UND Alumni Magazine Winter 2025

UNIVERSITY OF NORTH DAKOTA

UNIVERSITY OF NORTH DAKOTA ALUMNI EVENTS

Coming to a city near you!

HOLIDAY CHEERS

Monday, Dec. 1

Gorecki Alumni Center

WINTER COMMENCEMENT SOCIAL

Friday, Dec. 19

Ralph Engelstad Arena

UNDalumni.org/events

PRESIDENTS CUP GOLF TOURNAMENT

presented by Bell Bank

Wednesday, Jan. 21 Phoenix, Ariz.

UND IN PHOENIX

hosted by UND Alumni Association & Foundation Board Members Darla Adams, Troy Bader, Chad Wachter, Lisa Barnes, John Solberg & Andrew Abernathey

Thursday, Jan. 22 | 5-7:30 p.m. MST théa at The Global Ambassador Hotel

HOCKEY PREGAME PARTIES

Friday & Saturday, Jan. 23-24 Tempe, Ariz.

UND IN NAPLES (FLA.)

hosted by Rick & Jody Burgum and Jim & Barbara Williams

Thursday, Feb. 19

UND IN GREEN VALLEY (ARIZ.)

hosted by Sharon Rezac Andersen

Thursday, March 5

UND IN D.C.

Tuesday, March 10

UND IN ATLANTA

Wednesday, March 11

NORTH DAKOTA CHAMPIONS BALL

presented by Altru

Saturday, April 25 Alerus Center

HEIDI KNOWS WHAT IT MEANS TO BE

#UND PROUD

“During my time at UND, I developed a strong work ethic and a problem-solving and analytical foundation that prepared me to succeed in banking. Bell’s commercial banking team would be honored to help UND students and alums meet your business financial goals by discussing your deposit and lending needs.”

Heidi Bye SVP/Credit Underwriting Director

A CENTURY OF CONNECTION

For 100 years, the UND Alumni Magazine has captured the stories that connect generations. In this special anniversary issue, we look back at the voices, moments, and memories that have shaped the University of North Dakota family — with the knowledge that more stories are still to come.

08 40

A Message from the CEO UND Year in Review Homecoming 2025 06

50 Forever UND: The Campaign for the University of North Dakota

100 Stories from 100 Years: Some of our favorite headlines and storylines from the past century.

ON THE COVER

Ava Leifur, a UND senior, is pictured in UND’s Gershman Graduate Center, the University’s oldest building, constructed in 1902 and restored in 2021 through a lead gift from Hal and Kathy Gershman. The UND Theatre Arts Department supplied Ava’s 1920s-inspired outfit — a nod to the decade when the magazine was launched. Learn about Ava’s family legacy and her work at the Chester Fritz Library on page 48.

54

62

64 In Memoriam

66

Class Notes Student-Athlete Spotlight Alumni Photo Share

42 The Changing Face of Chester Fritz Library Gone are the days of stern looks and whispered shushing.

A MESSAGE FROM DEANNA

CONNECTIONS THAT BUILD COMMUNITY

As we mark 100 years of the UND Alumni Magazine, I’m reminded of its incredible role in sustaining our alumni community.

For a century, it’s been more than just a magazine — it’s been a bridge connecting generations of graduates to each other and to the University we all cherish.

I’ve contributed to this magazine for decades. My first column was about annual giving — a topic I felt strongly about, even if I was nervous writing about it. We laid out each issue by hand with the Office of University Relations (OUR). It was a labor of love, by a small but passionate team. That same dedication continues today as our team thoughtfully assembles each issue to reflect the heart of our alumni community.

One of my earliest contributions to what was then the Alumni Review featured my daughter Karissa in a tiny graduation gown for an annual giving campaign (inset picture at lower right). Years later, Karissa earned two UND degrees — a full-circle moment that still brings me joy.

The magazine’s CEO column began in 1953 with the “Report from Campus” by the legendary J. Lloyd Stone. In my role as CEO, I’ve written about reunions, alumni awards, and the impact of every dollar on UND students. I’ve watched the magazine evolve from a monthly newspaper to the beautifully curated publication it is today. Through it all, our commitment to connection and community remains.

That commitment began with UND’s first eight graduates, who believed in staying connected to each other and to the University. Their vision laid the foundation for our organization, and the Alumni Magazine picked up that torch in 1925.

Fittingly, UND President Andrew Armacost has declared this the “Year of Community.” Alumni who haven’t returned in decades often call the magazine a “dear friend keeping them connected.” It’s a testament to the role this publication plays in fostering community across time and distance.

Thanks to the Chester Fritz Library, every issue dating back to 1925 is available online, preserving our history and making it accessible to alumni, students, and researchers around the world.

Dave Vorland

Speaking of the collaboration with the OUR, I want to pass on my condolences to the family and friends of Dave Vorland, ’65, longtime OUR director who also taught journalism classes on campus. I took classes from Dave and worked closely with him for years. His big laugh, great smile, and love for this University will be missed.

Homecoming

We celebrated another incredible Homecoming in mid-September, breaking ground on a new STEM complex, reopening Merrifield Hall, and enjoying Alumni Honors and Athletics Hall of Fame events, and a win over Valparaiso following the Homecoming Parade. That spirit of connection, whether through a handshake, a shared memory, or the pages of this magazine, is what makes UND special.

Here’s to the next 100 years of stories and community.

UND ALUMNI MAGAZINE

UND ALUMNI ASSOCIATION & FOUNDATION

Chief Executive Officer

DeAnna Carlson Zink, ’86

Vice President of Marketing & Communications

Sarah Prout, ’07

UND ALUMNI MAGAZINE

Editor

Alyssa Konickson, ’06, Associate VP of Marketing & Communications

Designer

Jenny Wolf, ’03, Director of Creative & Brand Strategy

Associate Editor

Stephanie Schultz, ’91, Writer & Editor

Contributors

Lindsay Benson, ’13, ’14, Operations Project Manager

Angela Brayton, ’25, Graphic Designer

Melissa Garceau, Associate VP of Operations

Jasmine Koenig, Digital Media Coordinator & Photographer

Jenn Lukens, Director of Stewardship & Donor Appreciation

Sam Melquist, Graphic Designer

Thaddaeus Pera, Business Intelligence Developer

Milo Smith, Senior Director of Public Relations & Videography

Carly Tate, ’18, Associate Director of Marketing & Communications

Jeannie Tvedt, Senior Database Coordinator

Heather Schuler, ’17, UND Aerospace Network

UND Marketing & Communications

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Chair

Darla (Kleven) Adams, ’84, ’85, ’07 Vice Chair

Troy Bader, ’85

Directors

Andrew Abernathey Lisa (Schmitz) Barnes, ’88

Twylah (Butler) Blotsky, ’93

Kelly (Keeler) Caruso, ’91

Chris Cooper, ’05, ’08 Lucy Dalglish, ’80

Kaleb Dschaak, ’20

Angie (Hovland) Freeman, ’91

Scott Fredericksen, ’74

Randy Gershman, ’84

Mike Hamerlik, ’84, ’88 Dr. Michael LeBeau, ’02

Nathaniel Leben, ’05

Chuck MacFarlane, ’87

Gary Petersen, ’87, ’93 Karen (Borlaug) Phillips, ’77

Lara (Olsen) Prozinski, ’90

John Solberg, ’76

Kathryn Uhrich, ’86

Reid Walker

Jodi Thompson Rolland, ’92

Dave St. Peter, ’89

Chad Wachter

Ex Officio

Andrew Armacost Karla Mongeon-Stewart

Dr. Marjorie Jenkins Eric Link

Nancy Pederson, ’90

DeAnna Carlson Zink, ’86

The UND Alumni Magazine (ISSN 26896753) is published four times a year by the University of North Dakota Alumni Association & Foundation 3501

A YEAR IN REVIEW

UND’S NEXT BIG LEAP: FROM MOMENTUM TO COMMUNITY

“Community”

is UND President Andrew Armacost’s word of the year — chosen, he said, because of the uncertainty facing higher education.

Armacost chooses a single word each year to serve as both a guiding light for campus and a reflection of the times. Last year’s word — momentum — captured UND’s push to build on a period of significant growth. (See the following pages for a look back at how we did!)

In 2026, Armacost says the University will need to band together as a true community to pursue two ambitious “moonshot” goals: launching four new companies built on UND research and positioning UND as the AI university for North Dakota.

The term “moonshot,” borrowed from President John F. Kennedy’s vision for the moon landing, isn’t new at UND. In 2025, the University achieved a moonshot when satellites designed here successfully launched into space in June.

“NOW IS THE TIME TO BIND TOGETHER AS A COMMUNITY.”

In 2026, UND aims to turn the state’s investment in research into businesses, leveraging the expertise of UND’s Center for Innovation and the North Dakota Small Business Development Center.

“The piece that is missing is being able to take our great discoveries and inventions and put them into practice,” Armacost said. “We publish about them, we give papers, we give presentations. But there’s a gap, and the state of North Dakota wants to see us make it happen.”

Armacost also envisions UND as a national example for adopting and putting humanity in AI, which will involve public-private partnerships, collaborations across campus, and preparing students to thrive in a world where AI continues to evolve.

Achieving these goals, he said, will take all of us. He likened UND’s community to a quilt — many different patterns, stitched together to make something beautiful.

A sense of wonder reflects our belief that critical thinking and dynamic educational experiences are rich soil for cultivating engaged citizens who will be A SENSE OF

A LOT OF PEOPLE ARE GOING TO MEET GREYSON AND SAY, ‘WE’RE GOING TO INVEST IN THIS YOUNG MAN AND MAKE SURE HE SUCCEEDS BEYOND HIS WILDEST DREAMS.’”

MARK JENDRYSIK

PROFESSOR OF POLITICAL SCIENCE AND PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION

Advisor to Greyson Orne, who became the 15th Truman Scholar at UND since 1977

NEW PROGRAMS

Bachelor’s

Cybersecurity Engineering

Master’s

Athletic Administration & Coaching

Forensic Science

Human-Technology Interaction

Doctoral

Artificial Intelligence

Ryan Adams College of Engineering & Mines

Dr. Marjorie Jenkins

School of Medicine & Health Sciences; VP for Health Affairs

Endowed Faculty

UND now has 64 faculty endowments, with 49 faculty members holding endowed titles for 2025–26

An endowed chair, professorship or fellowship lasts forever and is an honor to the named holder of the position and an enduring tribute to the donor.

Merrifield Hall: A Historic

Renovation

Students, staff and faculty returned to Merrifield Hall after three years of renovation. Built in 1929, the building blends historic charm with modern upgrades, preserving its Collegiate Gothic architecture while adding ADA access, high-tech classrooms and a new Cafe for Active Language Learning.

Shelbie Witte

College of Education & Human Development

1,500+

scholarly and creative works completed by UND faculty, including journal articles, books, book chapters, grants, patents, films, theater productions, musical performances, acting, directing, ceramics and more.

NEW DEANS

SHINING SCHOLARS

A YEAR IN REVIEW

LOVE OF DISCOVERY

By fostering a love of discovery, we advance creativity, research and innovation as ways to overcome our greatest challenges.

NATIONAL SECURITY

Experiential Learning

Last fall, UND inaugurated its state-of-the-art Mark & Claudia Thompson National Security Corridor. The space contains labs and classrooms to further the University’s research in satellite testing and design, quantum computing, cryptography and UAS.

Experts Welcome

The UND LEADS: Broad Perspectives on National Security speaker series has hosted Gen. Lori Robinson and Lt. Gen. Adrian Spain, and will continue to be a staple event informing people of hot-button topics in national security.

AVIATION

Defying Gravity

A team of UND aviation researchers won first place and $25,000 on the Federal Aviation Administration’s 2024 Data Challenge. The win followed on the UND Aerobatics Team’s 11th national championship, which the team won in February after taking first place in every event in the Region 6 title.

A Record Fleet

UND’s John D. Odegard School of Aerospace Sciences has signed the largest domestic training order in Piper Aircraft’s history, calling for the delivery of 145 aircraft over eight years beginning in 2027.

RESEARCH LEADER

ranking from Carnegie Foundation places UND among world’s top research universities

American universities with R1 status in 2025 (just 4.7% of all degree-granting institutions)

“THIS IS NOT A UNIVERSITY; THIS IS LIKE A MIRACLE HOUSE.”

DEREK TOURNEAR DIRECTOR, U.S. SPACE DEVELOPMENT AGENCY speaking on UND’s progress in STEM since 2020

SPACE

Moonwalking Made Easy

UND and Cankdeska Cikana Community College have partnered on a NASA-sponsored project to develop lunar boot outsoles. The project is a part of the Artemis program — NASA’s plan to return humans to the Moon.

Satellite Launch

UND launched the first-ever satellites commissioned in North Dakota into orbit via a SpaceX rocket. They’re operated remotely from UND’s Odegard Hall.

Going Underwater

A new neutral buoyancy facility at Altru Sports Complex will let astronauts-in-training practice space simulations underwater. Pablo de León, chair of Space Studies, says the project will attract national and international partners.

A YEAR IN REVIEW

COMMITMENT TO SERVE

We aspire to help make our communities better.

STATE SUPPORT

Legislature Invests in UND’s Future

The North Dakota Legislature provided strong support for UND’s new STEM Complex and national security mission. Appropriations include: $55.6 million for the STEM facility (rendering at top left), $24.75 million for the Challenge Grant to boost philanthropic contributions to higher ed and $16 million for national security initiatives specifically in the fields of UAS and counter-UAS, cybersecurity and satellite testing and design.

COMMUNITY IMPACT

Top 10

Military Spouse-Friendly School, and Gold Status Military-Friendly School

15,844

total fall 2025 UND enrollment — up 825 from fall 2024 and the largest in UND history. The incoming freshman class also set a record with 2,508 students

$1.48 Billion

UNDʼs economic impact on the state and region

IN THE MEDIA

Unpacking the Purpose of College

In his “Philosophical Currents” podcast, Professor Jack Russell Weinstein discussed college’s purpose, rising costs, and value, arguing it remains transformative. “Technology isn’t slowing down. The population isn’t shrinking. There’s always more to learn,” he said. Listen on Prairie Public NewsRoom.

ATHLETICS

Game-changing upgrades

For the first time in program history, UND softball has a true home field advantage in Albrecht Field.

Just across 2nd Avenue, the new Nodak Insurance Company Sports Performance Center — the westward addition to the Frederick D. Pollard Athletic Center — houses locker rooms for softball, football, track & field and cross-country.

The indoor Hawkway links the Nodak to the new Hyslop at Memorial Village, home to Athletics administration, coaches offices, meeting rooms, media spaces, student-athlete support services, a nutrition station, Letterwinners Lounge and more.

BOOSTS TO RURAL HEALTH

Traveling Training Stations

SIM-ND at the School of Medicine & Health Sciences received a $1.3 million federal grant to add four new 44-foot trucks to bring hands-on training to healthcare workers statewide.

Delivery Milestone

Project Rural Reach completed its first long-range medical drone delivery when it transported supplies 80 miles from Williston to Watford City, demonstrating how unmanned systems can close healthcare gaps across North Dakota’s rural communities.

“UND IS A PLACE WHERE DREAMS TURN INTO ACTION.”

DEANNA CARLSON ZINK CEO, UND ALUMNI ASSOCIATION & FOUNDATION

announcing that the Forever UND Campaign’s new goal would be to raise $625 million in support of the University after surpassing its $500 million goal

For more, subscribe to UND Today at UND.edu/today.

Pollard Center

Nodak Insurance Center

Hyslop at Memorial Village Hawkway

Albrecht Field

University Ave.

A LEGACY ON THE PAGE

Exploring the timeless purpose and evolving styles of the UND Alumni Magazine.

When the UND Alumni Magazine debuted in 1925, UND Alumni Association President Walter Schlosser called it “an essential link” between graduates and their alma mater. Alumni were urged to subscribe to help finance the publication. Schlosser promised it would be “the most satisfactory investment that you have ever made.”

A century later, the UND Alumni Magazine — now free of charge — is still going strong. Through wars, cultural shifts, space exploration, and more, the magazine has reflected both UND’s spirit and the times. It has introduced graduates doing extraordinary things, celebrated the generous support of alumni and friends, and chronicled the growth of our University.

The magazine is more than a record. It builds pride, strengthens connections among classmates, and inspires alumni to stay engaged. Its pages highlight UND’s programs and progress, championing the research, innovation, and service that advance our University and state. It also introduces readers to today’s students, showcasing their accomplishments and the impact of alumni support on their success.

The following pages look back on 100 years of the magazine — exploring its evolving styles and voices while celebrating the connections it continues to build among our classmates and friends, our past and present, and our University’s future.

“[The magazine] will be the means of keeping you in step with each generation of North Dakota young men and women, so that, when you return for the annual homecoming or any other event, you will not feel entirely out of the picture.”

WALTER SCHLOSSER 1925 UND ALUMNI ASSOCIATION PRESIDENT

YEARS OF THE UND ALUMNI MAGAZINE

#1 // JUNE 1925

The First Issue

In his opening column, President of the UND Alumni Association

Walter Schlosser wrote, “A successful magazine will mean a bigger, better and stronger Alumni Association and it will mean a bigger, better and stronger University.”

1925 ALUMNI COUNT: 782

#2

// 1925-90

Lost Alumni

The magazine regularly listed names of alumni, asking readers to help locate them — a practice that continued through the early 1990s.

#3 // JUNE 1925

First Class Note

Class Notes has long been a favorite. The first one featured Dr. Cora Smith King, class of 1889 (UND’s first graduating class).

#4 // JANUARY 1926

Women Graduates

A regular column highlighting female alumni debuted with Dean Beatrice Olson, 1909, one of the youngest deans of women in the nation. Her youth, the article noted, helped her connect with college women, understand their experiences, and offer genuine support.

“The memories are connected with some of life’s finest friendships ...”

UND President Thomas Kane on the Alumni Magazine debut

#5 // JANUARY 1926

Generous Johnsons

Larry Slater, Class of 1922, needed seats for his school’s auditorium — so he asked 3,800 Johnsons for a buck each. His quirky “Johnson Memorial Auditorium” idea made headlines nationwide and raised $1,200.

#6 // APRIL 1926

Into the Unknown

Carl Ben Eielson, Class of 1921, blazed Arctic skies as pilot of the first U.S. aerial expedition toward the North Pole. A year later, he died in a Siberian plane crash while leading a daring rescue mission — his legacy forever etched in the spirit of exploration.

#8 // JULY 1927

The Song of the Pot

by Margaret Kelly Cable

I am a lucky little lump of North Dakota clay, My heart is filled with gladness and I sing a song all day, For a potter found me worthy of his very finest ware, And fashioned me upon his wheel with tender loving care. With the magic of his fingers gave me form and life and soul, Transformed me from a shapeless clod into a flower bowl. And as I hold within my arms a prairie rose bouquet I bless the hand that made me all from North Dakota clay.

#7 // 1926-27

A Legacy in Brick

In 1926, UND students and alumni raised $150,000 in three days to help build Memorial Stadium. Despite a snowstorm, the magazine reported that 6,000 fans packed its dedication at Homecoming 1927.

$200,000 cost

#9 // JANUARY 1927

John Philip Sousa Strikes a Chord Legendary bandleader John Philip Sousa visited UND and praised its growing concert band as one of the finest of its kind. He called baritone soloist Albert Egermayer a standout talent — high praise for a band just four years old.

98 train cars of gravel

392,000 bricks used

#10 // JUNE 1931

Historic Hospitality

In 1931, the Hotel Ryan advertised “North Dakota’s Finest Hotel” with rooms starting at $1.75. Named for Hugh Ryan, a Grand Forks civic leader, the historic hotel welcomed visitors near UND and remains a landmark woven into the city’s story.

#11

// 1928-2009

A Life in Our Pages

John Thomas Norton was featured as our first baby photo in 1928. Eight decades later, his name appeared in In Memoriam. His presence in our pages from infancy to legacy quietly marks the beginning of a tradition that continues today.

YEARS OF THE UND ALUMNI MAGAZINE

#12 // OCTOBER 1935

Two Years on Ice

Richard Black, ’26, joined Admiral Richard E. Byrd’s Antarctic expedition, spending two years in subzero extremes conducting seismic studies. He helped chart unknown territory, survived crevasse dangers, and adopted a husky pup named Nanook—returning to Grand Forks with stories of science, survival, and icebound wonder.

#13 // FEBRUARY 1936

Paper’s 50 Years

From a one-man operation in 1886 to a full editorial staff, the Dakota Student newspaper chronicled UND’s growth while shaping student leaders.

Among the Alumni

#14 // OCTOBER 1936

Pearl Young: STEM Pioneer

Pearl Young, 1918, broke barriers as a physicist for the National Advisory Committee on Aeronautics (now NASA). In 1936, she crossed the Atlantic aboard the Hindenburg.

#15 // OCTOBER 1938

A Legacy Plays On

An ad for Poppler’s Piano and Furniture Co., featured J.A. “Si” Poppler’s signature blend of charm and community spirit. Now known as Poppler’s Music, the business continues to serve Grand Forks and the region with instruments, sheet music, and music education support.

#16 // 1938-39 Trailblazing

Star

Football and track standout

Frederick “Fritz” Pollard Jr., 1939, was frequently featured. He won a bronze medal in the 110-meter high hurdles at the 1936 Olympics. Today, the Pollard Athletic Center stands as a tribute to his enduring impact on UND and beyond.

#17 // JUNE 1941 1st

Student Returns

Dr. Walter J. Marcley, the first to register when UND opened in 1883, returned to campus as one of three surviving members of the Class of 1891 for their golden reunion. He’s pictured with President John C. West, M. Beatrice Johnstone, and Dr. H.E. French.

“The Depression has accomplished one thing: It has rallied our loyal alumni to the family fold.” Frank Webb, Class of 1922, Editor, 1935

1936 ALUMNI COUNT: 1,343

#18 // IN THE SHADOW OF WAR

The UND Alumni Magazine during WWII

DECEMBER 1941

On

Borrowed Time

A cartoon from the ROTC Corps’ annual ball, held just before the U.S. entered WWII, captures the contrast between campus celebration and the looming reality of war.

DECEMBER 1941

As the world was drawn into the turmoil of World War II, the pages of the Alumni Review reflected a campus transformed.

Navy Alumni in the South Seas

In an unexpected reunion far from home, alumni Bob Ruud, ’36, and Bob Sebbo, ’39, crossed paths while stationed in Tutuila, Samoa.

FEBRUARY 1942

Pearl Harbor Commendation

Lt. Donovan Smart, ’36, was praised for bravery during the Pearl Harbor attack. His commanding officer lauded his “splendid spirit and high courage.” Smart played football and served in ROTC at UND.

OCTOBER 1943

Campus Pauses for Harvest

From Oct. 7-20, UND suspended classes. Responding to a plea from Gov. John Moses, the university community rallied to save North Dakota’s crops during a critical wartime labor shortage.

Tribute to our Heroic Dead

JANUARY 1946

Alumni Review Resumes Publication

Following a wartime pause — with only one issue printed in 1944 and none in 1945 — the Alumni Review returned in January 1946. Journalism students played a key role in producing the relaunch issue.

JANUARY 1946

Hoco’s Comeback

Homecoming returned in 1945 after a two-year hiatus.

FEBRUARY 1946

Memorial Edition

The issue was dedicated entirely to honoring UND alumni and former students who were killed or reported missing in World War II.

YEARS OF THE UND ALUMNI MAGAZINE

#19 // JANUARY 1946

New Chapter in Alumni Relations

J. Lloyd Stone, ’30 (pictured at right with Beatrice Johnstone), became director of the Bureau of Alumni Relations, and was later named the first Executive Vice President of the UND Alumni Association.

1946 ALUMNI COUNT: 1,798

#20 // JANUARY 1948 Grad Sparks Game Day Tradition

Thomas Jewell, Class of 1902, pioneered the stadium card stunt while at Stanford in 1904. His idea — fans forming a giant white “S” with muslin strips — became a tradition at football games nationwide.

“I believe that the University is now on its way to take its place among the leading educational institutions of the country.”

John C. West, President, April 1949

#21 // 1948-51 Campus on the Rise

Between 1948 and 1951, UND experienced a major building boom. The Alumni Review featured a map of nine planned structures, including the Memorial Union, which opened in 1951, and the new Fieldhouse, which hosted a record basketball crowd that December.

#23 // MAY 1949

1949 ALUMNI COUNT: 2,197

#22 // FEBRUARY 1949

A Melody of Tradition

For the first time, UND published a songbook. It was available for 35 cents a copy and included “Alma Mater,” “Stand Up and Cheer,” and more.

May is Follies Time

#24 // JULY 1950

Flickertail Follies

Four hundred students sang, danced, and acted in the 1950 Flickertail Follies production. Pictured is the winning act, “Silly Sea Scenes,” by the Phi Delts and Delta Gammas.

#26 // OCTOBER 1953

Goodbye, West

UND President John C. West, in the position since 1933, announced his retirement.

“Do You Remember?”

The magazine debuted a nostalgic column recalling UND traditions, including dining hall antics involving bread, butterballs, and football heroes.

#25 // FEBRUARY 1951

Hockey, Hockey, Hockey!

A special edition celebrated UND’s 5-3 hockey victory over Harvard. The win marked a turning point for the young program, which had already defeated Michigan, Michigan Tech, and Minnesota in its debut 1947-48 season.

#27 // MAY 1954

Welcome, Starcher

Dr. George Starcher was hired to be the ninth president of UND. He would serve in the position until 1971.

YEARS OF THE UND ALUMNI MAGAZINE

#28 // JULY 1955

Just a Typical Banker

James P. Hesketh, ’51, was selected by the Minnesota Bankers Association as a “typical banker” during Know Your Bank Week. He was a veteran of World War II and Korea, where he was seriously injured, and worked at Minneapolis First National Bank. He is shown with his wife, Roberta (Henry), former UND student, and their two daughters, Jo Nell and Judith.

#31 // 1958

Diamond Anniversary

UND marked its Diamond Anniversary with a commemorative seal, introducing the motto, “Intelligence the Basis of Civilization.” The University also produced special anniversary plates, and Lawrence Welk performed “Alma Mater” on his show in honor of the anniversary.

“The University, like the newspaper, must insist that the light of truth in a free society is the torch of our survival.”

George Starcher, UND President, May 1963

#29 // MARCH 1956

Beyond Campus

J. Lloyd Stone wrote that the region would soon see economic growth: construction of Grand Forks Air Force Base, Garrison Dam completion, and surging oil and gas production. Four years later, plans were announced to build a “huge interstate highway,” which became I-29.

ALUMNI COUNT: 3,385

#30 // FEBRUARY 1957 Media

Giant

Edward K. Thompson, Class of 1927, became managing editor of Life magazine and later its editor. Under his leadership, circulation soared to 6.7 million, making Life one of the most influential publications of its time.

#32 // SEPTEMBER 1962

Gift of Golf

Raymond Richards, Class of 1906, donated land south of campus for a new nine-hole golf course. Held by his family since 1888, the land became Ray Richards Golf Course.

#33 // JULY 1961

Twamley Breaks Ground

Edna Twamley broke ground for the new administration building named in honor of her father James, a UND founder. The ceremony marked the beginning of Twamley Hall and the end of Old Main’s historic chapter.

#34 // 1950-69

Chester Fritz’s Legacy

Chester Fritz began giving to UND in 1950. His generosity grew to over $2.25 million by 1969, including landmark gifts that created the Chester Fritz Library — the “campus mind” — and the Chester Fritz Auditorium (now Performing Arts Center) — the “campus heart.”

#35 // NOVEMBER 1962

First Alumni Honors

UND introduced the Sioux Award for Distinguished Achievement & Leadership. Presented at the Alumni Party before 700 guests, the engraved trophies became a new tradition. Award winners (left to right) were Dr. William Durnin, 1930, orthopedic surgeon, Long Beach, Calif.; Frank Walsh, engineer and inventor, San Marino, Calif.; Ira Frendberg, 1910, engineer, Bismarck; Sybil Baker Kelly, 1918, community leader and legislator, Devils Lake; C. D. Locklin, journalist and sports writer, Grand Forks; and Judge Edward J. O’Connor, Los Angeles.

#36 // OCTOBER 1963

JFK Visits UND

President John F. Kennedy received an honorary Doctor of Laws degree from UND during a 12-state tour. He spoke to a crowd of 10,000 in the Fieldhouse.

2025 Honorees Page 40

YEARS OF THE UND ALUMNI MAGAZINE 1966 ALUMNI COUNT: 13,633

#38 // MAY 1966

Triple All-Americans

#37 // JUNE 1965

Woman of Achievement

Joyce (Burnett) Lang, ’40, was named North Dakota Press Woman of Achievement in 1965. Co-publisher of the Hebron Herald, she earned first-place honors in editorial writing, column writing, and newspaper editing.

“Not one … Not two … But three All-Americans in one year.” North Dakota’s All-Americans were 1967 graduates Phil Jackson, basketball; Terry Casey, hockey; and Dave Lince, football.

#40 // OCTOBER 1965

Three Generations of UND Graduates Featured

Forrest M. Davis, Class of 1906, celebrated his 80th birthday alongside his son Duane, ’32, and grandson Jay, ’71.

#39 // MARCH 1969

A Giant Leap

Four UND graduates — Wayne Gray, ’51, Stephen Larson, ’66, Cortes Perry, ’59, and Rudolph Ruff, ’64 — played key roles in NASA’s Saturn/Apollo rocket development at Marshall Space Flight Center. Their work contributed to the Apollo 8 mission, which orbited the moon, advancing the goal of a manned lunar landing.

“Today I feel better than I have in my entire life.”

Lawrence Welk after visiting UND’s campus, October 1973

#41 // 1960 s

Camelback Inn: A Desert Retreat

Founded by Jack Stewart, ’29, the Camelback Inn near Phoenix, Arizona, became a beloved reunion destination for alumni in the 1950s and ’60s.

#42

// MAY 1970

O’Keefe Family Leadership

John O’Keefe, ’41, chaired a community drive that raised more than $400,000 toward UND’s Winter Sports Center. The campaign’s slogan was A Giant Step in 1970 for UND. His son, Tim O’Keefe, ’71, was a junior defenseman at the time; Tim went on to serve as Executive Vice President & CEO of the UND Alumni Association & Foundation from 2003-14.

#43 // MARCH 1971

Tom Clifford Becomes 10th President

The beloved leader served as president until 1992.

1972 ALUMNI COUNT: 25,856

#44 // SEPTEMBER 1974

First Female Flight Instructor

Jean Haley, ’79, logged more than 1,000 flight hours and made history as the University’s first female flight instructor and air traffic control graduate.

#45 // MARCH 1975

Women’s Athletics Enter a New Era

The women’s athletics budget tripled to $15,000, with participation higher than ever in the six-year history of intercollegiate women’s competition.

#46 // SEPTEMBER 1977

30 Years of Tin Huts

Former tin hut residents returned for a reunion. Installed in 1947 for postwar married students, the huts offered affordable housing and a close-knit atmosphere. Alumni returned to reminisce as the state prepared to phase out the aging units.

YEARS OF THE UND ALUMNI MAGAZINE

The Magazine’s Changing Identity

Founded in 1925 as the UND Alumni Magazine, this publication has evolved with the times — becoming the Alumni Review in 1934 and shifting to a newspaper format after WWII. It returned to magazine form in 1999 and reclaimed its original name in 2019. Today, it connects alumni through stories of achievement, impact, tradition, and pride.

Photo by Sam Melquist

YEARS OF THE UND ALUMNI MAGAZINE

#48 // JUNE 1976 Medical School

Milestone

On May 8, 1977, UND conferred its first M.D. degrees to a class of 40 students, marking its transition to a fully accredited four-year medical school. The innovative 2-1-1 curriculum emphasized rural training and family medicine, aiming to address North Dakota’s shortage of primary care physicians.

#49 // 1976

America’s Bicentennial

The U.S. Bicentennial celebration included campus events, radio programs, historic trial reenactments, and an eight-credit interdisciplinary course on American issues. The magazine ran a series on university history.

#50 // MAY 1975

INMED Van Hits the Road

Indians Into Medicine (INMED) launched a “Traveling Medicine Show” to inspire American Indian youth. Visiting dozens of schools across five states, the van introduced children in tribal communities to medical careers.

#51 // SEPTEMBER 1975

Students Soar in Unique Glider

“To the University, I brought nothing but the literary dreams of a young Black girl fresh from the prairie.”

Era Bell Thompson, ..’32, HON ’69, International Editor of Ebony Magazine, March 1977

#52 // APRIL 1978

UND Foundation Formalized

The UND Development Fund was formally reorganized as the UND Foundation — a nonprofit, tax-exempt entity. The change clarified giving processes, supported planned gifts and strengthened efforts to promote and sustain the University’s long-term growth through alumni and donor support.

#53 // SEPTEMBER 1978

Triceratops Restoration Completed

UND’s aviation department leased a one-of-a-kind glider for its Weather Modification Pilot Education program. Funded by a $324,700 NSF grant, the glider allowed students to use air currents to study cumulus clouds without engine interference. 1975 ALUMNI COUNT: 32,856

After a 1964 discovery at the Hell Creek Formation near Marmarth, North Dakota, UND geology professor Dr. F.D. Holland Jr. and students completed restoration on a Triceratops skull. The fossil is still displayed in Leonard Hall.

#54 // JANUARY 1983

100-Year Toast

UND marked its 100th anniversary with a $25 million Centennial Campaign and several special events. To celebrate, Happy Harry’s released 12,000 commemorative bottles of wine featuring a label designed by UND professor John Rogers, depicting the J. Lloyd Stone Alumni Center. Proceeds funded scholarships in honor of Harry Gershman. In 2021, the building was renamed the Gershman Graduate Center following a generous gift from Hal and Kathy Gershman.

#55 // FEBRUARY 1983

Notable

Nodaks Cartoon Series

Artist Bill Julison launched Notable Nodaks, a weekly cartoon series funded by the UND Foundation as part of the UND Centennial. The series ran in state newspapers and highlighted alumni and faculty.

#56 // DECEMBER 1984 Grass to Artificial: A New Era

Memorial Stadium bid farewell to its Kentucky bluegrass field, first laid in 1927, in exchange for artificial turf.

Centennial Crossword

Across

1. and 6. Location of UND.

9. Former U.S. Senator from N.D.

12. Sane and sober.

14. and variations.

15. What no lady admits to!

16. Scandinavian language.

17. Former initials of NDSU.

18. Vowel.

19. Propel.

20. Deadly.

23. and Browning.

28. An “in”thing.

29. A number.

30. Abbrev. for Eastern Oregon.

31. Dogs or teeth.

34. Former address of 315 Hamline St.

36. Mother of Prometheus.

37. N.D. or Pa.

38. Advanced degree.

40. Wood, or Fish.

41. Article

42. What hockey players use.

45. Catty remark.

47. Former principal of a GF School.

48. Song Contest.

50. Tennis term.

53. What a pet appreciates.

55. Sauer

57. In (in the matter of)

58. “ of a good feeling.”

60. Acreage

61. Abbrev. for Disabled American Veterans.

62. Farm country.

63. Former UND nurse.

65. French article.

66. and 67. Part of the FORKS at GF.

68. Cooley, Former Law Dean

Down

1. Town north of Grand Forks.

2. A , a bone and a hank of hair.

3. We at the Commons.

4. Abbrev. for New Ipswich.

5. Spanish gentleman.

6. Site of NDSU.

7. A former Dean of Women.

8. Arctic explorer from UND.

9. and proper.

10. Former occupant of Budge Hall Basement.

11. Abbrev for Eastern Establishment.

13. Negative.

18. the Road to Mandalay.

21. Mine entrance.

22. Good

24. Compass point.

25. England.

26. Team!!!

27. Family member.

28. Mi, , Sol.

31. Punctuation mark.

32. Old horse.

33. Zeta Phi

35. Latin pronoun.

36. Opera

41. Everything.

42. Olympic star of the 30’s.

43. French article.

44. Isthmus of S.E. Asia.

46. Former UND President.

49.Oh, come all Faithful.

51. Jot or tittle.

52. Brush off.

54. -bearers.

55. Former UND President.

56. Deutschland, Deutschland, Alles.

58. To is human.

59. de la Paix.

64. Negative.

answer on page 32

YEARS OF THE UND ALUMNI MAGAZINE

#57 // JANUARY 1986

Tech Upgrade for Alumni Office

The UND Alumni Association installed an IBM System 36 to streamline record keeping, mail coordination, and gift tracking. Designed with help from UND alumni at IBM, the system replaced outdated batch processing.

#59 // SEPTEMBER 1986

Halley’s Comet Reunion Held

A group of UND alumni from the late 1960s and early 1970s kept a decades-old pledge to reunite when Halley’s Comet returned. Over a holiday weekend, they traded bellbottoms for suits, toured campus, watched ’60s films, and reflected on how life had shifted from radical to practical.

#61 // SEPTEMBER 1987

Windsurfing on the English Coulee

The magazine documented students like Robbie Halvorson windsurfing in an era when students regularly pursued water activities on the English Coulee.

#60 // NOVEMBER 1986

#58 // MAY 1986

Larry Martin Named Airline President

Larry Martin, Class of 1971, became president of Frontier Airlines at age 36, the youngest major airline CEO in the U.S.

Fieldhouse Filled for Ronald Reagan

President Ronald Reagan visited UND to campaign for Senator Mark Andrews. Speaking to an overflow crowd of 9,000 in the Fieldhouse, Reagan’s brief 86-minute stop became a memorable moment in campus history.

“I truly believe every member of our alumni family has a deep desire to ‘leave the woodpile a little higher.’”

Earl

Strinden, Alumni Association Executive Vice President, March 1984

#62 // JULY/AUGUST 1988

Strinden’s Road to Legacy

Earl Strinden, ’58, led the UND Alumni Association & Foundation from 1974 to 2000 and served as North Dakota House Majority Leader. In 1988, he stepped down during his run for U.S. Senate. His legacy lives on through Strinden Road and the many lives he helped shape.

Graduate Together

#65 // DECEMBER 1989/JANUARY 1990

First Desktop-Published Issue

The Alumni Review entered the digital age, producing its first issue fully laid out on in-office personal computers.

#66 // DECEMBER 1989/JANUARY 1990

A Dramatic Duo

Roommates Sam Anderson, ’71,and Burdette Parks, ’70, launched acting careers from Burtness Theatre to national stages. Anderson became a Hollywood character actor (of “Lost” and most recently “Matlock”), while Parks toured the country with acclaimed one-man shows as Ben Franklin and Shakespeare.

Broadcast personality Boyd Christenson earned his degree after a 28year break, graduating alongside his son Mark.

#68 // MAY/JUNE 1994

Nickel Heist of ’94

The Nickel Trophy was awarded from 1938 to 2003. After UND’s 22–21 win over NDSU in October 1993, it was stolen from the Memorial Union in April 1994 — reviving a tradition from the fierce football rivalry.

APRIL/MAY 1989

Alumni Association Marks Centennial

After receiving diplomas, the first graduating class of 1889 held the first alumni meeting, signing the “Roll of Honors” and launching a legacy that now includes more than 140,000 living alumni.

#67 // MARCH/APRIL 1993

Major League President

Dave St. Peter, ’89, was highlighted as Minnesota Twins’ Communications Manager. He later became team president in 2002 and CEO in 2016.

1994 ALUMNI COUNT: 73,038

YEARS OF THE UND ALUMNI MAGAZINE

1995 ALUMNI COUNT: 74,923

#69 // NOVEMBER/ DECEMBER 1995

21st Century Campaign Launches

UND launched its largest fundraising campaign yet, with a $50 million goal by 2000.

#71 // JUNE 1997 Rising Above the Waters

#70 // 1992 TO 1999

“The Students’ President”

Kendall Baker, who the UNDAAF Board called “The Students’ President,” is perhaps most remembered for leading the campus through the Flood of 1997.

The Red River flood devastated Grand Forks and UND, damaging 72 campus buildings. Alumni and friends rallied, offering support and donations. Their swift response helped UND recover, rebuild, and reaffirm its strength as North Dakota’s flagship University.

#73 // JANUARY/ FEBRUARY 1999

Jerry Goes to Washington

Frank Gessell, ’59, presented the 1998 National Thanksgiving Turkey to President Bill Clinton, continuing a 51-year tradition. The pardoned bird, “Jerry,” was sent to a historic Virginia farm. Gessell, then chairman of the National Turkey Federation, also met with Clinton to discuss the U.S. turkey industry.

#72 // JUNE 1997 Basketball

& Hockey National Titles

Men’s hockey and women’s basketball both captured national championships in 1997. Women’s basketball won again in 1998 and 1999, while hockey added another natty in 2000.

#74 // SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2001

Ralph Engelstad Arena Opens

Billed as the finest hockey facility in the world, the Ralph Engelstad Arena opened to great fanfare. The project was made possible through a $100 million gift from Ralph and Betty Engelstad.

#76 // MARCH/APRIL 2002

The Wake of 9/11

After 9/11, UND faculty stepped forward to help. Forensic anthropologist John Williams assisted in recovery efforts. UND also hosted public conversations on truth and media in times of crisis.

“By my commitment to the University, I also hope to inspire students going to the university to achieve greatness in everything they do in life.”

Ralph Engelstad, ’54

#75 // MARCH/APRIL 2000

Sigma Nu’s “Got Milk?” Ad

Members of UND’s Sigma Nu fraternity were featured in a national “Got Milk?” campaign, complete with milk mustaches.

#77 // JANUARY/ FEBRUARY 2002 Football Championship

The UND football team captured its first and only NCAA Division II national title in 2001. Current head coach Eric Schmidt (#40), ’02, played on the team.

2002 ALUMNI COUNT: 88,126

#78 // JULY/AUGUST 2003

Hot Wings, Big Wins

Sally (Wold) Smith, ’79, was featured for transforming Buffalo Wild Wings from a struggling chain into a booming national brand.

#79

// HOLIDAY 2005

Jane Goodall Speaks on Campus

The world-renowned primatologist gave a free public lecture at the Chester Fritz Auditorium, drawing a packed audience.

#81 // SUMMER 2005

The Big Event Service Day

The student-led community service initiative “The Big Event” launched at UND in 2005 and continues today.

#82 // HOLIDAY 2005

“Quad Father” of Rugby

A documentary called “Murderball” about quad rugby premiered. It featured Brad Mikkelsen, ’80, who introduced the sport to UND 25 years earlier and became a nationally recognized leader.

#80 // HOLIDAY 2005

Katrina Refugees

Welcomed

UND opened its doors to students displaced by Hurricane Katrina, waiving tuition for those affected.

#83 // SUMMER 2006

Facebook Finds UND

What began as a Harvard-only directory in 2004 quickly evolved into a social networking phenomenon, reshaping student life and raising new questions about privacy, safety, and digital professionalism.

2005 ALUMNI COUNT: 94.353

#84 // FALL 2006

Hopper-Danley, Celebrated

Inspired by her love for the English Coulee, Elnora (Hopper) Danley, ’37, and her husband Roy left a $10 million gift to fund a spiritual center, memorial garden, and professorship.

#85 // 2004-09

It Could Be Worse ...

was a cartoon series by Gilby, North Dakota’s Steve Edwards with humor rooted in Midwest life. The series ran in several publications at the time and is now archived digitally in the UND Scholarly Commons.

#86

// FALL 2008

Astronaut Alumna

In 2008, Karen Nyberg, ’94, became the 50th woman in space. Five years later, she delivered UND’s commencement address from orbit during a six-month mission aboard the International Space Station.

“The building will be the first place prospective students visit when they initially come to campus, and it will be their alumni home after they graduate.”

Tim O’Keefe, Executive Vice President/CEO of the UND Alumni Association & Foundation, Summer 2011

#88

// WINTER 2011

The Kelley Years

Robert Kelley served as president from 2008-16.

In the Winter 2011 issue, he was pictured with Brig. Gen. (Ret.) Al Palmer, ’84, during UND: On Target with the Twins day, where the two raised the American flag.

2011 ALUMNI COUNT: 107,820

#90

// WINTER 2012

#87 // SPRING 2008

Charles Kupchella Steps Down

Kupchella’s presidency started in 1999, during which time UND saw grow in research, fundraising, and campus development.

#89 // WINTER 2010 Spirit Campaign Success

The North Dakota Spirit Campaign set out to raise $300 million to support passionate students, inspirational educators, innovative programs, extraordinary places, and annual excellence. By 2013, the campaign exceeded its goal, transforming the University through unprecedented philanthropic support.

Gorecki Alumni Center Opens

The Gorecki Alumni Center, a new home for alumni engagement, opened its doors.

YEARS OF THE UND ALUMNI MAGAZINE

#91 // SUMMER 2014 First Female CEO

DeAnna Carlson Zink took over the helm of the UND Alumni Association & Foundation.

“It’s clear that this University is more than just a place of education. It’s a community, a family, and a foundation for dreams that span generations.”

DeAnna Carlson Zink, ’86, UNDAAF CEO

#92 // SUMMER 2016 New Identity Takes Flight

At the June 2016 unveiling of the Fighting Hawks logo, Interim President Ed Schafer called it “a great day” for UND.

#93 // SUMMER 2016 100 Years of Homecoming

UND honored a century of campus pride, alumni connection, and community spirit.

#94 // SUMMER 2016 The Kennedy Era Begins

Mark Kennedy went on to serve as UND President until 2019.

#95 // SPRING 2020 COVID Cancellations

In-person commencement was canceled for the first time since 1997.

ALUMNI

#97 // WINTER 2022

Pride of the North Marching Band Marks 25 Years

2020 ALUMNI COUNT: 132,641

#96 // SUMMER 2020

President Andy Armacost Arrives

UND’s new president, Andy Armacost, and his wife Kathy officially arrived on campus.

#99 // SUMMER 2024

A Long Overdue Degree

Hilyard James Duty, UND’s first Black student, was posthumously awarded a Bachelor of Arts 124 years after completing his coursework. A student-led effort uncovered his story, leading to the naming of the Hilyard Center on campus and recognizing him as one of the University’s “Noble Nine.”

The Pride of the North celebrated a quarter-century, growing from 14 students to 150 musicians.

#98 // WINTER 2023

Forever UND Campaign Makes History

Launched during Homecoming 2023 with a $500 million goal, the Forever UND campaign surpassed expectations by 2025. With a new target of $625 million, the campaign continues to support students, faculty, programs, and capital projects that define UND’s excellence — now and forever.

#100 // SPRING 2025 Campus to the Cosmos

From designing spacesuits to growing food in microgravity, UND has helped shape the future of space exploration. Our Spring 2025 issue celebrated alumni and faculty who’ve made their mark in space science, journalism, and engineering — proving that UND’s impact reaches far beyond Earth.

Milestones & Memories

Homecoming 2025 celebrated UND’s momentum with ribbon cuttings for Merrifield Hall and the Athletics Hall of Fame Display, plus a groundbreaking for the new STEM Complex. Alumni Honors, UND Athletics Hall of Fame, a spirited tailgate, parade, and a big football win over Valparaiso capped the week.

“Hey y’all, welcome to the library!”

If the Chester Fritz Library (CFL) were a person, that’s how it would greet visitors, said Brian Garrison, interim head of Instruction and Creative Technology. Gone are the days of stern looks and whispered shushing. “It’s a fine place to be loud, and engage with friends and community,” Garrison said.

TURNING

by Stephanie Schultz, ’91, Writer & Editor

“THEY’LL ALSO FIND PUZZLES, BOARD GAMES, AND VIDEO GAMES TO CHECK OUT — THINGS YOU MIGHT SEE AT SOMEONE’S HOUSE.”

REBECCA BICHEL DEAN

Dean Rebecca Bichel, who arrived in spring 2023, agreed. “I believe people are the core of libraries,” she said. “Our mission is people, and the impact we can have through extraordinary information resources, spaces, technology, and services. It’s about building connections and doing transformative work.”

“Maybe the most surprising thing to people of all ages is how encouraging we are of creative uses of the space,” Garrison said.

A Place to Belong

Early on, Bichel saw opportunities to increase student engagement.

“Every student who walks in the door is greeted by staff dedicated to their success,” she said. Students are free to eat lunch, gather with friends, and make themselves at home.

Many are surprised to learn the library stays open until midnight most weeknights and until 2 a.m. during finals. “Things students thought they knew from movies or their high school library — this is a very different environment,” she said.

Beyond books, students can check out cameras, microphones, mood lamps, hammocks, and even sound machines. “Students, faculty, and staff can borrow objects to make, create, or build something, or practice a skill or hobby,” Garrison said.

They’ll also find puzzles, board games, and video games to check out — “things you might see at someone’s house,” Bichel said. The library is preparing to open a dedicated gaming space on the first floor.

Creating Community Students come together for movie nights, game nights, and open mic nights, the latter hosted by Assistant English Professor Patrick Henry — a partnership that reflects what CFL staff aim to create across campus. “It was actually him finding out that the library has a

good place to hold that event, and us making sure he has the space and tools he needs,” Garrison said.

Bichel said the broader community is “very intentionally” invited to lectures throughout the year. Last fall, a Halloween party with pumpkin painting, a ghost-themed

The Chester Fritz Library (CFL) is the largest library in the state of North Dakota.

Study rooms, quiet alcoves, reading rooms, and various technologies are available for library patrons.

100

Hours open weekly

Digital resources accessible 24/7

scavenger hunt, and games encouraged families to explore CFL resources like the children’s collection.

As North Dakota’s largest library, CFL’s impact reaches beyond campus. By covering publishing fees to make UND scholarship widely available, the

2M+

Print and non-print items

library ensures critical knowledge is accessible globally. “Open access means a parent facing a child’s cancer diagnosis doesn’t have to travel to Grand Forks,” Bichel said. “They can find UND medical research with a single click.”

Creating the Future

Bichel highlighted another collaboration, the University Information Technology (UIT) makerspace on the first floor of CFL, which offers 3D printing services. “Our goal is to teach students how to design digital objects, not just how to run the machines,” she said.

“That’s the skill set they’ll carry into the workforce.”

Garrison envisions the space expanding into areas like embroidery, vinyl cutting, and even ceramics. “There are all kinds of things you can do in a makerspace,” he said. “From engineering students building drones to theater students experimenting with digital textiles — it’s about giving everyone a chance to learn and create.”

A Balance

Even as the Chester Fritz Library evolves, books remain its foundation.

“The library will always have books,” Bichel said. “People don’t need to worry that they’ll disappear; information and learning are at the heart of what we do.”

The reading room still offers a traditional study atmosphere, where students give each other subtle social cues to keep the peace.

The library’s goal, Bichel said, “is to support the whole student experience and that is a balance.

“It’s about people,” she added. “We want this library to be a place that empowers, connects, and transforms.” ///

“WE THOUGHT IN THE LATE ’90S THAT WE WERE GOING TO TRANSITION INTO AN ALLELECTRONIC WORLD, BUT WE’VE LEARNED THAT WE LIKE TO TOUCH BOOKS.”

BRIAN GARRISON INSTRUCTION AND CREATIVE TECHNOLOGY

From R1 to Premier: The Chester Fritz Journey

UND’s R1 designation signals “very high research activity,” and ranks UND among 187 other top universities, but Dean Rebecca Bichel of the Chester Fritz Library sees it as just the beginning. “We are a University in motion,” she said. Her goal is to position the Chester Fritz Library as a premier research library on the national stage — a status often tied to large budgets that can be challenging for smaller universities to match.

A hurdle is the changing world of publishing. Open access publishing — which makes articles freely available to anyone online — is transforming how scholarship is shared. Bichel sees opportunity in that shift. “The scholarship of a UND graduate student or faculty member has a much broader audience. It’s good for UND. It’s good for the researcher.” By negotiating contracts to offset fees, the library helps ensure UND research is both published in top journals and freely available worldwide.

DIGITIZING A CENTURY

UND Alumni Magazine project reveals unexpected family ties and forgotten stories.

Employees at the Elwyn B. Robinson Department of Special Collections, tucked away on the fourth floor of the Chester Fritz Library, have spent the past year on its largest digitization project to date: bringing 100 years of the UND Alumni Magazine online.

Among the team who made it happen is student employee

Ava Leifur, a senior majoring in kinesiology on the athletic track. Her job was to scan, catalog, and prepare decades of magazines for the digital collection. Ava is pictured on the cover of this issue of the magazine.

While scanning old issues, Ava noticed many familiar names.

“I’d be doing my work, making sure the picture showed up, and I’d flip a page and think, ‘That guy looks familiar,’” she said. “I’d read the fine print, and sure enough, it would be my great-grandfather.”

Ava comes from a long line of UND graduates — including her parents, grandparents, several great aunts and uncles, two uncles, and an aunt — and grew up hearing UND-NDSU rivalry stories from her dad and grandfather, both former UND football players.

As she digitized the magazines, she spotted stories about her great-grandfather, Conrad William Leifur, of classes 1923 and 1932, winner of the Sioux Award for Distinguished Achievement & Leadership in 1963 and author of “Our State, North Dakota.” She also found a 1994 article about the Nickel Trophy, the oversized 1937 Buffalo nickel awarded to the UND-NDSU football winner, stolen during the ’90s when her dad, Thomas Leifur, ’97, played at UND.

“I just loved the fact that I was learning more about UND,” Ava said. “It was such a fun process.”

// OCTOBER 1963

A Digital Shift

While Special Collections might sound like a dusty department where stern librarians guard fragile treasures, meeting Head of Special Collections Curt Hanson quickly dispels that image. His favorite word for the work here is “cool.”

“By saying, ‘I find this to be cool. This matters to me,’ the students give value to our collections,” he said.

In his 25 years at UND, Curt has seen many changes. Renovations made the library more welcoming, and the shift to digital access has transformed Special Collections. “We have such a digital focus right now,” he said.

“Now that the Alumni Magazine is online, we can meet a much bigger audience,” Curt said.

Curt partnered with Zeineb Yousif, CFL’s Interim Head of Discovery, to structure the magazine collection decade by decade, while Ava handled the scanning and cataloging. Each issue was run through software that enables users to search by name, date, or topic.

Why It Matters

“The Alumni Magazine provides a wonderful record of UND’s history,” Curt said. “Making it searchable and accessible online lets alumni and researchers explore that history in a way that was never possible before.”

Some numbering mistakes occurred over the decades, but the staff carefully noted the dates. “I’m willing to bet any publication that’s been around for 100 years inevitably messes up on the volume,” Curt said. “One thing that has not changed about the Alumni Magazine is the emphasis on alumni updating themselves and talking about what they’re doing,” he said. “Any alumni who are genealogists are going to find this to be just great. This is more detailed than simply birth, marriage, or death records. You see highlights of what they consider to be important events in their career. It gives a little bit of flavor. It’s more than just dates; there’s also character.” ///

“THE ALUMNI MAGAZINE PROVIDES A WONDERFUL RECORD OF UND’S HISTORY.” CURT HANSON

A Favorite Find

One document stands out among the billions of pieces of paper housed in Special Collections — and it’s Curt Hanson’s favorite.

“It’s titled, ‘Do I Run or Don’t I?’” Curt said.

Written in 1980 by Dagne (Borg) Olsen, ’55, a North Dakota farm wife considering a run for the state House of Representatives, the seven-page document chronicles her decision-making process.

“She lays out the positives and the negatives to her decision to run,” Curt said. “It was unique because it wasn’t sanitized; it was her raw emotions. That’s my favorite seven pages in the billions of pieces of paper that I have up here.”

The document also carries a personal connection for Curt: Dagne’s son, Doug Olsen, ’89, is one of his best friends.

Alumni Magazine Archives commons.UND.edu/UND-alumni-review/

Forever UND: The Campaign for the University of North Dakota

Together, we are undertaking a $625 million comprehensive fundraising campaign to build a UND for the future. Thank you to the alumni and friends who give. Your generosity allows the torch of knowledge to be passed on to those who will lead the way.

HONORING A SUPER SUPERINTENDENT

Children of the Late Grand Forks Superintendent Dr. Elroy

H. Schroeder Give Back to Their Father’s Passion

A group of students eagerly gathered around Dean Schroeder, his wife, Karen, and brother, Dave, during their visit to Schroeder Middle School, asking about the man behind their school’s name — the late Elroy H. Schroeder, ’26, ’35. The brothers shared stories about their father, a UND graduate whose leadership shaped education in Grand Forks and across North Dakota.

After teaching in rural schools, Elroy earned his bachelor’s degree in 1926, the same year he became the Grand Forks County superintendent. In 1933, he was named superintendent of Grand Forks Public Schools, serving in that position until his death in 1958. Known for his vision, Elroy helped establish the North Dakota Teacher Retirement Fund and helped launch KNOX radio and KNOX-TV.

Elroy’s sudden passing at age 59 was a shock to his family — Dean was a junior in high school and Dave a freshman at UND. Just a few years later, the school board voted to name a new junior high in Grand Forks after him.

“AS AN EDUCATOR, I SEE THAT EDUCATION IS CONTINUOUS. IT’S NOT START AND STOP.” DEAN SCHROEDER, ’64, ’65

“Board President Harry Rice called our mother and said, ‘We’re thinking about naming the new school south of town,’” Dean recalled. “After some discussion, she said, ‘Well, we’d be very pleased with that.’”

In 1961, Schroeder Middle School opened. At the time, it was surrounded by farmland and dirt roads. Now, it’s centrally located, nestled among neighborhoods that have grown around it.

(Left to right) The Schroeders — Karen, Dean, ’64, ’65, and Dave, ..’61 — have established two endowments to support UND students and continue the legacy of Grand Forks Superintendent Elroy Schroeder, namesake of the district’s largest middle school.

Elroy’s values guided both of his sons’ careers. Dave pursued radio engineering, an interest that began as a teenager broadcasting church services over the radio waves. After earning his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from UND, and later a doctorate in psychology from the University of Northern Colorado, Dean taught at various schools and colleges while running a clinical practice.

Education also shaped the life of Dean’s wife, Karen. “I couldn’t afford college when I was young,” she said. “That’s why helping students now is so important to me.”

With her husband’s encouragement, she completed her college degree after raising her sons and working for Laramie County School District in Wyoming.

Together, the next generation of Schroeders is continuing Elroy’s mission to serve students by giving to UND. In 2009, Dean and Karen established an endowment to support graduate students in Counseling Psychology and Community Services within the College of Education & Human Development (CEHD). They recently affirmed their support with a legacy gift. In 2023, Dean and Dave established the Dr.

Elroy H. Schroeder Endowment for CEHD priority needs, funded with resources from their trust.

For the Schroeders, giving to UND continues Elroy’s mission to serve students and inspire them to take their education to the next level.

“As an educator, I see that education is continuous. It’s not start and stop,” Dean said. “The idea of something ongoing is sort of like having a certificate of deposit in a bank. You know that you’re going to get some money out of that every year, and if you leave it in there, it’s going to pay back.”

Eternal Flame Society

The UND Alumni Association & Foundation thanks all alumni and friends who have made gifts and commitments to support students, faculty, programs, and places at UND.

The following donors reached a new giving circle in the Eternal Flame Society between July 1 and Sept. 30, 2025.

ADELPHI CIRCLE

$5,000,000+

Robert L. Fransen

WILLIAM BUDGE CIRCLE

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

Craig & Dr. Patricia Kipp

John R. Solberg

DR. CORA SMITH CIRCLE

$500,000 - $999,999

Richard* & Lynn* Hentges

THOMAS CLIFFORD CIRCLE

$100,000 - $499,999

Andrew Abernathey

Bruce & Kathy Bummer

Sue & Tom Chevins

Clay Lacy Foundation

Douglas M. & Corrine E. East

James & Charlotte Hill

Allison & Curtis Hong

Dr. Gail C. Ingwalson

Kendrick Family

Joan McQuade McDonald

Dr. John & JoAnn Muus

Raytheon Company

Maryanne & Russ Romero in Memory of Ronald & Ann Bzoch

Marilyn & Clyde Vetter

FOREVER UND CAMPAIGN COMMITTEE

“My love for UND has only grown. The principles and values I learned there guide me every day, and staying connected to the place I love through the campaign committee and by lending financial support feels natural and fulfilling.”

DEAN BARSNESS, ’84 MEMBER OF 1982 NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP HOCKEY TEAM

CLIFFORD

CIRCLE & 1889 LEGACY SOCIETY

PRESIDENT’S CIRCLE

$10,000 - $99,999

Ralph* & Jackie Adamsen

Steven M. Bagan, M.D.

Catherine Berntson

Russell & Becky Bierbaum

David & Nancy Bunde

Elizabeth J. Carlson

CHS Ag Services

Joyce J. Corey*

Bryan & Jeanne Dietz

Joseph W. Donovan, IV

Shane A. Duchscher

Amber & Aaron Flynn

Nancy Galliher

Staci A. Gilpin

Carol & Glenn Gustafson

Dr. Glenn Olsen* & Barbara Hager-Olsen

Ben Hiam

Jonathan Hussey

John & Jean Isaksen

Lyle* & Irene* Johnson

Victoria Johnson

Patricia Hudson Jones

Gregory A. Kautzman

Curtis L. Keller, M.D.

Donald E. Knutson

Eileen N. Leonhardy

Lobo Landman Services, Inc.

Rebecca & Brad Lucke

James & MoDean McCullough

Dr. James A. Mootz

Bonnie & Raymond* Olson

Suzette K. Peltier, M.D.

Mary B. Quandt

Roberta Roesler & Diane Dickman

Theodore & Elizabeth Sandberg

Grant H. Shaft

Judd D. Shaft

Sky Dancer Hotel & Casino

Jerry Slinger

Jill & Gary Sonstelie

Louise M. Urban

Valor Partners Foundation

Walker Properties LLLP

1889 LEGACY SOCIETY

The 1889 Legacy Society honors alumni and friends who have made a commitment for the future support of the University of North Dakota with estate, planned, or deferred gifts through the UND Foundation.

Russell & Becky Bierbaum

Gary E. Euren

Robert & Carlene Falos

Tommy Kenville

John & Alexandra Klein

Dr. Steven & Lauralee Stenzel

Scott & Linda Telle

*indicates deceased

Champions Club memberships are now included in lifetime giving totals.

For more information about the Eternal Flame Society, visit UNDalumni.org/giving-impact/donor-recognition.

Class Notes

1966

John Odegard, ’66, ’67, founder of UND’s School of Aerospace Sciences, will be posthumously inducted into the National Aviation Hall of Fame, Class of 2026. With just two aircraft and a few students, Odegard transformed UND into a global hub for pilot training, aerospace research, and space studies.

1974

David Maring, ’74, was awarded the Richard S. Arnold Award for Distinguished Service. Maring retired as a shareholder at Maring Williams Law Office in Bismarck and Fargo after 45 years in civil litigation.

Gary Wagner, ’74, was inducted into the Crookston (Minn.) High School Hall of Fame. Wagner earned 12 varsity letters in track and field, football, and basketball.

1977

William Severin, ’77, has a courtroom named in his honor, recognizing his more than 40 years of service as a municipal court judge in Bismarck and his lasting impact on the community.

1978

Donovan Foughty, ’78, ’83, retired in September after serving as judge in North Dakota’s northeast judicial district court in Devils Lake for 37 years.

Denise Lajimodiere, ’78, ’96, ’06, North Dakota’s first Native American poet laureate, had her term extended for three additional years.

1981

Cynthia Lindquist, ’81, ’06, was named chair of the North Dakota Ethics Commission. A member of the Spirit Lake Nation, Lindquist is director of Tribal Initiatives and Collaborations at UND.

1982

David Oberstar, ’82, was selected among The Best Lawyers in America in the area of timber law. He practices at Fryberger Law Firm in Duluth, Minn.

1983

Lloyd Harsch, ’83, has completed 25 years as Professor of Church History and Baptist Studies at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. He also serves on the faculty of Seminario Teológico Bautista de Cuba Oriental in Santiago, Cuba.

1986

Mark Aakhus, ’86, is interim dean of the School of Communication and Information at Rutgers University-New Brunswick in New Jersey.

1987

Scott Jagodzinski, ’87, launched Argent Alpha, a virtual community redefining men’s health. His book on the topic is an Amazon best-seller.

Lisa Hesse, ’87, retired from a laboratory science career, most recently serving as an infection preventionist.

1991

Kim Kenville, ’91, ’98, is senior consultant at ADK Consulting & Executive Search. Kim was a professor in UND’s John D. Odegard School of Aerospace Sciences.

Bonnie (Bailey) Butz, ’91, ’09, is a special education teacher at Northwood (N.D.) Public School.

1992

Carrie (Treml) Nichols, ’92, is the family and community wellness extension agent for NDSU Extension, serving Eddy and Foster counties.

Marina Spahr, ’92, was appointed as judge in North Dakota’s South Central Judicial District. Her chambers are in Bismarck.

1993

Holly Cook Macarro, ’93, was honored in the inaugural class of Outstanding Alumni and Supporters of St. Phillip’s School in Bemidji, Minn. Macarro is a Native American political strategist and advocate, nationally recognized for her work in advancing tribal sovereignty and Indigenous representation in U.S. politics.

1994

Daniel Traynor, ’94, ’97, a U.S. district court judge, was awarded the State Bar Association of North Dakota’s Distinguished Service Award.

1995

Monica Mayer, ’95, an emergency medicine physician and member of the Mandan Hidatsa Arikara Nation tribal council, was appointed to the Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation Board of Trustees.

Mark Vollmer, ’95, ’14, is superintendent at Westhope (N.D.) Public School.

1996

Marc Adams, ’96, is on Essentia Health’s board of directors and retired as executive vice president and chief digital officer of Ecolab Inc.

Dave Hakstol, ’96, is assistant coach of the NHL’s Colorado Avalanche.

Mary “Misty” (Roussin) Wilke, ’96, ’98, ’02, is a clinical professor at the University of Minnesota School of Nursing, where she also serves as director of the Doctoral Education Pathway for American Indian/Alaska Native Nurses and the Center for Indigenous People, Health and Nursing. .

1997

Barrett Ziemer, ’97, executive director of the Chisholm-Hibbing (Minn.) Airport Authority, was appointed to the Metropolitan Airports Commission in the Twin Cities area.

Thomas Matzke, ’97, ’01, is a dermatologist at Essentia Health-South University Clinic in Fargo.

1998

Esther Tailfeathers, ’98, serves as assistant dean of Indigenous Health in the Indigenous, Local and Global Health Office at the University of Calgary’s Cumming School of Medicine (Alberta). She is a family physician and an associate professor in the school’s Department of Family Medicine.

1999

Sarah (Hanson) O’Connell, ’99, an immunization nurse with the Spirit Lake Early Childhood Tracking Program, was recognized as North Dakota’s 2025 CDC Childhood Immunization Champion.

Kimberly (Sobolik) Svendsen, ’99, joined Winthrop & Weinstine as a shareholder in its regulatory and litigation practice. She brings extensive experience as an assistant U.S. attorney for the District of Minnesota.

2000

Jeff Cox, ’00, is principal/ assistant director of the Southeastern Career Center, a high school in Versailles, Ind.

2001

David Haring, ’01, is CEO of the Spokane (Wash.) International Airport and Felts Field.

2004

Terry (Ferebee) Eckmann, ’04, was inducted into the Minot (N.D.) State University (MSU) Academic Hall of Fame. Eckmann is an MSU professor in kinesiology.

Robert Guttormson, ’04, a board-certified general surgeon and a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons, works in general surgery at CHI St. Alexius Health in Bismarck.

Christopher Kallenbach, ’04, is a radiologist at Essentia Health-32nd Avenue Clinic in Fargo.

Zach Parise, ’04, will be inducted into the U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame in December. After playing at UND for two years, he played 19 NHL seasons with the New Jersey Devils, Minnesota Wild, New York Islanders, and Colorado Avalanche, and on two U.S. Olympic Men’s Ice Hockey Teams.

Brandon Wade, ’04, was named 2024 Trooper of the Year by the North Dakota Motor Carriers Association. Wade, based in Jamestown, works for the North Dakota Highway Patrol.

2005

Michael Kjelshus, ’05, is vice president, business banker at the Grand Forks location of Frandsen Bank & Trust.

FROM THE BOARD

Dear alumni & friends of UND,

It’s an incredible honor to serve as the new President of the UND Alumni Association & Foundation (UNDAAF) Board of Directors. As someone who deeply believes in the power of community and connection, I’m thrilled to help lead this passionate group of alumni and friends who are committed to shaping the future of our beloved University.

It’s an exciting time to take over as president. In May 2025, we announced that the Forever UND campaign reached its $500 million goal 20 months early. Rather than rest on our laurels, the board asked the Foundation to raise the goal to $625 million within the original deadline of Dec. 31, 2026.

This bold campaign is an investment in the future of every student who dreams of earning a UND degree. It’s about ensuring that UND continues to be a place where dreams are launched, leaders are shaped, and lifelong connections are made.

I’m energized by the momentum we’re building and the incredible work being done by DeAnna Carlson Zink and her outstanding team at the UNDAAF. Together, we’re creating opportunities that will have a lasting impact on students, faculty, and the entire UND community. That is important to me as a UND graduate myself and a lifelong resident of Grand Forks.

There are so many ways to get involved — whether it’s mentoring a student, attending an alumni event, or giving through the Foundation. Every action, big or small, helps strengthen UND’s foundation and fuels the future.

I look forward to working with all of you as we continue to build something truly special. Let’s make this a year to remember!

Together, we are Forever UND.

Darla Adams President Board of Directors

SIGNED, SEALED, AND STILL CONNECTED

Pi Beta Phi builds ties that last.

For 60 years, a group of UND Pi Beta Phi sisters has stayed connected through an annual newsletter, sharing milestones, memories, and everyday moments. Though the format has evolved, the purpose remains: preserving the friendships that began all those years ago.

The tradition started in 1965, when Avis (Goheen) Tvedt, ’64, mailed a letter to her fellow Pi Phis asking for updates. Everyone wrote back. Early editors, including Avis, Liz (Skarperud) Eggers, ’64, and Pat (McBride) Leonard, ’64, retyped at least 20 letters on mimeograph sheets and mailed the first edition.

“Their effort and commitment were monumental,” said Mary (Carlson) Dykstra, ’64, who served as editor in 2024 and 2025. “It is so simple now, the whole thing can be done electronically.”

Over time, the newsletter grew to include the classes of 1963 and 1965 with sisters taking turns as editor. For many years the newsletter was known as “Pi Phi Palaver.”

Unlike a holiday letter, the Pi Phi newsletter feels personal, often including book, movie, and travel recommendations. When Mary showed her daughter the newsletter from the year she was born, she said, “Mom, this is our family history.”

The letters have chronicled joyful reunions, heavy moments like the 1997 flood, and the many ways these women give back — from playing piano in church to serving

“Their effort and commitment were monumental.”

MARY DYKSTRA, ’64

on city councils and nonprofit boards. “One of our sisters became a judge,” Mary said. “They’ve all given their time to make their communities better.”

The newsletter also sparks fond memories of UND days. “Our chef Flossie started feeding Pi Phis in January 1933. She made the best desserts,” Mary said, adding that the housemother, Gladys Trydahl, who served from 1960-70, wrote a letter every year through 1988.

Six decades in, and the Pi Phi newsletter remains an annual highlight. “I hope our story inspires other groups to start something like this,” Mary said.

What’s Next for the Pi Phi House?

Earlier this year, the national chapter of Pi Beta Phi approached UND about purchasing the sorority house, which required a substantial investment to make it livable. UND, the UND Alumni Association & Foundation (UNDAAF), and Pi Phi alumnae reviewed several options, and the property was ultimately purchased by UNDAAF.

UNDAAF is now collaborating with UND and an external focus group to determine the best future use for the site. The goal is to ensure the property aligns with the University’s needs and that resources are used responsibly.

ALUMNI AUTHOR

A LASTING INFLUENCE

The class of 1964 Pi Phis left an impression that stretched beyond their own pledge class.

Barbara Varberg Solberg, ’69, ’72, recently accepted a national award for her book “What We Leave Behind” in Washington, D.C., cheered on by three longtime friends: Donna (Hulst) Erwin, ’68, ’69; Sarah Vogel, ’67; and Sara Garland, ’68, ’72. “We met at UND (1964!) when we were 18. We were all members of Pi Beta Phi!” Barb wrote in an email.

All four women went on to earn advanced degrees and build remarkable careers. “I think that came from that house — and certainly knowing each other has been significant, as we’ve watched one another make an impact in our corners of the world,” Barb said.

Barb’s book was inspired by her family’s story. In 1913, the family immigrated to America. During the Dust Bowl, three daughters were sent back to Norway to live with wealthy relatives. But when the eldest sister gets married, the younger two were left to fend for themselves. By 1940, Germany had invaded Norway. “What We Leave Behind” was named North Dakota Book of the Year by the North Dakota State Library and the Library of Congress as part of the Great Reads from Great Places program.

Find more alumni authors at UNDalumni.org/authors.

book, “What We Leave Behind,” in Washington, D.C.

April (Quinnell) Price, ’05, is a family nurse practitioner in the emergency department of CHI St. Alexius Health Williston (N.D.).

2006

Janet Alkire, ’06, ended her term as the first woman to serve as chair of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe. She is a 15-year Air Force veteran, USA Today Woman of the Year, and mother of two.

Max Huber, ’06, ’08, is parish director at Lumen Christi Catholic Community in St. Paul, where he previously served as director of communications. Max and his wife, Lisa PersuittiHuber, ’05, ’08, also own The Magic Travel Guy.

Ryan Mickelsen, ’06, was selected for inclusion in “Marquis Who’s Who.” Ryan has served as president and CEO of SMP Health, St. Aloisius in Harvey, N.D., since 2023.

Angela Morrison, ’06, is interim head coach of women’s soccer at San Diego State University.

2007

Tom Barrett, ’07, won the Entrepreneur of the Year 2025 Heartland Award from Ernst & Young. He owns Barrett Petfood, a premium petfood producer in Brainerd, Minn.

Josh Honeyman, ’07, is a member of Essentia Health’s board of directors. He is an emergency medicine physician at Essentia Health Fargo.

Ellen (Brekke) Slaught, ’07, is chief operating officer at Beyond Campus Innovations in Greenwood Village, Colo. 2008

Marcelo Lima, ’08, vice president of planning and development at the Birmingham (Ala.) Airport Authority, was named the 2025 Airport Professional of the Year by the southeast chapter of the American Association of Airport Executives.

John Sampson, ’08, made national news after rescuing a boy from the monorail at Hershey Park in Pennsylvania. Sampson owns Richboro Veterinary Hospital in Richboro, Northampton Township.

Jonathan Toews, ..’08, signed with the Winnipeg Jets after winning three Stanley Cups with the Chicago Blackhawks. Toews has played in the NHL since 2007.

2009

Sarah (Winger) Anderson, ’09, Kelly (Munter) Entzel, ’12, and Emma (Munter) Preston cofounded Wildflowers of Hope, a nonprofit offering support to those in North Dakota’s Red River Valley experiencing pregnancy or infant loss.

Jacqueline DeMolee, ’09, ’12, is associate registrar of academic records at Northeastern University in Iowa City, Iowa.

Donna Irwin, North Dakota Book of the Year award winner, Barb Solberg, Sarah Vogel, and Sara Garland celebrate Barb’s

Find the Flame in the UND Alumni Magazine is for everyone!

Last issue’s winners were Marc Pallasch, proud father of aviation grad and Southwest Airlines pilot Cooper Pallasch, ’18; Emily Buchanan, ’96, who credits her “eagle-eyed son” for spotting the flame; and Kelsey (Malm) Boerboon, ’05, who nailed it with a perfect description: “I believe the flame (a splotch of pink paint) is in the middle of the bristles of the black-handled paintbrush.”

There’s another flame hidden on the cover of this issue. Think you (or your family and friends) can spot it? Email us at AlumniMag@UNDalumni.net with its location for a chance to win a UND prize pack.

The mountains were the perfect place for recent Find the Flame winner Mickeli Bedford, ’04, and his daughter Isla to bundle up in their new UND scarf. “We loved the gifts and Isla asked me to share a little picture of appreciation!”

2010

Dean Ekkaia, ’10, was appointed director of product management for optical sorting solutions in Duravant’s Food Sorting and Handling Group in Fairfax County, Va.

Chris Gergen, ’10, is chief information security officer for the North Dakota Information Technology department in Bismarck.

2011

Mike Demuth, ’11, ’13, is assistant vice president/ business banking officer at the Baxter, Minn., location of Deerwood Bank.

Taylor (Raboin) Demuth, ’11, is principal at Baxter Elementary School in Brainerd, Minn.

Alex Vari, ’11, is CFO at MainStreet Bank in Fairfax, Va.

2012

Matthew Gassen, ’12, is vice president-commercial banker at National Bank of Commerce based in Bemidji, Minn.

Kara Nunziato, ’12, volleyball coach at Our Redeemer’s Christian School in Minot, N.D., was voted the District 12 coach of the year for the eighth time. Nunziato is an assistant professor at the Minot State University Communication Disorders Clinic.

Evan Trupp, ’12, joined the coaching staff of the University of Alaska Anchorage hockey team.

2013

Andrew Eyre, ’13, was appointed judge in North Dakota’s Northeast Central Judicial District. Eyre won the Jim Vigness Peacemaker of the Year award in 2023 from the Community Violence Intervention Center in Grand Forks.

Alissa Hoban, ’13, an advanced practice registered nurse and certified nurse practitioner, joined Essentia HealthPark Rapids (Minn.).

2014

Steve Inglish, ’14, is medical director at Jacobsen Memorial Hospital Care Center in Elgin, N.D. Inglish continues to practice medicine at the Jamestown Regional Medical Center.

James Lyght, ’14, is community lending executive, SVP at Old National Bank in St. Louis Park, Minn., leading the Empowerment Loan Program for underserved communities in the Minneapolis, Greater Minnesota, North Dakota, and Western Wisconsin markets.

Lindsey Moffitt, ’14, a full-time corporate music therapist for residents at Valley Senior Living (VSL) facilities in Grand Forks, and Jill (Useldinger) Swingen, ’15, parttime therapist and VSL executive assistant, organized the “Voices of the Valley Variety Show,” a VSL fundraiser.

Ben Prout, ’14, ’20, a fellow in abdominal imaging and intervention at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, won the Kalender Competition Early Career Investigators Award Recognizing Outstanding Scientific Research.

Danelle Tibbetts, ’14, is an advanced practice registered nurse and certified nurse practitioner at the Essentia Health St. Joseph’s-Brainerd Clinic in Minnesota.

2015

Thomas Erickson, ’15, a family medicine physician, joined Essentia Health-52nd Avenue Clinic in Fargo.

Jackson Knudson, ’15, is a project engineer at Fehr Graham’s West Union (Iowa) office.

Shane Martin, ’15, Turtle Mountain Community School superintendent and athletic director, is serving as the Native American At-Large Representative on the North Dakota High School Activities Association Board of Directors.

Brent Noonan, ’15, is a distinguished honor graduate at Army Flight School. Noonan, a civil engineer at KLJ’s Bismarck office, was recognized by the National Society of Professional Engineers as a 2024 outstanding young engineer of the year.

Five UND Alum Receive Leaders & Legacies Award

Five UND graduates were among the nine recipients of Prairie Business Magazine’s 2025 Leaders & Legacies award.

Mike Bittner, ’09, Director of Strategic Initiatives and a Principal at Bolton & Menk, Inc., a 1,100-plus-employee firm based in Fargo.

Joshua Deere, ’06, President of Altru Health System, which recently opened a new hospital in Grand Forks.

Dan Kadrmas, ’87, President of TrueNorth Steel in Fargo.

Jennifer Schneider, ’15, is assistant principal at Horace Mann Roosevelt Elementary School in Fargo.

2016

Erik McLaughlin, ’16, and Ryan Emmerich, ’16, cofounded Bold North Roofing and Contracting in Minneapolis, which was recently ranked the 62nd fastest growing private company in the U.S.

Ian Glidden, ’16, launched a family medicine practice at RiverView Health, serving patients in Crookston and Fertile, Minn.

Joan McCusker, ’87, recently retired executive vice president, operations and corporate strategy for Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Dakota.

Peter Stenehjem, ’07, CEO of First International Bank and Trust (FIBT) in Watford City, N.D.

Pam Rangen, ’16, joined Essentia HealthMid Dakota Bismarck Gateway Clinic to practice elder care.

Mark Rostad, ’16, is medical director at HIA Hospice. He leads the organization in providing compassionate end-oflife care throughout North Dakota and Minnesota.

Callie (Berg) Stadem, ’16, a Grand Forks composer, harpist, and educator, received a $5,000 grant from the North Dakota Council on the Arts.

2017

Jordan Barth, ’17, is a family medicine specialist at Sanford North Mandan (N.D.) Clinic.

Alyson Dahl, ’17, a board-certified physician assistant and founder/coowner of Resurgent Health, presented on safety, stress management and mental wellness for farmers and ranchers at Agweek 360.

Cassandra Hovet, ’17, owner of Amber Waves Therapy in Grand Forks and a mental health therapist with BetterHelp, was named to Marquis Who’s Who.

2018

Amber Starkey, ’18, ’24, is a third grade teacher at Northwood (N.D.) Public School.

2019

Robert Kraft, ’19, a hematology and oncology specialist, joined Essentia HealthDuluth (Minn.) Clinic.

2020

Adrian Martinez, ’20, was promoted to captain of the North Dakota Highway Patrol. He serves as the agency’s division commander at its Bismarck headquarters.

Derek Schaff, ’20, is chief financial officer at the Jamestown (N.D.) Regional Medical Center.

2021

Cherie Dowell, ’21, a certified physician assistant, joined the Essentia Health-West Acres Clinic in Fargo.

Jackson Keane, ’21, is assistant coach for men’s hockey at Bemidji (Minn.) State University.

2022

Jonah Warwick, ’22, an internal medicine specialist, joined Sanford Bismarck.

2023

Moones Alamooti, ’23, ’24, leads GeoTinkers, a geothermal energy company. She represented North Dakota at the Citizens’ Climate Lobby National Conference in Washington, D.C., last summer.

Danya Carroll, ’23, a postdoctoral associate in epidemiology and biostatistics at Schulich Medicine & Dentistry in London, Ontario, and her professor are exploring the intersection of Indigenous knowledge, public health and environment policy.

Lauren Larsen, ’23, is a meteorologist and member of Storm Team 4 at TMJ4 in Milwaukee.

2024

Elle Thorson, ’24, is assistant coach for track and field at Bethel University in Arden Hills, Minn.

Alex Blumenthal, ’24, is a program manager for the UND Space Operations Group.

2025

Morgan Giuseponi, ’25, is a project manager for the UND Space Operations Group.

Kimberly Hinkel, ’25, is a certified physician assistant at the Essentia Health-32nd Avenue Clinic in Fargo.

A HEART FOR UND

Sharon Rezac Andersen’s Enduring Spirit

UNDAAF

CEO DeAnna Carlson Zink, UNDAAF Board

President Darla Adams, Spirit Award winner

Sharon Rezac Andersen, and UND President Andy Armacost celebrate Sharon’s award.

Sharon Rezac Andersen, ’89, ’96, longtime director of the UND International Center, received the UND Spirit Award in August. The honor recognizes alumni who demonstrate “uncommon dedication” to the success of UND and its students.

Following the celebration, Sharon shared this note of thanks:

It is with heartfelt love, gratitude and honor, that I thank the University of North Dakota together with the UND Alumni Association & Foundation for honoring and surprising me with the cherished UND Spirit Award and naming 300A in the Memorial Union: Rezac Andersen.

Gathering August 4 with family, friends and former international students — Tareq (Yemen), Fernanda (Brazil), and Ron (Malaysia) — helped me reclaim my rich UND heritage, learned experiences and love as both a UND student and staff member for the majority of my professional life.

DeAnna Carlson Zink, family, and friends kept this a secret! To hear dear friends, DeAnna, Fernanda Santos Philbrick, Kathy Fick and President Andy Armacost speak brought back memories of so many years that fulfilled my life, academically, personally, professionally and socially within the UND family.

As I continue to celebrate these honors, I remain forever grateful for this legacy that recognizes both Gary and me — and for the three generations of our family who have graduated from UND, including our two sons and two granddaughters.

My heart remains forever filled with gratitude for the University of North Dakota and all people who walk their journey of success here, as they too name and reclaim their heritage! May your lives, too, be filled with promise!

Forever UND! And Grateful!

Sharon Rezac Andersen

Grads among Top 50 Women Leaders

Several UND alumnae were among the Top 50 Women Leaders of North Dakota for 2025, selected by Women We Admire, a membership organization composed of women executives and leaders across the U.S. and Canada.

Richelle (Schnepf) Bishoff, ’09, vice president of procurement at Border States.

Twylah (Butler) Blotsky, ’93, president & CEO of Butler Machinery Company

Stefanie Ellison, ’00, president of the West Market at Essentia Health.

Laurie Geller, ’98, vice president for academic affairs at Minot State University.

Cassie Gerhardt, ’96, ’08, senior associate vice president for student affairs at UND.

Sheila (Heil) Gerszewski, ’07, senior vice president, director of retail of First International Bank & Trust.

Kristi Hall-Jiran, ’90, chief philanthropy officer of Altru Health System.

Jill (Gustafson) Nelson, ’04, director of operations and community relations for the Grand Forks Park District.

Sema Oncel, ’22, CEO of Oncel.

Leigh Thompson, ’14, chief financial officer at Sanford Health.

Erin (Campbell) Wood, ’17, vice president of Advancement and Community College Foundation Executive Director at Lake Region State College.

Desmond Little, ’25, is head girls basketball coach of the St. Cloud Crush at St. Cloud (Minn.) Technical High School and dean of students at North Junior High.

Ellie McGlynn, ’25, opened a mobile flower truck, “Lilies of the Valley,” in the Grand Forks area.

Jennifer (Ellis) Reynolds, ’25, is a family nurse practitioner-certified at Tioga (N.D.) Medical Center.

Emma Wedar, ’25, is a marketing specialist at Town and Country Credit Union in Minot, N.D.

1. Fred Remer, former associate professor of Atmospheric Sciences, and his wife, Donna (Markestad) Remer, ’79, ran into his former student, Todd Nelson, ’93, a United Airlines pilot, during their 26day tour of Australia and New Zealand. He hadn’t seen Todd, who lives in Hudson, Wis., in over 40 years.

2. Sheldon Anderson, ’97, and Kathy Kruse, ’96, reconnected at Sheldon’s home in San Jose del Cabo, Mexico, to celebrate his 50th birthday and more than three decades of friendship that began at UND.

3. Ellie Johnston, ’18, and Tanner Dorangrichia, ’19, were married Sept. 14, 2024, in Moorhead, Minn.

4. UND Geography Professor Doug Munski donned the cover of the Twentieth Edition of Marquis Millennium Magazine.

5. Emily Uelmen’s chocolate lab, Copper, is ready to watch Greyson Uelmen in action with the UND Men’s Basketball team this season.

6. Miriah (Schumacher), ’17, and Jonathan Widmer, ’23, celebrated the birth of Nora Caroline on May 22. “I purchased a bunch of baby UND clothing my first semester in the fall of 2012. Finally getting to use it!” Mariah said.

7. Alumni members of the Beta Theta Pi fraternity gathered for Homecoming 2025.

8. Bailey and Oakley, the dogs of Fighting Hawks supporter Lisa Orwick Barta, show their UND spirit.

9. Sig, canine companion of Ben Harms and Carly Tate, ’18, shows some UND pride on National Dog Day.

10. Brita (Kihle), ’19, ’21, and her husband Kyle Karolus welcomed their second child, Sybil Raye, on Dec. 3, 2024. They live in Staples, Minn.

11. Benny Blood, ’12, celebrates his alma mater surrounded by family.

12. Chelsea (Berg), ’20 and Matthew McCreary, ’13, ’17, welcomed Manny on March 7, 2025, in Grand Forks.

13. UND pride in Ireland! Angela Mund Heldt, ’97, Ervin Mund, ’70, and Jenni (Mund) Kramer, ’94, ’05, planted a kelly green flag overseas.

14. Nala, with bows in her ears, is the UND Proud dog of Hayden Overby, ’24. Thanks to his mom, Joey Spanier Overby, for the picture.

15. Former UND quarterback and team captain, Tony Stein, ’00, celebrated his grandfather John Hayen’s 90th birthday in July 2025. John, a retired farmer from Cogswell, N.D., is pictured here in 1999 with Tony and his late wife Barb, who is holding the game ball from UND’s 13-10 victory over NDSU.

16. Klaudia (Price) Holkup, ’18, ’20, with her sister Bianca Price, returned to the football field for the UND Homecoming game. Spirit Squad alumni cheer during the second quarter — a tradition Klaudia said brings back “the thrill of being on the field.”

17. UND veterans joined the April Honor Flight to Washington, D.C. Pictured at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier are veterans Ken Johnson, ’70, Del Hager, ’71, Al Klatt, ..’81, Dennis Albert, Mark Kuhn, ’79, and Joel Medd, ’69, ’75, along with the Grand Forks County Sheriff Andy Schneider and Grand Forks Mayor Brandon Bochenski, ’19.

18. Pat Michels, ’75, was a strong UND Athletics supporter until he died in June. He’s pictured here with his grandsons Shay and Liam Michels.

19. Jazmine (Krogstad), ’20, and Ethan Czaplewski, ’22, were married in Grand Forks in late August. They live in Bismarck.

In Memoriam

1940s

Petronella (Hastings) Shirk, ..’46

Fargo

Dr. F. Treacy Gibbens, ..’47

Tacoma, Wash.

Delores (Larson) Heggestuen, ..’48

Detroit Lake, Minn.

1950s

Ilene (Graff) Mellis, ’50

San Francisco

Robert Miller, ’50 Cheyenne, Wyo.

Phyllis (Lahren) Rosscup, ’50

Minneapolis

LeRoy Swenson, ’51, ’60 Berthoud, Colo.

Marilyn (Craig) Lelicoff, ..’51

Prescott, Ariz.

Henrietta (Burfening) Brouillard, ..’52

Palm Desert, Calif.

Gary Griffeth, ’53, ’54

Fargo

Norma (Gilbertson) Johnson, ’53

Cohasset, Minn.

Betty Lou (Scherer) Twietmeyer, ..’54

Cedarburg, Wis.

Robert Klingbeil, MD, ’55

Elm Grove, Wis.

Kathlyn (Anderson) Kolberg, ..’55 Lakota, N.D.

Allan Olson, ’55 Ada, Minn.

Duane Rafteseth, ..’55

Hawley, Minn.

Donald Augustin, ’56 Lake Forest, Calif.

Dorothy (Smith) Isaacson, ’56

Hot Springs National Park, Ark.

George Johnson, MD, ’57, ’58

Fargo

C. Gottfried Baumann, MD, ’57, ’59, ’60

Chestertown, Md.

Neal Buechler, ’57

Bismarck, N.D.

James Hodgson, ’57

Billings, Mont.

Dale Folger, ’58

Thief River Falls, Minn.

Jon Haaven, ’58

Alexandria, Minn.

George Huard, ’58

St. Paul, Minn.

Darold Johnson, ’58 Cavalier, N.D.

Judith Kocsis, ’58

Canton, Mich.

Ronald Burt, ’59

Fergus Falls, Minn.

Miriam (Johnson) Donnan, ’59

Detroit Lakes, Minn.

Arnold Johnson, ’59

Larimore, N.D.

David Moen, ’59

West Chester, Pa.

Donald Nygaard, ’59

St. Paul, Minn.

O. George Roder, ..’59 Langdon, N.D.

Jeanette (Berg) Stout, ..’59

Fargo

John Swanson, ’59

Andover, Minn.

1960s

Patricia (Swanston) Anderson, ’60

St. Cloud, Minn.

Clarence ’Kelly’ Carlson, ’60

Bismarck, N.D.

Donald Enright, ’60

Glenwood, Md.

Floyd Erickson, ’60

Maplewood, Minn.

Annette (Jansonius) Langford, ’60

Minneapolis

William Paulsen, ’60

Finley, N.D.

J. Philip Johnson, ’61, ’62

Sun City, Ariz.

Dr. Jere Paddack, ’61, ’63, ’65

Ewing, N.J.

Gordon Bartholomay, ’61

Fargo

Carol (Lovegren) Brown, ’61

Mandan, N.D.

Donald Ehreth, ’61

Reston, Va.

Larry Knutson, ’61

Osseo, Minn.

Joseph Metzger, ’61

Bismarck, N.D.

Audrey (Hillman) Steinberg, ’61

Mountlake Terrace, Wash.

Duane Woodford, ’61

Moraga, Calif.

Dr. James McDonald, ..’62

Grand Forks

M. “Penny” (Ommen) Goldsmith, ’62

Mahnomen, Minn.

Hilman Anderson, ..’63

Center Point, Iowa

Dr. Dennis Cobler, ..’63

North Muskegon, Mich.

Robert Evenson, ..’63 Bemidji, Minn.

Robert Johnson, ’63 Lakeville, Minn.

Richard Spradbrow, ’64 Winnipeg, Manitoba

Dr. Douglas Hallatt, ’65, ’66, ’69 Walworth, Wis.

Pamela (Demakis) Barsness, ..’65 Tucson, Ariz.

Carolyn Bondy-Morrison, ’65 Northwood, N.D.

W. Reay Gibson, ’65

Bittern Lake, Alberta

Dr. William Haigh, ’65 Aberdeen, S.D.

Dr. Sigrid Myrdal, ’65 Portland, Ore.

Gordon Ringenberg, ’65 Clayton, Calif.

David Vorland, ’65 Bloomington, Minn.

Dr. Douglas Hippe, ’66, ’68, ’72 Lawrence, Kan.

Richard Baer, ’66, ’69 Bismarck, N.D.

Gloria (Kilber) Blek, ’66 Champlin, Minn.

Sharon (Monley) Hillery, PhD, ’66 Peosta, Iowa

Gisela (Reichenbach) Hodnefield, ’66 Dickinson, N.D.

James Eaton, ’67, ’70 Beaufort, S.C.

Glen Gustafson, ’67, ’70 Nisswa, Minn.

Edwin Sand, Jr., ’67, ’70

Oklahoma City

Ronald Schaeffer, ’67, ’70

Newburgh, Ind.

T. JoAnn (Richardson)

Gregory, ’67, ’75

Bemidji, Minn.

Lilah Dick, ’67

Devils Lake, N.D.

Michael Engebretson, ’67

Grand Rapids, Minn.

William Omlid, ..’67

Pueblo, Colo.

Riggs Opland, ’67

Minneapolis

Jon (Mike) Pannett, ’67

Calgary, Alberta

Diane (Griffin) Ryan, ’67

San Antonio

Bruce Wisted, ..’67

Detroit Lakes, Minn.

Olav Aarsvold, ’68

Mayville, N.D.

Maurice Blada, ’68

Racine, Wis.

Kathryn (Henn) Schiele, ..’68

Grand Forks

Gail (Norby) Steinmetz, ..’68

Fargo

Duane Blaufuss, ..’69

Thompson, N.D.

James Cox, ’69

Peoria, Ariz.

Brian Gutknecht, ..’69

Bismarck, N.D.

David Reisenweber, ’69

Duluth, Minn.

1970s

Michael Dorsher, ’70

Grand Forks

Maj. William Lloyd, Jr., ’70

Holyoke, Mass.

J. Michael Haun, ’71, ’73

San Carlos, Calif.

Gerald Braaten, ’71

Grand Forks

Gary Bratvold, ’71

Twin Valley, Minn.

Gary Hedman, ’71

Commerce City, Colo.

Faye (Riveland) Lee, ’71

Luverne, N.D.

Marsha (Stoia) Luzier, ..’71

Aberdeen, S.D.

Thomas O’Toole, ’71

Crystal, N.D.

Lynnett (Olson) Otterson, ’71

Lisbon, N.D.

Sandra Adelman, ’72

Sheboygan Falls, Wis.

Edeltraud (Schrader) Baumbach, ..’72

Sahuarita, Ariz.

Larry Conklin, ’72

Pelican Rapids, Minn.

Steven Gorder, ..’72

Bottineau, N.D.

Anna (Whitcomb) Lennington, ’72

St. Paul, Minn.

Wayne Littlejohn, ..’72

Grafton, N.D.

Michael Tillmann, ’72

Owatonna, Minn.

John Weeda, ’72

Mandan, N.D.

Trent Aronson, ’73

Bismarck, N.D.

Mary (Beaudoin) Berger, ..’73

Dickinson, N.D.

Thomas Gourde, ’73

Fargo

Mary (Grussing) Jensen, ’73

Green Valley, Ariz.

Richard Scramstad, ’73

Thief River Falls, Minn.

Dr. Glenn Syftestad, ’74, ’76

Eureka, Calif.

Richard Abar, ’74

Grand Forks

Patricia (Traynor) Baysinger, ’74

Anchorage, Alaska

Herbert Lundin, ..’74

Watford City, N.D.

Dana Toso, ’74

Minneapolis

Alayne J Van Erem, MD, ’75, ’77

Marshfield, Wis.

Patrick Michels, ’75

Fargo

John Griffin, ’77

Bismarck, N.D.

Mark Lembke, ’77

Fargo

Carmen (Lahtinen) McGrady, ’77

Bismarck, N.D.

Dr. Duane Voskuil, ’77

Bismarck, N.D.

Merle Pederson, ’78, ’81

Des Moines, Iowa

Clyde Eagle, ’78

Plymouth, Minn.

James Knutson, ..’78

Washburn, N.D.

Mark Monette, ’78

Lubbock, Texas

Vivian Berg, ’79

Cape Coral, Fla.

Sharon (Anderson) Borgen, ..’79

Grand Forks

Douglas Marsh, ’79

Samos, Greece

1980s

Dr. Lazette (Bevers) Chang-Yit Nichols, ’80

Oklahoma City

Cheryl Ellis, ’80

Fargo

Ann (Ness) Hillesland, ..’80

Bismarck, N.D.

Beverly (Ward) Price, ..’80

Custer, S.D.

Wilma (Knoepfle) Tschetter, ..’80

Wishek, N.D.

Idella (Hiller) Vossler, ..’80

Wishek, N.D.

Marilyn (Sasse) Bakke, ..’81

Grand Forks

Kris (Johnson) Cartwright, ’81

Chandler, Ariz.

Randall Christianson, ..’81

Middleton, Wis.

James Johnson, ’82

Harvey, N.D.

Dr. Hans Langsjoen, ..’82

Fargo

Gwynn (Allen) Sorenson, ’83

Burnsville, Minn.

Bradley Davis, ’84

Dickinson, N.D.

Mary (Wadeson) Edstrom, ’84

Goleta, Calif.

Dr. Michael L Ward, ’84

Amelia, Ohio

Kathy Wimpfheimer, ’84 Euclid, Minn.

Laura (Hedquist) Manke, ’85

Spearfish, S.D.

Theresa (Peltier) Counts, ’86

Dunseith, N.D.

Steven Paulson, ’86

Grand Forks

Jeffery Schindele, ’86

Inver Grove Heights, Minn. Arnette White, ’86 Henrico, Va.

James Bluestone, Jr., ’87 Aberdeen, S.D.

Steven Doolittle, ’87 Paducah, Ky.

Thomas Strinden, MD, ’88, ’89 Fargo

Carol (Effertz) Schwan, ’89 Minot, N.D.

1990s

Jodi (Jons) Gubbrud, ’90 St. Paul, Minn.

Christopher Meeker, MD, ’91, ’97 Bismarck, N.D.

Brent Blake, ’93 Detroit Lakes, Minn.

Paul Burgett, MD, ’93 Waterloo, Iowa

Steve Drees, ’93 Thompson, N.D.

John Schmelka, ’93 West Fargo, N.D. Melva Hauge, ’99 Mandan, N.D. 2000s

Timothy Barnard, ’02 Westerville, Ohio

Jana (Rewey) Huffman, ’05 Red Lake Falls, Minn. Kelli Husfloen, ’06 Billings, Mont.

Jason Ahsenmacher, ’07 Anchorage, Alaska

James Parker, ’09 Warren, Minn.

2010s

Steven Schmid, ’10 Pewaukee, Wis.

Keith Queoff, ..’11

Milwaukee

Matlyn Tschider, ’19 Detroit Lakes, Minn.

2020s

Marilyn (Hansen) Hagerty, (HON) ’21

Grand Forks

Sarah Krueger, ’22

West Fargo, N.D.

Zachary Hill, ..’25

Grand Forks

Deng Mayar, ’25

Magna, Utah

Former Faculty & Staff

Richard Mead

Weslaco, Texas

Dr. Herbert Fromm

Escondido, Calif.

Phyllis (Nelson) Hustoft

Maple Grove, Minn.

David Lechner

Toledo, Ohio

Julie (Behnkie) Lofberg

Grand Forks

John Ouellette

Grand Forks

M. “Penny” (Morstad) Schumacher

East Grand Forks, Minn.

Dr. M. Helen (Lockhart) Smiley

Davenport, Iowa

James Weber

Lady Lake, Fla.

Student-Athlete Spotlight

HOME-GROWN LEADERSHIP

SAM STRANDELL, ’25

Hometown: Grand Forks, North Dakota

Area of Study: Currently pursuing MBA; Communications major and Sports Business minor

Athletic Program & Position: UND Football, wide receiver

701 AWARD

You can help build championship teams at UND by giving to the 701 Award.

The 701 Award provides NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) funds to student-athletes like Sam and his teammates.

Give at pd.UNDalumni.org/701-award

Why UND? Growing up in Grand Forks, Sam was a natural-born UND fan. Today, Sam has earned a spot as captain on the team he cheered on as a child. His family and friends are close by as Sam pursues his education while playing the sport he loves.

Academic Highlight: Sam set his sights on finishing his undergraduate degree in under four years, achieving that goal in August 2025.

Favorite Athletic Highlight: Over his four years of football, Sam has had plenty of memorable moments, but one that stands out was his first explosive play last season — forcing a fumble that his good friend, Paine Parks, recovered. “That was very cool,” he said. And, of course, any win over the Bison is always a highlight in the long-standing rivalry. This season, Sam earned the honor of wearing the coveted number 1 jersey and was named a UND Football captain.

Community Involvement: In 2025, Sam proudly surpassed 100 volunteer hours. Growing up in Grand Forks, it’s meaningful for him to serve the community he grew up with.

Future Goals: After he earns his MBA, he plans to apply the skills he’s gained both in the classroom and on the field to a career, most likely in sports business. He’s confident that his time at UND has set him up for success.