorize your access within three business days.

That's it. Just two steps will take you to the registration pages and you're off - reconnecting with friends and BSU.

BEMIDJI STATE UNIVERSITY FOUNATION

school district since 1975. She and her husband, Kendall, have four children… Patrick Carriere (’95), a doctoral candidate in theatre and film at the University of Kansas, was selected to participate in regional acting competitions at the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival held in January at the University of Missouri-St. Louis.

2000s BryanAnderson (’03) teaches high school math at Cass Lake-Bena schools. He was hired to a full-time position this school year having served as a substitute teacher in the same school district for the past several years… Monica Nelson (’03) is a threequarters time ILA teacher at Champlin Elementary School this year, having worked in the school district for the past four years. She lives in Andover with her husband and their three teenage children…

Edward Hanson (’00) and his wife, Kristin (’93), live in Thief River Falls with their children, Brett, 15, Austen, 8, and Peyton, 3… Jessica Ganz (’03) married Andy Rongstad on December 11 in Bemidji. She is employed with Bemidji Area Schools and at L&M Fleet Supply and he works with Veit & Companies… Connie Ecklund (’02) currently lives in Minneapolis… Samuel Papin (’03) is currently employed as a corrections officer at the St. Cloud Prison and is planning a spring wedding with JillYoungman of Virginia… Justin Isaacs (’03) and Heather Howe (’03) were married on December 18. Justin is employed as a technology education teacher at Pine Island and Heather works as a substitute teacher… Jared Larson (’04) is the new high school and middle school band teacher at

Grand Marais. This is his first year of teaching…

CoryWaling (’02) is the new high school social studies teacher at Lancaster School. Although this is his first full year of teaching, he had served as a long-term substitute in the spring of 2003 in the same high school and did his student teaching at Lincoln High School… Nathan Ziegler (’03) is serving in the Peace Corps working as a junior high English teacher in Lesotho, a landlocked country in South Africa… Kyle Klapperick (‘ 04) was recently hired as a police officer with the Savage Police Department. He completed an internship with the Austin Police Department during the summer of 2003 and is a certified first responder and first responder test facilitator… Brian Hill (’02), orchestra director at Bemidji High school, recently released his first CD entitled “OpenYour Eyes.”

All but two of the 10 tracks are Christian songs.

Hill wrote all of his own material. He and his wife, Trudy, have a daughter, Aili… Jesse Oothoudt (’03) has opened a new Quiznos restaurant in Little Falls. He'd previously worked as a project manager for Stonehearth Custom Homes and Remodels in Champlin… Amy Olson (’00) is teaching kindergarten at Rossman in the Detroit Lakes School District… Dusty Rhoades (’02) is the new technology education teacher at Wabasha-Kellogg. He and his wife, Lisa, have three daughters, Taya, 7, Leah, 4, and Ella 1, and live near Winona.

He’d previously taught in Lancaster and Pillager…

Tessa Larson (’01) is the new K-12 art teacher at Win-E-Mac. She taught Spanish at Greenway last year… Ryan Bartosiewski (’01) is teaching physical education at Ashby High School as well as grades K-3 and 10th-grade health. He is also serving as the junior high football coach. He taught

one year at Montgomery Lonsdale and then a year at Holy Trinity High School in Winsted before accepting the position at Ashby. He’s single and lives in Alexandria… Cory Olson (’04) is teaching industrial technology at Isle Schools… Amy Olson (’04) is the new elementary school social worker in the Zumbrota-Mazeppa School District and will also provide services one day a week at the Kenyon-Wanamingo Elementary School. She lives in Zumbrota… Desiree Graham (’04) is teaching English in grades 10-12 at CGB Public Schools. She lives in Graceville… Adam Smith (’00) is teaching high school math and coaching football at Montgomery-Lonsdale schools. He’d previously taught for a year at Prior Lake High School… Sarah Guida (’02) and her husband, Travis, of Bemidji serve as ambassadors for the Rural Expansion of Adoptive Communities and Homes and are in the process of adopting 9-year-old Kristina. REACH, an initiative of the Professional Association of Treatment Homes, aims to make adoption more accessible for rural families through recruitment, education and support. Sarah teaches in Cass Lake schools and Travis is also a teacher in the area… Amber Blecken (’01) and Barry Nickerson were married on August 21 in Bemidji and now live in Grand Forks, ND… Alice Linda (’03) exhibited a series of her portraits of Bemidji residents at Bemidji Community Arts Center in January. Her paintings are unique because she applies the paints to canvas with her fingers, a technique that came to her as a necessity when she was a student at BSU and lacked a location with good ventilation in which to clean her brushes with mineral spirits.

Horizons Page 8

One Room Schoolhouse

Alumni Choir to Present A Cappella Classics Concerts

period's instructor or to let it be forgotten at the close of the year. She feels it all helps build a stronger bond.

The bonding happens throughout the school day as the room is transformed to a library, a gymnasium, a stage for plays, and a cafeteria where students can cook their meals in a microwave if they desire a "hot" lunch. It is strengthened by the adventures shared by students as they get to and leave school, whether by boat, snowmobile or ATV. Even with modernization, Kastl still feels a strong kinship with the early pioneer educators.

"We are both aware of our standing in the community and of how important it is to walk upright as a fair and just role model," she explained. "We are held by accountability and performance, and the bright success of our students is what lights our goals for the future.

"I do feel grateful the old barrel stove is out and replaced with thermostatically-controlled electric heat. And, well, the flush toilets aren't too bad either."

The 40-voice Bemidji Alumni Choir will sing two concerts in the Twin Cities area this spring. On Saturday, April 30, at 7:30 p.m., the choir will sing at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church (13505 Excelsior Boulevard) in Minnetonka, and on Sunday, May 1, at 3 p.m., the choir will sing at St. Clement's Episcopal Church (901 Portland Avenue) in St. Paul.

A reception sponsored by the Bemidji State University Alumni Association will follow the May 1 concert. All BSU Alumni are invited to attend.

The program, entitled A Capella Classics, will feature the style of choral music that flourished in the early 20th century with F. Melius Christiansen, at St. Olaf College, and has since become the hallmark of Minnesota choirs. This a capella choral tradition emphasizes accurate intonation, unity of tone within each section, and phrasing that captures the deeper meaning of the text. Music of Brahms, Schütz, Scarlatti, Howells, Byrd, Paul Manz, and Dr. Paul Brandvik will be featured as well as arrangements of American hymns and spirituals.

Brandvik, the conductor of the Bemidji Alumni Choir, was director of choral activities at Bemidji State University from 1967 to 1998.

Among the honors awarded to Brandvik are the Burlington Northern Foundation Distinguished Teaching Award and the F. Melius Christiansen Award for lifetime achievement in choral music. In addition to his conducting activities, Brandvik has composed, edited, or arranged over 60 published works for choirs.

The singers in the choir are all former members of Brandvik's Bemidji Choir. Most of the singers sang with the choir on regional and national concert tours, including two performances in Carnegie Hall, as well as one or more of the choir's 12 European or Israel tours.

Tickets are $5 - $8 and are available at the door of each concert.

For more information on the Bemidji Alumni Choir concerts, or if you are a former member of Brandvik's Bemidji State University Choirs and would like to join the choir, email bachoirdeb@yahoo.com.

(Continued from page 1)

Mark Your Calendars Now Bemidji State University will host the College Hockey America Conference Tournament (BSU men's hockey conference) this year in Grand Rapids, MN. March 11 - 13, 2005 IRA Civic Center 420 N Pokegama Ave. Game times: Friday, March 11 - 3:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, March 12 - 3:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.

Championship Game - Sunday, March 13 - 7:00 p.m.

Tickets are available by calling the BSU Ticket office at 877 - 3HOCKEY (toll free) or 755-2045 (local).

Tickets are being sold in weekend packages and prices are $45 for adults, $35 for children age 3 through 12th grade.

Pre-game receptions co-hosted by the Alumni Association and Beaver Pride are planned for BSU alumni and friends: Friday and Saturday, 5:30 - 7 p.m. at the Sawmill Inn, $5 per person, including hors d'oeuvres and cash bar; Sunday: 5-6:30 p.m., $5 per person, IRA Civic Center if BSU is in the game.

Contact the Alumni Office at 877-278-2586 or alumni@bemidjistate.edu for more information.

In Memoriam

Paula Marie Anderson ('65) - Blackduck, MN Craig Alan Backer ('80) - Cohasset, MN Derril R. Burger ('55) - Minnetonka, MN Hjordis M. Dille ('55) - Bagley, MN Anita (Hanson) Dittmer ('51) - Fosston, MN Myrtle Erika French ('88) - Cass Lake, MN Nestle Eugene Grimes, Jr. ('62) - Bemidji, MN Cheryl T. (Bjella) Horton ('49) - Fremont, NE Carl F. Johnson ('54) - Warren, MN Denal W. Johnson ('61) - Lancaster, MN Leonard Dickenson Melville ('44) - Sun City, AZ Alice R. Nelson ('27) - Bagley, MN Gerald R. Simpson ('69) - Cottage Grove, MN Robert Dean Smith ('94) - Bemidji, MN Mari-Rae (Mayotte) Strandlien ('93) - Bemidji, MN Gary Vanselow ('74) - Rochester, MN Rodney O. Weiss ('49) - Racine, WI