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Feeling a New Beat

Understandably, she had neverseen the streets like they were onSeptember 11. Jaded New York-ers were walking 12 abreast downthe boulevards, quiet, focused,worried, scared and bewildered.

“The city and its people werewounded,” she said, thinking ofthe services for the dead that havebecome part of life over the pasttwo months. “I work right behindSt. Patrick’s Cathedral, and ev-ery single day there are severalfunerals or memorials. They stoptraffic, but we all take a deepbreath and live with it knowingthe suffering that all are feeling.”

Mutnansky knew people whodied in the towers, including somefiremen. One planned HispanicBroadcasting Corporation promo-tion this year was a calendar fea-turing Hispanic firefighters. It be-came a tribute calendar when twoof those in the publication per-ished at the WTC.

She tells this story about thechanging attitude of people to-ward others in New York. “At

“The thoughts that kept meawake were too much,” JodiMutnansky remembered abouther first sleepless night after theSeptember 11 terrorist attack onthe World Trade Center near herhome and office in Manhattan. “Itwas as if someone opened thegates of hell, and all the evil soulswere marching into our safe,sweet, great homes.”

The attack profoundly affectedlife in the United States with theimpact rippling from the epicen-ter in New York across the globe.For Mutnansky, the change wasimmediate, real, and somethingshe will live with every day.

“After living in New York Cityfor 10 years, these buildings andstreets and smells and sounds aremy home,” she said. “It would belike seeing Bangsberg Hall on theBSU campus blow up in front ofyour eyes, and hundreds of col-leagues, friends, students and citi-zens dying.”

Mutnansky was stepping offthe elevator at WADO-AM radiowhen the first plane hit threemiles away. She and everyoneelse wondered how such an un-believable, unfortunate accidentcould happen.

Then the second plane hit, thetowers fell, and New York’s sky-line as well as image was alteredforever.

Prior to September 11,Mutnansky described New York-ers with adjectives which mightbe proudly displayed like meritbadges earned in the Big Apple:strong-willed, strong-minded,opinionated, self-obsessed, hard.They had strong desires, and anequal will to keep moving for-ward. “It is true that in New Yorkyou can literally feel the beat ofthe street,” said the small-towngirl from a farm near Goodridge.“It was one of the things I had toget used to living here.”

Penn Station, firefighters boardedthe train and everyone stood upand cheered. Before the terroristattacks, people didn’t even noticeeach other on the trains andsubways.”

She has a theory on how Sep-tember 11 affected the people.“As a Midwesterner, there arevery few layers and systems towork through before getting tothe real heart of people. There arefew guarded things; people liveopenly for the most part and ev-eryone knows their neighbors.Perhaps that day brought a wholebunch of New Yorkers to thatlevel.”

A recovering city and populaceare how Mutnansky looks at herhome today as businesses, tour-ism, patterns and life try to findnormalcy within their altered sur-roundings.

“New Yorkers are a toughpeople,” she reflected. “It is greatto see that we can all come to-

gether and be there for each otheremotionally in a time like this; itis not good to see all of the de-struction. We are in mourning, weare strong, we will persevere, andwe will survive.”

Raised in Goodridge, Jodi Mutnanskycame to Bemidji State via Grygla HighSchool. She graduated from BemidjiState in 1990 with a social studiesteaching degree. Seeking a dramaticchange and an opportunity to tap intothe energy of a large city, she moved toNew York a year later. She has beenpart of the New York radio scene for10 years, working for the city’s topcountry station, the Radio AdvertisingBureau, and the ABC radio flagshipstation WABC before joining the man-agement team a year ago as the mar-keting director for the Hispanic Broad-casting Corporation in New York. Sheheads the department that ensures HBCstations are visible in the New Yorkmetro and tri-state areas.

IN NEW YORK

“ s a Midwesterner, there are very few layers and systems to work throughbefore getting to the real heart of people. There are few guarded things; peoplelive openly for the most part and everyone knows their neighbors. Perhaps thatday brought a whole bunch of New Yorkers to that level.”

Feeling a New BeatFeeling a New Beat

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Horizons

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idji State University Alumni Association

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idji, MN

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A Publication for Alumni & Friends of Bemidji State UniversityVol. 17, No. 2, Winter 2001-2002

BSUBSU

BSU

BSUCalendarDecember 8, 2001

BSU Alumni Association andFoundation Board Meetings

January 26, 2002BSU Snow Ball,

BSU Hobson Memorial Union

February 15, 2002BSU Alumni Association Reception,Minnesota State Music EducatorsAnnual Convention, Minneapolis

Hilton and Towers

March 10-11, 2002BSU Winter Rendezvous,

Flamingo Laughlin / Laughlin, NV

April 27, 2002BSU Alumni Association

Board Meeting

May 16-17, 200250-Year Reunion of the

Class of 1952

May 17, 2002BSU Commencement Exercises,

John Glas Fieldhouse

BSUJodi Mutnansky

Jodi Mutnansky

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ment. In individual competitionEric Carlson and Ben Stecher bothearned places on the 2001 All-NSIC team.

WOMEN’S BASKETBALLEight returning players will join alarge number of recruits for coachDoreen Zierer’s women’s basket-ball squad that will try to over-come the 3-24 overall and 3-15conference disappointments oflast year. Senior Jodi Haugenheadlines the veterans as the topscorer and rebounder back from ayear ago while Amber Graf, atransfer from the Naval Academy,leads the newcomers.

MEN’S BASKETBALLThe men’s basketball team willcarry a new look into the 2001-2002 campaign with first-yearcoach Jeff Guiot revamping theBSU system. Only sophomoreSean O’Hare and senior JohnSzwaja are back from the 10-17squad that finished 7-12 in confer-ence action last year. Newcomersto watch include transfers RoyceBryan and Terrance Watkins.

WOMEN’S HOCKEY BSUwomen’s hockey ushered in the Ja-son Lesteberg era this fall as therunner-up for NCAA Division IIICoach of the Year honors steppedin as the program’s second headcoach. Through 10 games,Lesteberg had the Beavers off tothe best start in their brief historyat 5-2-3. After a season-openingloss, Lesteberg and the Beaverswent on a school-record eight-game unbeaten streak which in-cluded the program’s first-everWCHA point against Minnesota.Amber Fryklund, a participant onthe 2001 WCHA All-Star Team,has been amongst the WCHA’sleading scorers all season.

MEN’S HOCKEY For thefirst time since 1966, a new headcoach controls the bench atBemidji State. Tom Serratore, theteam’s associate head coach thelast three seasons, takes the reignsfrom long-time head coach BobPeters, who won 13 small-collegenational championships before theprogram’s elevation to Division Istatus in 1998. By mid-November,Serratore had BSU off to a 5-6-1start; surpassed last season’s wintotal; and notched BSU’s first-everwin over a WCHA program (7-6over MSU-Mankato). FreshmenRiley Riddell and Andrew Murrayprovided a big lift for the BSUprogram with Murray among thenation’s top five freshman scorersand Riddell in the top 20. JuniorMarty Goulet led College HockeyAmerica in scoring after the first12 games.

FOOTBALLCoach Jeff Teschled BSU footballto a school-record fourthc o n s e c u t i v eseason with sixor more wins asthe Beavers fin-ished 7-4 andearned fourthplace in theNSIC at 5-4.BSU broke school single-seasonrecords for scoring, total offense,passing yardage, rushing yardage,first downs and touchdownsscored. Eddie Acosta was namedNSIC Offensive Player of the Year,setting school records for rushingyardage, rushing touchdowns, to-tal TDs and points scored. GeoffMartinson earned first-team All-NSIC honors at quarterback aftersetting school single-seasonrecords for passing yardage, pass-ing touchdowns, completion per-centage, passer rating and comple-tions. In total, 10 BSU playersearned All-NSIC honors, includingsix more first-team selections:Jerry Dagel and Bryan Stoffel onthe offensive line; WallieKuchinski, defensive end; PatEngleright, linebacker; and JasonLeden, return specialist.

VOLLEYBALL Volleyballfinished its 2001 season 8-23 over-all, 4-14 in the NSIC. NicoleMcDougall received Honorable-

of 25:09.46. Martha Miltich ledthe Beavers, finishing 18th in theconference meet with a time of24:07.44

WOMEN’S GOLF The BSUWomen’s golf team finished the2001 season placing in the top fivein all but one of their meets thisfall. Their highest placement wassecond in their own invitational atthe Bemidji Town and CountryClub. The women closed out theseason with a third place at theNSIC Tournament. In individualcompetition, Jeanne Larson andCasey Curb were named to the2001 All-NSIC team.

MEN’S GOLF The BSUMen’s golf team claimed one titlethis fall, earning top honors at theIrv Kaiser Invite. They were al-ways in the thick of their matchesand earned a second in the season-ending NSIC Conference Tourna-

Mention All-NSIC honors afterposting team highs in kills (330)and blocks (114). Jill Anundson(958 assists this year, 1,928 for hercareer), Jodi Haugen (team-high.186 attack percentage) andKristen Peterson (team-best 44 ser-vice aces, 368 digs) topped DonnaPalivec’s squad this season.

SOCCER Soccer finished 4-12-1 overall and was ninth in theNSIC with a 1-7-1 league record.Junior Becky Elk earned first-team All-NSIC honors after lead-ing the Beavers in goals (11), as-sists (3), points (25), shot percent-age (.139) and shots on goal (49).Niki Dalka earned honorable-mention All-NSIC honors for JeffMitchell’s soccer squad after lead-ing all NCAA Division II schoolsin saves per game (13.88).

CROSS COUNTRY TheBemidji State Women’s CrossCountry team ended the 2001 sea-son fifth in NSIC action with 129total points and an average time

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Jodi Haugen and Jill Anundson Travis QuamEddie Acosta

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Becky Elk

Fans at a BSU football game display the American Flag following the September 11 tragedies.

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He’d worked at Frazee since 1991 and plans to workpart-time in education consulting or management aswell as finally having some time to golf, fish, hunt andtravel with his wife... Bob Schlichting (’69) is servicemanager with Southside Rental and Sales, a newbusiness located south of Bemidji on Highway 71...Lloyd Allen (’66) is living in Bemidji and celebratedhis 65th birthday this summer with friends andneighbors at an open house... Jerry Abbott (’60) hasretired from his position as Bemidji School Districtpersonnel director, concluding a 41-year career ineducation. He estimated that he has hired around1,500 employees and probably conducted as many as5,000 interviews during the course of his career. Hecame to work in Bemidji in 1978, first as curriculumdirector and soon after became personnel director. Heplans to travel with his wife and see more of his grownchildren during his retirement... Joe Mayer (’63) ofBemidji was inducted into the North Dakota Golf Hallof Fame during a state seniors tournament atJamestown. He lived in Fargo for 30 years and playedgolf out of the Fargo Country Club. He won clubtournaments, the North Dakota Open, the NorthDakota Mid-Amateur, the KX Amateur, the Pine toPalm seniors and many other titles. He also served onthe greens and grounds committee at Fargo CountryClub for 17 years and on the club’s board of directorsfor three years. He lives in Bemidji with his wife,MaraLee (’63)...

Where We Are ... What We’re Doing

ALL CITIES ARE LOCATED IN MINNESOTA UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED.

(Continued on page 4)

Vol. 17, No. 2, Winter 2001-2002

Produced by the News and PublicationsOffice and the Alumni Office at BemidjiState University, HORIZONS is publishedquarterly and distributed without chargeto BSU alumni, students, faculty, staff andother friends of the University. BSU is anequal opportunity educator and employer.

Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Al NohnerDesigner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Kathy BerglundPhotographer . . . . . . . . . . . . . John SwartzPresident . . . . . . . . . . . . Dr. Jon QuistgaardAlumni Director . . . . . Marla Huss PatriasContributing Writers . . . . . . . . Jody Grau,

Cindy SerratoreEditorial Assistance . . . . . . . . Peggy Nohner

Editorial Board: Dr. Jon Quistgaard, BSUpresident; Al Nohner, director of newsservices and publications; Carl Baer, vicepresident for university advancement;Dr. Jeff Totten, assistant professor of busi-ness administration; Dr. Gerald Morine,professor of chemistry; Marla Huss Patrias,director of alumni relations.

Bemidji State University

HorizonsBSUBSU

1940sCelia Larson (’49) and her husband, Glenn,celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary thissummer... Iris Furuseth (’42) was among threeThief River Falls women honored by the localbranch of the American Association of UniversityWomen. They were named Women of Honor for2001. The annual award was established to honorarea women who have made significantcontributions to their community. The AAUWpromotes equity for women, education and self-development, and positive societal change.

1950sChandler Bailey (’50) of Bemidji has self-published his third book, “Sharing Mirthful Junior/Senior Moments,” a compilation of short storiesabout his life, many of which take place in Bemidji.He splits his time each year between a home inBemidji and southern California... Max Hirt (’59)and his wife, Georgia, recently celebrated their 25th

wedding anniversary... William Kirtland (’53) was

recently a featured speaker at a presentation by theBeltrami County History Center in Bemidji. Hetalked about his new book, “Billy RemembersFishbones, Crows and Other Woes.” He was born andraised in Bemidji and is a retired professor emeritusfrom Boise State University in Idaho... Bob Ness(’57), a Republican representative from Dassel,spoke at Blackduck’s centennial celebration thissummer about the important impact his teachers hadon his life. He is a graduate of Blackduck High Schooland owns Dunrovin Resort on Blackduck Lake.

1960sGordon Olson (’67) and hiswife, LaVerne, celebratedtheir 50th weddinganniversary in August... DaleBranstner (’69) was recentlypresented with a plaquerecognizing his 30 years ofservice to Win-E-Mac

Schools in the music program. He and his wife,Marilyn, have two sons, Ross and Kevin... BevJondahl (’61) retired at the end of the last schoolyear after a 39-year teaching career, including 32years at Brainerd High School. She plans to devotemore time to her jewelry making and painting. She’dalso taught at Blackduck and in the Wheaton SchoolDistrict... Don Kuusinen (’68) retired in June fromteaching math, concluding a 33-year career at GrandRapids High School. He’s married and now plans tospend more time riding bike and hunting... SandyGranley James (’65) retired this summer from herelementary teaching career with the Clearbrook andGonvick schools. She and her husband, Bob, havetwo children, Mike and Kay... Diana Heikkila (’67)and her husband, Duane, both retired from teachingin the Brainerd School District at the end of lastschool year. Diana had taught all 34 years of hercareer at Franklin Junior High School, teachingmathematics mostly to eighth- and ninth-graders.The couple has two grown children... Earl Mathison(’66) has retired from a 35-year career in educationand his position as superintendent of Wadena-DeerCreek Schools. He is beginning a new career as afinancial advisor for cities, counties and schools withFWW Financial of Minnetonka. He’s working out ofan office at his home near Royalton... Joe Merseth(’66) has retired as superintendent of Frazee-VergasPublic Schools, ending a 35-year career in education.

Dale Branstner

large group of BSU students whobalance their studies, work andextracurricular activities withvolunteerism. BSU students vol-unteer in numerous capacities inthe community as individuals andas members of student clubs orathletic teams. Their efforts in-clude community clean-upprojects, mentoring youth, serv-

ing meals to the elderly, visitingnursing homes, serving at a com-munity soup kitchen and raisingfunds for non-profit organiza-tions, among many others.

While student activism is noth-ing new, it is seeing a renewal.

Bemidji State is a member ofCampus Compact, a national coa-lition of 703 institutions commit-

The fainthearted were not amongthe 24 Bemidji State Universitystudents who crammed sleepingbags, pillows and duffel bags intoa small trailer before piling intotwo vans for a 30-hour cross-country trek to start spring break2001. They drove straight through,fueled with hefty doses of caffeineand abundant enthusiasm.

Anything for a week-long get-away to a hot, sandy beach, right?Not in this case.

These students headed for asmall town in an impoverishedarea of South Carolina, wherelifestyles and culture bear testa-ment to the shocking poverty thatcan be found in the United States.There they slept in a church base-ment by night and spent theirdays building homes for thehomeless and tutoring children ina nearby school.

Students involved were part ofthe BSU Chapter of Habitat forHumanity. Since it was formedin 1993, the BSU group has madeeight spring break trips to buildhomes for the needy in Missis-sippi, Texas, Kansas, Oklahoma,South Carolina, Virginia and Ken-tucky. Participants raise all of thefunding for the trips themselvesand are required to invest at least40 hours of volunteer work beforequalifying to make the trip.

Their efforts were recognized thisyear as the recipients of the 2001Bemidji United Way VolunteerGroup of the Year. In addition totheir spring break trips, the groupbuilds homes with the Bemidjichapter and others across the region.

Habitat students are among a

ted to helping students developcitizenship through participationin community service. It conductsan annual survey measuring dif-ferent facets of community ser-vice, and notes that the majorityof schools perceive an upwardtrend in the number of studentsparticipating in service.

With student schedules signifi-cantly more de-manding todaythan 20 years ago,it may be difficultto understand theincrease. Studentscontinue to par-ticipate in suchtraditional activi-ties as intramurals,student govern-ment, arts organi-zations and clubs.They have manymore commit-ments outside ofthe classroom;

family considerations are moreprevalent and many hold downmultiple jobs.

Still, students find time to workservice learning - the opportunityto develop social responsibilitythrough volunteer experiencesoutside of the classroom - intotheir extracurricular life. In addi-tion to realizing personal satisfac-tion, the students gain real-worldexperience to supplement aca-demic studies. It is a mix that ismore attractive in the workplace.

“Volunteerism and servicelearning is something we value at

Walt Scott, past chair, Bemidji Chapter of Habitat

this institution,” said Dr. JonQuistgaard, BSU president.“Many majors now have service-learning components built intotheir programs, and others are ex-ploring ways to add this activitywithin their curriculum. The im-portance of contributing to com-munity development is expectedfor university graduates today.”

The University’s long-standingcommitment to volunteerism hasbeen recognized by the Makinga Difference College Guide, anational publication that lists col-leges and universities with pro-gramming and philosophies thatcan make a difference in astudent’s life. Among consider-ations for being listed in the guideare a tradition of community ser-vice and a record of promotingresponsible activities within thecommunity and world.

Bemidji State is the only stateuniversity in Minnesota that hasbeen listed in every edition of theMaking a Difference CollegeGuide since it was first publishedover 10 years ago.

The BSU Habitat chapter hasexperienced first-hand this in-creased interest. The organiza-tion, which typically averagesabout 25 members, nearlydoubled its membership last year.

Stacy Tuchek, a senior psy-chology major from Littlefork,MN, joined Habitat for Human-ity in her freshman year and nowserves as chapter president. Shehas made three spring trips to

“ see the role of the BSU group as settinga standard of humane concern for

people in pain. They are role models forbuilding caring relationships with hurtingpeople. Their enthusiasm is contagious. It just rubs off onthe rest of us whose enthusiasm might wane when workingwith the poor.”

(Continued on page 5)

II

VolunteersStudent Volunteers:Building Heart, Soul, and Experience

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Six

(Continued from page 3)

Stephen Collins

Bonnie Gurno

Forrest Novachek

Jeff Lindstrom

Col. TomWaldhauser

Where We Are ... What We’re Doing

Six Bemidji State Universitygraduates received OutstandingAlumni Awards during a banquetin their honor at Homecomingfestivities on campus this fall.

The Outstanding Alumni Award wasestablished to recognize the contribu-tions BSU graduates have made to theirprofessions communities and almamater. Since 1972, 96 individuals havebeen named outstanding alumni. Thisyear’s winners represent excellencewithin the disciplines of science, thearts, the military and business.

Recipients were Dr. Gene Anderson,Midland, MI; Dr. Dan Dressen, St. Paul;Col. Douglas Hendricks, Brainerd; D.Patrick McCullough, Stillwater; Dr.Dorothy Moore, Statesboro, GA; andDave Ramsey, Owatonna.

DR. GENE ANDERSON, who graduatedin 1963 with a bachelor of science de-gree in science education, earned a doc-torate in inorganic chemistry from theUniversity of Texas at Austin. He spentthe past 31 years of his professional ca-reer as a scientist and manager at theDow Chemical Company with primaryduties in new product development. Hiscurrent position is as a global researchand development change leader basedat Dow’s corporate headquarters in Mid-land, MI.

He is also a self-employed profes-sional speaker, trainer, and magician,with presentations in 20 countries onsix continents.

DR. DAN DRESSEN graduated magnacum laude in 1973 and began his teach-ing career in the St. Cloud school sys-tem. He completed graduate work at theUniversity of Minnesota, earning bothmaster’s and doctorate degrees in vocalperformance. In addition, he studied withthe eminent baritone, Gerard Souzay atthe Ravel International Academy ofMusic in St. Jean de Luz, France.

Dressen is currently a professor ofmusic and department chair at St. OlafCollege in Northfield, MN. A tenor,he has performed with the Washing-ton Opera and the Cleveland LyricOpera; served as soloist with the Ply-mouth Music Series of Minnesota for23 years; and has appeared severaltimes with Garrison Keillor on “A Prai-rie Home Companion.”

COL. DOUGLAS HENDRICKS graduatedin 1972 with bachelor of arts degrees inspeech and drama as well as social stud-ies. After graduation, he joined the U.S.Marines and spent 26 years in the service,rising to the rank of Colonel. The recipi-ent of a master’s degree from the Univer-sity of Minnesota, he also had advancedtraining at the Amphibious WarfareSchool, the Marine Corp Staff and Com-mand College, Fort Leavenworth’sSchool of Advanced Military Studies, andfrom the U.S. Army’s Command andGeneral Staff College.

His personal decorations from themilitary include the Legion of Merit,Defense Meritorious Service Medal,three Meritorious Service Medals andtwo Navy Commendation Medals. Af-ter retiring from the Marines, he re-turned to his hometown of Brainerd.

D. PATRICK McCULLOUGH, a 1967graduate with degrees in psychologyand sociology, received a juris doctor-ate from William Mitchell College of

Law. He is currently the senior part-ner in the firm McCullough, SmithWright & Kempe, P.A., which special-izes primarily in personal-injury liti-gation and family law. He is one of100 attorneys nationwide, and the onlyone from Minnesota, to have been se-lected as a member of the AmericanCollege of Family Trial Lawyers andhas been named by his peers as a lead-ing attorney, a designation attributedto five percent of practicing attorneys,in each of his fields of concentration.

He has also been recognized profes-sionally in several publications, on listsof outstanding lawyers, and by a vari-ety of organizations. Intricately in-volved in the St. Paul Winter Carnivalfor many years, he served as KingBoreas in 1999.

DR. DOROTHY MOORE graduated fromBSU in 1949 with majors in English,instrumental music and vocal music.She received a master’s degree in 1953from the University of Northern Colo-rado and a doctorate from Florida StateUniversity. After serving more than20 years as a teacher and consultant inMinnesota high schools, she accepteda position in the College of Educationat Georgia Southern University, whereshe retired from teaching in 1990.

Outside of her professional duties,she has directed church choirs, orga-nized a community band called the

Ogeechee Area Symphonic Instrumen-tal Society, served as a member of theStatesboro-Georgia Southern Sym-phony Board, and coordinated an af-ter school strings program for 13 years.In addition to ongoing contributions,in1994 she funded an endowed musicscholarship both at BSU and at Geor-gia Southern University, providingscholarships to music majors with anemphasis in string instruments.

DAVE RAMSEY earned a bachelor of sci-ence degree in social studies and historyin 1978, and began a career with Feder-ated Insurance in Owatonna, MN, fol-lowing graduation. Starting out as a com-mercial lines underwriter, he quickly

moved up the ranks at Federated, serv-ing as a marketing representative, an ac-count executive, district marketing man-ager, and general marketing manager.

In 1992, he was named as a vicepresident and began a progressionthrough a series of administrative pro-motions until he was named in 2000to his current position of senior vicepresident and director of insurance al-liances with Federated Insurance. Inaddition to personally contributing toBSU, he was instrumental in gettingauthorization for creation of the Fed-erated Insurance Information ServicesScholarship at BSU through the Fed-erated Insurance Foundation.

Dr. Gene Anderson Col. Douglas HendricksDr. Dan Dressen D. Patrick McCullough Dr. Dorothy Moore Dave Ramsey

Outstanding Alumni AwardsSix Receive

Retirees Close out Careers at BSUThe following faculty members retired from Bemidji State University duringthe 2001 year (name, title, year started at BSU):DR. JOHN ANNEXSTAD*, professor of geology, 1986;KEN BRANDT, director of Hobson Memorial Union, 1981;DAVE GUNTHER, associate professor of physical education, health and sport and head men’s

basketball coach, 1995;DR. LEE HAWK, professor of broadcast, 1979;LELAND HAYES*, assistant professor of industrial technology, 1992;DR. JULIE JOCHUM, professor of professional education, 1982;ALICE LARKIN, coordinator of the Center for Career and Technical Education, 1994;MARY LOU MARCHAND, assistant director of campus recreation, 1980; andDR. CHARLES O’CONNOR, professor of sociology, 1971.The following staff have retired since January 1, 2001:DARLENE BITZER, account clerk senior, 1973;ARDYTHE BROOKS, laundry worker, 1972;WENDELL BUSHONG, general maintenance worker, 1974;MARLYS HANSON, office and administrative specialist intermediate, 1975;DAN MOEN, graphics art camera operator, 1971;KATHLEEN PAULSON, account clerk, 1971;EDNA SANDBERG, general maintenance worker, 1981;MARIE THUNDER, office and administrative specialist intermediate, 1971; andAL WILTSE, building services supervisor, 1974.*Will retire in December of 2001.

Bernice Piechowski (’65) was hired this fall asmedia specialist, splitting her time betweenBeardsley, Clinton and Graceville schools as well asserving as a high school physical educationinstructor. She and her husband, Blair, live in BrownsValley and operate the Browns Valley School Busservice. They have 10 children, the youngest ofwhom is a high school junior... Joan Hard (’66) andher husband, Amos (’76), have retired and now liveon 11th Crow Wing Lake in Akeley. They hadpreviously lived in Northfield... Roger Hammitt(’61) and his wife, Barbara (’63), live in South St.Paul. They have three children, Koreen, Bryan andErin... Halga Will (’62) of Deer River won secondplace in the Flight V Division of the BlueberryWomen’s Golf League’s end-of-the-seasontournament at Blueberry Hills in late August. She’s aretired teacher who loves playing the piano and agood card game. She volunteers her time to benefitthe Deer River Food Shelf, Forest History Center andother community groups.

1970sAl Swedmark (’76) and his wife, Doris Swedmark(’76), of Bemidji celebrated their 25th weddinganniversary this summer... Paul Lindseth (’77) wasselected as the new director of financial aid at BemidjiState University, having served as acting director

since the July 2000 retirement of John Schullo. He isresponsible for designing, developing, budgeting,reporting and providing oversight for the university’sfinancial aid operation that awards more than $17million each year in scholarships, loans, grants andpart-time employment. Lindseth joined theuniversity’s accounting services staff in 1983 andmoved to the financial aid office in 1988... Bill Russ(’70) recently retired from 31 years of teachingphysical education and health, as well as coaching inMontgomery schools. He plans to spend more timehunting, fishing and playing golf... Gary Brower(’75) and his wife, Patty, recently celebrated their 25th

wedding anniversary... Trudy Trettel (’75) wasselected as the Upsala Teacher of the Year. She’staught business at Upsala for 26 years. In 1982 shemarried Mike Trettel and the couple has an 18-year-old son. She’s also an active member of GethsemaneLutheran Church in Upsala... Mike Liapis (’74) ofBemidji has been named by the USA CurlingCoaching Committee as USA Curling Coach of theYear for 2001. He coached two teams into the 2001U.S. National Championships with one emerging aschampion and the other reaching the semi-finals. Hebegan curling at the Bemidji Curling Club in 1973 andentered the coaching field in 1988 when his daughters,Kari and Stacey, began showing promise in the juniorranks. He is currently the behavior modificationprincipal in the Bemidji School District, where he

recently obtained a grant tobuild an industrial arts buildingfor children who are housed bythe Department of Correctionsin Bemidji... Bonnie Gurno(’75) is the new superinten-dent/principal at Pine Point

School near Ponsford. She lives in Emmaville...Craig Haberman (’78) and his wife, Sharon (’77),are moving to Moorhead, where he will serve aspastor of Grace United Methodist Church. He isconcluding a nine-year stint as a Methodist MobileMinistry pastor in the Orr area at the KabetogamaUnited Methodist Church and Crane Lake Non-Denominational Chapel and outlying areas. Thecouple has two grown sons... Mike Evert (“75) hasretired from a 26-year coaching career in Hendricksschools where he also taught industrial arts. He’semployed with Sandro’s Wood Shed of ruralHendricks building timber frame homes throughoutthe Midwest... Forrest Novachek (’75), a Navy

captain, retired in July after 27years of service in the NavySubmarine Service. Duringretirement ceremonies, he wasawarded the Defense SuperiorService Medal for his mostrecent duties at the NationalImagery and Mapping Agency

as well as numerous mementos and certificates ofrecognition of his many years of exemplary service.He and his wife, Linda, live in Woodbridge, VA, andhave two sons, Matthew, 22, and Michael, 20... Jeff

Lindstrom (’74) is the newsuperintendent of Walker-Hackensack-Akeley Schools.He had been employed as anassistant principal at ParkRapids Area High School since1998 and prior to that was afaculty member at WHA for 21years. He was a member of theAkeley School board from1985 to 1989, during the periodwhen the Walker-Hackensackand Akeley school districtsconsolidated. He lives nearAkeley with his wife, Peggy(’80), and their son, Jarad, whois an eighth-grader at WHA.

Peggy teaches first grade in Park Rapids... StephenCollins (’73) of New Prague has been named assistantprincipal at New Prague High School. He’d been deanof students and athletic director for the past three years

at New Prague Middle School. He’s been employedwith the same school district for 29 years and hastaught physical education/health at the middle schooland coached varsity football, hockey and girls’ golf atthe high school... Nancy Houg McGuire (’78) andNoel Benson (’73) were married June 9 in Bemidji.Both are teachers in the Cass Lake School District...Vicki (Lykins) Rowe (’78) lives in Austin, TX, andteaches English at Taylor High School in Taylor, TX.She and her husband, Jeff, recently went to New YorkCity, NY, where she competed on the game show“Who Wants to be a Millionaire?”... Anne JosefsonKibbee (’74) lives in Lakeside, CA, and has beenworking as a music specialist in the Santee SchoolDistrict for 12 years ...Col. Tom Waldhauser ('76) isthe commander of the 15th Marine Expeditionary

Unit (MEU), an elite forcetrained in all aspects of warfare,from anti-terrorism andamphibious assault operationsto airport seizures and civilianevacuations. Staged fromvessels off the coast ofPakistan, the 15th MEU was thelargest known contingent of

Page 5: Horizons - Winter 2002

Horizons Page 5

Satisfactionon the Rise

(Continued on page 6)

and quickness of response duringemergencies still exceed their sat-isfaction.

“The Noel-Levitz survey is im-portant because it gives a broaderinstitutional view of student atti-tudes and concerns,” said JonBlessing, BSU director of studentlife and counseling. “This providesadditional information to use inassessing how well student needsare being served and what areasneed to be addressed in the future.”

The survey results are alsobroadly cited in the campaign torecruit students, according toKevin Drexel, the University’s di-rector of enrollment management.He feels the results strongly sup-port BSU’s positioning as a smalleruniversity emphasizing more indi-vidualized treatment of students

vidual colleges and departments,are used by administrators in de-veloping long-range plans and areincorporated into BSU’s recruit-ment and development campaigns.

Students surveyed showed thelargest increase in satisfaction inthe area of campus support ser-vices, making it the category inwhich they were the most satisfied.Four years ago, the new library wasin the planning phase and thisyear’s students recorded their larg-est gain in satisfaction in relationto the new library and its services.Satisfaction with computer labs andservices has also increased in re-sponse to projects undertaken dur-ing the past four years to improvehardware and software. Studentswere also more satisfied with thebookstore, tutoring services, aca-demic support and career servicesthan they were when last surveyed.

Results also reflect a statisticallysignificant gain in satisfaction withservices provided for under-repre-sented groups, although more mod-est positive changes were regis-tered for such diverse groups as stu-dents with disabilities, commutersand older than average students.When compared to national studentperceptions, BSU students weremore satisfied in general with theuniversity’s responsiveness to di-verse populations.

Although the survey results werepositive across most areas of uni-versity life, safety and security is-sues and a lack of parking were ar-eas students feel need attention.Their expectations for lighting inparking lots, availability of space

Student Satisfactionand opportunities for direct contactwith teaching staff.

“We received the highest scoresin what I believe to be the mostimportant areas, and I work that inwhenever I have the opportunity todo any public speaking about theUniversity,” said Drexel noting thatwhile the largest increase in studentsatisfaction was related to campussupport services the next largest in-crease was satisfaction with studentcenteredness.

The survey is conducted everyfour years, and once BSU’s Officeof Research and Assessment com-pile the results, the information isturned over to Noel-Levitz, an in-dependent for-profit consultingfirm, which then evaluates the re-sults and makes comparisons withother four-year institutions.

Today’s students are significantlymore satisfied with university ser-vices and facilities than were theirclassmates when last surveyed fouryears ago, according to results of astandardized survey of BemidjiState University students con-ducted last spring.

In addition, their expectations arehigher and they tend to be more sat-isfied with their university experi-ence than were their counterpartsat other four-year institutions.

The results come from the Noel-Levitz Student Satisfaction Inven-tory administered by BSU’s Officeof Research and Assessment. Thesurvey was completed by 625 stu-dents, representing freshmenthrough seniors across all collegesat BSU.

The instrument contains 114questions, of which 73 ask studentsto indicate importance and satisfac-tion with academic advising, cam-pus climate, campus life, campussupport services, concern for theindividual, instructional effective-ness, recruitment and financial aid,registration effectiveness, safetyand security, service excellence,student centeredness and respon-siveness to diverse populations.

Bemidji State last administeredthe survey to a similar group of stu-dents in 1997 and the results of thisyear’s inventory were compared tothose and to a sample of four-yearpublic universities with similarcharacteristics nation-wide.

The survey results, along with abattery of information collected an-nually within the university’s indi-

David Lane

Marie Hvidsten Marty Stage

LanceChambers

Mike Holub

Arden Solheim

Scott Doss

(Continued from page 3)Student Volunteers

During a trip to Hong Kong and Malaysia last summer, president Jon Quistgaard and vice president Carl Baerattended alumni receptions hosted by the BSU Alumni Association. Many thanks to Grace Kung who coordinatedthe Hong Kong event(photo above) and Jayanthy Maniam who coordinated the event in Kuala Lumpur (photo below).Both receptions were very successful and the Alumni Association intends to host future events in these cities.

build homes. She learnedabout framing, roofing andpainting as well as gained anunderstanding about compas-sion and service.

“It’s a great feeling know-ing that you’re building a homethat will go to someone whoreally needs it,” Tuchek said.“You see what other people gothrough and how some peoplehave it pretty tough.”

Erin Crowley couldn’tagree more. The senior el-ementary education majorfrom Buffalo, MN, has foundher volunteer work to be aneducation. In South Carolina,she spent a week tutoring fifthgraders in a school where shekeenly felt a cultural gap fromher own childhood experi-ences and the challenges ofeducation in an impoverishedarea.

Volunteerism has helpedCrowley develop empathy forthe needy, as well as skillsthat she figures will help herbe a better teacher once shestarts her career.

BSU students who volun-teer with Habitat and else-where are an asset to the com-munity and the people theyserve, according to WaltScott, past chair of theBemidji Chapter of Habitatfor Humanity and current vol-unteer coordinator. Scottnominated the BSU chapterfor the United Way award.

“I see the role of the BSUgroup as setting a standard ofhumane concern for people inpain,” Scott said. “They arerole models for building car-ing relationships with hurtingpeople. Their enthusiasm iscontagious. It just rubs off onthe rest of us whose enthusi-asm might wane when work-ing with the poor.”

ground troops in the Afghanregion in early November...Marie Hvidsten (’77) wasamong three Thief River Fallswomen honored by the localbranch of the AmericanAssociation of UniversityWomen. They were named

Women of Honor for 2001. The annual award wasestablished to honor area women who have madesignificant contributions to their community. TheAAUW promotes equity for women, education andself-development, and positive societal change...Dorothy Gross (’71) and her husband, Donald,recently celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary...Joe Vene (’74) retired this summer from a 25-yearcareer as teacher and superintendent of theNorthwestern Minnesota Juvenile Center in Bemidji.Vene is also a singer and performs often in theBemidji area... Les Arndt (’73) has joined Lake CityFederal as vice president. He comes to the positionwith 28 years of commercial banking experience withAmerican Bank-Lake City. He lives in Lake City...Bill Choiniere (’77) and Barb (Tobkin) Choiniere(’75) of Stillwater will celebrate their 25th weddinganniversary in December. Bill works as an engineerwith Andersen Windows and Barb volunteers manyhours with Christian ministries. They have twochildren, Tim, 19, and Mark, 15... Tim Clark (’75)

and Lori (Elhardt) Clark (’76) live in Ellensburg,WA, and have two children, Patrick 17, and Josie, 10.Tim is teaching and coaching track at Kittitas HighSchool and Lori coaches a USA swimming team inEllensburg... Donna (Bleau) Knoth (’74) lives inHolland, MI, and has retired from her career as adivisional specialty manager for Bristol-MeyersSquibb in Princeton, NJ. She enjoys cooking, bakingand going to the athletic club... Fran Roux (’70) washired this fall to teach sixth grade at Holy TrinitySchool in Winsted. She and her husband, Charlie(’70) , have three sons, two daughters-in-law and a17-month-old granddaughter. She’s taught for 18years in a variety of classes from first to eighthgrade... Marcia Miller (’71) of Cherry was namedMinnesota Forest Educator of the year for 2001 byMinnesota Forest Industries and received $1,000 anda plaque in recognition of the honor. She teachesfourth grade at Merritt Elementary School in Mt.Iron... Pat Fideldy (’74) was honored this fall as anoutstanding teacher at the Duluth Diocesan Bishop’sDinner for Catholic Schools held in Hibbing. Sheteaches sixth grade at St. Joseph’s Catholic School inGrand Rapids where she’s been a teacher for 26 years.

1980sDave Nevanen (’81) is the new sports editor of theDuluth News Tribune. He’s been employed with thenewspaper since 1990 and previously served as

sports editor of The DailyJournal, International Falls...Marty Stage (’89) was hiredthis summer as the new DNRconservation officer in theBabbitt area. He and his wife,Virginia, a speech therapist,live in Embarrass and have twodaughters, Elsie, 8, andLoreena, 6... Scott Doss (’85)was hired this year as the newprincipal of Pillager HighSchool. He comes to his newjob after spending six yearswith the Warren-Alvarado-Oslo School District located

north of the Grand Forks area. Prior to that he’dtaught and coached for eight years in Atlanta, GA.Doss and his wife, Betty, have been married 15 yearsand have three children, Emily, 8, Matt, 7, and Josh,13-months... Lance Chambers (’83) is the new

principal of Jordan High School.For the past seven years he hadserved as principal of Gibbon-Fairfax-Winthrop Middle Schoolin Fairfax. He has three daughters,Brittany, 10, Kelsey. 7, and Lexi,2... Scott Hinners (’89) and hiswife, Christine, of Bemidji

announce the July 3 birth of a son... BrendaKosmerl (’89) and Donald Hazeman were marriedJune 4 at Guardian Angel Cathedral in Las Vegas,NV. They both teach at Red Lake High School andlive in Bemidji... Tracey Wensloff (’86) andBonnie (Dehlin) Wensloff (’91) of Roseauannounce the July 28 birth of a son, Daniel John. Inthe spring of this year Tracey became head coach ofthe Roseau Rams baseball team after serving as

assistant baseball coach for sixyears... Mike Holub (’81) isteaching high school math inWaseca. He’d previously taughtin New Town, ND... LoriKlettenberg (’82) was recentlynamed teacher of the year atMenahga Public Schools. She’s

taught kindergarten in Menahga for 13 years...Susan (Price) Sack (’81) lives in Maple Grove withher husband and two teenage sons. She’s abookkeeper at St. Joseph the Worker Church andrecently added IT coordinator to her job title...John Deden (’89) and Kristin Brommenschenkel(’95) were married May 26 at the Monte CarloWedding Chapel, Las Vegas, NV. John teaches atBemidji High School and Kristin teaches at Cass

Lake-Bena Elementary... Arden Solheim (’87) is thenew administrator at Valley Home in Thief River

Falls. For the past four years she’dworked as an administrator atKarlstad Healthcare Center inKarlstad and prior to that wasemployed as an administrator inMinneapolis... David Lane (’85),an environmental coordinator forthe Water Reclamation Plant inRochester, was elected as presidentof the Central States EnvironmentAssociation. He lives in Rochesterwith his wife, Nancy, and two sons,Eric and Connor. Prior workexperience includes positions withthe Minnesota Pollution Control

Agency and the St. Cloud Wastewater TreatmentPlant... Mike Bohnenstingl (’84) is coursesuperintendent of the Preserve Golf Course at GrandView Lodge, Pequot Lakes, assisted by his brother,Chad. He is also overseeing work being done on thenew nine at Grand View’s Pines course... JamesJohnson (’89) has joined the Lincoln Journal Starnewspaper as its news editor. He previously worked

Page 6: Horizons - Winter 2002

Horizons Page 6

Where We Are ... What We’re Doing

Tim Johnson

MartyTorgerson

Com

mun

ique

sCommuniques from the alumni directorSixth Annual BSU Winter Rendezvous

March 10-11, 2002The fifth annual BSU Winter Rendezvous will take place on March 10-11, 2002, in

Laughlin, NV. Changes to this year’s event include a move to the Hilton FlamingoLaughlin Hotel.

The opening reception on Sunday night will be held aboard the riverboat Celebra-tion. The annual golf tournament will again be held at the Desert Lakes Golf Coursebeginning at 12:30 a.m. Arizona time.

This year a barbecue at the golf course will precede the tournament. It will begin at11 a.m. Arizona time. The annual banquet will be held Monday evening at the hotel.

We have also negotiated a group rate at the hotel for Saturday night for those folkswho want to spend the whole weekend in Laughlin.

Alumni and current, or former, Bemidji residents are invited to participate. Look forregistration information in the mail after the first of the year, or for further informa-tion, contact the BSU Alumni Office at 1-877-BSU-ALUM (toll-free) or 218-755-3989 (local).

New Alumni BoardThe Alumni Association held elections last spring for new board members. In a year

of great transition, we filled five seats of retiring board members, re-elected a memberfor a second term and appointed three new members. The current BSU alumni boardof directors is pictured below.

Marla Huss Patrias

Aloha Beavers! BSU Homecoming 2001Homecoming Hawaiian Style brought the warmth of the Islands to Bemidji, if

only in our minds and hearts. In spite of weather forecasts calling for snow andcold, Homecoming 2001 turned out to be perfect fall weather for football andrelated festivities.

With blue skies and relatively mild temperatures several hundred alumni cel-ebrated the annual fall return to campus with a pre-game tailgate party, an excit-ing football game, a Fifth Quarter Reception featuring traditional island fare com-plete with a roasted pig, and a wonderful Alumni Honors Banquet Saturday eveningfeaturing our 2001 outstanding alumni.

With each year Homecoming continues to grow and become more successful. Nextyear’s dates are October 4-6, 2002. Mark your calendars now and plan to attend.

Members of the Class of 1961 enjoy traditional island fare and the camaraderie of fellow classmates as they continue the celebrationof their 40-Year Reunion during Homecoming 2001.

40 Year-Reunion of the Class of 1961The class of 1961 held their 40-year reunion during Homecoming 2001.The celebration included a reception at the David Park House followed by a

banquet in the Hobson Memorial Union. A BSU jazz quintet provided a wonder-ful performance during the banquet, moving some to get up and dance. Class-mates got together again the next day for the pre-game tailgate party, the footballgame and the Fifth Quarter Reception. Reports indicate that all had a good time!

2001-2003 ALUMNI ASSOCIATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS Front Row: Nathan Voss, Student Representative; TresaKing ’97, Lakeville, MN - Secretary Treasurer; Don Gross ’81, Council Bluffs, IA - President; Marion Christianson ’50, Bemidji, MN - VicePresident; Marla Huss Patrias - Director of Alumni Relations. Back Row: Roger Aitken ’73, Walker, MN; Debra Kellerman ’72 & ’75, OakIsland, MN; Ranae Tenold ’95, Minnetonka, MN; Dave Ramsey ’78, Owatonna, MN; Caroline Andrican ’53 & ’62, Hibbing, MN; Bruce Falk’71, Salol, MN; Joann Gardner ’93, Bemidji, MN; Delphine Jacobsen ’63, Bemidji, MN; Adele Munsterman ’74, Brooklyn Park, MN; JimWheeler ’72, Bemidji, MN; and Austin Wallestad ’70, Madera, CA.

as North Suncoast news editor at the St. PetersburgTimes in Florida. He’s also worked in the newsroomsof the NewsPress in Fort Myers, FL, the Spokesman-Review in Spokane, WA, and at the Grand ForksHerald in North Dakota. He’s married to BarbaraJohnson (’91)... Gary Hazelton (’82), a Bemidjiattorney, was elected to the board of governors of theMinnesota Trial Lawyers Association at theorganization’s convention. He’s a partner in the firmof Hazelton and Rogers P.C., specializing in the areasof personal injury and worker’s compensation. Inaddition of his involvement with the MTLA, he is amember of the Minnesota State Bar Association, theAssociation of Trial Lawyers of America and amember of the board of directors and past chair ofAnishinabe Legal Services. He’s married to Diane(Christopherson) Hazelton (’80), has four childrenand is active in the community, having coachedyouth hockey for 12 years and served as a high schoolmock trial coach for seven years... Lisa Milne (’89)recently became Bemidji’s first fully qualifiedfemale volunteer firefighter, having completed ayear as a probationary trainee. She also volunteerswith the Bagley Ambulance Service as an EMT andis employed as an administrative assistant at GreaterNorthwest EMS, a business that provides training,resource materials and education in relation to

emergency medical services. Milne had served as avolunteer with the Solway Volunteer FireDepartment for a year. She’s married and has twodaughters, Larissa, 9, and Erin, 7... Paul Parthun(’87) plays bagpipes with the First City Pipe Band ofBemidji and has been playing pipes for about 15months... Vicki Wangberg (’86) of Bemidji isinvolved with the Special Olympics program...Jeffrey Wade (’87) and his wife, Christine, of LakeGeorge announce the September 25 birth of adaughter... Tim Johnson (’83) has been hired asmanager of Fleet Supply in Roseau. When the storefirst opened in 1985, Johnson was hired as manager, a

position he held for eight years.He then switched to sellinginsurance and later worked as agroup leader at Polaris beforereturning to Fleet. He and hiswife, Sandy, have three childrenranging in age from eight to 15and have lived in Roseau since

1984... Bob Bangtson (’86) accepted the positionthis fall as superintendent of schools in Goodhue.He’d been the elementary principal at Goodhue forthe past nine years and prior to that had taught upperelementary for 15 years in Wadena and three years inNebraska. He has three grown children... PhilipCarlson (’87) was hired this fall to teach algebra andmath I and II at Paynesville Area High School.

He lives with his wife, Amy, and their threesons in Sauk Rapids and comes to his newposition with 14 years of teaching experi-ence... David Batty (’81) plays the bag-pipes and recently performed for children atBSU... Darrell Carter (’82), a Bemidji at-torney, recently announced his Republicanbid for Minnesota Senate in 2002. He andhis wife, Mona (’82), have six children, the oldestof which is 12... Lenee Ross (’83) of Cass Lake wasrecently appointed as president of the Leech LakeTribal College following a two-year national search.He’s an enrolled member of the Leech Lake Band ofOjibwe and comes to the position with experienceworking at BSU, the University of Minnesota-Duluth and the University of Wisconsin-Superior...Kristil McDonald (’88) became principal this fallof grades 5-8 in the Pine River-Backus SchoolDistrict. She and her husband, John, who is aprincipal at Pequot Lakes, have three children. She’staught all areas of special education along withsecondary language, secondary reading, elementaryand music. She’s been a special educationcoordinator and taught at the Regional DetentionCenter at Brainerd.

1990s Wanda Hoyum (’96) is executive director of theBeltrami County History Center which opened this

spring in the restored 1912 Great Northern Depot indowntown Bemidji... Pam Samson (’92) has joinedMeritCare, Fargo, as a psychologist. She diagnosesand treats general mental health concerns andprovides client assessment and legal testimony.She’d worked as a staff psychologist at LakelandMental Health, Moorhead, where she gainedforensics and anger management experience...Marty Torgerson (’95) is employed with theMinnesota Department of Natural Resources andthis summer became manager of Split Rock CreekState Park. He’d spent the last year as assistantmanager at Cascade River State Park near GrandMarais. He’s earned POST certification in lawenforcement and has also worked at HutchinsonTechnology... Lila Finney (’95) received herdoctorate in psychology from Miami University inMay. Her dissertation research, “Health Beliefs,Message Framing and Mammography ScreeningCompliance: Measurement Development andTheory Testing,” focused on understanding and

improving women’s adherence to the AmericanCancer Society’s recommendations for annualmammography screening. She will continue her

research in cancer preventionand control as a fellow in theNational Cancer Institute’sCancer Prevention FellowshipProgram and will be pursuing amaster’s in public health atHarvard University... MargeEspe (’93) has retired fromteaching in the Greenbush-

Middle River School District. She began herteaching career in 1962 and since 1975 has taught atMiddle River and served as a career coordinator...Krisann Berglund (’94) was chosen by hercolleagues as Warroad’s Teacher of the Year. Shebegan her teaching career as a chemistry and physicsteacher at the Warroad High school in 1994... DanaFlint (’99) has joined the staff of District 547

Back row, L-R: Bob Fox, Livingston, TX; Dale Hartje, Anoka, MN; Dale Makey, Frazee, MN; Terry Maciej, Pengilly, MN; Ron McKechney,East St. Paul, MB; Roger Hammitt, South St. Paul, MN; Bob Nelson, Anoka, MN. Middle row, L-R: Rochelle Hartje, Anoka, MN; GeorgeWelte, Bemidji, MN; Carol ( Savolainen) Maciej, Pengilly, MN; Mark Paulson, Bemidji, MN; Dick Haugo, Bemidji, MN; Tom Wrolstad,Bemidji, MN; Front row, L-R: Kathryn (Clementson) Mertz, Austin, MN; Vernamaree (Peik) Nelson, Richfield, MN; Carol (Hurst) Anfinson,Austin, MN; Susan (McCollister) Zielin, Eau Claire, WI; Chuck Zielin, Eau Claire, WI; Owen Hall, Bemidji, MN

(Continued from page 5)

Page 7: Horizons - Winter 2002

Horizons Page 7

(Continued on page 8)

Dana Flint

Mary Vatnsdal

Jon Cole

Mark Motherway

teaching 7-12 grade choir and music appreciation.She last taught at Discovery Middle School inAlexandria and Thief River Falls... Mary Vatnsdal(’93) is teaching eighth- and ninth-grade art inRoseau. She and her husband, Cory (’92) , lived in

Memphis, TN, for four yearswhere Mary worked inarchitectural drafting andhome design. They thenreturned to the Burnsville areaand Mary later returned toschool, earning a master’s ofeducation degree from theUniversity of Minnesota. Thecouple has three children,Emma, 5, Stella, 3, and Gus,two-months... RyanAnderson (’96) recentlypurchased a Wadena dentalpractice and began seeingpatients there in September.

Anderson had previously been an associate in agroup practice in Bemidji. He and his wife, Brandi,who is an elementary teacher, are originally fromBagley... Kate Funk (’96) and her sister Amy Funk(’99) worked together in Faribault area state parksthis summer for the regional state park naturalistprogram and both are pursuing master’s degrees atBSU; Kate in environmental ecology and Amy in

hydrogeology. The sistershave both previously workedas intern naturalists at RiverBend Nature Center... MarkMotherway (’99) was hiredthis fall as an industrialtechnology teacher at DeerRiver High School, filling aposition previously held formany years by his father,Marty. He will also serve asassistant wrestling coach.He’d previously taught atHutchinson and Remerschools... Jon Cole (’91) is thenew general manager of

Marvin Retail in Warroad. Cole is a Warroad native,and beginning in 1985 he spent his high school andcollege summers in the lumberyard. In 1992 heaccepted a fulltime position with Marvin Retail andfor the past four years has been a manager there. Heand his wife, Angie (’94), a sixth grade teacher in theWarroad Middle School, have two children, Jade, 4,and Cooper, three-months ...Scott Gengler (’94) isthe new high school principal at Watertown-Mayer.He was previously associate administrator atMinnehaha Academy in Minneapolis and alsotaught for three years at Pequot Lakes. His wife,

Lori (’94) , is employed with the information teamof Kraft Foods in Eden Prairie... Christine Hinners(’92) and her husband, Scott (’89) , of Bemidjiannounce the July 3 birth of a son... TariHannigan (’94) and Daron Yates were married inBlackduck on December 29. The couple isemployed at Allianz Life Insurance Company ofNorth America in Minneapolis and resides inAndover... Travis Kaste (’95) and his wife, Lisa,have four children and live in Apple Valley. Travisworks as a sales training supervisor at the 3MCompany... Donald Hazeman (’91) and BrendaKosmerl (’89) were married June 4 at GuardianAngel Cathedral in Las Vegas, NV. They bothteach at Red Lake High School and live inBemidji... Jennifer Meyer (’98) and her husband,Jason, of Bemidji announce the June 24 birth of ason... Dean Piekarski (’94) and his wife, Dawn, ofLittlefork announce the June 28 birth of adaughter... Tammy (Anderson) Englund (’96) ofColumbia Heights married Chris Englund inJanuary. She works for Behavioral HealthcareProviders as an inpatient mental health casemanager... Darren Yerama (’93) and JessieYerama (’93) of Burnsville announce the July 4birth of a son, Noah. Darren teaches elementaryphysical education in St. Paul and Jessie works as avideo editor... Tricia Leintz (’97) and MichaelJessen were married in Bagley on May 26... Rob

Burgess (’90) and Lorena Hurtado were marriedJune 23 at Real Del Mar, Mexico. He is aninstructor and she is a counselor at South El MonteHigh School, CA... Tyler Kondos (’99) and hiswife Jennifer Kondos (’00) , announce the July 27birth of a daughter... Bonnie Dehlin Wensloff(’91) and Tracey Wensloff (’86) of Roseauannounce the July 28 birth of a son, Daniel John. Inthe spring of this year Tracey became head coachof the Roseau Rams baseball team after serving asassistant baseball coach for six years... Heather(Flannery) Giese (’95) of Appleton married JasonGiese on July 15. She is working for Lac qui ParleCounty Family Services in Madison as a socialworker and Jason is employed with the SouthwestMinnesota Private Industry Council and is co-administrator of the Appleton AmbulanceService... Craig Gaasvig (’91) and his wife,Karen, of Bemidji announce the Aug. 22 birth of ason... Brad Swearingen (’91) received twoindividual awards at the Minnesota Jaycees’Spring All-state Convention in Alexandria, one forambassadorship and the other a second-placedistrict director award... Lisa Carlson (’93) andDennis Carlson (’92) of Lake George announcethe June 13 birth of a son... Michele Strand (’98) isa disability teacher in the Cass Lake High School,moving into the position after having worked for

several years as a social worker. Prior to that she’dtaught special education at Blackduck for twoyears... Shane Zutz (’98), a teacher at FranklinMiddle School, was selected to fill the position ofassistant principal at Franklin Middle School inThief River Falls. He and his wife, Mya, and twosons, Tayong and Gunner, live in Thief RiverFalls... Lana Schultz (’91) of Bemidji began anew job as school social worker for Perham-DentPublic Schools this fall and is working on amaster’s in social work... Chad Schmidt (’92)and Leanne (Palmer) Schmidt (’90) live inSouth St. Paul and have two children, Ian andPatrick. Chad teaches high school math in SouthSt. Paul Public Schools and previously taught foreight years in Edina Public Schools... Mark Okey(’97) and his wife, Janet, live in St. Louis Park...Andrew Bradshaw (’98) works as a civilengineer and lives in Fargo, ND... RossEngelstad (’98) is teaching second grade inPaynesville this year, having spent the previoustwo years teaching in Willmar. He lives inPaynesville with his wife, Kirsten... NicoleGaertner (’97) joined the staff this year at theCannon Falls Elementary School as a sixth-gradeLD teacher... Lisa Murphy (’98) was hired this fallto teach instrumental music in Tower-Soudan

Nominations Sought for Athletic Hall of FameThe Alumni Association and the Athletic Department are seeking nomi-

nations for the 2002 Athletic Hall of Fame. Up to eight former athletes andBSU coaches are inducted every other year into this prestigious group.

Nominations for the Athletic Hall of Fame must be in writing and will beaccepted until January 1, 2002.

Nominees must have earned an athletic letter at BSU, must have attendedBSU for at least two years, and not have graduated from another university.They also must have attended BSU at least 20 years ago.

Previous coaches and / or administrators who made significant contribu-tions to the development and success of BSU athletics may also be consid-ered.

Selection will be based on merit in four categories: athletic accomplish-ments while at BSU; post-collegiate professional accomplishments; serviceand contributions to community, state and nation; and service to BSU.

Further information is available by contacting the BSU Alumni Associa-tion at 1-877-BSU-ALUM (1-877-278-2586, toll free) or 218-755-3989; orby calling Rick Goeb, BSU Athletic Director at 218-755-4022.

Sherri Moe Named to Development PositionSherri Moe has been named the director of the

BSU Foundation and annual giving within theAdvancement Division at Bemidji State.

Moe, who began her duties November 9, wasselected to fill a vacancy that occurred whenTricia Bunten accepted a fund raising position atthe University of Minnesota Duluth.

Moe has been the executive director of theUnited Way of the Bemidji Area since June of2000. She is familiar with the University, havingserved as the interim assistant director of alumnirelations prior to joining the United Way.

“Sherri is completely familiar with the University,” said Carl Baer, vicepresident for university advancement. “She knows our donor software andother fundraising specific technology, and has been in contact with mostmembers of our community through her work with United Way. We arefortunate to have her experience and abilities in this important position.”

Prior to working at Bemidji State, Moe was the special events and devel-opment coordinator for Chrysalis, a center for women’s health care, as wellas a development officer for Planned Parenthood of Minnesota and SouthDakota

She received a bachelor’s degree from St. Olaf College and has com-pleted advanced course work in philanthropy and development at St. Mary’sUniversity and the University of St. Thomas.

A member of the Bemidji Rotary Club as well as the Minnesota Councilof Non-Profits, she is certified in donor prospect research and in developingannual fund raising strategies.

Her office will be located on the second floor of the David Park Houseadjacent to the BSU campus with her phone connection 218-755-4145 andemail [email protected].

Sherri Moe

In MemoriamRobert S. Lemire (’50), Aitkin, MNGladys Gustafson (’62), Jackson, TNMildred Hedger (’29), Simi Valley, CAMary L. Frankfurth (’52), Bemidji, MNEthel M. Benson (’55), Blackduck, MNEdwin Lundmark (’52), Bemidji, MNHelen (Coffin) Dietrich (’30), Blackduck, MNCleveland Stillwell (’63), Laporte, MNJudith Rust (’85), Circle Pines, MNCharles Bednar (’88), Cass Lake, MNFlorence Caughey (’44), Bemidji, MNBernice Steenerson (’68), Clearbrook, MNHarold Hagg, Emeritus, Bemidji, MNMargaret Thorbeck, Emerita, Bemidji, MNJohn “Jack” Vinje (’50), Bemidji, MNGordon Hannah (’61), Red Wing, MNBertha Christianson (’39), Emerita, Bemidji, MN

Teacher of Year Hall ofFame Nominations

Nominations will be accepted untilDecember 14 for individuals to be in-ducted into the Teacher of the Year Hallof Fame sponsored biannually by theProfessional Education Department.

The Hall of Fame Award is presentedto teacher education graduates of theUniversity who have been selected asa teacher of the year or an administra-tor of the year at a public or privateschool district, college or university.

The recipients will be recognizedduring an April 19 ceremony.

Teachers, administrators, or schoolboard members of a district may sub-mit nominations, which must includetwo letters of support - one from afellow teacher and one from an ad-ministrator or school board member(past or present). In addition, a copyof the news release or the newspaperarticle that announced the candidate’sselection as teacher or administratorof the year should be submitted.

All finalists will be asked to pro-vide a resume. Recipients will also beasked to submit an 8-inch by 10-inchcolor photograph for framing and dis-play in the Education-Art Building.

Nominees not selected as part of thefifth group of inductees into the Hallof Fame will be carried over and in-cluded in the next selection process.

Past recipients of the ProfessionalEducation Department Hall of FameAward include: Marge Engebretson,Rex Kingsbury, Bob Michalicek, Den-nis Peterson, Elaine Ruud, RogerSchmidt, Mike Wichmann, YvonneWilson, Michael Hanlon, CherylHoversten, Robert Hurst, JamesJenner, John McClellan, MarcyMickelson, Mary Snorek, LloydStyrwoll, David Thompson, PatriciaHughes, Delphine Jacobsen, KathyPearson, Laura Jo Pieper, Jim Wheeler,Neil Witikko, Virgil Boehland, MarkFodness, Debra Kellerman, MarciaLiapis, Adele Munsterman, VickiOlsen-Rowe and Elwyn Ruud.

Nominations may be forwarded tothe Professional Education Depart-ment, Bemidji State University, Box35, Education-Art Building, 1500Birchmont Drive NE, Bemidji, MN56601-2699.

Now Accepting Nominations for 2002Outstanding Alumni Awards

Nominations are now being accepted for candidates to be considered forthe Bemidji State University Outstanding Alumni Award.

The award is presented annually during Homecoming and is the highesthonor presented by the Bemidji State University Alumni Association.

The recipients of the award bring much recognition to their alma materthrough distinguished and professional achievements. They are honored forexceptional service and contributions to Bemidji State University and totheir community, state and nation.

All nominees must have graduated no less that 10 years ago from BemidjiState University.

Nominations will be ac-cepted until February 1,2002, and can be made byanyone except an imme-diate family member.

Current faculty, staffand members of the boardof directors of the BemidjiState University AlumniAssociation are not eli-gible for consideration.

A nomination form canbe obtained by calling theAlumni Office at 1-877-278-2586 (toll free) or218-755-3989 (local), orby going to our website atinfo.bemidjistate.edu/Alumni/Awards.

BSU Young Alumni Evergreen ClubLaunches Website

The Evergreen Club foryoung alumni living in the TwinCities metro area has launcheda website to serve members.

Alumni who have graduatedfrom BSU during the past 10years living in the Twin Citiesregion are members of the Ev-ergreen Club, which wasformed to host social activities,

provide opportunities for interaction with recent alumni, and to ex-plore career options.

The website is available by selecting the alumni site off the BSUhomepage (www.bemidjistate.edu) and clicking on the clubs and chap-ters link.

The Evergreen Club website is a great place to catch up on alumninews and events, as well as an opportunity to learn more about theEvergreen Club, ask questions, provide feedback, and explore waysto get involved.

Page 8: Horizons - Winter 2002

Horizons Page 8

The Legacy Societyin Your Will?

It’s as easy as attaching a codicil to your existing will, using the following language:

“I give and bequeath to Bemidji State University Foundation,Bemidji, Minnesota,_____ percent of my residuary estate

(or the sum of $ _____, or specific property, describing same).”

Please let the University know about your decision so that we might thank youand offer you the opportunity to be recognized as a member of The Legacy Society.

For more information, contactSue Kringen, Director of Development218-755-3991 (local); (888) 234-5718

[email protected](218) 755-4146 (fax)

Have You Remembered Bemidji State University

(Continued from page 7)

The Beaver Bunch Amateur Radio ClubAn amateur radio club has been established for any and all hams who

have an association with Bemidji State University.

The name of the club is The Beaver Bunch. Club members are requiredto have a connection with BSU, either as students, alumni, emeriti or activefaculty and staff. Domestic or foreign members are all welcome. AlumnusGurnee Bridgman, ’98, has been instrumental in getting the club started.

The club holds the amateur radio call of WØBSU. The Beaver Bunch isin the process of getting established with Bridgman and several other Bemidjiarea residents as initial members.

No special frequencies or net time schedules have been set as of yet. Thepurpose of the club is to provide an opportunity for ham radio operators witha relationship to BSU to stay updated on what’s happening at the University.

For more information, or to become a member of the Beaver Bunch, con-tact Gurnee Bridgman via ham radio at W9NT or by email [email protected].

Where We Are ... What We’re Doing

Jeff Taylor

Susan Diffley

Vondria Winter

Kari Nordli

schools. She’d been teaching in the Title I program atthe Babbitt-Embarrass School. She is anaccomplished pianist and clarinetist with a strongbackground in woodwinds... Amy Tobey (’90) andher husband, Gary, of Bemidji announce theSeptember 27 birth of a daughter... Daniel Hecht

(’94) and his wife, Jennifer, ofBagley announce theSeptember 17 birth of adaughter, Sarah Kathryn...Kari Nordli (’95) was hiredthis year as an earlyeducation/special educationteacher in the Eden Valley-Watkins School District...Vondria Winter (’97) isteaching ninth-grade English,American Literature, English/world literature, advancedplacement English andapplied communications atWin-E-Mac schools. She’dpreviously worked in

Mahnomen schools as a special educationparaprofessional and in the elementary library andduring the past year had worked as a substituteteacher in Win-E-Mac and other area schools. She

lives in Mahnomen with her husband, Greg, whoworks for the Winter Truck Line... John Kallis (’96)of New York Mills is teaching ninth- through 10th-grade math in Verndale this year... Jill Daniels (’94)was hired this fall to teach social studies at theDetroit Lakes Middle School . She’d taught socialstudies in the Brainerd School District during theprevious school year... Shane Steinmetz (’91) wasrecently named vice president of Cook SignCompany in Fargo and co-trustee of the EmployeeStock Ownership Trust. He lives in Fargo with his

wife, Jill, and their son... JeffTaylor (’90) is teachingindustrial arts/shop at Big Forkschools. He’d previously taughtfor one year in Forest Lake andthen for six years in TwoHarbors. He and his wife, Staci,have one daughter, Nicole.

2000sAnn Schnortz (’00), a member of the Range ArtistsAssociation, was the featured artist at Security StateBank of Hibbing where her artwork was on displayin May... Danny Halland (’00) is teachingmathematics for fifth through 11th grades in theOklee School District this year... Trisha Berg (’00)is teaching junior high math at Willmar PublicSchools. She’d previously worked as substitute

teacher for the Brainerd and Crosby-Ironton schooldistricts... Leah Polzine (’00) is teaching in a thirdand fourth grade split classroom in the LanesboroPublic Schools. She’d most recently been teachingthird grade in the Alexandria Public SchoolSystem... Ryan Bartosiewski (’01) is teaching

secondary health and physicaleducation this year at theMontgomery-Lonsdaleschools... Susan Diffley (’01)teaches high school Englishand coaches cheerleading inMontgomery-Lonsdaleschools... Katie Grothen

(’01) teaches ninth-grade American history atBOLD, (Olivia campus). She’s engaged to NateBahl and they are planning a July 6, 2002 wedding...Dawn Paurus-Foss (’00) is a first-year high schoolscience teacher at Wadena-Deer Creek schoolswhere she had also done her student teaching,mostly in seventh- and eighth-grade science...Megan Kaiser (’01) is teaching second grade in theEly school district... Gregg Kapsner (’01) is in hisfirst year of teaching at Paynesville Area HighSchool. He teaches drafting and woodworkingclasses in the high school and industrial arts forseventh graders at the middle school. He’s singleand lives in St. Cloud... Chad Larson (’01) is

teaching high school mathematics at the MooseLake High School... Andrea Horken (’01) beganteaching third grade this year at McGregor schools.Last year she participated in an internship programat the Cass Lake-Bena Elementary School whereshe taught third grade... Tanner Hovda (’01) isteaching fourth grade in Wheaton... Jill Thompson(’01) is teaching seventh-grade life science and 10th-grade biology, environmental science, humananatomy/physiology at Wheaton schools... CindyGrothmann (’00) is teaching special education atWadena-Deer Creek Elementary this year. She andher husband, Wayne, have three children... TonjaJohnson (’00) is teaching eighth-grade English atTwin Bluff Middle School in Red Wing... JensRhoades (’00) is teaching English in Cambridge-Isanti District 911 at the Oak Land Area LearningCenter’s Princeton site. He’d previously taught forone year at Thomas Eaton Middle School inHampton, VA... Angie Smedsmo (’00) is teachingkindergarten part time at the Wannaska ElementarySchool in Roseau. She and her husband, Darrin, live

Monte Draper (’80), a staff photographer for The Pioneer newspaper in Bemidji, recentlyhad this photograph selected by the MSNBC Web site as the top photo of the weektaken by newspaper and freelance photographers nationwide. Draper photographedthe bald eagle snagging a fish from the water on the north shore of Lake Bemidji.

Jamie Femrite

in Roseau... Shaun Karson (’00) is teachingmiddle school social studies at the CrossroadsLearning Center in Sandstone. This is his firstteaching position and he now resides in Finlayson...Vicky Nipp (’00) was hired this year as the EBDteacher at the elementary school in Cass Lake.She’d worked last year as a long-term substitute atthe Alternative Learning Center in Cass Lake. Shehas a four-year-old son, Dylan... Jaime Jo Femrite

(’00) is teaching half-timekindergarten at Annandale’sBendix Elementary this year.She lives in St. Cloud and hasexperience teaching secondgrade and kindergarten in theThief River Falls SchoolDistrict... Rachel Sorensen

(’00) began teaching fifth and sixth grades this yearat St. Joseph’s Catholic School, Red Lake Falls.She’d previously done long-term substituteteaching at Challenger, Thief River Falls, for aboutfive months.

WRESTING REUNION (left to right, front row): Ken Jordan, Kevin Kish, Dick Green, Pete Saxe, Mike Niemczyk, JimYoung, Irv Kallstrom, Steve Techam. Middle row: Jim Gilmore, Tom Ritchie, Bob Dettmer, Wayne Hamilton, Larry Grow, ChetAnderson, Noel Bailey, Gerry Gingles, Howie Schultz. Back row: Bob Whelan, Herb Day, Bob Eckert, Roger Rowbotham, JohnGrunzke, Corky Hanson, Roger DeMarais, Wayne Gysland, Al Toriseva. Not pictured: Charles Knott.

Deadline for AlumniRelative Scholarships

As one of the benefits of activemembership, BSU alumni are eli-gible to sponsor a relative for theAlumni Relative Scholarship. This$600 scholarship is awarded annu-ally to approximately 27 incomingfreshman and 27 returning or trans-fer students to BSU.

Active members are those whohave contributed $30 or more to theBSU Foundation since July 1 of thepreceding fiscal year (July 1, 2000).To become an eligible member forthis application period, contributionswill be accepted through the dead-line date of December 31, 2001.

Eligible relatives of the alum in-clude: child, grandchild, spouse,niece, nephew, parent, sister, brother,aunt or uncle. Applications for the2002-2003 academic year are nowavailable.

The new deadline for applicationis December 31, 2001. Applicationsare no longer being mailed to all ac-tive alums. Instead, they are nowavailable through the followingsources:

♦ BSU Alumni Associationwebsite at http://www.bemidjistate.edu/alumni.html;

♦ By calling the Alumni office at218-755-3989 or 1-877-BSU-ALUM toll free; and

♦ By stopping by the AlumniOffice at the David Park House.

BSU Wrestling ReunionAs part of homecoming festivities last fall, members of the Bemidji

State wrestling teams from 1953 to 1982 held a reunion. Coach ChetAnderson emceed the event for his teams that posted a 201-136-9 recordover the 30 years. Those squads won three conference championships,produced 27 All-American placewinners, and had four national champi-ons. Nine of the reunionites, including Anderson, are members of theBSU Athletic Hall of Fame.