Torch, Volume 44, Number 1, Annual report

A Magazine for Alumni & Friends of the University of Minnesota, Crookston

INSPIRING LEADERSHIP

SPECIAL ANNUAL REPORT Volume 44, Number 1 spring 2012

SUSTAINING DREAMS

MENTORING MINDS

“...you will see how we are helping our students explore the possibilities, ask questions, and use their skills to make a difference,�

Charles H. Casey, D.V.M. In the photo, left to right: Junior Adam Switzer, Chancellor Charles H. Casey, Sophomore Brant Moore, and Freshman Shelby Naab.

From the Chancellor

TABLE OF CONTENTS Baizhou Chen.................................. 4 On Board.......................................... 6 Campus News..................................7 Meagan Eul....................................... 8 Abbey Wemimo.............................10 Michael Schliep............................. 12 Kristine Neu....................................14 Samantha Zuck.............................. 16 Kristie Jerde...................................18 Director’s Letter...........................20 Donor Pages................................... 21 Calendar....................... Back Cover

Selecting stories highlighting the past year poses something of a dilemma for us.

So many of our students, faculty, and staff work diligently all the time and regularly go above and beyond the call of duty.

They make the University of Minnesota, Crookston a wonderful place to work, and their energy and zeal for the campus are an inspiration to those around them. If it were possible, I would name every one, but as you know, our magazine would run out of pages long before I could finish.

With this in mind, I hope you read this annual report as a sample of just how many truly exceptional students, faculty, and staff we have and that you will share this issue and these stories with others.

In the fall and spring, students are more active outdoors and on the campus mall, but in every season, they fill the residence halls, classrooms, and laboratories with life. Students are challenged to investigate ideas and engage in activities and discussions encouraging thought and exploration. Faculty research often involves our undergraduates allowing them to experience first-hand the challenges and rewards of scientific inquiry.

In athletics, clubs, and organizations, students take on roles requiring decisionmaking and leadership. They also volunteer and give back to the community by helping others. A valuable part of

character-building, these opportunities promote individual growth as well as a chance to function cohesively in a group.

Sometimes it is important for us to make decisions on our own as individuals, but there are also times when it is imperative for us to collaborate. The collegiate experience is designed for this kind of investigation and helps lay the foundation for determining where we fit not just in our own families and communities but as global citizens.

In the pages of this annual report, you will see how we are helping our students explore the possibilities, ask questions, and use their skills to make a difference.

These tasks require a focus on students by a dedicated faculty and staff and a reliance on one another to be vigilant and to give our very best.

Finally, I want to thank our donors because without you much of what we do would be impossible. With every page, I hope you see the power of giving demonstrated in a tangible way.

We are grateful to you for believing in us, for affirming our students through scholarships, furthering research, enhancing the learning environment, and most of all, for changing lives. You make all the difference.

Sincerely, Charles H. Casey, D.V.M. Chancellor 3

It’s a Life Changer “I am rewarded when I know that my teaching is changing lives,” Baizhou Chen.

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Relationships formed between students and faculty can become the foundation for friendships that last into a professional career. More importantly, they may serve as a source of both counsel and encouragement for a lifetime.

That influence is richly demonstrated in the life of Alumnus Baizhou Chen, who graduated from the University of Minnesota, Crookston in 2003.

Chen, originally from China, read a story about Minnesota in a magazine. The reference to the state’s many beautiful lakes appealed so much to him that he promised himself he would visit. That dream came true when he decided to attend college in the United States.

“I had credits in the area of hotel management, and it was an emerging industry in China,” Chen says. “Those credits influenced my decision to pursue a degree in the field. I found the degree at the U of M, Crookston, and the campus was also a transfer-friendly.”

One of the requirements for a degree in hotel, restaurant, and institutional management was accounting. Chen especially enjoyed the accounting classes,

taught by Larry Huus, and decided to pursue a graduate degree in that area.

Huus advised him to get his graduate degree, become a certified public accountant (CPA), and go to work for one of the Big Four accounting firms. “I followed his advice; I graduated from St. John’s University in New York; passed the CPA exams; and went to work for Ernst & Young—one of the Big Four,” Chen recalls. “I started as an intern at Ernst & Young, and they offered me a full-time position with them before I completed it.”

“What I love about the accounting profession is you must keep current,” Chen explains. “It gives me a lifelong motivation to continue learning. I also like that accounting enables me to see the big picture and the details at the same time.

“I came to St. John’s well prepared, and I attribute that preparation to my accounting background from Crookston,” he states. “UMC changed my life. Even as a student and as a working professional on the East Coast, I checked the UMC website frequently to see what was

Dae Yeul “Danny” Lee (right), an accounting major from Seoul, South Korea, is taking a class online from Teaching Specialist Baizhou Chen (left). On campus students may take online classes to fit their schedule.

Teaching Specialist Baizhou Chen (right) with accounting major Dae Yeul “Danny” Lee (left).

happening on campus. I feel such a deep connection to this place.”

Alumni can contribute in many ways to their alma mater. Chen came back to campus in fall 2011 in a new role—a teaching specialist in accounting. No longer a student, he now serves as a guide to students who are navigating university life. He loves teaching. “I am rewarded when I know that my teaching is changing lives,” he says. “Just like my life was influenced by my instructors. I want to be part of a culture that emphasizes people and one that supports me as a professional and as a colleague.”

And, Chen is finding that culture at Crookston.

Like any good advisor would, Chen has advice for current students: Whether you are going from this campus on to graduate school or into the workforce, be active and participate in student organizations.

The leadership skills you gain will be valuable to your future.

Be organized. It can be challenging to deal with deadlines. Have a good plan, create a to-do list, use a calendar, do what it takes to keep upto-date and prepared.

Be proactive and have a positive

attitude; it will work to your benefit. practicing it all the time. It will help Be adaptive and be prepared to you in a job interview, and practice is switch to a new priority quickly. We critical. all like to work on one thing at a time Chen follows his own advice and and not moving to another unless the wants his students to find their own first thing is done, but this will become path to success. “The Crookston more and more likely a luxury. Today campus has been, and always will employers expect you to handle be, an important part of my life,” he multiple tasks at the same time. shares. “It opened a window on the He also added this advice for world for me, and I discovered there international students on campus: are no limits. Education opens the Many higher education institutions doors to all kinds of possibilities.” charge international students more than their domestic students. UMC doesn’t differentiate so you are given the same opportunities.

The University of Minnesota, Crookston is able to prepare students to go anywhere they want to go. If you put in the effort, you can do whatever you want to do.

Use this opportunity Chen began teaching accounting in fall 2011. He moved to Crookston with his wife, Christine, and daughter, Cindy. The to improve your family is pictured outside the Tilles Center of Performance Arts English skills. Learn at the Long Island University. the language by 5

On Board “Success is not always measured in numbers, but it can be seen in the smiles of old friends reunited and the handshake signaling a new friendship about to begin. “

Below: Helen Nisbet ’41, Berneil Nelson ’42, and Betty (McVeety) Nisbet ’36 enjoy a moment together at the Northwest School of Agriculture Alumni Reunion on June 25, 2011.

Success can be measured in a variety ways. One way to measure it is by numbers but not just the numbers recorded in a financial report.

For the University of Minnesota, Crookston Alumni Association (UMCAA) Board, the number of alumni coming back for homecoming, the number of scholarships awarded, the number of alumni attending the Fargo Retired faculty member Jerry Knutson visited with Amy Loomer ’99 at the Fargo Alumni Social held on Alumni Social, and the number willing November 10, 2011. to commit to service on the board have made this year a great one.

Last fall’s homecoming weekend saw more than 100 alumni gather across campus, enjoying homecoming events, cheering on the Golden Eagles, and rekindling friendships with classmates, faculty, and staff. These alumni helped to make Homecoming 2011 one of our most successful in recent history. Likewise, the Northwest School of Agriculture (NWSA) Alumni Association enjoyed similar success last summer during their annual reunion when nearly 200 alumni returned to campus for the day-long event.

In fiscal year 2011, two seniors were awarded the UMCAA Scholarship. The two recipients, both 2011 graduates, were Katherine Schliep from Holloway, Minn., earning a degree in animal industries management, and Amanda Adkins from Detroit Lakes, Minn., earning a degree in agricultural education. With the awarding of these scholarships, the UMCAA carries on the tradition of presenting scholarships to descendents of alumni that started and continues with the NWSA Alumni Association who has awarded countless scholarships over the years.

More than 20 alumni stopped by the Ramada Plaza Suites in November for the second annual Fargo Alumni Social.

It was a great evening of reminiscing and reconnecting. For the Office of Development & Alumni Relations, planning already has begun for November 15, 2012. Alumni also gathered in February for the annual Arizona Social in Mesa. This gathering, which includes both campus alumni groups, has been averaging close to 100 alumni and friends for the past several years.

Alumni board members have a lot to do with the success of these events. Their enthusiasm, willingness to share the responsibilities involved in hosting these events, and encouraging alumni attendance make the difference between good and great. The The UMCAA Board at work in the Heritage Room in Kiehle during their annual meeting.

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alumni boards are advocates for the campus, and they are diligent about encouraging their fellow alumni to be active, involved, and engaged. They also share a commitment to bringing alumni back for these activities.

Success is not always measured in numbers, but it can be seen in the smiles of old friends reunited and the

handshake signaling a new friendship about to begin. It can be felt in the excitement of alumni returning to campus and the warm memories remaining when they leave. It begins with the anticipation of a new graduate heading out into the world and results in the deep connection with one’s alma mater fostered over a

collegiate career and beyond.

These signs of success have been everywhere this year—both on campus and off. They are evident in the numbers, but also in the relationships students and alumni build. It is these connections that make a difference and continue to lead us onward.

CAMPUS HEADLINES Chancellor Casey Announces Retirement

Chancellor Charles H. Casey, D.V.M., announced that he plans to retire at the end of the 201112 academic year. Casey has been UMC chancellor since September 2005 and has held other University leadership roles over nearly 35 years, including serving as a member of the Board of Regents and as dean and director of University of Minnesota Extension. Casey, whose last day as chancellor will be June 30, 2012, made the announcement during his “state of the campus” address to the UMC community. He expressed pride in the growth of the campus during his tenure, citing accomplishments including new programs, gains in enrollment and diversity, strategic facility investments, and completion of a comprehensive strategic plan. Watch for more on Chancellor Casey and his legacy in the next issue of the Torch.

Breakfast held at the McNamara Alumni Center on the Minneapolis campus. The Office for Equity and Diversity’s SEED awards program honors and acknowledges diverse students who are doing outstanding work at the University of Minnesota, both in and out of the classroom. When she graduates from the U of M, Crookston, Gurung will be the second woman from her remote village high in the Himalayan Mountains to do so. She hopes to return to her village and work to improve the lives of the villagers, especially the women and girls who continue to grow up in the shadow of inequality and oppression.

Campus ranked in Top Online Education Programs by U.S.News & World Report

The first-ever edition of Top Online Education Program rankings by U.S.News & World Report finds the University of Minnesota, Crookston ranked nationally among the top 40 colleges and universities in two separate categories for its online bachelor’s degree programs. The U of M, Crookston earned the #32 spot out of 173 colleges and universities nationally in the Teaching Practices and Student Engagement category and the #40 spot out of 179 schools nationally in the category Student Services and Technology.

Junior Yangchen Gurung Receives SEED Award A junior business management major was awarded the Scholarly Excellence in Equity and Diversity (SEED) award. Yangchen Gurung, Mustang, Nepal, received the President’s SEED Award for Outstanding ScholarActivism. She was recognized on November 16, 2011, at the University of Minnesota Equity and Diversity

Crops Team Finishes Second in National Contests

The Collegiate Crops Judging Team from the University of Minnesota, Crookston competed in the national crops contests recently finishing second in both the Kansas City and Chicago contests. Members of the 2011 team include seniors Chase Boen, Karlstad, Minn., double majoring in agronomy and agricultural business; Matthew Green, Greenbush, Minn., triple majoring in agricultural systems management, agronomy, and agricultural business; and Ethan Hulst, Crookston, Minn., majoring in agronomy.

The U of M, Crookston Collegiate Crops Team is coached for the second year by Rob Proulx, a lecturer in agronomy in the Agriculture and Natural Resources Department. In the photo, left to right: Coach Rob Proulx, Matthew Green, Ethan Hulst, and Chase Boen.

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“I was quite sure I didn’t want to move up to Crookston; that is, until I made a visit and fell in love with the campus and its size,” Megan Eul.

Working with children is a passion for Eul, who enjoys interacting with them while working on a project in the Early Childhood Development Center on campus.

Leading on the Court and in the Classroom Long ago basketball coaches were prohibited from coaching players during a game. Those precious moments during a time out are critical for a coach and players. Time outs also are important for young children and their teacher. They provide an opportunity to re-group and engage a change in strategy--much like the time-out in basketball.

Senior Megan Eul knows the importance of time-outs as a teacher and as a basketball player. The early childhood education major from Rosemount, Minn., also knows about balance. The kind of balance it takes to manage your class work with your athletic career while performing to the best of your ability in both.

This talented basketball player was recruited by Mike Roysland, head women’s basketball coach, when she was a high school senior. She had other plans that kept her close to home, but after a visit to the University of Minnesota, Crookston, everything changed.

“I was planning to play basketball and pursue my degree closer to home,” Eul

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offers. “In fact, I was quite sure I didn’t want to move up to Crookston; that is, until I made a visit and fell in love with the campus and its size.”

She has wanted to be a primary teacher in a public school for a long time. “My mom is a second-grade teacher, and I went with her to school,” Eul explains.

“She has been my inspiration, and when I go into an elementary school now, I know this is the right major for me because it all fits.”

At times, managing the lesson planning and preparation required of an early childhood major and her practice and game schedule as an athlete can be almost overwhelming. “But, I wouldn’t have it any other way,” she adds with a smile. “I would rather be busy.”

What she likes best about teaching is making a difference and seeing her students improve. “We work together as a student and teacher,” Eul says. “I like the same thing about basketball. We learn about one another, and we know what to expect from one another on the court.

That’s important as well as challenging

and fun.”

Basketball and homework aren’t the only things keeping her going. She served as president of the Early Childhood Club in 2010-11 and has been treasurer of the Student Athletic Advisory Committee for three years.

She is also a member of the Crookston chapter of the National Society of Leadership and Success.

Early childhood associate professors, Soo-Yin LimThompson, Marilyn Grave, and Marsha Odom understand the kind of time management skills a student-athlete has to maintain in order to succeed.

“Megan Eul serves as a good role model for other studentathletes as she balances academic demands and athletics expectations very well,” they acknowledge.

“We anticipate that her conscientious approach to class assignments and student teaching preparations, plus her willingness to serve as the Early Childhood Club president, are leading her to a successful teaching career.”

Basketball is a great stress reliever for Eul, and she loves being part of a team with such great camaraderie.

“We are a close-knit team, and that fact makes every day better,” she says. “It is great to go to practice with people you enjoy being around.”

Coach Mike Roysland considers Eul an asset to his team. “Megan is a very driven person who is fully committed to her team and teammates. Her daily work ethic is very contagious to all she comes in contact with,” Roysland states. “And, with that she also has a pleasing personality.”

Loyal to her Minnesota roots, Eul plans to stay in the state to work, ideally somewhere close to Minneapolis and St. Paul. But for now, she is enjoying the great community on the Crookston campus. “I never thought I would want to go to school so far from home, but I have felt comfortable on this campus and the faculty and staff make you feel so welcome.”

She will miss her collegiate basketball career when it ends, but she is excited about the prospect of “coaching” students in her own classroom. No doubt, she will use the skills she learned in basketball combined with the great hands-on learning experience she has had in the classroom to point her young students in the right direction. And, for Eul, there is only one right direction, and that’s to head for success.

A leader on the women’s basketball team, Eul knows the importance of time management when balancing her athletic and academic careers.

At top: Senior Megan Eul, an early childhood major, is joined by Grace who is wearing her reindeer hat.

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With a Heart for Home “Life is filled with obstacles; you have to make up your mind what you are going to do and go for it,” Abbey Wemimo.

He is a young man who lives life with conviction. For Junior Abbey Wemimo, love of country and family run deep.

Growing up in Lagos, Nigeria, Wemimo was the youngest of three children and the only son. His father died when he was a toddler, and he describes his mother as “the pillar of my life.”

“Without my mother, I would not have come to the University of Minnesota, Crookston to attend school,” Wemimo says. “Everything I do, I weigh what my mother would think because she has sacrificed for me and for our family her entire life.”

His mother and grandmother instilled the belief in him that “if you could think it, you could do it.” It is how Wemimo lives his life. “I make my decisions and move forward,” he reflects. “I work hard to understand people and their perspectives even when they are very different than my own. Life is filled with obstacles; you have to make up your mind what you are going to do and go for it.”

That determination took him to the U of M, Crookston. “I wanted a University of Minnesota degree, but I knew I would

need support,” Wemimo shares. “At this smaller campus, I found a family of friends to support me and caring faculty to whom I have access almost any time.

For me, college wasn’t about location, it was about people.”

Wemimo is a business management major and loves it. “I have always been interested in business, and when I approach something, it is always all business.”

He started young on this businessminded path. “When I was in school, my mother sent me a package from her trip in the United States that included candy bars,” he smiles. “I needed spending money, and I didn’t like to ask her for money, so I used my candy bars to turn a profit. I had something my friends and classmates wanted. They bought the candy bars, and I got my spending money.”

Campus involvement is important to Wemimo. He serves as the senator for international relations in the Crookston Student Association, is a member of the Multicultural and International Club, and vice president of Students in Free

Wemimo has been working with Rachel Lundbohm, associate director of the Center for Rural Entrepreneurial Studies (CRES) and business instructor, as a research assistant.

Marketing is one of his passions.

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Enterprise (SIFE). He has been a part of the presentation team for SIFE and a member of the National Society of Leadership and Success.

Currently, he is working for the Center for Rural Entrepreneurial Studies (CRES) as an undergraduate research assistant. “I love research, and I love marketing. Working for CRES gives me the opportunity to do both,” Wemimo says.

Last fall, he took advantage of an invitation to attend the 22nd Annual Diversity Recruitment Program at Harvard University. “I wondered if I would be the only one flying to Boston to attend the program, but when I got there, I met students from all over the world,” he says. “I want to go to graduate school and decided this program would be a great opportunity for me to visit Harvard, and it proved a great experience as I consider my future.”

Wemimo hopes to start a non-profit organization to benefit his country. In fact, he has already established a Facebook page called “Change Africa,” and the site is gaining momentum. He believes education is an important piece of the puzzle. “I want to change people’s mindset and their perceptions of Africa,” he offers. “I believe education is essential to change.”

“My mother’s sacrifice for my education demonstrates what she thought was important. Her example is a powerful influence, and I am willing to sacrifice to help my country.”

Junior Abbey Wemimo is active on campus in student government, Students in Free Enterprise, and as a member of the Multicultural and International Club.

Dave Anderson, better known as “Famous Dave” and founder of Famous Dave’s Legendary Real Pit Barbecue, spoke at the University of Minnesota, Crookson on Thursday, February 2, 2012. His visit was sponsored by the Center for Rural Entrepreneurial Studies.

In the photo, back row, left to right: Oxana Wieland, Baizhou Chen, Kenneth Johnson, “Famous Dave” Anderson, Susan Brorson, Hannah Reysen, Christian Yimgnia, and Kevin Cooper. Front row: Rachel Lundbohm, Lacole Hook, Courtney Bergman, Julie Trotter, Lisa Leiran, Jennifer Aipperspach, Abbey Wemimo

Read the Torch Online You can read the Torch, the alumni magazine for the Northwest School of Agriculture and the University of Minnesota, Crookston online by visiting: http://issuu.com/umcrookston or on the U of M, Crookston Web site at www.umcrookston.edu/alumni/torch If you would prefer to receive your Torch online only, contact Elizabeth Tollefson at 218-281-8432 (ltollefs@umn.edu) 11

Programming Teamwork “One of the most important things I have learned from the NOvA installation software project has been teamwork,” Michael Schliep.

Students at the University of Minnesota, Crookston are developing quality assurance software for the installation of a detector that will be part of the world’s most sophisticated neutrino experiment.

Neutrinos are atomic particles similar to electrons except they are electrically neutral. Their mysterious behavior will be studied at the new NOvA Detector Facility near Ash River, Minnesota, located southeast of International Falls.

NOvA is the acronym for NuMI Off-Axis Neutrino Appearance experiment.

The Department of Energy’s Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory, currently under construction, will send an intense neutrino beam from Fermilab in Illinois to the NOvA Detector Facility, the international laboratory of the University of Minnesota’s School of Physics and Astronomy. Neutrinos travel the 500 mile journey in less than three milliseconds.

(For more information, visit www.fnal. gov/pub/recovery/ projects/nova.html) One of the students working on the software project under the direction of Associate Professor David DeMuth, Jr., has been Michael Schliep, a December 2011 software engineering graduate.

Schliep, along with three other students have worked on different aspects of the software according to detailed specifications required for the project. Once

Schliep worked at the Computer Help Desk as a student, and in spring 2011, he was named Outstanding Computer Help Desk Employee.

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in place, students from Crookston will be involved in maintaining the software as well.

“One of the most important things I have learned from the NOvA installation software project has been teamwork,” Schliep reflects. “We worked with many different people across the project and in many ways the project was even bigger than I first anticipated. It taught me the value of working together as a team and demonstrated how critical teamwork is to getting things done.”

Schliep started on his part of the project in May 2011. It also fulfilled an internship requirement he needed as a software engineering major. The involvement in real-world projects is one of the things that Schliep says he enjoys about Crookston. “I knew when I was graduated from high school that I wanted to attend one of the U of M campuses,” Schliep explains. “Martin Lundell, who taught in

Michael Schliep graduated in December 2011 with a degree in software engineering.

the Math, Science, and Technology Department, sold me on the idea of coming to Crookston.

“In only my second semester on campus, I was involved in a development project. That’s what I love about this campus—the opportunity for me to be involved in development projects right away.” Schliep wasn’t the first in his family to graduate from the Crookston campus, his sister, Katherine, graduated with her bachelor’s degree in animal science in 2011, and his father, David, graduated in 1978 with an associate degree in diversified agricultural production when the campus was a two-year technical college.

One of Schliep’s favorite projects was one he worked on with Associate Professor Jingpeng Tang. “I assisted on a joint project he had with the University of North Dakota working on smart grids,” Schliep shares. A smart grid is a digitally enabled electrical grid that gathers, distributes, and acts on information supplied by agents.

While the project has since taken on a different direction since he was involved, Schliep still recalls how much he enjoyed this kind of real work.

The future for Schliep includes plans for graduate school, and eventually he would like to work for a company in the area of research and development. He is enthusiastic about where his career might take him. “The field of software engineering is a wide open growing one,” he says. “I am excited about the possibilities and potential for employment.”

Involvement with faculty in research broadens a student’s academic profile and deepens the level of engagement.

Students forge valuable relationships and gain exposure to the rigors of research. It also may help uncover a hidden talent or a passion to pursue all while working side-by-side with their professor. Those kinds of opportunities are priceless and can significantly influence a future career. At least it sure seems to be the case for Schliep. All that remains now is to see where his experiences take him.

Torch

UMCAA Board Paige Eskelson ‘08 Volume 44, Number 1, Spring 2012 – Donna Hartel ‘07 Annual Report, Rory Held ‘11 Torch is a publication of the Nancie Hoerner ‘95 University of Minnesota, Crookston. Juanita Lopez ‘08 Amy (Peterson) Lubarski ‘02 Director of Development & Carl Melbye ‘77 Alumni Relations Linda (Knutson) Morgan ’85 & ‘09 Corby Kemmer Greg Nathan ‘98 218-281-8434 Jen (Novak) Nelson ‘06 ckemmer@umn.edu Katie (Becker) Shaw ‘07 Karl Syverson ‘11 Support Staff Bill Thielke ‘94 Rose Ulseth ‘87 218-281-8439 NWSA Alumni Association Board rulseth@umn.edu Jim Chandler ‘67 Don Diedrich ‘56 Sue Dwyer ‘74 Allan Dragseth ‘57 218-281-8401 Lowell Hamrick ‘53 sdwyer@umn.edu David Haugo ‘52 Charles Holmquist ’52 Bob Kliner ‘68 Melvin Larson ‘55 Barbara (Hylland) Lunsetter ’56 Berneil Nelson ’42, ex officio Beulah (Stolaas) Vad ‘58 Jean (Stromstad) Vigness Parker ‘55

Contact information: Torch Elizabeth Tollefson ’02, editor University of Minnesota, Crookston 2900 University Avenue Crookston, Minnesota 56716 Phone: 218-281-8432 Fax: 218-281-8440 E-mail: ltollefs@umn.edu

The University of Minnesota is committed to the policy that all persons shall have equal access to its programs, facilities and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status or sexual orientation.

The University of Minnesota, Crookston is a public, baccalaureate, coeducational institution and a coordinate campus of the University of Minnesota. The Northwest School of Agriculture (NWSA) was a residential high school serving students from 1906-68 and the predecessor of the Crookston campus. The Torch is named for the historical passing of the educational torch between the NWSA and the U of M, Crookston in 1968.

Layout and design by Amy Chandler Design of Grand Forks, N.D., and printed at Forum Communications Printing in Fargo, N.D. Printed on recycled and recyclable paper with at least 10 percent post-consumer material using agribased inks.

On the front cover: Top: Abbey Wemimo, a junior business management major from Lagos, Nigeria; Middle: Megan Eul, a senior early childhood major from Rosemount, Minn., with Grace in the Early Childhood Development Center.; Bottom: Baizhou Chen ‘03 (left), teaching specialist in accounting with Dae Yeul “Danny” Lee (right), a junior accounting major from Seoul, South Korea.

On the back cover, Because feature: Samantha Zuck, a junior animal science major from Jamestown, N.D.

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Growing a Professional “I’m excited by the doors that have been opened for me thanks to this experience, and I hope I am able to organize events like this in the future on an even larger scale,” Kristine Neu.

Written by Senior Kristine Neu, a double major in horticulture and communication and communications assistant in University Relations Planning a conference for more than thirty people is something that few seasoned professionals, let alone college undergraduates, have undertaken. For Kristine Neu, U of M, Crookston senior, it became a part of her college career for the past two years. This horticulture and communication double major served as the 2010-2011 conference chair of the Mid-America Collegiate Horticultural

Society (MACHS). “MACHS was something that I was first involved in as a freshman on the U of M, Crookston team.

I never imagined that I would be running the show some day,” laughs Neu. MACHS is a horticultural student organization comprised of universities from 12 states across the Midwest. The objectives of the organization are to promote an awareness of the profession of horticulture, furnish a medium of communication for horticulture students, and exchange club and professional ideas.

Each year a different university hosts a three day conference that includes a

Neu credits her support system for the success of the Mid-America Collegiate Horticultural Society 38th annual conference. (l to r) U of M, Crookston Horticulture Club members Amanda Thompson and Catlin Kersting, MACHS Chair Kristine Neu, Instructor Sue Jacobson and Lab Services Coordinator Theresa Helgeson.

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The U of M, Crookston Horticulture Club members eagerly awaiting the arrival of the MACHS students prior to registration. (l to r) Michael Laurich, Kristine Neu, Ashlynn Hartung, Rebecca West, Chad Harrer, Catlin Kersting.

The entire MACHS group had the opportunity to cross the Mississippi River Headwaters during a day of regional tours. Students came from Iowa State University, Northwest Missouri State University, North Dakota State University, South Dakota State University, the University of Wisconsin- River Falls, and Western Illinois University.

competition, guest speakers, regional tours, and an annual business meeting.

“Knowing I would be in charge of planning the conference for fall 2011, I took good notes of everything that took place at the 2010 conference at Iowa State University,” comments Neu. Neu is very grateful for her communication degree which aided in planning for MACHS, “I was able to take a lot of what I have learned in my classes and apply it to project planning. I had to stay very organized.” She also gives credit to her support system, “Without the help of Sue Jacobson, Theresa Helgeson, and the members of the Horticulture Club this event would not have been the success it was.”

All of the hours that went into preparing the MACHS conference paid off when 33 students and 3 advisors descended upon the U of M, Crookston campus from

Thursday, October 20 through Sunday, October 23, 2011. “Once everyone arrived for registration on Thursday evening, it really hit me that we were making campus history,” remarks Neu. This was the first time that the U of M, Crookston had ever hosted MACHS. Friday morning of the conference was the contest where the six visiting universities competed. The afternoon and evening were filled with guest speakers. “It was a treat to have each of our guest speakers join us. Linda Kingery, Kathleen Brokke, Bert Swanson, and Rusty Schmidt all did an excellent job!”

For Neu, Saturday was the favorite day. “I put a lot of time into planning out a series of tour stops around our region, and it was a nice to share the prairies and forests of our state with so many guests.” The students ended their day at

Itasca State Park where the entire group had the opportunity to cross the Mississippi Headwaters.

When the students departed for home on Sunday afternoon, Neu breathed a sigh of relief. “Being in charge of this conference was the single most stressful, challenging, exhilarating, and fulfilling task I have accomplished during my college career,” shares Neu. She is confident the experience she gained from planning MACHS will certainly help her grow a career as she graduates in May. “I’m excited by the doors that have been opened for me thanks to this experience, and I hope I am able to organize events like this in the future on an even larger scale.”

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Caring for Creatures Great and Small “My mother never knew what kind of animal I would be bringing home. There were two rules in our house—no rodents and no snakes,” Samantha Zuck.

It is a dream 18 years in the making, but Junior Samantha “Sam” Zuck is well on her way. Since she was four years old, Zuck has known she wanted to become a veterinarian. “My mother never knew what kind of animal I would be bringing home,” she smiles. “There were two rules in our house—no rodents and no snakes.”

The animal science major from Jamestown, N.D., had intended to go to school elsewhere, when she met and visited with an admissions representative from the University of Minnesota, Crookston. That interaction at a college fair changed her direction, and after a visit to campus, Zuck knew where she wanted to go to school.

A bright, motivated student, Zuck was invited to join the First-Year Honor Society. Membership in the national honor society for first-year students is based on a cumulative grade point average of 3.5 or better during the first term. Her grades have not faltered; she has appeared on either the deans or chancellors lists every term and maintains a 3.9 grade point average.

She has always loved science particularly the biological sciences and says the courses in animal science have been the ones that have made her want to get up and go to class. She has been

told she is too small to handle large animals, but Zuck is impervious to remarks questioning her size and ability with large animals. In fact, she says, “Those comments have made me even more determined.” An incident during her internship when she was shoved into the wall by a cow did not faze her. Zuck knows her own mind and is confident of her career choice.

Some day, she hopes to own her own clinic in rural North Dakota. She is aware of the need for veterinarians in rural areas and hopes to return to her home state to practice.

Like many of her peers, Zuck appreciates all the student activities available. She lived on campus for two years, and even after moving off campus, she still spends several nights a week on campus participating in events and activities. She is president of Alpha Lambda Delta, historian for Ag Arama, a member of the Animal Science Association and Pre-Vet Club, and for her first two years was a member of the Collegiate FFA. Zuck has been involved with Peer Connections, a mentoring program for first-year students who are paired with an upperclassman. She also tutors in the Academic Assistance Center and

Animal science major, Samantha Zuck has wanted to become a veterinarian since she was four years old.

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Originally from Jamestown, N.D., Zuck hopes to return there to work in North Dakota as a veterinarian.

the campus Writing Center. In the evenings, she works as a supervisor for the student calling effort in admissions.

Her love for animals of all sizes could be attributed somewhat to her grandfather who kept chickens and rabbits on his farm for Zuck and her siblings. A friend near Jamestown had beef cattle where she enjoyed spending time growing up. The experience confirms her interest in owning and operating a veterinary clinic for animals of any size.

Next summer before her senior year at the U of M, Crookston, she is marrying her high school sweetheart. She also will be applying to graduate schools and preparing to move on to the next phase of her education. Zuck has her plan laid out on a course she has been focused on for quite some time, and she loves where it is taking her.

“You cannot ask an animal what is wrong; you have to depend on the owner to describe what is going on

with them,” Zuck explains. “But, animals have personalities and feelings, and while this requires you to be more observant, it doesn’t mean they do not communicate with you.

That communication is what makes

working with animals so special.”

Her abilities, not just with animals but also with people, make Zuck special, and those abilities will carry her forward and will be an integral part of all her future success.

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Never a Dull Moment “One of my priorities is to have my community advisors feel supported,” Kristie Jerde.

She is a California girl putting down roots in Minnesota, and for the past six years, Kristie Jerde has been opening her heart to the students on the Crookston campus. As assistant director of residential life, she lives and works with students 24-hours-a-day, seven-days-a-week.

Jerde discovered the seeds of her present career as a residential advisor, now referred to as a community advisor, when she was a student at California State University in Chico where she earned a degree in anthropology with a minor in religion. She loves the study of human interaction and the role that culture plays in how we understand things. “We see and think about things by using our own cultural filters,” Jerde explains. “I believe my background prepared me well for this position and for working with all the diversity on a college campus.”

She smiles as she tells about her own version of culture shock moving from the West Coast to the northwest corner of Minnesota. “I can relate because of my own taste of culture change between where I grew up and here,” she relates. “I want to help students understand how things play out socially and provide support. One of my priorities is to have my community advisors feel supported.”

The graduation in 2011 of a group of community advisors who had been with her for three and four years was a new experience for Jerde. “It was emotional for me to see this group of seniors graduate,” she reflects. “They had been with me for several years and you get to be a cohesive group when you work together so closely.”

Her staff includes students from around the world and across the age spectrum. “Our staff in residential life has become quite diverse which is very exciting,” she says. “As we deal with issues in housing, this diversity has given us greater understanding and has been a huge help for our students.”

To add to her credentials, Jerde added a master’s degree in educational leadership from the University of North Dakota in Grand Forks. She works hard to help her community advisors learn valuable leadership skills and plays an important role

Jerde is advisor for the Black Student Association on campus and serves on the Diversity Council. She is pictured here with members of her community advisor staff (l to r): Amoy Carty, Jerde, Alvin Tong, Tim Tallman, and Katie Schnieder.

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Kristie Jerde with Senior Amoy Carty, a community advisor, working during Casino Night in January in Evergreen Hall. The event is one of the most popular sponsored by Residential Life.

in the development of those students. She values the people who have helped her in her growth as a professional starting with her own director of housing as an undergraduate. “Dr. David Stephen advised me and encouraged me as a student,” Jerde explains. “He also gave me professional advice.”

Students interested in becoming community advisors must have at least a 2.5 grade point average to be on staff. They play an important part as role models and student leaders. “Most of the students stay 2, 3, and even 4 years working as community advisors. “I tell them, if you can do this job, you can do anything,” Jerde says. “You can handle conflict, manage academic expectations, and everything else life throws at you. And, they learn to do all this in a safe environment. When they graduate, they leave ready for anything.”

Jerde enjoys working with students and watching them learn and grow.

The whole process of student development is her focus, and she loves building relationships with them and helping guide them to success.

“Living and working with people is filled with challenges and rewards,” Jerde says. “I love the fact that there is no ‘typical’ day in residential life.”

Kristie (Jacobsen) Jerde was married last summer to UMC Alumnus Justin Jerde ’00.

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From the Director of Development & Alumni Relations “...we must work together as a team and expose everyone to the culture that demonstrates the power of giving,” Corby Kemmer, director, Development & Alumni Relations.

Office of Development & Alumni Relations staff members include, left to right: Rose Ulseth, Corby Kemmer, Sue Dwyer, and Bill Tyrrell.

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Building a Philanthropic Culture - FY11 Annual Report

The support we build together at the University of Minnesota, Crookston touches everyone. Your private dollars provide scholarships which aid in our recruitment, retention, and graduation rates. Your financial support impacts academic programs, allows increased research funding, influences capital improvements, and other strategic initiatives. As the university grows stronger through your private support, we contribute a significant annual economic impact on the local, regional, and state economy.

As donors, your generosity in FY11 (July 1, 2010 – June 30, 2011) garnered nearly $800,000, the largest in eight years. Your investments came from across the region, the nation, and the globe, proving your passion and admiration for the U of M, Crookston.

• Over the last five fiscal years; FY2007 – FY2011 (July 1, 2006 – June, 30,

2011) your generous giving has led to five consecutive years of enhanced

fundraising growth and a 65% increase from FY07-FY11.

As we continue to strive for greatness, we must work together as a team and expose everyone to the culture that demonstrates the power of giving. As director of development, it is my privilege to work with you on your philanthropic wishes today and in the future for the betterment of the University of Minnesota, Crookston.

From the bottom of my heart, I thank you.

Sincerely, Corby Kemmer, director Development & Alumni Relations

REMEMBER THE UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA, CROOKSTON A will or living trust is a statement about what matters most in your life. It ensures that your intentions are clearly understood and will be followed by those administering your estate.

If you value your experience at the University of Minnesota, Crookston or the Northwest School of Agriculture, you can leave a legacy through a gift to the campus in your will.

Your generosity will help further the mission of the University of Minnesota, Crookston to provide education, research and outreach. The following language can be used by you and your attorney in your will: “I give, devise and bequeath to the University of Minnesota Foundation (percentage, sum or description of property) for the benefit of the University of Minnesota, Crookston.”

If you would like more information, contact Corby Kemmer, director of development & alumni relations toll free at 1-800-862-6466, ext. 8434 or 218-281-8434 (ckemmer@umn. edu).

For more information about giving or to give a gift online, visit www.umcrookston.edu/alumni/giving.html.

Excerpted from The Importance of a Will published by the University of Minnesota Foundation.

Lifetime Giving Builders Society

(Lifetime Gifts of $1,000,000 $9,999,999) Lyle & Kathleen Kasprick Frank W. Veden* Charitable Trust

Regents Society

(Lifetime Gifts of $250,000 $999,999) Stanley S.* & Hanorah* K. Alseth Larry & Diane Altringer Otto Bremer Foundation Michael* & Linda Chowdry Family Foundation Elenora Amalia & Ben Filipi, In Memoriam The Ford Foundation Rolland* & Avis* Gustafson Lester & June Nielsen Donald & Wilma* Oss Otter Tail Power Company Harris A. Peterson/Minn-Dak Growers Assn.

June Shaver Jeraldine Swain* UMC Teambackers

Trustees Society

(Lifetime Gifts of $100,000 $249,999) Agrium Advanced Technologies, Inc. American Crystal Sugar Company Blandin Foundation Bremer Bank Charles H. Casey & Barbara J. Muesing Mary Jo (Melbye) & Rick Eastes Carl & Lorraine Hord, In Memoriam Wallace* & Hanna* Miller Roger & Paulette Moe Hazel E. Nakken Estate Ernest J. Newhouse* Northwest Minnesota Foundation Robert & Barbara Peterson Stanley* & Mil* Sahlstrom Andrew & Elmer Wardeberg, In Memoriam

Chancellors Society

(Lifetime Gifts of $25,000 - $99,999) Altru Health System Rose C. Anderson Estate Bayer Corporation Big Valley 4-H Cluster Fair, Inc. Robert & Becky Cameron

Cy & Frances Carpenter Richard Cecchettini & Nan Wille Cenex Harvest States Foundation Crookston National Bank Dak-Bev/PepsiAmericas, Inc. Deutsche Banc Alex Brown, Inc. Allan & Judy Dragseth Doris & Gary Egbert Walter & Elinor Fehr Jeffrey Field Kenton & Barbara Freberg Harlene Hagen Vicki Hagen Bruce & Aase Hamnes Robert Hoerner Tom Hruby Hugo’s Gloria Hvidsten* IBM Corporation JoongAng G&S Paul Klodt KPC KROX Radio/Frank & Jeannette Fee Allan & Kathryn Larson Carol Mack Kathleen Mahon Marion Ugland Mallinger Estate Marvin Windows & Doors Elaine Maruska Michael & Barbara Menzhuber Midwest Dairy Assn. (formerly American Dairy Assn.)

Minnesota Approved Seed Conditioner & Marketing Assn.

Cheryl Most Northern Co-op Foundation Kathleen A. O’Brien & Jeffrey Loesch Roger & Gail Odegaard Doug & Sandi Oman Georgia Orton Allen & Freda Pedersen Albert O. Peterson* Harold O. & Alma* Peterson Courtney & Mary Pulkrabek RiverView Healthcare Assn.

Robert G. Robinson* Del & Judy Roelofs Donald & Mary Beth Sargeant Dr. Russell Sather* Andrew Skaar Larry & Sandra Smith Phyllis Anderson Solee Syngenta Crop Protection Inc. Bill & Mary* Tyrrell VFW Post 1902, Crookston Gordon & Diane Viere Allan H. & Barbara Ward/Ward Charitable Trust Barbara & Philip Weiler Wise Option William & Nancy Zats

Students featured at the Torch & Shield Recognition were: Ben Williams, Beth Walters, Brooke Hamilton, Tyler Brazier, and Tony Taylor.

Ambassadors Club

(Lifetime Gifts of $10,000 - $24,999) 3M Foundation Inc. American Legion Post #20 Everett & Rejeanne* Anderson Marv & Diane Bachmeier Benjamin & Ardelle* Bakkegard David & Karen Bang Don & Carrie Bang Mark & Theresa Barens BASF Corporation Daniel & Rochelle Bauer Percy & Colleen Blake Lawrence Breen Lyle* & Jeanne Brekken Hilmer* & Hildegard Brost Philip* & Ethel* Buckley Peter & Karen Carlson Cathedral of Immaculate Conception (George & Cecil Conati Scholarship) Donald & Mary Cavalier Centrol of Twin Valley Alan Copa Thomas Crane

Crookston Area Chamber of Commerce Crookston Development Authority Crookston Jobs Crookston Noon Day Lions Crookston Rotary Club Morris Dahl* Dahlgren and Company, Inc. Clifford Dahlsad* John Doherty Dow AgroSciences, LLC Hannah Dowell* Jack & Audrey Eickhof Dr. Peter & Doris Fehr Thomas & Kim Feiro Dr. Colin Fennell Glen & Marlys Finkenbinder First State Bank of Fertile Dona Fisher George & Rae French Arvin I. Gorden* Great Plains Natural Gas Edna Gudvangen Estate Charles & Christine Habstritt Delmar* & Eunice* Hagen

Student Ambassadors Alisha Aasness, Joe Harren, and Rachel Keimig.

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President Shuming Li (left), president of Zhejiang Economic and Trade Polytechnic, Hangzhou, China, receives his Torch & Shield Award from Chancellor Casey.

Hartz Foundation Vanessa Heinecke Stephanie Helgeson David & Irene Hoff Duane & Susan Hoff Christopher J. Holland Art* & Joyce Howard Earl Hvidsten* Kenneth & Patricia Johannson Ray K. Johnson Leanne Jordahl Karen & Dean Jorgenson Mary Louise Jorgenson* Michelle Wilcox King Albert Kopecky* Land O’ Lakes, Inc. Charles & Jorene Larson Keith Magnuson George & Karen Marx Richard Maves McDonald’s of Crookston/Mike & Cindy O’Keefe Gary & Nancy McVey Rita Meyer Catherine Meyers

Mid-State Chapter - MN Society of CPA’s Mid-Valley Grain Co-op Andrew V. Miller Minnesota Grain & Feed Association Maureen E. Murphy Peter & Laurie Nordquist North Central Food Systems, Inc. Northwest Regional Development Commission Anne Nowlan T.W.* & Mildred* Odegaard Edwin & Mary Ann Odland Catherine O’Link-Meyers & David Meyers Randal L. Olson Steven C. Olson Richard Pals Arnold & Pamela Paradis Edwin Pearson* Ralph & Mary Pester PKM Electric Cooperative, Inc. Polk County, Crookston Reed Quern Keith Ramberg John & Ruth Reese Robertson Brothers Clarence & Edna Sargent Eugene & Susan Scarberry Gary & Carol Senske Otilda Anderson Shadensack Estate

Paul Bhajjan and Brooke Hamilton.

Arnold & Barb Skeie Robert & Julie Smith William* & Jean Strickler W. Daniel & Vicki Svedarsky Charles & Audrey* Sylvester Ralph & Carole Taylor The Andersons, Inc. UMC Management Club UMC Women’s Association John & Janice Vallager Roger Ward* Karla Watson Mark & Debra Wessels JoAnn & Al* Westburg Lyle & Susan Westrom Norine Wilcox F. David Williams Laurie & Daniel Wilson Carol Windels Harvey & Jeannine Windels Bernard & Bernice* Youngquist John & Deborah M. Zak

Champions Club

(Lifetime Gifts of $5,000 - $9,999) Paul & Janet Aakre Agriliance, LLC American Federal Bank, Crookston Bonita* & Bruce Anderson Anonymous Association of American Agricultural Insurers Aventis Cropscience Philip & JoAnn Baird Thomas Baldwin & Ardith Pelton Bruce Beresford* Biermaier Chiropractic Clinic/Dr. Steve & Jana Biermaier Jo Bolte Kenneth E. & Harriet Broin Ruth Menzhuber Buness* John & Mary Bywater Linda Chowdry Brian Ciccone City of Crookston Bo & Margareta Crabo

Marlys and Glen Finkenbinder

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(left to right):Carol Windels, professor of plant pathology, Northwest Research and Outreach Center (NWROC); UMC Chancellor Charles H. Casey; Robert Nelson, registrar and director of institutional research, UMC; Albert Sims, director of operations, NWROC; Kathleen O’Brien, vice president for university services, University of Minnesota.

Melissa Stephens and Doug Pedrick from Sodexo Dining Services Crookston Kiwanis Margaret Czachor Margaret Drury Robert & Diana Fehr Cynthia Fossey Fraternal Order of Eagles, Crookston Aerie #873 Jack Frid Michael & Connie Gasper Grain Terminal Association Art Greenberg Orland & Vivian Hanson Richard & Terry Hanson Happy Joe’s/WOK, Inc. David & Jean Haugo Richard & Carole Hebert Charles & Marlys Hiller Charles & Bonnie* Holmquist Alice & Joseph Hufstedler Shelly Hughes Johannson, Rust, Stock & Rasmussen P.A. Robert L. & Joan Johnson Wendell & Penny Johnson Richard Jordahl Kim Kaug Preston* & Patricia* Dollard King Jerome & Mary Lynne* Knutson Harold & Marjorie Lang LESCO, Inc. Elizabeth Luther Herschel* & Yvonne Lysaker Joseph & Virginia Massey Nicolle McBlair MDU Resources Fnd. Midwest Coca-Cola Bottling Company Minnesota Nursery & Landscape Fnd. Minnesota Turf & Grounds Fnd. Dr. Paul & Nancy Moran Berneil Nelson Robert & Gayle Nelson Alan & G. Lorraine Nesland Dr. Anton & Barbara Nesse Northcentral Turfgrass Assn.

Northland Inn, Crookston Northwest Agri-Dealers Association Northwest Feed Manufacturers Association Northwest Manufacturing, Inc. Northwestern Stockmen’s Assn.

Odland, Fitzgerald, Reynolds & Harbott Marsha Odom Jeff Oseth Paramark Corp.

G. Milford Peterson Trust The Pillsbury Company Trish & Pete Ramstad William & Jean Rath Red River Valley Sugarbeet Growers Assn.

Gilmore Restad Estate Kathleen & Louis Rezzonico Gerhard* & Norma Ross Jane Schock Jack & Karen Sheehan Simplot Shared Services AP Dr. Sara Sneed Shannon & Jodi Stassen State Farm Company Foundation Wayne & JoAnn Swanson Jason & Renee Tangquist Dr. Kari Torkelson Twyla Treanor Esther Tyrrell Ultima Bank of Minnesota Villa St. Vincent Drs. Jane C. Widseth & R. Bruce Partridge Stephen Wright* Dr. Paul & Mary Youngquist

Sponsors Club

(Lifetime Gifts of $2,500 - $4,999) AGSCO, Inc. Curtiss & Marlene Almlie Anderson Beverages

Thomas E.* & Kirsten Anderson John & Sharon Baldwin Kristen & Brent Bartsch Connie Batten Bill & Arlene Bayer Marjorie Berendt Howard & Cathy Bergerud Cindy Bigger Lon & Chris Boike Robert* & Gladys Boucher Central Livestock Association Keith Chisholm Charles Christians Michelle & Mike Christopherson Crookston Valley Cooperative, Inc. Michael & Michelle Curfman Del Vecchio Family Eugene & Mary Anne Dietz Lisa & Marvin Drill Sue & Paul Dwyer Frederic & Rose Mary Eldridge David & Peggy Engh Marshall Evans* First American Bank, Warren Ivan Gandrud GFG Foodservice, Inc. GFWC Women’s Club Dr. Peter & Ann Graham Arlyss & Richard Grosz Tyler & Rhea Grove Theodore Haas Corey & Michelle Hansen Gilman* & Maxine* Hanson Curtis & Lori Haugen HealthSouth Sports Medicine & Rehabilitation Center Ralph & Rene Heimer Tom Helgeson Gary & Lori Hoerner Paul & Alice Holm Charles Horowitz Harry Howard David & Bertha Hsiao Larry Huus* E. Paul & Katherine Imle Jeannie Jensen Robert & JoAnn Jeska Brenda Cruz Keith Donald* & Donna Keith Corby Kemmer & Sherry Just Orvis & Carol Kloster Dale & Mary Ann Knotek Russell & Susan Kreager Mark Kunkel Florence Kuznia Douglas Langer Dr. Martha C. Larsen Lowell & Carole Larson Teri Lawson Leonard, Street & Deinhard Bernie Lieder Betty Lundin Patti Malme

Marshall County Crop Improvement Assn.

Jennifer Marske McKinnon Co., Inc. Donald & Mary Medal Ruben & Gail Mendez Philip Meyers Midwest Dairy Association JR Miller & Company Minn-Dak Asphalt, Inc. Minn-Dakota Coaches, Inc. Minnesota Wheat Research & Promotion Council Ira & Marjorie Mjelde Bruce & Marlys Mjoen Craig & Linda Morgan Lynnette Mullins Donald & Ann Mykleby Jerry Nagel & Brenda Menier Rodney & Nancy Nelson Jessica Newcomb Noah Insurance Service Norby’s Work Perks Jacqueline & James Normandin Northern States Power Scott & Denice Oliver Glenn Olsen & Barbara HagerOlsen Kramer W. Olsen Sharon Olson Susan Omdahl Fred Ophus Cindy Ostlie PENTAIR, Inc. Harvey Peterson William C. & Debra Peterson Alison Phillips Thomas & Deborah Piche’ Marissa Pierce Dr. Karl & Roxann Podratz Krista & Mike Proulx Gary & Patricia Purath Michelle Ramstad William T. & Pearl Rasmussen Red River Valley Potato Growers Assn.

Forest & Rose Reichel John Reitmeier Christine Renard RiverView Golf Course, Inc. Marielle Robinson Alex & Hollyn Rodeck Alan Roebke David & Jocelyn Rolling Elizabeth Roth Mike & Kim Roysland Dr. Daniel Rud John & Lynel Schleicher Saul Schubert Amber & Ryan Schultz Richard & Faith Schwartz Judith Schwieger James E. Senske Steele & Sherry Senske 23

Jim & Sharon Sims Stephen & Judith Slack Dorothy & Rodney Soderstrom Sports, Etc. James Sterriker Subway, Crookston Swanson, Ostlie and Associates Roger Thiem Titan Machinery Terry & Elizabeth Tollefson Norman Torkelson Peter Trick Theresa Trocke Two Captains, Inc. Rose & Marc Ulseth UMC Horticulture Club UMC Hospitality Club Vaaler Insurance, Inc. Lee & Sharon Wall Gary Warren Pete Wasberg Moris & Diana Webster West Polk County Crop Improvement Assn.

Terri Weyer Bonnie Wichterman Widman’s Candy Shop Edwin* & Janet* Widseth Richard Widseth Widseth Smith Nolting & Associates Charles & Ruth Wilder Owen & Linda Williams XCEL Energy David & Mary Yost

Associates Club

(Lifetime Gifts of $1,000 - $2,499) David & Jan Aamoth Adkins Equipment, Inc. Aero Dyna-Kleen Services, Inc. Agassiz Study Club AGF Foundation All Season’s Car Wash & Lube Center

Bill & Deb Ambuehl American Dairy Association, West Polk County American Family American Legion, Fisher Lee Anderson & Heather Grieser Ray & Elaine Anderson Honorable Russell & Kristin Anderson Alton* & Georgine Arness Vernon Askegard Astec, Inc. Dr. Robert & Rose Marie Baab David Badman Amber & Jason Bailey Harvey & Elaine Baker Claudia & Larry Barton David Baston Everett & Edith Battles, In Memoriam Ed* & Ann Baumgartner Kenneth Beauchane William Becker Eldo & Marlys Bentley Howard & Verna Berg Dorothy Bergh Eddie & Barbara Bernhardson Sharon Beyer Jeffrey & Julie Bigger Kevin Bigger Mark Bigger Scott Bigger Keith & Marian Bjerke Bradley Bjerken Neal & Patricia Bjornson Larry & Georgia Blatchford Paul Blomquist John Blue Gregory Boetcher Karl* & Alice* Bornhoft Michael & JoElle Boucher James & Patricia Bramley Art & Nancy Brandli Stephen & Lonnie Braseth Betty Brecto*

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Mary Cavalier, Linnea Genereux, and Mary Ann Odland James & Rose Bredman David Brictson Roger* & Faith* Briden Maurice Brule Velmer S. Burton, Jr. Scott & Leanne Butt Wayne & Nancy Capistran James Carlson Mylo Carlson Family Cerexagri, Inc. Darlene R. Charron Ray & June Christensen Richard* & Myra Christenson Dr. Roger Christgau Vern & Claudia Cleveland Coast-to-Coast Hardware, Crookston David & Trudy Crawford Crookston Blue Line Club, Inc. Crookston Dawn-to-Dusk Lions Crookston Federal Land Bank Crookston Implement Co. Crookston Pontiac-Buick-GMC Crookston Scholarship Fund R. Blake Crosby Custom Aire Inc. Robert Danielowski Dan’s Flying Service Stanley & Doris Davis Marilyn & William Dehning Delta Airlines Foundation Dental Health Center Gene Dessel Alan Dexter Elizabeth Deye Mr. & Mrs. Harvey Diamond Dirks, Inc. Adolph & Bernetta Donarski Double S M, Inc. Mark & Sheila Dufner Andrew Dumas Ray & Terry Dusek Bradley Eaton Larry Eftefield Wallace Eftefield Paul Eggebraaten

David & Paula Ekman Duane* & Alice Ekman Milton Ellinger Donald & Theresa Enright Erskine Shipping Assn.

Farmers Elevator Co. Jean Schullz Feagans Mary & Chris Feller Fine Print of Grand Forks, Inc. Dale & Janice Finkenbinder Glen & Marlys Finkenbinder George & Kristi Flaskerud Frito Lay Midwest North Region William & Verna Gatheridge David & Linnea Genereux Leonard & Margaret Geske Clark and Margaret* Gibb Gold Star Steam Cleaning Services Golf Terrace Motel, Crookston Richard & Kathy Goodyke Marilyn Grave Manvel & Delores Green Harold Grotte Harlow & Peggy Grove Dan & Stacey Grunewald John Gunvalson Allan & Pauline Gustafson Cliff* & Marie Hagen Marilyn Hagerty Perry Haglund Todd Halvorson (Happy Joe’s, GF) A.O.* & Theresa Hamnes Warren Hamrick & Sons Duane & Karen Hanson Lew Hanson, Jr. Michael & Kathryn Hanson Neil & Joyce Hanson Dr. Rolf & Linda Hanson Leonard Hapka Happy Harry’s Brian & Hallie Harron Jerry & Debbie Hasbrouck Michael Hayes Neil Hegg Werner & Marian Hegstrom

Curt and Kim Knutson Helena Chemical Company David Hennings Dennis Henrickson Brad & Kari Heppner James* & Clara Higgins Barbara Hoefer Nancie Hoerner Paul & Dell Hoff James Holm Pamela Holsinger-Fuchs & Tom Fuchs Raymond & Jean Hoppe Douglas & Kaye Hvidsten Vern & Marlene Ingvalson Irishman’s Shanty J. C. Penney Company J. K. Sports Helen Jackson Jerry Jacobson Marlyn & Marlys Jacobson Robert & Lynda Jacobson Charles Jensen Marvin Jensen Eric Johnson Glenice Johnson Lorne K. Johnson Marlin* & Sandy Johnson Willard & Geraldine Johnson Gary Kaltenberg Peter & Colleen Kappes Walt & Margee Keller Larry Kennedy L. “Bud” Kiecker Lonn & Debra Kiel Cathi Kietzman Steven J. King Walter King E. Duane & Faith Knott Alton & Margretta Knutson Dennis & Rose Koch Kathleen Koebensky-Gauthier Bernard Koltes Kraft Foods, Inc. Mitchell Kreps Thrainn Kristjansson

Jeff Nielsen, Carol Windels, John Jarman, Anne Burke, Patti Malme and Yvonne Hanson.

Natasha Kuhle Gladys LaCoursiere Lakeview Farms, Roland & Marland Rue Charles & Paula Lariviere Donna & David Larson Jerome Lee Lloyd & Shirley Lee David & Sue LeGare Thomas & Patricia* Lenertz John & Marie Leseth Grant & Elizabeth Leydard Lonewolf Management Allen & Lorraine Love Carl Lundeen* Michael Maglich Y. B. Magnusson, In Memoriam Luke Maidment Cecil Malme Vern* & Patricia Markey Bill Markovich Dean Marshik Adam & Crystal Maruska Master Construction, Fargo Marvin Mattson Doris & Bill Matzke Russell* & Eleanore* Maves Maximum Impact Don & Sue McCall McIntosh Dairy & Farm Supply, Inc. Paul & Susan McNelly Marilyn & Darol Melby Douglas “Carl” & Maribeth Melbye Cleon & Jeri Melsa Men’s Garden Club of Mpls.

MetaDynamics, Inc. LaVonne Metcalf Michael & Kaye Lynn Meyer Midcontinent Communications Brian & Michelle Miller Eugene & Arline Miller

Kenneth & Merle Miller Donald & Ruth Milner Minnesota FFA Foundation Gerald & Jeanne Moritz MPT Enterprises Steven Mursu* Pamela Neil Ed & JoDee Nelson Mike & Jennifer Nelson Odell & Carol Nelson Terry & Bette Nelson Timothy J. Nelson Dale & Judy Neppel Ness Café Judith Ness Howard Neumann New Vision Fiberglass Inc., Grand Forks New York Football Giants, Inc. Earl A. Newhouse* Alan & Margaret Nordell Northern Lumber Northern Paving, Inc. Northwestern Minnesota Agricultural Assoc.

Nufarm Americas, Inc. James O. Olson Linda & Lonnie Olson Marshall & Vicki Olson Melvin Olson Dr. Ted & Lynnette Olson Gerald & Carol Olsonawski Larry & Janet Olsonawski Mark & Andi Olsonawski Harold & Jan Opgrand Mark & Jody Osland Bennett & Gloria Osmonson Jerry Oxborough Earl A. Patch Ted & Joyce Paul Kenneth Pazdernik Arnold Pearson Daniel Pedersen

Peoples State Bank of Warren John & Sharon Peters Blake Peterson Grant Peterson Harvey E. Peterson Sherwood & Marilyn Peterson Harold & Esther Petsch Phoenix Industries, LTD Chris Plante Grant & Evelyn Pochardt Polk County State Bank, Crookston Dana Powers Duane A. Preston Paul* & Lois Proulx James & Janice Pulkrabek Willard & Pauline Purath Mary B. Randall Red River Horsebreeders Assn.

W. Howard Reese Kristie Brekken Ricord Dr. Gene & Tracey Rigstad Royal & Karen Rivard Rivard’s Quality Seeds, Inc. Gerald Roberts Jon Rogelstad Rohm & Haas Company Truman Rolf* Annette Rother* Rud Chiropractic Clinic, Crookston Robert & Matilda Rupp Allen & JoAnn St. Germain David & Denise St. Germain John & Florence St. Germain Paul & Janet St. Germain Salem Motors, Inc. Carrie Sample Tricia & Scott Sanders Bill* & Patricia Sargeant Perry Schermerhorn Mario & Jill Schisano/Tours & Travel David & Luann Schliep 25

Arley & Pat* Schultz Lyndon & Lori Schultz Ken & Judy Schuster Tom & Gayle Schuster Thomas Sczepanski* Kathryn Searight Seed Systems, Inc. C. W. & Margaret Seemann* Victoria Seltun Russ & Doris Severson Kelly Sharp Ronald & Edna Sharp Maryann Simmons David & Kathy Simon Albert & Jane Sims Sisters of Saint Benedict Stephanie Smith Odine Smulan Arlen & LaVerne Sondrol David Solberg Elliott & Michelle Solheim Franklin & Mary Sorensen Jeff & Renae Sperling David Spong Virginia Stainbrook John Stanko Russell & Arlene Stansfield State Bank of Shelly Sharon Stewart Stine Seed Farm Orlan & Clarice Stolaas Aaron Stover Lee Sundberg Andrew Svec Lyle Swanson Ernest Swift Syngenta Crop Protection, Inc. Wayne & Berget Taintor Raymond* & Rosemary Tate Terra International, Inc. David & Jan Thom Nancy Thomas Ardis Thompson*

Vilma Thompson O. E.* & Dorothy Thorbeck Murray & Patti Tiedemann/ Tiedemann Farms Ron & Sally Tobkin Brad Tolzman Roger & Donna Ulseth Uniroyal Chemical Co. Janet L. Utech Val & Myron Uttermark Valent USA Corp.

Mr. & Mrs. Erwin Vanek Donald Venn Vennes Farms, Inc. M. Jerome Voxland Raymond Walter Roger Walter Rodney Webster Richard & Kathy Wehking Weiss Farms, Arlan & Gary Weiss West Polk Co. Agri-Women Dean* & Shirley Widseth Donald & Audrey Wieland Linda Wiggins Linda & Greg* Wilkens Gary & Lynn Willhite Gary & Ward Wilson Chris Winkler Wireless Concepts Arnold & Lillian Wolden Audrey Wolfe Estate Warren & Beatta* Woolery Ye Ole Print Shoppe, Inc. Conrad Zak Franklin & Gloria Zak Greg Zak Charles & Dolores Zammert DeAnn Zavoral Bob Zelenka Gary Zitzer* *Deceased

Jon Evert, Tom Lenertz, and Linda Kingery

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www.umcrookston.edu

Annual Gifts Gold Club

(Annual Gift of $2,500 or more) Agrium Advanced Technologies (U.S.) Inc. Altru Health System Bremer Bank Charles H. Casey & Barbara J. Muesing CHS Foundation KROX Radio Lester & June Nielsen Roger & Gail Odegaard Harris A. Peterson June Shaver Arnold & Barb Skeie Teambackers Bill Tyrrell

Maroon Club

(Annual Gift of $1,000 - $2,499) Marv & Diane Bachmeier Benjamin Bakkegard Thomas Baldwin & Ardith Pelton Daniel & Rochelle Bauer Donald & Mary Cavalier Crookston Area Chamber of Commerce Crookston National Bank Crookston Noon Day Lions Crookston Rotary Club Dahlgren & Company Inc.

Del Vecchio Family Jack & Audrey Eickhof Thomas & Kim Feiro Bruce & Aase Hamnes David & Jean Haugo Richard & Carole Hebert Stephanie Helgeson Charles & Marlys Hiller Hugo’s Richard Maves McDonald’s of Crookston/Mike & Cindy O’Keefe MDU Resources Foundation Mid-State Chapter-MN Society of CPA’s Mid-Valley Grain Co-op Midwest Dairy Association MN Approved Seed Conditioner and Marketing Assn.

Ed & Mary Ann Odland Randal L. Olson Jeff Oseth Otter Tail Power Co. Donald & Mary Beth Sargeant W. Daniel & Vicki Svedarsky Dr. Kari Torkelson Esther Tyrrell John & Janice Vallager Lyle & Susan Westrom Wireless Concepts

Office of Development & Alumni Relations 2900 University Avenue Crookston, MN 56716-5001 Change Service Requested

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UPCOMING EVENTS

May 4............................................................................................................................................. Grad Dance May 5....................................................................................................................................Commencement June 30.................................................................................................................. NWSA Alumni Reunion September 13 – 20................ Class of 1960 turns 70 Celebration (See alumni news for details) September 21-22................................................................................................. Homecoming Weekend November 15............................................................................................................... Fargo Alumni Social