summer04

BSUHorizons Vol. 19, No. 4, Summer 2004

New men’s basketball coach, p.4

BSUCalendar June 18, 2004 Wells Fargo / Gordy Skaar Memorial Golf Tournament July 16, 2004 Galen Nagle Memorial Golf Tournament August 6, 2004 First National Bank Bemidji Women’s Golf Classic August 13, 2004 BSU Foundation Board Meeting August 20-21, 2004 BSU Alumni Board Meeting and Retreat September 24-26, 2004 2004 Homecoming 40-Year Reunion – Class of 1964 October 15-16, 2004 2004 Athletic Hall of Fame December 4, 2004 BSU Alumni Board Meeting Check www.bsualumni.org for a more complete calendar of events taking place on the BSU campus.

A Publication for Alumni & Friends of Bemidji State University

BSU Foundation Foundation Initiates Ambitious Fund Raising Campaign A funny thing happened to the

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freshman class on their way to the 2004-2005 academic year at Bemidji State University.

They got caught in a shift, and were swept down a path that no Minnesota student has had to traverse since the state began a historic commitment to public higher education many generations ago. For the first time, student tuition will pay more of the cost for a public education than the state will appropriate to train its future work force, leaders, and community builders.

For new incoming students, this is no joking matter. It marks a restatement of the traditional promise by the state to provide access to quality educational programs at a cost affordable to all economic segments of Minnesota.

The shift finds BSU and other state higher education entities in a transition from publicly-funded to publicly-assisted institutions.

The legislature once mandated support at 67 percent. Next year, it is estimated that student tuition will account for 53 percent of BSUʼs operating budget and 47 percent will come from legislative appropriation.

Recognizing the dire need for immediate assistance, the BSU Foundation has undertaken its most ambitious campaign ever with a plan to raise over $3.5 million in just one year.

“Bemidji State Universityʼs purpose is to transform the lives of students and create a better future for citizens across Minnesota,” said Dr. Jon Quistgaard, BSU president. “Many students today find it increasingly difficult to pursue their dreams as they become burdened with multiple jobs and increasing debt.

“The Universityʼs Foundation is an avenue that is assisting students in realizing their dreams. The Foundation endeavors to provide all students with the opportunity to experience Bemidji State University, and it wants faculty and staff to have the resources

“

professional advisors and committee members.

The yearlong effort is the firststage of a multi-year campaign to offset declining revenue and assist students through scholarships.

“As an alumnus of Bemidji State University, I am proud of the commitment our Foundation To of facing tuition that will exceed state funding for the first time in history. (Graph inset: the pink line is percentage of BSU operations budget from state funding; the blue line is percentage of BSU operations budget from tuition revenue.)

necessary to make a difference in peopleʼs lives.”

The overall campaign goal is $3,525,000 in new dollars to seven areas (see list on this page).

Over $1.5 million is targeted for scholarships and $780,000 for equipment. Other funds will support new faculty positions, research projects and special programs.

“One of the things our company did was study our competition,” said Dave Odegaard, an alumnus who is president of the BSU Foundation and a retired partner with the international accounting firm Deloitte. “It would tell where they were strong, expose our weaknesses, and tell us what we needed to do.

“Bemidji Stateʼs main competition is Minnesota-Duluth to the east and the University of North Dakota to the west. UND raises over $10 million annually and gives 500 presidential scholarships each year. UMD is part of a system that just successfully completed a $1.6 billion fund-raising campaign.

“Our ability to attract top students in northern Minnesota is being challenged by smaller high school graduating classes and increasing scholarship offers from other universities. If Bemidji State doesnʼt respond quickly, it

could be in a world of hurt between two 500-pound gorillas.

“As an alumnus, I know BSU has had a significant impact on our lives and that we value a Bemidji State education,” Odegaard commented. “We can extend this opportunity to transform studentsʼ lives, now and in the future, by

contributing to a scholarship or program fund.”

The drive is structured with the 33 BSU Foundation board members working on committees for the seven areas. Foundation staff is assigned to support each group, and faculty, staff or administration from BSU are Continued on page 8

BSU Foundation Campaign Goals College of Professional Studies, $900,000 $ 100,000 Scholarships $ 450,000 Faculty for master’s program in international leadership $ 120,000 Funding for grant development office $ 230,000 Equipment for the new Center for Advanced and Emerging Technologies College of Social and Natural Sciences, $617,000 $ 100,000 Scholarships $ 250,000 Equipment for the sciences, environmental studies, nursing, geography and other areas $ 100,000 Funding for collaborative student and faculty research $ 67,000 Establishment of lecture series in social sciences and natural sciences $ 100,000 Faculty for high demand and distance learning opportunities College of Arts and Letters, $400,000 $ 100,000 Scholarships $ 100,000 Lecture series within writing curriculum and a university publishing house $ 200,000 Music, visual arts, theatre and digital broadcast equipment Intercollegiate Athletics, $768,000 $ 653,000 Scholarships $ 115,000 Program support for recruiting, travel, equipment, supplies American Indian Resource Center, $210,000 $ 60,000 Cultural arts, program development position $ 25,000 Tribal Leadership Institute program $ 25,000 Teacher Training Institute program $ 100,000 Funding for interactive technology consortium with tribal colleges Center for Extended Learning and Summer School, $130,000 $ 30,000 Scholarships $ 50,000 Equipment, software licensing in support of online programs $ 50,000 New course and program development Bemidji State University, $500,000 $ 500,000 Scholarships

Horizons Page 2

SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTSRevisited Bemidji State University graduated its first Presidential Scholarship recipient 25 years ago and offered its first Full-Tuition Scholarship a decade ago.

Below are profiles of three individuals who benefited from these scholarships while at BSU, and used their education as springboards into their careers.

Dr. Jo (Strand) Peterson

Peterson is the dean of training and continuing education as well as manufacturing and applied technology at Minneapolis Community and Technical College. She received her bachelorʼs degree in technical illustration in 1991 and a masterʼs in industrial technology from BSU in 1992. She went on to Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, earning a doctorate in 1995.

While at VPI, she was asked to serve as the project manager for a program that helped middle school teachers link science, technology education, and mathematics. The project, sponsored by NASA and the National Science Foundation, helped spur the Technology for All Americans Program.

She worked at Anoka Hennepin Technical College prior to accepting her position at MCTC, which includes academic program responsibilities as well as growing the continuing education and training department from a $215,000 operation to a $3.5 million enterprise in two years. It currently serves the largest companies in downtown Minneapolis.

Her position brings her in contact with the immigrant community of Minneapolis, who overcame lives surrounded by war or in refugee camps to reclaim their dreams through education. She indicated that their entrepreneurism, willingness to be educated, and desire to see their own children succeed are sources of inspiration from her work.

“Bemidji State was the first time I felt totally present,” Peterson said of her days at BSU. “My whole high school life, I felt that I had been ʻwaiting for my life to happen.ʼ At BSU, it really did start. I became the person that I wanted to be, found the friends that fit my personality, and learned about art, technology, Native American culture and literature.

“The best part about being a Presidential Scholar was going to dinner at the presidentʼs home. President Ted

Gillett and I were talking about my interest in woodworking. He took me in his study and showed me his carvings. I remember picking up a duck in progress, smelling it, and saying, ʻbutternut.ʼ He smiled and was pleased that I recognized the wood. He said, ʻButternut, wood of the Gods.ʼ I loved him for that comment.”

Wayne Bowers

A software engineer with IBM i n R o c h e s t e r, Bowers earned a bachelorʼs degree in physics from BSU in 1997 and later added a bachelorʼs in computer science. He has been at IBM since graduating. His current position finds him working directly with customers who utilize IBMʼs eSeries and eServer iSeries servers by supporting and solving problems with the software that runs on the servers.

He also worked as a member of a six-person team from Australia, Netherlands, Singapore, Thailand and Germany that proposed a book to IBM, which accepts proposals for publications from individuals who are regarded among the most knowledgeable in their fields.

IBM approved the project, and the team authored AS/400 Client Access Express for Windows: Implementing V4R4M0. It guides users through configuration, utilization, enhancement, software management, and other facets of the product. Published in 1999, IBM includes the book as part of its Redbook Series.

Bowers, who felt the Presidential Scholarship was a tangible acknowledgement of the hard work he had invested in high school, indicates that problem solving is the part of his job he enjoys most, and that his training at BSU has served him well in seeking solutions.

“My physics background has given me the tools to approach every problem with confidence that the challenge, no matter how complex, just needs to be broken down into smaller systems interacting with each other,” he said. “And once you figure out how those smaller pieces behave and how they interact with each other, the

source and cause of the problem usually becomes a lot easier to identify and resolve.”

Bowers found life outside the classroom also beneficial. “As a student at BSU, I was involved with the InterVarsity Christian Fellowship,” he explained. “My involvement in that organization had as much of an impact on who I am today as my education did. Student led organizations are integral in molding people into well-rounded individuals who are better prepared for influencing their community when they graduate.”

Eric William Barnum

Barnum graduated from BSU in 2002 with a degree in music and emphases in composition and vocal performance. He is currently completing requirements to receive a masterʼs degree in choral conducting at Minnesota State University, Mankato.

At MSUM, he directs the Maverick Menʼs Ensemble and is the assistant director of the Concert Choir. He is also the assistant director of Magnum Chorum, a nationally recognized ensemble in the Twin Cities.

While his chosen career is choral conducting, he has received national and international recognition for composing. Four publishing houses have produced or are considering printing his works.

The winner of the 2003 Chanticleer Composer Competition and a finalist in the International Trumpet Guild Composition competition, he was commissioned to write Speak, a work performed and recorded to raise national awareness of cancer and its horrors.

He was selected to serve as the composer in residence for the Rose Ensemble, a critically acclaimed Medieval and Renaissance vocal group that presents performances and educational programs nationwide. As composer in residence, he will write several pieces for the groupʼs 20042005 concert series and work with singers in rehearsal settings.

“This residency is about collaboration and human contact, and is a great opportunity in the creation of music,” he said. “This gives the singers a chance to offer their remarks about each individual line, and then I can take that into con-

sideration to make the piece better.”

Barnum admits that the most difficult part about composing is securing adequate funding during stringent financial times. That partially motivates his conducting and choral work. Still, he enjoys putting music to paper and hearing the written notes come to life.

“I like the freedom to express myself in a way that few people can,” he noted.

“I love that I can give musical meaning to how I feel in a given moment or situation, and reach people who have shared that feeling at some point in their life. There is something uniquely special about music that no one has ever been able to define, and I am so glad that I am wrapped up in it.”

A Full-Tuition Scholarship recipient at BSU, Barnum arrived on campus with the intention of majoring in design technology. The flexibility of the campus helped him create a new direction for his life.

“The wonderful faculty and administration allowed me to grow the way I needed to grow,” he remembered.

“I wasnʼt shoved into a box and told, ʻThis is where you belong.ʼ When I wanted to get a degree in composition, I wasnʼt shot down.

“Bemidji State allowed me to reach higher than I expected to when I started. The University gave me confidence that there isnʼt a ceiling for what I can achieve. I sort of expected to reach up and touch glass, but I didnʼt. That means a lot, because it has and will affect the rest of my life and the decisions I make.”

BSUHorizons Vol. 19, No. 4, Summer 2004 Produced by the News and Publications 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. Jon Quistgaard, BSU president; Al Nohner, director of news services and publications; Carl Baer, vice president for university advancement; Marla Huss Patrias, director of alumni relations.

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 218755-3883. 04-284

Horizons Page 3

BSU Conference

SHOWCASES STUDENT TALENT Nationally acclaimed author and sociologist Robert Bellah (left) presented the conference keynote with an address on individualism and citizenship.

The annual Student Scholarship

and Creative Achievement Conference was an opportunity for the University to flex its academic muscles and showcase its cerebral strengths.

The day-long conference in April featured over 110 presentations and sessions on topics ranging from detailed scientific studies to original digital movies, from explorations of mathematical problems to explanations of alternative sex offender treatments, and from outlines of conceal and carry laws to a treatise on the political interactions between government entities and Native American populations.

More than 150 students took part in the dayʼs activities, which included a keynote address by Dr. Robert Bellah, a nationally acclaimed author and sociologist who spoke on individualism and citizenship.

The presentations lasted 20-25 minutes and included time for review and questions. Poster sessions were available for pub-

lic scrutiny for two hours. Each student had a faculty sponsor.

“Students benefit in a number of ways when they participate in the conference,” said Mary Ann Reitmeir, social work faculty member who chaired the event. “First, they develop a close mentorship relationship with a faculty member who encourages, guides and gives them feedback on their projects. Participation also creates a bridge, a transition, from student to emerging professional.”

Some of the presentations were the product of capstone experiences, which many disciplines require for a student to complete prior to graduation. “Civil War Correspondence: The Christie Brothers” was one example.

“In preparing their senior theses, history majors develop topics and are expected to examine primary source material, such as letters, diaries and newspapers, and place their findings within a broader historical context,” said Dr. Tom Murphy of the History Department. “The end result should

Where We Are ... What We’re Doing

ALL CITIES ARE LOCATED IN MINNESOTA UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED.

1930s Russell Harding (ʼ39) and his wife, Goodie, of Austin have been married for 63 years and now live at Sacred Heart Care Center. A master gardener and retired teacher, he continues to write a weekly column for the local newspaper and is active in the Mower County Horticultural Society.

1940s Barbara Hartness White (ʼ46) and Everett White (ʻ48) live in Whitewater, WI, and spend their winters in Alabama and traveling. They have three grown children, Larry, Kathy and Patty... Betty Thompson Nesbit (ʼ49) and her husband, Charlie, bid farewell this winter to their posts as the first and only advisers of the West High Majorettes and Flag Corps since the school opened in Billings, MT, in 1959. Betty retired from being a counselor at West in the late 1980s and Charlie retired from teaching in 1991. They live in Billings... George Lillquist (ʼ41) of Minneapolis retired from a career in education in 1973, having spent the final 23 years as an elementary principal in

the Minneapolis school system. He was a teaching principal on both the White Earth and Red Lake Reservations until serving in the Coast Guard during World War II. After being discharged he resumed teaching in the Twin Cities area and subsequently became a principal. Bob Loux (ʼ48) of Boulder City, NV is retired from the US Atomic Energy Commission nuclear weapons program. During his career he worked at the RockyFlats Plant in Boulder, CO., coordinating the nuclear weapons program with the Los Alomos Scientific Lab in New Mexico. He also served as a weapons planner in Albuquerque, and worked in weapons testing in Las Vegas, NV. Bob assisted in the production of the book Public Safety and Underground Nuclear Detonation, authored by Dr. Samuel Glasstone.

1950s Elmer Porter (ʼ57) and Betty (Edmundson) Porter (ʼ59) live in Menahga where they are active in volunteering, square dancing, church and hobbies such as hunting, fishing and watercolor painting. They

contribute to our understanding of the past.”

“The Christie Brothers” followed the life of three brothers who served in a Minnesota artillery battery during the Civil War. Aaron Chirpich, from Detroit Lakes, reviewed letters the three sent home, from the time of their initial training at Fort Snelling through various campaigns, most notably the battle around Vicksburg in 1863.

According to Chirpich, the insights from the letters draw a connection on personal levels with the people who fought to make the United States what it is today. He felt the accounts were unique because the information came from common soldiers, rather than the government or military, and provided a firsthand window to the past.

Kelly Grzadzielewski, an elementary education major from Grand Forks, ND, used her participation in a collaboration with a Bemidji elementary school as the basis for her study “Connecting to the Text: A Strategy for Increasing the Enjoyment of Reading.”

The collaboration placed her in the school for an entire day, taking both BSU classes on site and working in classrooms in a variety of capacities.

Grzadzielewski outlined a strategy to increase elementary student interaction with what they were reading, which served to increase

concentration and create more interest in content. The result was to improve the quantity and quality of resulting class discussions.

“As a participant in the collaborative, she was able to study a theory, develop an approach to teaching a concept or technique, watch and learn from and experienced teacher, and then try what she had learned with students,” said Dr. Dave Larkin, an education faculty member who served as her sponsor. “She then received feedback from the classroom teacher, a university supervisor and the students. This represents a wonderful learning opportunity in a real-world situation, and reflects a contemporary best practice.”

Jolene Hann also conducted research with a real world application. A biology major from Baxter, Hann tested a variety of organic and non-organic corn products to determine the presence of DNA from genetically modified organisms (GMO).

“Jolene found GMO DNA in corn products that were nonorganic as well as those labeled organic,” said Dr. Pat Guilfoile, chair of the Biology Department.

“Although some GMO corn is allowed in corn labeled organic, she felt her results indicated a need for further testing to verify that regulatory requirements are met.”

Further work was also recommended by research conducted by

Andi Jakupi, engineering physics and computer science major from Albania, and Andrew Bronczyk, engineering physics major from Bemidji. They collaborated to present “A Demonstration of Wind/Hydrogen Micro-Grid Distributed Generation.”

Bronczyk and Jakupi developed a working, miniature-scale hydrogen/fuel cell system module for utility electric production and distribution.

“As the project designers, Andi and Andy took on an engineering project with a tight delivery deadline, and they worked remarkably hard, fast, and carefully to deliver demonstrable results on time,” commented Dr. Dave Bahr, chair of the Physics Department. “It was an invaluable preview of their careers in engineering and applied physics.

“The value of their project to our program and the general public, however, lies in its quantification of the dependencies of performance characteristics of a small network or micro-grid. The next level of this project will be to connect several of these micro-grids together into a kind of power internet analogous to the familiar data Internet that connects our computers.”

The sixth annual conference, which is open to visitors and guests, is scheduled for April 13, 2005.

have three grown children and eight grandchildren...

Genevieve Carter-Lervik (ʼ54/ʼ78) of Hibbing has been retired for 11 years and also completed 50 years of involvement with 4-H. She and her husband Reuben, who is deceased, raised a daughter, Jean, who has two sons, Aaron and Alex... Darrell Stave (ʼ50) of Baxter has been retired for 20 years and has served as a school volunteer for the last 14 years. On January 29 he received the Service to Mankind Award from the local Sertoma Club. Heʼs cared for injured and orphaned birds for 11 years. He and his wife, Liz, raised four children... Jeri Jo Wade Hanson (ʼ58) of Freeland, WA, has retired, concluding 36 years of Lutheran ministry. She and her husband, Dennis, raised two children, Mark and Karyn... Ann Stennes (ʼ59) of the Bemidji area recently celebrated her 95th birthday. She has five sons, 12 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren.

years in Ada public schools.

He and his wife have one daughter... Lance Hanfler (ʼ68) has had a new football field named after him in Brainerd. In recognition of his being a teacher, coach, junior high athletic director and administrator for 35 years, Lance Hanfler the Brainerd School Board named the field at the new Forest View Middle School the Lance Hanfler Field. He was also instrumental in developing the 44,000 square foot activities center planned for the new school which will include four full-sized gymnasiums...Art Hill (ʼ63) was chosen as the Titan of Taconite in recognition of his outstanding service to the community. He will spend the year serving as an ambassador of Hibbing in various parades and ribbon cutting ceremonies throughout the Iron Range. Hill served as Hibbingʼs high school band director from 1976 to 1996 when he retired. In the time he led the band, the group claimed more than 300 awards in both concert and marching competitions...

Helen Winge (ʼ67), a teacher at Red Lake High School, was recently selected to receive the Crystal Apple Award. The award is given each month to a teacher who exemplifies excellence in the classroom.

She was presented the award by Alexandria Technical College Acting President Jan Mahoney and KSAX-TV Promotions Manager Corliss Stark... Jim Hipple (ʼ69) has retired after teaching for 34 years at Westview Elementary School in Apple Valley...

Bernice Churchill (ʼ68) and her husband, Don, of Bemidji have been married for 63 years. The couple, originally from Nebraska, moved to Bemidji in 1960.

They both worked in education, she in the Solway schools and he at Bemidji State University... Loren Solberg (ʼ65) of Grand Rapids recently retired from teaching math to students at Connor-Jasper Middle School in the Greenway School District and currently serves as a Minnesota House 3B representative. He is the DFL lead on the Ways and Means Committee and also serves on the Capital Investment, Governmental Operations and Veterans Affairs Policy, and the Rules and Legislative Administration committees. He and his wife, Joan, have raised four children... Don Norum (ʼ66) of Bemidji has been collecting antique irons for most of his life and now has a collection of about 250 clothing pressing devices from around the world... Jim Oraskovich (ʼ66), whoʼd served as superintendent of schools at Pequot Lakes for many years, has retired from a career of 38 years in education, with 25 of those years at Pequot Lakes. He plans to spend more time with his wife, Charlotte, at their home on East Twin Lake and to have more time for his hobbies, including working on cars. One of his biggest accomplishments was passing the $20.8 million building referendum in 2001 that includes building Eagle View Elementary School in Breezy Point, expected to open in 2005. In the course of his career he earned two distinguished service awards, one in 1995 for his work as an elementary school principal and another in 2001 for his work as a superintendent... Patricia Walrath

1960s Tony Kuznik (ʼ61) recently retired from his position as president of Hibbing Community and Technical College, having spent 11 years in that job. Kuznik also worked 14 years at the University of Minnesota-Crookston as a Tony Kuznik professor and vice chancellor, was associate director of test administration and special services for the American College Testing Program in Iowa City, IA, and taught music for eight

Continued on page 4

Horizons Page 4

Sports Wrap Winter/SpringSPORTS WRAP Men’s Ice Hockey

College Hockey America Coach of the Year Tom Serratore guided Bemidji State to a 20-13-3 overall record and the CHA regular-season championship. The 2003-04 campaign was littered with numerous individual accomplishments. The Beavers had six skaters earn AllCHA honors, including first-team members Brendan Cook at wing and Bryce Methven at defense. Methven became one of just three repeat FirstTeam selections in league history.

Freshman wing Luke Erickson was named CHA Rookie of the Year.

Baseball

Bemidji State baseball struggled through a difficult non-conference schedule, dropping its first 19 games. Upon returning north, BSU rebounded under second-year head coach Chris Brown and posted a 14-15 record. Third baseman Jon Czech toppled BSUʼs single-season record for home runs with 11 and was named to the All-NSIC first team with catcher Shaun Ross.

Indoor Track & Field

Riding all-conference performances from Mitch Cooper (long jump), Steve Schreiber (high jump), and Adam Wilson (shot put), the menʼs indoor track team recorded a fourthplace finish at the NSIC Indoor Championships. The womenʼs season was highlighted by a sparkling debut season for sprinter Shelby

McCrady, who set two school records (500-meter and 600-meter runs) and was named all-NSIC in the 800-meter run. Caesare Stimson and Christa Pribula set new school marks in the pentathlon and the 1600-meter run.

Outdoor Track & Field

The BSU menʼs squad finished fifth in the outdoor NSIC championship event with Steve Schreiber successfully defending his high jump crown. His jump of 6-7 gave him his fourth consecutive NSIC high jump title. Caesare Stimson won the conference heptathlon title and added points with individual finishes in five events to lead the women to their sixth-place finish.

Tennis

The womenʼs tennis team ended the 2004 campaign with a 3-10 overall record and was winless in NSIC competition. At the conference tournament, freshman Breck Rolfsrud captured the number two singles title and teamed with Angie Harrison to secure a second place finish at number three doubles.

Rolfsrud was also named to the AllConference team for her individual performance.

Men’s Golf

The Beavers capped the 2004 spring season with a seventh place showing at the NCAA Division II Super Regionals in Kentucky. Junior Toby

Palmiscno recorded four top-20 finishes, including a share of the top individual honor at the Wayne State Invite.

Women’s Ice Hockey

Under second-year head coach Bruce Olson, Bemidji State concluded the 2003-04 season with an overall record of 5-27-2 and a 3-20-1 mark in Western Collegiate Hockey Association competition. Seniors Guylaine Haché and Anik Côté ended their four-year careers on a positive note.

Haché finished her career with 32 goals and 28 assists while Côté will leave BSU as its number one goaltender in save percentage (.893) and goals against average (3.50).

Softball

The softball team suffered through a rough season that featured just four home games during the 2-29 campaign. Senior Leah Bowen etched her name into the career record book with top 10 finishes in games played, homeruns, innings pitched, and strikeouts. Junior Jamie Fisher also made a dent in the career records with top 10 standings in homeruns, defensive putouts, and fielding percentage.

Veteran junior college coach Patrick Smith has been named to head the Beaver men’s basketball program. Smith was the head coach and athletic director at Moberly Area Community College in Missouri for the past three seasons as he compiled a 69-32 record, earned the NJCAA Region 16 title in 2004, and finish fifth in the NJCAA nationals in 2002. In 20 years of coaching on the community college level, he compiled a 416-272 record and was named Coach of the Year four times.

He also spent one year as an assistant at the University of Miami in Florida. He replaces Jeff Guiot who accepted the head coaching job at Southwest Baptist University, a Division II school in Bolivar, MO. est seed ever (fourth) in the NSIC tournament. After a first-round win, the squad lost in the semi-finals to finish with a 14-15 overall record.

Coached by NSIC Coach of the Year Mike Power, the Beavers set 12 new team and individual records during the season. Junior Stacia Swanson led the squad in scoring and earned a spot on the All-NSIC First Team while Maggie Gernbacher was named the NSIC Freshman of the Year after setting marks in season free throws and three-point attempts.

tourney records. Coach Jeff Guiot was named Coach of the Year, senior Charles Hanks was the Player of the Year, and James Roberson was the league Newcomer of the Year. Senior Adam Daley was also named to the All-NSIC first-team with Hanks and Roberson. Hanks became the first Beaver to be recognized to the Daktronics All-North Central Region First Team.

Women’s Golf

Picked to finish ninth in the NSIC preseason poll, the womenʼs basketball team proved a lot of people wrong with their play this season as the Beavers earned their high-

The Bemidji State menʼs basketball team ended an historic campaign when it notched 20 wins for the first time and made its first appearance in the NCAA Division II Tournament, where it lost in the first round. The Beavers set 18 new school or NSIC

The Bemidji State womenʼs golf tandem of seniors Tracy Depew and Dana Hasselberg competed as individuals during the spring season. Both played in four tournaments before competing at the Minnesota State Womenʼs Collegiate State Meet where Hasselberg tied for eighth among 78 golfers and Depew wrapped up her BSU career tying for 23rd.

currently the education director for the Minnesota Catholic Conference in St. Paul. Following his years at St. Felix as principal, he also served as principal of Nativity School in Bloomington, of All Saints School in Lakeville, of Pete Noll I.H.M. School in Minnetonka and of Highland Catholic School in St. Paul. He is currently president of the Board of the Minnesota Non-Public School Accreditation Association and curriculum director for the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis... Dennis Anderson (ʼ70), who has been with the Chisholm Public Library since 1973, is now serving as the interim head librarian... Ron Koetter (ʼ75), the Bemidji Department of Public Safetyʼs first fire captain, will retire in September after serving 28 years as a career firefighter. Heʼs been in the fire captainʼs position since 2001. He and his wife, Chris, have two sons, Soren and Tanner... Rick Coe (ʼ77), Bemidji High School Girls Hockey coach, was recognized as 2004 Girls Hockey Coach of the Year by the Minnesota State Girls Hockey Coaches Association. He was previously chosen Section 8AA Coach of the Year by his peers... Karen Johnston (ʼ77) is the new executive director at PORT Group Homes. She came to PORT in 1994 as the deputy director. Before that she served as director of administration for the Initiative Foundation and before that, residential services director for Hecla Inc,

St. Cloud, where she oversaw nine residential facilities for mentally ill adults... Kristine Lyons (ʼ75) serves as director of the Moose Lake High School Drama Club. After graduation she taught in Duluth briefly and in 1977 began her long teaching career at Moose Lake High School in language arts.

In 1989 she acquired a Fulbright Scholarship and, through a teacher exchange program, traveled to England and taught at the rural Wadhurst school, Uplands College... Sharon Anderson (ʼ78), Cass County auditor/treasurer, recently completed a oneyear term as president of the Minnesota Association of County Auditors. She has been a member of this state professional association since her election to office in 1987 and is in her sixth year of service on the board of directors of the Minnesota Counties Insurance Trust, currently serving as secretary/ treasurer. She is also serving her second two-year term as board chair of Minnesota Counties Information Systems... Don Collier (ʼ75), a council member serving on the New Hope City Council, has been appointed interim mayor of that city. Heʼs been a resident of New Hope for 15 years and a member of the city council since 1996. He is a senior accountant for the Minnesota Housing Finance Agency. He and his wife, Patti, have a son... Robin Schirmer-Heyen (ʼ78) of White Bear Lake received a juris doctor degree January 11 from William Mitchell College of Law in St. Paul. Sheʼs the mother of Benjamin and Kelsey Jane... Marion Reil (ʼ75) was a featured

artist at a recent open house at Gallery North in Bemidji. She demonstrated acrylic painting on feathers... Sharon Peters (ʼ79) has taught kindergarten at Forest Lake Elementary for the past 11 years. She and her husband, Tim, have two grown children, Nichole and Derek. Sharon volunteers for Children First! and serves on the preschool board at First Lutheran Church... Todd Haugen (ʼ79) of Bemidji volunteers as a mentor through the Kinship North program serving youth ages 5 to 15. Mentors commit to meeting with their children for two to five hours a week for at least a year... Cynthia Jaranson (ʼ71) of Anchorage, AK, retired four years ago from teaching preschool special education in the Anchorage School District. She travels four to five months out of the year and enjoys winter and summer Alaskan activities. She caught a 95-pound halibut in June of 2003 and this past year she hiked down the Grand Canyon and stayed at the Phantom Ranch.

Sheʼs also hiked the 33-mile Chilkoot trail, the trail of the 1898 Gold Rush...

Cynthia Jaranson

Women’s Basketball

Men’s Basketball

Where We Are ... What We’re Doing Continued from page 3 (ʼ62) serves as a state representative in the Massachusetts Legislature. After graduating from BSU she had worked in the Twin Cities as a programmer analyst for a Control Data subsidiary. Her husband, an attorney, was transferred to New York and then to Massachusetts, where she became active in local politics. She was first elected to the state House in 1984... Richard Belpedio (ʼ66) and his wife, Nancy, live in Coon Rapids with their children, Erin, 14, and Emilie, 12. He retired from teaching in 2000 from the Anoka Hennepin School District but still spends time subbing in all areas of elementary education. His wife is a special education teacher in the same school district... Janice (Danielson) Lundsten (ʼ62) of Nevis retired from 32 years of teaching in 1997 and is enjoying having grandchildren and being part of the Woodtick Musical Theater in the summers. She and her husband, William, have two grown sons, Randy and Rick... Allyn Kendall (ʻ68) of Bemidji retired from teaching art in 1993 and continues to operate his own fishing tackle company. He has two children, Taylor and Cameron... Judy (Johnson) Blackman (ʼ68) of Bena retired from teaching English in Cass Lake Schools in 2001 having spent 30 years as a teacher. She is currently a testing consultant and guardian ad litem. She and her husband raised two sons, Steve and Matt ... Jim Gronlund (ʼ60) of Sanborn recently returned from a trip to Las Vegas, NV...

Roberta (Malcheski) Olson (ʼ64) of Sauk Centre has been inducted into the Minnesota Newspaper As-

sociation Half Century Club for completing 50 years in the newspaper business. She joins her husband, John, who was inducted last year. They became the first Minnesota couple to complete 50 years in the business. She began her career in 1953 in Wisconsin when she started working at the Washburn Times.

Soon after that she was hired by the Ashland Daily Press and then the Duluth News Tribune as a reporterphotographer. Sheʼs also worked at a number of other Minnesota newspapers throughout the years and has been editor at the Melrose Beacon. John owned the Fertile Journal for 15 years, the Osakis Review for 12 years and the County Journal at Washburn, WI, for two years. They have three children and two grandchildren... Diane Hoselton Genova (ʼ62) lives in Northfield where she volunteers at the public library, conducting programs for preschoolers...

Calvin Finch (ʼ69) has been working the last four years as director of the San Antonio, TX, Water System Conservation Department. He was appointed in 2003 as a member of the Texas Water Conservation Task Force. Heʼd also previously worked for 10 years for Texas A&M as a horticulturalist. Heʼs married to Judy McCarter and they have three children and two grandchildren...

1970s Pete Noll (ʼ75), former St. Felix Elementary School principal, was presented with the schoolʼs second annual Distinguished Graduate Award. He is

Horizons Page 5

Alumni Author Early Writing Triggers I

“ N early eight years

lapsed from one draft to another in what eventually led to Deb Vanasseʼs first novel, A Distant Enemy, published in 1997.

Since then, this former teacher living in Fairbanks, AK, and Bemidji State University alumna, has published a second novel and written three more books, all soon to be published.

The seeds for that first novel were planted at BSU in the summer of 1986 when Vanasse participated in the BSU writerʼs conference while working toward her masterʼs degree.

“My children were young, and I had to do my homework after they went to bed, so I didnʼt have a lot of time to ponder different ideas,” Vanasse said of the assignment to draft a short story. “I remembered a scene from my first year of teaching in Nunapitchuk, Alaska – the other first-year teacher chasing one of the students around the classroom. Though that scene never ended up in the story, the conflict did.”

Mike Peterson (ʼ77) serves as the Fulda School Districtʼs band director. He taught in the district for the past 25 years. He and his wife, Lisa, have three children, Alicia, Tammy, and Todd. Lisa is a teacher of birth to 5-year-old special education children...

Bill Mack (ʻ77) was recently selected to be the new director of elementary education in School District 196. He has 23 years experience in elementary education, including 20 years in District 196. He was selected as the principal to open Red Pine Elementary in 1995 and remained principal there until August of 2003 when he was hired to be the administrative assistant to the superintendent …Sarah Baker (ʼ79) works as a therapist at the Bemidji High School. She and other therapists in the district are employed by the Upper Mississippi Mental Health Clinic in Bemidji... Ron Cuperus (ʼ76) of Bemidji is currently serving as president of the Paul Bunyan Playhouse Board of Directors... Diana King (ʼ76) of rural Waubun filed as a candidate for tribal chairman of the White Earth Reservation. Sheʼs spent the majority of her adult life in northern Minnesota and has been living on the reservation for five and a half years. She worked for Head Start for 16 years and in 1993 she started working for Sen. Paul Wellstone in his St. Paul office as a Native American Liaison on Indian Policy Issues. Sheʼs the owner of Riverside Sawmill and has three sons, a daughter and four grandchildren... Robert Drake (ʼ71) is manager of the Grand Rapids Forest History

First Novel,NEW CAREER

It never occurred to Vanasse at the time that she should pursue the story further, although it received a favorable response from the instructor. Instead, she tucked the piece away, not getting back to it until 1994 during another writing course, this one specifically for teachers.

“I dusted off the story and brought it to class,” Vanasse said. “Again, the instructor wrote for children, and she told me she thought the story could become a novel.”

A Distant Enemy has been described as both an adventure novel and a coming of age story of a mixed-race teenager living in a remote Alaskan village where he struggles to preserve his

Center. He has held his current position since 1978 and has been active in local affairs, serving as president of the Chamber of Commerce, working to set up the Convention and Visitors Center and was the first chairman of the Grand Rapids Economic Development Authority. Heʼs currently serving his third term on the Grand Rapids City Council... Barb Schueppert (ʼ75) of Bemidji is currently the NTC dean of institutional effectiveness. Her tenure at NTC includes serving as the staff development coordinator for Higher Learning Commission accreditation selfstudy, curriculum specialist, developmental studies instructor and special needs case management.. . .

John Persell (ʼ78) sought the DFL nomination for the state House 4A post. He directs the Minnesota Chippewa Tribeʼs Water Quality Department and Research Lab. Heʼs been a resident of the district for nearly 30 years and also served in the U.S. Air Force...

Joe Vene (ʼ74) of Bemidji is seeking the District 2 Beltrami County Board seat... Cecillia Stoltman (ʼ73) of Thief River Falls is tutoring mid-elementary students in math three hours a week... John Minter (ʼ70) and Sue (Bowman) Minter (ʼ71) are retired and living in Mt. Iron... Carter Pettersen (ʼ70) of Grand Rapids retired in 2003 from Itasca County Health and Human Services and now works as a handyman...

Richard Lyttle (ʼ72) of Meeker, CO, is director of the local historical society and a columnist for the townʼs weekly newspaper. He and his wife, Mary Beth, have a grown son, William... Kyler Meers (ʻ77) of Cold

dusted off the story and brought it to class. Again, the instructor wrote for children, and she told me she thought the story could become a novel.”

Yupʼik Eskimo heritage in the wake of modern lifestyles.

In the midst of this struggle, he must deal with his long absent Anglo father who wants to Deb Vanasse see him again.

Inspiration for the novel was derived mostly from Vanasseʼs early teaching career where she had an opportunity to witness the many struggles of the Yupʼik Eskimos, especially the youth.

Her first teaching position after graduating from BSU in 1978 was as part of a three-person staff in a school that served 33 students in Nunapitchuk. From there, she went to Tuluksak and then on to Akiachak, all tiny villages in southwestern Alaska.

Having taught high school English for 20 years, Vanasse retired from teaching at North Pole High School in the Fairbanks area in 1999, the same year that Clarion published her second novel, Out of the Wilderness.

This second novel is about 15year-old Josh, who lives in the remote Alaskan wilderness with

his father and stepbrother, Nathan, with whom Josh and his dad have recently reconnected. Nathanʼs passion for the wilderness and his fatherʼs desire to keep the family together place them in increasingly dangerous situations, much to the dismay of Josh who longs for civilization, a chance to go to school and an opportunity to once again play on a hockey team and hang out with friends.

“As my children were growing up, Iʼd think of what it might be like to raise them, as some people in Alaska do, away from the influences of civilization,” Vanasse said about her inspiration for her second book. “Then I thought about it from their point of view.”

Although some of her characters may be influenced by a certain look or attitude of a former student or other young person, Vanasse has found that her characters evolve in their own right and are unique to the reality of the story by the time the book is finished.

Since her own children are grown and she no longer teaches high school, she now does more conscious research when writing for young adults.

“For one of my current projects, I visited a juvenile detention

center, and even that short time around teens was enough to help some of my characters develop,” Vanasse said.

She also relies on her husband, Tim Vanasse, a native of Bemidji and an outdoorsman, to help with the authenticity of her wilderness adventure stories and wildlife questions.

Soon to be published by Sasquatch Books are Vanasseʼs Under the Midnight Sun, a picture book with illustrations by Jeremiah Trammell; a non-fiction picture book, Alaska Animal Babies, for which Vanasse wrote the text describing a collection of photographs of native Alaskan animal babies; and a childrenʼs story, A Totem Tale, due out in 2006.

When Vanasse looks back at her undergraduate experience at BSU, she can see that her interests have come full circle.

“My original major was communications, and while at BSU, I enjoyed a fabulous work study experience at the universityʼs information office,” she said. “But I was drawn to fiction and switched my major to English.”

It was a switch that sent her down many career paths and adventures.

Spring recently started his own private practice providing in-home family therapy. His wife, Taunja, is employed as a psychiatric social worker at St. Cloud Hospital. They have three children, Kyja, 19, Kendra, 16, and Connor, 11... Mary Krantz (ʼ71) and her husband, Jeff Odendahl, live in Little Falls and have four children ranging in age from 13 to 21...

Jon Holter (ʼ70) and Sue Holter (ʼ76) live in Warren and have two children, Andrea, 24, and Erik, 22...

Betty Kempe (ʼ73) of Verndale retired in 1999 from the Bertha-Hewitt School System and now enjoys fishing, substitute teaching and traveling… Edward Coyle (ʼ75) of Blackduck is a physical education and social studies teacher in Kelliher schools. His children, Kimberly, 18, and Nolan, 20, are both attending BSU... Glennis Olson (ʼ71) of Frazee became a grandmother for the first time in March of 2003. She has four grown children, Tammy, Jamie, Amy and Angie... Elizabeth Novotney (ʼ79) of Seneca, IL, was recently honored by being selected for the annual Excellence in Education Award in the Seneca Grade School District. She teaches physical education for grades 3-6. She and her husband, Larry (ʻ89), have three children, Debbie, 21, Kathy, 17, and Molly, 9... Mark Kelly (ʼ79) and his wife, Julie, live in St. Anthony and have four daughters between the ages of 14 and 22... Bob Sollom (ʼ72) and Cathy (Lewis) Sollom (ʼ72) live in Stafford, VA, and recently returned from a trip to Thailand, Singapore and Brunei. Bob took a side-trip to Seam Reap,

Cambodia, to see the ancient temples at Angkor Wat. The couple has three grown children, two of them BSU graduates... Donald Holcomb (ʼ77) of St. Paul works in sales/senior energy management with Volt Tech, Inc.... Susan Amos Palmer (ʼ75) of Arden Hills works as the publications/ news services director with Metropolitan State University and was recognized by the Girl Scout Council of the St. Croix Valley at their annual meeting in January. She was awarded the Appreciation Pin. This pin is given only once to recognize outstanding service to a geographic area or program delivery audience that furthers the councilʼs goals. She was honored for her work as registrar (since 1992) and leader in the New Brighton Service Unit, help with the Camp Lakamaga adult education conference and service as a district delegate and chair seven times... John Kotaska (ʼ72) and his wife, Eileen, live in Thief River Falls where heʼs employed as an accountant.

programming... Kay Mack (ʼ86), Beltrami County Auditor-Treasurer, received the Minnesota Association of County Officers award for Treasurer of the Year in January at the MACO Conference.

Members of MACO nominated Kay for her contributions to their association of service on the Education Committee which provides training for treasurers on investment and banking. She also serves on the board for the Minnesota Association of Government Investing for Counties. The award also recognizes contributions to communities. Mack is involved in many civic and charitable organizations including United Way, Lakeland Public Television and St. Philipʼs Life Teen Youth Group. She was hired as a bookkeeper in the county treasurerʼs office in 1977 and was elected as county treasurer in 1986, assuming the combined roles of auditor-treasurer in 2001... Scott Anderson (ʼ86), director of Schoolcraft Learning Community, is serving as the secretary/ treasurer for the Minnesota Association of Charter Schools. A MACS board member since fall of 2002, He was elected as one of several officers for the committee in November and is currently serving the second year of a three-year term... Jerry Vanek (ʼ82), a Bemidji veterinarian and owner of Beltrami Shores resort, served as trail veterinarian for the 21st Annual Yukon Quest International Sled Dog Race this winter for the third consecutive year. The Yukon Quest, which bills itself as the toughest sled dog race in the world, is a 1,100-mile marathon that begins in Continued on page 6

1980s Lenee Ross (ʼ83) filed as a candidate for chairman of the Leech Lake Tribal Council... Brenda (Stanaway) Jensen (ʼ87) and her husband, Chuck (ʻ91), live in Ramsey with their children, Heather, 7, and Tommy, 4. She is employed with the Anoka Hennepin School District... Gaylen Ohman (ʼ88) recently joined the Corey Real Estate Agency of Hibbing, a division of Culbert Realty. He has experience in industrial technology and computer

Horizons Page 6 Herb Brooks Named 2004 Distinguished Minnesotan

2004–2005 Alumni Relative Scholarship The Alumni Association thanks all donors who make the Alumni Relative Scholarship program possible. Undesignated gifts to the BSU Foundation help fund the annual scholarship program.

Eligible applicants include the children, spouses, siblings, parents, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and aunts or uncles of active BSU alumni. Scholarship awards are $600 per year.

The deadline for application to the Bemidji State University Alumni Relative Scholarship is December 31 for returning or transfer students and January 31 for incoming freshmen. Applications, and more information about the program, are available from the Alumni Office by calling toll free at 877-278-2586, or stopping by at 1501 Birchmont Drive NE. Information and applications are also available online at www.bsualumni.org and then selecting “Alumni Programs and Services.”

The following is the list of scholarship recipients for the 2004 –2005 academic year.

A 50-year reunion of the Class of 1954 was held on May 13 in Bemidji with everyone enjoying the reception and dinner on campus. Special appreciation was expressed to members of the reunion planning committee, which included Neil McMurrin, Sherman Oftedahl, Yvonne Siats-Fiskum, and Pat (Moore) St. John. The 1954 reunion participants pictured were (left to right): front row, Joyce “Snookie” (Danielson) Drechsel, Pat (Moore) St. John, Yvonne Siats-Fiskum, Delores (Sannes) Lind, Bonnie (Cress) Luedtke, Pru (Pearson) Lolich ’55, Richard “Dick” Mesna; back row, Luvern Eickhoff ’55, Irwin “Irv” St. Martin, Bennett Trochlil ’55, David “Dave” Hoffman, William “Bill” Marchand, Neil McMurrin, Robert “Bob” Baker, Eindride “Andy” Karlsgodt, Willis “Willie” Stittsworth ’53.

Returning and Transfer Students Incoming Freshman Jacob Anderson, Newfolden, MN Rachael Bessler, Lake George, MN Mark Bessler, Lake George, MN Amy Borgen, Bemidji, MN Rebecca Boutin, Littlefork, MN Leah Bowen, Hermantown, MN Amy Christenson, Thief River Falls, MN Kristen Hanson, Bemidji, MN Robyn Hanson, Bemidji, MN Dana Hasselberg, Staples, MN Heather Hurd, Bemidji, MN Katherine Jedlicka, Hines, MN Monica Kemper, Mahnomen, MN Kyle Krech, Inver Grove Heights, MN Joseph Lendobeja, Bemidji, MN Breanna Liend, Keewatin, MN Stephen Lindgren, Park Rapids, MN Michael Lynch, Sartell, MN James Midboe, Bemidji, MN Ashley Neujahr, Bemidji, MN Matthew Niedzielski, Hoyt Lakes, MN Michael Nohner, Cass Lake, MN Cassie Piechowski, Bemidji, MN Crystal Price, Pequot Lakes, MN Luke Rasmus, Bemidji, MN Sabin Rasmus, Bemidji, MN Ashley Rosch, Bemidji, MN Glen Schmidt, Bemidji, MN Luke Schumacher, Sauk Centre, MN Blake Smith, Little Falls, MN Kristin Sorensen, Bemidji, MN Sara Spann, Sheridan, WY Robert Stein, Sauk Centre, MN Kayla Thompson, Bemidji, MN Matthew Voeltz, Bertha, MN MerriAnne Werder, Browerville, MN

Kyle Backer, Bagley, MN Alicia Beaman, St. Paul Park, MN Kari Beito, Middle River, MN Stefan Bischof, Fergus Falls, MN Emily Bornetun, Andover, MN Jackie Cleven, Grygla, MN Rebecca Cronemiller, Blackduck, MN Stacy Derby, Bagley, MN Sara Dziengel, Strandquist, MN Janeen Fay, Stephen, MN Kari Geror, Bemidji, MN Amanda Heisserer, Detroit Lakes, MN Joshua Karch, Moorhead, MN Jason Kunz, Esko, MN Jess Lubbers, Sauk Centre, MN Jenna May, Browerville, MN Brianna McGill, Maple Grove, MN Michelle Morgan, Bemidji, MN Trent Nelson, Newfolden, MN Lucas Nelson, Waskish, MN Tabetha Paavola, New York Mills, MN Adam Rohloff, Brainerd, MN Mychal Stittsworth, Bemidji, MN Joshua Voller, Aitken, MN Megan Wallner, Blackduck, MN Marsha Wendt, New York Mills, MN

On March 14, Brad a n d S u s a n Va n Allen Lehrer (’69) hosted 21 guests in their home for an alumni reception for BSU graduates living in the state of Washington. The event was sponsored by the BSU Alumni Association. Those attending included Sue Kringen, director of development for the BSU Foundation who was in Seattle attending the Association of Fundraising Executives International Confer,ence, and Lee Norman, member of the BSU Foundation board of directors. Special recognition was given to members of the Legacy Society, including Esther Instebo as well as Duane and Celeste Sperl. Bemidji State University alumni from the state of Washington who participated in an alumni reception were (left to right): front, Duane Sperl (‘66), Celeste Sperl (‘65), Lee Norman (‘74), Esther Instebo (‘37), Sue Kringen (‘73/’00); second row, Dawn M. Oliver (‘92), Darlene Beck (‘78), George Wilson (‘69); third row, Vivian Anderson (‘70), Susan Van Allen Lehrer (‘69); back row, Gene Haugen (‘66), Pauline Marshall (‘84), David Schnell (‘83). Not pictured, Stephanie (‘73) and Roger (‘73) Johnson.

The third annual Golden Beaver Society luncheon was held in conjunction with BSU’s commencement on May 14. Members of the class of 1954 were inducted into the Society and received the coveted Golden Beaver Society bronze medallion. Created as a means to maintain a connection between the University and its most senior alumni, the Golden Beaver Society is a recognition group for alums who graduated 50 years or more ago from the Bemidji State Teachers College.

Also honored at the luncheon were R.H. “Bob” Peters and Joe Lueken, both of Bemidji, who received the Alumni Association’s Honorary Alumni Award for their outstanding service and commitment to Bemidji State University.

The luncheon is held in conjunction with commencement each spring with next year’s event scheduled for May 13. (Pictured above) Dr. Jon Quistgaard, BSU president, congratulates Bob Baker ’54 after presenting him with the Golden Beaver Society Medallion.

Herb Brooks, who coached the U.S. hockey team to the “Miracle on Ice” gold medal at the 1980 Olympics, has been named the recipient of the 2004 Distinguished Minnesotan Award. Brooks died last August in a car accident at the age of 66. His son Dan accepted the award in his fatherʼs memory during BSUʼs spring commencement ceremony.

First presented by Bemidji State in 1981, the Distinguished Minnesotan Award recognizes the contributions of a current or former resident of the state who has performed exemplary service to the people of Minnesota or the United States.

Brooks had led the University of Minnesota Gophers to three NCAA titles during the years he coached his alma mater from 1972-1979. In 1980, he guided team U.S.A. to an unexpected Gold Medal in the Winter Olympic Games. Comprised mostly of college players, the squad pulled off one of the greatest upsets ever accomplished in sports, beating a Soviet juggernaut round before winning the Gold with a victory over Finland.

In Memoriam

Beatrice Adam (ʼ54) – Reynolds, ND Newell Ellis (ʻ53) – Walker, MN Gary Ray Holmquist (ʻ81) – Missoula, MT Leonard Howard (ʼ54) – Brainerd, MN Thomas Lehtinen (ʼ66) – Norwood, MN Ruth Macy (ʼ42)- Bemidji, MN Larry S. Miller (ʼ58) – Rockford, MI Audrey Morgan (ʼ93) – Grand Rapids, MN Cyril Pulczinski (ʼ76) – Bemidji, MN Dawn South (ʼ91) – Bemidji, MN Whitney Edward Tarutis (ʻ52) – Bemidji, MN

Where We Are ... What We’re Doing Continued from page 5

David and Lynette (Berndt) Arneson Fairbanks, AK, and runs across the international border to Whitehorse in the Yukon Territory of Canada over the course of 10 to 20 days... David Arneson (ʻ 86) and Lynette (Berndt) Arneson (ʼ86) recently celebrated their 15th wedding anniversary.

They have two children, Collin, 12, and Amelia, 7, and live in Ham Lake. David has worked for Honeywell for 10 years... Patrick Lochwood (ʼ87) is one of the coordinators for the BemidjiSafe Youth and Family Program which provides resources and support to gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender teens and their families. He is also an administrator for Evergreen Community Services... Dianne Dappen (ʼ85) is an instructor for the dental assisting program at Northwest Technical College-Bemidji. She, along with other instructors and their students, participated recently in Give Kids a Smile Day, providing 75

children with free dental exams, cleanings, fluoride treatments and sealants... Jeff Solomon (ʼ80) was recently hired as director of finance with School District 196. He comes to his new position with 14 years of finance experience with the Owatonna School District. He began his working career accumulating experience in both hotel business and property management and living in Cincinnati, OH, and Washington, DC. In 1989 he moved to Owatonna with his wife and children and there he worked as business office manager, director of business and information and as director of operations and finance... Doug Lindgren (ʼ81) of Bagley is a Minnesota State Representative... Barb Meuers (ʼ88) serves as a Bemidji City Councilor... Guy Sharpe (ʼ81) has joined Realty Sales, Bemidji, as a commercial sales associate. He brings 20 years of experience as a certified building inspector for Northern Minnesota ... Thor Thorson (ʼ85) and Kimm (Larson) Thorson (ʼ83) live in Brainerd and have three children, Timothy, 12, Marissa, 10, and Kathleen, 8. They own Northland Frozen Pizza, Inc. and planned to break ground this spring for a new manufacturing plant. Thor volunteers with Lakeland Public Television and Kimm is a member of the Legacy Choral of Greater Minnesota... Stella Nelson (ʼ86) lives in Chapel Hill, NC, and is project manager for the surgical services division at UNC Hospital.

She and her husband, Paul, have two children, Heather and Thomas, and a 16-month-old

granddaughter... Jon Jones (ʼ88) and his wife, Jill (ʻ88), have two children, Ryan, 10, and Madeline, 9, and live in Greenville, WI... Ron Gramer (ʼ82) and his wife, Suzanne, have three children, Ronia, 13, Della, 12, and Gretchen, 7, and live in Brainerd. Ron shoots freelance video at hockey games and has traveled extensively playing in old-time hockey tournaments... Michael Hedlund (ʼ87) and Paula (Rouillard) Hedlund (ʼ86) live in East Grand Forks where Mike is a sergeant with the Grand Forks Police Department and a track coach in East Grand Forks schools. Paula is a teacher and head volleyball coach at East Grand Forks High School. They have three daughters, Alexandra, 13, Kori, 10, and Lauren, 5...

Chuck Treder (ʼ85) and his wife, Pat (ʻ84), live in Rochester where Chuck is manager at Mayo Clinicʼs Information Services Department and Pat works as a part-time ESOL teacher. They have two children, Jill and Luke... Wayne Lenius (ʼ84) and Jansie Lenius (ʼ85) live in Roseau and have two children, Wil, 16, and Hannah, 14. Wayne has worked for 14 years in manufacturing and engineering at Polaris Industries.

Jansie has a new job as member service representative at the Roseau Electric Cooperative... Steve Herzog (ʼ80) and Teresa (Quinlan) Herzog (ʼ81) of Little Falls recently celebrated their 22nd wedding anniversary. They have three children, Jenn, 19, Laura, 17, and Megan, 14. Steve owns and operates Herzog Roofing... Craig Perreault (ʼ84) and Brenda (Olson) Perreault (ʼ86) live in Grand

Rapids where Brenda is teaching ninth-grade math and Craig is a computer programmer for the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. They have two children, Brent, 14, and Stacy, 12... Julie Klinker (ʼ86) and her husband, Kelly, announce the recent birth of a daughter. Julie is close to receiving her masterʼs of science degree in software design and development from the University of St. Thomas. The couple also has a 15-year-old, Aly... Paul Boswell (ʼ81) of Fargo received a Martin Luther King Award from the University of North Dakota in Grand Forks.

He was recognized for service to the State of North Dakota while serving as chair of the North Dakota University System Diversity Council. He played an instrumental role in bringing an anti-racism training program into the university system, which includes 11 campuses. Heʼs an enrolled member of the White Earth Indian Reservation and has been employed at NDSU since 1990... David Bleth (ʼ83) recently accepted a position as vice president with American Seafoods in Tuscaloosa, AL. He and his wife, Lori, have three children, Katherine, 10, Taylor, 8, and Alex, 5. The family has been living in Sartell... Tom Hein (ʼ87) and Barbara (Maroney) Hein (ʼ87) live in St. Cloud where Tom has opened his own video production and editing company called Riverview Productions. Barbara is the associate director of alumnae relations at the College of Saint Benedict in St. Joseph and plans to graduate from Concordia University, St. Paul, with her masterʼs degree in

organizational management and communications early this summer. The couple has two children, Aimee, 14, and Jack, 10... Chris Fettig (ʼ86) is choir director at Bemidji High School. His Volcamotive Show Choir, for which he arranged the music, won three awards at a regional competition. Awards received were for best choreography, best instrumental backup combo and selection as second runner-up overall... Jim Koenig (ʼ80) and Deb (Zacharias) Koenig (ʼ80) live in Fergus Falls. Jim is a dentist at the Fergus Falls Regional Treatment Center where heʼs worked for the past 15 years. His practice specializes in caring for the developmentally disabled, chemically dependent and the mentally ill. Deb runs her own day-care business and cares for the coupleʼs six children who range in age from age 6 to 19... William Dimmel (ʼ86) is a computer programmer/consultant with Online Dynamics, Inc. He and his wife, Lynda, live in Anoka... Laurel Stavseth (ʼ85) lives in West Fargo, ND... Patricia Rojak (ʼ87) of Rochester has been working at the Mayo Clinic GCRC Mass Spec Lab since September of 2003. She lives in Rochester with her two children, Alissa, 8, and Cole, 6... Roy Booth (ʼ89) and Cynthia Booth have been notified by HaveScripts.com of Virginia Beach, VA, that their childrenʼs play Prince Hedgehog” will be published and included in its catalog this summer. This will the Royʼs 30th publication overall and Cynthiaʼs fourth.

Many of Royʼs plays have been seen on the

Horizons Page 7

Communiques

from the alumni director

Minnesota Twins Alumni World Series Day

Communiques

Marla Huss Patrias

Homecoming 2004 Set for September 24-26 Homecoming dates for next fall have been set. Homecoming will be held September 2426. The annual Alumni Honors Banquet will be held on Friday evening, September 24.

Saturdayʼs events will include a pre-game tailgate party co-sponsored by the BSU Alumni Association and Beaver Pride, the Homecoming football game, and a Fifth Quarter alumni reception following the game. Sundayʼs activities will include the Carl O. Thompson Memorial Concert. Mark your calendars and plan to attend. More details will be sent to active members of the BSU Alumni Association this summer. (Active membership requires a minimum annual $30 contribution to the BSU Foundation.) Information and registration for events will also be available on the Alumni Association web site at www.bsualumni.org under “Calendar of Events.”

2004 Outstanding Alumni to be Honored at Homecoming 2004 Outstanding Alumni recipients to be honored at the Alumni Honors Banquet on Friday, September 24 include Melanie Benjamin ʼ88, Onamia, MN; Dr. Dan DeKrey ʼ80, Bemidji, MN; Mardy Karger ʼ72, Bemidji, MN; Rachel (Reabe) Nystrom ʼ76, Baxter, MN; Judge Alan Pendleton ʼ77, Stafford, VA; Barb (Goehring) Stoflet ʼ84, Excelsior, MN; Tom Welle ʼ72, Bemidji, MN; Andy Wells ʼ66, Bemidji, MN; and Dr. Mark Yorek ʼ76, Coralville, IA.

Class of 1964 Mark your Calendars The Class of 1964 will hold its 40th reunion during the Homecoming weekend, so mark your calendars now and plan to attend. If you are interested in participating on a planning committee for this event, contact the Alumni Office at 877-278-2586 (toll free) or via email at alumni@bemidjistate.edu.

2004 Athletic Hall of Fame – October 15 - 16 This is the year of our biannual Athletic Hall of Fame ceremony and we have a full weekend of events planned. Weʼre hoping all athletic alumni return to celebrate the accomplishments of those being honored, as well as reconnecting and reminiscing with former teammates.

The schedule of events will include a nine-hole golf tournament Friday afternoon, followed by a reception for Hall of Fame members and the induction banquet later in the evening.

Saturdayʼs events include a state of athletics presentation with continental breakfast, a Green and White intra-squad menʼs hockey game, a tailgate party in Diamond Point Park, a football game in the afternoon, and an all-sport reunion event Saturday night.

Detailed information and registration forms will be sent to all former athletes this summer.

Information and registration for events will also be available on the Alumni Association web site at www.bsualumni.org under “Calendar of Events.”

2004 Athletic Hall of Fame Inductees Ten former BSU athletes will be inducted into the Hall of Fame during a banquet on October 15. Inductees include Sherry Hill ʼ83, Bemidji, MN; Gary Ross ʼ78, Roseau, MN; Gerald Nichols ʼ47, Bemidji, MN; Malika Starr ʼ75, Palm Beach Gardens, FL; Tom Holmes ʼ71, Edina, MN; Deb Hegquist ʼ76, Cambridge, MN; Marc A. Hamren ʼ72, Richfield, MN; Carol Stromberg ʼ74, Cedar, MN; Raymond Sauer ʼ72, Saint Cloud, MN; Charlie Scanlon ʼ75, Apple Valley, MN. For the first time ever, a team induction will also be made. This year, the 1968, 1969, 1970 and 1971 four-time national champion menʼs hockey teams will be inducted into the BSU Hall of Fame.

stationed with the United States Air Force in Iraq, in the vicinity of Trikit and the 1990s Syrian border. He joined the Air Force in 1991 and was Becki Pederson (ʼ99) was hired this fall as a full-time deployed to Iraq in October officer with the Bemidji Police Department. After 2003... Deborah Steinbar teaching first grade for two years in central (ʼ92), adjunct professor of Minnesota, Pederson went back to school to study Chad Fossand instrumental music at criminal justice. She had worked with the police Bemidji State University, presented a harpsichord department in a part-time position since April of recital recently on campus. She performed a French 2003... Spencer Brandt (ʼ92) was scuba diving suite of 17th century dances and a Bach overture... under ice in the Bemidji area this winter to earn his Ron Burns (ʼ95) and his wife, Melanie Burns (ʼ95), diving certification... Rebecca Winters (ʼ98) and of Bemidji own and operate Northwoods DNA, a Trent Mattson were married February 14 in Thief business providing DNA sequencing and genotyping River Falls... Kari (Shefland) Benavides (ʼ96) and for customers worldwide. Northwoods DNA Ismael Benavides were married January 3 on the beach of Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica. They live in St. employs three additional people and its customers include hospitals, university research labs and private Paul... Paul Loxtercamp (”98), a freelance industry. Itʼs analyzed a variety of animal DNA, trumpeter, plays with the Bemidji Brass Quintet... human DNA for cancer research and DNA from Paul J. Johnson (ʼ98) of Backus recently opened a math tutoring business, My Private Tutor, providing genetically altered crops... Arlinda Henderson (ʼ97) teaches art at the Clearbrook-Gonvick High School. tutoring either in his studentsʼhomes or at his home She was hired there in the fall and previously had just north of Backus. He is a licensed math teacher worked around the area as a substitute teacher for who student taught in Walker and also taught in the Wadena Brainerd School Districts... Suzi Rhae (ʼ92) three years. She has a daughter and two teenage sons... Sean Kolodji (ʼ99) has returned to Bemidji displayed her art at an exhibit in the Uptown Café in Bemidji this spring. The exhibit entitled “Influences” and established Great North Chiropractic... Darryl utilized her interests in photography and mixed media Holman (ʼ95) was recognized in January as an outstanding leader of 2003 when he was presented painting and featured images of artists, friends and with the District Award of Merit by the Paul Bunyan mentors who have influenced her over the past three years... Chad Fossand (ʼ92) of Pengilly is currently District of the Voyageurs Area Boy Scout Councils... production circuit this year and he has another 10 scripts in submission for publication at this time.

Summer is back and so are the two-time Central Division Champion Minnesota Twins. Bemidji State will be hosting another Day at the Dome for alumni and friends of the University on Saturday, August 7 when the Twins take on the Oakland Aʼs with a 12:10 p.m. start.

The BSU Alumni Choir, located in the Twin Cities, will sing the National Anthem before the game.

BSU will be part of the First Alumni World Series event hosted by the Twins organization. Prior to the game there will be an alumni social with special guests Tony Oliva and “T.C.” the Twins mascot. The social will begin at 10:30 a.m. in the tents on the parking lot side of the dome.

The university selling the most tickets will be crowned the First Alumni World Series Champion and have the honor of throwing out the first pitch of the game.

Everyone who purchases a ticket will have the opportunity to enter a drawing that will choose the honorary pitcher. The drawing will be held on Wednesday, August 4, 2004.

Tickets are offered at a discounted price for BSU alumni and friends. Lower level reserved seats cost just $16 (regularly $23) and upper deck reserved seats are just $11 (regularly $15). The deadline for purchasing tickets is Thursday, July 29.

Alumni have the opportunity to put BSU on the map by having the largest attendance at the game and earning the privilege to throw out the first pitch. Tickets are available by going to www.bsualumni.org, click on calendar of events, then event registration, and select “BSU Day at the Dome – Alumni World Series.”

BEAVER PRIDE ...

THE TEAM Behind the Teams

Beaver Pride, the official fund-raising arm of Bemidji State University athletics, has a lot to be proud of.

• 350 student-athletes with a cumulative GPA over 3.0 • 63 academic all-conference award winners (not including spring sports); • Two academic all-region selections; • The first ever Division I hockey conference championship; • The first NSIC basketball championship in 38 years; • Two All-Americans; • Three Coach of the Year Award recipients; • 35 all-conference award winners.

The mission of Beaver Pride is to raise money for athletic scholarships and to increase the interest and excitement in Beaver athletics.

In the past three years, tuition at BSU has increased significantly due to reduced levels of state funding for higher education. As a result, Beaver Prideʼs role has drastically increased and continued success of our athletic teams will rely on support from alumni, fans and friends of Beaver athletics.

With current funding, BSU student-athletes receive 61 scholarships. The NCAA and respective conference rules would allow Bemidji State University to award 120 scholarships to student-athletes if the funding was available.

Working in conjunction with the Department of Athletics and the BSU Foundation, Beaver Pride has developed a five-year plan with the goal of reaching full funding for athletic scholarships. To learn more about Beaver Pride visit www. gobeaverpride.org or call 1-888-234-5718.

Rebecca (Kunz)Feiock (ʼ92) graduated with a masterʼs degree in education from Bethel College and Seminary in December. Her degree specializes in specific learning disabilities and emotional and behavioral disorders. She is in her 10th year of teaching after spending three years teaching second and third grade in Texas, one year of kindergarten in Minneapolis, five years as a special education teacher in Minneapolis. She is currently teaching K-6 emotionally and behaviorally disordered students in Laporte. She lives in Park Rapids with her husband, Dale... Marsha Achermann (ʼ95) was named Teacher of the Year for Robert E. Lee Middle School in Grand Prairie, TX. She teaches sixth-grade language arts and social studies and has been with the school district for three years. She also operates a program that works with at-risk children in reading, math and social skills called the BIONIC (Believe It Or Not I Care) Club, is the coordinator of a mandatory tutoring program and supervises 32 teachers, plus another 15 for assistant tutoring. She and her husband, Michael, have been married 28 years and have four grown children... Jay B. Jones (ʼ95) of Clearbrook exhibited his artwork at the Bemidji Art Center in January. His work includes acrylic, watercolor and mixed media... Melissa (Dahlgren) Kantola (ʼ99) graduated from William Mitchell College of Law in St. Paul during Jan. 11 ceremonies, earning a Juris Doctor Degree. Sheʼs married to Willy Kantola... Eric Werner (ʼ94), an Army Reserve staff sergeant with 17 years of military service, has been

deployed to Kuwait and Iraq to support the mission of Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom.

Heʼs a member of the 353rd Transportation Company headquartered in Buffalo, MN... Mike Stevens (ʼ92) was recently hired as the Bigfork Campus Life Director by Itasca Youth for Christ. He conducts weekly meetings with high school youth and offers them special events and travel opportunities. He is also pastor of the Bigfork Assemblies of God Church.

He lives in Bigfork with his wife and three sons... Jeff Janecek (ʼ93) owns a home healthcare service, Access Healthcare, in Grand Rapids, which he established in 1998 with two partners. Heʼd previously worked for five years in Alaska as a marine biologist for the National Marine Fisheries Services and as a commercial fisherman... Diane White (ʼ95) filed as a candidate for chairman of the Leech Lake Tribal Council... Randy Finn (ʼ90) filed as a candidate for chairman of the Leech Lake Tribal Council... Doyle Turner (ʼ99) is chairman of the White Earth Band of Ojibwe and recently testified in favor of a bill allowing the White Earth and Red Lake nations to build a Twin Cities casino... Mary Zavoral Eaton (ʼ91) is the vice president of academic affairs and custom training services for NTC and Minnesota State Community and Technical College. She has also served as NTC vice president of Corporate and Institutional Relations, dean of Custom Training and Continuing Education, health coordinator for Continuing Education, academic program developer and an Allied Health instructor... Kim Anderson

(ʼ98) and her husband, Lee, announce the March 10 birth of a son... Michael Doubet (ʼ99) performed as a master hypnotist at the Northern Inn, Bemidji, in January... Ann McCann (ʼ90) works in the aerospace industry and lives in Brighton, CO, with her husband, Joseph, and their three-year-old daughter, Samantha …Norm Gallant (ʼ99) and Mandy (Johnson) Gallant (ʼ99) live in Wadena with their infant daughter Grace. Both are working on masterʼs degrees in educational development and leadership... Mary Rono (ʼ98) and her husband, Larry, live in Crosby. She recently returned to school to prepare for certification in wound-ostomy and continence nursing and plans to try for certification this summer... Chad Schmidt (ʼ92) and LeAnne (Palmer) Schmidt (ʼ90) live in South St. Paul. Chad has worked as a high school math teacher in the South St. Paul High School since 2001 and LeAnne has worked for eight years as a counselor at Inver Hills Community College... Dan McNulty (ʼ91) is the assistant principal at Lakeville High School and lives in Lakeville with his wife, Deborah, and their children, Bailey, 5, and Taylor, 3... Matthew Jelavic (ʼ99) completed his master of engineering degree from the University of Waterloo in 2003 and founded Strategy One Consulting. He and his wife, Myvonny, live in Toronto, Ontario, Canada... Chuck Jensen (ʼ91) and his wife, Brenda (ʻ87), live in Ramsey with their children, Heather, 7, and Tommy, 4. He works for Cargill in Elk River... Ken Grantier (ʼ93) of Continued on page 8

Horizons Page 8 The Lake The Learning The Life

BSU Foundation (continued from page 1)

The Legacy Society BEMIDJI STATE UNIVERSITY FOUNDATION

Marcella Sherman

LEGACY BUILDERS

$100,000 Donation Presented by Friend of the Arts Marcella Sherman of San Jose, CA, presented a donation of $100,000 to the Bemidji State University Foundation to create the Rick and Marcella Sherman Endowment. The earnings from the endowment will fund scholarships in their names for BSU students, who are majoring in visual arts and outstanding visual artists.

Marcella Sherman first visited the Bemidji State University campus in October of 2000 to participate in the opening reception of the Rick Sherman Pottery Exhibit in the Talley Gallery, which featured 54 pieces of pottery that BSU had received as a result of a bequest from the late Rick Sherman. The Sherman Collection was added to the Margaret Harlow Pottery Collection, created by and named in honor of BSU alumna, Margaret Harlow ʼ36. Rick was a professional potter from San Jose who was also an arts organizer and a personal friend of Margaret Harlow.

After attending the opening, Marcella made a donation to cover the appraisal costs of having the Harlow Pottery Collection, which was valued at more than $300,000.

Marcella became interested in the arts as a child living in Kansas City after she toured the state capital in Jefferson and saw the wonderful murals on display by Thomas Hart Benton. Marcella and Rick met as teachers in San Jose and were married in 1967.

Marcella retired in 1991 after a 30-year career with the County Office of Education as a grant writer for educational institutions. She taught classes and presented seminars throughout the California on grant writing.

In addition to art, Marcella is passionate about historic preservation and continues the legacy her husband established as the president of the Preservation Action Council (PAC) which works to preserve history structures, homes and public buildings. A former high school English teacher, she also advocates for reading programs.

“Gifts like this one presented by Marcella, endowing scholarships, have an enduring impact on creative learning communities like ours,” said Dr. Kyle Crocker, chair of the BSU Department of Visual Arts. “Student recipients of such scholarship awards benefit not only in an immediate financial way, often relieving them of the pressure to work an outside job, they are also affirmed in their choice of an artistic career, so often precarious in our society.

“With this they, and even their peers who donʼt receive such scholarships, recognize the wider legacy of our mutual enterprise in the arts. They realize, in no uncertain terms, the loving work of those artists, patrons and scholars who have preceded them.

Their own commitment to make contributions of all kinds, to give rather than simply gain, is tremendously strengthened.

“Marcellaʼs gift, in effect, will make a great deal possible, more perhaps than any of us can know. With it, she joins our community and, like teachers, she will ʻaffect eternity, never knowing where her influence will stop.ʼ”

professional advisors and committee members.

The yearlong effort is the first-stage of a multi-year campaign to offset declining revenue and assist students through scholarships.

“As an alumnus of Bemidji State University, I am proud of the commitment our Foundation board has made by establishing a $3,525,000 fund raising goal, as compared to $9000,000 last year,” said Dr. Ed McDunn, BSU graduate and executive director of the BSU Foundation. “That nearly 400% increase in goal recognizes the serious impact double digit increases in tuition cause our students.

“If BSU is going to continue to attract outstanding students and faculty in these difficult times for higher education, alumni and friends of BSU will be asked to give back to this outstanding University. There has never been a greater need for a gift to BSU than right now.

“I sincerely hope that everyone who reads this article will consider making a major gift in recognition of what BSU has meant to them. Individuals can choose the college or program to receive the gift, which is tax deductible.”

Individuals interested in becoming directly involved in, or contributing to, the campaign should contact the BSU Foundation, Bemidji State University, 1500 Birchmont Dr. NE #17, Bemidji, MN 56601-2699 (1-888-234-5718).

The Center for Advanced and Emerging Technologies is being constructed adjacent to Bridgeman Hall.

One of the main components of the BSU Foundation campaign is to raise $230,000 to purchase new equipment to use in this facility when it opens next year.

Where We Are ... What We’re Doing Continued from page 5 Bemidji was the top finisher in the menʼs division of this winterʼs Polar Challenge 5K Run/Walk. More than 100 runners and walkers participated in the Bemidji event... Mark Koski (ʼ90), a major in the U.S. Marine Corp, returned from Operation Iraqi Freedom last summer and has just been reassigned as the operations officer for the Marine Corps Air Field Quanitco, VA. He and his wife, Shannon, of Sunnyvale, CA, have a son, Jonathon, and are anticipating the birth of a second child this summer...

Greg Henjum (ʼ94) and Pat Henjum (ʼ93) own a Bumper to Bumper Auto Parts store and live in Redwood Falls with their children, Jacob, 5, and Rylee, 2. Pat is also employed at MN Valley Investments... Melissa (Baker) Warren (ʼ91) and her husband, Michael, live in Bloomington, IL, with their children, Samantha, 7, and Jacob, 3. She works as a business analyst with State Farm Insurance...

Karen Morrissey (ʼ98) of Baldwin, WI, works as a health/PE/DAPE teacher at the Roseville Area High School. She obtained her masterʼs degree in education in 2002 and taught in Iola, WI, last year. She and Steven Stellrecht of Spooner, WI, are planning a summer wedding... Kerri (Franzen) Bilben (ʼ96) is teaching band at Mack Lyon Middle School just north of Las Vegas, NV, and is in her eighth year of teaching band. She lives in Overton, NV, and has three sons, Jacob, 4, Ryan, 1, and Nathan, who was born February 27... David Chatterton (ʼ95) and his wife, Melissa, live in Bemidji... Kristine Dokken (ʼ99) and her

husband, Harold, live in Roseau... Brenda Struck (ʼ97) and her husband, Tyler, live in St. Charles and have two daughters, Alexa, 3, and Ashlyn, 1. Tyler is employed as a state trooper... Scott Haugen (ʼ98) is living in West Fargo, ND... Devlyn Brooks (ʼ97) is editor of the International Falls Daily Tribune...

Wendy (Larson) Scholler (ʼ97) is working as an environmental health and safety director and coaching high school cross country and track. She, her husband and daughter recently built a new home in Random Lake, WI, and she is pursuing a second degree in human kinetics from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. She also competes in triathlons and was recently chosen for a sponsorship for Degree antiperspirants to be a part of their 2003 and 2004 Degree Ironman Team... Jeremy Zumberge (ʼ97) is supervisor of water quality monitoring programs for the Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality in Sheridan, WY, where he also resides... JoEllyn Anderson (ʼ98) lives in Mankato and works as a marketing assistant with Hickory Tech in Mankato... Julie (Stuard) Lundblad (ʼ92) teaches writing at Northwest Technical College, Bemidji. She and her husband, Aaron (ʻ94), of Bemidji had triplets in 2003, Raegan, Cade and Zander. The triplets have an older sister, Skylyr, born in 2000... Timothy Kulik (ʼ98) is employed as an intensive supervision agent with the Minnesota Department of Corrections in Detroit Lakes. He and his wife, Jodi (ʻ99), live in Detroit Lakes and have two children, twins, Andrew and Autumn, born in

October of 2002... Claire (Sollom) Farrell (ʼ99) and her husband, Brian Farrell (ʼ99), live in Dallas, TX, and work as exhibit designers …Jon Monacelli (ʼ96) of Virginia is the chief executive officer of Fortune Bay Casino in Tower and was listed as one of four finalists for the position of St. Louis County auditor.

2000s Candi Walz (ʻ02) was assigned as a reporter at the Minnesota State Capitol in St. Paul, covering the 2004 legislative session for a number of northern and central Minnesota newspapers. After BSU, she interned in Washington, D.C., for Tribune Broadcastingʼs Washington Bureau. She then interned in U.S. Rep. Betty McCollumʼs Fourth District office where she tracked national legislation and attended committee hearings. For the past year, she served as news editor/ writer for the Tri-County News in Kimball. Her media experience also includes working at KLFD radio in Litchfield... Michael May (ʼ01) married Laura Hudson September 6 at University Lutheran Church of Hope in Minneapolis. He is a third-year medical student at the University of Minnesota and Laura works in the microbiology department at Regions Hospital... Michelle Leffelman (ʼ00) was hired in the fall as a full-time officer with the Bemidji Police Department. She had worked as a part-time officer since last summer... Jennifer Olson (ʼ03) of Hibbing is employed at the new Blue Cross Blue Shield facility in Virginia which opened in January. She works as a

Todd Weinzierl provider service representative working directly with hospitals and other care facilities in the processing of claims. She began working with Blue Cross in September and had previously worked in retail...

Todd Weinzierl (ʼ01) of Ely is currently deployed to Southwest Asia in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom II with A Company, 57th Signal Battalion, Third Signal Brigade of the United States Army. He was promoted to sergeant in October of 2003... Leah Polzine (ʼ00) teaches third grade at Lanesboro Elementary School... Paul Quinn (ʼ03) works in Duluth, ran in the Boston Marathon and recently proposed to his fiancé, Janell Rook, while running through Lake Bemidji State Park. Quinnʼs educational background is in computer information systems... Brett Arenz (ʼ01) and Devin Arenz (ʼ01), brothers, led the start of this winterʼs Minnesota Finlandia 50K cross-country ski race at Buena Vista, Bemidji... Timothy Schlichting

(ʼ01) and Jennifer Gottschalk were married May 1 in Pine City. He is an industrial technology teacher and coaches boys hockey at Pine City High School.

Jennifer is a registered nurse at Mercy Hospital on the Critical Care Step Down Unit in Coon Rapids...

Bryan Hanson (ʼ02) and Karen Tan (ʼ01) are planning a summer wedding. Brian is employed with Amazon.com and Karen is a graduate student at the University of North Dakota... Mary Whelan (ʼ01) has a seven-year-old son, James, and lives in Farmington... Darren Bergstrom (ʼ02) of International Falls writes that he recently bought a house and went into business with his family... Dan Carlson (ʼ03) is a scuba diving instructor in the Bemidji area... Adam Wojciehowski (ʼ00) of Hudson, WI, is an officer with the Somerset Police Department... Michele Kirby (ʼ00) and her husband, Paul, live in Pine City and are anticipating the birth of a child in August...

Jennifer (Barr) Poenix (ʼ03) and Jeff Poenix (ʼ02) were married November 29, 2003, and now live in Taconite. Jennifer is the office manager at KGPZ Radio... Tom Walburn (ʼ03) has been hired as the new manager of environmental services with the Virginia Regional Medical Center. He was most recently employed as the environmental service manager for Itasca Medical Center and had previously worked for the SMDC system as well as Riverview Healthcare Association in Crookston. He and his wife, Kristine, live in Aurora and have four children... Phil Sollom (ʼ03) is living in the Twin Cities.