MOORHEAD minnesota state university moorhead
SPRING 2014 | Vol. 14, No. 1
magazine
The magazine for alumni, friends and community.
Clad in white, waves of the 1,253 participants took on the colorful race in rainy conditions Sept. 28, 2013, at MSUM’s Nemzek Hall. Sponsored by Dragon Athletics and the Dragon Entertainment Group, the event raised over $11,000 for athletics scholarships. Apart from the laughs, smiles, exercise and mass tie-dyeing of once clean clothes, the 3.1-mile course brought the community and campus together as part of the 125th Homecoming celebration. Thank you to more than 140 volunteers who helped make it happen!
MOORHEAD magazine
minnesota state university moorhead
UNIVERSITY FEATURES
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Brian Wisenden is Professor of the Year
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125 Things We Love About MSUM
NEWS BRIEFS
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President Szymanski Retires
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Science Lab Renamed Langseth Hall
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New Marcil Center for Innovative Journalism
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Class Notes
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Annual Report
Administration
Staff
President: Edna Mora Szymanski president@mnstate.edu
Executive Editor: David Wahlberg ’81 david.wahlberg@mnstate.edu
Provost/Senior VP, Academic Affairs: Anne Blackhurst
Editor: Kristi Monson ’84, ’96 kristi.monson@mnstate.edu
VP, Alumni Foundation: Laura Huth VP, Finance & Administration: Janet Mahoney VP, Enrollment Management/ Student Affairs: Yvette Underdue Murph Executive Director, Marketing & Communications: David Wahlberg
Art Director: Derek Lien liende@mnstate.edu Photographers: Darel Paulson Ande Sailer ’13 Editorial Team: Courtney Larson ’11 Meghan Feir ’13 Ashley Jonas ’11 Katie Berning ’12 Jody Bendel
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 MSUM Alumni and Friends, ith my retirement on the horizon, I wanted to thank you for the privilege of serving you and your university over these past six years. In addition, I would like to provide you with my final update on the state of the university. Minnesota State University Moorhead (MSUM) has seen many changes over the last almost six years, some of them quite difficult. The end result, however, is a university that is well positioned for the next decade. MSUM is in sound fiscal and programmatic shape and has improved its focus on student success. The university is now fiscally sustainable and should remain so for the foreseeable future. We have decreased our expenses and better aligned our instructional resources with enrollment trends. Our new financial reality is the result of years of declining enrollment and state disinvestment. MSUM moved from being almost two-thirds state funded in 1997 to almost two-thirds tuition funded in 2014. From 2008 to 2012 we lost $6.8 million in state funding. Nonetheless, through a series of actions we’ve taken, our composite financial index steadily improved from 1.2 in 2008 to a reasonably healthy 2.47 in 2013. A score of 1.0 or below triggers attention of accreditors. Consistent with our strategic plan, we have updated our program portfolio to better align with the needs of the regional workforce as well as with student demand. New programs include master’s degrees in accounting and finance, healthcare administration, nursing administration, and an executive MBA with a healthcare emphasis; a bachelor’s degree in project management; minors in media arts and doing business in China; and certificates in entrepreneurship, professional writing, professional communication, visual
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1 Within a year of being named MSUM president, Edna Szymanski led the campus fight in the Red River flood of the century (2009).
EDITOR’S NOTE I’ve spent most of my adult life at MSUM.
2 An avid sports fan and advocate, President Edna poses with Scorch and Torch. 5 President Szymanski leads the walk toward commencement. communication, and professional ethics. To allow for these changes, we are phasing out the following low enrollment majors while giving current students an opportunity to complete their studies: American multicultural studies, medical laboratory science, music composition, community health, and the master’s in fine arts. In order to improve student success, we have refined our enrollment management strategy and enhanced student services. We now refer more underprepared students to our community college partners to help these students start where they are most likely to succeed and reduce their student debt. At the same time, we have increased advising and support services and expanded our Career Development Center. Today, 96% of our graduates report getting a job related to their degree or continuing on to graduate studies. This is the highest related employment rate of our peer universities in the system. Finally, as I prepare for retirement, I am proud to have left the university in a very strong position. I believe that it is well positioned for a decade of fiscal stability. In addition, we have made significant gains in supporting student success and increasing the alignment of our programs with the needs of the regional economy. Our graduates are getting excellent jobs and succeeding in graduate and professional schools. Minnesota State University Moorhead is an excellent university. It will always have a special place in my heart as will the many wonderful alumni and friends I have met along the way. I thank you for the privilege of sharing this journey with you. Best wishes,
As MSUM celebrates its 125th anniversary, I celebrate my 25th year at MSUM. Add in four years as an undergrad and that’s almost 30 years! So when I say there are a lot of things I love about MSUM, I mean it with all my heart. Our entire marketing team (many of whom are also alumni) put their hearts into this 125th commemorative issue. So did many of you. The questions posted on MSUM’s social media channels such as Facebook and Twitter sparked warm memories and lively dialogue. Clearly, you have fond recollections of your alma mater. Your feedback helped us narrow down the top 125 things we love about MSUM. I hope you find something in here that resonates with you and that you keep this commemorative issue for a long time. I’m sure we missed some things, but we tried as best we could to include snapshots from across all generations and all areas of interest. So sit back and take a stroll down memory lane. And if we missed something, let us know! We’ll consider it for a future online addendum to the magazine. Kristi Monson, ’84, ’96 Editor | kristi.monson@mnstate.edu
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NEWS BRIEFS
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HELP US REACH OUR GOAL
0 1 1,9 8 0 125,000 Hours of Service Time is one of the most valuable gifts a person can give and receive. In celebration of MSUM’s 125th anniversary, students, faculty, staff and alumni are encouraged to log their hours of service to help reach our goal of 125,000 volunteer hours during the 2013-14 fiscal year. Whether you’re volunteering at church or a soup kitchen, log those hours!
Log your hours by visiting mnstate.edu/osa-volunteer-hours.aspx
10-Year-Old Joins Men’s Basketball Team The newest member of the MSU Moorhead men’s basketball team, 10-year-old Dalton Lundon of Mahnomen, Minn., is an inspiration to his teammates and coaches. Lundon, who attends school in Hawley, Minn., is battling Fanconi Anemia, a rare, genetic blood disorder that leads to bone marrow failure. He is the son of Jerry and Heidi Lundon and was matched with the Dragon men’s basketball team through the Team IMPACT program, and he has been adopted as a teammate for the 2013-14 season. Dalton’s signing to the Dragon roster was announced at a press conference in October. He was introduced at Dragon Madness, where he also served as a dunk contest judge, and also announced as a captain prior to MSUM’s home game against Concordia College on Nov. 22. “It is special that we are able to be part of his life,” MSUM head coach Chad Walthall said at the press conference. “He is an inspiration to us. We are thankful he is a part of our family.” One of Dalton’s favorite players is Dragon junior guard Jordan Riewer of Staples, Minn. Heidi Lundon said Riewer even taught Dalton a few basketball tricks to show to his friends.
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> L to R: Jerry, Dalton and Heidi Lundon, Coach Chad Walthall
“He already has (had an impact),” Riewer said at the press conference. “Some of us were up here this summer and met him during the Dragon Driller camp. Just to see him walk in the gym— his eyes lit up when we started rebounding for him. As Coach said, it puts life in perspective. We can learn a lot from Dalton.” “He likes it. It’s like adding more brothers to his already large family,” said Dalton’s mother, Heidi Lundon. “For what he’s gone through, for something this amazing to happen for him–it means a lot to him.”
Science Lab Renamed Langseth Hall The Science Laboratory was renamed Langseth Hall in honor of former Senator Keith Langseth at a Dec. 19 dedication program and ribbon-cutting ceremony. Langseth served in the Minnesota Senate for 32 years and was chairman of the bonding committee for a decade. During that time he was instrumental in securing funding for renovation projects at higher education institutions across Minnesota. Langseth made replacing aged university science and technology labs across Minnesota his top priority. The Science Laboratory building is one of the $1.3 billion worth of college and university projects Langseth helped pass through the Legislature during his tenure.
MSUM to open Marcil Center for Innovative Journalism of our key employees are graduates of MSUM,” William Marcil, Sr. said. “Rapid changes are occurring within the communications industry. The William C. Marcil, Sr. and Jane B. Marcil Center for Innovative Journalism is a perfect fit and will enable the university to become an academic leader in the evolving communications industry.”
MSUM Memories: Reflections of the college and university available now MSUM Memories: Reflections of the college and university, a new pictorial history book by former president Roland Dille and university archivist Terry Shoptaugh, spans the course of MSU Moorhead’s 125 years, from 1888 to 2013. Celebrate the past, present and future of MSUM, and order a copy today for yourself or a loved one. From the ghost of Weld, to stories of lively Greek life and recollections of campus memories, this book is a historical treasure. MSUM Memories, $20 plus shipping, is available through:
MSUM Alumni Office 218.477.2143 alumni@mnstate.edu MSUM Bookstore 218.477.2111 bookstore.mnstate.edu
> L to R: William Marcil, Doug Hamilton ’71, Edna Szymanski
A $1 million gift from Forum Communications to MSUM was announced during the university’s homecoming to create the William C. Marcil, Sr. and Jane B. Marcil Center for Innovative Journalism. The center will be a major addition to the university’s Mass Communications Department, which has a long-standing reputation for producing highly qualified reporters, photographers and other media professionals. “Forum Communications Company has enjoyed a strong relationship with Minnesota State University Moorhead for many years. In fact, many
The gift, to be received by the MSUM Alumni Foundation over the next four years, will fund start-up and ongoing expenses of the center to possibly include space needs, scholarship support, the purchase of state-of-the-art equipment, creation of new certificates or minors (e.g., media analytics, media business), residencies by communications leaders, student/faculty research, student internships and speaker’s series. “The gift will permit us to continue our efforts to remain not only on the cutting edge of journalism, but will afford us a unique opportunity to provide our students with new experiences using innovative media platforms and new communication strategies to keep America’s media industry a vital component of our American democracy,” said C.T. Hanson, chair of the Mass Communications Department.
From President Szymanski: “As the 10th president of our university, I remain both awed and humbled by the responsibility and privilege of leading Minnesota State University Moorhead. The university was passed forward to me by my nine predecessors, by our founder Solomon Comstock, and by the many faculty, staff, students, and community members who have together made this a very, very special place. It is now my responsibility to pass it forward to generations to come. To that end, I have asked our 8th President, Roland Dille, and our archivist, Professor Terry Shoptaugh, to build on the fine work of Professor Clarence Glasrud and create a single volume, brief history of our university for the 125th anniversary of the first year of operation.
As you read this volume, I hope you will join me in remembering fondly those who came before us and passing the torch to those who will follow us.” SPRING 2014
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BRIAN WISENDEN Named MSUM’s 10th CASE Professor of the Year!
Minnesota CASE
PROFESSOR YEAR
Science is a noun in Merriam-Webster. o Brian Wisenden, science is an action verb—handson inquiry and discovery that inspires wonder, creativity and passion. He embraces the classic teacher-scholar model through faculty-mentored research that begins in the freshman year and continues through publication in international peer-reviewed journals with undergraduate collaborators.
Wisenden has always taught and researched this way.
It’s the reason the MSUM biosciences professor was named last November the 2013 Minnesota Professor of the Year by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching. He is the tenth MSUM professor so honored.
“I model what it is to be a scientist through a strong sense of wonder and joy of learning that is renewed and sustained with each student,” Wisenden said. “You can’t be a great teacher if you’re not exploring and wondering about new things.”
Wisenden’s teaching and research credentials are extraordinary, but he credits an academic culture that has produced more Carnegie Professors of the Year than any other university or college in the five-state region. “This award signifies not just what I’ve been doing but what we have been doing collectively,” Wisenden said. “There’s something special about the culture within our Biosciences Department that allows people to rise to their full potential.” Wisenden joined MSUM in 1998, bringing with him five years of post-doctoral research experience. He has mentored 137 students: 68 are co-authors on research articles published in international peer-reviewed journals; two are co-authors on a book chapter; and nearly all have presented at regional, national and international meetings. “Brian recognizes the significant impact undergraduate research can have on a student’s future and fostered this through not only the research itself, but through encouragement to publish, attend conferences and networking,” said Anthony Stumbo, currently a Ph.D. candidate at the University of Otago, New Zealand, and a 2008 biology graduate who researched under Wisenden for nearly four years. “By the time I entered graduate school, I had a larger CV than most students leaving their higher level degree.” Wisenden maintains his productive scholarship with the assistance of undergraduate students. “What Brian is doing
is considered the “best practices” of teaching science to undergraduates. That is, undergraduates appreciate and learn science by doing research with research faculty,” said Murray Itzkowitz, professor and chair in the Department of Biological Sciences at Lehigh University.
He also inspires his colleagues. “He has played a crucial role in creating a vibrant research community throughout our department with threads that extend across all our undergraduate programs,” said Ellen Brisch, MSUM biosciences professor and 2007 CASE Minnesota Professor of the Year. “His focus on assisting others to be successful, training a new generation of scientists and inspiring students to dig into research in and out of class sets him apart from all others.” Wisenden’s stellar research record is on par with faculty at many major research institutions. He has delivered 212 presentations, including 13 invited and keynote lectures to regional, national and international audiences, and has published 83 publications. “Dr. Wisenden could readily be employed at any institution in the world, but he chooses to work at a primarily undergraduate institution that highly values undergraduate research and hands-on learning in the classroom,” said Michelle Malott, dean of MSUM’s College of Science, Health and the Environment. “I’m not taking away from the fact that I’ve worked very hard, but I’m among a group of hard-working people,” Wisenden said. “The end result of elevating the scientific method as a central theme in our curriculum is that students not only gain knowledge (noun), they learn how to gain knowledge (verb). And with those skills they are ready for the future.” ■
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QUASQUICENTENN 10
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o commemorate our quasquicentennial, MSU Moorhead Magazine created a list of things we (and you!) love about MSUM. The list is not ranked, ordered or presented in a historical fashion. It’s a pretty random list we compiled based on what you told us you love about MSUM via the magazine, our 125th history timeline and our social media sites, and what our staff determined in boisterous team meetings (most are alumni as well). We used many of your contributions and appreciate hearing from you. We probably missed some things you love about MSUM and are sorry we couldn’t include everything. However, we want to continue hearing from you. Please tell us more of your stories—that one significant person, unforgettable place, fond memory, or event you love—or you love to remember— from your time at Moorhead Normal, MSTC, MSC, MSU or MSUM. We’ll continue to post on our timeline, social media sites and the upcoming online magazine.
Happy 125th, MSUM! magazine@mnstate.edu
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1 Bragging Rights Voted the No. 1 coldest college in the country by the Huffington Post (though the information is debatable), we prefer to think of MSUM as the nation's coolest university.
38 SNOW DAYS! Minnesota State University Moorhead We decided to give you all one more day of Spring Break -- by way of blizzard. MSUM campus will be closed tomorrow due to the blustery weather! Stay warm and be safe!
facebook.com/MSUMAlumni
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125 THINGS WE LOVE
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Pretty in Pink Beautiful, delicate and graceful, the apple blossom trees on campus are breathtaking every spring.
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Campus News
This award-winning, student-produced newscast airs weekly on Prairie Public Television. MSUM alums dominate the local media market, which is a testament to the real-world experience students receive during their time on Campus News. In fact, several local reporters and anchors teach the accompanying Campus News classes at MSUM.
The Vines of Weld Though the vines on Weld Hall had to be trimmed due to structural reasons, the poetry they added to the exterior of the building will be remembered.
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Miniature Dragons Dating back to the ‘70s, the biology department on campus has adopted four iguanas. With their dragonesque features, Moses, Jackson, Nico and, most recently, Curie have all held a special place in our hearts. SPRING 2014
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125 THINGS WE LOVE
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Creating art ‘til the wee hours on the mezzanine.
63 Biology Fun Fits this Professor to a “T” 2007 Minnesota Professor of the Year Ellen Brisch is well known around campus for her creative approach to teaching science, whether she’s explaining the skeletal system or molecule and cell interaction. She draws on her vast collection of scientifically inspired T-shirts to reinforce key concepts and enliven science classes. It’s all meant to grab the attention of students, remove “fear factors” from science and explore the details of biology. “I can’t imagine anyone else having so many biology T-shirts. She makes it fun by correlating them with her lectures,” said Kristine Knoll, a former biology student.
21 Campus Collies Retired sociology professor Bev Wesley and her dogs, the campus collies, Titan and Jackson, visit campus regularly to bring joy and therapy to students in need of a little puppy time.
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Layout Nights in The Advocate Office Layout nights in The Advocate office consist of 60 percent actual work and 40 percent YouTube and chatting time. Amidst the distractions, our campus newspaper produces award-winning writers.
Duck Tales There are no longer only Dragons and squirrels on campus. For the past few years, a mallard hen has nested in the MacLean courtyard. As people from departments across campus provide food and fresh water for the little family, Mother Dragon Duck raises her ducklings on Dragon soil.
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10 Award-winning Faculty Students and alumni tell us how faculty inspired, encouraged and supported them. We have many awardwinning faculty, but MSUM boasts more Carnegie Professors of the Year (10, including one national winner) than any other university or college, public or private, in the Dakotas, Iowa, Minnesota and Wisconsin.
Coaches Making an Impact
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Coach Ross Fortier stands with former Dragon athlete and current coach of the Chicago Bears, Marc Trestman.
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Our Leaders: Past & Present Staff Members
They don’t often get the credit, but staff members (244 at press time) help make the campus a welcoming and nurturing environment for living, learning and working. From the janitor in the residence hall, to the secretary in the math department, to the supervisor in the student union, staff members contribute to the growth and development of students.
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125 THINGS WE LOVE
Fighting Floods
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“Students show up every single time, year after year. They are the ones that save the community over and over. It would have been an entirely different flood fight without student volunteerism. We would have had a very different result without students. They were uniquely responsible for tens of thousands of sandbags.” –Mike Redlinger, Class of 2001 Moorhead City Manager
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Horny’s (aka
Hornbacher’s) Just a few short blocks away from campus is the 24/7 go-to for all midnight cravings—M&Ms, pizza and popcorn.
Greek Life Greek life on campus once swelled under the roots of community-centered America. The two sororities left on campus—Gamma Phi Beta and Delta Zeta (formerly Gamma Nu)—are the originals, and Kappa Sigma fraternity chartered last spring. “We had a sorority apartment, a big living room and kitchen in the basement of MacLean. All the sororities did. We did parties, teas and all that stuff. Oh, I loved my friends. It was really fun.” –Lois Selberg, Gamma Nu, Class of 1947
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It’s a (Cheap) Date Inflation has increased the price of movie tickets to Moorhead's only theatre, but tickets—ranging from $2.50 to 3.50— are still a bargain. And free popcorn, too!
49 We Like Beer Every generation has its favorite watering hole—the Blackhawk, Mick’s Office, Ralph’s, Kirby’s, Eastgate, T&T and Chumley’s—selfanointed as the “Cheers Bar of Moorhead.”
A Dilly of a Time
Serving ice cream and memories since 1949, the iconic Moorhead Dairy Queen is one of the oldest in the country. Rain or shine, sleet or snow, it opens March 1st every year for hundreds of local college students who line up for their first taste of spring. SPRING 2014
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2 Old Main Gates Builded our fathers a school to stand through years to be; that through her portals her sons and daughters might go forth throughout the nation – till the truth be spread that sets men free.”
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“Speech, speech, speech!” MSUM has had the pleasure of hosting innumerable lecturers in our halls, such as Sinclair Lewis, Dr. Allan Chapman, Herman Boone, Sherman Alexie, Kevin Sorbo and many others.
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Campus Mall
College for Kids Inspiring exploration, adventure and creativity in young people.
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35 Speedo, Swim Trunk or Nude…. There are so many great photos to share and such little space! Generations of students may not know that at one time lurking in the recesses of Flora Frick Hall was a swimming pool. It was home to the Aquatic Club (in 1935), which produced “Surf” water pageants. It was built after the great fire of 1930 and named for Flora Frick, a prominent member of the Moorhead State Teachers College faculty who headed the department of physical education for all of her 38 years at MSTC. The pool was closed in January 2000.
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“Undying Loyalty,” 20 “Service” and “Self-sacrifice” The stained glass windows hanging in the Livingston Lord Library were made in honor of the student soldiers who fought and died during WWI. The classes of 1919 and 1920 donated money to build the memorial. Mary Brumby, the college’s art instructor at the time, designed the windows to represent “undying loyalty,” “service” and “self-sacrifice.”
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Pulling All-Nighters in the Library Armed with coffee, earphones and adrenaline, nearly everyone has pulled an all-nighter in the Livingston Lord Library to complete projects and papers.
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Bust a Move
Walk through the prairie, and while you’re at it, peruse the solar system. No, you’re not dreaming, you’re just standing on the floor of the Langseth Science Lab. The terrazzo floor designed by Denver artist Carolyn Braaksma is partially made from crushed marble and seashells.
Whether your signature move is the robot, disco, or the Dougie, the orientation dance gets you moving!
SOCs Not Socks
Orientation No other school does orientation like MSUM. Orientation lasts five days and is full of lively activities, getting to know your hall mates and finding your way around campus and the community. The welcoming SOCs, staff and faculty help make settling in an easy transition for students living away from home for the first time. For many of us, it’s the most memorable week of our college career.
The Student Orientation Counselors, or as we call them, “SOCs,” are enthusiastic, charismatic and fantastic. They are the best of the best at welcoming new students to campus. You can be sure to find them in the middle of August wearing bright-colored shirts and shepherding freshmen. Wherever the SOCs go, a good time will surely follow.
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86 The Wooden Nickel (aka The Underground)
Established in the early 70s, The Wooden Nickel was an eatery and campus hangout. As the Underground, it is a great venue for concerts, dances, comedy shows and more.
Building Impact
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Students’ Dream Becomes Reality April 24, 1967
In 1961, students began paying a $5 fee per academic quarter for the Comstock Memorial Union even though construction did not begin until 5 years later. Even though it would not be built by the time many of the students voting for a fee increase had graduated, students thought that having a student union was important enough for future generations and decided to help fund the CMU.
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Moorhead became the site for a new normal school in northwestern Minnesota after State Senator Solomon Comstock introduced a bill to the Minnesota State Legislature in 1885, declaring “…it would be a fine thing for the Red River Country and especially for Moorhead.” Comstock then donated six acres of land and the next session of the Legislature appropriated $60,000 for the construction of Main Hall, which included classrooms, administrative offices and a library.
Meeting lifelong friends “I met a lifelong friend sitting at the same table [during orientation]. That was back in 1969. Betty lives in Santa Fe. We have seen each other a few times over the years and still keep in touch.” –Wanda Walseth, Class of 1973 and 1979
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Student Sash Ceremony The day before commencement, each graduating international student is given a sash representing their home country’s flag. Families from around the world travel to campus to participate in the celebration.
Dragons After Dark A late-night programming activity designed to provide positive entertainment options on weekends for students. The nights include games, entertainment, free food and prizes.
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Explore the universe The on-campus Planetarium simulates the night sky and takes visitors on a tour of the planets and known universe. The use of an Elumenati digital projector and Spitz 512 with UniView data visualization software results in a multimedia presentation that amazes, entertains and educates viewers of all ages.
The “ROC” The Rec and Outing Center (ROC) serves as the perfect spot for students to take a break from homework. Though there was once a bowling alley, today you’ll find other fun distractions like pool and ping-pong tables, air hockey, board games, a TV lounge and more.
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Side of Egg Foo Yung Given to MSUM in the mid-’90s from a Chinese restaurant in the Twin Cities, the Dragon statue breathes fire during special events.
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“Sown”
Created with art funds from the Lommen Hall renovation, this artistic seating area is centered in the campus mall, the perfect location to sit down and admire the beauty.
48 Sustainability on Campus Sprawling out underneath the trees in the campus mall
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We’re proud of our continuing efforts in making the campus a greener place.
Biology 103 in Chalk Biology professor Richard Pemble taught Biology 103: Humanity in the Ecosystem to more than 15,000 students during his 37-year tenure. When he retired in 2007, MSUM preserved in Hagen Hall Pemble’s final, detailed, colorchalk, blackboard drawings of the Valley ecology for all future students to enjoy.
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A sea of green The greenhouse, located on the fourth floor of Langseth Hall, allows bioscience students to study organisms in a sophisticated learning environment and apply practical skills.
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72 Cardio, weights, classes and more! Stay active and healthy at the Russell & Ann Gerdin Wellness Center, which features a 30-foot tall rock wall, basketball courts, an indoor track, and cardio and weight machines. Group classes, massages and dietitian services are also available.
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Tell us at twitter.com/MSUMoorhead
A digitally enhanced rendering of one of the most interesting and secretive places on campus. Do you know where it's located?
23 Secret Hiding Places
26 Roland Dille as Santa For 26 years, former president Roland Dille dressed up as Santa around Christmas, bringing cheer to young and old.
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Wearing the Red Coat “Being a Dragon Ambassador was an incredible college experience. I was part of a team of outstanding student leaders who were passionate about their campus. Representing MSUM cultivated a passion within me that motivated me to be a better student, leader and young professional.” – Sara Pinkney, Class of 2013
Move-In-Day Move-In-Crew “The move-in crew was friendly, welcoming, and put me at ease about my transition into college. The fact the move-in crew was there on my first day made me feel comfortable and secure in my choice of coming to MSUM. It made my parents feel better about leaving me too, knowing there were friendly faces around campus.” –Danielle Rebel, Class of 2015
Sweet Tooth We like our sweets (all made from scratch by Sodexo). In a typical week we eat:
5000 Doughnuts 576 Special K Bars 100 Monster Cookies
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Tour Guides
CAMPUS
CAPERS Our Version of Saturday Night Live
The live show “Campus Capers” put on by SOCs depicts relatable college situations and hilarious freshman faux pas.
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MSUM tour guides leave a lasting first impression with their outgoing personalities and friendly smiles. And they sure know a lot about MSUM!
From Accounting Club to Writing Club, and many in between— Paranormal Society, Extraordinary Gentlemen, Rock Climbing Club—student organizations help shape us.
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Playing for Fun 24 Intramural Sports, 9 Club Sports
You dig it?
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“Living on campus gave me the true experience of what college was all about, and it was a stepping-stone to getting involved on campus. And who can forget the sand volleyball courts outside of Dahl? So much fun!” –Ashley Strausser, Class of 2008
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The number of Resident Assistants who’ve passed through the hallowed halls of Dahl, Ballard, Neumaier, Wheeler and more, helping students make the most of campus life. SPRING 2014
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47 Glasrud Auditorium Glasrud Auditorium was named after Clarence Glasrud, a professor of English from 1947 into the 1970s and the historian of the university. He was given the endearing nickname “Soc” (after Socrates), as he “had the answer to any question.”
Music in the Air
15 The Ghost of Weld Hall Rumored to be the ghost of a worker who fell to his death from a scaffold during the construction of Weld Hall in 1915, the ghost of Weld has garnered fame throughout the years.
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From choir, band and orchestra concerts, to jazz ensembles and recitals, music thrives across campus.
Hey, Hey, We’re the Redcoats
The Tunnels of MSUM have long held
(Student Security Officers)
mystery and intrigue. They were originally constructed in the early ’30s when the plant was built with MacLean to support the growth following the Old Main fire.
Here we come, walking down our beat We get the funniest looks from everyone we meet. Hey, hey, we’re the Redcoats And people say we monkey around, But we’re too busy scouting To put anybody down.
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125 THINGS WE LOVE
44 Nemzek Noize This crazy, awesome, student cheering section sports body paint and rocks outrageous wardrobes while cheering on fellow Dragons during athletic events.
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Athletic Training Room
57,514 Our Alumni Alumni around the world (57,514 at last count) make a difference in their professions and communities.
Our fabulous mascot Scorch We Love Our Student Athletes! Our student athletes succeed on and off the field!
25 individual national champions 2 NCAA Athletes of the Year 3 Olympians 105 conference championships
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Seasonal Festivals With DragonFest in the fall, DragonFrost in the winter and Scorch Jam in the spring, each season offers something fun.
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Uncle Sam wants you!
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Sparks Fly on the 4th of July Let freedom ring An exact replica of the Liberty Bell, created by retired and current MSUM employees Ordean Swenson, Ray Bjerke, Ralph Lemar and Don Hersrud, currently resides in Moorhead City Hall. It is a reminder to all of how the world changed on July 8, 1776, when the Liberty Bell rang out from the tower of Independence Hall to summon citizens for the first public reading of the Declaration of Independence. As on the original, MSUM’s Liberty Bell reads: “Proclaim liberty throughout all the land unto all the inhabitants thereof.” –Leviticus 25:10
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Even people who never attended MSUM recognized him as Uncle Sam from the university’s annual July 4th festivities. Students in a wardrobe class made the costume. “More people who come up to me and talk to me as a retired president talk about Uncle Sam more than anything else.” –President Emeritus Roland Barden
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Dragon Entertainment Group Racing for a good time.
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Kise Jean
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One of MSUM’s most famous faces, Jean Twetum, or better known as “Kise Jean,” worked at MSUM for 34 years, greeting thousands of students in the Kise doorway, always with a smile. She is loved by generations of students. “I’ve loved every minute of my work at Kise, but when I started in 1977, I was extremely bashful. When I had to get change I’d just about die. But the young people were so kind it became easy to work and talk to them.” Thank you Kise Jean for the memories.
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Outdoor Classrooms
There are few things better during class than hearing your professor say, “It’s a beautiful day. Let’s have class outside.”
89 Langseth Hall
(previously the Science Lab)
The science laboratory building is one of the most modern university science complexes in this area. The result is dedicated space for student-faculty research to train students as scientists. “Along with the best undergraduate research program in the fivestate area, MSUM is now home to one of the premier science buildings in the region,” said biology professor Mark Wallert.
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We’re a bunch of smarties. Nearly 1/3 of our students graduate with honors.
1 2 5,0 0 0 Volunteerism We help out a lot! In celebration of MSUM’s 125th anniversary, students, faculty, staff and alumni are encouraged to log their service hours to help reach our goal of 125,000 volunteer hours during the 2013-14 fiscal year. At press time we were at 11,980 hours. Log your hours at mnstate.edu/osa-volunteer-hours.aspx SPRING 2014
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HOMECOM ONCE A DRAGON, ALWAYS A DRAGON
e love our Homecoming tradition. It brings home friends near and far, stirs memories and rekindles our youth! Homecoming has changed through the decades—football teams have come and gone, entertainment has evolved, and new traditions have emerged. But whether it’s the parade, burning of the M, tailgating or coronation, fall is our favorite time of year because of the excitement of welcoming back our alumni for the annual homecoming festivities!
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Johnny Holm: Then and Now A long-time staple for the university’s homecoming entertainment, Johnny Holm came to MSUM to play basketball.
A good party
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Whether it’s a departmental reunion, the annual Arizona reunions or alumni night with the Minnesota Twins, alumni gather yearround for memory sharing and networking.
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MING
Introduction to Moorhead State Teachers College’s first annual homecoming October 6-7, 1922:
The First Homecoming Since the foundation of the Moorhead State Teachers College thirty-four years ago the alumni have scattered throughout the United States and to points as diverse as China and Madagascar, England and Bolivia. Only occasionally or accidentally have they returned to their alma mater.
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Beginning with this year the College wishes to draw more and more of them home at one time, so that old friendships may be renewed, old associations revived. For that purpose a Homecoming is being held this year in connection with the district meeting of the M.E.A., it being thought that more would find it possible to come at that time than at any other. Hereafter the Homecoming will be celebrated annually, and it is hoped that each year the event will assume a larger significance.
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36 Blue Stem Prairie You don’t have to go far to escape into nature. Only 16 miles east of Moorhead lies the Regional Science Center. With serene trails that cradle the riverbank, the fresh air and beauty overwhelm the senses. Snowshoe or cross-country ski in the winter, participate in the 5K/10K Trail Run in the spring, star gaze the clear summer sky and revel in the autumn air. There’s adventure in store for visitors all year-round.
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Student Discounts Whether it’s a $5 student rush ticket to the Fargo-Moorhead Opera or a deal on a sandwich, the Dragon ID has magical, money-saving powers.
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Creating an Identity
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College is a time for selfexploration. Many students arrive on campus looking to start fresh, meet new friends, face new challenges and find their passion. MSUM’s welcoming atmosphere encourages students to be themselves every step of the way. At MSUM, everyone fits in.
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Studying Abroad
“Eurospring was one of the best experiences of my life, and started what will be a lifelong love affair with England. I still go back there as often as I can. It showed me I was capable, and helped me find a sense of independence. I also got to see a lot of the world.” –Emily Beck, Class of 2006
Gridiron Rivalry
67 A "Cluster of Prairie Grasses" was created by sculptor and Professor Emeritus Richard Szeitz.
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The MSUM Dragons and Concordia College Cobbers played each other for more than 90 years on the gridiron, a tradition that started in 1916 and ended in 2007. It was one of the longest running and unique rivalries in college football, pitting a state school against a private church college. “There are very few things that rivaled the game,” MSUM athletic director Doug Peters said.
Sense of Community “MSUM helped ground me during an emotional time in life. I wouldn’t be the person I am today without going to MSUM. Thank you for becoming my family.” –Tamera Amadei-Bourne, Class of 2005
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Computer Labs
Getting a Parking Ticket Appealed
> circa 1998
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68 Graduation: It’s what we’re here for.
Scholarships “Receiving the Founders Scholarship removed the financial distraction from my education. It’s encouraging that people really believe in my education and are investing in it. That makes me want to study harder, pursue a good GPA and continue the work I’ve done throughout high school.” –Freshman Makayla Rinkenberger, Studio Art Major, Emphasis in Photography
107 Right-sized With an average class size of 24 and a student-to-faculty ratio of 16 to 1, any way you slice it, students get lots of personal attention at MSUM.
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32 Award-winning Alumni
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Out with the old…
The entire community had a once in a lifetime opportunity to watch the Neumaier Hall implosion Sunday, August 8, 1999 at 7 a.m. You can still see the clip here: http://web.mnstate.edu/implosion/implosion.mov
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Our Students Rock!
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From the first graduating class of 1890 (8 students) to our 2013 freshman class of 989—our students impress us each year with their accomplishments— winning regional and national competitions, obtaining prestigious internships and excellent jobs, and getting into superb graduate, medical and law schools.
Woodlands and High Plains Powwow
The Awkward Steps of Weld
How freshmen take the stairs.
How sophomores take the stairs.
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Finding Love MSUM alumni marry each other. A lot!
How juniors take the stairs.
How seniors take the stairs. SPRING 2014
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37 Recording Studio The recording studio is a second home to some students as they spend countless hours recording and producing CDs for student-run Undeclared Records. Non-Commencement President Emeritus Roland Dille was fond of music and fun. He corralled some of his administrators to form the Owens Hall Singers. They performed whenever they felt like it, much to the enjoyment of students, faculty and staff.
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It’s a great day to be a Dragon.
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The phrase coined by President Emeritus Roland Barden and still used today.
Dragon Radio Many Dragons, like Doug Hamilton, Ed Schultz and Steve Poitras, have had their start in radio from having shows on KMSC 1500.
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From One Neighbor to Another For as long as anyone can remember, Dragons have “borrowed” their Cobber neighbor’s beanies. We just have a bad habit of forgetting to return them.
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Baby Dragons, Dragon Babies
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Whether you’re an original Baby Dagon (K-12 student who attended Moorhead Campus School from 1932-72) or a Dragon Baby (the child of an MSUM Dragon alumni), or a child enrolled in MSUM’s Early Education Center, we love all our Dragon babies!
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CA Art Gallery The art gallery in the Roland Dille Center for the Arts showcases artwork created by regional and national artists, as well as university faculty, alumni and students.
3 for 1
Save a Life, Get Paid Donating plasma is one of the easiest ways college students save lives while earning cash.
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It’s a Secret
The unique Tri-College University collaboration lets Dragons take zoology courses at NDSU or religion classes at Concordia without paying extra tuition!
MSUM Sodexo has been making “Kathy’s” chicken tortilla soup for 15 years. Unique to this campus location, cook Kathy Michaelson created the secret recipe using Sodexo’s homemade salsa. The campus goes through 35 gallons a week and 875 gallons a year.
Summer Cinema Series Started in the ‘70s, this community event celebrates silent films. F-M area organists skillfully evoke the emotions of the scenes during each showing.
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Straw Hat Players In 1963, Delmar J. Hansen founded the Straw Hat Players, a theatre company that produces four to five plays every summer. They have put on more than 300 shows, and over 500,000 people have attended a Straw Hat Players production in the company’s 50-year history. The regionally acclaimed theatre company has produced Oscar and Emmy winners, soap stars and Broadway talent.
Practice Rooms in the CA Whether you’re legitimately practicing or just getting away for some musical stress relief, the practice rooms are a miniature getaway.
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Those Sweet Smelling, Bygone Days As Neumarians tread on the beaten-down path by the laundry room in Snarr, the clean, fresh fragrance permeating the air creates a bittersweet reminder of bygone days when their parents did the laundry for them.
Making a Difference “I had never been in the Comstock Memorial Student Union, and when I opened the door to attend the (2013) Student Senate homecoming reunion, I had an unexpected emotion that really surprised me. I started to shake remembering that I was the president in 1958 of the very first student union planning board. At that time, students at Moorhead State didn’t know much about student unions other than they existed at big universities. They were not something that state colleges could afford or even thought about. Our task was to pursue ways that student input might help convince the legislature that we needed money for a student union somewhere down the road. We knew full well that we would not benefit from it, but I think maybe we made a difference as time went on. Hopefully we made a difference.” –Thomas Smith, Class of 1961
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Home away from home, Then and Now
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Dragons Through the Decades You’ve come a long way, Dragon!
EMAIL YOUR CLASS NOTES TO ALUMNI@MNSTATE.EDU
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.
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Steven Saltzman ’71-’73 (music) is a music editor and composer who studied composition with Boston Conservatory composer John Hess. Saltzman has composed music for WGBH and ABC Television, animated films, a variety of commercials as well as for the theatre in Boston. After moving to California, he has composed the scores for numerous independent films, commercials and syndicated television shows. He was awarded a 2005 Golden Reel Award for his music editing. He is writing a book on music editing to be published by Focal Press. Mick (George) Lee ‘72 (mass communications) recently retired to a new home in Bemidji. Lee worked in the advertising and corporate communications departments for Graco Inc., Minneapolis, for over 30 years. He traveled worldwide, writing magazine articles and photographing Graco products used by industrial and commercial customers. Friends and classmates can reach him at mickleemn@gmail.com.
Your Story What's your favorite memory of MSUM? Please share it with us at magazine@mnstate.edu. We may include it in a 125 Things addendum or at the online magazine.
twitter.com/MSUMoorhead facebook.com/MSUMAlumni
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Dennis Jacobs ’73 (Master of Arts, physics), with the help of several students, has been designing and building an electric aircraft (The Electric Dragon). The aircraft, along with other regional home built and experimental aircraft, will be displayed at the Detroit Lakes Fly-In July 13, 8 to 11:30 a.m. at the Detroit Lakes airport.
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Timothy Solien ’73 (art), a professor at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, unveiled a new body of work in T.L. Solien: Toward the Setting Sun at the Plains Art Museum, Fargo, in September. The exhibition included 58 mixed media works and paintings inspired by the novels Moby-Dick and Ahab’s Wife. The show travels to museums in Nebraska and Montana throughout
2014. An accompanying exhibition catalogue includes plates of the featured artwork and essays by curators and historians. The book is distributed by the University of Minnesota Press and is available at the Museum. Amy Richardson ’82 (mass communications) has joined the Plains Art Museum in Fargo as communications director. Richardson formerly worked as a communications consultant and served as director of corporate communications at Noridian Healthcare Solutions, Otter Tail Corp. and Banner Health System.
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Lori Neprud-Ardovino ’84 (music) was awarded a $5,000 Performing Arts Music Fellowship for 2013-14 by the Alabama State Council on the Arts. These awards recognize artistic excellence, professional commitment and maturity. Recipients may use funds to create art, improve their skills or enhance their artistic careers. Kevin Wallevand ’84 (mass communications) marks 30 years as a reporter at WDAY this year, a career that has spanned half of the station’s 60 years on air and made him Fargo’s most recognizable reporter onscreen or off. He started as an intern at WDAY in 1983. In “The Quilt,” which won an Emmy for writing, Wallevand followed a quilt from Fargo all the way to the African country of Angola, which was in the throes of a civil war. In another story, which won an Emmy for directing, he joined local Vietnam veterans on their first trip back to the country since the war, which he called “one of the most emotional things” he’s done in his life.
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CLASS NOTES
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Doreen Riedman ’85 (marketing) joined the staff of AARP North Dakota as associate state director for community outreach. She will be responsible for growing AARP’s presence in communities, recruiting and building volunteer capacity and engagement, and serving as AARP’s principal liaison to other organizations in the state. She lives in Bismarck, N.D. Cordell Schott ’85 (mass communications) has been named the general manager of the Wadena Pioneer Journal. Schott is a native of Kulm, N.D. Michael DeConcini ‘86 (finance and business administration), Dallas, joined InfraREIT Capital Partners as the company’s senior vice president and chief operating officer. DeConcini was previously the chief operating officer and senior vice president of UNS Energy Corporation and Tucson Electric Power (TEP). He holds an MBA from Arizona State University. Thomas Geraghty ’86 (biology) joined Bell State Bank & Trust as vice president/Bell Investments financial adviser at Bell Investments. He has nearly 40 years of experience in the customer service industry. Glen Deeton ’87 (business administration) is a mortgage loan officer. He has more than 20 years experience in personal banking and home mortgage consulting. Jeanne Beare ’88 (nursing) joined ShareHouse, Fargo, as a family nurse practitioner. She earned a master’s degree in nursing, family nurse practitioner, from the University of Mary.
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David Alto ’89 (physical education) is the athletic director, head softball coach, assistant women’s basketball coach and teaching faculty at Anoka-Ramsey Community College. Anne Belgum Alto ‘89 (elementary education) is a first grade teacher at Northpoint Elementary in the Spring Lake Park School District. Julie Savat ’90 (criminal justice and psychology) is administrator for the Clay County Jail in Moorhead. Savat worked 22 years with the Clay County Sheriff’s office and 18 years in her position as jail administrator. Savat is in charge of budget and personnel issues. Michael Ballweber ‘91 (marketing/business administration) was named president of Doosan Portable Power. He recently held the position of
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vice president of product management for Doosan Infracore Construction Equipment (DICE), North America and Oceania regions. He earned an MBA from Indiana University.
Featured in The Wall Street Journal
Denise Bares ’91 (business administration) joined Bell State Bank & Trust in Bismarck as vice president/relationship manager. She has more than 15 years of experience working with retirement plans. Tina Kellar ’92 (social work), LSW, is the admissions coordinator for the Sanford Health Continuing Care Centers. She has 20 years of longterm care and medical social work experience.
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Lisa Borgen ’93 (criminal justice), former Clay County District Court Judge, has joined the Vogel Law Firm’s Moorhead office. She will practice in the areas of criminal defense, family/domestic law, general litigation and mediation. Borgen earned a law degree from the University of North Dakota Law School, and before her legal career, she was a practicing LPN. Daniel Conrad ’93 (political science) was named chief legal officer at Noridian Mutual Insurance Co., Fargo. He earned his J.D. from the University of North Dakota Law School. Laurie Wigtil ’93 (theater arts-performing arts management) joined the Plains Art Museum in Fargo as development director. Wigtil was previously the assistant vice president of development at MSU Moorhead and has several years of experience in fundraising and public relations. Matthew Boucher ’95 (social studies and history) is the principal at Fridley Middle School, where he was assistant principal for five years. He received a master’s degree from St. Mary’s University and an educational specialist degree from the University of St. Thomas.
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Misty (Dobler) Dietz ‘95 (English and mass communications) sold her first novel “Come Hell or High Desire” to Entangled Publishing. The recently released story is a paranormal romantic suspense set in Fargo. It follows a man framed for a series of brutal murders who meets a psychic woman who can clear his name, but she refuses to help because she harbors dangerous secrets of her own. For more information, visit MistyDietz.com.
Kathleen Zbacnik ’71 (English) and her San Diego-based firm, KZ DESIGN GROUP, was featured in The Wall Street Journal. The story was about a remodeling project of a 5,000-square-foot penthouse apartment with an outdoor room on a 550-square-foot balcony. The Tuscan-inspired condo is on the market for under $10 million.
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Paul Lykken ’85 (mathematics), Owatonna, won a national title
Faculty Making a Difference
THANK YOU!
New tradition leaves lasting memory Four hundred twenty-five new graduates joined the Dragon alumni family during the Dec. 19 commencement ceremony. In honor of their graduation, they were given blank thank you cards in which to write a note to a person who made a difference to them at MSUM. Notes from 129 graduates were delivered on their behalf, including one graduate who wrote 10! Here are a few samples:
in his age division at the USA Masters Outdoor Track & Field Championships in Olathe, Kan. Lykken, 51, placed first in the javelin in the men’s 50 (ages 50-54) division with a throw of 57.08 meters (187 feet, 3 inches). “I just wanted to throw the best that I could,” Lykken said. “To be competing again at my age was just so much fun.” Lykken is the MSUM record holder in the “old” javelin with a toss of 80.65 meters (264-1) in 1985. The javelin was redesigned after Lykken graduated from college so MSUM has two records for the event.
It’s never too late to say thank you. Share your note of thanks at alumni@mnstate.edu to impact someone who impacted you. It may be included in a future magazine.
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Patrick Rohland ’95 (history) is the district court judge in Minnesota’s Fifth Judicial District, as announced by Gov. Mark Dayton. The judgeship will be chambered at Redwood Falls in Redwood County. Rohland is currently the Redwood Falls City Attorney, where he handles all aspects of criminal prosecutions and civil matters. Rohland received his J.D. with honors from the William Mitchell College of Law.
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Amy Dubois ’96 (marketing and business administration) joined Flint Group, Fargo, as the lead project manager. Dan Staller ’96 (finance/business administration), Fargo market president at Starion Financial, was awarded a diploma from the 69th annual session of the prestigious Graduate School of Banking at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Staller joined Starion Financial when the bank entered the Fargo market in 2008. He has more than 17 years of banking experience as a credit analyst, commercial lender and manager in North Dakota and Minnesota. He serves on the board of directors for the local chapter of Junior Achievement and volunteers with the United Way and the YMCA of Cass and Clay counties. David Joerger ’97 (mass communications) is the head coach of the Memphis Grizzlies. The Staples native emerged as a favorite for the position after Grizzlies management granted former head coach Lionel Hollins permission to seek out other coaching opportunities. Joerger spent the last six seasons on the Grizzlies’ bench as an assistant coach.
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Shari Ellertson ’98 (M.S. counseling & student affairs) is the director of institutional research at Boise State University. She leads a team of professionals focused on the effective analyses and use of data for decisionmaking. Her professional service also includes involvement as a Teagle Assessment Scholar through the Center of Inquiry at Wabash College. Allison LaRock ’98 (art & design) and artist Paul Noot had an exhibit at The Arts Center Gallery for “Put A Bird On It.” The exhibit featured a variety of birdthemed art. The title of the show was inspired by an episode of the popular television series “Portlandia” in which the characters go into a store and “put birds on things” to make them more hip and sellable. LaRock and Noot, who live and work in Bismarck, N.D., are part of the group of artists who founded the Bismarck Downtown Artist Co-op in 2012. “Put A Bird On It” premiered at this gallery in January before beginning its migration pattern around the state.
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Christopher DeVaan ’00 (theater arts/CFTA) played Jefferson Cope in an adaptation of mystery-writing mogul Agatha Christie’s, “Appointment With Death,” as part of the Theatre in the Round Players, Minneapolis. The story follows an American family traveling the Middle East in the mid-1930s. Jessica Mather ’00 (business administration) has accepted a position as a recruitment specialist at American Crystal’s corporate headquarters. Mather has been with the company for five years. Jason Seger ’00 (industrial technology) was named vice president procurement for Border States Electric. Seger joined BSE in November 1999 as part of the utility marketing team. He is a member of The Association for Operations Management (APICS), the Institute for Supply Management, and serves on MSUM’s Operations Management Advisory Board.
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Carrie Carney Joyce ’01 (English and mass communications) joined Bell State Bank & Trust in Fargo as a marketing and communications writer. Jade Kendall ’01 (English) was a screenwriter for the movie “Hope Bridge.” The movie, produced by Rebel Pilgrim Productions, is now in postproduction. Kendall helped re-write the script before production began, and has been asked to write another script for Rebel Pilgrim Productions called “Blindmatche.net,” an original idea of Kendall’s. He lives in Cincinnati with his wife and two children. Lindsay Satrom ’01 (finance and business administration) joined Sundog, Fargo, as a business analyst. Satrom has 11 years of experience in the marketing and technology industries, spending the past eight years in various positions at Target Corp. She also earned a master’s degree in business administration from the University of Minnesota, with an emphasis in marketing and international business. Colin Carpenter ’02 (mass communications) joined High Point Networks as a service desk technician at the company’s corporate office in West Fargo. Ryan Larsen ’02 (social studies and history) is the new head coach of the Lady Hardrocker women’s basketball program at the South Dakota School of Mines & Technology. Larsen is the third head coach of the program’s 37-year history. He had been the assistant women’s basketball coach at the University of South Dakota, where he also aided the Coyotes in the institution’s move from NCAA DII to DI status.
Thomas Musgrave ’98 (theatre arts), a Valley City native, is set to appear in an upcoming TV adaption of the 1996 film “Fargo”, which is slated to air in 10 episodes on FX this spring. Musgrave will play Bo Munk, the boss of main character Lester Nygaard, played by Martin Freeman, a wellknown actor who’s appeared in “The Office,” “Sherlock” and “The Hobbit” film trilogy. The TV series of the same name will somewhat mirror the 1996 Academy Award-winning film, which, set in North Dakota, revolves around a car salesman who hires two men to kidnap his wife for ransom. While the film actors won’t be reprising their roles, the new rendition of the movie will focus on new characters in similar situations, in a story that takes place over 10 episodes.
2007 Michael Wuollett ’07 (Spanish
and international business) and his wife’s Twin Cities-based company, Protege Biomedical, started a pet product featuring innovative clotting technology. Their product, ClotIt, is an all-natural, mineral-based blood clotting powder that aims at revolutionizing home pet care and could become an essential tool for veterinary clinics nationwide. The off-white powder is intended for use on animals for the treatment of minor to severe wounds, and features a bitter taste to discourage consumption. The company is currently seeking 510(k) clearance for human use, and has patents pending in surgical, military and general consumer arenas. ClotIt is available for order on the web at ClotIt.com and will be venturing into Twin Cities vet clinics and retailers by the end of the year.
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Tara Kessler ’02 (graphic communications) joined the marketing and communications team at Wanzek Construction, Fargo. Kessler has more than 10 years of marketing, communications and graphic design experience.
Diana Carlsrud ’05 (finance and business administration) was promoted to personal loan underwriting supervisor at Gate City Bank’s corporate office, Fargo. Carlsrud has been with Gate City Bank since 2001.
Kimberlie Larson ’02 (social work/criminal justice) joined Gjesdahl Law, Fargo, as the firm’s office manager and will represent clients in family-related matters. She graduated from the University of St. Thomas School of Law.
Jessica Johnson ’05 (English and Master of Fine Arts) joined Flint Group, Fargo, as a marketing automation specialist. Johnson has more than 10 years of experience in marketing and communications within the higher education, nonprofit and technology industries.
Jeffrey Lund ’02 and ’09 (elementary education and educational leadership) is the new superintendent/ elementary principal at Marshall County Central Schools in Newfolden. Lund was a teacher in the district from 2004-09, then a principal from 2010-13. Lund worked at the Comstock Memorial Union while attending MSUM. His wife, Trista, teaches junior high and high school art for the Warren-Alvarado-Oslo school district. They live in Newfolden with their three children. Timothy Dahl ’03 (physical education) joined Lillestol Research in Fargo as a clinical research coordinator. Dahl has more than eight years of clinical research experience and has been a certified clinical research coordinator for the past seven years. He earned his M.S. in exercise physiology at The College of St. Scholastica. Kimberly Rud ’03 (marketing and business administration) joined Hospice of the Red River Valley, Fargo, as a patient care manager. Rud was previously guest services manager at Sanford Health.
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Brian Curr ’04 (music) has been serving more than seven years as Berklee College of Music’s internship coordinator. Curr guides Berklee’s music business graduates through their alumni-entertainment industry career funnels. He previously worked in staffing and placement for Harvard University. Pamela Hall ’04 (educational administration and educational leadership) was named the district technology integration coordinator at West Fargo Public Schools. Hall has been a technology integration specialist with the school district since 2007. She previously taught at Kindred, Richland and Tioga public schools in North Dakota. Cheryl Stubbe ’99 and ’04 (education) was promoted to shift supervisor for the Red River Regional Dispatch Center in Fargo-Moorhead. She has worked at the center since 2007.
Amanda Lindstrom ’05 (social work) joined The Village Family Service Center as an intensive in-home family based therapist in the Moorhead office. She specializes in children, families, parenting, relationships and communication. Angell Naslund ’05 and ‘08 (psychology, community counseling) was promoted to administrative director at Lutheran Social Services’ Luther Hall, Fargo. Naslund was previously the clinical director.
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Nicole Deitchman ’06 (mass communications) joined RDO Equipment Co., Fargo, as an accounts receivable representative.
Nancy Hebert ’06 (exercise science and health PE) was promoted to wellness director at the Detroit Lakes Community and Cultural Center. Hebert has been a personal trainer at the facility since 2004 and will continue working with clients, lead fitness classes, supervise trainers, fitness instructors and massage therapists, as well as direct and oversee health and wellness programs. JoAnn Spiering ’06 (criminal justice and sociology) joined ShareHouse, Fargo, as a licensed addiction counselor. She earned a master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling from NDSU and completed the Fargo Addiction Clinical Training Program.
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Leah Hagen ’07 (art education and art design) is a professional buyer for MODE, a designer outlet store in Fargo. While attending MSUM, she started working for MODE part-time as it was opening. MODE became a franchise in 2011 with stores in Bismarck, N.D.; Grand Forks, N.D. and Sioux Falls, S.D. Hagen is lead buyer and secures the merchandise for all four locations. Joan Kirk ’07 (Master of Liberal Arts) joined the sales team at Prudential Premier Real Estate, Fargo.
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Courtney Flemming ’08 (business administration) joined the RDO Equipment Co. field support office in Fargo as an accountant.
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Gail Korth ’08 (accounting) joined the Fargo office of Fiebiger, Swanson, West & Co. as a supervisor, specializing in farm taxation, sole proprietors, partnerships and corporations. Korth received a CPA certification from North Dakota in 2009. Daniel LeClair ’08 (accounting) joined Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Dakota, Fargo, as director of financial reporting and risk management. Andrew Nephew ’08 (finance and business administration) joined the Bank Forward administrative office in Fargo as an operations specialist.
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Nicole and Joey Elmore ’11 (business administration) launched Project Help Orphans in an effort to start a campaign that focuses on helping orphans in Africa and, eventually, other parts of the world. Learn more about the project at projecthelporphans.com Valerie Glynn ’11 and ‘13 (speech-language-hearing sciences, speech-language pathology) joined Beyond Boundaries Therapy Services in Fargo as a speech-language pathologist.
Krista Emineth ’09 (accounting) was promoted to senior staff accountant in the tax department at Widmer Roel, Fargo.
Jason Grunewald ’11 (accounting) joined AgCountry Farm Credit Services as a tax specialist in the Wahpeton, N.D., office.
Seth Farkas ’09 (business administration) joined Choice Financial, Fargo, as frontline customer service representative.
Kendra Lewellyn ’11 (graphic communication and technology) joined Vanity as a web designer working in the company’s corporate marketing department in Fargo.
James Teigland ’10 (economics and philosophy) is an attorney at his firm, Teigland Law Office in Moorhead. The Moorhead native attended William Mitchell College of Law and is licensed to practice in Minnesota. Aspiring to start his own law firm, he gained diverse work experience, including law clerk at the Council on Crime and Justice, clerk for Judge John P. Smith, extern at Merrill Corporation, and legal assistant at the Sortland Law Office. He joins a long line of entrepreneurs in his family. Andrew Hilliker ’10 (social studies teacher education and history) was promoted to assistant principal at St. Joseph’s School, Moorhead. He will continue to serve as the middle school social studies teacher. He is pursuing a master’s degree in educational leadership from MSUM. MOORHEAD MAGAZINE
SPRING 2014
dragon babies
Christelle Dominique ’11 (business administration) joined Flint Communications, Fargo, as account coordinator. Dominique also earned a minor in apparel and textile studies from NDSU.
Wade DeVlieger ’09 (construction management) joined Wrigley Mechanical, Fargo, as project manager. He has five years of project management experience.
Shelly Soule ’09 (physical education) is the head coach of the Lakeville North girl’s basketball team. Soule, who played for the Dragons from 2005-08, has served as an assistant for Berkvam the last four seasons, including 2010 when the Panthers won the Class 4A state championship. She teaches special education in Farmington.
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Catherine Wilson ’10 (art-graphic design) started Western Edge Media, a business that provides design, marketing and advertising services. She and her husband live in Dickinson, N.D., where she is the assistant coach for the Dickinson State volleyball team.
Michael Pickar ’11 (operations management and technology) joined Obermiller Nelson Engineering of Fargo as an electrical CADD technician. Pickar also has an associate’s degree in mechanical computer aided drafting and design detailing from Minnesota State Community and Technical College, Moorhead.
Beckett Megan ’03 and Jeremy Schmitz ‘03
Charlie Douglas Magan (Wessel) ’09 and Douglas Margerum
Emmett Sara (Gross) ’09 and Alex Brown ‘08
Jonah William Trisha ’00 and John Giddings ‘98
Timi Onnuola Adewunmi ‘11
Kendra Leah ’10 and Mark ’11 McIntire
Megan Scilley ’11 and ‘13 (speech-language-hearing science, speech-language pathology) joined Beyond Boundaries Therapy Services in Fargo as a speech-language pathologist. Cory Ystenes ’11 (business administration) was promoted to personal banking supervisor at Gate City Bank at the Hornbacher’s at Southgate branch, Fargo.
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Jamie Gott ’12 (operations management) joined the RLE Group, Fargo, as project CAD/Revit technician. Gott has many years of experience in architectural drafting and project management. She is pursuing a master’s degree in construction management at NDSU.
E-mail your baby photos to alumni@mnstate.edu.
Dear Alumni and Friends,
JUST MARRIED!
It is my privilege to present the FY13 audited financials for the Alumni Foundation. We have great news—our 2013 total assets grew by more than $3.02 million, and our endowed funds grew by 13 percent over the previous year’s assets. These funds will continue to support programs and provide scholarships for students at the university. 1
We thank all of the donors for contributing to the success of the Alumni Foundation and its continued support to students.
2
Corey Elmer ’94, President | MSUM Alumni Foundation
Growth of Endowed Funds 3
4
$14,000,000 $12,000,000 $10,000,000
5
6
$8,000,000 $6,000,000 7
8
$4,000,000 $2,000,000
1
2
Jeanne Berg ’91 & Mary Muecke August 3, 2013 Brianna (Brickweg) ’11 & Zac Liestman October 4, 2013
3
Andrea (Kelly) & Matthew Bye ’95 June 2, 2013
4
Laura (DeSutter) ’08 & Anthony Bengston May 25, 2013
5
6
Amanda (Huggett) ’08 & Calan Hofland June 8, 2013 Heidi (Hedman) ’08 & Ryan Sampson June 29, 2013
7
Anne (Pommerening) ’02 & William Malvin ‘07 May 18, 2013
8
Beth & Michael Kane ’09 August 10, 2013
Endowed Funds
2007-08
2008-09
2009-10
2010-11
2011-12
2012-13
MSUM Alumni Foundation Financial Position
How MSUM Alumni Foundation Money Was Spent
as of June 30, 2013
for the year ending June 30, 2013
Assets Total Current Assets Investments Pledges Receivable Property and Equipment Other Assets Total Assets
2013 2012 $2,321,812 $12,939,953 $2,408,704 $2,698,362 $3,809,911
$1,900,665 $11,172,184 $2,536,300 $3,417,820 $2,123,106
$24,178,742
$21,150,075
Fund Raising
15%
$234,353 $715,363 $3,119,711 $17,080,648
Total Liabilities and Net Assets
$21,150,075
$24,178,742
1%
Alumni Support
11%
Scholarships & Program Support
Liabilities and Net Assets Total Current Liabilities $204,297 Planned Giving Liabilities $1,761,953 Long term Debt $3,019,465 Total Net Assets $19,193,027
Planned Giving Payments
64%
Operating
9%
SPRING 2014
MOORHEAD MAGAZINE
49
CLASS NOTES
››
Alumni & Friends
Save the Date
In Memoriam
From academic and student life reunions to regional gatherings across the country, the Alumni Foundation offers numerous opportunities for you to stay connected. See the full listing at mnstate.edu/alumni and check back often as events are continually added. Upcoming events:
Alumni & Friends
▸ Counseling & Student Affairs Reunion March 28 ▸ Commencement - May 16 ▸ Regional Science 5K & 10K Trail Run - June 7
(July 1-December 11, 2013)
Bernice Anderson ’31 ’56 Pern Canton
▸ Sigma Tau Gamma Reunion - September 13
Elizabeth (McGarvey) Dronen ’89
▸ Homecoming 2014 - September 21-29 (Distinguished Alumni Celebration, Reunions: Grads of the 60s, Academic, Phi Sigma Kappa/Phi Sigma Epsilon)
Susan (Johnson) Flynn ’77
▸ Annual Alumni Night with the Twins - July 25
Jean (Goddard) Erickson ’42 Todd Gray ’88
Orrin Groff ’68
Barbara (Bohn) Hlavaty ’71 Kirk Holmes ’72
David Huerth ’83
James Husfloen ’70
Barbara (Sapa) Huzy ’64
Paula (Nelson) Jacobson ’83
Eugene A. Philipps Former Economics Department chairperson (1967-1974) Eugene A. Philipps, 81, Moorhead, died August 17. After serving in the Army, Philipps earned degrees in international marketing and finance, plus a Ph.D. in economics from the University of Illinois. He taught in Europe before joining the Moorhead State College economics faculty in 1966. During his tenure, the department grew to seven full-time members. He was responsible for much of the current curriculum, implementing a policy of having all faculty teach introductory courses, and requiring writing in all upper-level courses. Students remember him fondly for his passion in teaching, his encyclopedic knowledge of economics and history and his special bond with students. Bill Briggs ’67 (economics), of Briggs, Ramstad and Skoyles in Detroit Lakes, Minn., said, “He was the first professor of mine who invited students to his home as a group for an informal social gathering. As a student who was in awe of my professors, it was a treat to have him diminish the distance between student and teacher.” As a result of Philipps’ emphasis on student writing, for the last 12 years economics majors have participated at the Issues in Political Economy undergraduate student academic conference, where they present the results of their research alongside students from
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MOORHEAD MAGAZINE
SPRING 2014
Morlan Johnson ’58 Jeffrey Jones ’85 Richard Jones
Erin (Vettel) Koffler
Betty (Christensen) Koshnick ’42 Eric Martin ’92 ’99
Josephine Muckala ’64 Bret Mudgett ’79
Sheri (Sholts) Nagle ’83 Dartmouth, Smith, Princeton and similar schools. He provided the seed funds to help students participate in this conference.
Faye Ness ’94
“Even during retirement Gene kept abreast of department news. His passion and concern for students lasted until the end,” said economics Professor Oscar Flores. “Even as we visited him during his last days, Gene kept asking about students and how the program is adjusting to serve them better. He also left an endowment to support scholarships for economics students.”
Harriet Powers
George Pearson ’56 ’65
Dorothy (Gunderson) Powers ’52 Vivian Rengo ’53 ’57 Larry Ristvedt ’68 Lynda Schmaltz
Barbara (Fankhanel) Sellent ’51 Marion Smith
Dorothy (Jefferson) Storandt ’45 Donations to support student scholarships in Eugene Philipps’ memory may be sent to MSUM Alumni Foundation, 1104 7th Avenue S., Moorhead, MN 56563 or donate.mnstate.edu.
Susan Undine ’73
Janeen Virnala ’75
Vivian (Floberg) Wensel ’56 ’66 Warren Wenzel
Leon Zavadil ’71 ’78
If you’d like to have your creative work considered for inclusion in a future issue, please send a high-resolution (300 dpi) digital image and short description to Tim Borchers, Dean, College of Arts, Media & Communication, tim.borchers@mnstate.edu.
museums in 2014.
Art Museum, Fargo, and is on tour to other
that opened in September 2013 at Plains
Sun, a major exhibition of Solien’s new work
painting is in T.L. Solien: Toward the Setting
immigrant transition to a new country. The
was part of Western expansion and the
the underlying tension and violence that
set against a chaotic landscape captures
A young girl in a Norwegian folk costume
Tory Folliard Gallery, Milwaukee
96 x 60 inches
Oil and acrylic on canvas
Norwegian Costume, 2010
T.L. Solien, ’74 (Art)
featured artwork
1104 7th Avenue South Moorhead, Minnesota 56563
CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED
Non-Profit Org U.S. Postage PAID MSUM