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Donor Profile - The Belisles
Falcons Forever:
Jim and marge belisle
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By Rick Foy
From the first time they met on the campus of then Wisconsin State College-River Falls in the early 1950s, it was clear James and Margery (Deans) Belisle were a great team. Nearly 70 years later, they still are.
Jim and Marge started dating as sophomores and to say they made an impact on campus is an understatement. Marge was the first female elected as president of the Student Senate. Jim was a guard on the Falcons basketball team led by the legendary Roger Kuss which qualified for the 1953 NAIA national tournament in Kansas City. They were also chosen king and queen of the college’s winter carnival celebration. Jim was honored as the Falcons’ outstanding senior athlete.
Both Jim and Marge were 1954 graduates. Marge, who grew up in Hammond, earned her bachelor’s degree in English and history education and Jim, from Menomonie, earned his degree in social sciences. Marge taught high school students in Minneapolis; Fort Hays, Kan.: and Bloomington, Ind. before influencing the lives of hundreds of student athletes as a long-time academic adviser at Indiana University.
After serving in the U.S. Army, Jim went on to earn his master’s degree and Ph.D. at Indiana University’s School of Health, Physical Education and Recreation (HPER), the first school of its kind in the country. For several years, he served on the faculty of Fort Hays State University before returning to Indiana University to serve as a longtime HPER professor and assistant dean. His is now associate professor emeritus in IU’s School of Public Health. They are both quick to credit UW-River Falls for providing a strong foundation for their many career and life successes.
“We had such a wonderful experience at River Falls and are forever thankful for the opportunities the university provided,” Jim said. “Lately, both Marge and I have been reflecting on many special college memories. We really felt it was time to give back to a place that changed our lives and meant so much to us.”
The Belisles have certainly given back generously. They recently established an endowed academic scholarship fund, developed specifically for those students who need financial support and exhibit academic promise. An additional donation was designated for the men’s basketball program. The Belisles’ transformational gift has resulted in the naming of the Falcon Center’s second floor level in their honor. On Dec. 3, during the men’s basketball program’s alumni day celebration, the area was officially dedicated as the James and Margery Belisle Concourse. Coincidentally, December 3 is also Jim’s 90th birthday.
“What a meaningful way to celebrate a milestone birthday,” Jim said. Both Jim and Marge refer often to the special relationships they established with friends and faculty members they have maintained throughout their lives.
“We hope our support helps provide students the same meaningful opportunities we experienced during our years at River Falls,” Marge said.
“I’ve often thought, where would I be without River Falls and the wonderful friends, teachers, coaches and mentors I met there?” Jim said. “We’re so fortunate to be able to give back to a place so very special to us.”
Nearly 70 years after they made an impact on campus, Jim and Marge are still a team, continuing to make a difference and changing the lives of Falcons now and for generations to come.
2022 Evening of Excellence
MAY 6 EVENT RECOGNIZED UWRF ALUMNI
PAUL DYKSTRA, a 1983 graduate in accounting, earned the Distinguished Alumni Award.
Dykstra is an independent board member and recent past chair, president and chief executive officer of Phoenix-based Viad Corp., a $1.1 billion New York Stock Exchange company with domestic and international operations in marketing and event services, travel and recreation service and formerly payment services.
Dykstra has been a member of the UWRF Foundation Board since 2017 and has chaired the Investment Committee for four years. He also served on the board previously from 1998 to 2003. He spoke at the May commencement ceremonies.
Established in 1959, the UWRF Distinguished Alumni Award is the most prestigious recognition of UWRF alumni accomplishments.
KATIE RYAN NIZNIK
received the Outstanding Service Award.
Niznik, a 2010 UWRF sociology graduate, began her career that same year as an undergraduate children’s services intern for Turningpoint for Victims of Domestic and Sexual Violence in River Falls and after the internship, accepted a full-time position there. Over the years, Niznik has worked as a crisis advocate, volunteer services coordinator, legal advocate and sexual assault services coordinator. She is currently the sexual assault services director.
Niznik has been the UWRF campus victim advocate since 2016. She serves the campus community by facilitating training sessions on healthy relationships and consent, providing emotional support to student victims and survivors in the aftermath of sexual assault and assisting students with navigating the complicated Title IX process after an incident.
Established in 1983, the Outstanding Service Award recognizes individuals and organizations outside of the university community who have made exemplary contributions to the University of Wisconsin-River Falls.
RAMONA RAEHSLER
received the Lifetime Achievement Award.
Raehsler graduated from UWRF in 1971 with a degree in elementary education and then went on to earn two master’s degrees from UWRF, one in education in 1987 and the other in school psychology in 1990. In 2019, she received a Faculty Recognition Award from the UWRF Sociology, Criminology and Anthropology Department.
After 30 years of teaching, she retired from St. Bridget Catholic School in River Falls.
The Lifetime Achievement Award, established in 2014, recognizes the accomplishments of alums who have provided long-time exceptional service and leadership in their profession, community, and continuing interest and loyalty to UW-River Falls.
SYDNEY HALL WITTMIER
received the Outstanding
Young Alum Award.
Wittmier, a 2008 graduate in applied physics, is a senior project manager with Minneapolis-based Mortenson Construction in charge of quality control and project management in their Wind Energy Construction Project Division.
One of her largest projects has been as the assistant project manager for the construction of U.S. Bank Stadium in the Twin Cities.
She serves on the board of the Family Partnership. Wittmier volunteers with the Architecture Construction and Engineering (ACE) Mentor Program and Girls Taking Action, a mentorship program. She was the 2021 featured speaker at the Groundbreaking Women in Construction Conference and a Minneapolis/St. Paul Journal’s 2022 “40 under 40” honoree.
The Outstanding Young Alum Award, established in 2014, recognizes the accomplishments of individuals who have excelled in professional and civic accomplishments within the last 15 years.
UWRF’s Limitless Future Comes to Life
Rick Foy
UW-River Falls recently introduced a revitalized brand. Thanks to extensive research and enthusiastic input from current UWRF students, alumni, faculty, staff, donors and friends, we’ve redefined what makes UWRF unique. Throughout the process, we heard a recurring and similar theme. UWRF is a place where our students find a welcoming, transforming and caring environment where they discover the confidence and courage to take on new challenges, find their voice, embrace opportunities and know they – and their future – are limitless. Limitless. One word that not only powerfully describes our students’ opportunities, but also UWRF’s own future. Perhaps no project in UWRF’s history demonstrates that limitless future than the new Science and Technology Innovation Center (SciTech). The state of Wisconsin is providing more than $111 million of the funding for the transformational facility. We’re heading down the home stretch of raising the remaining $5 million to meet our obligations for the project that will not only transform campus, but the entire region. Recently, two alums who met during their first year at UWRF in the mid-1970s and later married while undergraduates, returned to campus. They toured the state-of-the-art Falcon Center, which they had supported, then learned about SciTech. A few days later, they designated a significant gift for SciTech, delivered with this message:
“We are pleased to contribute to the people and the principles of an organization and culture that has made a big difference in our lives and those of countless others. We are grateful for the opportunity to support this noteworthy venture.”
Dr. Stephen J. and
Lynn M. Swensen,
UWRF ’78
So, it’s about more than a building. It’s about building UWRF’s future. To learn more about SciTech and, like the Swensens, invest in this transformational project, visit www.uwrf.edu/scitech/, call 715-425-4505 or email me at richard.foy@uwrf.edu.
Thank you for all you do to make UWRF’s future…limitless.
Class Notes
1950s
Arlen Christenson, 1958 will be inducted in the 2022 class of the Wisconsin Conservation Hall of Fame. Madison.
1970s
Wiliam Brunclik, 1975 retired from Rice Lake High School after 44 years as a math teacher.
Ronald S. Nyeggen, 1977 has retired from his chiropractic practice after serving the Ellsworth community for 40 years. Ellsworth.
1980s
Howard “Howie” Robinson, 1980 recently retired after 32 years as the city of Milton’s director of public works. Milton.
George Klink, 1983 has retired from the Elmwood School District where he served as an elementary teacher.
Rev. Cathleen Morris, 1983 has been named the pastor for the Christian ministry between Bethlehem Lutheran Church and the First Presbyterian Church of Florence. Florence.
Jeff Whitney, 1983 was recently inducted into the Minnesota Hockey Coaches Association Hall of Fame. Rochester, Minn.
Jaculyne Collins, 1985 recently completed her M.S. in teaching from the College of St. Scholastica, Eden Prairie, Minn.
Pam Jahnke, 1985 was recently inducted into the National Association of Farm Broadcasting Hall of Fame. Madison. Mickey Mueller, 1985 is an administrative assistant for the University Foundation at UW-Stout. Menomonie.
Jeff Nelson, 1989 has retired from the Barron County Sheriff’s Department as a detective after serving 26 years. Barron.
Steve Kenny, 1986, 2018 recently started performing again at the Saturday Night Jazz at the Black Dog, St. Paul, Minn.
1990s
Jim Schulenburg, 1990 was recently appointed to the Fort Atkinson Community Foundation Board. Fort Atkinson.
Kevin Bullis, 1992 recently announced his retirement as head football coach for the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater. Whitewater.
Pam Weiers, 1993 was named Henderson’s 2021 Woman Farmer of the Year finalist. She is one of five finalists in Henderson, Minn.
Brian Forrest, 1994 was selected as one of four 2021 Master Agriculturalists, Stratford.
Erik Quam, 1995 is director of product development with Fat Brain Toys, was awarded the Play Creator’s Inventor Relations Executive of the Year Award, Louisville, Neb.
ABOUT ALMA MATTERS
Find out the latest news from your classmates — career changes, recent honors, retirements and more.
Send us your latest news and we will print it in the next issue.
Here’s how: 1) email falconfeatures@uwrf.edu or 2) submit a form at uwrf.edu/alumni/ and click Update Information.
In the interest of accuracy, encourage classmates to send us their news directly—don’t do it for them.
We will not print a death announcement unless accompanied by a copy of a published obituary (such as an announcement from a local newspaper).
Teri (Micke) Raatz, 1996 is a full-time instructor in the Agribusiness and Science Technology Department at MidState Technical College. Colby.
Scott Ries, 1997 recently retired as lieutenant from the Marinette Police Department after nearly three decades of service. Peshtigo.
Angela Clifton, 1998 was recently inducted into the Simley High School (Minn.) Hall of Fame. Inver Grove Heights, Minn.
Natalie Killion, 1998 Is serving on the FFA Foundation as a new board member, Green Bay.
Brian Sichi, 1998 is the CEO for Magnetic Mobile specializing in digital marketing, Miamisburg, Ohio
Rick Montreal, 1999 is the dean of students at Prescott High School. Prescott.
2000s
Dawn Benoy, 2000 is a certified ophthalmic technician, Ellsworth.
Cara Dempski, 2000 is the sports editor at the Courier Press. Prairie du Chien.
Teresa Dvorak, 2000 was named to the North Dakota Stockmen’s Foundation Board of Directors. Manning, N.D.
Katie Raso Carter, 2001 is the activities director for the Austin Public School District. Austin, Minn.
Jason Saffert, 2001 is vice president of commercial banking at Johnson Financial Group. Rice Lake.
Jeremy Daus, 2002 is the director of product development at ProAg, Maple Grove, Minn.
Laura King, 2002 was recently named vice chancellor for strategic enrollment at UW-River Falls. New Richmond.
Krister Mattson, 2002 was recently named vice president of Enterprise Analytics and Data Science for Gunderson Health System. La Crosse. Matt Marek, 2002 was recently named CEO of Seniorlink, Inc., a Boston-based leading tech-enabled health services company. Boston, Mass.
Mark Theissen, 2002 recently recognized by Press Publications as best teacher, Vadnais Heights, Minn.
Ryan Sterry, 2004 is regional dairy educator serving as the agriculture agent in Polk County and St. Croix County, Wis. Hammond.
Charles Henn, 2005 has completed his master cheesemakers courses and is part of the 28th graduating class of the Wisconsin Cheesemaker® program. Shawano.
Andy Poterucha, 2006 is the principal at St. Francis of Assisi School, Rochester, Minn.
Amy Wallace, 2006 was recently named to 2021 Minnesota Super Lawyers list as a Super Lawyer Rising Star, Minneapolis.
Jodi Jabs, 2007 completed her Master of Science from Nova Southeastern University, Shakopee, Minn.
Cynthia Meyer Bourget, 2009 was recently named School Counselor of the Year by the Wisconsin School Counselors Association. Elk Mound.
Angela Bulla, 2009 is the deputy manager for the Lakeview District by The Bureau of Land Management, Monticello, Utah.
Lindsay Draz, 2009 is the director, referring provider office for the Mayo Clinic Health System in Rochester, Minn.
Jessica Schaffer Howell, 2009 is a medical laboratory scientist at Essential Health. Duluth, Minn
Kevin Priebe, 2009 is an assistant professor at Kentucky Wesleyan, promoting classical music beyond classroom. Owensboro, Ky.
2010s
Annaliese Wegner, 2010 her Modern-day Farm Chick’s social media journey began with a talk to grandma. Ettrick. Kellie Claflin, 2011 has joined The Ohio State University as an assistant professor in agriscience education, Columbus, Ohio.
Colleen Sowa, 2011 is an assistant coach for the University of Minnesota track and field program. She resides in River Falls.
Kellie Zahn, 2012 was recently honored with Wisconsin Farm Bureau’s Young Farmer and Agriculturist Excellence in Agriculture Award. Clintonville.
Mohamed Egal, 2014 recently completed a Master of Arts degree in health and human services from St. Mary’s University, Minneapolis.
Danielle Peterson, 2014 is a manager at Rainbow Treecare with a specialty in Arboriculture. Minnetonka, Minn.
Michael Peterson, 2014 is a newspaper digitization assistant at the Minnesota Historical Society, is an independent scholar, and is volunteering at the Dakota County Historical Society as a author/contributor to the South Eagan Neighbors magazine.
Aria Wallace, 2016 is a lieutenant junior grade with a specialty in cryptologic warfare with the Department of Defense-United States Navy. Aurora, Colo.
Alex Saxe, 2017 is assistant city administrator for the city of Wyoming. Wyoming, Minn.
Sarah Storandt, 2017 is the zoo manager at Wildwood Park & Zoo, Marshfield.
Katelyn Zeamer, 2017 completed her Master of Science in animal science from South Dakota State and is the swine technical sales specialist at Purina Animal Nutrition. Ossian, Iowa.
Edward Eichstadt, 2018 is a trader with Spectro Alloys. Rosemount, Minn.
Heather VanGuilder, 2018 is a GIS analyst with a specialty in routing at Ecolab. St. Paul, Minn. McKayla Wingert, 2018 is a multi-media marketing specialist at Agweek. Plainview, Minn.
2020s
Jamie Durose, 2021 is a kindergarten teacher with the Prescott School District. Prescott.
Kayla Hokenstad, 2021 is the associate principal at Shawano Middle School. Shawano.
Monica Marsh, 2021 is the training and engagement coordinator for Robbins Sports Surfaces. White Bear Lake, Minn.
Melissa Thorud, 2021 is a reporter at the Pierce County Journal, Ellsworth.
High priority: support the FALCON ANNUAL FUND!
Now, more than ever, UW-River Falls needs your support through a contribution to the Falcon Annual Fund.
The Falcon Annual Fund is the university’s unrestricted funding resource which helps UWRF meet its most pressing and immediate needs. Your investment, which makes an immediate impact, helps provide our students with living and learning experiences that lead to bright future; futures filled with limitless opportunities.
Follow this link to make your online gift in support of the Falcon Annual Fund today: www.uwrf.edu/Give/.
You can mail your check, payable to the UWRF Foundation, to:
UWRF Foundation ATTN: Falcon Annual Fund 410 S. 3rd Street River Falls, WI 54022
Thanks for your help moving the Falcons forward!
Falcon Farewell
1940s
Grace Tresselt Paulson,
‘42, Oct. 11, 2022.
Margaret “Peg” Pepper
Timmerman, ‘43, ’76,
Sept. 3, 2022. David Kvarnes, ’47, Feb. 13, 2022.
Evelyn Bjornstad
Asmus, ‘49, Oct. 12, 2022.
1950s
Dorothy Eaton
Ahlgren, ’50, Jan. 24, 2022. Louis Rosandick, ’50,
May 23, 2022. Ruth Johnson Theirl, ’50, April 30, 2022. Richard Vilstrup, ‘51,
Dec. 6, 2022 William Allds, ’51, March 11, 2022. Robert Weber, ’51, April 2, 2022.
Rita McMahon
Gronemeyer, ’52, April 22, 2022. Delores Kildahl Krear, ’52, March 11, 2022.
Virginia Dodge
Lindquist, ’53, June 6, 2022. William Pence, ’54,
June 8, 2022. James Saxton, ’54, April 29, 2022. Norris Erickson, ‘55,
Feb. 20, 2022. Jean Adrian La Rue, ’55,
April 25, 2022.
Viola Krengel Bristol-
Johnson, ‘55, Sept. 23, 2022. Ronald Jensen, ’56,
April 29, 2022. David Thoms, ’56, Jan. 15, 2022. Donald Laue, ‘57, Aug. 21, 2022. Steve Telisak, ‘57, Dec. 7, 2022. Larry Henneman, ’57,
March 14, 2022. LaVern Rippley, ’58,
Jan. 6, 2022. Merle Bergren, ‘58, Aug. 12, 2022. Audrey Graham Gorder,
‘58, Aug. 2, 2022. Robert Aebly, ’59,
March 25, 2022. James Gardner, ’59,
May 23, 2022. Roger Nichols, ’59, Jan. 30, 2022. Allen Wienke, ’59, Jan. 20, 2022. Edward Koca, ‘59, Nov. 27, 2022. Gary Madson, ‘59, Nov. 6, 2022. Thomas Trainor, ‘59,
Oct. 13, 2022.
1960s
Leigh Marquardt, ‘60,
Aug. 30, 2022. Gordon Nelson, ‘60,
Oct. 10, 2022. Orlan Youngren, ‘60,
Oct. 17, 2022. John Gregorich, ‘60,
Dec. 6, 2022. Robert “Bob”
Richardson, ’60,
March 9, 2022. David Ankley, ‘61, Aug. 9, 2022. Danny Porfilio, ‘61, Sept. 1, 2022. Marlene Morse Bachim,
‘61, Oct. 13, 2022. Jerome Martel, ’61, Feb. 22, 2022. Muriel Peterson Skoug, ’61, May 14, 2022. Neil Tollander, ’61, Jan. 28, 2022. James Schwenk, ‘62,
July 12, 2022.
Mildred Gustafson
Mehrkens, ‘62, Aug. 12, 2022. Daniel Hubin, ‘62, Aug. 31, 2022. Gary Drohman, ’62, May 23, 2022. Richard Klug, ’62, May 21, 2022. Jene Everson, ‘63, Oct. 18, 2022. James Ticknor, ‘63, Oct. 31, 2022. Julie Albrecht Frieburg, ’63, Feb. 22, 2022. Wayne Kuss, ’63, March 29, 2022. Clyde Smith, ’63, March 30, 2022. Jane Frieburg, ‘64, Oct. 30, 2022. David Diercks, ‘64, Nov. 18, 2022. James Johnson, ’64,
June 21, 2022. Norman Olsen, ’64,
April 29, 2022. Glenn McNaughton, ’65,
March 17, 2022. Fay Bauer Andrews, ’66, Jan. 20, 2022. John Gilbert, ‘66, Nov. 10, 2022. John Giese, ‘66, Nov. 20, 2022. Una Wright Craft, ’66,
Jan. 2, 2022. Gerald Dopkins, ’66,
Jan. 19, 2022. Elaine Owens, ’66,
March 15, 2022. Sheila Hillary Charlson, ’67, Feb. 8, 2022. LuVerne Anderson, ‘67,
Dec. 9, 2022. Eugene Fall, ’67, Feb. 9, 2022. Bruce Kamp, ’67, May 6, 2022.
DeeAnn Haugen
Samshal, ’67, April 11, 2022. David Reese, ’68, Jan. 25, 2022. William Postiglione, ’69, May 27, 2022. Gale Qualls, ’69, March 20, 2022.
university oF wisconsin-river Falls
The Benefits of a charitable bequest
A charitable bequest is an easy way to help future generations of UWRF students.
Benefits of bequest giving include:
• It costs you nothing today to make a bequest. • A bequest is free of federal estate tax. • Your bequest can be changed down the road. • You can still benefit your heirs with specific gifts. • A bequest may produce estate tax savings. • You can leave a legacy through a bequest.
To learn more about bequest giving to UWRF, contact Kimberly Gould Speckman at 715-425-4212 or advancement@uwrf.edu. Ask for your free Guide to Planning Your Will or Trust. We are happy to assist you! 1970s
Jerry Cognetta, ‘70,
Aug. 1, 2022. Elsie Arneson, ’70,
March 25, 2022. Kerry Grippen, ’70,
March 23, 2022. Raymond Hoerth, ’70,
March 10, 2022. Diane Horton, ’70, June 10, 2022. Stanley Nickles, ’70,
Jan. 28, 2022. William Pippenger, ‘71,
Aug. 17, 2022. Alberta Seierstad, ‘71,
Aug. 5, 2022. Caryl Waterhouse
Chambers, ’71, Feb. 14, 2022. Michael Jensen, ’71,
April 1, 2022. Gary “Bruce” Monroe, ’71, Jan. 5, 2022. John Ourada, ’71, Feb. 1, 2022. David Valentine, ’71,
March 19, 2022. John Hilt, ’72, May 20, 2022. James Kuhn, ’72, April 22, 2022. Nancy Orgeman, ’72,
April 12, 2022. Stuart Rivard, ’73, April 13, 2022. Eugene Eastlund, ’74,
March 3, 2022. Larry Eggenberger, ’74,
Feb. 5, 2022. Marshall Behling, ‘74,
Sept. 19, 2022. Michael Hansen, ’74,
Jan. 16, 2022. John Jorstad, ’74, Feb. 22, 2022. David “Mel” Manthey, ’74, March 16, 2022. Edward Rusch, ’75, Feb. 5, 2022. Randy Schultz, ’75,
April 14, 2022. Karen Shelley Gavin, ’76, May 18, 2022. Patricia Kahl Hancock, ’76, Jan. 31, 2022.
Sharyl Lamson
Kittilson, ’77, March 17, 2022. Karen Olson Sargent, ’77, May 27, 2022. Dianna Wright Fehlen,
‘77, Sept. 1, 2022. Roxane Johnson, ’78,
May 8, 2022. Craig Mitchell, ’78, April 7, 2022.
Barbara Pernsteiner
Acker, ’79, March 19, 2022.
Donna Nackerud
Foster, ’79, Jan. 29, 2022. Daniel Strehlo, ‘79,
March 7, 2022.
1980s
Robert Radke, ’80, Feb. 13, 2022. Okon Okon, ’81, Jan. 2, 2022. James Wallin, ’81,
March 10, 2022. Wendy Evan Hastings, ’82, May 10, 2022.
Kathleen “Kathy” Carr
Jensen, ’83, April 7, 2022. Mary Proctor Clark, ’84,
Jan. 8, 2022. Nancy Kasa, ’84, Jan. 5, 2022. James Smith, ’84, April 6, 2022. Paul Wilker, ’85, March 21, 2022. Kurtis Etherton, ’86,
April 12, 2022. Catherine Kunkle
Leitch, ’86, March 17, 2022. Thomas Frerich, ’87,
Jan. 27, 2022. Gary Hansen, ’88, June 7, 2022. Roland Kirsch, ’88, May 20, 2022.
Christine Johnson
Roth, ’88, June 15, 2022.
1990s
James Geraets, ’90,
May 31, 2022. Joann James, ’90, April 3, 2022. Deborah Varner Krentz, ’91, March 27, 2022. Kristin Nolte Sperry, ’93, March 10, 2022. Jane Wacker Zophy, ’96, April 10, 2022.
2000s
Kathie Anderson, ’00,
Feb. 11, 2022. Barry Swanson, ’01, Jan. 2, 2022.
Please note Falcon Online provides updated Class Notes and Falcon Farewells every two months.
Robert (Bob) Coffman
Robert (Bob) Coffman, 63, died July 17, 2022. Bob served UW-River Falls for 34 years as a popular and respected mathematics professor, nine years as department chair. Throughout his life Bob enjoyed camping, hiking, and biking with his family and friends. He always delighted in being outdoors and took special pleasure in stargazing. Bob is survived by his wife, Vicki, and daughters, Dena Coffman and Alice Coffman. Bob’s complete obituary is at
https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/ twincities/name/robert-coffmanobituary?id=36281682
Memorial donations can be directed to the Robert “Bob” Coffman Mathematics Scholarship at UWRF, either online (www.uwrf.edu/give/Bob-CoffmanMemorial.cfm) or by check mailed to: UW-River Falls Foundation, 118 North Hall, 410 S. 3rd St., River Falls, WI 54022. Include “Bob Coffman Mathematics Scholarship” on the memo line.
Bruce Larson
Bruce Larson, 58, died Feb. 27, 2022. A football athlete and 1987 graduate of UWRF, Larson was a legendary high school football coach. He led the Somerset High School football team to six state championship game appearances and three state titles in 22 seasons as the team’s head coach. In 2014, Larson was named the Wisconsin Coach of the Year and in 2015 was named the Don Shula NFL National Coach of the Year. The Friday after his passing high schools across Wisconsin and Minnesota lit up their football fields from 7 to 9 p.m. and posted pictures on Twitter using the hashtag LIGHTUPFORLARS.
Michael (Mike) Martin
Michael (Mike) Martin, 53, died Jan. 28, 2022. Mike was UWRF’s senior student services coordinator in the College of Education and Professional Studies (CEPS). He served UWRF for nearly 25 years, working tirelessly to help students, faculty, and staff alike. Martin’s knowledge of teacher education, CEPS and the university was immense. Martin earned the Academic Staff Excellence Award in 2016 from the UW System Board of Regents. The award recognizes the dedicated work, vital services, and outstanding contributions of UW System’s non-instructional academic staff. A scholarship in Martin’s honor has been established by the UWRF Foundation. To donate to the Michael Martin Memorial Scholarship Fund, visit
www.uwrf.edu/give/Michael-Martin-Memorial.cfm
Emogene Thibodeau
Emogene Thibodeau, wife of former UWRF Chancellor Gary Thibodeau, died Dec. 5, 2022 in Oakdale, Minn., following a lengthy illness. Emogene played an active role in Gary’s tenure as the university’s 12th chancellor from 1985-00. Over the years, the Thibodeaus have maintained their engagement with UWRF, generously funding scholarships and supporting the university’s top priorities.
Before her death, Emogene requested that there not be a public service. She suggested that in lieu of flowers, donations be directed to the Thibodeau scholarship program at UWRF or an organization of the donor’s choice.
Emogene’s obituary can be found at
www.uwrf.edu/News/Emogene-Johanna-McCarville-Thibodeau-December-5-2022.cfm
UNIVERSITY ADVANCEMENT
112 South Hall 410 S. 3rd St. River Falls, WI 54022
uwrF alumni events
Kalahari Resort UWRF Special, Jan. 19-22, 2023 University Theatre - The 39 Steps, Alumni Night, Feb. 1, 2023 Feed My Starving Children, Feb. 9, 2023 WI Day in Sun City, Arizona, March 10, 2023 Evening of Excellence, May 5, 2023 Spring Commencement, May 6, 2023 Move-in Day Volunteer, Sept. 2, 2023 St. Croix Boat Cruise, Sept. 26, 2023 Homecoming, Sept. 29, 2023 Hall of Fame, Sept. 29, 2023
Please visit our alumni page for up-to-date events, registration and times at
www.uwrf.edu/Alumni/UpcomingEvents.cfm
alumni get-togethers
There’s nothing better than a Falcon gettogether! Want to make your gathering a little more spirited? Simply let us know ahead of time and we’ll send a little Falcon swag to help you celebrate. When the festivities are over, send us a photo and you just might end up on the UWRF Alumni Facebook page!
Follow Us!
facebook.com/uwrfalumniassociation
twitter.com/uwrfalumni
instagram.com/uwrfalumni
For additional event information: Contact University Advancement at 877-258-6647 (toll free), 715-425-3505, alumni@uwrf.edu or visit www.uwrf.edu/alumni
