Moorhead Magazine Fall 2014

MOORHEAD minnesota state university moorhead

Inside: MODERN-DAY GLADIATORS LEADERSHIP LESSONS THE UNDERDOGS WIN, OR GO HOME KEEPING IT LOCAL FALL 2014 | Vol. 14, No. 2

magazine

The magazine for alumni, friends and community.

ALEX NEMZEK HALL AND STADIUM

MOORHEAD minnesota state university moorhead

ALUMNI FEATURES

magazine

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10

Modern-Day Gladiators

16

Leadership Lessons

18

The Underdogs

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Win, or Go Home

Former Dragons join MMA throng A conversation with Big 12 Commissioner Bowlsby Athletic trainers are key to athlete success Dragon influence in professional coaching

NEWS BRIEFS

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Meet New President Anne Blackhurst

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New Book on Fortier Years

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#MSUM2014 Creates Twitter Buzz

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Math Department Earns Advanced Listing

31

Class Notes

Administration

Staff

President: Anne Blackhurst president@mnstate.edu

Executive Editor: David Wahlberg ’81 david.wahlberg@mnstate.edu

Interim Provost/Senior VP, Academic Affairs: Michelle Malott

Editor: Kristi Monson ’84, ’96 kristi.monson@mnstate.edu

VP, Alumni Foundation: Laura Huth

Art Director: Derek Lien liende@mnstate.edu

VP, Finance & Administration: Janet Mahoney VP, Enrollment Management/ Student Affairs: Yvette Underdue Murph

Alex Nemzek Hall and Stadium are named for Alex (Sliv) Nemzek, a former coach and athletic director at Moorhead State. He was an Army officer in World War I and commander of the Moorhead National Guard and mayor of Moorhead. Nemzek received his nickname from Sliver, a touring clown who once appeared in Moorhead.

Executive Director, Marketing & Communications: David Wahlberg

Alex Nemzek Hall was officially christened on February 3, 1960, when Moorhead State defeated Concordia College 72-71 on a 13-foot jump shot by Jim Nagel ’62 (English and physical education) with two seconds left in front of an estimated crowd of 3,800. Built for $1.46 million, it has been home to Dragon basketball and wrestling for more than five decades, and host to countless college and high school indoor track meets, concerts, circus performances, professional wrestling bouts and graduation ceremonies. Home of Dragon football, Alex Nemzek Stadium opened Saturday, October 1, 1960, to a crowd of 2,500 with a 21-8 loss to Michigan Tech University.

Chief Diversity Officer: Donna Brown

Chief Information Officer: Daniel Heckaman

Photographer: Ande Sailer ’13 Editorial Team: Meghan Feir ’13 Katie Faken ’12 Katie Berning ’12 Danielle Rebel, intern Larry Scott ’67

Interim Chief Human Resources Officer: Andrea Kubat Minnesota State University Moorhead Magazine is published by the Marketing & Communications Office for the MSUM community of alumni, employees, students, supporters, friends and neighbors.

Contact us: magazine@mnstate.edu or 218.477.2110.

Minnesota State University Moorhead is an equal opportunity educator and employer and is a member of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities System.

PRESIDENT’S LETTER Dear Alumni and Friends,

i

n early May, I crossed the finish line of the Fargo Marathon in 3:58:49.

While I finished more than an hour behind the fastest runners, I achieved a time that, for my age, was good enough to qualify for the Boston Marathon. I felt tremendous pride in my accomplishment, which was the culmination of months of training. But what I remember most about that day are the displays of Dragon pride along the marathon course and the genuine messages of congratulations from members of our campus community.

Just weeks before, I had crossed another finish line of sorts when I emerged as the successful candidate in the search for Minnesota State University Moorhead’s 11th president. As I prepared to address the audience assembled in the Comstock Memorial Union to celebrate my appointment, my heart again swelled with pride—this time, at the prospect of leading a university that has served our region with distinction for more than 125 years. Honored and humbled, I pledged to be the kind of president who would make the campus community proud.

And then, on the last day of May, we gathered for a more somber celebration, in memory of President Emeritus Roland Dille. In the ensuing weeks, to commemorate his legacy, we have gathered recollections of Dr. Dille from faculty, staff, and alumni. Amid the memories of his formidable intellect, inspiring oratory skills, sparkling wit, and abundant generosity, one theme has been predominant. More than anything, we remember how Dr. Dille made us feel: proud to be associated with Moorhead State College, Moorhead State University, and Minnesota State University Moorhead.

Pride. There are few feelings more gratifying—or motivating. Pride compels us to set lofty goals and strive to attain them even in the face of adversity.

Pride inspires us to pursue excellence and refuse to settle for anything less.

Pride reminds us there’s value in a job well done and meaning in doing the best we can for someone, or something, we prize.

As I begin my presidency, I’ve asked the campus to join me in both cultivating and recognizing reasons to be proud of MSUM and the work we do together. Fortunately, it won’t be difficult. Every day, I see evidence of awe-inspiring excellence on our campus.

Faculty and staff who inspire students to achieve more than they believed possible. Students who overcome considerable odds to earn their degrees, distinguishing both themselves and MSUM in the process. Alumni who achieve extraordinary success because of their MSUM education.

Fittingly, #DragonPride is the theme for this year’s Homecoming. I hope you’ll join us as we reflect on our proud heritage and celebrate the many reasons to be proud of MSUM today. In particular, I invite you to attend my installation ceremony on the afternoon of Friday, Sept. 26.

Even if you can’t join in the campus celebration, know that we are proud of you and your contributions to Minnesota State University Moorhead. We’re dedicating ourselves to making sure you’re proud of us.

Best wishes,

Anne

Connect with President Anne facebook.com/PresidentAnne

twitter.com/PrezBlackhurst

NEWS BRIEFS

You're Invited!

Presidential installation during #DragonPride Homecoming Leading for the Long Run Alumni and friends are cordially invited to celebrate the installation of Anne Blackhurst as MSU Moorhead’s 11th president Friday, Sept. 26 at 2 p.m. in the Roland Dille Center for the Arts Hansen Theatre. A celebratory reception in the Center for the Arts gallery will follow. The celebration takes place during homecoming week.

Anne Blackhurst became the 11th president on July 1, 2014. Prior to her appointment, she served as MSUM’s provost and senior vice president for Academic Affairs since 2011.

“It is a tremendous honor to be named president of this outstanding university,” said Dr. Blackhurst.

“It has been a unique privilege to work with the faculty, staff and students at MSU Moorhead, and I look forward to continuing in this new role as we deliver on our promise to provide students with the opportunity to discover their passions, the rigor to develop intellectually, and the versatility to shape a changing world.”

For details on all inaugural activities or to read more about Dr. Blackhurst, visit mnstate.edu/president.

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EDITOR’S NOTE n behalf of the Moorhead Magazine team, THANK YOU to everyone who told us how much they appreciated our 125th anniversary commemorative issue. The magazine did as we hoped—rekindled MSUM memories of so many of our readers.

Please continue sharing your memories of and aspirations for MSUM by posting on our 125th timeline, mnstate.edu/125th or on facebook.com/MSUMAlumni.

Many former students, employees and community members shared their stories of former president Dr. Roland Dille, who passed away in May. You can read these shared memories, Dr. Dille’s last poem, and other affirmations about Dille’s legacy at mnstate.edu/dille.

Dille will long be remembered for his vibrant personality, his distinguished scholarship, and his stellar leadership. In December, Dille and archivist Terry Shoptaugh released their book, MSUM Memories, which chronicles the university’s first 125 years. You can buy this book at bookstore.mnstate.edu.

While a small number of students ever compete in intercollegiate athletics, many of us are fans and supporters. This issue is filled with stories about people working in a variety of sports-related professions, including high-profile coaches of professional sports teams and amateur athletes. I hope you’ll enjoy our interview with Big 12 Commissioner Bob Bowlsby, one of the most highly regarded names in collegiate athletics, and see how local alums are making a huge impact in the Fargo-Moorhead sports scene.

Enjoy.

Kristi Monson, ’84, ’96 Editor | kristi.monson@mnstate.edu

Read online @ mnstate.edu/magazine Print is not dead.

In fact, a readership survey sponsored by the Council for Advancement and Support of Education tells us that readers of all ages prefer print magazines and secondly, a combination of print and online, which is why we launched our new online Moorhead Magazine this month. It features extended content not included in the magazine, photo galleries, timely university news, connections to university resources, and video interviews.

Please visit often.

Tell us what you think Moorhead Magazine will participate in a readership survey this fall. The web survey will inform us of how our readers view the magazine and benchmark the results with colleges around the country. Watch for more information. We want to ensure we share compelling stories of MSUM and deliver content of value and interest.

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NEWS BRIEFS

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MSUM Grads Get Hired

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Blackhurst Sponsors Student Runners

President Anne Blackhurst is a runner, and last spring she tweeted an offer to pay Fargo Marathon registration for students if they wore Dragon gear.

MSUM students and Dragon swimmers Kelli Nadeau and Susie Kitzman took then-provost Blackhurst up on the offer.

“We thought it was cool she was encouraging it,” Kitzman said.

As students graduate from colleges across the country, one common thought is on their minds—finding the job of their dreams.

Minnesota State University Moorhead graduates are among the most fortunate in the nation. Of the MSUM 2012 graduates seeking employment, 97 percent found a job in their field of choice in the year following graduation.

Sarah Miller, director of MSUM’s Career Development Center (CDC), attributes this success to the economy of the Fargo-Moorhead area, the quality of MSUM’s programs, and active student engagement.

“We are living in a thriving economy,” Miller said.

“Those who want to find employment can. Opportunity exists here in a lot of different job sectors.”

The Fargo-Moorhead area is an ideal place for students to find jobs after college. Livability. com ranks Fargo as No. 8 in the article, “Top 10 Best Cities for New College Grads in 2014,” stating new college graduates are provided with a “booming job market” and “a diverse industry base that includes health care, technology, manufacturing and financial services,” all of which contribute to the area’s well-balanced economy.

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Strong academic programs and student commitment also play a large part in student success after graduation.

“We have a reputation for producing students who have strong critical thinking skills, strong team skills and strong communication skills, which are some of the primary things that all employers are searching for,” Miller said.

During the 2013-14 academic year, more than 4,000 students utilized the CDC’s resources for help with resume review and job search assistance, and about 900 attended workshops and career fairs, all which help students prepare for jobs after graduation.

Chris Hagen, director of public relations at Flint Communications, said, “Students get realworld experience and internships from most institutions, but at MSUM it’s like they’re more meaningful; their portfolios are very rich and deep.

That experience is reflected in their confidence, presentation and passion when they apply for jobs.”

Top employers of the 2012 graduating class include: Sanford Health, Fargo Public Schools, West Fargo Public Schools and MSUM.

For an in-depth look at what MSUM graduates are up to, visit mnstate.edu/gethired.

“The marathon is one of those signature Fargo-Moorhead events, and the university has a vested interest in being a partner in the community,” Blackhurst said.

And while she is excited to see MSUM students get involved in the Fargo marathon, Blackhurst supports a healthy student body.

“We want our students to have a healthy lifestyle, and it has been great running with Susie and Kelly,” she said.

library goes mod

Larry Scott Publishes Book on Beloved Football Coach Ross Fortier Sports information director emeritus Larry “Scotty” Scott ’67 (English) has published a book on the life and legacy of football coach Ross Fortier ’65 (M.S. health, P.E., recreation) titled The Fortier Years: A Coach’s Story. Fortier, who signed on as head football coach at Moorhead State College in 1970, transformed the Dragons into a major player on the regional and national levels.

Gets Fresh Look It was the age of disco and funk, bell-bottoms and turtlenecks, lava lamps and sideburns.

“Star Wars” was released and Elvis died. It was the 1970s.

Although styles have faded with the close of the decade, they are making a vibrant comeback on MSUM’s campus.

In April, MSUM’s Livingston Lord Library opened its doors to the public after an extensive twoyear renovation. From heating and ventilation, to electrical and plumbing, the thorough revamp wasn’t complete without a major cosmetic makeover that gave the space a funky, ’70s-esque vibe.

Library staff says traffic has increased dramatically post-remodel. The groovy vibe, openness, and plethora of study space have transformed the library into the “cool” place to be on campus.

A grand opening will be held during homecoming week, Sept.

21-27. Students, faculty, alumni and community members are invited to check out the new space during the event.

Want to see the new space?

Visit the online photo gallery at mnstate.edu/magazine/fall2014.

“As sports information director at Moorhead State, I had a front row seat to watch all 236 games of the Ross Fortier era,” Scott said. “It was a privilege, indeed, and I felt a special calling to somehow preserve those wonderful days of yesteryear. I offer this small measure as a tribute to Coach Fortier, not only for the program he built and the championships he produced, but, more importantly, for how he went about his business and the profound impact he had on hundreds of student-athletes.”

Scott was the college’s first full-time sports information director and spent a 40-year career at MSUM before retiring in 2009. He remains the university’s walking sports encyclopedia, and is an adjunct professor in the mass communications department. He won 107 national awards for athletic publications, and has worked 471 consecutive Dragon football games since 1967.

Order your hardcover, paperback or eBook of The Fortier Years: A Coach’s Story online at www.friesenpress.com, or bookstore.mnstate.edu.

FORMER PHILOSOPHY PROF DONATES $800,000 For 100 years, MSUM was a college on the prairie without a philosophy department. That changed in 1962 with the arrival of philosopher and professor Charles Magel, who developed the department and offered classes on Hume, Kant and Plotinus’ Enneads.

“Not even Harvard could afford (or would allow) courses like those for undergraduates,” Magel wrote in a history of the department. Magel’s grandiose influence helped inspire the reference of MSUM as the “Harvard of the Midwest.” He enjoyed a 25-year career at MSUM.

R. Magel Endowment Fund. The endowment income will provide scholarships to U.S. citizens who are students at MSUM. Magel was also a major supporter of MSUM’s Livingston Lord Library and was a pioneer in animal rights, a WWII Navy veteran, an avid gardener and a generous philanthropist.

$800,000 Magel died in March and left the university an $800,000 trust fund to establish the Charles

“Dr. Magel played a significant role in building a first-class library at MSUM,” said Jenni Walthall, director of development of the MSUM Alumni Foundation. “Charley was a very kind, humble and generous man. I look forward to seeing how his significant gift will impact future generations of MSUM students.”

Donations in Magel’s memory may be sent to the Charles R. Magel Endowment Fund, c/o MSUM Alumni Foundation, 1104 7th Ave. S., Moorhead, MN 56563 or donate.mnstate.edu.

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NEWS BRIEFS

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#MSUM2014 CREATES BUZZ ON TWITTER MSUM Admissions @ ‫ ‏‬AdmissionsMSUM • May 16 Student body president Kevin delivers a powerhouse speech and takes selfie!#MSUM2014 pic.twitter.com/hSfsXm1eor

During MSUM’s spring commencement ceremonies, graduates walked across the stage, accepting their diplomas with an added buzz of excitement in the air.

While other universities frowned upon taking selfies during commencement ceremonies, fretting that reverence for tradition would be stripped away, MSUM encouraged it.

Postcards distributed prior to the ceremonies encouraged audience members, faculty, staff and graduates to use #MSUM2014 on Twitter to share their Dragon pride. Instructions on the back helped those unfamiliar with tweeting.

Selected tweets were displayed on a highdefinition video board during transitional moments while graduates walked across the stage.

RETWEETS

Dragon pride was so contagious that by 4:10 p.m., #MSUM2014 was trending nationally on Twitter, warranting nearly 400,000 impressions (the number of people who could have seen a tweet with that hashtag).

FAVORITES

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Anne Blackhurst ‫@‏‬Anne_Blackhurst • May 16 Congratulations MSUM graduates! #msum2014 pic.twitter.com/wKjnOuizfV

Family and friends of graduates participated worldwide by using #MSUM2014 in their tweets of support from as far away as Mumbai. And, briefly, #MSUM2014 was more popular than a Justin Bieber hashtag.

$300,000 Masanz Endowment A recent effort to build the Winged Foot Club Ron Masanz Endowed Scholarship will bring the endowment total and pledges to over $300,000. Members of the Winged Foot Club, led by Greg Staszko ’72 (accounting), captain of the 1972 Dragon track and field team, chaired the original fund drive in 2001. The purpose of the endowment is to provide scholarships to men and women participants in track and field and cross-country.

Masanz retired in 1988 after a 20-year career as MSUM’s track and field coach. His impact and passion continues to inspire former team members, with more than 130 alumni who have contributed to the endowment.

To date, 28 students have received scholarships totaling over $64,000.

MSUM enjoyed its own 15 minutes of fame, with many news articles highlighting our use of social media at the commencement ceremonies.

RETWEETS

Graduating from college is clearly a big deal, which is why we chose to go against the grain and use social media in an otherwise traditional setting.

Commencement is your day, and we wanted to include everyone, celebrating your accomplishments and your future.

FAVORITES

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Search for #MSUM2014 on Twitter to see what all the fuss was about.

We’re proud of all of our graduates! > Ron and Barb Masanz

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Math Department Earns Advanced Undergraduate Listing

DII World Series

Photo Credit: Bruce Schmidt

Dragon Baseball Club Attends Nationals It was a year of firsts for the MSUM Dragon Baseball Club.

The Dragons made it to the National Club Baseball Association (NCBA) Division II World Series after placing first in the District V Tournament.

According to the Week 24 Division II National Poll, the Dragons ranked No. 6, the highest in MSUM Dragon Baseball Club history.

MSUM advanced to the third round (2-1) in the World Series Tournament held May 16-20 in Paducah, Ky. “Two years ago we were combined with NDSU as a joint club,” said senior Eric Hulterstrum, president of the MSUM Dragon Baseball Club team. Now the 24-member team is sanctioned through the NCBA and finished their season with an NCBA record of 19-8.

“This is a way anybody who wants to continue to play baseball, or play any other club sport that we have at MSUM, gets the opportunity and can still get all of their schooling done,” Hulterstrum said. “It’s nice to be recognized for our hard work. People are definitely starting to notice.”

1 of 3 Minnesota universities, only Tri-College University The Society of Actuaries has included MSUM under its Undergraduate-Advanced Universities and Colleges with Actuarial Programs (UCAP) list. MSUM is one of only three universities in Minnesota with an advanced program, and it’s the only one in the Tri-College area.

Actuary is the number one career in America according to careercast.com. MSUM students can receive their degree in mathematics with an emphasis in actuarial science, which prepares students on topics for the first three actuarial exams, making them highly desirable job candidates. As a result, MSUM students enjoy excellent job placement after graduation.

“Our program combines traditional mathematics and statistics courses with a solid foundation in economics, accounting and finance,” said Aggie Chadraa, mathematics professor. “This provides students with a professional advantage and will set them apart from graduates of many other actuarial science programs.”

Dustin Holmes, a 2014 mathematics graduate with a computational emphasis, passed three actuarial exams, received multiple job offers, and accepted a position with Milliman, one of the world’s largest providers of actuarial and related products.

“I think what set me apart from other candidates is my programming background and passing the actuarial exams. The exams usually take about three months of studying each and have very low pass rates, so being able to pass three while working and going to school set me apart from most students,” Holmes said. “The close-knit community between Professor Chadraa and the other actuary students has been the biggest help in preparing for this opportunity.”

> Dustin Holmes, 2014 mathematics graduate

MSUM STUDENT SUCCESS 2013-14

6 PURSUING Actuarial Science Careers

PASSED 4

Exam One

2 PASSED Exam Two

1 PASSED Exam Three

2 EMPLOYED Full-time

2 ACCEPTED Internships Employment of actuaries is expected to grow 27% between now and 2020. ~ bls.gov

Learn more: mnstate.edu/math.

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BY DANIELLE REBEL

t

imes have long passed since gladiatorial fighting in the Roman Coliseum drew a crowd, yet modern-day fighting is just as profound a spectator sport in many social spheres around the world.

Three former Dragons have joined the throng: not in the crowd, but as modern-day gladiators. They make their way into the arena time and time again in hopes of achieving the ultimate goal: becoming the ultimate fighting champion.

THESE FIGHTERS DON’T USE SWORDS AND ARMOR. THEY WALK BRAVELY INTO THE ARENA ARMED ONLY WITH THEIR FISTS, FEET AND KNOWLEDGE OF MARTIAL ARTS.

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I don’t want to tiptoe through life; I want to create movement.”

Going to Xtremes “I don’t want to tiptoe through life; I want to create movement.”

Mariah Prussia, a 2001 physical education graduate, is doing exactly that.

Prussia is a personal trainer; owner of Xtreme Measures, a women’s fitness center in Fargo; founder of the NOW PROJECT, a nonprofit international selfdefense chapter for women and children; a single mother of two; and professional MMA fighter.

“I am busy,” Prussia said, “but I love every aspect of it.”

Prussia began her MMA career in 2013 to change up her style of personal training and add different variations to her kickboxing classes.

The tri-sport college athlete loved the idea behind MMA and began training with UFC fighter Dane Sayers. She practices boxing, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, TaeKwonDo, Judo, Hapkido and roll sparring.

“After two or three training sessions, I decided I wanted to fight,” she said.

Unlike others who typically join the MMA community, Prussia had no background in martial arts. She played volleyball, basketball and fast-pitch softball at MSUM, which attribute greatly to her strict approach to physical fitness and nutrition.

Her intense determination has left Prussia with injuries, including a torn Achilles’ tendon, but a week after surgery she was back in the gym.

“I know my body well, so I’m aware of what I can and can’t do,” Prussia said. “I didn’t want to stop because then you have to start from scratch again. I wanted to keep going and knew my goal was to fight no matter what on Oct. 26 (2013).”

Prussia made her professional debut with MAX fights that night and won the match, even though she wasn’t fully recovered. The two-round fight ended with Prussia’s opponent tapping out. During her second fight, Prussia knocked out her opponent 27 seconds into the first round.

Although she says it’s nerve-wracking beforehand, and mental preparation is a large part of the training, it all gets left behind once the brawl begins.

“Once the fight starts, you lose track of whoever is around you,” Prussia said. “That’s when your training falls into play.”

“My parents are not huge fans of MMA, but they’re supporters of me,” she said. “When you see your child participating in a sport that is combative, it’s scary, and I get that. I don’t expect them to appreciate the sport from my eyes, but MMA has brought forth a lot of different potential and has also shown women that you can do what you want to do.”

Prussia’s professional record stands at 3-0.

“I feel that to achieve what you want to in life, you have to work as hard as you possibly can,” she said.

HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPION

Wrestling with anticipation Finding motivation is different for everyone. Some are driven by the will to succeed, others by the need to impress.

✦ Wrestling since age four ✦ 6-1 professional fighting record

For Tim Johnson, the motivation to fight MMA stems from the anticipation he feels entering the ring, someone new waiting for him each time.

A professional MMA fighter and former MSUM wrestler, Johnson began training in martial arts in 2011, after volunteering to be an “extra body to help out” at a local gym. Making the switch from wrestling to MMA has been virtually seamless.

“The knowledge of getting to learn something new every time I was in there was something that hooked me,” Johnson said.

Like most former wrestlers, Johnson prefers to take his fights to the ground, though he is working tirelessly to hone his striking skills. He knows his strengths and weaknesses in the ring and does everything in his power to win the fight.

“I don’t want to be in the open,” he said. “If they’re a better striker than I am, I want to turn it into more of a sloppy, chaotic, brawl-type situation where I’ll put them up against the cage and my wrestling style can take over.”

THE FASTEST GROWING SPORTS IN THE WORLD

The full-time truck driver and part-time bartender/ bouncer has a jam-packed schedule, working up to 60 hours a week and scheduling two workouts a day at the Academy of Combat Arts in Fargo.

“It gets a little overwhelming sometimes,” Johnson said. “Growing up on a small farm and having that nose-to-the-ground, get-it-done attitude drilled into me really helps.”

Johnson, who’s been wrestling since age four, is a natural in the ring. The heavyweight champion has a 6-1 professional fighting record. His last fight, at the Dakota Fighting Championship Spring Brawl April 26, ended with a technical knock out (TKO) 1:17 into the second round.

Through it all, Johnson remains modest about his skills, thankful for his support and in good spirits that he will continue to succeed when it comes to MMA. “I wouldn’t be where I am if it wasn’t for the help of everyone around me,” he said.

MIXED MARTIAL ARTS IS ONE OF THE FASTEST GROWING SPORTS IN THE WORLD.

PICKLEBALL IS THE FASTEST GROWING SPORT IN AMERICA, AS OF MARCH 2014.

WHAT IS PICKLEBALL? Invented in 1965, pickleball is a racquet sport that combines elements of badminton, tennis and ping-pong. It can be played indoors or outdoors on a badminton-sized court and a slightly modified tennis net. Two to four players use solid paddles (smaller than a tennis racquet but larger than a ping-pong paddle) to hit a pickleball (similar to a wiffleball) over a net. Beginning this fall, MSUM students will be able to play pickleball through the intramural sports program.

I’m really big on work ethic, and I’ve gotten that from wrestling.”

Fighting for the UFC At 5 foot 6 inches tall, Corey Ulmer may not seem like much of a threat, but in the ring, he’s as lethal as they come.

The former MSUM wrestler and 2012 athletic training graduate continued his post-college sports journey at the Academy of Combat Arts in Fargo, where he studies boxing, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Judo and Muay Thai.

As a lifelong wrestler, Ulmer has been challenged to incorporate more than takedowns in the arena.

“It was really tough learning the striking, but as far as going from the wrestling practices to MMA practices, it wasn’t that bad,” Ulmer said. “The hardest practice I’ve ever gone through was a wrestling practice, so I feel like I can do anything after being done with college wrestling.”

Like college sports, MMA training demands dedication and sacrifice. “(I want) to be the best in the world,” he said. “I’m competitive; I’m really competitive.”

Ultimately, Ulmer wants to fight in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). He spends about 25 hours per week training MMA, including an hour of grappling and an hour of striking. Martial arts-style sparring occurs twice a week in addition to weekly lifting and cardio workouts.

“I’m really big on work ethic, and I’ve gotten that from wrestling,” he said.

Since beginning his MMA career in 2009, Ulmer has fought in three amateur fights and two pro fights. He remains on top with a professional record of 2-0.

In addition to his training and bartending job, Ulmer spent the last two years as a coach for the MSUM wrestling team. However, because of his intense personal training schedule, the 2013-14 season was Ulmer’s last with the Dragons.

Ulmer will continue training and building his fan base, in hopes of reaching his ultimate dream.

“I get a ton of support from my family; they’re always there at my events,” Ulmer said. “I’m from a really small town, so they and all the surrounding towns come to all my stuff, too. I have a huge fan base. It’s really awesome.” ■

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Background photos (page 12 & 14): Jess Sell, CPP-All Event Photography

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648 B.C. PANKRATION ✦ Introduced at the Greek Olympic Games, this ancient Olympic combat sport is a combination of grappling and striking; popular in Greece and later passed on to the Romans. ✦ Pankration rules: No biting and no gouging out an opponent’s eyes.

1899 BARTITSU ✦ Introduced by Edward William Barton-Wright, Bartitsu was a combination of judo, jiu-jitzu, boxing, savate, and canne de combat (French stick-fighting). ✦ This is the first recognized combination of European and Asian fighting styles.

1960-70s

BRUCE LEE ✦ The martial arts instructor and actor is widely known as the “Father of Mixed Martial Arts” and is credited for popularizing the sport.

1993 UFC IS INTRODUCED TO THE U.S.

✦ On Nov. 12, 1993, the Ultimate Fighting Championship was first broadcast on pay-per-view in the U.S. ✦ Almost 87,000 people tuned in to watch the fights that night. ✦ The title match between Royce Gracie and Gerard Gordeau was a success, with Gracie winning the title.

1880s

NO-HOLDSBARRED FIGHTING ✦ This style of fighting was the Greco-Roman style wrestling popular in Europe at the time.

1990s

MODERN MMA ✦ Modern-day MMA spreads in popularity throughout Europe, Japan and the Pacific Rim.

2011 UFC 129 ✦ The 129th UFC event on April 30, 2011 sets a North American attendance record for most spectators to watch the sport in a single space: 55,724 people attended the event at Rogers Centre in Toronto.

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BIG FIELDS TO BIG 12 Born 1975 1978 1981-84

1984-91

1991-2006 2006-12 2012-present

Waterloo, Iowa B.S. MSU Moorhead M.S. University of Iowa Assistant Athletic Director, University of Northern Iowa Athletic Director, University of Northern Iowa Athletic Director, University of Iowa Athletic Director, Stanford University Big 12 Conference Commissioner

SELECTED CAREER HIGHLIGHTS ▸ U.S. Olympic Committee Board of Directors ▸ Commission on Opportunities in Athletics ▸ President, NCAA Division I-A Athletics Directors’ Association ▸ Chair, NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Committee, NCAA Management Council, NCAA Wrestling PHOTO CREDITS: Layne Murdoch for Big 12 Conference

Lessons

BY KRISTI MONSON

Bob Bowlsby ’75 (health and physical education) is defined by Midwestern roots—humility, a robust work ethic, and truthfulness. He wrestled at MSUM from 1972-75, was a four-year letterwinner, and won the NIC title at 167 pounds his senior year. He was captain of the wrestling team and president of the Old Order of Owls, activities he says started him on the path of leadership.

Bowlsby quickly advanced in the sports administration field, and at age 62 is at the pinnacle of a remarkable and successful career. Below is a portion of our interview with the Big 12 Conference Commissioner, who is also a member of our Alumni Foundation board of directors.

What do you remember about your time at MSUM? I was captain of the wrestling team and president of the Old Order of Owls and both experiences started me on the path of leadership. Some of my closest friends in the world are people I met here. MSUM always had really good teaching. Soc Glasrud was so articulate and erudite; I remember thinking he was the smartest guy I had ever met. He wasn’t unusual. There were a lot of really good teachers. I had a wonderful time here.

How is college athletics important?

Athletics is a co-curricular activity, but it’s about helping transform 18-year-old adolescents to 22-year-old adults. It may be the best leadership laboratory on a campus. It can teach a lot about perseverance, resiliency, and fighting through adversity. There are other places to get that experience, but I don’t know if there’s any place to get it that’s better and more real world than the athletic environment.

What advice do you give to young people?

Somebody told me that when I got my first athletic director job I’d heard the whole truth for the last time. Truth is a matter of perspective. If you’re in a management position, you’re there to manage people’s differences in perspectives.

What guides your decision-making?

I have a pretty good gyroscope of what’s fair and my intuition is good. I have come to trust myself more over the years. The old Rotary four-way test is a good measure—is it true, is it fair, does it serve everybody well, and does it build goodwill and better relationships?

What has contributed to your success?

I was an assistant AD at Northern Iowa when I had the opportunity to be interviewed for the position of AD. Dr. Curris was the president and there was luck, serendipity, a lot of hard work and a strange set of circumstances, but I ended

up getting the job. I often wonder what my career would have been like if he hadn’t taken a chance on me before I was ready.

I had a 63-year-old football coach and a 55-year-old basketball coach, and they thought I was dumber than a bag of rocks. I had the good fortune of being able to demonstrate my skills and abilities early on. I could have gone another 20 years without getting an AD job. I think the harder you work, the luckier you get, but the fact is there’s a lot of situational stuff, too. You have to be in the right place at the right time.

How do you feel about the direction MSUM’s athletics program is heading?

We’ve made particularly good progress with the basketball program, and it’s clear the football team is making progress.

They have the right leadership in place and that doesn’t happen overnight.

Why do you give your time, talent and treasure to MSUM? It’s my alma mater. I care about the place and it gives me a good excuse to get back and see family (Bob’s wife, Candace (Lapash) Bowlsby ’77 (elementary education) is from Moorhead). MSUM is not the only place I give back financially, but I don’t serve on any other advisory boards. I think you reinvest in the places that made a difference for you, and this is a place that’s made a difference for me.

What makes you a good leader?

I think I’m known as a steady hand, a person that’s hard to rattle. My colleagues would tell you they usually don’t have to guess what I’m thinking; I express myself forthrightly. I tell people what I think I can deliver and deliver 100 percent of it.

That’s part of the Midwestern way—you do what you say and say what you do. ■

To read the full interview, go to mnstate.edu/magazine/fall2014.

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YOU NEVER SEE THEM MAKING LAYUPS OR STEALING THE BALL, WINNING AWARDS OR MAKING HEADLINES. THEY ARE THE MEMBERS OF A SPORTS TEAM OR PROGRAM THAT GO UNNOTICED BUT ARE ALWAYS PRESENT. THESE UNDERDOGS OF THE SPORTS ENTERTAINMENT INDUSTRY ARE ATHLETIC TRAINERS. JOSHUA WERK AND RONDA PETERSON BOTH ATTEST TO THE FLEXIBILITY NEEDED ON THE JOB, THE RANDOM SCHEDULES, AND THE NEED TO BE EMPATHETIC, NURTURING AND WISE IN ASSESSING INJURIES AND GETTING PLAYERS BACK ON THE FIELD.

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Fencing Tidbits 1

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At this spring’s Junior and Cadet World Championships in Bulgaria, Team USA fencers beat the previously set world record of 11 medals by winning 15.

We are there for the athletes, so whatever injuries they have, whatever illnesses, we’re going to evaluate them—figure out what’s going on. –Ronda Peterson OUT AT A BOUT

WORKING AT WEST POINT

Ronda Peterson volunteers at national and world fencing events

Joshua Werk heads east for job at prestigious military academy

Fencing isn’t exactly a classic American pastime. You may not see families buying hotdogs and foam fingers at matches around the country, but in recent years, the European sport has been gaining a larger following in the United States.

When an opportunity arises, many of us may turn toward the safer option, the fear of the unknown holding us back, but Joshua Werk took a different route.

With the sport’s growing popularity, the U.S. Fencing Association needed more athletic trainers, and when a friend mentioned the need, MSUM athletic trainer Ronda Peterson applied with enthusiasm.

“I knew nothing about fencing. I hadn’t even seen a bout before,” Peterson said. “During the first tournament I worked, one of the referees brought me over to one of the strips and started explaining as much as possible.”

Three and a half years after working her first event, Peterson flew to Bulgaria for the Junior and Cadet World Championships this past spring.

“The best thing about watching these fencers is they all have a goal in mind to make it to the Olympics,” Peterson said. “They’re doing the best they can by bettering themselves from last year.”

After graduating from MSUM in 2011 and experiencing athletic training duties in a collegiate setting, Joshua Werk was hired by West Point (after a six-week background check) as an athletic trainer for baseball and soccer.

“When they offered me the job, I packed up everything I owned in a U-Haul and moved out there,” Werk said. “I was calling apartments to find a place to live on the way and only had to stay in a hotel one night.”

Known for its prestige and the excellence it produces, The United States Military Academy at West Point was founded in 1802 and is a Division I school. To be admitted, students must both apply directly to the academy and receive a nomination, typically from a member of Congress.

Up by 6 a.m. and working until 10 p.m., it wasn’t a vacation, by any means, but the athletic trainers, athletes and coaches she met made the long days worth it.

Once admitted, students at West Point have to take their grades seriously, particularly in physical education. Their class rank and overall performance at West Point depends on a high physical fitness grade. Some of the classes they take are boxing, combatives, and survival swimming. “I deal with a lot of injuries from those classes, just as much as I do in soccer or baseball.”

Unlike the North American Cup that is held monthly, where Peterson and only one other athletic trainer watch over thousands of athletes, she and another sports medicine team member looked after 39 U.S. athletes for the world event.

Werk credits the instructors in the athletic training department at MSUM for igniting his love for sports medicine, including Dawn Hammerschmidt, Andrea Scott and Ronda Peterson.

“We are there for the athletes, so whatever injuries they have, whatever illnesses, we’re going to evaluate them—figure out what’s going on.”

“The longer I went with it, the more I liked it,” Werk said. “I remember Andy Scott, the head athletic trainer at MSUM, taught my first real athletic training class, and you could just tell she was truly passionate about it and loved it.”

Regardless of how many athletes are in Peterson’s care, one thing is sure; they will be in good hands.

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Cadet athletes are under 17 years old, and juniors are under 20 years old.

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As a game, fencing dates back to as early as 1200 A.D.

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Since 1898, fencing has been included in every Olympic game.

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The categories of fencing under the Olympics are Foil, Epee, and Sabre.

Just like athletic trainers all over the world, he covers practices, games and does treatments during the week and weekends, but the benefits far outweigh the demanding schedule for Werk.

“The most rewarding aspect of this job is knowing that I’m helping these kids do something they love—to play sports. I try to help them reach their full potential, not only in sports, but also in their military careers.” ■

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Photo Credits, L to R: Bill Smith, Bears team photographer; Joe Murphy, NBAE, Getty Images.

WIN, OR

A TALE OF TWO COACHES here are 32 NFL teams and 30 NBA teams. Getting—and holding—a head coaching job in either premier sports league is as unlikely as winning the lottery.

But two professional head coaches have ties to MSU Moorhead—Chicago Bears’ Marc Trestman, 58, attended and played football at MSUM one season before returning to the University of Minnesota to complete his degree. Dave Joerger, 40, transferred from Concordia College to play basketball and is in his seventh year with the Memphis Grizzlies, second as head coach.

Their professional journeys differ; this is Trestman’s eighth professional team; Joerger has coached with only one NBA team. But their focus is always on more than winning the game. It’s about relationships developed along the journey that are most satisfying.

GOPHERS AND DRAGONS Marc Trestman’s 30-year career is well chronicled, but often overlooked is his brief stop at Moorhead State, where he learned lessons that shaped his career as head coach of the Chicago Bears.

“There are reasons my path took me to Moorhead,” Trestman said. “It taught me how to handle adversity and allowed me to connect with people. I learned there are many different ways to do things.”

A highly recruited quarterback out of St. Louis Park, Minn., Trestman began his collegiate career at the University of Minnesota. His Gopher stint was unremarkable, so he transferred to MSUM his senior year.

“I didn’t play well and resigned to playing back up to Mark Reed,” Trestman said.

(Reed played for the Dragons in the late ’70s and was drafted by the New York Giants.)

Trestman’s teammate and roommate at MSU, Pat Ritchie (’78, mass communications), said Reed was slated to be the starting QB, “putting Marc in an interesting situation,” but Reed got hurt early in the season.

“Marc wouldn’t have been our number one quarterback if Reed hadn’t gotten hurt,” said former Dragon football coach Ross Fortier (’65, health, physical education, recreation). “Marc was a very intense, cerebral player, and he wanted to learn everything he could about the game. I admired how much he tried to improve himself.”

Ritchie and Trestman were competitors in high school.

As Dragon teammates, Ritchie describes his friend as having a “real sense of confidence that came out of understanding the system. If we did things the way we were supposed to, we’d be successful, even though we might be outmanned physically. He was always supremely confident.”

Trestman’s MSUM tenure was short, but he enjoyed success and team camaraderie. “I remember the quality of the guys. They weren’t scholarship athletes, but they played for the love of the game,” he said.

When football ended, he returned to the U of M to finish his political science degree.

GO HOME

BY KRISTI MONSON

I proceeded to give and ask for nothing in return, and that’s when good things started happening. –Marc Trestman VIKINGS, RAIDERS, DOLPHINS AND MORE Ritchie recalls late-night talks with Trestman, where he spoke of coaching in the NFL, while at the same time setting up interviews for a Rhoades scholarship and applying to law school. Trestman even tried out with the Vikings—twice—but was cut both times.

He enrolled at the University of Miami law school, but said, “I knew I didn’t want to be a lawyer the second week I was there.” True to character, he didn’t quit, and completed his law degree. A chance introduction to the university’s football coach landed him a volunteer coaching job that led to a paid position as the Hurricanes’ QB coach.

“I never wanted to be a lawyer, so it all kind of kept pushing me in this (coaching) direction,” Trestman said.

Thus began a rollercoaster career, including working for 17 head coaches on eight NFL teams; being a part of 19 winning seasons, 16 playoff appearances and three championship teams; living in 10 cities; coaching at two colleges; selling municipal bonds; receiving coaching awards; and getting fired seven times. After being head coach for the Montreal Alouettes (2008-2012), he landed the head gig for the Bears in 2013.

In the mid-90s, Ritchie was chaplain and Trestman was offensive coordinator with the San Francisco 49ers.

“There was a lot of pressure on and high expectations of Marc. His numbers were phenomenal—scoring a lot of points, gaining a lot of yards, making a lot of first downs,” Ritchie said. “But we were playing very good teams and didn’t get to the Super Bowl during Marc’s period.”

“Marc was incredibly successful in Montreal,” Ritchie said.

He guided the Alouettes to two Grey Cup Championships, three East Division Champions, East Division Regular Season Champions, was awarded two CFL Coach of the Year awards, and he coached the CFL’s Most Valuable Player two years running.

“Some of the best coaches are people who had to work hard to be good athletes. If you struggle some yourself, you understand what people are going through,” Fortier said. “I think that makes him a good coach.”

Trestman was constantly around successful football programs and high-profile coaches like Bud Grant and Bill Walsh. But Ritchie said Trestman always talked about what a great coach Fortier was and how valuable his time was in Moorhead.

“Ross Fortier was a tremendous coach and I learned a lot in a short period of time,” Trestman said. “He was extremely smart and emotionally intelligent. As a coach, you think about the people you worked for and were coached by, and he had a lot of skills that resonated with me.”

Despite their brief partnership, the former coach and player keep in touch. Fortier attended several Alouettes games in Montreal.

“I was very impressed with his demeanor, his calmness and his organization,” Fortier said.

Trestman enjoyed a lot of successes and failures, which he always recovered from, but he wasn’t professionally satisfied. Ultimately, it was his firing at North Carolina State with two years remaining on his contract that forced a respite and time for introspection.

Photo Credits, bottom left and top right: Bill Smith, Bears team photographer.

“I went through a transformation at 50 where I realized that none of this had anything to do with me,” he said.

A two-year hiatus from the sport and critical self-evaluation is recounted in his book, “Perseverance: Life Lessons on Leadership and Teamwork.” He said he often looked at other people and factors outside of his control as roadblocks to becoming an NFL head coach. The epiphany came once he looked inward.

“The book helped me discover who I am,” Trestman said. “Fate brought me to this moment, and I realized if I was willing to serve and help others grow, I would finally be fulfilled in my career. I proceeded to give and ask for nothing in return, and that’s when good things started happening.”

Despite always being second-in-command, Trestman believed he’d be a head coach in the NFL. The transformation revealed itself prior to taking the Montreal Alouettes head coaching job in the Canadian Football League. “I put the lessons I learned into practice in Montreal, and it’s brought me to this day,” he said. > Trestman in the locker room during the Cleveland Browns game.

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> Trestman talks to QB Jay Cutler during mini camp.

CHICAGO BEARS After a successful run in Montreal, Trestman was offered the head coaching job in Chicago and joined the Bears’ franchise. Fortier and other MSUM coaches attended spring and summer practices that year.

“Marc was doing some really great teaching,” Fortier said.

Described as more cerebral than most, Trestman is known for his focus, organization, and football acumen. He’s a master of the game, but still welcomes advice from his former coach.

“I love getting notes from Ross because he’s so intuitive and smart. I always learn something from his critiques,” Trestman said.

He admits he took a risk by leaving the Gophers, and things didn’t work out quite as he planned with the Dragons, but adds, “It didn’t stop me from growing as a person. In some ways it helped me to become a better football coach.”

These days Trestman focuses on creating a self-actualizing environment for the players, coaches and support staff to successfully execute the team’s plan and reach their goals. “I want to help everyone be the best they can be—better leaders and fathers and husbands and teammates. I try to do the best I can every day.”

Trestman’s arrival at the Bears has instilled a lot of excitement.

“When we were on the sidelines at spring practice, everyone was enthused about the future of the team,” Fortier said. “They said it was a whole different atmosphere since he got there.”

In truth, Ritchie said, most offenses and defenses in the NFL are just incrementally different, even though Marc’s are incrementally better.

“He has a really good understanding of how to create a positive culture and to build a team that is more than a group of individuals,” Ritchie said. “That’s why his team had so many successful comeback wins. It was less a reflection of their talent, which is very good, but more of a reflection of the DNA that Marc is building into this team.”

In a June 17, 2014, interview on the Bears’ website, QB Jay Cutler talked about the family-like environment Trestman is cultivating.

“It creates an atmosphere where you can be yourself and be respected and know that at the end of the day you’ve got a locker room of guys and coaches and management that are behind you.”

As he enters his second season, Trestman is a man fulfilled. “I love what I do.”

View photo gallery online, mnstate.edu/magazine/fall2014.

Pat Ritchie ’78 (mass communications), Principal Consultant (CEOs & Executive Teams), Table Group Consulting

Ritchie helped build high performing teams as part of five Super Bowl Championships with the San Francisco 49ers. He’s authored two books—Wisdom for BusyLeaders and Wisdom for the Busy SportsLeader—and has spoken to audiences around the world. One of his favorite books, “The Power of Habit: Why We Do What We Do in Life and Business” by Charles Duhigg, was instrumental in his quest to lose over 100 pounds. See more of his favorite leadership books at mnstate.edu/magazine/fall2014.

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It’s important to build relationships with the players based on respect, trust and hard work. When you care about them, their game, their career, and their families, it sets you up for success. –Dave Joerger “Dave was a valuable team member, looking to pass the ball more than shoot it, even though he was a good scorer. He sacrificed for the team and did what the team needed him to do,” Schellhase said. “I think his experiences at Moorhead State and in the minor leagues have served him well and will continue to serve him well.”

“Due to Dave’s tremendous knowledge of the game and his ability to communicate effectively, it is no surprise to see him rise up the ranks as quickly as he has,” said Brett Beeson, who was Joerger's teammate with the Dragons. “His basketball IQ is as high as anyone I have ever come across. Most importantly, he knows how to put players in a position to benefit the team the most while accentuating their individual talents.”

Joerger enjoyed the up-tempo style of play Schellhase created and the caring culture he fostered. He invited his former coach to a coaches retreat last summer and said he was the hit of the two-day event.

“He always sends nice notes, and you always appreciate that from people you look up to,” Joerger said.

> Joerger during a Grizzlies practice.

DAKOTA WIZARDRY Dave Joerger’s first coaching gig was as an assistant under Duane Ticknor, head coach of the Dakota Wizards, a Bismarck, N.D., team in the International Basketball Association (IBA). The duo coached one year together before Ticknor left and Joerger was named to the head post at 26. Their bond remained strong, so when Joerger (’97, mass communications), 40, was named head coach of the NBA’s Memphis Grizzlies in 2013, he called his friend and former colleague to join him.

Photo Credits, top left and top right: Joe Murphy, NBAE, Getty Images.

“I’ve had a couple opportunities to make the move, but this situation was different,” said Ticknor in an April 2, 2014, interview in the Argus Leader. “Not only was it the right place and the right time, but it was the right person in Dave.”

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Joerger, a Staples, Minn., native, planned to follow in his father’s footsteps as a high school math teacher and coach before his interest in professional coaching emerged.

Joerger played point guard for the Dragon men’s basketball team for two seasons (1995-97) under the tutelage of Coach Dave Schellhase (1975-82 and 1987-98). He fondly remembers his close-knit team and the many hours they talked basketball—Brett Beeson, Tim Beckman, Dave Mantel, Mark Andrews, Matt Swanson and Terry Austin—all of which helped shape him as a coach.

“Moorhead State was everyman’s school, and I had a tremendous experience there,” he said. “We worked very hard and we cared about the game greatly.”

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The Fargo-Moorhead Beez introduced Joerger to the quick pace and athleticism of professional basketball. As a senior, Joerger worked with the IBA team (later Continental Basketball Association) delivering tickets, picking up players, attending practices and assisting at games.

“That’s when I realized I really enjoyed the professional game.”

After graduating, the Dakota Wizards hired him as general manager doing community development, marketing and advertising, and in 1997-98 he joined the sidelines as an assistant coach.

“For a young guy I learned a lot more than just basketball. I learned a lot about dealing with people and myself,” Joerger said. “I had a great coach in Duane. When he moved, I was the guy left standing. The ownership had confidence in me and gave me the head job in 2000, and I am forever grateful for that.”

Joerger gained fame as one of the most successful minor league basketball coaches in history:

1 IBA title 4 CBA titles 1 NBA D-League title 2 CBA coach of the year awards An excellent teacher of the game, Joerger had 18 of his players called up to the NBA. He’s just the sixth head coach (15th coach overall) in D-League history to join the NBA coaching ranks. In 2004, Joerger was named head coach of the Sioux Falls (S.D.) Skyforce and proceeded to win his fourth CBA Championship, giving him more minor league championships than minor league-turned-NBA head coaches Phil Jackson, Flip Saunders, George Karl and Eric Musselman combined.

> Joerger on the sidelines during a Memphis Grizzlies and Houston Rockets game.

GRIZZLIES GRIT After seven years as a head coach in the minor leagues, Joerger joined the Memphis Grizzlies as an assistant in 2009 and was promoted to lead assistant coach prior to the 2011-12 season.

“Dave has a reputation as a team player. He’s smart, great with people and well liked,” said Chad Walthall, MSUM’s head men’s basketball coach and fellow Staples native.

“Dave has remained with the Grizzlies even though they’ve made a lot of changes during his time,” Schellhase said. “I think he’s been an assistant to at least three head coaches, and now he’s the head coach. I think he’s got a great future.”

As Joerger reflects on his first year as head coach, he thinks more about overcoming adversity than on-court success.

“We overcame a lot this year. We started out kind of slow, we had some injuries, and we were a tentative team,” he said. “There is very little margin for error in the Western Conference. We came back from a long ways down and ended up with 50 wins and the seventh seed in the playoffs, so that part is very gratifying. But it’s the process—the relationships, the hard work and overcoming what we overcame—that’s really cool.”

As he looks ahead, he acknowledges they need to stay the course, keep getting better, and trust the process. “That paid off for us this year.”

“When they were struggling, Dave found a way to get everybody on the same page and have a very successful season. That’s a sign of good leadership,” Walthall said. “They were playing as well as anybody the last month and a half of the season and into the playoffs.”

When we talked to him for this story, Joerger had returned from visiting players in Barcelona.

“It’s important to build relationships with the players based on respect, trust and hard work. When you care about them, their game, their career, and their families, it sets you up for success.” ■

View photo gallery online, mnstate.edu/magazine/fall2014.

Read more: Rams’ Strength Coach Rock Gullickson Roger “Rock” Gullickson (’78, physical education) is the head strength and conditioning coach for the St. Louis Rams. At MSUM, Gullickson was a three-year starter at the guard position.

He was team captain for the Dragons and earned all-conference honors during his career. He was an Associated Press Division III All-American in 1977.

Read more about him online at mnstate.edu/magazine/fall2014.

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A

FORCE Many area businesses employ local college alumni, so it’s not surprising that a few work with the Fargo Force hockey team. In fact, half of the Force staff are Dragon alumni.

Jon Kram (’00, business administration), president of the Fargo Force and general manager of Scheels Arena; Steven Ratti (’97, mass communications), senior sales representative; Brian Knudson (’09, graphic communications), graphic communications manager; and Trevor Christiansen (’11, mass communications), season ticket sales manager.

Since their staff is fairly small, each person’s responsibilities and goals exceed their job titles.

The whole team is involved in every aspect of this hockey franchise—from selling season tickets and designing webpage graphics to managing the arena schedule and setting up events. They are dedicated to making every game an enjoyable experience for the players, fans and community.

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To Be Reckoned With

“We’ve been blessed; this is such a good community with people that have really stepped up to the plate and love being a part of this arena,” Ratti said.

All possess different backgrounds, but the college bond they found at MSUM has the same team feel as working with the Force.

“My time at MSUM was extremely beneficial; the teaching style and the smaller classrooms are what I enjoyed. You got real-world experience from the professors; it wasn’t just reading a book,” Kram said.

“There’s always a star on teams, just like in the workplace,” Ratti said. “But you still have to work together toward one common goal.”

No matter what position they hold in the office or what hat they wear on any given day, they are a team. They are Dragons. ▪

BY KATIE FAKEN

Trevor Christiansen (’11)

Shoots: Right-handed Strength: Energy Arena Food: Hot dog Sports Tip: Always give it your all.

Brian Knudson (’09)

Shoots: Left-handed Strength: Competitive Arena Food: Corn dog Sports Tip: You can only worry about what you do.

Steven Ratti (’97)

Shoots: Right-handed Strength: Personable Arena Food: Pretzels Sports Tip: You get what you put into it.

Jon Kram (’00)

Shoots: Both Strength: Leadership Arena Food: Chicago dog Sports Tip: Enjoy each and every day.

EMAIL YOUR CLASS NOTES TO ALUMNI@MNSTATE.EDU

trainer of the year

Class Notes Share your news here—new job, volunteer experience, interesting hobby, recent travel, move or addition to your family. If we don’t get it in this issue, we’ll save it for next time!

All towns are in Minnesota, and Fargo and West Fargo are in North Dakota, unless otherwise noted.

Scott Named Athletic Trainer of the Year Andrea “Andy” Scott ’92 (health education), MSUM’s head athletic trainer since 1999, has been named the Head Athletic Trainer of the Year for Division II by the National Athletic Trainers Association. She also played a key role in the development of MSUM’s athletic training education program in the late ’90s.

“I am proud to represent Dragon Athletics and MSU Moorhead,” Scott said. “You don't get an honor like this by working alone. It’s all about my co-workers, the athletic training students and the athletes who make the job great and allow you to continue to have the passion to come to work every day.”

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Bertha Turnwall ’30 (elementary education) resides in an assisted living center in Karlstad, and is still active playing Bingo and visiting with former students.

Curtis Seter ’76 (physical education) is the new development officer at Hospice of the Red River Valley. Seter builds and maintains relationships with those interested in supporting Hospice of the Red River Valley.

Wayne Wermager ’78 (business administration) has been promoted to manager of the Vendor Management Office in Enterprise Corporate Services at Noridian Mutual Insurance Company (NMIC).

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Timothy Sayler ’79 (business administration) accepted the position of chief operating officer at Essentia Health’s West Region, where he will oversee operations in North Dakota and northwestern Minnesota.

Patricia Stinchfield ’80 (nursing), a pediatric nurse practitioner at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), has received the Childhood Immunization Champion Award. The award was given in recognition for Stinchfield’s efforts in promoting childhood immunization in Minnesota.

Kevin Hanson ’83 (finance) has been promoted to director of lending at Gate City Bank. Hanson is an executive vice president at the bank and has been with Gate City Bank since 1983.

Mark Coppin ’84 (speech communication), the director of assistive technology at the Anne Carlsen Center in Jamestown, N.D., has been named a “Champion of Change” by President Barack Obama. Educators who are taking creative approaches in using technology to enhance learning for students in communities across the country are eligible for the award. In 2009, Coppin was named an Apple Distinguished Educator, and played an instrumental role in the Anne Carlsen Center’s selection as an Apple Distinguished School for 2012-2015.

Joviane Bohn ’85 (marketing) has been promoted to customer service specialist in the vanity.com ecommerce office.

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Deb Gemar ’86 (psychology, criminal justice) has been promoted to director of community relations at Hospice of the Red River Valley, where she will oversee fundraising and marketing initiatives.

Diane Kaiser ’88 (accounting) has been promoted to senior vice president/enterprise risk manager at Bell State Bank & Trust.

Don Vangsness ’88 (computer science) joined Implementation Specialists out of Hawley as lead developer.

Linda Boman ’89 (accounting) joined Advanced Engineering and Environmental Services, Inc. (AE2S) as an accountant at the firm’s Grand Forks, N.D., headquarters.

Kim Meyer ’83 (secretarial science) has been promoted to director of administration at Gate City Bank. Meyer is an executive vice president at the bank and has been with Gate City Bank since 1983.

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CLASS NOTES

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Kristine Brandt ’89 (elementary education), sixth grade math teacher at Ben Franklin Middle School, received a 2012 Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics Teaching. Brandt is one of two teachers in North Dakota and 102 teachers nationwide to receive a Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching. She also received a $10,000 award.

Michael Schumacher ’89 (accounting), certified public accountant, has joined Dakota Medical Foundation as chief financial officer.

Robin Williams ’89 (history), has been designated by the White House as the lead for the 44th President’s National Initiative for Cybersecurity Education (NICE) and the chief of the National Cybersecurity Education and Awareness Branch, Department of Homeland Security, Washington, D.C. Williams works on coordinating and developing national cybersecurity awareness, education, training, professional development, policy, standards, and assessment requirements to broaden, cultivate and maintain an unrivaled, globally competitive cybersecurity workforce for the nation.

Marita Wollmann ’89 (finance), Bismarck, N.D., accepted a job as a mortgage loan officer at BlackRidge Bank.

Eric Berg ’91 (philosophy, political science), associate professor of philosophy and religion at MacMurray College, has been appointed editor for the Protestant theology and doctrine section of the scholarly journal, “Religious Studies Review.”

He will be in charge of assigning book reviews and notes for all texts published in English on or relating to Protestant theology and doctrine.

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Tamara Baehler ’97 (social work) obtained certification in thanatology through the Association for Death Education and Counseling. Certification in thanatology provides professionals with an enhanced educational background in dying, death and bereavement.

Baehler has spent the past 16 years working as a licensed social worker at Hospice of the Red River Valley.

Kimberly Settel ’98 (mass communications) was hired at Gate City Bank as the personal lending assistant manager.

99

Cari Lake ’99 (social work) has joined the school-based services team at Lakeland Mental Health Center in Moorhead.

Michelle Bredell ’00 (accounting), certified public accountant, joined the tax department at Widmer Roel. Bredell has more than 13 years experience providing tax, accounting and consulting services.

Joshua Barth ’01 (management information) accepted a position as Houston Engineering’s information technology manager, Fargo.

Cathleen Plettl ’01 (music industry) was hired as assistant for human resources at National Hospitality Services, Fargo.

Angela Scoville ’02 (business administration) has been promoted to mortgage loan officer at Western State Bank.

Cherie Mastel ’92 (paralegal, accounting) joined the staff of Fiebiger, Swanson, West & Co. as a staff accountant, focusing primarily on business and individual taxation.

03

Rebecca Walz ’92 (speech communication) was appointed director of alumni engagement and the annual fund at Northampton Community College.

In this position, Walz is responsible for fostering, developing and maintaining an effective alumni affairs and annual fund program.

Rebecca Folden ’03 (curriculum and instruction) was named principal at Clara Barton-Hawthorne Elementary School by the Fargo School District.

Lisa Borgen ’93 (criminal justice) was named American Crystal Sugar Co.’s next vice president for administration.

Lee Schwartz ’93 (international business) accepted a job with H2M as a senior account supervisor and digital team lead.

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Nicole Hoekstra ’95 (marketing, business administration) joined KLJ as an administrative assistant in Bismarck.

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FALL 2014

Cameon Eisenzimmer ’03 (anthropology, geosciences) joined the AckermanEstvold Minot office as a geographical information systems (GIS) analyst. Eisenzimmer has more than seven years of GIS experience in both the public and private sector.

Jennifer Hill ’04 (finance) has been promoted to vice president/relationship manager at Bell State Bank & Trust. Hill spent nearly eight years in the retirement division at Bell State Bank & Trust and will continue her role working in retirement services.

Up in the Air Bob Mikkelson ’72 (mass communications), pioneer in aerial sports broadcasting, combined military gyrostabilized camera mounts and large broadcast telephoto lenses to enable aerial play action coverage of sports for the first time in the early 1980s. This state-of-the-art coverage changed the viewing of sports and is now used throughout the world.

His company, Winged Vision, covers events like the NFL’s Sunday Night Football, the PGA Tour, the World Cup finals, Triple Crown racing, Super Bowls, and the Olympics. They cover about 150 live sporting events each year.

Mikkelson has won two primetime and four sports Emmys and was featured in the 2008 CBS sports special “The Best Shot in Golf.”

04

Ryan Kleven ’04 (business administration, management), software consultant, has been promoted to solution architect at Stoneridge Software, Fargo.

Margie Nelson ’05 (nursing), certified family nurse practitioner, accepted a job with Glacial Ridge Health System.

No holds barred Beanies Bob Jones ’93 (international business) is the vice president of human resources at Farmer John, a subsidiary of Hormel Foods, in Los Angeles. During his freshman year, Jones was inducted into the Dragon practice of Cobber beanie stealing with fellow football mates. In fact, he still has one in his desk at work, reminiscent of his days at MSUM. “We once had a VP of finance who was a Cobber, and when I heard that, I had to find a beanie and have it displayed at work.

Anytime he came into my office, he’d see it,” Jones said. “It was a great little rivalry that we had with Concordia, and I hope everybody took it all in fun because it was never anything too serious.”

1993

Kari Hatfield ’06 (finance, business administration) joined the Eventide Senior Living Communities team as a reimbursement analyst.

Matthew Althoff ’07 (accounting, finance) was promoted to CSS manager at Wanzek Construction, Fargo.

Lyndee Evavold ’07 (finance, business administration) was promoted to senior real estate processor at VISIONBank, Fargo.

Jamie Smith ’07 (exercise science) joined Courts Plus as group fitness supervisor.

Jamie Thompson ’07 (graphic communications) accepted the role of web developer at Flint Communications, Fargo, specializing in content management systems and working with front-end web development.

08

Adam Barnett ’08 (anthropology), project architect at JLG Architects, Alexandria, has passed the Green Building Certification Institute’s sustainability credentialing examination. Doing so, Barnett has earned a Building Design and Construction accreditation for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design.

Barnett became registered as an architect in 2012.

Kim Schneider ’08 (university studies) has been selected as state executive officer for the North Dakota Association of Builders, Bismarck, N.D. Justin Dunn ’08 (finance) was promoted to personal banking supervisor at Gate City Bank’s north Fargo office.

Clinton Gilbertson ’08 (educational leadership), tenured faculty member at the North Dakota State College of Science, Wahpeton, has been named project manager of the North Dakota Advanced Manufacturing Skills Training Initiative. Gilbertson will oversee a $2.7 million trade adjustment assistance community college and career-training grant from the U.S. Department of Labor.

Kelsey Robinson ’08 (social work) accepted a position with Freedom Resource Center for Independent Living as nursing facility transition coordinator. Robinson will assist residents in Cass and Richland counties in North Dakota.

Jennifer Lein ’09 (mass communications) was named the community development manager of the Arthritis Foundation Upper Midwest Region and will represent North Dakota. She will provide leadership to the North Dakota board of directors, event committees, and volunteers and will maintain relationships with local medical professionals, media and business leaders.

Derick Hermanson ’09 (economics) has been hired

by Appareo Systems as a software engineer.

Allison Paul ’09 (accounting) was promoted to senior accountant at Wanzek Construction.

Adam Seiler ’09 (business administration) was promoted to personal banking supervisor at Gate City Bank’s Hornbacher’s Village West location in Fargo.

Stephen Wallevand ’09 (music industry) accepted a position as an audio engineer and music composer at Media Productions, Fargo. Wallevand has more than 20 years experience performing and recording with Grammy winners, top 40 artists and multiplatinum engineers in Hollywood and Chicago.

10

Amber Carlsrud ’10 (elementary education) accepted a position as preschool teacher/curriculum coordinator at the Boys & Girls Club of the Red River Valley.

Aimee Marz ’10 (biology), chiropractor, has joined The Clinic Family Health and Sports Chiropractic.

Marz plans to incorporate sports injuries and acupuncture into her chiropractic practice.

Anna Merritt ’10 (sociology) was promoted to personal banking officer at VISIONBank.

Chelsey Penuel ’10 (biology) has been appointed a noxious weed management specialist by the North Dakota Department of Agriculture (NDDA). In her position, Penuel will help city and county weed authorities with compliance and enforcement of the noxious weed act.

James Teigland ’10 (economics), attorney, started his own law firm, Teigland Law Office, shortly after graduating from law school. The firm recently merged with Fremstad Law Firm and Teigland will continue to do civil litigation, will preparation, criminal defense and marriage dissolution.

FALL 2014

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IN MEMORIAM

››

Alumni & Friends

In Memoriam

(December 1, 2013 to June 13, 2014)

Alumni, Faculty & Friends*

Former President Roland Dille Dies Former MSUM President Roland Dille passed away Monday, May 26, 2014. Dille championed the liberal arts and racial diversity as the longest-serving president of MSUM, leading the university from 1968 to 1994.

The 89-year-old was residing at Eventide senior living center in Moorhead.

Below are excerpts from The Forum of Fargo-Moorhead editorial, titled “No one did it the way Dille did.”

Roland Dille was among a very few who, as they say, owned the room. His outsized personality was matched by his intellectual depth. His public speaking skills were nourished by his credibility.

His dedication to his university complemented his commitment to learning. When Roland Dille spoke, everyone within earshot was compelled to listen.

He certainly was known for his sparkling and sometimes cutting wit, and his mastery of the English language he loved. But Dille also had the character and strength of his convictions to guide the campus through tumultuous times.

Dille also was a builder. During his tenure, the campus grew and took on the shape and size it has today.

A career as long and distinguished as Dille’s is filled with accomplishments large and small. But if there was a theme in his work, it was his unwavering focus on learning – on education in the most inclusive frame.

In a capsule, his philosophy of education could have been summed up: An engineer might be able build a fine bridge, but if he doesn’t know who Shakespeare was, he’s not educated. That cut-to-the-chase style was part of Dille’s rhetorical tool kit, not only in his role as university president but also as a thinker and communicator.

Surely, he will be missed on campus and in the larger community he served so well for so many years. His legacy will live on.

To read more about Dr. Dille’s distinguished career or to read or share your memories, visit mnstate.edu/dille.

Donations in Dr. Dille’s memory may be sent to the Dille Fund for Excellence, c/o MSUM Alumni Foundation, Box 68, Moorhead, MN, 56563 or donate.mnstate.edu.

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MOORHEAD MAGAZINE

FALL 2014

Arla Daugherty ’48 Jean Erickson ’42 Todd Gray ’88 Barbara Sellent ’51 Bernice Anderson ’31 Marie Paler ’56 Christoffer Haugen ’06 Gregory Hanson ’80 Bruce Aarestad* Virginia Jahnke ’73 Lorine Holschuh* Dalene Trende ’47 Duncan Grimm ’67 Audrey Jones* Robert Pettit ’55 Ronald Hayes* Richard Gompf ’49 Ruth Landmark ’66 Ruth Gore ’44 Mina Frank ’49 Janice Rae ’60 Carleton Likness* Marilyn Larson ’73 Jerry Keogh* Carmen Maring ’75 Carl Reed* Carl Carlson* Harold Newman ’56 Wayne Hendrickson ’71 Sidney Adler* Dorothy Houglum ’39 Robert Pender* Gerald Smalley ’78 David Herold ’71 Josephine Zaeske ’48 Evelyn Hilden ’39 Craig Lewis ’73 Jeffrey Skuza ’88 Muriel Vacha ’68 Sandra Fjeld ’76 Charles Magel* Helen Glawe ’33 Susan Larson ’58 Charlotte Engstrom Don Mugan* Lawrence Holmes ’64 Gregory Anderson ’82 Eunice Dinga* Bonnie Schulz ’71 Jay Mattson ’67 Dan Grohnke ’64 Roland Dille, President Emeritus* Roland Holm ’66 Bethany Tickle ’11 Eunice Nelson ’40 Robert Larson*

If you’d like to have your creative work considered for inclusion in a future issue, please send a highresolution (300 dpi) digital image and short description to Tim Borchers, Dean, College of Arts, Media & Communication, borchers@mnstate.edu.

mountains and brilliant blue skies.

rock formations, snow-capped

views of towering sandstone

Natural Landmark with dramatic

the Gods. It is a registered National

Colorado known as the Garden of

Contrasts is a drawing of an area in

8 x 10 inches

Colored Pencil

Contrasts, 2007

1988 Art (Drawing)

Mary (Bellefeuille) Estrem

featured artwork

1104 7th Avenue South Moorhead, Minnesota 56563

CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED

Championship Memories Still Resonate

THEN AND NOW

ifty years ago, a small band of Dragons headed to the Black Hills in search of championship gold at the 1964 National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) Wrestling Championships. The Dragons’ 1963-64 roster was filled with eager applicants from across the country, including 16 from Pennsylvania and six from New York.

They enjoyed a perfect 100-0 dual meet season and runner-up finish in the rugged Northern Intercollegiate Conference before claiming the national title. Read Larry “Scotty” Scott’s full story at: msumdragons.com

1964 Championship Team Front row (L to R): Jim Dreitzler, Frank Mosier, Raphael Gonshorowski; back row (L to R): Hank Hettwer (assistant coach), Don Pate, Bucky Maughan, Bill Garland (head coach), Bob Billberg and Bo Henry.

Non-Profit Org U.S. Postage PAID MSUM