UNIV E
Alumni & Friends Magazine Summer 2020
F O Y IT S R
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A Season of Struggle Brings About Unity Exploring COVID-19 and Racial Injustices
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“What do you say in a moment like this?” —Reba McEntire
As one can imagine, there has not been a lot of time for reflection these past several months. Early hopes of a temporary move to virtual classroom delivery in order to help slow the spread of the novel coronavirus quickly extended through the end of the semester. Faculty and staff swiftly shifted their energy from face-to-face instruction and personal interaction to ensuring that each student had an opportunity to succeed from their remote locations. Collaboration and communication have been the glue that binds us, and I am so proud of the efforts of our UJ community. The response from students has been profound. Students’ academic success was evident in the highest number of Dean’s List achievers in recent history, and the number of students returning to Jamestown this fall has the potential to be our strongest in 20 years. To all the faculty and staff who worked tirelessly to support our students, I say “thank you!” The Dine & Bid auction and the Jimmie Scramble golf tournament are fundraising traditions of nearly 30 years. Combined, these events provide nearly $250,000 of scholarship support to our students. As the hopes of an in-person Dine & Bid waned, creativity and collaboration prevailed and the virtual 2020 event hosted more guests than ever, and the net result reached a record high. The same is true for the Jimmie Scramble, as people gathered together with social distancing efforts in place to ensure a successful outcome. To all who made these events a tremendous success, I say “thank you!” As the spread of COVID showed signs of slowing, the world sadly witnessed the death of George Floyd at the hands of a police force entrusted to keep the community safe. As a Christian university committed to inclusion, tolerance, and the dignity of all humanity, we stand united in our belief that racism has no place here or anywhere. In recent weeks, we have begun conversations with our current students, staff, and alumni of color to collaborate in ways that can ensure fulfillment of the University’s mission. The University aspires to provide a holistic experience for all students where academic and co-curricular excellence rooted in Christian faith guides our efforts to serve one another with respect and kindness. To all who have joined us in our efforts, I say “thank you!” On July 21, the University of Jamestown and the Jamestown Public School District publicly announced their intention to work together to renovate the existing Taylor Stadium into a beautiful new facility. Working collaboratively, this $11 million project will include a new track, turf football field, a press box with concessions, suites and an outdoor plaza, and upgraded game day locker rooms in Hansen Center. A highlight of the celebration included an announcement of a lead gift from Dr. Jo-Ida Hansen, making a fall groundbreaking possible. To all who have provided counsel and support, I say “thank you!” Many of our alumni and friends have reached out to me to inquire about how the University is doing and to show your support for the efforts we are taking to safely welcome students back to campus this fall. Your calls, emails and letters mean a great deal to me. The decisions we are making affect you as well as our current and future students. To all of our alumni and friends who are thinking about us and praying for a safe and healthy start to the 2020-21 academic year, I say “thank you!” And lastly I say, thanks be to God who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 15:57). As you read this edition of Alumni & Friends, I hope you will find joy in knowing that we are doing all we can to keep our UJ community well.
Dr. Polly Peterson ’89, President
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On the Cover:
Features 6 Serving the Underserved Dr. Jeff Hanson ’82
8 Providing Care through COVID Trisha Jungels, RN, MBA ’02 and Laura Bond, DNP, APRN, CNP ’10
10 Hope for When Times are Tough Paul Stevens ’98
12 Listening. Learning. Growing. Gabrielle Brown, Terrell Alfred ’20, Byron Jones ’12, Janay Morton, Dr. Polly Peterson ’89, and Brett Moser X’03
15 Spreading Positivity with Music Heidi (Tschetter) Olson ’97
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Welcome to Alumni & Friends magazine! The Summer 2020 issue explores two extremely timely topics, racial injustice and COVID-19. Although very different topics, a common theme surfaced in each interview with UJ alumni and staff: difficult times and separation can bring about change and a new form of unity.
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15 In UJ Summer Issue 16 Alumni Association
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17 Alumni Hall of Fame Inductees 18 Campus Corner 19 Refer a Student 20 Homecoming Schedule 22 Births
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22 Retirements 23 In Memoriam 24 Important Dates
Alumni & Friends Summer 2020 Board of Trustees Chairman James Unruh ’63
Director of Alumni Relations Setareh Campion
University of Jamestown President Polly Peterson, Ph.D., ’89
Research Assistant Dan Hornung
Alumni Board President MaryBeth Hegstad ’97
Office Manager Bridgett Brewer
Vice President of Development and Alumni Relations Brett Moser X’03
Stewardship Manager Joleen Steinmetz
Director of Annual Giving and Jimmie Booster Club Jim Klemann ’09
Director of Design and Publications Donna Schmitz Creative Writer Natalie McKenna
“Alumni & Friends” is published two times per year, in the winter and summer by the University of Jamestown Office of Development and Alumni Relations for alumni, faculty, staff and friends of the University of Jamestown. University of Jamestown welcomes your thoughts and comments about “Alumni & Friends.” Please send letters to Alumni & Friends, 6082 College Lane, Jamestown, ND 58405. Send address changes to: Bridgett Brewer Office of Development and Alumni Relations 6082 College Lane Jamestown, ND 58405 or by e-mail to alumni@uj.edu
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SERVING THE UNDERSERVED DR. JEFF HANSON ’82
In the midst of a global pandemic and widespread civil unrest stemming from years of racial injustice, thinking of others is certainly on the minds of most right now. One UJ alum, Dr. Jeff Hanson (‘82), is no stranger to this type of thinking—he’s dedicated his career as a family practitioner to serving others. Dr. Hanson grew up in Detroit Lakes and came to the University of Jamestown in hopes of one day becoming a doctor. He majored in Biology, while playing both football and baseball. After graduation, Dr. Hanson attended medical school at the University of Minnesota.
WORKING WITH IN-NEED COMMUNITIES Dr. Hanson knew that he wanted to serve others. During his last year of medical school, he spent time working in El Salvador, where he lived with a former Jamestown professor Dr. Stan Slade and his family. From there, he did his Family Medicine residency in an inner-city program in Minneapolis. After completing his residency, Dr. Hanson began working at developing and improving multiple community clinics in Minneapolis. “I’ve always had a feeling that I wanted to be a part of a mission that served others,” explained Dr. Hanson. “Initially I had plans to return to Central America and help develop systems that could improve healthcare there, but my direction changed, and I worked in inner-city clinics in Minneapolis. These are clinics that serve a large population of individuals in need. I saw the disparities of the underserved.” He continued, “These clinics were grassroots, many working with volunteers. They grew from basic clinics into full practice. One was within blocks of 38th and Chicago, where we just saw major protesting of racial injustice. One was on the West Bank which serves a large immigrant community.”
HOW COVID HAS AFFECTED PATIENT CARE Schedules and the way patients are cared for has definitely changed. Dr. Hanson spends two weeks in the clinic seeing patients and two weeks out of the clinic doing virtual/phone visits. Working in family medicine, Dr. Hanson has known his patients for many years, some since birth. “I feel that it’s important that I maintain that relationship,” he continued. “Knowing them, their personalities, their struggles, knowing their health situations and family situations—it’s all helpful. Virtual appointments, which I do two weeks per month due to COVID, can be draining. You just hope you aren’t missing things without being able to do an examination. But knowing my patient well is very helpful for these situations.”
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Dr. Hanson explained how there’s a connection and a bond that forms from people being able to sit and talk—especially when one is trusting the other with their health needs. “My patient population ranges from kids and newborns to my oldest patient who is 107,” he explained. “I have many patients in the COVIDhigh-risk categories with diabetes, hypertension, African American heritage and those in the older age groups. We have to find a way to care for their complicated medical needs and keep them safe in this time of COVID.”
A GLOBAL PANDEMIC Over the past 20 years, Dr. Hanson has worked with a surgical group that goes to Guatemala. He would travel with his wife, who is a surgeon, as well as his son. “My wife would operate. And I would do the other care, like pre- and post-surgery,” he explained. “COVID right now is exploding in South and Central America, as well as across the world. In those parts of the world, they are starting to see the effects of that dramatic rise.” Due to this rise, his family and the group he works with have made the decision that they won’t be able to go to Guatemala this year. “That’s an effect of COVID that a lot of people don’t realize. We can’t deliver healthcare to places that don’t have regular access to it,” explained Dr. Hanson. “There are a lot of factors that go into that decision. Either we aren’t able to enter the country. We don’t have the protective equipment needed to keep patients and ourselves safe. There won’t be the resources to be able to test for COVID.” He continued, “There’s a different culture and lifestyle in these parts of the world that is just not good for preventing COVID from spreading.”
MOVING FORWARD Healthcare officials admit they are still learning about COVID and how to manage it. Will it be like the 1918 influenza or H1N1? Will it be a slow burn? Will there be ups and downs? For Dr. Hanson, at least one thing is certain. “We need to make sure we are thinking about those that are around us and not just ourselves. We need to think of all the variables. How do we manage this to protect
those who are vulnerable? How do we make sure we have the resources to care for those who are sick? How do we protect essential workers, many who have already given the ultimate sacrifice, and how do we manage this so businesses can survive?” This is a strange and complicated time with COVID and the concerns for social justice. Having built a career around working in underserved communities, Dr. Hanson has thoughtful, yet extremely doable advice for others, explaining that the idea comes from Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, who recently spoke about the need for understanding in the times we are in. “Knowing that injustices have been going on for years, I just encourage people to get to know someone who is not like themselves,” he continued. “You don’t realize how much you don’t know about someone—how they may have been treated in our community—if you don’t ask. We need to listen. If we don’t get the chance to know people who are not like ourselves, we can never be better.”
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PROVIDING CARE THROUGH COVID HOW TWO NURSES ARE MAKING A DIFFERENCE DURING A PANDEMIC
Trisha Jungels, RN, MBA (’02) Chief Nursing Officer, Jamestown Regional Medical Center (JRMC)
HOW COVID AFFECTS HER WORK: As the CNO, Trisha is responsible for making sure her team is following best practices and for removing hurdles to help them be successful. “I’ve created more plans on how to manage aspects of healthcare over the past three months than in my entire 17-year career,” Trisha explained. “I work with the most awesome people—a majority are UJ grads. Because we were taught to be critical in our thinking, to be open, to be driven and strong in our faith, and to know that as a team you will work it out, we were able to quickly and competently create a plan to protect our staff. If I didn’t gain the skillset that I did, I wouldn’t have been successful in being swift and thinking outside of the box.” JRMC’s bed surge plan was so exceptional, Governor Burgum even mentioned it during a press conference. As a result, multiple hospitals have reached out to learn more about their plan.
ADVICE FOR OTHERS WORKING THROUGH COVID: “You need to work as a team. You need to communicate and work well with others. I would find myself getting frustrated with people, because we’re working insane hours and are constantly planning for the worst. But, I’ve learned you need to have the ability to step back and take a minute, and remember that we need each other to get through this.”
REFLECTING ON THE LIBERAL ARTS: “One of the things I appreciated from college is that I had to take religion, ethics, art classes—things like that. And now, 17 years later, I’m reflecting on the ethics class I took. The foundation that has been provided to me from UJ has been invaluable as a leader and nurse, and in dealing with COVID.”
FINAL THOUGHTS: “I definitely know that I am where I am today because of the foundation that my hometown college gave me. I am so lucky to be able to go to high school in Jamestown, get a great college education here, and now serve our community and serve our hospital.”
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“The foundation that has been provided to me from UJ has been invaluable as a leader and nurse, and in dealing with COVID.” —Trisha Jungels Laura Bond, DNP, APRN, CNP (’10) Oncology Nurse Practitioner, JRMC
WHY NURSING? The summer before Laura started kindergarten, she broke her arm in two places and had to stay at a hospital in Fargo for three days. “My mom had to leave me with the nurse one day. My nurse was amazing. I remember her as so beautiful, in her dress and hat, and I thought she was all mine,” explained Laura. But, when her nurse had to leave the room, Laura was scared and went to go look for her. “I found her in another room,” Laura said, laughing as she shared her memories. “And it clicked that she was caring for other people, not just me. When I went back to kindergarten, everything from that point on was, ‘I’m going to be a nurse. I’m going to care for people.’”
MAKING A DIFFERENCE AS A NURSE PRACTITIONER: Before going into oncology, Laura gained first-hand experience caring for someone with cancer when her husband was diagnosed with Leukemia in 2013. “That experience really inspired my journey. It all hits close to home,” explained Laura. “As an NP, I’m really focused on caring for the whole patient, not just the diagnosis—really taking the whole picture into account. How is this diagnosis affecting them spiritually, mentally, emotionally? Cancer is of course physical, but it’s emotional too. If your psyche isn’t right and you aren’t in it to battle, it’s going to be even harder. I make sure I get them the things they need, whether that’s counseling or medication—I’m there for their journey.”
HOW COVID HAS IMPACTED HER PATIENTS: “I’ve noticed that COVID puts a huge stress on their life. They’re already fighting for their lives. And now they have to take even more precautions, and there are visitor restrictions. With cancer treatment, you really need that extra set of ears to hear what is going on. And the family can really give us a lot of insight into the patient—they sometimes notice things the patient doesn’t. I couldn’t imagine doing that on your own.”
FINAL THOUGHTS: “UJ gave me a really good foundation for my whole life. Getting a nursing degree is hard, but you have to keep going. It opens so many doors. You can specialize in anything, or take that foundation to go on with your education. You gain a lot of the critical thinking skills. UJ was vigorous, but I’ve heard from multiple patients that they notice a difference when they’re working with UJ grads.”
HOPE FOR WHEN TIMES ARE TOUGH HOW A SEASON OF SUFFERING CAN MAKE FAITH COME ALIVE
When Paul Stevens (’98) came to University of Jamestown, he didn’t know what he wanted to do with his future. “I came to Jamestown knowing I wanted to do sports,” he explained. “Eventually, I landed in elementary and physical education.” His wife Becky (Douglas) Stevens (’98), who studied early childhood development, was the first girl he saw on campus. “It was love at first sight,” he said. “I knew right then, I met my future wife.”
But, at only 36, he realized something. “I was bored,” he admitted. “I was unsettled in my spirit, and I couldn’t put my finger on it. My wife was feeling similarly.”
PLANTING A CHURCH IN A SEGREGATED CITY In 2011, Pastor Stevens was introduced to an opportunity to really influence a community. Epikos, a church with multiple campuses in metro Milwaukee, wanted to open a campus in West Allis, WI.
And yet, they did a little dance for three years before their first date—a date Paul remembers perfectly. “It was April 27,” he said without missing a beat. “We shared a malt at Perkins and watched the sun set at the Jamestown Reservoir.”
“I spent a lot of time in Milwaukee before deciding to move,” he said. “I remember walking into this old, dilapidated movie theatre that would become Epikos. I remember seeing more non-white faces than white faces.” He continued, “I realized I could do a mission, a cross-cultural mission, and I didn’t even need to hop on a bus. I could reach every person. I could do ministry to the nations, all in one city.”
Paul graduated and was offered a head coach and teaching position in Idaho. He proposed to Becky, and the rest, as they, was history. But, it wasn’t quite the history Paul and Becky expected. Each would soon feel a call to serve God. And Paul would go from Mr. Stevens to Pastor Stevens just a few years later.
And that’s just what he and Becky did. They entered a highly segregated city, one that was still struggling to know its identity. They got involved in the community. Bought a house. Sent their kids to school there. Raised almost a million dollars. Pastor Stevens became a chaplain for the police department. Becky began serving as the Children’s Ministry Director.
A FAITH THAT WAS COMING ALIVE
They hired a multi-ethnic staff and renovated the theatre to become a thriving faith community.
Paul explained that both he and Becky were raised in religious homes, but they didn’t really know what it meant to be obedient to God. When they moved to Idaho, their faith was coming alive. “The pastor there took a special interest in me,” explained Pastor Stevens. He got involved in youth ministry and started seeing himself in the boys he coached. “I was such a misguided kid,” he continued. “The things I learned about how God loved me and the grace He gave me—these boys needed that.” At 23 years old, Pastor Stevens realized his passion was to know God and to make Him known to others. He did this work for three years, helping the ministry grow immensely, before he realized he needed to follow his calling. He and Becky moved to Waupan, WI. He worked as a youth pastor there for six years. He was so successful that he was asked to become the senior pastor and lead the adult side of the church. He accepted the position and leaned into that role for five years, growing the church from a community of 400 to 600.
“We had 1,000 visitors on opening day,” he explained. “The next week, 500 came back to worship. White, black, Hispanic, homeless people, people who make three figures.” Life entered the neighborhood. And diversity was celebrated. “I believe God has positioned us as a church to be a part of the solution to segregation in this city,” he said. “There are a lot of ways and lenses to look at that. Congregations marching. Pastors speaking boldly.” How does he see his role, right now, in a time when deep-rooted racism is getting the national attention it deserves, as a white pastor from Western Montana? “I think it is my job to preach the gospel and elevate the voices of my brothers and sisters of color,” Pastor Stevens explained. “It is transformed hearts that can bring transformation to the city. And only God can
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“We have to be able to learn about one another. Without proximity, there will be no empathy.” – Pastor Paul Stevens
transform hearts.”
AN OPPORTUNITY TO MAKE FAITH COME ALIVE As Pastor Stevens sees it, oftentimes pain and suffering can be the greatest blessings. “These times are tough,” he said. “The control that you and I think we have is an illusion. When things are going well—money, good health— you become your own little god.” “You may still go to church,” he continued, “but you begin living in this delusional world, forgetting your mortality. Then you see COVID take over, you see the murder of George Floyd, and you realize it can all be gone in the blink of an eye. And then what are you left with? The realization that I am a finite being. We are stripped of our security blankets in this season of life.” While being without a security blanket may sound scary, Pastor Stevens sees it as an opportunity. “People have a lot of questions right now,” he explained. “In this season of uncertainty, people are wrestling with mortality and purpose and
their finite nature.” Pastor Stevens has experienced people questioning and realizing the god they knew was a false god—more of a genie in a bottle than the God who walks with us, guides us and protects us. “The global church has been leaning in and offering hope, truth and answers to give people something to hold onto when everything is moving,” Pastor Stevens said. He continued by explaining how the job of the church is to help people see there is a God who is infinite. “He has made a way for us to know Him. That’s through scripture—a scripture that shows suffering,” Pastor Stevens explained. “You need to experience His protection to emerge. You need to understand what it is to surrender and trust Him. That’s why pain and suffering can be the greatest blessing. God molds us in that suffering.”
WHERE DO WE GO FROM HERE? In times of uncertainty, prayer is often the answer for Pastor Stevens. And this season of life is no different. He said, “My prayer for what is to come of COVID and George Floyd’s death is that this season of suffering strips people of these false ideas of God and draws them to who He really is.”
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LISTENING. LEARNING. GROWING. A ROUNDTABLE ON RACIAL INJUSTICE
Recently, six individuals sat down to discuss inequality and the systematic challenges that face minorities in the United States—specifically in Jamestown. Overall, the participants explained that they have had a very positive experience at the University of Jamestown, saying that they were met with love and kindness. But, everyone agreed, there is still room for growth.
Throughout the discussion, Dr. Polly Peterson often paused to remark on the valuable takeaways she was hearing from staff and alumni. One theme continued to rise to the forefront: there needs to be a change. A change in human perception. This change will be challenging, one met with hurdles. But, it is a change that the leaders at UJ have boldly stated they care deeply about as lifelong learners committed to servant leadership.
PARTICIPANTS
Gabrielle Brown
Terrell Alfred (’20)
Byron Jones (’12)
UJ Assistant Track and Field Coach | Graduate student | From St. Paul, MN
Basketball Trainer | Originally from St. Lucia, Grew up in New York City, Now resides in Orlando, FL
Facility Director | From Glenallen, MD
“I definitely feel like from my peers, that I am super supported here, but I think there’s room for growth, and I’m excited to be a part of that.”
“Everyone’s always asking me, ‘Where’d you go?’ I tell them, ‘University of Jamestown,’ with confidence.”
“I’m excited to be here to possibly help make a change and get people informed.”
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Janay Morton
Dr. Polly Peterson (’89)
Brett Moser (X’03)
UJ Assistant Women’s Basketball Coach | From Minneapolis, MN
UJ President | From Northwood, ND
UJ Vice President for Development and Alumni Relations | From Leeds, ND
“My experience at UJ has been positive. But I think there’s more we can do to make people feel comfortable.”
“Getting to know every single student has been the joy of my life.”
Dr. Peterson opened the conversation by thanking all of the participants for their openness, explaining that their conversation would help ensure that the University honors their claims as they move into the fall semester and beyond. Dr. Peterson explained, “One of the things you hear from me constantly is the mission of this University. I say that to families, and I don’t want to be not telling the truth.” She continued, “It’s important to me that when we’re having this conversation, that I understand that we are following through on our commitment to support all students and to care for them as family—to provide opportunities, equal opportunities, for academic excellence, cocurricular engagement, and Christian experience. If we aren’t doing that, I want to know. If the community’s not doing that, I want to know.” What followed was an open discussion led by VP Moser about race and how it pertains to University of Jamestown and the surrounding community as a whole. Q: What was your experience at UJ? What areas can we grow in? Byron: One thing we probably could improve, is being open to different personalities and backgrounds. I have a huge personality. When I first came to Jamestown, I would walk into the lunch room and people would stare. I want to be myself, regardless. And eventually it turned from confusion, not hate, into love. Terrell: I feel like a lot of our students, our black students or minority students, they come here and they feel like they can’t be themselves initially. They feel like they have to mix in and conform to the way of life. It’s just a learning curve. I’ve never been met with malice in Jamestown, especially with my teammates who always have my back. Byron: Yeah, I do feel if I wasn’t a sports player, it would have been harder for me. I may have felt more isolated. I believe I gained a lot of friends because of sports, and it rolled over into the community.
“We want to have a teachable spirit. We want to listen, learn, grow.”
Janay: I think the most important part is to educate on diversity as a whole. Maybe freshman orientation or jamboree days. It’s hard if you have a kid in small-town North Dakota, and [minority stereotypes] are all they see on T.V., then subliminally, that’s all they’re going to believe. We need to open their hearts, open their minds. It’s ok if it’s different. Gabrielle: I’ve felt nothing but love and support being here. One thing I will say, this February, it really hit home for me the lack of support staff gets when there was no black history recognition at all. I knew it wasn’t that people didn’t want to learn anything, it’s just probably never been brought forth. I genuinely think there is a lot of room for growth, but the black and brown people here do get tired of having to be the educators, so it’d be great if the University took more of that on. Q: What is it like for a minority culture to enter a majority culture? Brett: Currently at UJ, our numbers are around 90% [of students] are white/Caucasian and 10% are minority. And one of the things Byron said is that sometimes we feel like we have to speak or act a certain way on the initial part of a relationship to gain acceptability, and part of that for me just doesn’t feel right. Like you have to change who you are. Why is that how it is? And how can we grow in our openness to that? Janay: I think it’s the standard in America—white is the standard, so anything that branches off from that is said to be “different”. And that’s part of the problem. We’re trying to change 90% of the population’s mind [on campus]. We need 90% of you to change your mindset, so the 10% will feel comfortable and accepted to learn. But it’s something that needs to be done. Gabrielle: I just think of it like survival. When I’m here, I’m very intentional with how I navigate space. I’m very intentional with how I’m carrying myself. Even if it’s something as simple as going to Walmart, I’m planning, ‘Ok, when are the least amount of people going to be there so I can avoid all the stares.’ (continue on pg. 14)
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(continue from pg. 13) Terrel: I feel like it’s a lot of media presence that has to deal with how we are perceived. You see a lot of wild things happening in black communities. Coming up [to Jamestown], I felt like I really had to watch what I said. It’s more of having a sense of control when you’re going into a majority population as a minority. Byron: My perspective is a little different. I think that change can’t happen, especially as minorities, unless we continue to be ourselves. But I would say as a University, we need to make kids feel more comfortable with being able to be themselves. Janay: It’s tough because as a minority, you get to white spaces and you learn how to navigate that. But, I think hearing what Byron said was good for me, too. When you’re in those spaces, be completely yourself. If I’m not myself, we’re doing a disservice to white people learning how to navigate our space. Brett: I think just talking about the system, the systematic racism, that’s in place helps us navigate that, so I thank you all for engaging like that. Q: What are your hopes or wishes for white faculty members, staff, and white students at UJ? What are some of the things they should know to pursue meaningful relationships with the entire community of Jamestown? Polly: We all bring to the world differences. Big personalities, little personalities. Different backgrounds, different desires, we all come with our own self. How do we become more open to differences in self? I think there’s so much room here for education in general in how we respect one another. But, that is not to take away from the issue at hand today which is, how do we make sure that we understand that the are systemic rules and attitudes in place surrounding the African American community right now? Gabrielle: I think once we realize that we all have our unconscious biases, regardless of the color of your skin, your background, socioeconomic status—we all have them and we need to learn to check them. I have to do it, too. The world we live in here [in Jamestown] is so different than in the cities. But ignorance isn’t an excuse. You know, there isn’t a reason why our schools, our younger schools, only teach white history. Brett: That’s good for us to know as an institution of higher education… are we balanced in what we teach? Gabrielle: When I think about higher education, I think people are paying to be uncomfortable to learn. So, I think it’s ok to learn the status quo of whiteness and white fragility, and what not. There shouldn’t be just one day where we’re acknowledging the non-white students, and then say, ‘Let’s go back to normal,’ which means let’s go back to whiteness. It should be routine, where you are constantly challenged. And to know it’s ok to disagree and have different views. Polly: That’s what I’m trying to get to. It’s not a day. It’s not just a course. It’s a culture. We’re in this together. We’re a family. We’re all going to learn. It’s not going to be perfect. But, we’re going to love each other for our differences.
Gabrielle: Absolutely. It’s so important to learn history across all perspectives, so then we don’t have black kids who are only taught to react instead of respond when they are asked questions. I wish it happened before college, even with really little kids. Polly: The best news is, my favorite part of higher education, we get to change people’s perception when they are 17, 18 and 19 – the most influential years of their lives. If you come here with an open mind, you get to really learn what’s true to you. Dr. Peterson and VP Moser closed the discussion by again thanking the participants for their input. Dr. Peterson said, “There is a real opportunity here for us to make students feel like this is the best four years of their lives. It matters to us that you have a great experience. And, because of your time here, something special will happen to you after you leave—in your career, in the civic world you engage in. The big takeaway for me is that there’s room here for us to make it better.”
Key takeaways Start small: Start with any major history that you know—Fourth of July, Christmas—and find out what that holiday means to a different culture. Always aim to be culturally competent: Intentionally see a person for who they are. How can we welcome new students? How can we support different religious beliefs? Educate, educate, educate: Add more classes that teach about different cultures to help provide safe spaces for students to ask questions and grow in their thinking. Embrace differences: It’s not always about the color of skin. Individuals need to be open to differences, not just tolerant of them. Create minority outlets: Whether it’s a group on campus or a designated advisor, there needs to be a possibility for minority students to feel comfortable talking openly.
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SPREADING POSITIVITY WITH MUSIC A FAMILY OF JIMMIES SHARE THEIR TALENTS WITH THE WORLD
A global pandemic can make you have to stop a lot of things. Traveling, shopping, eating out. Thankfully, for Heidi (Tschetter) Olson (’97) and her family, singing isn’t one of them. “Music is such a blessing to me. My whole family— my parents, sister, my husband [Danelle Olson (’97)] and kids—are all musicians. Everyone loves it,” explained Heidi. One day, when Heidi’s daughters, Alaina (Olson) Selzler (’22) and Macy (Olson) Brandt (’23), would normally have choir at UJ, pre-COVID times, they decided to have choir practice at home, just the three of them. “It was a way to cope and keep some normalcy in our lives,” explained Heidi. “‘Soon and Very Soon’ was the first song. But we decided to turn the lyrics into, ‘Soon and very soon, we’ll be out of quarantine.’” Alaina (Olson) Selzler (‘22), Heidi (Tschetter) Olson (‘97), and Macy (Olson) Brandt (’23)
“As my daughters are getting older, they sense the bond that music brings to the family. UJ choir is a huge part of that. Singing in that choir changed my life. Those are the memories that I hold the most dear. The choir, tours, friendship, bonds—and now my kids are getting to experience that.”
—Heidi Olson
The trio thought others would think it was funny. So, they decided to record it and spread a little positivity by posting it to Facebook. It exploded. People Heidi had never met began commenting on it and sharing it. Why was it so popular? “There’s power and positivity in music,” Heidi said. “And not just when the message is positive. You can express your emotions in a deep way. This parody was keeping it light, but there’s more to it. Music keeps us sane. I think we got positive feedback because people are just craving positivity.” Heidi and her family continue to spread joy by recording and sharing music, both in parody form and through worship.
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UNIVERSITY OF JAMESTOWN Alumni Association Update The UJ Alumni Association Board held our spring meeting by Zoom due to COVID-19. We are delighted to welcome new members Kyle Blumenshine ’13/’16, Andrew Klose ’08, Jack Lawrence ’98, Emily Paulson ’15 and Sandi (Long) Piatz ’98/’18 to the board. Our board strives for diversity, and our new members represent diverse hometowns, majors, activities while at UJ, occupations, civic engagement and more. Unfortunately, most of our spring and summer alumni events were canceled due to the pandemic. However, the Alumni and Development team put their considerable talents to work to pull off a fun and inspiring virtual Dine & Bid. We hope you joined us for the event, but if you missed it, you can watch it at tinyurl.com/DineBid2020. Congratulations and thanks to everyone involved in producing this outstanding event under difficult circumstances! Commencement for the Class of 2020 was rescheduled to Homecoming weekend in October due to the pandemic. We are hopeful that we will be able to safely gather for Commencement and Homecoming to celebrate with the 2020 graduates and to reunite with fellow UJ classmates and friends. The fall meeting of our board is also scheduled during Homecoming weekend. With some modifications in place for safety, we were able to host the Jimmie Scramble in June. Thank you to everyone who attended and supported the event. We are always looking for new ideas for socials and gatherings in your areas. If you have suggestions, requests, or would like to host a social, please contact Setareh Campion at Setareh.Campion@uj.edu. Thank you for your support. We look forward to seeing and engaging with you again as soon as we can safely do so.
MaryBeth Hegstad ’97 Alumni Association President
ALUMNI ASSOCIATION BOARD MaryBeth Hegstad ’97, President Tonya (Schlaht) Holmstrom ’04, Vice President Carol (Prentice) Land ’80, Secretary to the Executive Committee Kyle Blumenshine ’13/’16 Matt Gooding ’94
Deb (Clark) Hornung ’85 Sami King ’98 Andrew Klose ’08 Jack Lawrence ’98 Tim O’Keeffe ’95 Emily Paulson ’15
Scott Peterson ’82 Sandi (Long)Piatz ’98/’18 Kelly Rachel ’84 Dan Stoudt ’07
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The 2020 Alumni Hall of Fame
Mary McClain ’75
David Evinger ’74
Glen Cameron ’73
H. George Schuler ’68
This year, the banquet will be a combined celebration to honor alumni who have made an impact in their communities and within their respected fields. Featuring various speakers and a few words from each inductee, the banquet will start with a social half-hour and be followed by a catered dinner on October 9. Due to COVID-19, details are subject to change. Any changes will be posted online, at UJ.edu. We are very excited to celebrate the following inductees:
Mary McClain ’75
Glen Cameron ’73
David Evinger ’74
H. George Schuler ’68
A Jamestown native, Ms. McLain currently resides in Mill Valley, CA, and is an attorney mediator, adjunct professor and international trainer, and founder of McLain Mediation. Throughout her career, she has taught more than 700 lawyers and business students mediation, and continues to serve as a Federal Court mediator, while also providing mediation services for courts and private organizations. Ms. McLain holds a Masters in Law in Dispute Resolution from the Straus Institute of Dispute Resolution at Pepperdine School of Law, Juris Doctorate from the University of North Dakota, and a Bachelors of Arts degree in Social Sciences and Elementary Education from UJ. Mr. Evinger is the managing partner in the Grotefeld Hoffmann law firm’s Minneapolis office, focusing primarily on catastrophe litigation. He has served on various boards, including at Children’s Hospitals and Clinics of Minneapolis and St. Paul. He and his wife, Lynn, established the Samantha Lynn Evinger Foundation at Children’s Hospital that supports the Cancer Kids Fund. Originally from Mandan, ND, Mr. Evinger earned his BA from UJ and his Juris Doctor Degree from the University of Notre Dame.
Mr. Cameron is a leader in the study of crisis communication, research, writing and software design, and currently is the Maxine Wilson Gregory Chair in Journalism Research and Professor of Strategic Communication at the University of Missouri School of Journalism. He has authored more than 300 books, chapters, articles and convention papers. Mr. Cameron is the founder and co-director of MU’s Health Communication Research Center. He holds degrees in English literature from UJ and St. Andrews University in Scotland, an MA in Communication from the University of Montana, and doctorate in Journalism from the University of Texas at Austin. Over the last 35 years, as the founder of Schuler Development, Mr. Schuler has become an expert in researching, planning, and developing commercial and residential real estate. His work has included the enrichment of numerous North Texas cities. Mr. Shuler has donated land for services such as a fire station, water tower, parks, and sites for churches to be built. He grew up in Milwaukee, WI, graduated from UJ with a degree in Economics and Finance, and currently resides in Dallas, TX.
To submit a nomination or for more information about any of our alumni honors, call Jim Klemann at (701) 252-3467 ext. 5024 or e-mail jklemann@uj.edu. Or, submit nominations online at uj.edu/HOF.
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CAMPUS CORNER Commencement Homecoming 2020 will be a special time for our newest alumni, as Commencement for the Class of 2020 will be held Saturday, Oct. 10. When the COVID-19 pandemic led to students finishing the spring semester online, all events that typically mark the end of the academic year, including Commencement, were postponed. “We look forward to celebrating the accomplishments of our graduates,” says President Polly Peterson. The ceremony is scheduled for 9:30 a.m. in the Harold Newman Arena.
UJ Place
units in early August! UJ Place is a five-story, modern, mixed-use development located on the northeast corner of campus under the historic orange water tower. UJ Place will feature 13,000 square feet of commercial space on the main floor below four levels of residential housing, including 112 bedroom/54 apartments. The UJ Place facility is designed to blend on-campus living with an offcampus feel to Jimmie students and can also be available for staff and faculty living. Each apartment at UJ Place is equipped with the following appliances: microwave, dishwasher, refrigerator, stove/oven, washing machine and dryer. UJ Place apartments are unfurnished, similar to traditional residence halls. Residents are expected to provide their own beds, dressers, couches, tables, etc. Cable television, Wi-Fi internet, and all utilities (electricity, heat, water, sewer, garbage) are included.
The University of Jamestown’s partnership with EPIC Companies out of Fargo, North Dakota, on UJ Place, is nearing completion; students will begin moving into their
The building is also pet friendly. Underground parking at UJ Place is available, as well as above ground, outside parking. Dustin Jensen Dean of Students/ Vice President for Student Affairs
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LEGACY AWARD Tradition is celebrated at the University of Jamestown through our Legacy Award program. Legacy Awards are valued at $1,000 annually ($4,000 over four years, applied to tuition only), and are provided to new students whose parent, sibling, or grandparent graduated from or is currently attending the University of Jamestown.*
ALUMNI REFERRAL SCHOLARSHIP Additionally, one of the best ways to support your alma mater is to “Refer a Student” to the University of Jamestown. Alumni referrals are a strong source of future Jimmies. Encourage a college-bound young person in your church, school, or community to consider the University of Jamestown. You can provide us with the student’s information by completing and mailing the form below or by visiting uj.edu/refer-a-student. Our response will be made in the Jimmie tradition…personal, caring, and enthusiastic.
Introduce us to a student you know. Alumni Referral Scholarship ($250 per year for four years) Contact Admission: 1-800-336-2554 | admission@uj.edu Refer a student online at uj.edu/refer-a-student or send in the form below. Please send information to this student: Name________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Address______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ City___________________________________________________________________ State_________________________ Zip______________ Phone Number_______________________ Cell phone number___________________E-mail_________________________________________ Parent’s/Guardian’s Name_______________________________________________________________________________________________ Academic Area of Interest_______________________________________________________________________________________________ Year of Graduation______________ Co-curricular Activities____________________________________________________________________ Your Name________________________________________ May we use your name when contacting student?_____ yes______no How do you know this student?__________________________________________________________________________________________ Mail this form to University of Jamestown Office of Admission, 6081 College Lane, Jamestown, ND 58405
*Please visit with the Office of Admissions to discuss which awards students may be eligible to receive: admission@uj.edu or 1-800-336-2554, ext. 5562.
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Alumni and Friends, join us for Homecoming and Family Weekend! OCTOBER 9-11, 2020
Check the UJ website at uj.edu/homecoming for updates and registration details.
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS Please note that due to COVID-19 and various unknown circumstances, all events are subject to change. An updated schedule will be located on the University of Jamestown website at uj.edu/AlumniAndFriends.
Friday, October 9, 2020 Noon
Booster Club Luncheon & Special Announcement Harold Newman Arena
5:30 p.m.
Athletics & Alumni Hall of Fame Banquet Social at 5 p.m. Harold Newman Arena
2020 ATHLETIC HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES
7:30 p.m. Homecoming Concert TBD
The University of Jamestown, in conjunction with
8:00 p.m.
proud to announce the 2020 Athletic Hall of Fame
All Class Social Shady’s Lounge
the Jimmie Booster Club Executive Board, is Inductees, Rollie Greeno Award, and Jim Clark
Saturday, October 10, 2020
Award recipients.
9:30 a.m.
Commencement Harold Newman Arena
Lawrie Paulson ’77 - Athletic Hall of Fame
Noon
Booster Club Tailgate Taylor Stadium Parking Lot
Rick Hack ’81 - Rollie Greeno Award
2:00 p.m.
Homecoming Football Game vs. Doane University Taylor Stadium
5:30 p.m.
Chili Feed Shady’s Lounge
6:00 p.m.
President’s Banquet, Social at 5:30 PM Gladstone Inn & Suites
2003-04 Men’s Basketball Team - Athletic Hall of Fame Jordan Gengler ’11 - Jim Clark Award
The ceremony will take place on the evening of October 9, 2020 in the Harold Newman Arena. All inductees will also be honored during halftime of the homecoming football game vs Doane University on October 10, 2020.
Sunday, October 11, 2020
Additional information on the inductees and ticket
9:00 a.m.
Chapel Vorhees Chapel
reservations to the ceremony will be available at uj.edu and JimmieAthletics.com. To submit a
10:30 a.m.
Class of 2020 Senior Athletic Banquet Harold Newman Arena
nomination or for more information about any of our alumni honors, call Jim Klemann at (701) 2523467 ext. 5024 or e-mail jklemann@uj.edu. Or, submit nominations online at uj.edu/HOF.
For more information contact:
Setareh Campion, Director of Alumni Relations (701) 252-3467 ext. 4104 or Setareh.Campion@uj.edu
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Births Tyler Peterson ’19 (MAL) and Steph Nunez daughter Stella Victoria born April 20, 2020 Chenise and John Tandsater ’14 daughter Sawyer Tandsater born March 5, 2020 Anthony ’18 and Emma (Preble) ’18 Cook son August Cook born May 17, 2020
Sawyer Tandsater
Stella Victoria Peterson
Celebrating 28 years of service to UJ The University of Jamestown is celebrating the career of Sharon Cox, MFA, Department Chair and Associate Professor of Art, who retired at the end of the 2019-2020 academic year. Sharon joined UJ in the fall of 1992 to teach art and journalism and was named the Professor of the Year for 1997. She has taught innumerable art courses, put on countless art shows, painted everything from Dine and Bid backdrops to the World’s Largest Buffalo, written “Art Voices” weekly for The Jamestown Sun since 1992— which she will continue to do—and been a champion for the 1883 Stutsman County Courthouse.
We thank Sharon for her service to the University of Jamestown, and especially to our students, over the course of her career and wish her the happiest of retirements!
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In Memoriam Mary (West) Carlson ’39 (BA), February 13, 2019
Lloyd L. Hogden ’55, May 16, 2020
Lucile F. (Buzzell) Aasmundstad ’38 (BA), May 19, 2020
Ollie S. (Strommen) Lubeck ’55, January 9, 2020
Marian (Teker) Schleve ’38 (BA), April 4, 2020 Adele B. (Olson) Sander ’39, February 3, 2020 Susan E. (Walter) McIntyre ’41, January 25, 2020 LeNora E. (Larson) Malm ’42 (BA), March 24, 2020
Eugene C. “Gene” Klein ’55, June 25, 2020 Ronald J. Haedt ’56 (BS), June 15, 2020 Marilyn J. (Leske) Palmer ’57, April 12, 2020 Sandra D. Spitzer ’58, April 11, 2020 James S. Schieffer ’61 (BS), June 20, 2020 Bruce H. Brooks ’62, March 22, 2020
Edward Burkett ’46, April 30, 2020
Roberta L. (Dailey) Larson ’62, July 3, 2020
Wayne S. Fallgatter ’46 (BS), March 26, 2020
Douglas R. Hanson ’63, April 24, 2020
Dr. Janet (Werner) Shelver ’46, June 25, 2020
Donald J. Rose ’63 (BS), March 9, 2020
Doris J. (Wilhelm) Hankel ’47, May 11, 2020
Sharon A. (McVay) Tosseth ’63, February 6, 2020
Beverly J. (Olson) Hubbard ’49, April 9, 2020
Donald C. Graumann ’64, February 26, 2020
Robert E. Puphal ’49, March 19, 2020
Frederick M. “Skip” Miller ’66 (BA), June 30, 2020
Dr. Paul H. Richter ’49 (BS), December 24, 2019 George A. Lenhart ’50, February 4, 2020 Robert L. Munsey ’50, May 26, 2020 Bonnie B. (Bateman) Sillers ’50, April 20, 2020 Helen L. (Buck) Youngs ’50, May 27, 2020 Robert G. Archambault ’51 (BA), March 27, 2020 Doren E. Eaton ’51 (BS), April 23, 2020 Dr. Wayne P. Anderson ’52 (BA), May 29, 2020 Dr. William “Bill” J. Boardman ’52 (BS), April 16, 2020 Keith L. Bryan ’52 (BS), April 6, 2020 Betty (Oppermann) Groendyke ’52 (BS), January 23, 2020 Mary J. (Rudel) Johnson ’52, January 21, 2020 Robert R. Solinger ’52 (BS), July 12, 2020 Mary Joan “Jo” (Whitten) Bryan ’53, June 27, 2020 Wallace “Wally” G. Garbe ’53, March 17, 2020 Harold E. Gargrave ’55 (BS), March 21, 2020
Darwin F. Jacobson ’69, February 3, 2020 Linda L. Jensen ’69 (BS), March 27, 2020 John E. Kenna ’71 (BS), April 2, 2020 Jacqueline (Kihlstadius) Froehlich ’72 (BS), February 1, 2020 William M. Woody ’72, January 28, 2020 John O. Gupman ’74, March 4, 2020 Mary Ann (Highby) Lubanovic ’75 (BA), March 8, 2020 Corey P. Renwick ’97 (BA), May 31, 2020
Friends Gerald W. Carlson, June 7, 2020 Elbert E. Dahlen, March 2, 2020 Judy Dosch, February 24, 2020 Dr. Roger E. Hasey, March 31, 2020 Dr. Awid A. Ismir, April 2, 2020 Dr. Roy A. Ottinger, February 24, 2020 Dr. Geoffrey A. Rath April 10, 2020
Alumni who received a degree are designated by the year of graduation followed by the degree they received.
Edwin “Ed” Remmick June 18, 2020 Linde Serba February 23, 2020 Robert F. Serba June 9, 2020 Claudette J. Smette June 3, 2020 George W. Vigesaa April 18, 2020 Rick Wald February 4, 2020 Agnes M. Witt March 7, 2020 Carol Woodley February 26, 2020
Office of Development and Alumni Relations 6082 College Lane Jamestown, ND 58405
IMPORTANT DATES
Booster Club Kick-Off (Jamestown) August 17 Opening Convocation/ Young Alumni Medallion Awards September 3 Alumni Association Meeting October 9 Character in Leadership Conference October 8 Board of Trustees Meeting October 8-9 Athletics & Alumni Hall of Fame Banquet October 9 Homecoming 2020 October 9-11 Commencement October 10 2020 Senior Athletic Banquet October 11
Visit uj.edu/AlumniAndFriends for additional alumni events coming soon!
