UND Alumni Review Winter 2017

Winter 2017

UND UNVEILS NEW BRAND UND graduates are leaders in action.

A new branding initiative will share that message with the world.

p. 6

Photo by Sam Melquist

Photos by Sam Melquist

HAPPY

HOLIDAYS

From your University of North Dakota family.

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ALUMNI REVIEW

CONTENTS ALUMNI REVIEW | VOL. 100 NO. 3 | WINTER 2017

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Counting our blessings at the end of another exciting year at UND.

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LEADERS IN ACTION

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WHY BRANDS MATTER

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UND Assistant Professor Jen Stoner explains why companies—and

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PASSION FOR PRESERVATION

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HOMECOMING RECAP

Homecoming 2017.

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CAMPUS NEWS

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THE UND PROMISE

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CEO Editor | Milo Smith Associate Editor Designer | Sam Melquist Contributing Writers

UND ALUMNI ASSOCIATION & FOUNDATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS Chair Vice Chair Directors

2006 graduate's company gets

The latest news from your alma mater.

A match program can double your gift and help students at UND.

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ALUMNI NEWS

fellow classmates.

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ADDITIONS & CELEBRATIONS

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IN MEMORIAM

Contributing Photographers

MESSAGE FROM DEANNA

Celebrating alumni weddings,

Sam Melquist

FIND THE FLAME

UNDalumni.org

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D E A N N A’S L E T T E R

COUNTING BLESSINGS Dear Alumni & Friends,

Photo by Sam Melquist

As another incredible year nears its conclusion, I’m struck by what an honor it is to be a part of the University of North Dakota alumni family and what a privilege I have every day to interact with that family.

For example, in early November, alumnus Mike Hamerlik, '84, '88, generously hosted a party before UND played Wisconsin in Men's Hockey. What a special evening it was with so many like-minded UND Fighting Hawks fans sharing stories and school spirit. a spirited week of student and alumni events. The annual Sioux Awards Banquet is always one of my favorite events as hearing our accomplished alumni talk about what a large role UND has had in their success is truly inspiring. We had nearly 100 students whose tickets were provided by generous alumni and friends of UND. Following the event, one of the students in attendance posted on social media that “It was beyond inspiring to see international leaders it’s energizing to see how far other small-town North Dakotans have come and how large their hearts have grown with compassion and generosity. All in all, it was a great night that has made me aspire to be as generous, loving and passionate as our greatest alumni!”

Wow! That is what the Sioux Awards are all about.

Many thanks to our Homecoming primary sponsor Rydell Cars and sponsor Grand Forks Convention and Visitors Bureau for their contributions that made it another fantastic UND Homecoming.

UND Promise I have a unique opportunity for you to impact students in dramatic fashion. Under the UND Promise Scholarship program, your gift to UND will be matched dollar for dollar through a fund created by an anonymous donor. If you’d like to contribute to an endowment, the match is 50 cents for every dollar donated.

The goal of the UND Promise program is to increase the amount of money available for freshman recruitment scholarships. We want to help UND recruit the best and brightest high school seniors.

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Alumni Review | Winter 2017

You can read more about the UND Promise on page 32. You’ll meet UND senior Max Ramstad and learn what his scholarship has meant to him. UND President Mark Kennedy also weighs in on the importance of making a strong commitment to prospective highachieving high school seniors.

There is some urgency if you’d like to participate in the program. In order to receive a match for your gift, you need to make a donation

by December 31. So please, during this season of giving, consider impact the lives of many by showing faith in one.

We can answer all of your questions about year-end giving. Contact us at 800.543.8764 or giftplanning@UNDfoundation.org.

Leaders in Action We are playing a role in helping UND reach its goal of being the of the One UND Strategic Plan unveiled in May. Several members steps to implement the plan. Our involvement is especially relevant in the goal to attract support for UND by actively engaging alumni and donors.

Speaking of leaders, I want to welcome Jim Poolman, '92, to our Board of Directors. Jim has a strong background in public service — he served in the North Dakota Legislature and as Insurance Commissioner — and as a businessman. He has been a strong advocate for UND, and I look forward to having him serve with the rest of our board to elevate the University. friends and may the new year bring you great happiness!

Sincerely,

NOW UNTIL DEC 31

IMPACT THE LIVES OF MANY

BY HAVING FAITH IN ONE MAX RAMSTAD, ’18 Delano, Minnesota Scholarship recipient

MULTIPLY YOUR IMPACT #UNDPROMISE UND PROMISE SCHOLARSHIP

Multiply your impact by giving to the UND Promise Scholarship program. Strengthen UND’s ability to recruit high are two ways your support can be multiplied. Ready to make an impact?

Contact Shane Hersch at (800) 543-8764 or visit UNDalumni.org/promise

F E AT U R E

LEADERS IN ACTION New brand identity chosen, work underway to share the message.

There’s just something about the graduates of the University of North Dakota.

They’re committed. They’re practical. They’re proud. They’re innovative, approachable and bold.

UND grads are leaders in action. They know it, they show it – now, we want to share it.

After months of brand research, stakeholder surveys and focus groups, the UND marketing initiative is moving forward with a brand identity that revolves around the tagline Leaders in Action.

“A recurring theme I hear from alumni is that UND graduates are in demand because they are prepared and committed to getting to work to make an impact, to lead,” UND President Mark Kennedy said. “They personify Theodore Roosevelt’s exhortation to ‘Get Action.’ Before UND began amplifying our marketing expenditures, it was vital to make a relatively minor investment graduate.”

“We’re about North Dakota, we’re about people who do hard Services Sarah Nissen. “We’re ready to take on big challenges and we make impacts on the world. We’re leaders in action. This is who we are.”

“The new visual design supports the brand message. The design is bold and features dynamic graphic elements that express the Director and Brand Manager Carrie Huwe said.

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Alumni Review | Winter 2017

ON MESSAGE

Signage around campus demonstrates that UND is getting the message out that its students are taking action to better themselves and the world around them.

Photo by Milo Smith

UNDalumni.org

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Tera Buckley, assistant marketing director of web and digital strategies, said the new marketing materials are about more than the right colors, fonts and logos. “More importantly, they carry UND’s distinctive storytelling about our people, our place and our promise.

The new website will prominently feature these stories,” she said.

or operating an unmanned vehicle,” President Kennedy said. “Goal One of our strategic plan commits UND to embed these experiential learning opportunities in every degree.”

Huwe adds that it’s important to know that “brand” isn’t just a tagline or set of graphics – it’s how people feel when they interact with the University of North Dakota.

added that the brand message will not only recruit, but also retain the best of the best, driving the action items of Goals Two and Three.

settings, deliberating in a mock courtroom, making discoveries in

“Who we are isn’t new; what we’re creating is a new way to express what’s already there,” she explained. “We’ve always been leaders in action. But now we have a better way to clearly and consistently share that message.”

“What we’re trying to show is that at UND you will get your college

Investing in the Strategic Plan

After assessing more than 500 survey responses from UND

The investment in UND’s brand research and development will translate directly into metrics that support the One UND Strategic Plan (see p. 9).

A study published in the Journal of Brand Management puts it simply: “Results from successful university branding campaigns include: increased admission applications and better student increased faculty recruitment, recognition and donors; and increased the plan.

“Leaders in Action expresses what makes the UND educational experience unique. Our graduates not only know the theory, but they have been in action – delivering healthcare in simulated medical

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Alumni Review | Winter 2017

you go out into the world,” DiLorenzo said.

Why Leaders in Action? persona led several weeks of more intimate focus groups in which discussed and evaluated many branding options.

The Leaders in Action tagline tested well across all groups and was chosen unanimously by students who thought it showed UND was committed to giving them the skills they need to be leaders. The UND from its competitors – a community environment driven by the development of people.

T HE ONE UND

STRATEGIC PLAN CORE VALUES

Community A spirit of collaboration and connectedness across the University and beyond

Discovery

LEADING THE CHARGE

UND President Mark Kennedy shares the branding initiative and strategic plan at the fall Wake Up to UND event.

Photo by Shawna Noel Schill

An enthusiasm for inquiry, creativity, and innovation

Diversity An understanding and appreciation of diverse people, experiences, and ideas

Inclusivity A welcoming, inclusive, and supportive environment for all

UND’s audiences and stakeholders have been confused, Nissen said, because the institution doesn’t share a single, consistent personality. President Kennedy agreed that a solid brand message was paramount to making One UND work.

“Leaders in Action is meant to be the glue that unites and gives voice to UND’s other branding elements,” President passion that no matter how frigid or harsh the weather; our to the winds of change, but never surrendering to it; our Fighting Hawk logo embodying the determination to rise that has always been the trademark of UND athletics.”

Liberal Arts An educational foundation essential for living an intellectually

Lifelong Learning A passion for learning, civic engagement, and community leadership

GOALS Learning Goal 1: Provide a strong undergraduate liberal arts foundation Goal 2: Increase undergraduate, graduate and professional retention and graduation rates

Implementation plan

Goal 3: Deliver more educational opportunity online and oncampus

new brand work. The UND design team will be assisting

Discovery

sessions that outline the new identity guidelines.

“We’re excited and we’re hopeful that people will grab onto this and really jump on board, because this is going to elevate UND in ways we’ve never been able to before,” Nissen said. /// — By Kaylee Cusack, UND Today writer

research-intensive Universities (Carnegie R1)

Engagement Goal 5: Foster a welcoming, safe, and inclusive campus climate Goal 6: Meet educational needs of active-duty military personnel, veterans, and their families Goal 7: Attract support for the university by actively engaging alumni and donors Read more at UNDalumni.org/alumnireview UNDalumni.org

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F E AT U R E

WHY BRANDS MATTER

UND's Dr. Jennifer Stoner explains why companies — and universities — need strong brands.

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Alumni Review | Winter 2017

The word brand may automatically bring to mind iconic logos such as Apple’s Apple, taglines like “Just Do It” or even sounds like NBC’s three-toned chime, but a brand is much more than merely these symbols of its identity.

For companies, brands are valuable assets. Companies invest extensive resources to grow and That’s larger than the gross domestic product as reported by the World Bank of Belarus, Bulgaria, and on consumer behavior; this impact may come in the form of willingness to pay a higher price, positive word of mouth, avoidance of switching to other brands, and even resistance to negative information. success. He has likened a strong brand name to a barrier that protects the company from assaults by outside forces such as competitors or unfavorable environmental trends. But brands not only serve an important role for the companies and investors who own them, they are also important to consumers.

UNDalumni.org

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DR. JENNIFER STONER

teaches marketing in the UND College of Business and Public Administration.

Photo by Sam Melquist

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Alumni Review | Winter 2017

“Brands also have a way of connecting consumers with times, places, and people.”

DR. JENNIFER STONER Picture driving in an unfamiliar area. On the horizon you see golden arches, Colonel Sanders' face, and a green mermaid. While these symbols immediately tell you your options for food are McDonald’s, KFC, and Starbucks, they also bring with them a host of feelings and judgments that lead to expectations about the type of food, price feel drawn by a sense of loyalty to one of these restaurants. All these judgments, feelings, and relationships – both positive and negative – are part of a brand’s equity. These brand associations not only help to set expectations for the product or service experience but between brands and ultimately help to simplify the decision making process. Instead of checking prices and menus at each of these restaurants, a consumer knows what to expect even without having Choosing the wrong restaurant for a pit stop may leave someone decision is relatively risk free. However, brands play an arguably physical, or psychological risk such as when choosing a car or university. The negative impact of a bad choice in these situations may linger for years or even a lifetime. In these high-risk choice situations, a brand may be eliminated from any consideration merely because of its brand associations. For instance, when choosing a car to purchase, certain brands may be disregarded before even visiting a dealership or googling information because of the perception that they are inadequate on valued attributes such as In such a situation, brands may also be eliminated from consideration because a consumer is unsure of what the brand associations are. Consumers may hear one message from company

that brand stands for and whether it is appropriate for them. That is why the strongest brands, in both high- and low-risk choice situations, strive to have a consistent image and message regardless of where the consumer comes in contact with them.

In addition to aiding in purchase situations, brands also have a way of connecting consumers with times, places, and people. When themselves reaching for a brand that helps them reconnect with person or of a special time and consuming that brand helps create a sense of nostalgia. Some of you have probably made pilgrimages to Red Pepper when you return to Grand Forks to reconnect with your college days.

Brands also serve an important role as social signals. The brands a person uses can say a lot about that person. In my undergraduate brands at the beginning of the semester so that I can try to make in-class examples more relatable. About a month later, I’ll display several PowerPoint slides that have logos representing a student’s person?” My class has made correct assessments of the person’s gender, values such as environmental consciousness, hobbies, hometown, and, in one case, the person’s fraternity all based on come as no surprise to anyone who is a sports fans and has donned apparel with a team logo to signal belonging to that fan base and not an opposing one.

The role of brands as social signals, points of connection to places and people, and bases of decisions, is not built overnight. Quality brand building is a long-term strategy enacted through repeated reinforcement and reminders of important brand associations.

Making a commitment to the brand can help companies gain a competitive advantage over companies who either won’t or can’t make the same commitment to their brand. The cookie aisle in a grocery store demonstrates a perfect example of why brands are Oreos in every variety line a large space of shelves in this aisle:

marketing juggernaut Nabisco brought Oreo to market, Hydrox found itself being labeled a generic or copycat Oreo, and its claim of being the original questioned by consumers. The case of Oreo and Hydrox is just a simple example of the power and importance of brands. Companies invest heavily in building, leveraging, and protecting their brands because they want to be the Oreo, not the Hydrox. ///

view of the brand via word of mouth from other consumers, and the brand themselves. Brand imagery is co-created in that it is built not only by the company’s marketing messages but with every touchpoint that a consumer has with that brand. When consumers

UNDalumni.org

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F E AT U R E

“When you drill down to the true motivation of our clients worldwide, it is to honor veterans and their service or sacrifice — that is a great honor and responsibility bestowed upon us.”

ERIC TRUEBLOOD, ’06

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Alumni Review | Winter 2017

ERIC TRUEBLOOD not a full restoration project, AirCorps Aviation was hired to attach a new wing to the naval torpedo bomber.

All photos by Sam Melquist

A PA S SION F OR

PRESERVATION Eric Trueblood, ’06, recipient of a 2017 Young Alumni Achievement Award, is founder of a company that restores World War II aircraft to flying condition.

The experts at AirCorps Aviation of Bemidji, Minnesota, restore warplanes that dominated the Trueblood, ’06, has a unique story to tell of the men and women who assembled it, the pilot who

taken during a typical day at AirCorps Aviation as workers begin the painstaking restoration of their latest project, a P-47D Thunderbolt recovered where it was abandoned in 1944.

UNDalumni.org

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HIDDEN SIGNATURES

After receiving surplus parts for use in the restoration of a P-47D Thunderbolt, workers at AirCorps Aviation discovered two names written in grease pencil inside a wing. In telling the stories of those who served, AirCorps has women undoubtedly worked on construction of

AIRWORTHY

Workers try to restore as many parts as possible, but rebuilds of this magnitude require fabrication of components to

RIVETERS

Craftsmen at AirCorps Aviation rebuild parts that are missing or too damaged to return to airworthiness. Here, Randy Kraft inspects rivets on the vertical stabilizer tail section of the P-47D Thunderbolt.

RESTORATION

Because of the complexity and size of its restoration projects, AirCorps Aviation tackles just two a time. A single restoration can take up to 30,000 man hours.

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Alumni Review | Winter 2017

PAINSTAKING PROCESS

To resurrect, rebuild, and assemble the 45,000+ parts in an airframe it can take three to four years for AirCorps Aviation's three dozen employees to restore a plane to its former self.

RIVETS

AirCorps is known worldwide for meticulous detail with a goal like rivets are reproduced to

FABRICATION

Workers use 1940's factory drawings and modern technologies like 3D scanning to reverse engineer, fabricate and assemble parts for their restoration projects.

UNDalumni.org

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FUSELAGE

This P-47D Thunderbolt was found abandoned in the jungles of Papua New Guinea. Once restored, the aircraft will retake the skies as if it rolled out of the factory. It will be one of only two Thunderbolts of this variant

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Alumni Review | Winter 2017

“While these veterans are still alive, I think a lot of our work has been focused on trying to tell their stories.”

ERIC TRUEBLOOD, ’06 LOPE'S HOPE

The restoration of this P-51C Mustang, Lope's Hope 3rd, was completed this fall. The restoration was commissioned by the Texas Flying Legends Museum. The plane was restored and painted to honor WWII Ace Lt. Donald Lopez Sr. Lopez was instrumental in the opening of the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum and served as its deputy director and chief historical architect.

Photo Courtesy of John LaTourelle

SPARE PARTS

AirCorps Aviation will inspect, restore, and reassemble as many original parts as possible.

These wings, awaiting disassembly, are for a P-47.

UNDalumni.org

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HOMECOMING RECAP

HO ME CO MI NG RECAP

EVERYONE LOVES A PARADE!

There were more than 60 entries in the Homecoming Parade, including students representing dozens of campus organizations.

Photo by Shawna Noel Schill

We celebrated 100 years of UND Homecomings in 2016, which means we kicked off a new century of tradition this year by "Living for Gameday."

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Alumni Review | Winter 2017

HOMECOMING COURT

UND elected a Homecoming Court this year, rather than a King and Queen.

The Court is (from l-r): Rachael Fix, Alissa Dahle-Koch, Sean McHale, Abigail Wright, and Faith Maendel.

Photo by Shawna Noel Schill

PAINT THE TOWN

Members of Delta Gamma gave downtown Grand Forks a UND makeover in advance of Homecoming 2017.

Photo by Tyler Ingham

FANATIC FIGHTING HAWK FANS

10,234 UND fans attended the Homecoming game, where they witnessed UND beat Northern Colorado 48-38.

Photo by Shawna Noel Schill

UNDalumni.org

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CAMPUS NEWS

Photo by Jackie Lorentz

NE W S F ROM A ROUND C A M P U S

WHAT’S NEW

The entrance to the UND Athletics High Performance Center is now named in honor of UND's national prominence. A ceremony was held October 20 to dedicate Glenn "Red" Jarrett Way. Jarrett was a student-athlete in the late '20s/early '30s who lettered in football, basketball, family were on hand to dedicate Glenn "Red" Jarrett Way. His grandson showed the crowd his grandfather's vintage football helmet from his time as a UND running back.

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Alumni Review | Winter 2017

Because of this focus, it should come as no surprise that we have been drawing inspiration from those who have graduated from our school. Indeed, our alumni are the manifestation of Leaders in Action, serving as a testament to this expression through their can instill an even greater sense of pride in your alma mater.

The arrival of a new academic year also meant the start of a new season for our athletics programs as well. Debbie and I have already had the pleasure of cheering on our teams as they compete in their fall and winter seasons. I have often said that athletics are the front door to a university, they bring excitement and often serve as an introduction to the school for many prospective students.

P R E S IDE N T M A R K K E N N E DY

DEAR ALUMNI & FRIENDS

As you may have heard, Brian Faison, our Athletic Director for nearly a decade, will be retiring from his position at the end of the December. In his time at UND, Brian has amassed a number of tremendous accomplishments: the successful transition to Division I, record years in fundraising, leading the formation of the NCHC hockey conference, academic honors for student-athletes, and last year’s awarding of the Big Sky Presidents’ Cup recognizing the

We are well underway in yet another academic year at the University bustling activity and progress that leaves one excited for what is to come at UND. Now, as the snow begins to fall on our campus, we are reminded of the mindset of our communities. The determination and readiness has helped to form the direction for our university’s new branding initiative: Leaders in Action.

of how we project what it means to be the University of North Dakota. The importance of properly illustrating our story is at the heart of our engagement with prospective students and alumni alike.

While we all have our own reasons for cherishing this school, we also need to be able to show the state, region, and nation what makes UND so great.

Brian’s talents will be sorely missed, but it also presents an exciting prospect for the next chapter of our athletics program. Our next Athletic Director will have the opportunity to lead our university into new conferences and seasons, providing more excitement and introducing an even greater number of people to UND. This too serves a function in our branding, as our athletics are often a window to the tremendous aspects of our school.

Studies have shown that a prospective student decides whether they want to attend a university within seven minutes of stepping foot on a campus. Due to this fact, it is essential that we are highly conscious of the physical appearance of our campus. By February, we will have completed a Master Planning process which looks closely at how we are utilizing our campus facilities, creating a roadmap for the future development of UND. It is our goal to create a modern campus that will match a 21st century education, requiring us to be acutely aware of the endeavors that are yet to come at the University of North Dakota.

I would like to close by wishing you all the best as we approach

demonstrate what it means to be UND. As leaders, we equip our students with the readiness and desire to make an impact in their communities, family, and professional careers. Through our action, at the University of North Dakota.

the many things we have to be thankful for, and this is certainly the case for Debbie and myself. We are often humbled by the pride and passion that many hold in their hearts for the University of North Dakota and it continuously serves to motivate us as we progress toward an even greater institution. The promise of the future for the University of North Dakota shines bright, and we are excited to achieve everything together as One UND.

UNDalumni.org

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CAMPUS NEWS

UND A MONG T OP 2 5

LEADERS IN INNOVATION University surges in 2018 ‘Best Colleges’ rankings, joining elite company.

Many of the University of North Dakota’s streets carry the names of well-known national universities – Stanford Road, Harvard Street and Berkeley Drive, to name a few. They’ve always been reminders of the caliber of institution UND aspires to match.

Now UND has come to a new crossroad by joining those schools on the route of innovation.

Report’s list of Top 25 Most Innovative Schools, placing it in the company of those very colleges – Stanford, Harvard, and Berkeley – and other innovation powerhouses like Cal-Tech, Chicago, Duke, MIT and Yale.

“Being included amongst the ranks of these universities rewards the hard work of all that raised our banner high,” said UND President Mark Kennedy. “It’s gratifying to see the being recognized.”

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Alumni Review | Winter 2017

The University scooped up other notable Report’s recently released rankings: North Dakota, coming in at 192 on the list of the Best National Universities – a rise of 10 places from last year.

– an 8-position increase. of Best Undergraduate Business Programs, making it the only ranked program in the state. the nation for rural medicine.

Leaning Forward For three years, U.S. News has surveyed college presidents, provosts and admissions deans, asking them to nominate the institutions they believe are making the most cutting-edge changes. peer recognition to land in the top 25.

“To have other academic presidents and provosts elevate UND to the ranks of the

means that they have heard of the many advances springing forth from the ‘lean forward into the future’ attitude that permeates our campus culture,” President Kennedy said.

Nominations were based on innovations in terms of curriculum, faculty, students, campus life, technology or facilities. A look around the UND campus reveals that the honor is well-earned.

Online Development As a part of the One UND Strategic Plan, the opportunities for online learning, building on an already strong reputation for online programs.

The project manager in charge of this goal,

support, and other assistance to faculty to help develop these courses and programs – and they’ve embraced the challenge.

“We’re looking for a way to separate ourselves from other universities,” Holm said.

“We have every intention of being better two years from now than we are today.”

UAS Education & Research UND has become a national leader in ways to collaborate with industry and create a leading-edge experience for students.

In the last year alone, UND pioneered the collaborative Research Institute for Autonomous Systems (RIAS)

The UND Center for Innovation has helped regional business owners give life to their ideas, sparking an accelerated rate of new companies in the area and beyond. The Center supports startups through business coaching and collaboration, and fosters learning experiences for UND students.

Standard, with workplace initiatives focused on cancer risk reduction and early detection.

Open Educational Resources UND has turned classroom innovation into student savings by embracing the implementation of open

to have its UAS degree program accredited by the Aviation Accreditation Board International under newly established UAS criteria.

UAS has quickly ignited interdisciplinary partnerships all over campus.

These free digital resources will have the potential to save in textbook costs over just three years. As more faculty

Active Learning UND is reimagining spaces on

will grow.

styles of a new generation.

This fall, the math department welcomed students into the new Math Active Learning Lab (MALL), and the Department of Communication began using its technology-forward DigiComm lab – both spaces that use innovative curricula developed

by UND faculty.

promotion programs continue to garner national recognitions. UND was also one

Betting said that these recognitions are a wonderful acknowledgement, adding that although North Dakotans aren’t known for boasting, it’s a great opportunity to highlight UND’s growing excellence.

“We’ve been looking to upgrade the teaching spaces for the past few years with technology, so those areas have been important pieces,” UND Provost Tom DiLorenzo said. “We’re also creating innovation labs in new spaces throughout the University.”

“People are looking at our cutting-edge programs, such as the Center for Innovation and Dakota Venture Group – the only student-managed investment group in the nation,” said Laurie Betting, interim director of the Center and senior advisor to President Kennedy. “We are continuing to build on these successes.”

Entrepreneurial Drive

Health and Wellness

UND is driving business innovation in the state of North Dakota.

ways to ensure the physical and mental

“The pursuit of our One UND Strategic Plan to continue to be in response to the needs of students, the citizens of North Dakota, business and global enterprise,” she said, “all as we teach, discover and engage as leaders in action.” /// -Kaylee Cusack with Jan Orvik/UND Today writers

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CAMPUS NEWS

RARE

AIR National Merit Scholar Andrew Hollingsworth unintentionally relaunches high-achieving student program at UND. Andrew Hollingsworth loves to be in the air.

“There’s no feeling in the world like rotating with the wind beneath your wings,” he said.

“It’s what I want to do.”

Thanks to a relaunched program, Hollingsworth is able to pursue his dream of being a pilot.

The National Merit Scholarship, which provides high-achieving students a tuition and fee waiver, is back in place after being inactive for several years.

Hollingsworth didn’t plan it, but he was instrumental in re-establishing the program.

“I was looking at my college options during senior year,” said the Fargo native, a

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Alumni Review | Winter 2017

ANDREW HOLLINGSWORTH

debated majoring in engineering or aerospace.

His scholarship allowed him to take a semester Photo by Tyler Ingham

sophomore who is majoring in commercial

Scholarship.”

National Merit Finalists and Semi-Finalists from North Dakota and Minnesota are eligible to receive the scholarship, which covers full tuition and fees. It’s renewable for up to three years, and can be awarded in addition to other scholarships and tuition waivers.

UND admissions representative to see what

“I probably couldn’t swing both tuition and

him. After he mentioned that he had been

package was really great.” He also received

NDSU, the admissions representative felt Hollingsworth just might be the case model for reinstating the scholarship.

allowed him to earn his pilot’s license.

the request, and Hollingsworth was the lone recipient last year.

This year, 11 students received the scholarship, the most ever at UND and up from a previous high of two.

Best and Brightest “This new scholarship is crucial in helping attract National Merit Scholars to campus,” said Jenn Aamodt. “These students are the best and brightest and are real leaders in the classroom and beyond. They raise the bar for all students in research, problem solving, creativity and innovation.”

Hollingsworth, a former UND swimmer, also works at the UND pool as a swim instructor and lifeguard, teaching 3-year-olds to advanced levels.

“I have four younger brothers and love being around kids,” he said. “It’s fun.

“I love it here, and am really glad I came to UND,” Hollingsworth said. “Aerospace is a great program. This is home for me. It’s awesome, and it feels right.” /// —Jan Orvik/UND Today writer

RO A D T O

RECOVERY

UND student and brain injury survivor mixes empathy with compassionate care.

Matt White is an intern for the Center for Rural Health North Dakota Brain Injury Network (NDBIN).

The Bismarck, North Dakota, native is majoring in rehabilitation and human services with a minor in psychology at UND. And even though working closely with NDBIN falls right in line with his career goals, White’s path actually began before the network even existed. didn’t think it was anything serious.

“They thought I was having migraines from the school lights, so they prescribed Tylenol 3 and sent me home,” said White.

But the headaches got worse. Doctors ordered a CT scan and determined he needed a craniotomy for drainage of a frontal intracranial abscess.

“It was essentially a sinus infection that ended up getting into my cranial cavity,” White said.

Doctors removed portions of his skull to clear the infection and replaced them with metal plates to help White heal from his surgery.

Doctors kept White in an induced coma for 30 hours to aid in his recovery, but shortly after waking him, they had him up and walking around. A few days later, White was discharged.

“I had a PICC line in my arm for nine months and received antibiotics through it three times a day,” said White.

White worked with a variety of healthcare professionals including physical, occupational and speech therapists.

“My speech had become slurred with a lot of mumbling and lack of enunciation. The surgery left me unable to use certain facial muscles or even wiggle my ears because my incisions went from ear to ear,” he said.

White’s college advisor suggested he pursue an internship with NDBIN at the Center for Rural Health. She knew it would be the

MATT WHITE,

a UND student majoring in rehabilitation and minoring in psychology, is a brain injury survivor.

He’s also an intern at the North Dakota Brain Injury Network, part of the Center for Rural Health at the Photo by Marv Leier

White often accompanies Quinn when she conducts presentations on recognizing and diagnosing brain injuries. Quinn says White has developed brain injury learning guides for support groups in his short time at NDBIN and, when it comes to promoting the project through social media, White is the go-to guy.

Counselor. He hopes to turn his experience and his internship with the NDBIN into helping others who have gone through a lifealtering event, such as a brain injury.

White believes it’s important for everyone to be educated when request certain services if you feel something is not right.

“I had no symptoms of a sinus infection. I was simply given Tylenol 3 to get me through the school day because I had migraines from the school lights,” said White. recognizing the signs that something is not right with your head, always protect your noggin.” /// —Marv Leier/UND Center for Rural Health

“Matt is wonderful to work with and is incredibly humble and open to learning as much as he can,” said Rebecca Quinn, NDBIN Program Director. “His past experiences have enhanced his education and allow him to have a deeper understanding about working with individuals dealing with a traumatic brain injury.”

UNDalumni.org

27

CAMPUS NEWS

I T ’ S A L L IN T HE

HANDS

GRANT TOMKINSON

World-renowned UND kinesiologist joins grad student and own son in studies linking finger length to strength, athleticism

ability? Grant Tomkinson, professor of kinesiology and public health education, Tomkinson conducted separate research studies with his master’s student, Makailah Dyer, former UND Fighting Hawks women’s basketball standout, and his son, Jordan, a senior and basketball player at Sacred Heart

Tomkinson said he encourages his students to publish their work.

longer than the second, you tend to be better at basketball, especially defensively.”

“I hate seeing theses only bound and on a bookshelf,” Tomkinson said. “I want to help students publish so they’ll be ahead of the game. All my master’s students submit for

There is some indirect evidence, said Tomkinson, that the digit ratio is determined during early fetal development – as early as the second trimester of pregnancy – by the balance between the steroid hormones testosterone and estrogen. The developing

the lower the digit ratio. same length.

The digit ratio points to prenatal events that link with athletic performance, Dyer said.

Though the relationship between digit ratio and athletic performance is generally stronger in males, important relationships have been found in females.

“I was surprised – digit ratio is not something you’d normally look at,” she said. “It’s amazing. You can look at someone’s hand and potentially predict their athletic ability.”

Dyer looked at digit ratio in semi-pro women basketball players in Australia.

Her work is under review by the American Journal of Human Biology.

Alumni Review | Winter 2017

Photo by Jackie Lorentz

“There is a favorable correlation between digit ratio and semi-pro women basketball

testosterone: the more testosterone the fetus

28

ability? UND Professor Grant Tomkinson (above middle) conducted research studies with his master’s degree student, Makailah Dyer (right), former UND Fighting Hawks women’s basketball player, and his son, Jordan, a senior and basketball player at

Tomkinson, who studies childhood obesity, interested in the quirky.

That interest in the road less traveled attracted his son, Jordan, to do research for his science fair project.

“My dad overheard me talking about what to do for the science fair, and he suggested I do something with digit ratio,” Jordan said.

“I was hooked as soon as he started talking about it.”

Jordan measured the digit ratios of 57 male classmates at Sacred Heart.

“The hardest part was getting all the parents to sign consent forms,” he said. Then he tested the grip strength of his classmates.

DE A N’ S COR NE R College of Engineering & Mines

strong you currently are and how much testosterone you were exposed to in the womb,” said Jordan. “Those with a longer controlled for age and body size.”

Jordan’s science fair project took second place, and his dad suggested that Jordan publish his work.

It’s in the October 2017 issue of The Journal of Early Human Development.

“It’s all about trying to stand out and doing the extras,” said Tomkinson. “This is a highlevel extra that will help him with college admissions and post-graduate work.”

“I’m glad to be part of this and glad my name is on a published paper,” said Jordan, who hopes to continue to play basketball, major in physical therapy, and earn his doctorate.

The research has already garnered attention in Tomkinson’s native Australia, and is gaining momentum in the U.S. Beyond the quirky, there’s a question that goes beyond fun and games, said Tomkinson. Human development is dependent on genetics and environment.

“Between genetics and environment is the mother’s womb, a critical growth period,” Tomkinson said, adding that an expectant mother with healthy behaviors has a healthier baby.

“Good growth and development in the womb bodes well for not only athletic performance, but also good health,” Tomkinson said.

The long and short of it? Sporting success is in your hands. ///

—Jan Orvik/UND Today writer

“The solutions to our current problems cannot be found from the level of consciousness that created them.” This quote, commonly that adopting the same old mindset to address new challenges will not produce addressing these challenges.

Higher education today is facing many new challenges that require a new mindset. The cost of public higher education has gradually shifted from state and federal governments to students and families. With the advances in technology and the explosion in lowcost online course providers, universities are under pressure to reinvent themselves to maintain relevance for future students.

Improving student retention and graduation rates continue to be among the major tasks facing most campuses today. In addition, employers continue demand solutions to emerging problems that increasingly span multiple domains.

these challenges and adapt to change.

We embrace a “We’ve got your back” attitude to promote innovation at all levels and across all activities – from increasing access and growing enrollment to retaining and creating more opportunities for students, and from improving to enhancing quality and incorporating students are encouraged and incentivized to leave their comfort zones and adopt an entrepreneurial mindset when seeking solutions to new problems. They are empowered to take risks and try new ideas without the fear of failure. Our is aligned well with the university-wide One UND strategic plan, is the road map during this time of transformational change to position our college at the right path for the future.

In addition to our strong on-campus programs at both undergraduate and graduate levels, we are committed to expanding our online presence to create more learning opportunities to diverse groups of future students not limited to the traditional 18-year-old high school graduates. We are increasing our in strategically important areas including energy, data science, cyber security, human health, and autonomous systems.

After the department of Computer Science returned to its original home in approval stages to create the new School Science, which will bring Computer departments together under one umbrella the potential and capacity for developing interdisciplinary strength in both research and academic programs in several important and emerging areas including data science and cyber security. We are also committed to improving student retention and graduation rates via the enrichment of student experience inside and outside the classroom as well as the utilization of early-warning systems.

As a dean for nearly a decade, I have come to believe that to lead a transformational change, all stakeholders must rally behind a common vision that they all take a part in shaping and play a role in realizing. This is what I call the “power of togetherness.” Harnessing the power of togetherness is the most change and achieve results. I invite all positive change, to foster innovation, and to prepare our college for the challenges that we know and those that we don’t.

and Mines Senior Vice Provost of UND UNDalumni.org

29

CAMPUS NEWS

COLIN COMBS & HARPREET KAUR

Colin Combs (left), Chester Fritz Distinguished Professor of Biomedical Sciences, and his postdoc mentee, Harpreet Kaur, have two lines of research underway.

Both target the neurodegenerative diseases Alzheimer’s and dementia.

Photo by Jackie Lorentz

E NH A NCING

DISCOVERY

UND’s new postdoctoral program adds capacity in the lab in support of strategic research goals.

Snowball Effect starting to roll. The program is designed to increase research capacity and help faculty obtain and manage more grants. As it grows, the program will be an important component in helping the University increase discovery and achieve Carnegie R1 status.

postdoctoral positions in response to proposals submitted by faculty

Development and the college home of the faculty awardees. A call for proposals for the second round of the program was issued last month and up to 10 awards will be made in November.

The long-term plan, said McGimpsey, is to have a sustainable program with a steady population of 20 internally funded postdoctoral positions, which focus on one or more of UND’s Grand Challenges.

“The faculty – postdoctoral relationship is a partnership,” McGimpsey said. “Postdocs are highly trained and highly productive. They conduct research and advise student research projects and they write manuscripts and proposals. Basically, they provide their faculty advisors more time to pursue external funding and manage more grants and hire more postdoctoral students. It’s a positive feedback In addition to more research funding, McGimpsey’s goal is to create a postdoctoral culture at UND, another strong indicator of Carnegie R1 status (Doctoral University-Highest Research Activity).

“A healthy research enterprise with a large postdoctoral population and a strong postdoctoral culture makes it easier to obtain more external funding and recruit more postdocs, creating a powerful culture at UND, it will be easier to recruit top faculty and students.”

And it’s working.

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Alumni Review | Winter 2017

Neurodegenerative Research Colin Combs, Chester Fritz Distinguished Professor and chair of biomedical sciences as the School of Medicine and Health Sciences, was able to use the program to recruit Harpreet Kaur to work with him on his nationally known Alzheimer’s and dementia research.

“The Postdoctoral Program is a big boost,” said Combs. “We’ve already gotten another grant from this. The program is doing what it’s intended to do. It’s a good program, and we’re very grateful for it. Harpreet wouldn’t be here without that funding, and she’s now received a three-year fellowship from the Alzheimer’s Association.”

Combs said that the outside grant means they won’t need the second year of funding from the program.

“This helps us successfully compete for funding and bring in new people,” said Combs.

“Right now we’re researching a medical food – a probiotic – that promising and is hopefully quicker than the long-term strategy, which can take years.”

“ Alzheimer’s is a big problem in the United States and North Dakota.”

COLIN COMBS

“I am so impressed with the work of Professor Combs and Dr. Kaur,” McGimpsey said, “and I am excited that the postdoctoral program has had a hand in their success to date. Dr. Combs and all the other faculty awardees should know that should their postdoc successfully obtain funding for their own support, the remainder of the award can be used to support a new postdoc.”

It’s not just about the funding. It’s about the work.

Combs is noted for his work on neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, and on neuroimmune interactions during aging. His research is supported by the highest-level grants from the National Institutes of Health and by private foundations such as the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s research.

“Alzheimer’s is a big problem in the United States and North Dakota,” said Combs. “We’d like to be able to provide something that improves the quality of life for people with Alzheimer’s, or delay progression of the disease.”

Kaur, who earned her Ph.D. from Panjab University in India, is interested in “It plays a huge role in any disorder, including Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s,” Kaur said.

“These are some of the most common disorders, and they know there are several factors, but there is no cure. Our to alter the progression. Can diet slow the disease? Are there biomarkers we can detect early

Kaur, who spends about 85 percent of her time in the lab, has received a grant from the Alzheimer’s Foundation that will support her work for an additional three years at UND. “I consider myself lucky to work for Dr. Combs,” she said. “I want to thank my mentor and UND. It’s a great opportunity to work under his guidance, and I’m grateful for the Postdoc Program. It’s an opportunity to work and collaborate in great facilities.”

“Our plan is to justify the investment in us,” said Combs. “Research is both an opportunity and a responsibility. We receive federal funding and are paid by the state. Faculty who received funding are pushing hard, and know this is a huge investment. We want to make

///

—Jan Orvik/UND Today writer

Two Strategies Combs and his postdocs are pursuing two strategies: classic drug discovery and therapeutic development. said Combs. The second strategy is to test existing therapies that

UNDalumni.org

31

IGNITE THE FUTURE

T HE UND

PROMISE

UND Alumni Association & Foundation offers donors generous matches for recruitment scholarship gifts.

University of North Dakota senior Max Ramstad has a lot of interest areas. That’s why he’ll graduate next year with a degree in Interdisciplinary Studies, with coursework in business, public

UND was the Greg and Cindy Page Award when I came here as a business student. That helped me out a lot.”

round it out.

Scholarship Program, launched this year by the UND Alumni

Although his transcript shows a wide breadth of classroom experience, his intent is laser-focused.

“When you’re little, you’re always wondering, ‘What do I want to do?’” Ramstad said. “And I always told myself I wanted to do something that helps people on a larger scale.”

In order to do that, higher education was always in the plan –

Through Dec. 31, any gift earmarked to UND recruitment scholarships will be matched 1-to-1 by the Foundation. For those looking to make a continuing impact with a scholarship “As a donor, the UND Promise is promising to help you give. As a student, you are promising to do your best, work hard, and go DeAnna Carlson Zink.

“I applied for a lot of scholarships in high school,” the Delano, Minnesota, native said. “The main scholarship I received from

32

Alumni Review | Winter 2017

“The UND Promise came from us being involved with the UND she continued. “It perfectly aligns with our mission in helping

MAX RAMSTAD

is slated to graduate next year with a degree in Interdisciplinary Studies.

Photo by Sam Melquist

the University, helping the students, and creating opportunities for students to reach their dreams.”

“I was looking to make a gift – I wasn’t looking to start an endowment,” Weatherly said. “But I like to think of

An important goal of the One UND Strategic Plan is creating more student opportunities on campus and online. “We can’t provide those opportunities without the

me 50 cents for every dollar, that’s a pretty good deal.”

students to know they are wanted here at the University of North Dakota,” said UND President Mark Kennedy.

UND impact Ramstad became absorbed in the world of philanthropic

Weatherly hopes his UND Promise scholarship endowment will enable students to come to UND for a foreign language education. He said the Department of Languages has great donors, but many of its scholarships and endowments are set aside for juniors and seniors and travel abroad programs.

In his job as a fundraising support intern, Ramstad has the opportunity to chat with alumni and donors.

“We give out tens of thousands of dollars in aid for students to study abroad every year, and that’s great.

But that doesn’t get them in the door,” Weatherly said.

“These freshman scholarships aren’t going to cover everything, but they may make a college education within reach.”

“They love talking about their experience here. It’s so special,” he said. “When you hear them talk about it, you can tell that UND had a massive impact.”

Campaigns like this, in which passionate donors have the opportunity to give back, are the reason Carlson Zink loves her line of work.

It’s that impact that leads donors to give. “Impact many by having faith in one” is the UND Promise campaign’s call to action, and Carlson Zink says it’s a sentiment that

“They literally get choked up and emotional about making this gift,” she said. “Then I get to see the students who received that gift, hear their stories, and see the thank you notes that they send to the donor.

To bring that together, knowing this student is going to go out and be as successful as this donor – it’s just a wonderful legacy through scholarships.”

him with his scholarships. That interest led him to a role with the team.

“You may think you are giving toward one scholarship, one student. But what you don’t see is how that may impact their family,” she explained. “Maybe because a student received a scholarship, another family member gets to go to college, too. Or maybe a student is going to become a nurse or a teacher. If that student wasn’t out there, so many people would have missed out on this talented UND alum.”

Continuing gift It isn’t just alumni who are taking advantage of the

with gratitude.

“I really wouldn’t be able to have the opportunities I’ll have past graduation without my scholarships.” /// — By Kaylee Cusack

For more on the UND Promise Scholarship, go to UNDalumni.org/promise.

Literature, decided now was the perfect time to give.

UNDalumni.org

33

MEET A STUDENT

M E E T A S T UDE N T

NOELLE RIVARD White Bear Lake, Minnesota Area of Study: Occupational Therapy

Photo by Sam Melquist

Why UND? As a junior in high school, I was touring many colleges when I visited UND and immediately students and faculty that I met were genuine and made me feel like I could make a being another number. visited UND a second time and requested a meeting with an occupational therapy program representative. I was blown away at how much time this advisor spent with me answering my questions. After that meeting, I made my parents take a picture of me in front of a UND sign and posted it on to go to UND.

What is your dream career? How has UND helped you realize your dream?

UND has given me the opportunity to follow my dream career as an occupational therapist. Occupational therapy helps people

34

Alumni Review | Winter 2017

discover their purpose in life and restores meaning in their everyday activities. Through a career in occupational therapy, I hope to give back to my community and make a UND has helped me achieve this dream by inspiring me to stretch outside of my comfort zone, meet new people, and volunteer within the Grand Forks community. By encouraging me to stay active on campus and the community, UND helped me realize that I am the happiest when I am helping others and staying active in the community. This led me the occupational therapy program.

and support from my sorority, Alpha Chi Omega, the faculty and students in the occupational therapy program, and my coworkers at the Student Involvement Center. My experience at UND would not have been the same without these support systems in my life.

What's next?

I plan to graduate in 2020 with a master's degree from the occupational therapy program at UND, and am keeping my option open following graduation.

The UND spirit of the alumni, students, and faculty is infectious. I have enjoyed watching

Who has believed in you?

I am lucky to have a large support system in and outside of UND. While my parents and sister encouraged me to always strive for my best, I would not have been able to survive each semester in college without weekly dinners at Speedway with my grandparents. I have also received constant encouragement

I look forward to spreading UND spirit as an alumnus in the future. UND helped me follow my dream, and no matter where I end up in the future, I plan to encourage others to put on their green and pink, and do the same. ///

T H A N K Y OU

DONORS Foundation sincerely thanks all alumni and friends who have made gifts and commitments to support students, faculty, programs, and places at UND. Thank you for all that you do!

P R E SIDE N T ’ S

CIRCL E

$10,000 - $99,999 7 Medical Systems Jason Ackerman Robbie Johnson Maury A. Audet

The following donors reached a

Andrew T. Bailey Jerry R. Balsdon

Flame Society between June 1 and Sept. 30, 2017.

Roger Berg

* indicates deceased For more information about the

Robert J. Kaufmann John Kertz

Kent M. Lynch Chad D. Broadwell Josh Bummer

Janice M. Catalan, M.D. Dorian "Pete" H. Cordes, MD* David J. Crothers

$1,000,000 - $4,999,999

T HO M A S CL IF F OR D

CIRCL E

$100,000 - $999,999

Russell Selleck Farmers Union Insurance

James L. Steinert*

CIRCL E

The Legacy Circle includes donors who have indicated they plan to give to the UND Foundation through their wills.

David M. Mahar Bruce Q. Gjovig

Christopher H. Buslee

W IL L I A M B UDGE CIRCL E

L E G A CY

Medicine Shoppe

M. Michela Howell

Michael J. Meyer Minnesota Twins

Ronald K. Kjos, M.D. Sarah McCullough Rodney B. McKinney

Margaret J. Norton

Larry D. Thompson

Tory M. Otto

Kathleen Tinius Chris Wagner

Lorraine Sharp Franz Harris Rouse Julie R. Rubin Vincent Goldade Gregoire Insurance Agency, Inc.

Family Foundation Laurie B. Hamre Barb Hangsleben Hannaher's, Inc

Holland Company

Bruce W. Trager

Mitch Wavra Peter D. Welte WIPFLI Foundation, Inc.

Buck Zahradka, M.D.

UNDalumni.org

35

ALUMNI NEWS

Do you remember‌ the Link Flight Simulator housed in Gamble Hall in 1969?

Link simulators dominated the

out of frustration for how long it

UNI V E R SI T Y OF NOR T H D A K O TA

ALUMNI NEWS

Updates from around the world.

1960s Remember when, in 1962, the first Sioux Awards were handed out during Homecoming?

1960

Tim Gust, '60, '62, '64, has published two children's books, "Contrary Mary" and "Papa's Old Van." The books are published

by New York City-based Page Publishing and are available in bookstores and through online retailers.

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Alumni Review | Winter 2017

1962

James Williams, '62, has been inducted into the Northern Cass School Hall of Fame for his distinguished community service. Williams is a banker and agribusinessman in Arthur, N.D.

1968

Clark Tufte, '68, has been inducted into the Oak Grove High School (Fargo) Hall of Fame. Tufte was a teacher, administrator and dean of the school throughout his career.

1969

Drew Dawson, '69, is the Interim

retired director of the National Highway Safety Administration

1970s Remember when, in 1974, Professor Richard Hale retired from the English Department after 37 years of teaching at UND? Hale was beloved for his eccentric teaching style; once

he jumped from the window of his classroom, returned, and asked his students to write about what they had seen.

1970

Michael Vandall, '70, '74, '76, is an ob/gyn with Altru Clinic in Devils Lake.

1972

John Fleur, '72, '75, has retired as an Assistant District Attorney for Comanche County, Oklahoma, after 18 years. Fleur spent nearly 20 years in private law practice and 26 years with the U.S. Army Reserve JAG Corps.

Deborah (Moen) Slais, ..'72, has retired as director of the Williston (N.D.) Community Library. Slais started working for the library in 1974 and served as director since 2001.

1973

James LeClair, '73, was named one of the Cincinnati Bengals' top 50 players as part of the NFL team's 50th anniversary celebration. LeClair played middle linebacker for the team from 1972 to 1983.

1974

Lyman Bercier, '74, is president of Turtle Mountain State Bank in Belcourt, N.D. Scott Fredericksen, '74, a former federal prosecutor, has News twice this year as an expert on obstruction of justice investigations.

1975

James "Sparb" Collins, '75, '85, has retired after serving 28 years as the head of the Retirement System.

1977

Mary Aaland, '77, '78, '80, '82, is providing general surgery services two days a month for Cavalier County Memorial Hospital in Langdon, N.D. Aaland is the director of the Rural Surgery Support Program at UND's School of Medicine and Health Sciences.

Darrold Persson, '77, has been named 2018 Lawyer of the Year in personal injury litigation in the Duluth, Minn., community area by "Best Lawyers of America."

Persson is an attorney with Trenti Law Firm.

1978

Joni (Martinson) Gilbertson, '78, teaches sixth grade special education at Grafton (N.D.) Public Schools.

1979

Dave Brekke, '79, has retired as a Quality Assurance Manager

for 28 years.

1980s Remember when, in 1984, Athletic Director Carl Miller resigned after eight years on the job?

1981

Dale Ekstrom, '81, is the superintendent of the McClusky (N.D.) School District.

Laurie (Evanson) Furuseth, '81, '83, is a board member for Lutheran Social Services of North Dakota. Furuseth is CFO of the Williston (N.D.) State College Foundation.

Kevin Reisenauer, '81, '91, is a member of the board of trustees of MBA Research. Reisenauer is a supervisor of marketing organization adviser in the North Dakota Department of Career

ALPHA CHI OMEGA REUNION pledge classes of 1968-70 attended a reunion in late July in Grand Forks.

Back Row (L-R): Carleen (Jonsrud) Shilling, '73; Sharon (Wentz) Flynn, ..'71; Patti (Misialek) Gunville, '72; Janette (Kettleson) Buresh, '71; Karen (Peterson) Klein, '71; Nora (Hamar) Kane, '71; Sheri Hallgren, '71; Dianne (Kettleson) Strand, , '71; Sue Smith, '72, '90; Nancy (Bossman) VandeVegte, '71; Lou (Bertsch) Aronson, '71, '87; Bridget (Narloch) Thompson, '73; and Diane (Johnson) Johnston, '71.

(Gaebe) Kubousek, '71, '79; Lois (Nelson) Lucier, '74; Mary '73; Ann (Harris) Schmitz, '71, '74; Linda (Olson) Lande, '73; Barb Murry, '72; Debbie (Delmore) Duncan, '71; and Janet "Cuypers" Mathson, '71; Not in photo: Kathy (Keifenheim) Hill, '71, and Kathy Wood, '71, '73.

UNDalumni.org

37

ALUMNI NEWS

1982

Alan Anderson, '82, is serving as interim president of the Bismarck-Mandan (N.D.) Chamber of Commerce.

Anderson retired earlier this year from his post as Commissioner of the North Dakota Department of Commerce.

Joel Metz, '82, is an assistant

N.D.

1983

Michael Babinski, '83, '14, teaches seventh grade math, at Drayton (N.D.) Public Schools.

Kevin Byron, '83, retired after 30 years of service with the U.S. Department of State's Foreign Diplomatic Service. Byron

Nigeria, Paraguay, Bolivia, Iraq, Haiti, Honduras, and most recently in Panama. Among his various awards and citations, he received two Superior Honor Awards for his work in Iraq during the invasion of Baghdad in 2003. He now divides his time between Florida and northern Minnesota.

1984

Mark Owan, '84, has been appointed by North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum to the State Water Commission. Owan is a thirdgeneration farmer near Williston, N.D. Michael Stermock, '84, is an agribusiness development specialist with the Center for Innovative Food Technology in Toledo, Ohio.

1986

Gary Albrightson, '86, '93, has been recognized by the North Dakota State Board of

38

technology in the classroom.

Albrightson is an associate communications, at Dakota College of Bottineau. Albrightson also received the Faculty Award peers at DCB. Dee Jones, '86, is retiring after 30 years of service at the Naval Academy. Jones is the Assistant Athletic Director for Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation. at Navy and was appointed to She has taken care of thousands of student-athletes during her tenure.

1989

Dr. Marcel Robles, '89, '91, '96, received the prestigious Jack L. Dyer Award for Teaching University, where she has been a Professor in Corporate Communication and Technology in the College of Business since 2002.

received a Midwest Independent Publishing Association Gold Award in the Family/Parenting category.

Anne (Knipe) Spaeth, '93, '98, has opened a cafe in Minneapolis, The Lynhall. The restaurant was inspired by

1998

Leander McDonald, '98, '00, '03, has been appointed by North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum to the State Water Commission.

McDonald is president of United Tribes Technical College in Bismarck, N.D.

Resources Group in Bismarck, N.D. Barth also is controller for the energy company.

2000s Remember when, in 2008, UND was the first North Dakota school to send a team to participate in the EPA’s annual People, Prosperity and the Planet Student Design Competition for Sustainability.

1995

2000

London.

1994

Stephanie (Laure) Barth, '94, is

Col. Scott Fontaine, '95, '03, has retired after serving in the North Dakota Army National Guard for more than 28 years. registered nurse anesthetist with Altru Health System in Grand Forks.

Trevor Hastings, '95, is

Dawn (Murphy) Ystaas, '00,

Bismarck, N.D.

2001 '10, is an associate professor of Aeronautics at Kent State University.

Tami Christianson, '91, is a counselor with Catholic Charities North Dakota.

Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Dakota.

Glenn Matthews, '01, has been inducted into the North Dakota State College of Science Letterwinners Hall of Fame.

Matthews was a defensive tackle on the 1996-97 Wildcats football team. He transferred to UND, where he was a First Team All-American, First Team All-Conference, Most Valuable Defensive Lineman in the NCC and an Academic All-American.

Matthews is now an attorney in Lakewood, Colo.

1993

1997

2002

Holdings, a pipeline and energy services subsidiary of MDU Resources Group in Bismarck, N.D.

1990s Remember when, in 1994, UND celebrated 100 years of UND Football by having fans vote on an All-Century Team and by hosting former players during Homecoming?

1996

1991

Jonelle (Heglie) Burdick, '96, is

Kent Anderson, '96, is the business manager with Dickinson (N.D.) Public Schools.

Cathy (Bernardy) Neuhalfen, '93, is an accountant with DFC Consultants in Fargo.

Ben Berogan, '97, is the head wrestling coach for West Fargo High School. Berogan was a two-time state champion at Bismarck (N.D.) High School and an academic and athletic AllAmerican at UND.

Kelly (Rahn) Radi, '93, author of "Out to Sea: A Parents' Survival Guide to the Freshman Voyage,"

Gwen (Rohde) Witzel, '97, is a nurse practitioner with Sanford Medical Center in Fargo.

JoAnn (Keller) Almen, '93, '06, '09, is a nurse practitioner at the Sanford West Fargo Clinic.

Alumni Review | Winter 2017

Amy (Kress) Fankhanel, '02, is a nurse practitioner with the Sanford Broadway Clinic in Fargo.

Jeanne (Grunett) Wurzbacher, '02, is a licensed Realtor with Beyond Realty in Fargo. She specializes in residential real estate.

Coralyn "Corey" Jensen, '02, is a family nurse practitioner with the pediatric team at Altru Health System in Grand Forks.

Kelly (Crammer) Madzey, '02, '05, is a criminal trial supervisor in the Montgomery County (Ohio) Jasmyne Ramirez, '02, '10, is a licensed independent social worker with Abound Counseling in Grand Forks.

Sheryl Sahr, '02, is a surgeon with Sanford Health in Fargo. surgery and surgical critical care by the American Board of Surgery.

2003

EVERYBODY LOVES ARNE

Sean Bertie, '03, is a business insurance advisor with Dawson Insurance in Fargo.

Library turned Scandinavian on October

Marnie Lange, '03, '08, is a client consultant with Sundog Interactive in Fargo.

blue balloons, and a traditional food spread punctuated with a towering kranskake – the traditional dessert of Norwegian special occasions.

Kelsey (Solberg) Roth, '03, is director of Human Resources Operations with Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Dakota.

plate of homeland goodies. Too many well-

2004

“Ninety years old now!” one guest exclaimed, hugging Brekke in his seat.

Pari (Roughead) Becker, '04 North American HR with Titan Machinery in Fargo.

Ryan Downs, '04, is president of Sterling Management, a real estate management company in Fargo.

Debra Flute, '04, has been designated as a special assistant U.S. Attorney. Flute is the in-house attorney and tribal prosecutor for the SissestonWahpeton Sioux Tribe in northeastern South Dakota.

“Ninety years young!” he teased back, with an This was a celebration of the former UND languages professor’s 90th birthday – the namesake of the Arne G. Brekke Bygdebok Collection, one of the largest accumulations of Norwegian history and genealogy books in the world.

But there was more to celebrate than years gone by.

“This party was an enormous surprise. I did not know my two daughters were coming until they showed up here. It’s been a combination of incredible events.” Brekke said. “And the me know that the endowment set up for this collection had passed half a million dollars.”

Photo by Jackie Lorentz

To mark the occasion, Brekke’s daughter, Karen Hoelzer – who helped Brekke establish

year, another of Brekke’s daughters, Karla

The endowment was set up in connection with another from Gloria Gransberg, a former student of Brekke’s, to support Norwegian heritage initiatives in the library.

“I think it’s something that he’s been hoping for and was wanting to see done,” Hoezler said of the endowment milestone. “He wanted to know that the collection would be taken care of for years to come, and this gave him a little peace of mind.”

Bygdebøker lay out the detailed local histories of individual Norwegian farms and the people who settled them. Recently, the collection hit a high of 1,700 bygdebøker – and Arne was ecstatic.

“When a new shipment comes in and we get a new set of books, he inevitably comes to look at it,” said Curt Hanson, head of the Department of Special Collections at the Chester Fritz Library. “The excitement, the intellectual curiosity, the drive that he has is just contagious.”

UNDalumni.org

39

ALUMNI NEWS

, is the market leader for Wells Fargo Business Banking in Bismarck and Mandan, N.D. He remains business banking manager in Minot, N.D. Tina (Hase) Nordquist, '04, was promoted to shareholder of Minot, N.D. Nordquist has worked as an accountant with the company for 10 years.

Lance Podoll, '04, is a teacher at Fargo South's Individualized Learning Center.

2005

Darren Albrecht, '05, is the superintendent for Grafton (N.D.) Public Schools. He'd previously served as Grafton High School principal for 12 years.

Mark Longmuir, '05, '09, was named Outstanding Rural Health Provider at the Dakota Conference on Rural and Public Health. Longmuir is chief of Montrail County Medical Center in Stanley, N.D.

2006

Jon Solberg, '06, is an emergency medicine physician with CHI St. Alexius Health's Bismarck, N.D. Ana (Buchveitz) Tobiasz, '06, '10, is a maternal fetal medicine specialist with Sanford Health in Bismarck, N.D.

2007

Joshua Plencner, '07, is a visiting assistant professor in political science at Union College in Schenectady, N.Y.

2008

Christopher Brenner, '08, is a senior vice president of sales - Americas for Jetcraft in Minneapolis.

Bethany (Beyer) Gourneau, '08, '13, has joined the anesthesia team at Altru Health System in Grand Forks.

Brooke (Heitkamp) Hills, '08, '13, is a family nurse practitioner with Sanford Health Wahpeton (N.D.).

Rock, Colo.

Melissa (Johnson) McLean, '09, is a pre-kindergarten teacher with the Mohall Lansford Sherwood School District in Mohall, N.D. Tara Mertz-Hack, '09, '14, is a family medical physician with Sanford Health-Oakes (N.D.).

She primarily sees patients in Oakes, but also provides care Lisbon and Gwinner.

Kara (Biel) Kniert, '08, is a

Nicholas Milanovich, '09, a

with Family HealthCare clinic in Fargo.

Duluth Clinic in Duluth, Minn., has completed a fellowship in musculoskeletal imaging at Cedar-Sinai Medical Center in

James Miles, '08, '12, is a member of the neurology team at Altru Health System in Grand Forks. He specializes in treatment of neurologic diseases such as seizures, migraine headaches and developmental delays in pediatric patients. Dr. Miles is one of three pediatric neurology specialists in the state of North Dakota.

Kaleen (Skramstad) Peterson, '08, '11, is the Assistant Director

the American Board of Radiology in diagnostic radiology.

Nathan Murray, '09, teaches world and U.S. history and civics at Grafton (N.D.) High School.

Benjamin Roth, '09, is a member of the family medicine team at Altru Health System in Grand Forks.

City State University in Valley City, N.D.

Scott Seglem, '09, is a material planner with Cummins Inc. in Fridley, Minn.

Craig Peterson, '08, is principal of Breckenridge (Minn.) High School.

Kate Stroh, '09 Implementation Lead at Ochsner Health System in New Orleans.

Jesse Elis, '07, '09, is the director of Player Health and Performance for the NBA's

2009

all facets of the Trail Blazers

Wenzel in Langdon, N.D.

Cassey Breyer, '09, '13, is an

the team's players.

Sarah Hillier, '07, is a family and consumer sciences teacher at Drayton (N.D.) Public Schools.

40

Kylee (Ferris) Brightside, '09, has received the Fellowship Award from the Academy of General Dentistry. Brightside

Alumni Review | Winter 2017

2010s Remember when, in 2013, North Dakota legislators voted to pay for a new building for UND’s School of Medicine and Health Sciences? The $124 million building opened last year.

2010

David Ackert, '10, is an engineer with Braun Intertec in Bismarck, N.D. Kelsey (Fletcher) Adams, '10, '12 practitioner with the pediatric team at Altru Health System in Grand Forks.

Burke Bolstad, '10, is a real estate agent for Adams Family Brennan Hack, '10, is a Social Studies teacher at Oakes (N.D.) High School.

Nicole (Hager) Lemieux, '10, is a family nurse practitioner at Heart of America Johnson Clinic in Rugby, N.D. Braeden Nelson, 10, has joined Dawson Insurance in Fargo as a surety advisor.

Brady Pelton, '10, is a for the North Dakota Petroleum Council.

2011

Brock Callina, '11, is a budget

Cassandra Hunt, '11, is a family nurse practitioner with Towner County Medical Center in Cando, N.D. Megan (Kroshus) Jundt, '11, is a senior credit analyst with Olmstead National Bank in Rochester, Minn.

Andrew Miller, '11, is an interventional radiologist with Sanford Health in Bismarck, N.D. Gloria (Volk) Odden, '11, is the elementary school principal, K-12 school counselor, and coaches track at Strasburg (N.D.) Public Schools.

Jasmine Ottmar, '11, is a with Abound Counseling in Fargo.

Amber (Bernhardt) Podoll, '11,

Colby (Peterson) Schaley, '11, is a speech language pathologist with Sanford Mayville (N.D.).

Christopher Wateland, '11, '15, is an assistant county attorney for Wadena County in Wadena, as a constituent advocate for U.S. Senator John McCain, R-Ariz.

Erica (Hagert) Wiegandt, '11, is an optometrist with Altru Health System in Grand Forks.

2012

Kelsey (Fletcher) Adams, '12 practitioner with the pediatric team at Altru Health System in Grand Forks.

Kevin Beaudoin, '12, is principal of St. Thomas (N.D.) School. education and is the school's athletic director.

Lance Doeden, '12, specializes in pain management at Sanford South University Medical Center in Fargo.

Ashley Jones, '12, is a physician assistant with the Twin Rivers Medical Group Walk-In Clinic in Kennett, Missouri.

‘A TRUE AMERICAN HERO’ “You are a true American hero,” Guillaume Lacroix, Consul General of France in Chicago, told Minot, North Dakota, World War II veteran Lynn Aas before presenting Aas with France’s highest honor, the French Legion of Honor medal.

“Without you, I would not be here. Without Thank you very much for your services,” said Lacroix to Aas at a ceremony attended by many of Aas’ family members and friends on October 9.

Lacroix said France will never forget what was done for them and what they owe the American people. He said this country is France’s oldest ally. “We have never been at war with the U.S. – never,” Lacroix said.

Before receiving the medal from Lacroix, Aas, who was wearing a suit jacket, changed to his World War II Army jacket. Lacroix pinned the medal on the Army jacket.

Aas, who turned 96 in June, entered the historic Battle of the Bulge, serving with the 17th Airborne Division of the 193rd Airborne both the Bronze Star and the Purple Heart. He earned degrees from UND in 1948 and 1949.

Three years ago, he had the honor of being Division at the 70th annual reenactment of the historic Battle of the Bulge in the town of Bastogne, Belgium.

After receiving the medal from Lacroix, Aas told those gathered for the ceremony, “It is truly humbling to me to know that you have awarded this to me.”

“I accept this with honor and grace. We have always been friends of the French.” He said he was proud to receive the medal and expressed a sincere thank you to France.

Noting those who spoke prior to the medal presentation, Aas said many of them have talked about World War II veterans coming home and how they have made many changes in this country.

Ceremony speakers included Minot Mayor Chuck Barney serving as master of ceremonies, Senators John Hoeven and Heidi Heitkamp, '77, Congressman Kevin Cramer and Maj. Gen. Alan Dohrmann, '93, adjutant general of the North Dakota National Guard.

— Story and photo courtesy of Eloise Ogden, Minot Daily News

UNDalumni.org

41

ALUMNI NEWS

Megan Miller, '12, has joined Braun Intertec as an environmental technician in the

2013

Christopher Bothun, '13, is a dentist with Dakota Dental Associates, P.C., in Grand Forks.

Megan Christiansen, '13, is a member of the anesthesia team at Altru Health System in Grand Forks.

Kyle Kohns, '13, is store manager of the Uptown Minneapolis Target store.

Caitlin Pandolfo, '13, is an in Fargo.

Heather Sandness Nelson, '13, has joined the obstetrics and gynecology department at the Mid Dakota Clinic Center for Women in Bismarck, N.D.

2014

Dayna (Pierson) Bartlette, '14, is a third grade teacher at Strasberg (N.D.) Public School.

Joseph Dinsmore, '14, is an emergency physician with Lake Region Healthcare in Fergus Falls, Minn.

Bryant Friskop, '14, '17, has been named the head golf coach at the University of Minnesota-Crookston. He will continue as an assistant coach basketball team.

Christina Harmon, '14, is a in Fargo.

Jason Henry, '14, is a hospitalist on the primary care and specialty medicine team for the Fargo VA Health Care System.

Andrew Huus, '14, is a senior department of Widmer Roel in Fargo.

Steve Inglish, '14, is an emergency medicine physician with CHI St. Alexius Health's Bismarck, N.D. Melissa Mager, '14 accountant/analyst, has joined the UND Business

JU N E 12-2 7, 2 018

ROMANTIC RHINE & MOSELLE On this luxury cruise on the Rhine, you’ll have the opportunity to not only marvel at fairy-tale landscapes, but also experience a unique and sublime classical concert in the Baroque Palace of Rastatt, tour the Hockenheim

experiences.

TO BOOK YOUR TRIP

Call 800.842.9023 or to view all UND alumni travel opportunities, visit UNDalumni.org/Travel

Alumni Review | Winter 2017

David Stenvold, '14, is a customer service representative in student loans at Bank of North Dakota in Bismarck, N.D. Morgan Wagner, '14, '17, is serving a one-year court clerkship at the North Dakota Supreme Court.

Hosted by: UND Alumni Association & Foundation CEO DeAnna Carlson Zink and her husband, Wayne.

Zurich to Amsterdam

42

Service Center team. Mager's responsibilities with the Business Service Center include the accounting of equipment, buildings, and infrastructure, as well as assisting departments with their annual inventory of capitalized equipment. She will also assist the Business Service Center with cash and investment accounting and International Programs accounting.

2015

Rachel Chalupnik, '15, is a preschool and kindergarten speech-language pathologist with Grafton (N.D.) Public Schools.

Chelsea De Bruto, '15, '16, a pediatric therapist with Northwood (N.D.) Deaconess as a Car Seat Technician and will serve the area as a resource for car seat safety in association with Safe Kids Grand Forks.

Michael McNelly, '15, '16, is a special education instructor with Grafton (N.D.) High School.

Brittany Mildenberger, '15, '17, is a speech pathologist

with James River Special

and Litchville-Marion schools in North Dakota.

John Roll, '15, is a clinical nurse specialist with Sanford Roger Maris Cancer Center in Fargo.

Erica Turner, '15 analyst with Target Corporation in Brooklyn Park, Minn.

2016

Tyler Demoe, '16 grade in Tioga, N.D. Shannah Henk, '16, is a training and communications specialist

Peter Hvidston, '16, is an associate attorney with Nilles Law Firm in Fargo. He is part of Emily Jones, '16, is a licensed Abound Counseling in Fargo.

Travis Plante, '16, is a kindergarten teacher at Central Cass Public School in Casselton, N.D. , is a licensed

science at NDSU. The society is a forum for the assessment and exchange of research in behavioral and social sciences in regard to civil-military relations and the military establishment.

Madison Weber, '16, is an intensive in-home family therapist with The Village Family Service Center in Grand Forks.

Anna Withee, '16, is a resource room teacher at Griggs County Central in Cooperstown, N.D. \\\

Abound Counseling in Fargo.

Jeremy Straub, '16, has been selected as a fellow of the InterUniversity Seminar on Armed Forces and Society. Straub is an assistant professor in computer

UNDalumni.org

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1

ADDITIONS & CELEBRATIONS

If you would like your addition or celebration to be included in the next Alumni Review, send a high resolution photo to alumnireview@UNDalumni.net.

We look forward to helping you celebrate!

Additions 1 Blakely Jane Pearson was born June 20,

Celebrations 9

2016, to Stephanie (Brandt) Pearson, ’11, and Chris Pearson, ’09. The family, including big sister Kherington, lives in Argusville, N.D.

’16, were married August 5, 2017, in Grand Rapids, Minn. The couple lives in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

2 Jason Semerad, ’97, and his wife, Kristi Prochnow Kelley, are the proud parents of Briggs Donald Semerad born October 27, 2016. The family lives in Casselton, N.D.

10

3

Ryan Davis, ’07, and Amy (Fendt) Davis, ’07, welcomed daughters Kenna and Kyla on April 4, 2017. The family lives in Cottage Grove, Minn. Amy reports she is the fourth Selke RA from the 2005-06 school year to have twins.

4

Holly (Silewski) Osborn, ’08 and Matthew

July 19, 2017. He joins big sister, Ava. The Osborns live in Fargo.

5 Jackson Douglas Hansell was born Sept.

25, 2017, to TJ Hansell, ’05, ’12, and Darci Hansell. He, his sister, Lili, and his parents live in Goodyear, Ariz.

6

Kaleen (Skramstad) Peterson, ’08, ’11,

to their family on April 10, 2017. Turner is pictured with his brothers Sullivan and Sawyer. The family lives in Valley City, N.D.

7 Zach Cromley, ’05, and Holly Cromley welcomed Tyler George on April 24, 2017.

The Cromleys live in Loveland, Colo.

8 William Frederick Larter was born on April 10, 2017, to proud parents Samantha Braun, ’10, and Kody Larter. They live in Altona, Manitoba.

44

Alumni Review | Winter 2017

2

Matt Fossen, ’12, and Jessica Bruns, ’15, were married in Laporte, Minn., on June 24, 2017. The couple resides in Minot, N.D.

11

Cameron Peterson, ’16, and Ashley Bagley, ’16, were married on June 10, 2017, in Stillwater, Minn. The couple lives in Rochester, Minn.

3

12 and were married June 24, 2017, in St. Paul, Minn. Front row (left to right): Scott Dickmeyer, ’05; Ashley Lasch, Rachel Bredl, Lee, ’14, Jenn Hedge-Swenson, ’07; Joe

’05; Lindsey Olson, and Sandy Deach, ’93.

13

Laura Hausmann, ’10, married Sam Benshoof in Fargo on June 10, 2017.

Pictured with other UND alumni at the

’12; Laura Hausmann, 10; Jenna (Loeppke) Carr, ’10; and Sean Lee, ’12. The couple lives in St. Paul, Minn. ///

4

5

6

7

8

9

11

10 12

13 UNDalumni.org

45

OBITUARIES

He immediately worked side-by-side with Poellot to envision and build what is now UND’s Department of Atmospheric Sciences.

Administration, the Bureau of Reclamation and the Federal Highway Administration that helped grow the campus research environment.

D. Odegard School in its early days,” Poellot said.

A longtime director of UND’s Regional Weather Information Center (RWIC) – as well as a linchpin in its creation – Osborne was vital in He was known for urging the community to prepare long before any other organization was willing to make that call.

LEON’S LEGACY UND Chester Fritz Distinguished Professor Leon Osborne remembered as a passionate weather pioneer

Photo by Jackie Lorentz

Osborne joined others at UND in developing the Advanced Transportation Weather Information System in 1996. The system, leveraging new computer and forecasting technology, soon led Osborne’s team to craft what we now know as “511” – an access number that drivers can call for on-demand information on weather and road conditions.

To make 511 applicable to the public, Osborne and his wife, Kathy, Inc. The company began with a contract with the State of Minnesota. Today, 511 keeps travelers safe across the country.

Next generation Leon Osborne Jr., known in the Grand Forks community as the “People’s Weatherman,” died October 24 after a yearlong battle with pancreatic cancer. He was 63.

“Leon was a visionary and a man of the highest integrity,” said Mike Poellot, chair of the UND Department of Atmospheric Sciences and longtime friend of Osborne’s. “He was man of family and strong faith.

He was down-to-earth, but dreamed big and worked hard to see his dreams come true.”

“Leon was an amazingly talented atmospheric scientist. He was an even better person,” said Mark Askelson, UND professor of Atmospheric Sciences and interim executive director of the Research Institute for Autonomous Systems. He was a former student of Osborne’s at UND. “I personally owe him for many successes, as he helped me immensely in my career. It’s hard to convey just how much Leon has meant to UND.”

Weather trailblazer A Texas native with degrees in physics and meteorology, Osborne took his career north and found an academic home at UND in 1978.

46

Alumni Review | Winter 2017

At his core, Osborne was a teacher. He was the director of both the undergraduate and graduate atmospheric sciences programs, and his experience with TV weather jump-started a student broadcast meteorology program, now led by Associate Professor Fred Remer.

“It is amazing the number of alumni and former students that have reached out to the department and to his family over the past year Leon provided them,” Remer said.

“Leon had charisma,” Askelson added. “He was a tremendous orator who made you want to hear what was coming next. He was compelling and passionate, and that passion carried through to his students.”

“One of the things he would ask every student — whether an undergraduate doing research for a senior project presentation, or a graduate student defending their thesis or dissertation – he always asked them, ‘What’s the value of your work to society?’” Poellot remembered. “That was always at the forefront for him.” /// —Kaylee Cusack/UND Today writer

REMEMBER CHRIS JACOBS

CHRIS JACOBS

(operating the camera) co-conducted summer moviemaking workshops on campus from 2006-11.

Photo by Chuck Kimmerle

Campus and community mourns loss of UND educator, filmmaker and all-around good man

at the age of 63.

Faculty members across campus mourned him. He was known for his love of the arts, especially movies and theater.

from UND. continued until his early retirement in May 2017.

He taught the Intro to Film sections from 1995 through 2017, and also taught a Creative Writing class focusing on screenwriting, a class on creative movie production using digital video equipment, and another and communication departments.

From 2006-2011 he conducted a summer moviemaking workshop for teens, and occasionally one for adults, with Kathy Coudle-King, senior

Coudle-King. “Film was his life and he was happy to share it.”

produced at his own expense simply for the love of creation,” said studies. “Chris also had an encyclopedic knowledge of movies. I never world, that he hadn’t already seen–and most of the time owned, as community in his basement theater, where he exposed many of us to movies we wouldn’t have been able to see otherwise. He will be greatly missed by the University and community.”

“He was a kind, funny guy, and a real pleasure to talk with,” said

resource for us, and he was interested in so many things.”

“Students who took his class seriously got a lot out of it. It wasn’t an easy class and he expected a lot from his students. He loved to He had a deadpan sense of humor.”

They revised and updated it for a second edition that was published in 2014.

Jacobs served as the movies editor for The High Plains Reader for also worked as a movie theater manager and a projectionist.

including “Dark Highways,” a North Dakota neo-noir thriller which and Video Festival. It was nominated for best screenplay at the SMMASH Film Festival in 2004.

In 2014, he developed a rare blood disorder and bone marrow failure, and received a bone marrow transplant at Mayo Clinic in 2015. He returned to teaching his early retirement in May 2017. /// —Jan Orvik, UND Today writer

UNDalumni.org

47

IN MEMORIAM

It is with great honor we dedicate these pages to alumni and friends of the University of North Dakota who have recently passed away. These members of the alumni family helped ignite the spirit of UND, paving the way for a bright future.

Photo by Sam Melquist

1930s

Jean (Harkison) Knutson, ’48, Sioux Falls, S.D.

O. Richard Lee, ’51, Menasha, Wis.

Robert Stommes, ’55, Saint Cloud, Minn.

Robert Towne, ’59, Cloquet, Minn.

Marijo (Loomis) Shide, ..’48, Grand Forks

Marilyn (Klootwyk) Nelson, ..’51, Grand Forks

Ross Bestgen, ’56, Bismarck

Dorothy (Burtness) Westrem, ’59,

Geraldine (Stenehjem) Wheeler, ..’48, Fargo

Howard Russell Jr., ’51, Bethesda, Md.

Helen Frank Challey, ’41, West Fargo, N.D.

M.H. Atkinson Jr., ’49, ’51, Bismarck

Roy Stillings, ’51, Oceanside, Calif.

Dwight Johnson, ’41, Redlands, Calif.

Gordon Christian, ..’49, Warroad, Minn.

Irven Dahl, ’53, Minneapolis

Louis Tomaselli, ..’56, Spring Green, Wis.

Ethel (Book) Kent, ..’41, Hatton, N.D.

Dorothy (Davis) Corbit, ’49, Saint Thomas, N.D.

Ruth (Kobe) Deitz, ..’53, Moorhead, Minn.

Robert McConn, ’57, Grand Forks

Lois (Nystrom) Engler, ’42, Bismarck

Richard Mueller, ’49, Ocean Shores, Wash.

Dr. Dick Koppenhaver, ’53, ’54, ’61, Lenexa, Kan.

Edward McCulloch II, ’57, Baxter, Minn.

Charles Noren, ’43, Hagerstown, Md.

Mary Lou (Gies) Scully, ..’49, Fargo

Connie (Atwood) McCarthy, ’53, Naples, Fla.

James Stannard, ’57, ’62, Colorado Springs, Colo.

Marilyn Mae (Mattson) Bostrom, ..’45, North Branch, Minn.

Roger Tunberg, ..’49, Thief River Falls, Minn.

Robert Rystad, ’53, Grand Forks

Jarl Bergland, ’58, Brownsville, Texas

1950s

Dr. Trueman Tryhus Jr., ..’53, Scottsdale, Ariz.

Carsten Birkeland, ’58,

A. Margaret (Donovan) Kertz, ’45, Langdon, N.D.

Walter Wockovich, ..’53, Grand Forks

LeRoy Bowman, ’58, West Fargo, N.D.

D. Ross Halliday, MD, ’54, ’55, Scottsdale, Ariz.

Hartley Brown, ’58, Grand Forks

John Iverson, ’54, Bemidji, Minn.

Leo Considine, ’58, Billings, Mont.

Leland Johnson, ’54, ’58, Green Valley, Ariz.

Jan Robinson Culkins, ’58, Kennesaw, Ga.

Warren Loberg, ’54, Grand Forks

Paul Flaten, MD, ’58, ’60, Jacksonville, Fla.

Dallas Stetson, ’54, Sheboygan, Wis.

Odell Foss, ’58, Grand Forks

Sigrid (Benson) Ott, ’39, Switzerland

1940s

Col. Ferdinand Svore, USAF (RET), ’40, Gainsville, Fla.

Elaine (Ornes) Mack, ’45, Caroline (Weiss) Buckman, ..’47, Dickinson, N.D. Myron Fahey, ’47, Gilbert, Minn.

Warren Little, ’47, Omaha, Neb. Beverly (Hagen) Sabin, ’47, Boulder, Colo.

Dorothy (Anderson) Samuelson, ..’47, Terrell, Texas Coleman Barry, ’48, Williston, N.D. Irene, (McCloskey) Campbell, ..’48, St. Louis Park, Minn.

John Bures, MD, ’50, ’55, Saint Petersburg, Fla. James Elliott, ’50, Sun City West, Ariz.

Stephen Farrington, ’50, Mesa, Ariz.

Robert Jordheim, MD, ’50, ’52, Fargo Waldo Kroeber, ’50, Bismarck Mary Lois (Schmitt) McKenzie, ’50, Williston, N.D. Daniel McKinnon, ..’50, Warroad, Minn.

Lewis Shaw, ’50, Mandan, N.D. Sidney Anderson, ’51, Grand Forks

Donald Croy, ’48, Portland, Ore.

Joy (Takeyama) Hashimoto, ’51, Salt Lake City

George Jones, ’48, Burnsville, Minn.

Colleen (McCullough) Helgerson, ’51, Fargo

48

Alumni Review | Winter 2017

Robert Dunsworth, ’55, Richmond, BC Canada Duane Fadness, ’55, Saint Louis, Mo. Justin Hoberg, ..’55, Bemidji, Minn.

Elmer ’Jerry’ Meldahl, ’55, ’56, Billings, Mont.

Dr. John Sagehorn, ..’55, Plymouth, Minn.

Edward Fowler, ’56, Caledonia, Ill. Renee (Erickson) Swenson, ’56, ’63, Sparks, Nev.

Margaret (Tupa) Meagher, ..’58, Grand Forks Lila (Sjodin) Nelson, ’58, Badger, Minn.

John Scheveck, ’58, ’61, Howard Lake, Minn.

Martha (Thomson) Soter, ’58, Tucson, Ariz.

Evelyn Swenson, ..’58, Canby, Minn.

Patrick McGurran, ’59, Amery, Wis.

Paul Woutat, ’59, Saint Paul, Minn.

1960s

Dr. Jerome Bakke, ’60, Fargo Bruce Denler, ’60, Greenwood, Ind. William Gorder, ’60, ’69, Grafton, N.D. James Nowatzki, ’60, Northridge, Calif.

Betsy (Hokana) Short, ’60, Wayland, Mass.

Donald Foss, MD, ’61, Fergus Falls, Minn.

Jameson Larimore III, ’61, Larimore, N.D. Donald Sarkinen, ’61, Burnsville, Minn.

A. Stewart Andree, ’62, West Vancouver, BC Canada George Barron, ’62, Jamestown, N.D. Sharon (Heiser) Studley, ’62, Cumming, Ga. Omar Vein, ..’62, Bellevue, Wash.

Charles Walejko, ’62, Stockton, Calif.

Richard Groven, ..’63, Shevlin, Minn.

Glenn Heitzman, ’63, Cold Spring, Minn.

Lowell Akers, ’64, Deerwood, Minn.

James Eissinger, ’64, Lubbock, Texas

Karen (Leonhard) Kelsch, ’64, Bismarck

Viola (Hedman) Larson, ’70, Oslo, Minn.

Geraldean Martin, ..’75,

Robert O’Keefe, ’87, ’11, ’15, Fargo

Dr. John Owen, Hollywood, Md.

Clinton Rodningen, ’64, Grand Forks

Roberta (Kringler) Mundahl, ’70, Cando, N.D.

Cynthia (Chally) Page, ’75, Wayzata, Minn.

1990s

Eugene Purcell, Grand Forks

Dennis Sailor, ’64, Cameron, Wis.

Robert Nordine, ..’70, Jamestown, N.D.

Jamestown, N.D.

Wayne Dieterle, ’65, Minot, N.D.

Allen Pedersen, ..’70, Crookston, Minn.

Marvin Christianson, ’76, ’84, Fairmont, Minn.

Steve Hensey, ..’65, Lakota, N.D.

Stuart Sherry, MD, ’70, ’71, Walla Walla, Wash.

Dr. Douglas Knowlton, ’76, ’79, Saint Paul, Minn.

Harlan Lien, ’65, Grafton, N.D.

Charles Stewart, ’70, Grafton, N.D.

James Tracey, ’76, Wildrose, N.D.

James Lince, ..’65, Vancouver, Wash.

Herbert LeRoy Valgren, ’70, Grand Forks

Myrtle (Painte) GoodLeft, ..’77, Garrison, N.D.

Dennis Schjeldahl, ..’65, Grand Forks

Kathlyn (Bymers) Heaton, ’71, Ithaca, N.Y.

Craig Holte, ’77, Fargo

C. Ann (Zea) Cremers, ..’66, Grand Forks

Jerome Kalenze, ..’71, Garner, N.C.

Dr. Robert Hanson, ’66, Watsonville, Calif.

Donald King, ’71, Onalaska, Wis.

Dr. Barry Johnson, ’66, ’70, ’72, Rapid City, S.D.

Dr. Christie Logan, ’71, Woodland Hills, Calif.

Wallace Tate, ’66, Apache Junction, Ariz.

S. Myron Maurseth, ’71, San Diego

David Walth, ..’66, Halliday, N.D.

Rebecca (Lee) Pryde, ’71, San Bernardino, Calif.

Laurel (Bakke) Ecklund, ’67, Fargo

Paul Kobilansky, ..’77, Grand Forks Jim Osborn, ’77, Missoula, Mont.

Trent Heinemeyer, ’78, ’82, Fort Wayne, Ind. Marilyn (Albert) Bjerke, ..’79, Grand Forks

Kelly Halvorson, ’90, Jamestown, N.D. Cory Cadden, ..’92, Summerville, S.C. Richelle Horsley, ’92, Salt Lake City Patricia (Montgomery) Roche, ’92, Mentor, Minn.

Steven Bode, ’95, Larimore, N.D. Gary Hanesalo, ’95, Toofawn (Gunshanan) Simhai, ’96, ’98, Devils Lake, N.D. Michelle K Fenske, ’97, Oakes, N.D. Kimberly (Wells) Kramer, ’97, Santa Rosa, Calif.

Avery Paulson, ’98, ’02, Lincoln, Neb.

Cynthia Gornowicz, ..’79, Grand Forks

Dr. Dana (Borowiak) Scheurer, ’99, ’02, Maryville, Tenn.

Charles Weispfenning, MD, ’71, Vashon, Wash.

Janice (Wallette) Shanley, MD, ’79, ’82, Casa Grande, Ariz.

2000s

Gary Mott, ’67, Billings, Mont.

Bob Boehmer, ’72, Minneapolis

JoAnn (Mattson) Veum, ’79, Grafton, N.D.

Gary Peterson, ’67, Black Hawk, Colo.

Duane Bokn, ’72, Devils Lake, N.D.

1980s

Garreth Gunderson, ’68,

Jarrel Boyer, ..’72, Globe, Ariz.

Richard Lee, ’68, Minneapolis

Paul Felter, ’72, Ponderay, Idaho

John Orvis, ’68, Lineville, Iowa

Albert Nelson, ’72, ’77, Bismarck

Wayne Hintz, ’69, ’72, Helena, Mont.

Wayne Peterson, ..’72, Bemidji, Minn.

Rodger Johnston, ’69, Browerville, Minn.

Sharlene (Melby) Stredwick, ..’72, Boise, Idaho

Richard Peterson, ’69, North Aurora, Ill.

Richard Joersz, ’73, Bismarck

Cheryl (Berg) Toth, ’69, Aurora, Ill. Jacob Wolf Jr., ’69, Detroit Lakes, Minn.

1970s

Arthur Divers, ’70, Unionville, ON Canada Arjan Gelling, ’70, Nanaimo, BC Canada Joseph Hess, ’70, Wills Point, Texas

Stephen Linehan, ’73, Rockwall, Texas Kay (Connor) Morano, ’73, Yakima, Wash.

Jill Ruzicka, ’73, Minneapolis Jacqueline (Robinson) Brockling, ..’74, Grand Forks Robert Kuchar, ..’74, Prior Lake, Minn.

Lynn Anderson, ’75, ’77, ’87, Hutchinson, Kan.

Kenneth (Mattson) Peetz, ’80, Connie S J (Johnson) Poppke, ’80, Bismarck Cynthia (Ring) Stoller, ..’80, Grand Forks Dolores (Hance) Trudeau, ’80, Stillwater, Minn.

William Joyner, ..’81, Grand Forks Amy (Seifert) Loeb, ’81, St. Gertrude, N.D. Orella (Nysveen) Woods, ..’81, Fargo Moorhead, Minn.

Tina Grumbo, ’00, Cavalier, N.D. Janna (Worner) Kunkel, ’00, Prior Lake, Minn.

Jennifer (Holth) Winkels, ’02, Grand Forks Forrest Cross, ’06, New Town, N.D.

2010s

Danielle Bjerke, ’12, ’13, Park River, N.D. Christopher Greenman, ’14, ’15, Rock Springs, Wyo. Scott Lindgren, ’15, Leeds, N.D. Andrew Huot, ..’17, Red Wing, Minn.

Jaclyn Sand, ..’17, Grand Forks

Faculty/Staff

Troy Bazey, ’84, Grand Forks

Dianna Georgina, Duluth, Ga.

Linda (Sinclair) Bennett, ’85, ’01, Grand Junction, Colo.

Debra (Kossow) Lee,

Daniel Clark, ’85, Corpus Christi, Texas

Joan (McGlynn) Martindale, Mankato, Minn.

Mary (Roessel) Engel, ..’85, Bismarck

Regina Monnig, Rochester, Minn.

Jessica Herman Beier, ’87, Leawood, Kan.

Joshua Omotunde, MD, Grafton, N.D.

E. Paul Smart, Grand Forks Duane Swartz, Grand Forks Donna (Knauss) Thompson, Grand Forks Karen (Karner) Williams, Grand Forks

Friends

Ellen (Megivern) Austin, Grand Forks Joan (Ost) Bender, Fort Walton Beach, Fla. James Bowen, Grafton, N.D. Julie (Selby) Clark, Williston, N.D. Virginia Franta, Greenville, Del. Gloria (Gausvik) Haas, Bismarck John H. Hoeven, Minot, N.D. Dolores Holwell, Bottineau, N.D. William Kloempken, MD, Waseca, Minn.

Darlene (Forseth) Leinen, Williston, N.D. Mona (Bilden) Lund, Northwood, N.D. Robert McDonald, Saratoga, Calif.

Paulette (Dorr) Moe, Joe Neel Jr., Grand Forks James Noss, Grand Forks Robert Nowatzki, Langdon, N.D. Debra (Baxter) ThomasAnderson, Bemus Point, N.Y. Douglas Treadway, Brentwood, Calif.

Duane Walker, Hoople, N.D. Gerald Wickman, Burlington, N.D. ///

UNDalumni.org

49

T HE

WRAP Fall 2017

INSIDE: Homecoming 2017: Live for Gameday. p. 12

DRU'S LASTING LEGACY

Sophomore Kelsey Cariveau is the latest recipient of the scholarship that honors the memory of Dru Sjodin p. 6

Photo: Sam Melquist

Women for Philanthropy Student organizations had a chance to highlight their community outreach at the Women for Philanthropy Fall Social.

Those in attendance got the chance to meet some bold and inspirational student leaders who take time from their busy school schedules to make Grand Forks a better place through volunteering and community service.

The UND Mortar Board took home a

These groups will use the grant money to advance their philanthropic outreach in the community.

Find the Flame Helping Students Soar help UND’s Odegard School of Aerospace Sciences recruit even more of the best and brightest students in the country.

David Knittel and J. Gregory Vranna are the lucky winners of a prize package

venture capitalist and UND benefactor who passed away in April at age 94.

Foundation.

The UND Aerospace Foundation established the scholarship endowment

UND Promise Scholarship Program.

Alumni Review | Winter 2017

Three names were drawn at random

The James C. Ray Memorial Freshman

The James C. Ray Foundation made a

50

issue of the Alumni Review was tough to spot, but more than 50 sharp-eyed readers found it in the leaves (see above).

Send your guess to alumnireview@ UNDalumni.net to be entered in our drawing. Good luck!

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ALUMNI REVIEW University of North Dakota Alumni Association 3501 University Ave. Stop 8157 Grand Forks, ND 58202-8157

NOW UNTIL DEC 31

IMPACT THE LIVES OF MANY

BY HAVING FAITH IN ONE BRITTANY DVORAK, ’18 Grand Forks, N.D. Scholarship recipient

MULTIPLY YOUR IMPACT #UNDPROMISE UND PROMISE SCHOLARSHIP

Multiply your impact by giving to the UND Promise Scholarship program. Strengthen UND’s ability to action at UND. There are two ways your support can be multiplied. Ready to make an impact?

Contact Shane Hersch at (800) 543-8764 or visit UNDalumni.org/Promise