Horizons Fall 1998 - Bemidji State University

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September 21 - 27, 1998
BSU HOMECOMING 1998
“There’s No Place Like
Home....coming 1998”
(A full schedule of events
is listed on page 8.)
November 14, 1998
BSU Day at the Metrodome
Beaver Football vs.
Wisconsin-River Falls
8 p.m., Alumni Reception
in Press Box
December 4, 5, 6, 10, 11
Madrigal Dinners, Bemidji
January 30, 1999
BSU Foundation “Snow Ball,” 6 p.m.
Beaux Arts Ballroom
February 12, 1999
BSU Reception, Minneapolis Music
Educators Association,
Minneapolis Hilton Towers
March 7, 1999
Opera Night, Northern Inn, Bemidji
March 14, 1999
Opera Night, Metropolitan Ballroom,
Minneapolis
March 14-15, 1999
“BSU Winter Rendezvous,”
Laughlin, Nevada
Bemidji State University Alumni Association
1500 Birchmont Drive NE, #DPH
Bemidji, MN 56601-2699
218-755-3989
1-888-234-2687
alumni@vax1.bemidji.msus.edu
http://info.bemidji.msus.edu/alumni
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Horizons
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PERMIT NO. 9
Vol.
BSU
14, No. 1, Fall 1998
Lessons from a
Lifelong Learner
On Cay Kroeten’s vita sheet,
there’s one line that grabs attention:
Dean’s List, 40 Quarters,
1978 to 1994.
Further investigation shows a T “ he teachers at Falls Elementary or St. Thomas
Parochial School are always happy to have me
come over and help. I like working with younger
dozen degrees, licenses and certificates
as well as grades from
more than 800 courses completed
children, up through the sixth grade. There’s always
something I can add to what they’re learning.”
in the past 25 years.
Cay Kroeten
Kroeten, a spry 77, capped and
gowned this academic career
when she joined her Bemidji
State University class of 1998 for
the traditional commencement
march and graduation ceremonies
on campus. She had just
earned a bachelor of science degree
in elementary education.
“It was something I wanted,”
said Kroeten, who resides in
International Falls. “My husband
always said I was a frustrated
teacher.”
Her husband was probably
correct. As an 18-year old living
in Robbinsdale, her first attempt
at earning a degree was
cut short by the realities of the
1930s. Her family had lost their
home and business during the
Depression; her father was hospitalized
with tuberculosis; and
her mother was pregnant.
As the oldest child, there wasn’t
any question about what she
would do. She would forego her
National Youth Administration
sponsorship at the University of
Minnesota and help out at home.
By the time things settled
down on the home front, the
world was heating up. She
worked as a waitress, cashier,
and sales clerk before taking a
position at the Federal Cartridge
Munitions Plant in
Fridley at the start of WWII.
Two years later she quit to join
the Women’s Army Air Force,
where she worked in the chemi-
Cay Kroeten
cal warfare and counter intelligence
offices.
Her initial post secondary accomplishment
came two years after
the war when she received a
cosmetology diploma from the
Parisian School of Beauty in Minneapolis.
Married four years later,
she and her husband moved to International
Falls in 1951 where
she worked in the office of Century
Motor Freight for 24 years.
It was then that the ember of
learning caught the wind of opportunity
to ignite a lifelong flame.
“I had been ‘clubbed’ to death,
and had finished all the service
work I wanted to do,” Kroeten
remembered. “I had a chance to
take two classes at Rainy River
Community College, photography
and conversational German.
“Gradually I took another
course, then another. As
long as I was taking
classes, I figured I might
as well work for something.
After I finished
one certificate program,
I started another.”
The first certificate, as
an account clerk, came
in the spring of 1977
while her last degree at
Rainy River was an associate
in science degree
in human service technology.
In between she earned degrees
or certificates in such areas
as marine and small engine mechanics,
nursing, business machine
and computer repair technology,
and Ojibwe.
“Eventually I had just about
taken them all,” she said. “At
about that time Bemidji State
started offering the elementary
education degree in International
Falls, so I enrolled.”
As part of its distance learning
effort, BSU began offering programs
to sites away from campus.
Students from the Twin Cities to
International Falls and from East
Grand Forks to Duluth now enroll
in courses that are delivered
in a variety of methods.
Kroeten was one of those
served. “None of the students
were traditional-aged students,”
she remembered. “They were
from all age groups. Some had
families; some had jobs. And we
became close because it was a lot
of hard work.”
Her work paid off last May
when she received her bachelor’s
degree, ending a 60-year pursuit
of a dream.
Was it an ending? For most
graduating seniors, the bachelor’s
degree marked the beginning of
their future. Kroeten was no different;
she still had a dream.
“I plan on teaching,” she stated
as if it was the expected response
from a member of the class of
1998. “The teachers at Falls Elementary
or St. Thomas Parochial
School are always happy to
have me come over and help. I
like working with younger children,
up through the sixth grade.
There’s always something I can
add to what they’re learning.”
That’s just one lesson she
can teach to a third-grader, or
a college student, or a 40-year
old ... ■
A Publication for Alumni & Friends of Bemidji State University
Horizons
Cay Kroeten joined the Class of 1998 for the traditional commencement march.

Horizons Page 2
Brewing Up
a Novel Career
You won’t see a Swedish bikini
team touting St. Croix Beer Company
brews.
The brewer doesn’t have funny
frogs for mascots, and they don’t
sponsor professional sporting
events.
When you’re one of the “little
guys,” St. Croix President Karl
Bremer notes, you’ve got to make
your reputation on the quality and
distinctiveness of your beers. And
Bremer has achieved both with
his St. Croix Maple and Serrano
Pepper ales, award-winning beverages
that are brewed and
bottled by the August Schell
Brewing Company in New Ulm.
Since Bremer turned his home
brewing hobby into a full-time
professional pursuit in 1995, he
has learned the ins and outs of the
beer-making business as well as
the ups and downs of trying to
compete in a highly competitive,
sometimes cut-throat industry.
Along the way he’s found that his
degree in mass communication
from Bemidji State has helped
him distinguish St. Croix ales
T“
Brewing
Surrounded by maple trees on the shore
of the St. Croix, Karl Bremer unbottles
one of his award-winning beverages.
here are a lot of ups and downs, but when
you go to a beer fest and someone says,
‘You’re my favorite beer here,’ that makes
it all worthwhile.” Karl Bremer
from the rest of the pack.
A former editor of the Northern
Student, Bremer made his living as
a journalist and freelance writer
after graduation from BSU in
1978. He worked for several
small town newspapers in Minnesota
and Montana.
He then spent five years editing
a magazine for the Minnesota
Public Interest Research Group.
A stint editing a national airline
magazine followed, and Bremer
has continued to do freelance
travel and music writing. He is
currently working on an updated
guide to the Twin Cities.
It was in the early 1990s, while
living near Stillwater with his
wife Chris (Hanson, ’78), that he
began to think about taking his
hobby of home brewing to a
higher level. He’d begun home
brewing in the late 1980s and was
soon developing his own recipes
and teaching classes in the art. He
tested his recipes on friends and
students in his classes. One brew,
which incorporated a hint of
maple flavor, seemed to have the
broadest appeal. He refined the
recipe and submitted it in competition
in the 1992 Minnesota
Brewfest; it won a silver medal,
and Bremer decided it was time
to go commercial.
It wasn’t long,
however, before
Bremer discovered
that fine-tuning
the balance of
ingredients in his
beer was simple
compared to dealing
with the mass
of red tape, bureaucracy,
and requirementsrequired
by the Bureau
of Alcohol,
Tobacco, and Firearms,
which regulates
the industry.
“The BATF
wasn’t equipped
to cope with the
microbrew revolution,”
Bremer
notes. “They are
used to dealing
with a few huge
breweries, and when all the new,
small labels started appearing
they were way behind the curve.”
Forces within the industry also
created obstacles. Bremer’s
maple ale is created through a
process developed in the 19th
century in California. Called
steam style beer, it is “the only
true American beer style,” according
to Bremer. Unfortunately,
the term “steam style” was copyrighted
by the Anchor Steam Beer
Company, which aggressively
blocks any label that it believes
infringes on their rights. So
Bremer’s original name for his
brew, “Steamaple,” had to be
abandoned in favor of St. Croix
Maple Ale. “In retrospect, it’s
probably a more marketable name
anyway,” shrugs Bremer.
Even after these hurdles were
overcome and Bremer had contracted
with August Schell Brewery
to process and bottle the ale,
challenges remained. Regulations
governing the distribution of alcoholic
beverages are even more
complex and stringent than those
covering its production, Bremer
learned. “Selling beer isn’t like
selling books or newspapers,” he
explains. “You can’t just go out
and market your product. It’s required
that beer be channeled
through distributors, and distributors
have designated territories.
So you have to contract with multiple
distributors to get your product
out there.”
Fierce competition among
microbrewers and the influence of
the major breweries add to the
frustrations. “Naively, we thought
that distributors actually promoted
your beer. In fact, it’s rare
that you find a distributor who is
really interested in pushing your
product,” says Bremer. “Distributors
are constantly being bombarded
by new beers, all fighting
for the same small space on the
shelves. And the big guys pressure
wholesalers not to sell
smaller competitors’ product.”
Nevertheless, Bremer was
pleased to see the first barrels of
St. Croix Maple Ale debut in August,
1995. Getting on Schell’s
production schedule was a coup,
Bremer reveals. “We’re very up
front about the fact that our beer
is brewed in New Ulm. Schell’s
has a great reputation, and that’s
a selling point for us.”
Last year St. Croix Beer Company
introduced its second flavored
beer, the Serrano Pepper
Ale. While admitting that “it’s not
the easiest beer to sell,” Bremer
notes the ale is not only tasty on
its own, but makes a great bloody
mary chaser and is a good cooking
beer for foods ranging from
omelettes to fajitas. His confidence
in the brew was bolstered
by its winning the “Golden Chile”
trophy in Chile Pepper Magazine’s
1998 Fiery Food Challenge.
While a large number of
microbrews have come and gone
over the past several years, Bremer
is proud that the St. Croix Beer
Company is still in business, despite
an increasingly difficult marketplace.
He credits his BSU education
and his journalism experience
with helping him develop
“guerrilla marketing tactics” to
create visibility for his product.
“At Bemidji State I had course
work in writing, photography, production,
and editing. That has paid
off in spades,” he said, adding that
he creates his own advertisements
and press releases.
Other creative strategies such
as beer dinners (similar to the
more common wine dinners, in
which a different beverage is
served with each course of a
meal) have been successful. Perhaps
their best marketing technique
is participation in regional
beer fests, Bremer said. “At those
events, people who would otherwise
never taste your beer are
exposed to it.”
The St. Croix Beer Company
has yet to turn a profit, but the
Bremers are no longer subsidizing
the operation from their own
funds. Bremer is quick to credit
his wife who manages an environmental
laboratory in St. Paul,
with bringing in the family’s paycheck.
“We’re still planning to
have our own brewery some day,
but it’s not a cheap proposition,”
Bremer says. “Still, as my wife
says, if you have to lose money
it’s a fun way to do it.”
For now, Bremer is contemplating
developing a third recipe.
It won’t be a flavored beer this
time, he states, but a “more accessible”
beverage with the same
high quality as his current ales.
St. Croix Maple Ale and St. Croix
Serrano Pepper Ale are distributed
in about two-thirds of Minnesota
and in some areas of Wisconsin.
Bremer encourages anyone
interested in tasting his brew
to ask their local liquor store or
bar to carry it. Despite the difficulties
of making a go of it in the
beer business, Bremer isn’t sorry
he started. “There are a lot of ups
and downs, but when you go to
a beer fest and someone says,
‘You’re my favorite beer here,’
that makes it all worthwhile.” ■
Bemidji State University
BSU
Horizons
Vol. 14, No. 1, Fall 1998
Produced by the News and Publications
Office and the Alumni Office at Bemidji
State University, HORIZONS is published
quarterly and distributed without charge
to BSU alumni, students, faculty, staff and
other friends of the University. BSU is an
equal opportunity educator and employer.
Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Al Nohner
Designer . . . . . . . . . . . . Kathy Berglund
Photographer . . . . . . . . . . . John Swartz
President . . . . . . . . . . . . Dr. Jim Bensen
Alumni Director . . . . . . . . . Sue Kringen
Contributing Writers . . . . . . Jody Grau,
Keri Mohrer
Editorial Assistance . . . . . Peggy Nohner
Editorial Board: Dr. Jim Bensen, BSU
president; Dr. David Tiffany, vice president
for University advancement; Al Nohner,
director of news services and publications;
Sue Kringen, director of alumni relations.

Where We Are ... What We’re Doing
ALL CITIES ARE LOCATED IN MINNESOTA UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED.
1990s
Annie Johnson (’90) of Westminster, CO, is
planning a wedding for June of 1999 in St. Cloud.
Johnson completed a master’s degree in 1997 and
is working on a Becker CPA review this summer
… Becky (Lahti) Halvorson (’91) of Prescott,
AZ, is employed as a bakery manager for
Safeway Stores Inc. and her husband, Chris,
works for MCI. The couple has a daughter, 3, and
a son who is six months old … Amy (Beyer)
Swenson (’93) and Erik Swenson (’94) live in
Champlin. Amy works for American Express
Financial Advisors and Erik is a manager with
RPS in Mahtomedi. They have one son and one
daughter … Wendy Haavisto (’94) of St. Paul
was married on May 16 … Jon Langhout (’91)
and Suzy (Christianson) Langhout (’93) of
Bemidji had a baby girl, Tyra Jade, on Jan 28. Jon
was recently named digital launch manager at
Midwest Cable … Jodell Meyer (’93) lives in
Wayzata … Rhonda Lee Segler (’97) and David
John Allen Graham (’97) were married Oct. 11,
1997, at First Lutheran Church, Brainerd.
Rhonda is employed at the Crow Wing County
attorney’s office and David works with PORT
Group Homes. They live in Brainerd … Jennifer
ming. Hu attributes the preparation
he got at BSU as well as his
real-world experience at Deloitte
& Touche to his success.
“My teachers at Bemidji State
did a great job of laying out stuff
that might be on the test. Also, I
lucked out because the big problem
I was given on the test was
similar to something I had just
done for a client,” Hu said. “I’d
say my score was about 50 percent
effort and 50 percent luck.”
Despite Hu’s modesty, David
Odegaard, also a BSU graduate
and a senior vice president at
Bardal (’94)
was married
last summer
and had a baby
girl on March
27 … Wendy
Boyer (’91)
and Jane
Morgan (’91)
are Title 1
teachers at Paul
Wendy Boyer / Jane Morgan
Bunyan
Elementary
School which was selected recently as a
Distinguished Title 1 School. The award
recognizes the school for creating a partnership
with schools, parents and the community and for
professional development and coordination with
other schools. A total of 109 programs out of
54,000 in the United States received the special
recognition … Samuel Sechrist (’95) married
Tricia Teiken in June. Samuel is a U.S. Border
Patrol agent in San Diego, CA, where the couple
now lives … Diane Trevena (’91) received her
nursing master’s degree in May, graduating with a
4.0 GPA. She plans to move to the Florida Keys to
Horizons Page 3
Top Score
highest score in the state.
Bemidji State Gradis top CPA Scorer
Recently the accounting firm of
Deloitte & Touche sent a postcard
to its clients, asking, “Which top
accounting firm has the top scorer
on the Minnesota CPA exam?”
The answer, of course, is
Deloitte & Touche, and the answer
to the question, “Which university
graduated the top scorer
on the Minnesota CPA exam?” is
Bemidji State University.
The top scorer is Xihao Hu, a
1997 graduate of BSU’s accounting
program. A native of Shanghai,
China, Hu garnered the highest
score among the approximately
800 who took the test in
Minnesota in 1997. He also
ranked in the top 120 who tested
in the entire nation last year. Hu
took the exam last November
while already working for
Deloitte & Touche in Minneapolis,
having interned with the firm
while still a student at BSU.
Hu describes his achievement
as a “sweet surprise,” and though
he expected to pass the exam, he
was stunned to have scored so
high. “When I started the test, I
was kind of freaked out because
it was such a big auditorium and
there were so many other people
there,” he recalled. “Also, two of
the proctors of the test were senior
partners at my firm. That
added to the pressure!”
Hu had taken a course to prepare
for the test, but couldn’t attend
all the classes because of his
busy work schedule. He admits
that for 10 days prior to the exam
he huddled in his room, cram-
Xihao Hu
Deloitte & Touche, explained
how remarkable his achievement
really is. “To get the highest score
on the exam is a great accomplishment,”
Odegaard commented.
“But when you consider the fact
that he was an international student
who had to master the English
language at the same time he
was pursuing a degree in accounting,
it’s even more amazing.”
Bemidji State grads have always
performed well on the
exam, nearly doubling the national
pass rate every year. Hu is
the sixth BSU graduate to earn the
work as a nurse practitioner and currently lives in
Pompano Beach, FL … Kevin Abrahamson
(’90) has been hired as a K-12 site administrator
with the Cook schools. He has worked 18 years in
McIntosh as an English, speech and theater
teacher at the Win-E-Mac School District …
Rick Williams (’94) attends the University of
Minnesota – Carlson School of Management.
He’s working on a master’s in finance and
strategic management … Greg R. Bernard (’92)
of Peru, IL, won a cash award in the 1998
Literature Competition sponsored by the Central
Illinois Chapter of the National Society of Arts
and Letters. The competition challenged
nonprofessional writers, age 19-29, to create a
uniquely American character in prose fiction,
verse or drama … Cathy (Paslawski) Osterman
(’97) recently was named assistant director of the
Kampeska Heritage Museum in Watertown, SD
… John Kostynick (’97) was recently engaged
to Ann Colligan. He is employed by the Staebler
Financial Services of Perham … Renee McNelly
(’94) and Tom Andresen (’92) were married at
Couples Resort in Ocho Rios, Jamaica, on March
3. Renee teaches fourth grade at Riverside
Elementary School, Brainerd, and Tom teaches at
Franklin Junior High School in Brainerd. The
couple lives in Nisswa … Dennis Weimann
(’90) is KAWE news director and anchor of the
public television station’s new nightly news
program. He spent three years with a CBS
affiliate in Minot, ND, and most recently worked
four years at KVLY-TV in Fargo, ND … Jason
Leon Daniels (’96) was recently engaged to
Hu learned about Bemidji State
University through an article in a
Shanghai newspaper. He applied
to two schools: Bemidji State
University and a college in Hawaii.
His letter of acceptance from
BSU came first, so he chose it.
Throughout his studies his accounting
professors offered guidance
and support, Hu said. “I
talked a lot with my teachers.
They suggested auditing was a
good career path, since it is the
best place to practice all the accounting
you’ve learned.”
There are some differences between
accounting in the classroom
and accounting in the real
world, however. “Auditing is
such a different animal. Learning
T o
“ get the highest score on the exam is a great
accomplishment. But when you consider the
fact that he was an international student who had
to master the English language at the same time
he was pursuing a degree in accounting, it’s even
more amazing.” David Odegaard
it from a book and actually doing
it are totally different,” Hu
commented. “Also, the cases we
used in class were mostly manufacturing
cases. The majority of
my clients are not in manufacturing,
but in real estate, agricultural
businesses, and brokerages.”
There are some experiences
that no course work can prepare
you for. As part of his work with
agricultural firms, Hu was called
on to estimate the volume of
grains stored in elevators. The
task required him to climb out on
the roofs of the tall structures and
drop a tape measure to the
ground—a precarious position!
“I had to do 18 of those, and I was
scared to death,” he remarked.
Hu sees two possible career
paths in his future. He may continue
to work for Deloitte &
Touche for the next few years,
gradually working up to a
managerial position. Then he
might request a transfer to a
branch of the firm in China.
Alternately, he may decide to
stay in the U.S. and eventually go
to work in private industry.
For the time being, though,
he’s happy where he is. “I really
like what I’m doing right now,
and most people say the first five
years in auditing are the most
interesting.” As for climbing the
corporate ladder, Hu shrugs,
“I haven’t paid my dues yet.” ■
Amber Joy Coran. He is
employed at Sauk Rapids Middle
School …Michael T.
Sunnarborg (’97) owns Creative
Consulting in Honolulu, HI. He
is also a business instructor with
the University of Phoenix,
Hawaii campus, and a political
campaign manager … Wendy
Kloeppner (’95) recently
graduated from the University of
South Dakota School of Law and Debra A. Jelencich-Jensen with husband, Floyd and
has accepted a judicial clerkship
stepdaughters, Rosie & Michelle
with John Konenkamp, justice of the South Moriarty Municipal Schools, Moriarty, NM. She
Dakota Supreme Court … Michelle (Rissanen) has a master’s degree in elementary education
Grass (‘ 91) recently married Patrick Grass and from the University of New Mexico and is mother
the couple now lives in Las Vegas, NV … Nancy to a two-year-old son … Debra A. Jelencich-
McKenzie (’93) of Newfolden received her Jensen (’92) is in her fifth year of teaching at the
master’s of science degree in nursing from the Cuyuna Range Elementary School. She lives in
University of Minnesota and participated in Brainerd with her husband, Floyd, and two step-
graduation ceremonies at Moorhead State daughters … Tim S. Kalmer (’90) lives in the
University. She is currently a nurse manager at high Sierra country of western Nevada where he
Roseau Area Hospital and Homes … Brenda teaches higher mathematics for Washoe County
Therese May (’97) and Tyler Jon Struck (’97) School District, Reno, NV, and is on the teaching
are planning a September 5 wedding in Madison. staff at Sparks High School in Reno. During the
Brenda is employed as an assistant teacher by last school year, Tim was elected by the student
Children’s World in Shoreview and Tyler works body in an all-school election as a teacher
for the Blair Police Department in Blair, NE … representative on the Natural Helper Project,
William Peterson (’95) of Stillwater was which is a state-wide service project sponsored by
promoted in June to the position of help desk ROTC. He also organized and advises an active
analyst at Prudential’s Corporate Technology Alpine ski club for the students and created and
Services group in Minneapolis. He’s been advises a Future Teachers Club … Rick
employed with Prudential for more than two Blackburn (’95) is completing his master’s
years … Keri Klein (’91) teaches third grade at
(Continued on page 4)

Horizons Page 4
Larry Aitken
In American higher education
today, one trend that is catching
the attention of both the private
and public sectors is the growth
and impact of the tribal college
movement.
Just 30 years ago, there wasn’t
a single tribal college in existence.
Influenced by policies of
assimilation and educational philosophies
that extracted students
from reservations, education became
a means of submission
rather that opportunity.
Today there are 29 tribal colleges
serving more than 20,000
students in 12 states. Founded
and controlled by tribes, these
schools are run by Native Americans.
And, according to a recent
report by the Carnegie Foundation,
“More than any other single
institution, they (tribal colleges)
are changing lives and offering
real hope for the future.”
To peoples from diverse cultures
and backgrounds, education
has long been viewed as a vehicle
that can carry a society forward.
But for many American Indians,
the role of education in their lives
Where We Are ... What We’re Doing
(Continued from page 3)
degree in counseling from the University of
Wisconsin, Oshkosh, and plans to graduate in
December. He works with autistic children, using
applied behavioral analysis techniques. He’s been
married to Kris Tommervik for two years … Kris
Tommervik (’95) lives in Oshkosh with her
husband, Rick Blackburn. She is an accountant for
Warehousing of Wisconsin … Sonia Yip (’91) and
Roel Coenders (’91) recently celebrated their first
wedding anniversary. The couple met at BSU in
1988 and both graduated with business degrees in
May 1991. Sonia and Roel completed master’s
degrees at the University of Kentucky. Roel is now
a marketing manager of an international
biochemical feeding company and Sonia is a
senior financial analyst of an insurance company
Sonia Yip and Roel Coenders
focused less on growth and more
on subversion — to survive, they
had to forego their traditions and
become white.
Coupled too often with poor
preparation, the results of attempts
into mainstream post secondary
education led to students
dropping out at a rate that
climbed to two or three times the
national average and reached 90
percent at some colleges.
A shift in federal policy away
from paternalism and toward self
determination among indigenous
people over the past few decades
opened the door for the tribes to
create their own future, including
post secondary options.
The pattern they followed was
the community college, where philosophies
of open enrollment,
community development and job
training satisfied critical needs.
Located on the reservations, the
tribal colleges also integrated heritage
into a curriculum that included
math, science, English composition,
and American history.
“Adding a cultural and a spiritual
component to tribal colleges
was a way to enhance the move-
… Bertha Walters (’96) and Sheldon Langager
(’97) announced their engagement. Bertha is
employed at Herberger’s in Bemidji and Sheldon
is an aquarium curator at Cabela’s in Owatonna
… Holly Evenwoll (’94) announced her
engagement to Dean Flansburg. Holly is
employed at the Bemidji Senior Center … Scott
Schoneck (’97) was recently engaged to Kaylyn
McKinley … … Kathryn (Kleven) Nordine
(’98) of Roosevelt will teach K-12 music this
school year in Goodridge and her husband, Mike
Nordine (’96) will teach high school social
studies in Thief River Falls at Lincoln High
School … Brian Cin (’92) of Eagle River, AK,
plans an August wedding with his fiance Nancy
Laboy. The wedding will be conducted on a
halibut fishing charter out of Nome, AK, to be
followed by a fishing excursion for the wedding
party … Misty Miranda Bauman (’97) and
Eric Benjamin Jobe (’98) were recently married
during ceremonies in Bemidji. Eric will be
teaching in Mora this fall and the couple will
reside in Ogilvie.
1980s
Arlene Schwerzler (’85) was recently selected
as consumer manager at the Winona main office
of Norwest Winona, a company she’s been
employed with since 1986. She is a member of
the United Way, Winona Area Chamber of
Commerce and Central Lutheran Church and
lives with her husband, Tom, and their two
children … Nikki Hollinbeck (’80) of Nisswa
was recently presented with the Minnesota
Tribal Colleges
Education with a Passion
ment,” said Larry Aitken, a BSU
graduate who helped found and
now serves as president of Leech
Lake Tribal College.
The combination of a nurturing
educational environment, familiar
surroundings, and a system that
valued diversity has paid dividends.
One study showed placement
figures that ranged from 85
to 93 percent at three colleges on
reservations where the unemployment
rates hovered in the 60 percent
range. Recent research
showed that graduates of tribal colleges
had a completion rate above
80 percent after they transferred to
baccalaureate institutions.
“Mainstream academy approaches
education a little like
airlines overbook seats,” said Dr.
Holly Youngbear-Tibbetts, a
BSU alumna who left her teaching
post at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens
Point last year to
Dr. Holly Youngbear-Tibbetts
Department of Natural Resources’ Water Patrol
Deputy of the Year Award for her accomplishments
in boat and water safety in 1997. Along with
her work on boating, Hollinbeck is a DNR
volunteer firearms safety instructor and
snowmobile safety instructor and was recently
certified to teach bow hunting education. A peace
officer since 1995, she previously worked for the
Pequot Lakes Police Department … Stella
Bowland (’88) has resigned from the Alexandria
School Board to pursue a law degree in St. Paul.
She was first elected to the board about five years
ago and was re-elected to a four-year term 18
months ago. Bowland intends to study law at the
William-Mitchell School of Law in St. Paul,
starting this August … Mark Kurtzahn (’82) and
his wife, Lesley Williamson (’83) live in
“America’s horse country,” Crestwood, KY, with
their two daughters. Mark flies for UPS as a
captain on a B-727. He completed 12 years with
the U.S. Marine Corps, achieving the rank of
major … John Martin (’88) teaches welding at
Western Wisconsin Technical College in
LaCrosse, WI. He lives in LaCrescent with his
wife, Gail …William E. Dimmel (’86) of Anoka
was recently married and is self-employed as a
programming consultant. His business is Online
Dynamics, Inc … Paul Bergly (‘ 86) lives in New
Hope with his wife, Karen, and sons, Mathew and
Jonathan. Paul is producing a compact disc,
“Winds of Mars,” featuring piano music by Bach
and the winds of Mars, as compiled from digital
data received from the Mars Pathfinder …
Rebecca (Sarberg) Sarkela (’85) of Duluth
become development director at
the College of the Menominee
Nation in north central Wisconsin.
“They admit more students
than they are likely to graduate,
and strategies are geared for
weeding out students. The goal of
tribal colleges is not to weed out,
but to work with each student
until they reach their full academic
potential.”
Aitken agrees. He left a position
at the University of Minnesota-Duluth
to teach 43 part-time
students in the first class at Leech
Lake Tribal College. Now the enrollment
is 370 full-time students.
“There’s a necessity for tribal
colleges in Indian country,”
Aitken said. “The indigenous
community always felt it was better
to raise the community up
three inches rather than lift one
or two individuals up a foot.
“Tribal colleges have the inherent
philosophy of raising everyone
— not only the eager and the
good, but also the ill-prepared and
those on hard times.”
That Indian people are finding
success comes as no surprise to
Youngbear-Tibbetts. “The ancestors
were people of sense, were
culturally conversant, used critical
analysis, were linguistically
competent, and were naturally
given to empirical methods to
make sound decisions,” she commented.
“These are the abilities
that will be needed in the future.”
works as a financial counselor at Miller Dwan
Medical Center. Her husband, Scott, works as a
district rep for Lutheran Brotherhood. The couple
has two sons … Kevin Newton (’82) of Glenboro
teaches high school, coaches and officiates
volleyball as a Level IV National official … Mike
and Karen (Duebbert) Eischens (’83) live in
Excelsior … Karen (Baumann) Bernsdorf (’87)
of Meadowlands works in customer service for
Schneiderman’s Furniture, helps run a family
business and is mother to three … Susan
(Warnke) Carlson (’89) lives in Cottage Grove
… Paul Olson (’85) enjoys teaching in Moose
Lake where he lives with his wife, Shelly, son,
Andy, 4, and daughter, Dana, 2 … Karen
(Larson) Halver (’85) and her husband, Jim,
recently bought more land adjacent to their home
north of Detroit Lakes. Jim works for MN/DOT
and Karen stays home with sons, Brander, 5,
Drake, 3, and Korgen, 1 … Fran (Bailey)
Houghton (’82) of Lakewood, CO, and her
husband spent the last year working in Tajikistan,
a country in Central Asia, and traveling around
Europe … Joe Fischer (’83) of Apple Valley
works at Lockheed Martin, Eagan, and enjoys
softball, hockey and hunting … Harry Hunt (83)
and Margaret Hunt (’83) live in Wayzata …
Brenda Ness (’86) of Eden Prairie works for
Deluxe Corporation. She’s married and has two
daughters, 5 and 8 … Paul Meskan (’86) and his
wife, Jill Meskan (’84), live in Minneapolis. Paul
spent ten years with the Ramsey County Sheriff’s
Department and is currently on loan to the state as
an investigator with the Minnesota Gang Strike
The future is of great concern
to tribal colleges, both for their
students and for their own survival.
As with much of higher
education today, budgets are extremely
tight and staffing lean.
Contrary to public perception,
the tribal colleges are not
fully funded entities. Their operations
are supported by a
combination of tribal resources,
grants, gifts and federal appropriations
that averaged just
$2,900 per student in 1995.
For the communities that have
invested in tribal colleges, the
results extend beyond the normal
benefits of a trained workforce.
With a focus on culture, the tribal
colleges have become a safeguard
of the traditions and old
ways. They have moved into
community development and initiated
research programs relevant
to the reservations.
Just as important, they have
become reservoirs of calm in often
politically charged environments.
As the Carnegie study reported,
the tribal college was the
most stable and most politically
independent institution on many
reservations.
“Every tribal college has an element
that is central to its identity
and mission,” said Youngbear-
Tibbetts “We’re contributing to
the infrastructure of Indian country
— with a passion.” ■
Force … Elise Kines Hughes (’84) lives in
Chester, VA, with her husband, John, and their
three children. She is working on a master’s
degree in teaching … Becky Messenger (’81) of
Nashotah, WI, owns and operates a dance studio in
Waukesha, WI. She teaches social and
competitive ballroom dance to adults and children
and runs a ballroom competition every April - the
Wisconsin State Dance Sport Championships.
She’s been married for 14 years to her husband,
Dan, and the couple has three children … William
Yerbich (’87) was recently engaged to Lori Baker
… Mary Jo Mrazek (’82) and her husband, Tim,
are the new owners of Lake Region Paint and
Mary Jo and Tim Mrazek
Decorating at 405 Beltrami Ave., which offers
interior decorating ideas, carpet, tile, paint,
laminates, floor covering, wallpaper and counter
tops … Jim Hecimovich (’88) is the new principal
of Hayfield Elementary School. “The principal

Retirements
Faculty Retirements
Close Out Teaching Careers
sets the tone of the building. I want that to be
positive and upbeat,” he said. Jim lives with his
wife, Heidi, and their two daughters. Heidi is a
teacher’s assistant at Sumner Elementary School
in Austin … Tom Hein (’87) and Barb
(Maroney) Hein (’87) live in Sauk Rapids with
their two children. Tom is the visual communications
technician for the St. Cloud School District
and Barb is the direct mail coordinator for
Bankers Systems Inc. in St. Cloud. She also hosts
the company’s Compliance Basics Video Series
… Jean Zielske Vroman (’85) manages a bar and
grill in Faribault where she lives with her
husband, Dave, and their 11-month-old son,
Adam … Elizabeth Mulvihill (’88) teaches
physical education at Olson Middle School in
Minneapolis … Tracy (Ochsner) Treanor (’87)
works as a training manager for Aetna U.S.
Healthcare in Minneapolis. She was married in
October … Melvina Thomsen (’89) is the new
Teen Age Parent Progam/Infant Development
coordinator for Kootasca Community Action. In
the new position, Thomsen will work half-time
with TAPP in collaboration with School District
318, funded through a grant from the Northland
Foundation. The Infant Development Program is
funded through the Department of Children,
Families and Learning, to facilitate infant
development programming for School Districts
317, 318 and 319 … Kevin McAlpin (’83) of
Orangevale, CA, manages a company providing
educational videos to schools across the U.S. and
Canada. Since he started with the company, the
business has grown into a multi-million dollar a
Faculty with over 380 years of teaching experience at Bemidji State
University joined the ranks of the retired during the past year. The 13
faculty who closed out their careers at BSU included (name, title,
first year at BSU):
Lee Ahlbrecht, associate professor of physical education, 1968;
Dr. Thomas Boates, professor of chemistry, 1966;
Dr. Paul Brandvik, professor of music, 1967;
Dr. Kirt Dreyer, professor of chemistry, 1965;
Dr. Art Gullette, professor of business administration, 1967;
Jay Johnson, assistant professor of industrial technology, 1967;
Dr. Don Kraft, professor of biology, 1969;
Dave Miller, professor of computer science, 1982;
Elmer Nies, a reading specialist, 1969;
Dr. Spero T. Thomaidis, associate professor of history, 1965;
Pat Trihey, professor of biology, 1965;
Dr. Duane Sea, professor of physics, 1968;
Mary Kay Smith, assistant professor and librarian, 1973;
Additional staff and administrative retirements during the year included
Dr. Judy McDonald, dean of the College of Arts and Letters;
Al Evans, senior electronics technician; Dick Lueben, academic computing
assistant; Del Wiebolt, electrician supervisor; and Kay McCune,
administrative assistant to the president.
year operation, which has increased staffing from
three to 26. Kevin made his first attempt at writing
and directing a movie earlier this year and it is now
being sold. He has been married for 11 years and
has two daughters, ages 6 and 5 … Dave Looby
(’83) is one of few people who can list Kermit the
Frog as an employment reference. A dozen years
before beginning his new position as president/
CEO of the North Hennepin Chamber of
Commerce, Looby was spokesman for the world’s
most famous amphibian. Following his 10-month
stint as an administrative assistant on the traveling
stage production of the Puppet Show, he worked
for the Viking Council of the Boy Scouts of
America for six years and in several other
promotional and sales positions. He was hired to
his new position with the Chamber in March …
Roy C. Booth (’89) owns B&B Comics, Books &
Games of Bemidji and recently had his 13th play
published. His plays have been produced in over
180 cities world-wide and in such countries as
Canada, the United Kingdom, France,
Switzerland and Australia. A theater troupe in
China plans to perform some of his plays in early
1999 … Glen Heppner (’84) lives in Ventura, CA,
where he works as an actor. Projects include parts
in several television shows and a movie to be
released in theaters this fall. He is currently
working on a new television series to air in
September … Robbin Johnson (’84) of Walnut
Creek, CA, is a sales specialist with GE Capital
Fleet Services. The Walnut Creek office services
the San Francisco Bay area. Robin is an avid
runner and has completed four Twin Cities
marathons … Brent Harrison (’89) of Eugene,
OR, has worked as a recreation and intramural
director for the past five years in Oregon … Debra
Baker (’85) recently reported for duty at National
Naval Medical Center, Bethesda, MD. She joined
the Navy in April … David Schnell (’83) is a Navy
lieutenant commander. He recently helped the
guided missile cruiser USS Vincennes win the
Pacific Fleet’s 1997 Wellness Award (Green “H”).
Schnell’s ship received the award for implementing
health programs to improve the lifestyle and
health of USS Anzio sailors. Two of the most
visible and productive programs responsible for
winning the award were the smoking cessation
program and a healthy foods initiative. Based in
Yokosuka, Japan, Schnell’s ship is one of the most
powerful warships ever put to sea. Its crew
recently participated in exercises with the
Republic of Korea Forces, intended to improve
operating procedures between the U.S. and
Republic of Korea forces … Lisa (Schmutzer)
Stichert (’86) works for ADP Dealer Services as
manager of training for North America. She lives
with her husband and two daughters in Island
Lake, IL … Dianna Kaye DeGeest (’86) is
pursuing an electrical construction degree to
supplement her job experience and training
gained with the Cass County Electric Cooperative
in Fargo, ND. She worked on a database plant
inventory project for the engineering department
of the cooperative for six months and was then
hired as an engineering assistant. Dianna’s prior
experience includes six years in law enforcement
and as a private investigator … Jim Minerich
(’87) was selected by his faculty colleagues as
Pequot Lakes Schools teacher of the year in
March. The Pequot fifth-grade teacher has
brought science into the classroom with a handson
style. Animal mounts, nature specimens and
even live critters are used as learning devices. In
recent years, Minerich has used computers and the
Internet extensively in his teaching. He’s been
awarded an Environmental Quality Award, serves
as a member of the Minnesota Science Best
Practice Program and on the science licensure
panel for the Minnesota State Board of Teaching.
He is currently serving on the Breezy Point City
Council until the year 2000 and also served a term
on the council from 1982 to 1986 … Mark
Fodness (’82) has been honored as the Coleen
Yatckoske Minnesota Middle Level Educator of
Jim Minerich
Horizons Page 5
Charitable Gift Annuity
A Charitable Gift Annuity is a great way to make a major gift to Bemidji
State University and also get additional income and tax benefits for
yourself and/or someone else. It’s a win-win for everyone!
Mr. John Smith - Age 79 Mrs. Jane Smith - Age 75
Property
Value $10,000
Cost 10,000
Gain $00
➞
7.50% Annuity
Principal
$10,000
➞
BSU
$5,000
1 Gift property to charity. Donor
receives contract for
annuity payments. Income
tax deduction of $4,071
Two Lives (Approximate Value)
may save $1,140.
2 Annuity of $750.00 for two
lives. Tax-free amount
$405.75. Estimated payout
in 14.6 years $10,950. Effective
payout rate 10.2%.
3 Annual payments for two
lives. Property passes to
charity with no probate
fees. There are also no
estate taxes, if married.
For more information on charitable gift annuities, please contact the BSU
Foundation at 1-888-234-5718 (toll free) or 755-2876 (in the Bemidji area).
This educational illustration is not professional or legal advice; consult a tax advisor
about your specific situation.
➞
BSU Foundation $10,000 Single Life Gift Annuity
Age Guaranteed Annual Annuity Tax-Free Charitable Effective
Income Rate Portion Deduction Rate of Return*
60 $670.00 6.7% $278.72 $3,395.00 8.6%
65 $700.00 7.0% $318.50 $3,788.13 9.2%
70 $750.00 7.5% $377.25 $4,153.08 10.1%
75 $820.00 8.2% $455.10 $4,539.00 11.4%
80 $920.00 9.2% $559.36 $4,965.00 13.2%
85 $1,050.00 10.5% $716.10 $5,415.00 15.7%
BSU Foundation $10,000 Two-Life Charitable Gift Annuity
Age One/Two
Person
65/60
Guaranteed Annual
Income
$640.00
Annuity
Rate
6.4%
Tax-Free
Portion
$264.32
Charitable
Deduction
$2,845.00
Effective
Rate of Return*
8.1%
70/65 $670.00 6.7% $303.51 $3,147.00 8.6%
75/70 $700.00 7.0% $349.30 $3,611.00 9.3%
80/75 $750.00 7.5% $411.00 $4,077.00 10.3%
This chart provides examples based on a $10,000 gift annuity, assuming a 28% effective tax rate.
The same ratios apply to a gift of any size.
*Effective rate of return is a calculation that combines the gift annuity rate with the impact of the charitable tax deduction.
the Year. He teaches seventh grade social studies
and history at Bemidji Middle School and was
chosen from a field of 11 finalists by a selection
committee during an interview in St. Cloud. The
award is given annually to a teacher, counselor or
administrator in a Minnesota organization that
encompasses some combination of students in
fifth through ninth grades. It is sponsored by the
Minnesota Association of Middle Level
Educators to recognize “outstanding middlelevel
educators who inspire others through the
dedication and commitment to a responsive
learning environment” … Chuck Auger (’87), a
Bemidji High School teacher, recently completed
a three-day teacher education seminar titled
“Lignite – Our Regional Resource: Energy,
Economics and Environment”.
1970s
Gail (Christofferson) Martin (’71) teaches
fourth grade in Hokah. She and her husband,
John, live in LaCrescent … Dan Skaja (’71) is a
principal with the Minneapolis School District.
He’s been married for 26 years and has three
grown children … Gary Mills (’74) has
announced his candidacy for sheriff of Hubbard
County in this fall’s election. Mills has been a fulltime
police officer for 23 years and has worked for
Hubbard County for 19 years, beginning in 1979
as a patrol officer. Soon after, he was promoted to
his current position as criminal investigator …
Jackie Witty (’73) of Mt. Iron is a physical
education teacher and coach at Virginia
(Continued on page 6)

Horizons Page 6
Alumni Relative
Scholarship Winners
Scholarships
Freshmen
Michael Bessler, Lake George
Alison Blessing, Bemidji
Andrea Brennan, West Fargo, ND
Tyler Burke, Brainerd
Eric Carlson, Bemidji
Lindsey Collyard, Bemidji
Jonathan Crowe, Grand Rapids
Rachael Erickson, Bemidji
Alicia Goodyear, Bemidji
Jonathan Herschbach, Bovey
Kristin Kobilka, Bemidji
Nicholas Lentz, Good Thunder
Cheri Long, Bemidji
Geoff Martinson, Sauk Rapids
Kristin Meyerson, Mounds View
Chandelle Mohr, Sartell
Brian Moon, Buffalo
Kelly Nelson, Elk River
Joshua Parks, Duluth
Daniel Sackett, Bemidji
Jared Steinke, Andover
Renee Waller, Northome
John Wiederholt, Champlin
Where We Are ... What We’re Doing
(Continued from page 5)
Secondary School. Her husband, Tom, is a social
worker supervisor and the couple has two teenage
children … M. Keith Bufis (’77) of
Brooklyn Center is employed by Environmental
Filtration Inc. as a research chemist and
operations manager. EFI will begin a joint
venture in the fall with the Center for
Environmental Studies at BSU. The company
has developed a filter to be used in storm water
Robert Aalberts / Steve DeKrey
catch basins. Other applications will be
investigated with the help of BSU students …
Robert Aalberts (’72), a Lied Professor of
Legal Studies at the University of Nevada-Las
Vegas, visited Steve DeKrey (’75), MBA
director and assistant dean at Hong Kong
Returning and Transfer Students
Valerie Almer, Bemidji
Shannon Bjorklund, St. Cloud
Nicole Black, Walker
Michael Cedergren, Lancaster
Nicole Cedergren, Lancaster
Melissa Daigle, Bemidji
Rebecca Diffley, Bemidji
Susan Diffley, Bemidji
Courtney Ehlers, Shakpoee
Jasmine Finberg, Cass Lake
Thomas Forte, Hibbing
Michelle Hanse, Bagley
Carrie Honek, Staples
Heidi Kassube, Anchorage, AK
Dana Kemper, Mahnomen
Benjamin LaVelle, Monticello
Crystal Long, Bemidji
Paul Manecke, Bemidji
Melinda McCannell, Brandon, Manitoba
Karl Myers, Hill City
Travis Nohner, Richmond
Gina Oven, Browerville
John Pietila, Lake Park
John Solheim, Bemidji
Laura Van Dorn, Bemidji
Melissa Vene, Bemidji
Julie Weis, Emily
Ursula Whiteside, Bemidji
University of Science and Technology in Hong
Kong last June ... Darlene (Berglund)
Bratager (’75) has been teaching at Clear Lake
High School in Clear Lake, WI, for the past 18
years. She has three children and is working on a
master’s degree in education … Len Bode (’71)
of Yorkton, Saskatchewan, Canada, writes that
his daughter will attend Cornell University, New
York, NY, on a scholarship … Paul Lendobeja
(’75) of Brainerd is an auto instructor at Crosby.
He’s been to Haiti eight times and Guatemala
once to help build hospitals, orphanages and
schools. He’s married and has three children …
Diane Shofner Pettis (’76) of Sebeka is
teaching and coaching in Sebeka. Her husband,
Norm, is a police chief and the couple has a nineyear-old
son … Dave Rose (’72) and his wife,
Cindy, of White Bear Lake have a daughter,
Stacy, who is graduating from college and a son,
Matt, who is graduating from high school …
David Bergstedt (’73) of Apple Valley has a
son, Tim, who will be transferring to BSU
following one year at the University of North
Dakota … Ralph Gonshorowski (’75) lives in
Washington, IA … Michael Barden (’70)
works in Maine for the Department of
Environmental Protection directing site
remediation and water quality programs. He is
married and has two daughters, ages 6 and 9 …
Kathleen (Lord) Lordbock (’76) and her
husband, Arthur, of Brainerd own Quality Roof
Systems and Hearts & Pines Equestrian Center.
The center is being expanded to provide
additional stabling for horses and in the future an
indoor riding arena. The couple’s two daughters
compete in dressage shows … Denny Sauter
(’70) lives in Carlton and three of his five chidren
have “moved on to college (making) more room
for future marathoners” … Steve Ott (’72) of
Bowstring has been the head football coach for
the past 13 years at Deer River and has taught
science for the past 25 years … Mary Kvanvig
(’77) was cast as Lady Thiang, the king’s number
one wife, in the Grand Rapids’ Players
production of “The King and I” this spring. She is
a music teacher for the Grand Rapids and
Greenway school districts … Richard Johnson
(’73) was featured speaker at Goodridge
baccalaureate services conducted in May. The
title of his speech was “True Success.” Johnson is
a biology teacher in the Fosston school system.
He also serves as the academic coordinator and
coaches the high school Knowledge Bowl team.
This year, Johnson was named the Section 1 and
2 Knowledge Bowl Coach of the Year … Myron
Katzenmeyer (’71) is the owner of R.A. Randall
Agency, an insurance company in Little Falls.
He’s been in the business for 26 years and
specializes in farm insurance. He and his wife,
Sandy, have three sons, the oldest of which has
graduated from BSU … Phil Johnson (’79) of
Elbow Lake has been Todd County’s Housing
Coordinator since this spring. His job involves
helping low and moderate income people
become homeowners and also helping
homeowners find grants and loans to remodel
and weatherize their homes. Johnson has worked
Active Membership Requirements Changed
Beginning July 1, 1998, in order to be considered an active member of the Bemidji State
University Alumni Association, alums must make a minimum donation of $30 for an individual
membership and $50 for a joint membership a year to the BSU Foundation.
Anyone who has received 36 or more credits from Bemidji State University is automatically
a member of the BSU Alumni Association. All BSU alumni receive a quarterly copy
of HORZIONS, the BSU Alumni Association newsletter.
Active members receive many additional benefits including discounts on regular season
athletic events; a 20 percent discount on alumni merchandise; use of the A.C. Clark Library;
access to the Gillett Recreation-Fitness Center at guest rates; sponsorship of the
Alumni Relative Scholarship; and BSU computer lab privileges. Additionally, active members
receive special mailings which include invitations to special events and activities.
For more information on becoming an active member of your BSU Alumni Association
call the Alumni Office at 1-888-234-2687 or visit the BSU Alumni Website at http://
info.bemidji.msus.edu/alumni.
Team BSU successfully defended its title as champions of the Grandma’s Marathon Challenge.
Those pictured in the gray t-shirts were members of the BSU team and ran the full 26-mile
Grandma’s Marathon. Those pictured in the white t-shirts competed in the half marathon.
Pictured Back Row (left to right), Ryan Aylesworth, Brooks Grossinger,Zach Deshayes, Pat
Quinn, Hesse Miller, Tim Isakson, Dennis Bartz, Neil King, Steve Modich, Bob Conner, Ira
Batchelder, Greg Ramey. Front Row (left to right): Karen Ladig, Bryan Bouchard, Kristin
Knoshaug, Kandi Brick, Kari Chaffee, Robin Rosaen, Dick Phelps. Matt King in front of banner.
in Community Action Programs for 18 years in
Elbow Lake, the counties of Cass and Beltrami
and with Tri-CAP in St. Cloud, serving Stearns,
Benton and Sherburne counties … Larry Aitken
(’74), president of Leech Lake Tribal
Community College, was a guest speaker during
World Touch Cultural Heritage Week on the
campus of the University of Minnesota, Morris,
in late April. He spoke about water and how it
affects the American Indian community both
historically and in the present … Dave
Oraskovich (’76), an eighth-grade teacher in
Waseca, was “featured teacher” in the April 30
local paper. He was chosen because the
newspaper staff agreed he was outstanding in his
continual fight to beat the Hodgkins disease with
which he’s been diagnosed. “Being diagnosed
with cancer has made me appreciate every day
and the opportunities of each day,” the
newspaper quoted Oraskovich as saying.
“Things I once took for granted, time with my
family, feeling well and doing ordinary things,
are now valued” … Gary P. Johnson (’74) lives
in Potlatch, ID … Marlene Lewis (’70) was
selected this spring as Warroad’s 1998 Teacher of
the Year. “Teachers should take students from
where they’re at and go from there, always trying
to meet the needs of the child,” said Lewis, an
elementary teacher for 23 years. She is married to
Bill Lewis and the couple has a 16-year-old
daughter … Jan Alswager (’79) is a lobbyist for
the Minnesota Federation of Teachers. She lives
with her husband, David, and their son and
daughter in Apple Valley … Brenda
Engelbrecht (’79) was married in May of 1997
and lives in New Brighton with her husband,
Ken, and her 13-year-old son, Jonathan. She has
worked with the same restaurant management
company, Franchise Associates Inc., in Golden
Valley, for the past 19 years … Kathy
Thompson (’77) was named Nevis school’s first
teacher of the year this spring. She has been
teaching second grade in Nevis for the past 20
years. Academics and self-esteem are
Thompson’s priorities in the classroom, and her
philosophy of teaching is to make each child all
they can be … Don Hubbell (’79) and Gail
(Gilbertson) Hubbell (’78) live in North Platte,
NE, where Don works for Pfizer Inc. as a senior
sales manager and Gail is teaching school,
grades 6 - 8. The couple has called North Platte
home for the past 15 years and has two children,
ages 8 and 7 … Jane Freeburg (’78) of Anoka
has worked the last six years at Altron, a
subcontractor of PCB’s. Hobbies include
volleyball, bowling and biking … Cindy Lind
(’76) has spent the past 21 years teaching first
and second grades at Jordan Elementary
Schools. She’s been instrumental in organizing
the Jordan Elementary School science fair for
many years and serves as a member of Jordan
Elementary Site Based Council and JECED.
Lind and her husband, Kevin (’76), have two
children and are active volunteers with the
Juvenile Diabetes Foundation … Carol Russell
(74) and business partner Brian Herder own and
operate Russell & Herder Advertising & Public
Relations. Officed in Brainerd, it’s the only non

IN MEMORIAM
Martha I. Evenson (’23) of Arvada, CO
Eva Lind (’28) of Bemidji
Owen D. Morken (’34) of Denver, CO
Sonja Sorlie (’76) of Bemidji
Craig Dahl (’95) of Cromwell
Gary Worth (’68) of New London
Harold Vollen (’92) of Bemidji
Laura Wilson (’61) of Park Rapids
Thomas Myers (’89) of Coon Rapids
Thelma Dailey (’63) of Red Lake Falls
Doris M. Hermes (’59) of Bemidji
New Members Added
to Alumni Board
The Bemidji State University
Alumni Association board of directors
has two new members. Adele
(Levchak) Munsterman, a 1974
graduate of BSU and a French and
Spanish teacher at Fridley High
School, ISD #14, has been appointed
to fill out the unexpired term
of Barbara McDowell, who recently
resigned. She has served on the executive
committee of the Fridley
Education Association and has been
actively involved in the Minnesota
Education Association, where she is
currently chairperson of the North
Hennepin Uniserv, a committee representing
nine school districts.
During its April meeting, the
board approved an amendment to
the by-laws that provides for a BSU
student to sit on the board in an exofficio
capacity. The position
will be appointed annually by the
president of the BSU Student
Senate. As a result of those actions,
Arianne Maxwell, a BSU
junior who is going into law, is
the newest member of the Alumni
Association board of directors.
During its April meeting, the
Board also regretfully accepted
Barbara McDowell’s resignation.
Barb has loyally served alumni
and the university as a board
member since 1987.
Twin Cities agency to be ranked among the top 25
in Minnesota by City Business, earning 13 th place
with a $2.4 million gross income in fiscal 1997.
The company has grown from 20 to 52 employees
in the last three years.
1960s
Jerry Riewer
Jerry Riewer (’60) and his wife, Maryann, live in
Staples where they are enjoying their family,
which has grown to include six grandchildren …
Leroy Larson (’61) performs with the Minnesota
Scandinavian Ensemble, a group which he
founded in 1974. He grew up in a Scandinavian
community in Clearwater County and was
influenced by musical parents, relatives and
neighbors. The ensemble has toured the Midwest
Communiques
Communiques
from BSU alumni
AND SUE KRINGEN, DIRECTOR OF ALUMNI RELATIONS
1948 Class Reunion! Hey, Class of 1948
I’d like to hear from you. I am working with the Bemidji State University Alumni
Association and am planning a 50-year class reunion during BSU’s Homecoming.
Our Alumni Association will be sponsoring a reception at the David Park House
on Friday, September 25, 1998, and there is no charge to you! But, we need to hear
if you are planning to attend. I hope you will consider joining your former classmates.
I certainly would look forward to seeing you again and to catching up on
what paths you have taken since leaving our alma mater. If you have any questions
or if you want to RSVP, contact the Alumni Office at 1-888-234-2687 (toll free).
See you in September!
Louis Marchand, chairman of the 1948 BSU class reunion
1958 Class Reunion
Where has the time gone? It seems like yesterday that we were walking through
the “hallowed halls” of good ol’ BSU. Remember the night strolls through Diamond
Point Park? How about those great football games at the stadium? We thought
it would be fun for the Class of 1958 to get together for a 40-year Reunion and
reminisce about those great years! We have volunteered to co-chair the event and
hope to hear from 1958 classmates! We have reserved the American Legion Club
for a class reception on Friday night, September 25, 1998, which, by the way,
coincides with Bemidji State University’s Homecoming! Your BSU Alumni Association
will be sponsoring the reception and there will be no charge to you. All we
need is you and then we’ll guarantee a great time “will be had by all”! We think we
graduated with a great class and we’d like to see you! Please RSVP to the BSU
Alumni Office by calling 1-888-234-2687 (toll free). See you in September (sounds
like a song!). Buck Buchanan and Don Campbell,
co-chairs of the 1958 BSU class reunion
The Metrodome Classic
Mark your calendars and plan to join alums, friends of BSU and family members
of the BSU football team to cheer them on during the “Metrodome Classic”
to be held on Saturday, November 14, 1998, at 8 p.m. at the Metrodome, where the
BSU Beavers will take on Wisconsin-River Falls. The BSU Alumni Association
has reserved the Baseball Pressbox and will be providing beverages and hors
d’oeuvres during the game.
Third Annual BSU Winter Rendezvous Planned
Calling all BSU alumni and friends of the University! The Bemidji State University
Alumni Association will be sponsoring its Third Annual “BSU Winter Rendezvous!”
on March 14-15, 1999. Last year’s event was incredibly successful!
Participants are treated to an opening registration and reception, a golf tournament
or an outing for non-golfers and a banquet and awards ceremony. The cost of the
event is $100 per person and that includes two nights lodging at the Colorado
Belle Hotel and Casino! The Alumni Office is extending an invitation to all alumni
and friends of Bemidji State University....that includes all current and former residents
of Bemidji! If you have a winter address that is different than your permanent
address, please contact the BSU Alumni Office by calling 1-888-234-2687
(toll free). We’ll see you in Nevada!
for more than 20 years. The group’s performances
include historical information,
anecdotes, humor, dialect songs and a great
diversity of sounds and styles resulting from
various combinations of instruments. The
ensemble has recorded 10 albums-cassettes, and
in 1989 they received a Minnesota Music Award.
They are regular performers on Garrison
Keillor’s “A Prairie Home Companion” radio
show and have been featured on CBS “This
Morning” … William D. Hansen (’63) of Prior
Lake has retired from a career of 35 years in
education - 18 of those as an athletic director. He
plans to play golf and spend time at his summer
home just north of Aitkin … Norbert Pastir
(’61) of Roseau retired in 1993 after 33 years of
teaching and coaching. He now works as an
insurance adjuster … Suzanne Breceda (’64) of
Montague, CA, taught high school English for
34 years and was selected Teacher of the Year in
1981. She credits Dr. Philip Sauer of BSU with
helping her “move to the next plateau” in her
life” … Norman E. Hecimovich (’60) of Austin
retired as a principal in 1995 and now is a
consultant with CFL School Support Team
Leaders. Hobbies include traveling, hunting and
fishing as well as filling posts with the VFW and
DAV … Edward Mikulich (’65) was among
nominees for the District 241, Albert Lea,
Teacher of the Year Award this spring. Currently
a sixth-grade teacher at Brookside Middle
School, Mikulich has been with District 241 for
34 years. His wife, Karen, is a media specialist in
the same school district. The couple has three
grown children … Judith Beaulieu (’64) offered a
watercolor technique demonstration this spring at
a potluck dinner of the Range Arts Center in
Hibbing … Al Reller (’65) writes as a humor
columnist for the Hibbing Daily Tribune … David
(Pete) Christianson (’69) and his wife, Paulette,
received this year’s Friend of Education Award
from the Badger Education Association. The
Christiansons own the Hartz Store in Badger. They
provide employment opportunities for students
and participate in the “School-to- Work” program.
In 1995, they were instrumental in starting and
maintaining the Main Game, a recreational center
for youth that operated until 1997. Working with
young people makes the Christiansons aware of
how different things are now than when they were
in school. “I think kids today are faced with a lot of
pressure,” Pete said. “Students at all levels are
faced with more choices and not all of them are
academic. Our roles were much simpler. We tell
them to just hang in there.” … Donald Sorensen
(’64) was featured commencement speaker this
spring for Little Falls Community High School.
Prior to his retirement, Sorensen was a high school
math teacher, athletic director and coach …
Joseph Scaletta (’65) of Winnipeg, Manitoba,
Canada, retired two years ago from a 30-year
teaching career. Since then, he’s been traveling
throughout Western Canada and the United States
and is organizing basketball competitions for the
1999 Pan American Games … Gary Burt (’64) is a
recipient of one of the 10 McKnight/ARAC Career
Development Grants recently awarded by the
Arrowhead Regional Arts Council … LeRoy
Miller (’62) recently retired from his post as Pierz
Healy High School principal. Miller retired after
36 years in education, 20 spent in Pierz. He plans
to spend time on his 160-acre farm and lake home
in Akeley and also do some hunting and fishing …
Elaine Wilbur (’69) recently retired, having
spent 29 years teaching fourth, fifth and sixth
grades at Pine Island. She’s served as Pine Island
Education Association president, negotiator and
as a delegate to the NEA convention. Retirement
plans include quilting, volunteering at church and
spending more time with her elderly mother …
Gerry Corriveau (’63) of Algonquin, IL, retired
this spring having taught economics and U.S.
history for 34 years. His wife, Arlene, has been
employed in the real estate industry for the past 25
years and Gerry will join her in that endeavor …
Dale R. Carlson (’60) of Worthington retired this
summer from his position as executive vice
president of instruction for Minnesota West
Community and Technical College. He’s spent 37
years in education, five of that in secondary
education and 32 in higher education … Lillian
Mathews (’67) recently celebrated her 80 th
birthday with a gathering at the Bemidji Senior
Center … Donald Hood (’67) of Lengby was
recently interviewed by a student participating in
the “Linkages” project. The story, recalling
Hood’s childhood years in the Lengby area, was
published recently in the Farmers Independent
Newspaper, Bagley … Dorothy Jean Millar
(’68) of Bemidji recently celebrated her 50 th
wedding anniversary with husband, Thomas …
Horizons Page 7
Dr. Brad Logan
Madrigals Set
with New Director
A holiday tradition for many
years, the 1998 Madrigal Dinners
are scheduled December 4, 5, 6, 10,
and 11 in Bemidji under Dr. Brad
Logan, who replaced the retired
Dr. Paul Brandvik as the director
of BSU choral activities.
While the Bemidji dates are set, the
Madrigals will not be staged in the
Twin Cities this winter. Among the
reasons influencing that decision was
the conversion to semesters this year
at BSU. The academic calendar conflicted
with performance dates in the
Twin Cities and would have required
the student singers to miss final exams
to make the concerts.
Music faculty and the University
administration will be exploring
options for presenting
Madrigal Dinners in the
metro area in the future.
Alumni who still
want to experience
BSU music in Minneapolis
can make plans
to attend Opera Night
on March 14 in the
Metropolitan Ballroom.
Information is
available by calling
1-888-234-5718.
1950s
Duane M. Wilson (’57) of Spokane, WA, works
as a management consultant in the human
resources field and says he has no plans to retire
… Richard D. Green (’56) of Bloomington
teaches watercolor classes and workshops at art
centers throughout Minnesota … Charles H.
Broekemeier (’55) of Cross Lake retired from
the Brainerd School District in 1991. He enjoys
golfing, hiking, biking and walking with his
wife, Donna. In winter months the couple plans a
number of cross-country ski trips … Bob
Norman (’58) has worked as a counselor at the
school in Cochrane-Fountain City, WI, since
1994, following a 30 year career as a school
counselor and teacher in Sebeka. He owns a
home in Sebeka and returns to Minnesota during
the summer months … Thomas Millar (’54) of
Bemidji recently celebrated his 50 th wedding
anniversary with wife, Dorothy Jean.
1940s
Margaret Zimmerman Johnson (’49) of
Frenchtown, MT, lives “in a beautiful little
valley in Big Sky Country.” She is retired after
30 years of teaching elementary school and has
three grown children and four grandchildren.
1930s
Wilbur “Bud” Booth (’35) lives in Bovey with
his wife of 60 years, Helen. The couple enjoys
their frequent travels, and Bud stays active
fixing things in his workshop.