Family Lines Cross - Bemidji State University

Weaver's Story, p.3
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February 4, 2005
BSU Foundation Board Meeting
March 19 – 21, 2005
BSU Winter Rendezvous,
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April 1, 2005
BSU Foundation Board Meeting
April 23, 2005
BSU Alumni Association
Board Meeting
May 12, 2005
50-Year Class Reunion of
Class of 1955
May 13, 2005
4th Annual Golden Beaver
Society Luncheon
May 13, 2005
BSU Commencement
June 3, 2005
BSU Foundation Board Meeting
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for a more complete
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on the BSU campus.
Bemidji State University Alumni Association
1500 Birchmont Drive NE, Box 17
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PERMIT NO. 9
BSU
Vol. 20, No. 2, Winter 2004-05
BEMIDJI
STATE “
A Publication for Alumni & Friends of Bemidji State University
Horizons
Family Lines Cross at
The he two maple trees grew in
fertile Minnesota soil, not far
from each other. They shared the
same nurturing environment, but
had no contact. Years passed,
trunks expanded, decades inevi-
tably succumbed, limbs reached
for open sunlight, generations
passed, and finally branches
crossed and touched.
–––––––––––––––––––––––––––
Legacy
So it was for the Wirt family and
the Hetteen family. Their family
traditions in northern Minnesota
followed similar paths, with Bemidji
State University providing a
common link through generations
of hope and, eventually, a blending
of futures.
As immigrants from Sweden,
the family of Lydia Hetteen settled
near the Minnesota-Canadian border
outside of Roseau when she
was a young child in 1889. Lydia
married, becoming Lydia Larson
and, while a housewife with three
children, found a teaching job.
She needed additional education
to stay in the classroom.
It took her and her family several
days to make the trip by horse
and buggy to the four-year-old
Bemidji State Teachers College.
While she took her fi rst classes in
the summer of 1923, she stayed in
a tent pitched in Diamond Point.
When she was finished, she
headed back north and taught for
nine years in Garland, Grimstad and
later Malung. She died in 1980.
The trips to Bemidji State by
Lydia’s relatives continued and the
family tree with ties to the school
branched out through related
generations of Lisells, Ecklunds,
Vagles, and eventually to Linda
Dick, Lydia’s granddaughter who
started at Bemidji State University
in 1985.
Mary Wirt started at BSTC a few
Family
Top left to bottom: Lydia Hetteen; Linda Dick with Birch Hall residents; Linda Brasgalla today. Top right to bottom: Mary Wirt; Judy and
Ardean Brasgalla with children at Ardean’s BSU graduation; Mary, Judy and Dan Brasgalla; Dan Brasgalla today. In front, Noah Brasgalla.
years after Hetteen had left, also
with summer school. She was obtaining
classes that would allow her
to maintain her teaching credential
and continue working at a small
schoolhouse near Baudette.
Her married name became Peggar,
and she maintained ties to Bemidji
State by taking occasional
extension classes through 1962.
She taught in Loman Elementary
west of International Falls for
35 years before she retired. She
passed away in 1998.
She was still teaching when her
daughter Judy Peggar as well as
son Lawrence Peggar both attended
what had become Bemidji
State College in the 1960s. Judy
met and married her roommate’s
brother, Ardean Brasgalla, who
also graduated from BSC.
By the time their daughter Susan
and son Dan Brasgalla came to the
same school in the early 1980s,
that fertile ground for hopes and
dreams was known as Bemidji
State University.
And the two family trees crossed,
Hetteen and Wirt joining at the
Brasgalla branch.
“Dan was just fi nishing up and I
was just starting when I met him in
Birch Hall, the same place where
his mother had met his father,”
said Linda (Dick) Brasgalla.
After Dan fi nished, he managed a
store in Bemidji where Linda also
worked. They became friends, and
were married in 1992. She is now a
customer service representative with
Impact Mailing and Fulfi llment in
Minneapolis while Dan is employed
by Asplundh Tree Experts.
“Grandma said she always enjoyed
school, but she didn’t talk
much about it,” Linda said of
Lydia. “The thing that stands out
most was her age. Going to school
when she was about 35 was very
unusual for that day and age. Also,
she had three kids at home at that
point. She must have been a very
forward-thinking person to make
that type of decision in the 1920s.
“When she was teaching, she
brought her three kids to school
for the week with her. They stayed
in a room at the schoolhouse and
went home for weekends. It was
only 20 miles away, but in that day,
it was a great distance.”
Linda decided to attend BSU because
it was close, yet far enough
away, from home. Her memories
include meeting her husband,
heated tunnels, stressing out over
7 a.m. math classes fi ve days a
week, and listening as the residents
made Tamarack the biggest
speaker around by putting all the
radios in the hall’s windows and
tuning them to the same station.
“Bemidji State is one thing that
created who I am,” Linda said. “I
can’t imagine life any different
than it is now. Although I haven’t
taught, my education degree has
helped me every day. I’ve done
quite a bit of training with my
jobs, and it’s amazing how a background
in elementary education
also works with adults.”
Continued on page 8

Horizons Page 2
Summerat BSU
A Great Opportunity and Time
“O ne of our main focuses is to encourage
our summer session students and their
families to take advantage of BSU’s terrific
natural setting while they are here. It’s also
a great time for families with high school
students to schedule a campus tour.”
Lynn Johnson
Completing graduate credits
toward a master’s degree, water
skiing, earning that extra licensure
or certification, enjoying
professional summer theater, enhancing
a resume with a specialized
course, exploring a regional
shopping center, participating in
a writer’s conference, hiking in
Itasca State Park.
At first glance, these may seem
like mutually exclusive activities.
But that impression can easily be
dispelled when the location is
Bemidji State University.
Every summer, students of all
ages return to BSU to continue
their education and many double
their pleasure in returning to Bemidji
by planning a great vacation
around their course work.
Bemidji State is putting the final
touches on a 2005 session that
extends this year from May 31 to
August 5. It features hundreds of
offerings, varying in length from a
few days to five weeks, in virtually
all disciplines.
A full undergraduate and graduate
summer schedule is offered
including workshops such as the
Minnesota Northwoods Writers
Conference, short courses, music
and sports camps and intensive
condensed-credit programs designed
to fulfill the continuing
education needs of educators.
With staggered starting dates and
differing lengths of programs,
students are able to find a schedule
that will accommodate their needs
and time considerations.
“In some cases programs are
designed specifically to meet the
needs of teachers who have time
in the summer to come for as long
as five weeks to complete course
work required for their master’s
studies or to fulfill licensure requirements,”
said Lynn Johnson,
assistant to the dean for distance
learning and summer school.
With the lake and so much more
close at hand, it’s just natural for
summer session attendees to want
to bring along their families and
BSU is ready to accommodate
them.
“One of our main
focuses is to encourage
our summer session
students and
their families to take
advantage of BSU’s
terrific natural setting while they
are here,” said Johnson. “It’s also
a great time for families with
high school students to schedule
a campus tour.”
Johnson noted that many students
who are starting school
in the fall use the BSU summer
calendar to get ahead on their
educational path by enrolling
in general education courses,
which may then be applied to
their program of study at BSU
or transferred to another higher
education institution.
She also said that a large number
of students currently enrolled in
colleges and universities attend
BSU summer classes to catch up
on their degree requirements.
The 2005 summer schedule
will be available online in mid-
December at www.bemidjistate.
edu/summersession. Registration
will begin February 7. Because
course cancellations are based on
enrollment on May 2, Johnson encourages
students to register early
to help insure that their desired
classes will be offered.
In addition to the array of educational
options, Bemidji State also
accommodates summer students
in other areas.
The Department of Residential
Life and BSU Dining Services
have opportunities for students
and their families to live and dine
on campus. Families typically stay
in two-room suites in Tamarack
Hall with the following services
provided: direct internet access,
reception desk service, study
rooms, social lounges, vending
machines and a laundry. Weekday
a la carte dining and snacks are
available on campus with meal
plans and special arrangement for
groups available.
Catering to those who want to
take advantage of BSU’s unique
natural surroundings, the Outdoor
Program Center (OPC) rents a
variety of equipment including
canoes, sailboats, sailboards,
mountain bikes and camping
equipment. The OPC also offers
clinics as well as weekend and
extended canoeing, kayaking,
rock climbing and backpacking
trips throughout Minnesota.
For indoor exercise and sports
enthusiasts, the Gillett Recreation-
Fitness Center is available to summer
students. The facility includes
both free and fixed weight rooms,
cardiovascular equipment, five
racquetball/handball courts, a swimming
pool, an aerobic/dance studio,
indoor 200-meter track and four
multipurpose courts for basketball,
tennis, volleyball and badminton.
Bemidji’s summer amenities include
the Paul Bunyan Playhouse,
extensive options for dining and
socializing, growing retail venues
both in downtown locations and
at larger mall areas, and countless
possibilities to explore the
outdoors up north in Minnesota.
Specific questions about summer
sessions at Bemidji State can be
addressed by visiting the web site
(www.bemidjistate.edu/summer)
or calling 1-800-852-7422.

It was film maker Ali Selim
on the phone one Friday in late
September, calling BSU faculty
member and author Will Weaver.
They had first met 10 years earlier
when Selim bought movie rights
to Weaver’s short story, A Gravestone
Made of Wheat.
In the decade that passed, the
two had some conversation, but
Weaver had no inclination of what
was on the director’s mind.
“He asked if my agent had told
me A Gravestone Made of Wheat
was finally going to be made
into a movie,” said Weaver, who
responded that he had not heard
about the movie. “He indicated
that it was, and by the way, shooting
was to begin on Monday.”
That call set in motion a month
of activity around Montevideo,
MN, where the filming was to take
place. A crew and cast of 60 had
assembled in the southwestern
Minnesota town with a production
schedule that included six days
per week and 12 hours per day at
various locations.
The film was tentatively titled
A Wedding Photo, and was an
adaptation of Weaver’s story
about faith and commitment as
a Norwegian immigrant farmer
and his mail-order, German bride
struggle to find love in post-World
War I rural Minnesota. Scenes
from the movie move back and
BSU
Horizons
Vol. 20, No. 2, Winter 2004-05
Produced by the Communications 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.
Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Al Nohner
Designer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Kathy Berglund
Photographer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . John Swartz
President . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dr. Jon Quistgaard
Alumni Director . . . . . . . . .Marla Huss Patrias
Contributing Writers Jody Grau, Cindy Serratore
Editorial Assistance . . . . . . . . . . . Peggy Nohner
Editorial Board: Dr Joanne Fredrickson, Jason
Swanson, Keith Marek, Ed McDunn, Al Nohner,
and Marla Huss Patrias.
A member of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities
system, Bemidji State University is an equal opportunity educator
and employer. This document is available in alternative formats
to individuals with disabilities by calling
1-800-475-2001 or 218-755-3883. 05-018
Story Weaver Story
BECOMES
FEATURE FILM
Will Weaver on location for filming of the Wedding Photo
forth from the 1920s to 1968 and
to the present.
Although the independent film
has a low budget, just over $1 million,
it has attracted a big-name
cast that includes Alex Kingston
(ER), Alan Cumming (Spy Kids,
X-Men 2, 3) Ned Beatty (Deliverance,
Showboat), Tim Guinee
(Ladder 49), John Heard (Home
Alone 1, 2), and Elizabeth Reasor
(The Mind Gap).
“This is low-budget by Hollywood
standards,” said Tom Lieberman,
executive producer of Wedding
Photo. “But don’t judge this
production by its cost. We’re really
trying to make this something beyond
an afternoon special.
“Independent films normally
Where We Are ... What We’re Doing
ALL CITIES ARE LOCATED IN MINNESOTA UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED.
1930s
Conrad Stai (’39) of Montevideo and 19 members of
his family went on a weeklong Glacier Bay Cruise in
Alaska from Sitka to Juneau in August. Four generations
of the family were represented with Conrad the
oldest at 86 and Megan Stai the youngest at 18-months.
Conrad Stai and granddaughter Megan
1940s
Otto Mickelson (’47) and his wife, Patricia, live in
Eagan.
1950s
Travis Olson (’50) lives in Hendrun where he still
does some basketball coaching and tutoring and
a great deal of fishing, hunting and gardening...
Darrell Stave (’50) of Baxter has been retired for
20 years and has been volunteering at the school in
Baxter for 15 years. He and his wife, Liz, have four
grown children... Dick Green (’56) of Bloomington
served as a juror for watercolor entries at the Fine
Arts Exhibit of the Minnesota State Fair this year.
One of his paintings was awarded the award of excellence
at the San Diego International Exhibition. He
was also honored when he was awarded master status
by the Transparent Watercolor Society of America in
Elmhurst, IL. He and his wife, Janet, have two grown
children, Kristin and Kent... John Buckanaga (’59)
and his wife, Donna, celebrated their 50th wedding
don’t get name talent like we have.
It’s hard to attract them with money,
so we got them with Weaver’s
original work, Selim’s talent, and
the power of the film script. And
this is a beautiful script.”
It was well-worked, expanding
Weaver’s original from a 25-page
short story to a 130-page script.
Comparing the process to sending
a child into the world and
not knowing who they will take
up with or how they will change,
Weaver found his story at the heart
of the Selim’s revision and was
pleased with the film version.
That process was quite different
than the last film produced from
Weaver’s writing. Red Earth,
White Earth was a full-length book
that found its story compressed to
fit a made-for-TV format.
Weaver wrote A Gravestone Made
of Wheat after he returned from
studies on the West Coast and was
teaching at Bemidji State University.
A native of Park Rapids, he had finished
a master’s degree at Stanford,
and found a way back to his Min-
Horizons Page 3
“H e asked if my agent had told me A Gravestone Made
of Wheat was finally going to be made into a movie,” said
Weaver, who responded that he had not heard about the
movie. “He indicated that it was, and by the way, shooting
was to begin on Monday.”
Will Weaver
anniversary on September 4... Lloyd Lee (’56)
and his wife, Shirley Lee, (’57), were honored as
the Experienced Americans for May at the Golden
Link Senior Center in Crookston. From 1960 until
their retirement in 1994, Shirley taught science in
Crookston while Lloyd ran the band/music program
in the Crookston schools. They have a daughter,
Sondi, and two grandsons... Robert W. Fiskum
(1958) former soccer coach at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater
had the soccer field named in his
honor in ceremonies held on September 11, 2004.
Fiskum coached the Warhawk men’s team longer
and to more victories than any other soccer coach in
UW-W history. Prior to coming to UW-Whitewater
in 1965, Bob had taught at Flint Community College
in Michigan and Palm Beach Junior College in
Florida. He and his wife Yvonne E. Siats (’54 &
’63) have residences in Wisconsin and Arkansas.
1960s
Richard Belpedio (’66) of Coon Rapids retired
in 2000 and has been enjoying substitute teaching
in area elementary schools ever since. He and his
wife, Nancy, have two children, Erin, 15, and Emile,
12. Nancy is a special education teacher... Janice
(Danielson) Lundsten (’62) retired from 32 years
of teaching in 1997 and performs in the Woodtick
Musical Theatre, Akeley, in the summers. She and
her husband, Bill, have two grown children, Randy,
36, and Rick, 34, and four grandchildren... John
Bianchi (’62) is the new principal at Humboldt High
nesota roots by writing fiction.
“I was happy that Selim bought
the film rights,” Weaver said. “He
has a reputation of doing worthwhile,
high quality work. I felt
Gravestone was in good hands.”
Selim built his experience around
commercial film assignments in
the Twin Cities, and has moved
to longer projects. His credentials
include writing, directing and producing
Emperor of the Air, which
won several awards at international
film festivals in 1996.
Weaver spent time in Montevideo
for some of the filming, and even
earned a non-speaking part as a
local farmer. The locations, settings
and scenes were realistic for
the 1920s. Montevideo included
a historic Milwaukee Road depot
and nearby were Chippewa Pioneer
Village sites, Heritage Hill with
antique farm and power machinery,
and the Swensson Farm Museum.
The film is now in the postproduction
stage, with work
scheduled to continue until ready
for release sometime in 2005.
Mary Snorek
Alan Yarwood
School. He had retired from
a career in Bloomington
Public Schools in 1998 but
“missed the kids and action
of a high school”... Mary
Snorek (’69) has retired
from a 35-year career of
teaching music with most
of that time spent in the Bertha-Hewitt
School District.
She has taught elementary
singing, theory, junior and
senior high choir, seventh
and eighth grade general
choir and swing choir. For
the last 15 years she’s
also been the video crew
advisor. She made quilts for
each of her senior choir students
during her last year of
teaching... Alan Yarwood
(’69) has retired from a
35-year teaching career. He
taught in the Eagle Valley
School District for the past
16 years and had previously taught for 19 years at the
Clarissa High School. He was selected as teacher of
the year in 1997 and had the school annual dedicated
to him in 1983... Steve Estenson (’69) was honored
this summer with the award of the National Federation
of State High Schools Association’s Citation in
Speech and Debate. The award is given to one educa-
Continued on page 4

Horizons Page 4
Sports Wrap FALL SPORTSWrap
Kristen Smith
Volleyball
Under second-year head coach
Kim Falkenhagen, BSU finished
10-21 overall and 3-11 in NSIC
play against one of the more
challenging schedules in school
history. BSU played nationallyranked
opposition nine times in
31 matches. First-year players
Brittney Burns and Brittney Carlson
were the on-court leaders for
the team, with Burns finishing
second in kills (348) and Carlson
leading the team in blocks (76).
Senior Heather Haugen became
just the sixth player in school history
to reach 1,000 career kills and
finished in BSU's career top 10 in
six statistical categories. Kristin
Smith was named First-Team
Academic All-District V, and she
led a group of five BSU volleyball
players on the Fall Academic All-
NSIC team.
Where We Are ... What We’re Doing
tor for a long-standing and distinguished record of
high school activity programs involvement each
year. Estenson, a Fergus Falls native, is the first Minnesotan
to receive the prestigious award. His teaching
career spans three decades and five Minnesota
high schools where he taught and coached speech,
debate, English and theatre. He’s also worked as an
actor with stage roles, video, television and radio
spots and completed studies in England and Ireland...
Harvey Hietala (’61) has filed for re-election
to the District 318 School Board which he’s served
on since 2001. He worked as an English teacher in
District 318 from 1967 to 1999 and from 1961 to
1967 he taught English and Russian at Oklee Public
Schools. He and his wife, Esther, have three grown
children... Ed Treska (’69) was one of three finalists
for the position of Lakeville City administrator. In
addition to four years of experience as city administrator
of Grand Rapids, he has approximately 20
years experience in various administrative roles with
Anoka County. He’s currently working on his doctorate
degree in public administration from Hamline
University and is a member of the American Society
of Public Administrators and a former City of Anoka
planning commissioner... Robert Ostlund (’66)
recently began working as interim superintendent
of schools for Wayzata. Since his “retirement” he’s
also served as the interim superintendent for North
St. Paul, Maplewood and Oakdale schools and,
following that, interim headmaster for St. Thomas
Academy... David Mowrey (’69) has retired after
spending 36 years with the Eveleth-Gilbert School
Soccer
Soccer had the most successful
season in its history, finishing 11-
12 overall and 3-4 in NSIC play.
BSU's 11 wins nearly tripled the
previous school mark (4), and the
Beavers made the NSIC Tournament
for the first time, knocking
off Concordia-St. Paul in the first
round. BSU set new standards
for goals (53), assists (49) and
points (155). Katie Meinhardt
set a school single-season record
with 14 goals, and Lindsey Natwick
became the school's career
assists leader with 17. Four BSU
players earned All-NSIC laurels,
and Christina Egnell was named
Third-Team Academic All-District
V.
Christina Egnell
District. In addition to serving as school counselor,
he also taught math classes periodically during his
career. He and his wife, Betty, have three grown children,
Paul, Jonathan and Charity... Arlene Bubar
(’64) and her husband, Butch, of Cass Lake recently
celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary... Dave
Yost (’66) retired from his position as director of
compliance with the U.S. Food & Drug Administration,
Minneapolis District, in June after serving 33
years with the agency. Prior to his retirement, he was
awarded the agency’s highest award, the FDA Award
of Merit. He also served in the Army and Army
Reserves for a total of 31 years, achieving the rank of
colonel. He was awarded the Legion of Merit upon
his military retirement. He and his wife, Nancy, live
in Brooklyn Park and have two grown children, Tara
and Eric, and one grandson.
1970s
Connie (Buck) Nieland (’77) is currently an assistant
principal at Coon Rapids High School, where
she has taught for many years. She lives in Andover
and has two children, Lance, 24, and Jaclyn, 17...
Alyce Thureen (’75) and her husband, Carroll,
recently celebrated their 54th wedding anniversary...
Orlan Echternach (’71) retired last spring as a
Central and Solway elementary school teacher
in the Bemidji School District and was named as
the Bemidji Education Association Teacher of the
Year for 2004-05. Specializing in special needs
students, he helped area elementary schools develop
Emotional Behavioral Disturbed Programs for
students. He also helped start Bemidji’s Riverside
Jeff Tesch
Football
Bemidji State
posted an eightwin
season for
just the fourth
time in school
history, finishing
8-3 under head
coach Jeff Tesch
a n d n a r r ow ly
missing a berth
in a post-season
bowl game on a
Christa Pribula
tiebreaker. The Beavers had a
school-record nine players named
All-Conference, and Tesch picked
up career win No. 54 to become
the school's all-time leader in
football coaching victories. BSU
set school records for rushing attempts,
rushing yardage and rushing
touchdowns, and finished as
the highest-scoring team in school
history. Blaine Thomas and Mitch
Feierabend earned Academic All-
District V honors, with that duo
headlining a group of five Academic
All-NSIC honorees.
School for youth from the Gilfillan Residential
Treatment Center in 1971 and coached Peewee and
Bantam hockey for 36 years in Bemidji. He and his
wife, Joyce, own a cabin on Rainy Lake where they
enjoy fishing... Julie (Gullicksrud) Zeto (’75) of
Bemidji has worked 21 years for the USDA-Farm
Service Agency in Bemidji. She and her husband,
Dennis, have one daughter, Gabrielle... Jerry
Madson (’70) is the wire editor for the Bemidji
Pioneer newspaper, and was featured as a speaker
at the newspaper’s National Newspaper Week open
house activities in October. He joined the paper
as a reporter-photographer in 1972 and soon after
that took on the position of wire editor, designing
Pioneer pages five nights a week. He is also a visual
artist with a history of exhibitions going back 30
years including several one-person shows in New
York City. He is set for another one-person show in
December 2005 in New York, and his post-modern
work has been shown in Egypt, Portugal, China,
Spain, Brazil, Japan and Sweden …Roxanne
Nawara (’73), an English-as-a-second-language
teacher at Rosemount Middle School, was one of
six employees honored by that school district for
outstanding service. Recipients are nominated
by colleagues and selected by a committee of
district employees... Maureen McCall (’74), a
social worker and parenting educator at the White
Bear Lake Area Learning Center, has been named
Minnesota Association of Alternative Programs
Staff Person of the Year. The association represents
157 alternative programs and more than 165,000
Cross Country
Cross country had a strong fall
campaign, finishing second at the
NSIC Championships and seeing
Christa Pribula and Nicole Friend
earn All-NSIC honors. Both
finished in the top five amongst
individuals at the NSIC meet.
Pribula was BSU's top finisher at
all events this year.
Men's Golf
Men's golf topped
M i n n e s o t a -
Crookston by one
stroke, 632-633,
to narrowly finish
second at the NSIC
C h a m p i o n s h i p s
behind an eighthplace
individual
finish from Allen
Zutz. Zutz shot an
80-76=156 for the tournament,
becoming the first BSU golfer
to earn All-NSIC honors since
2002. Hiraku Aoki missed All-
NSIC honors by one
stroke, finishing with
a 157. BSU grabbed
a third-place finish at
the Central Regional
Fall Invitational behind
a 76-73=149
from Toby Palmiscno,
who tied for second
individually at
the event.
students... Jim MacNeil (’77) of Coleraine was recently
appointed to the MnSCU Foundation Board
of Directors. He owns MacNeil Environmental...
James Tuorila (’79) of St. Cloud has been awarded
one of the highest honors of the Veterans of Foreign
Wars. He achieved all-American status as a district
commander for the organization, one of only 40
people to achieve that status. Tuorila, a psychologist
at St. Cloud VA Medical Center and a Vietnam
War-era veteran, is the creator of Freedom Flight,
a nonprofit organization dedicated to education
about prisoners of war and missing in action
military members. To receive the all-American
status, VFW leaders must be strong advocates
for veterans and increase membership of the
organization... Jane Linde Capistran (’79) is a
violinist and teacher at Concordia College and will
serve next year as interim concertmaster for the
Fargo-Moorhead Symphony. She also conducts
the 55-member Concordia Chamber Orchestra and
the Fargo-Moorhead Youth Symphony consisting
of nearly 100 students. She and her husband, Rod
('81), have two children, Madeline, 18, and Stuart,
14. Rod is a math instructor at Fargo North…. Rob
Reid (’78) won the 2004 Wisconsin Librarian
of the Year award and was also elected to the
American Library Association’s 2006 Newbery
Award Committee. His latest book is Cool Story
Programs for the School Age Crowd, his fourth
book published with ALA Editions. He lives in Eau
Claire, WI, with his wife, Jayne (’79), and their
four children... Tom Fisher (’78) is representing
the Woodbury Artists Guild on the Woodbury Arts
Women's Golf
Women's golf saw Tracy Depew
and Dana Hasselberg compete as
individuals in four tournaments.
The duo had perhaps their best
showing at the Concordia-Moorhead
invite, with Depew firing an
81 to finish first and Hasselberg
finishing fourth with an 85. The
duo wrapped up the season at
the Minnesota Collegiate Golf
Association State Championship,
where Hasselberg finished eighth
with an 83-82=165 and Depew
ended in a tie for 23rd with an 86-
86=172.
Toby Palmiscno
Dana Hasselberg
Connection board. He is a painter who describes his
work as semi-impressionistic and characterized by
intense colors, graphic compositions and natural
elements of design. He is also a senior technical
writer at Donaldson Co., Inc., Bloomington, and lives
in Cottage Grove with his wife, Karen, their children,
Heidi, Russell, Jeremiah, Sarah and Michael... Kris
Hasskamp (’74) filed as a candidate for the District
5 commissioner’s post in Crow Wing County. She
represented northern Crow Wing County in the
Minnesota House of Representatives from 1989 to
2001. She’s had a varied career as a teacher, college
center and social activities director at Central Lakes
College, Alumni Relations/Development Office
employee and tennis coach at St. Scholastica and
chronic pain and stress control clinic director in
Duluth. She lives in Rabbit Lake Township in Crow
Wing County... Dennis Peterson (’79) is employed
as a high school art and photography teacher at Deer
River, and during the summers he covers auto racing
at the Bemidji Speedway for the Bemidji Pioneer. He
was a featured speaker at the newspaper’s National
Newspaper Week open house activities in October.
Dennis and his wife, Nancy, have two grown children,
Glory and Josh, and a grandson, Ashton... Allen Aaseby
(’70) was awarded the Entrepreneur of the Year
Award from the Thief River Falls Chamber of Commerce
this summer. He owns Aaseby Metalworks
and has developed a four-in-one material-handling
cart, called The Bull, which is being marketed on the
internet. Before starting his own business, he had
been a teacher for 25 years... Dennis Sabart (’71), director
for the Eveleth-Gilbert School District for the

Bemidji State University inducted 10
new members to its Athletic Hall of
Fame this fall. Also inducted were the
BSU Men’s Division II hockey teams of
1968, 1969, 1970 and 1971, which won
four consecutive national titles.
Founded in 1978, the Athletic Hall
of Fame currently has 147 individual
members. Joining the BSU Athletic
Hall of Fame in 2004 were:
Marc Hamren of Richfield (swimming,
1972), teaches junior high
physical education in Richfield. While
at BSU, he was the 1972 national champion
in the 200-meter breaststroke. He
finished in the top 12 in one or both the
100 and 200-meter breaststroke in four
national competitions.
Deb (Limond) Hegquist of Cambridge
(gymnastics and track and field,
1976), has been a teacher and coach
for 28 years in Cambridge. At BSU,
she was the Minn-Kota Conference
individual champion and member of
four conference championship teams
in gymnastics. She also competed on
the 1974 MAIAW state championship
team in track and field.
Sherry Hill of Bemidji (volleyball,
track and field, basketball, 1983), is
a corrections agent. In BSU career
records, Hill ranks second in kills and
third in hitting percentage in volleyball
and holds the record in the javelin and
heptathlon in track and field. She was
named to the All MAIAW State Team
in both volleyball and basketball.
past 33 years, has retired. He and his wife, Pat ('69),
have three grown sons, Randy, Brian and Gary...
Ken Kane (’72) and his wife, Jeanette, recently
celebrated their 30th wedding anniversary at Elvis’
Graceland in Memphis, TN. They were married
April 6, 1974, in Bemidji... Bob Hurd (’76) and his
daughter, Hayley Hurd (’03) joined Rob’s wife, Pat,
and their other daughters, Hannah and Heather, in
producing a contest video won the Skippy Peanut
Butter America’s Nuttiest Family Contest. The family
won a cash prize and a game room worth $5,000
in addition to the year’s supply of peanut butter. Bob
is a Bemidji Middle School technology teacher and
his wife Pat is a frequent contester and mastermind
behind the contest entry.
1980s
Chris Fettig (’86), Bemidji High School choir
instructor, participated in the Bemidji Music
Boosters “Rock Around the Clock” fundraiser
this fall... Barb Houg (’81) was among 22 staff
members from Schoolcraft Learning Community
who recently worked on a remodeling project at the
Evergreen House in Bemidji. It was part of their
community service learning component... Pat
Nordick (’85) and his wife, Deb, live in Perham
with their children, Josh, 10, and Amy, 6... Rhoda
Pope (’81) recently retired from 23 years of teaching
elementary students in the Walker-Hackensack-
Akeley School District. She and her husband, Jim,
live in Hackensack and have four children and 10
grandchildren... Karen Sletten Mattson (’80)
is in her 21 st year as a special education teacher at
Warroad Elementary School. She and her husband,
LeRoy, live in Warroad and have three children,
Ryan, 17, Lisa, 15, and Stephen, 12... Catherine
(Runyan) Riewer (’84) and her husband, Steve,
are both in their 21st year of teaching at the Bertha-
Hewitt Public Schools. They live in Wadena and
have four children, Michael, 16, Marcus, 15,
Patrick, 12, and Preston, 8... Mary Hubert (’89)
and her husband, Jerry, celebrated their 40th wedding
anniversary on October 10... James Fiskum
(’80) is in his 24th year of teaching vocal music at
Big Lake High School. He and his wife, Denise,
have two children, Hilary, 12, and Jack, 8... Monte
Draper (’80) has worked as a photographer at the
Bemidji Pioneer since 1979 and was featured as a
speaker at the newspaper’s National Newspaper
Week open house. He has three daughters, Megan,
Emily and Maddie... Mary Voss (’89) is a registered
nurse and lives in Bemidji with her husband and two
sons... Todd Truby (’86) currently resides in Zion,
IL... Arlene Furuseth (’86) has worked for the
past 15 years as a project leader with the Minnesota
Pollution Control Agency out of its Detroit Lakes
Office... Scott Birklid (’86) teaches physical science
at Anoka High School. He was one of 20 teachers
in the district to receive a Teacher Outstanding
Performance Award last school year. Each TOP
winner receives up to $600 to cover expenses of
attending a special workshop or conference of their
choice... Brenda Gugglberger (’86) is the new
principal at St. Mary of Mount Carmel Catholic
School, Long Prairie. She comes to St. Mary’s from
the Freshwater Education District where she was
Hall of Fame
state tournaments. At BSU, he was
the 1974 men’s hockey team captain
and a member of the 1974 NAIA All
Tournament Team. After leaving BSU,
he competed on the USA Olympic and
on the USA National teams.
Ray Sauer of St. Cloud (golf, 1972),
has enjoyed a 32-year career in life
insurance and retirement investment
sales. While at BSU, he placed in the
top 15 of the 1968 NAIA National
Tournament and was a member of the
1968 team conference championship.
He was team captain for four years
and competed in three NAIA national
tournaments.
Charlie Scanlon of Apple Valley
(hockey, 1975), has been teaching and
coaching at Apple Valley High School
since 1975 where he led his teams to
the GCT coordinator for the past two years. She and
her husband, Manfred, have three children, Andrew,
8, Alison, 4, and Sahra, 3. Manfred owns Fallsburg
Woodworking in Little Falls... Dan Boelk (’87) has
been teaching industrial arts at the Tower-Soudan
School for most of the last 16 years. He and his
wife, Rhonda, have two children, Mia and Cara,
and also operate a home wood shop where Dan
constructs and sells items such as cedar strip canoes,
bookshelves and dog sleds... Mary Moen (’83) is
director of the Central Minnesota Boy’s Choir. She
is a teacher at Staples Elementary School and had
previously taught at International Falls and Argyle...
Jay Loeffler (’83) has joined Rollouts Incorporated,
Chaska, as a national account manager. He’d previously
worked at Meterologix, a leading weather
services company. During his 15 years there, he held
a variety of sales positions ranging from national
aviation account manager to vice-president of specialized
sales... Paul Boswell (’81), a White Earth
enrollee, received a Martin Luther King Award at
the seventh annual MLK awards ceremony April
15 at the University of North Dakota, Grand Forks.
He was recognized for service to the State of North
Dakota while serving as chair of the North Dakota
University System Diversity Council. He played an
instrumental role in bringing an anti-racism training
program into the University System, which includes
11 campuses. He’s been employed at NDSU since
1990... Christine Kelly (’86) was recently awarded
the 2004 NEA-Saturn/UAW Partnership Award for
Outstanding Mentoring Programs for new teachers.
six state titles in boy’s soccer and two
state titles in girl’s hockey. While at
BSU, he was an All American goalie in
1972, 1973 and 1974 and a member of
the 1973 NAIA national championship
team.
Malika Starr of Boca Raton, Florida,
(basketball, field hockey, track
and field, tennis, 1975), works as a
consultant facilitating school reforms.
At BSU, she was a member of the 1974
Minn-Kota Conference championship
field hockey team and was named to
the Minn-Kota All Conference Team.
In basketball, she was team captain and
all conference.
Carol Stomberg of Cedar (field
hockey, basketball, volleyball, tennis,
1974), works in kidney disease and
critical care in Minneapolis. At BSU,
she was an All-Star field hockey player
She and a colleague were recipients of one of only
six awards made in the United States in 2004. She
is a media specialist in the Brainerd School District
and a Southwest State University adjunct faculty
member. She was also selected Brainerd Teacher
of the Year and a Minnesota Teacher of Excellence
in 1997... Carol Campbell (’86) of Cass Lake appeared
as a motivational speaker at Sober Camp for
teens this summer. She spoke about her experiences
and forgiveness. She was stabbed by her foster
daughter’s boyfriend and is now in a wheelchair...
Kandy Anderson (’86) is currently serving on the
Bemidji Area Chamber of Commerce Board of
Directors as financial director …David Schnell
(’83), a commander in the U.S. Navy, recently made
a scheduled port visit to Banbury, Australia, while
assigned to the guided-missile frigate USS Ford,
home-ported in Everett, WA. He is one of the more
than 7,000 sailors who comprise the USS John C.
Stennis Carrier Strike Group deployed in support
of the global war on terrorism... Karen Thompson
(’84) of Bemidji appeared in September on CBS’s
Larry Elder Show as part of a segment on gastric
bypass surgery in an effort to help educate the public
regarding potential long-term complications of
the surgery, many of which she has experienced
first-hand. She’d previously worked for 20 years at
local radio station KB101, but currently remains on
disability leave due to continuing health problems
caused initially by her 1995 surgery. She and her
husband, Dennis, are the adoptive parents of three
now-teenage siblings from Columbia and legal
guardians of her godson who is 15.
Horizons Page 5
TEN INDUCTED INTO ATHLETIC HALL OF FAME
Marc Hamren Deb Helquist
Sherry Hill Tom Holmes Gerald Nichols
Gary Ross Ray Sauer
Charlie Scanlon Malika Starr Carol Stomberg
Tom Holmes of Edina (track and
field and cross country, 1971), is a
retired teacher and coach from the
Minneapolis Public Schools. He holds
the BSU individual track record for
the 880-yard run and the mile run
and competed in four national track
championships and two national crosscountry
running championships.
Gerald L. Nichols of Bemidji (track
and field, football, basketball, 1947),
spent 27 years in the Bloomington
School District. An accomplished
football halfback and distance runner,
Nichols was co-captain of the track team
and member of the conference championship
team. He also spent a year on
the BSU men’s basketball team.
Gary Ross of Roseau (hockey, 1978),
has taught at Roseau Elementary since
1980 and coached the Roseau High
School boy’s hockey team in three
and competed on the 1974 Minn-Kota
conference championship basketball
team and the 1971 conference championship
volleyball team. She was captain
in both field hockey and basketball.
Nominees for the BSU Athletic
Hall of Fame must have attended
BSU no less than 20 years ago,
earned an athletic letter at BSU and
attended BSU for at least two years.
Selections are based on merit in four
categories: athletic accomplishments
while at BSU, post collegiate professional
accomplishments, service and
contributions to the community and
beyond, and volunteer service and
financial support to BSU.
1990s
Lorena Merseth (’96) and her husband, John
('02), live in Ohio where John is pastor of the Grace
Lutheran Church of Weston, OH. They have four
sons... Dana Heriot (’99) is teaching mathematics
in the Bemidji Middle School Alternative Program
this year. She is licensed to teach elementary education
and middle school mathematics... Matthew
Menne (’99) is teaching seventh-grade social studies
at the Bemidji Middle School this year. He has
three years of teaching experience... Scott Peterson
(’96) is teaching first grade at Solway Elementary
School this year. He has two years of teaching
experience... Blane Klemek (’95) works as a
private lands specialist for Minnesota Department
of Natural Resources Section of Fish and Wildlife
and lives near Becida. He’s also a wildlife columnist
for the Bemidji Pioneer and was a featured speaker
at the newspaper’s National Newspaper Week open
house activities held in October. He and his wife,
JoEllen, have two children, Emily, 9, and Nidhal, 8...
Shannon Geisen (’95) recently completed a twoyear
stint working as a communications director
at the Zurich International School in Switzerland
and now lives in Park Rapids with her husband,
Bruce Bolton, and baby, Maeve... Caari (Schmidt)
Dueffert (’97) and her husband, Chris, live in Prior
Lake and have two children, Ryan, 3, and Eric,
6-months... Rebecca Maki (’96) and her husband,
Greg, live in Solway with their daughter, Ashley, 1...
Nicole (Tanner) Harmer (’95) of Baxter has been
Continued on page 6

Horizons Page 6
Outstanding
OUTSTANDING ALUMNI
Nine individuals received Outstanding
Alumni Awards during
ceremonies at this fall’s BSU
Homecoming.
The Outstanding Alumni Award
was established in 1972 to recognize
contributions BSU graduates
have made to their professions,
communities and alma mater. The
award recipients were:
Melanie Benjamin; chief executive
of the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe;
Onamia.
Benjamin earned a business
administration degree from BSU
in 1988 and continued her studies
in tribal governance and natural
resources at the University of Colorado
Law School. In addition to being
elected as the chief executive by
the Mille Lacs Band, she has served
Call For Nominations
Where We Are ... What We’re Doing
Continued from page 3
employed for the past eight years as an AP biology
and chemistry teacher at Brainerd High School.
She and her husband, Bart, have two children, Cole,
6, and Camille, 4... Terri Schultz (’92) lives in Bemidji
and has one child, Wil, 7... Tracy Baird (’95)
and Marty Baird (’93) live in Sparta, WI, with their
children, Quaden, 4, and Xavier, 6. Marty is employed
as the director of fi nance for Mathew’s, Inc.
and Tracy is currently a stay-at-home mother. They
are anticipating the birth of a third child in February
…Sarah Ryan (’99) is in her fi fth year of teaching
classroom music at North Elementary in Princeton.
She also teaches extra curricular fourth- and fi fthgrade
choir and is working towards completion of a
master’s degree in education. She and her husband,
Ross, live in Mora... Jon Langhout (’91) and Suzy
Langhout (’93) of Bemidji have changed the
name of their dance studio from Top of the River to
Suzy and Hondo and are building a new web site
supporting their dance instruction business, www.
suzyandhondo.com... Bradley Kennet (’94), who
skated with the BSU hockey team from 1989 to
1992, was recently inducted into the North West
Ontario Sports Hall of Fame. He was a member of
the Canadian 1989 Centennial Cup Championship
Hockey Team... Sandy Kitzman (’91) was hired
this summer as special education director with the
Dilworth-Glyndon-Felton School District. She has
taught at Duluth, Walker and Fergus Falls and lives
in Fergus Falls with her husband and children...
Steven Wymore (’98) is the new superintendent of
Willow River Area Schools... Chad Engels (’97)
the American Indian community in
a variety of capacities.
Daniel P. DeKrey; internal medicine
specialist, MeritCare Clinic;
Bemidji.
DeKrey graduated summa cum
laude from BSU in 1980 with a
degree in chemistry and minors
in biology and psychology. He
joined MeritCare Clinic in Bemidji
in 1989 and has remained
active throughout the community
and the medical fi eld.
Mardy Karger; news director, Paul
Bunyan Broadcasting; Bemidji.
Karger graduated from BSU in
1972 with a bachelor of science
degree in biology. The news director
at Paul Bunyan Broadcasting
since 1974, he has earned many
awards, including the Minnesota
Outstanding Alumni Nominations are now being accepted for
candidates to be considered for the Bemidji State University Outstanding
Alumni Award.
The Award is presented annually during Homecoming. It is the highest
honor afforded by the Bemidji State University Alumni Association. The
recipients bring recognition to their alma mater through distinguished and
professional achievements. They are honored for exceptional service and
contributions to BSU and to their community, state and nation.
All nominees must have graduated no less than 10 years ago from the
University. Nominations will be accepted until January 31, 2005, and can
be made by anyone except an immediate family member.
Current faculty, staff and members of the Board of Directors of the
Bemidji State University Alumni Association are not eligible for consideration.
A nomination form can be obtained by calling the Alumni Offi ce at 1-877-
278-2586 (toll free) or 218-755-3989 (local); emailing alumni@bemidjistate.
edu; or going to the website http://www.bsualumni.org/awardPrograms/outstanding.html.
Receive Awards
of West Fargo, ND, has joined Moore Engineering
Inc., West Fargo. He will primarily work as a water
resource engineer... Stacey Beyer (’95) and his
wife, Tammy, own Beyer’s Auto Center in Hoffman.
In 1999, they purchased the business from Stacey’s
parents who had owned and operated it for about 30
years... Neil Aalto (’95) of Los Angeles, CA, was
recently on site in Southern California directing
a photo shoot during the fi lming of an episode of
“Monster Garage.” The show airs on the Discovery
Channel and is hosted by world-famous motorcycle
builder Jesse James... Kathy Huschle (’99) of
Thief River Falls was selected as Northland Community
and Technical College’s 2004 Faculty of
the Year. She teaches classes in environmental sciences,
microbiology, astronomy, biology and fi rstresponders.
She’s also spent six years as an assistant
coach for Pioneer volleyball, fi ve years as assistant
softball coach and the past three years as head coach
for the Pioneer Women’s softball team. She recently
celebrated her 30th wedding anniversary with her
husband, Gary. They have three children. Sarah,
Lacey and Cody, and a daughter-in-law, Jackie...
Dennis Weimann (’90) is employed as news director
and anchor of the Lakeland News Team with
Public Television – KAWE, Channel 9, in Bemidji.
He was hired to fi ll that position in 1998. He and his
wife, Rita ('89), have been married for 15 years and
have one daughter... Stacy Christensen (’98) has
been a weathercaster and reporter with KAWE’s
Lakeland News since 1998. She lives in Bemidji
with her husband, Jason, and their three children...
Broadcasters Association nonmetro
Outstanding Broadcast
Personality Award for 1998.
Rachel Reabe Nystrom; host and
producer of “Mainstreet,” Minnesota
Public Radio; Brainerd.
Nystrom received a bachelor
of science degree in mass communication
from BSU in 1976.
She began working for Minnesota
Public Radio in 1987 and
for the past 10 years has directed
the award-winning “Mainstreet”
show, which focuses on in-depth
coverage of timely and interesting
topics.
Alan F. Pendleton; judge, 10th
Judicial District in Sherburne
County; Ramsey.
Pendleton graduated magna cum
laude from BSU in 1977 and earned
a juris doctorate degree from Drake
University Law School. He was initially
appointed to the bench in 1999
by then-Governor Jesse Ventura and
was subsequently elected in 2002.
Barb Stofl et; teacher and assistant
administrator at Eisenhower
Elementary in Hopkins school
district; Minnetonka
Stofl et gained a degree in education
from BSU in 1984. She
went on to complete a master’s
degree at Minnesota State University,
Mankato in 1994 and her
administration licensure degree
at St. Mary’s University in 2004.
In 2001 she was selected as the
Minnesota Teacher of the Year.
Brad Bordwell (’93) is an offi cer with the Minnesota
State Patrol, assigned to Aitkin County
roads... Cory Koplin (’93) lives in Frontenac with
his wife, Kristin ('93), and their children, Brendan,
4, and Julia, 1, in a 1930s era home they relocated
and refurbished in 1997. They are about to begin
restoration of another historical building that was
moved onto their property recently. Cory serves on
the board of directors for the Goodhue Historical
Society and is chairman of the Old Frontenac
Historic Preservation Commission... Marty Torgerson
(’95) is the new manager of Savanna Portage
State Park. He assumed the duties of park manager
earlier this year, thereby continuing in the footsteps
of his father and grandfather, both of whom worked
in state parks. Both were also named Marty. This is
the fi fth park he has managed since his fi rst position
as manager of Cascade State Park... Jean Dolensek
(’95) was hired in August to the position of director
of administrative services with the Iron Range
Resources Commission. She comes to the position
on a permanent basis after having served as the
agency’s interim administrative services director
since April. Her experience includes service in
several administrative capacities at Iron Range
Resources as well as a period of service with the
accounting department at US Steel’s Minntac Minnesota
ore operations in Mountain Iron... Don Lepper
(’93) recently retired from the United States
Naval Reserve. He and his wife, Anne-Marie, have
a daughter, Rachel, 9, and live in Winona... Kristine
Schneider (’90) and her husband, Joe, live in Grand
Forks where she is employed as a copy writer... Ra-
Top row, L-R: Melanie Benjamin, Daniel P. DeKrey, Mardy Karger.
Row 2, L-R: Rachel Reabe Nystrom, Alan F. Pendleton, Barb Stofl et.
Row 3, L-R: Tom Welle, Andrew Wells, Mark Yorek.
Tom Welle; president, First National
Bank; Bemidji.
Welle is a 1972 honors graduate
with a bachelor of science degree
in business administration with a
concentration in fi nance. During
his tenure at First National Bank
of Bemidji, the institution’s assets
grew to $360 million and earned
the status of an A+ bank by the
Weis Rating Services based on
safety and soundness.
Andrew Wells; chief executive
officer and president of Wells
Technology; Bemidji.
Wells received bachelor degrees
in industrial education and physics
from BSU in 1966 as well as a
master’s in industrial technology
in 1969. In 1990, he incorporated
Wells Technology, a company that
nae Imsande (’97) and Will Seykora were married
September 4 in Walker. She teaches kindergarten
at Central Elementary School, Bemidji, and works
at Southside Restaurant. Will is employed with
Gladen’s Construction... Patty Cornelius (’91)
and Lee Cook were married June 26 in Walker...
Kelly Johnson (’99) and Aricka Mistic were
married September 18... Robb Detschman (’90)
of Bemidji won fi rst place at the PMTT Mike James
Mega Muskie Tournament held on Cass Lake this
summer. Prizes included cash and a Ranger boat
and motor... Carla Patch (’92) was among 22 staff
members from Schoolcraft Learning Community
who recently worked on a remodeling project at the
Evergreen House in Bemidji. It was part of their
community service learning component... Melissa
Vacek (’98) recently accepted the position of director
of membership services for the Bemidji Area
Chamber of Commerce. She has worked full-time
at a local Rule 36 facility, assisting adults with serious
mental illnesses. In 2001, she began working
with the Occupational Development Center, Inc.
as a mental health employment coordinator. She’s
volunteered as an ambassador with the chamber of
commerce and also with the United Way Communications
and Events Committee... Nancy Erickson
(’90) advanced to the general election for Ward 5
Bemidji City Council. She is an incumbent... Chris
DeLeone (’95) and Allison (Kaul) DeLeone (’93)
announce the April 1 birth of a daughter. The family
lives in Seattle, WA, in the summers and in Belize
in the winters.
serves the national aerospace and
electronic markets with contact
manufacturing of 9,000 different
products.
Mark Yorek; professor in the Department
of Internal Medicine
at the University of Iowa; Iowa
City, IA.
Yorek, a 1976 graduate of
BSU, went on to complete a
doctorate in biochemistry at the
University of North Dakota. In
addition to his assignment at the
University of Iowa, he is a research
health science specialist
at the Veterans Affairs Medical
Center in Iowa City, where he
has been involved in diabetes
research since 1984.
2000s
Tim Lutz (’00) is the new principal at Warren/Alvarado/Oslo
High School. He was previously technical
advisor and guidance counselor at Norman
County East in Ada. He and his wife, Karyn, have
two children, Jordan, 14, and Katharyn, 10... Jody
Wagner (’03) is teaching a fi rst year Ojibwe language
course at Rainy River Community College,
International Falls, this school year... John Merseth
(’02) was recently ordained by the Evangelical
Lutheran Synod and installed as pastor of Grace
Lutheran Church of Weston, OH. He’d previously
served a year as vicarage at the church. He and his
wife, Lorena, have four sons, John, Jeremy, Jeffery
and James... Erich Knapp (’01) directs three high
school choirs and one elementary honors choir in
Sebeka Public Schools where he’s been employed
for the past three years. He is also in his fi fth year as
the artistic director and conductor of the 50-voice
auditioned Park Rapids Classic Chorale. In July,
he was the featured organist at the organ dedication
service at First English Lutheran Church of Dorset
where he has served as organist for 11 years …Tim
Jacobson (’01) has served as a campaign aid to
Republican House District 12A candidate Paul
Gazelka in this year’s election campaign... Bethany
Gustafson (’02) received her master’s in teaching
English as a second language from Minnesota State
University, Mankato in May. This past academic
year she taught freshman composition as a teaching
assistant... Michelle Ruckdaschel (’02) works as

Communiqués
a city and law enforcement
reporter with the
Bemidji Pioneer and
was a featured speaker
during the paper’s
National Newspaper
Week open house activities
in October...
Jennifer Miller (’01)
is the new Cass County
4-H program coordinator.
She lives in Brain-
erd with her husband,
Communiqués From the Alumni Director, Marla Patrias
Horizons Page 7
Deadline for Alumni Relative Scholarship Applications December 31 for all Applicants
The deadline for BSU’s Alumni Relative Scholarship is coming up soon. Applications for all students
are due Friday, December 31. This is a change from previous years when the deadline for incoming
freshman was January 31. Award amounts for the 2005-06 academic year have been raised to $750 per
scholarship and approximately 60 awards will be made. Applications are available on-line at http://
www.bsualumni.org/Alumni%20Services/alumnischolarship.html or by contacting the Alumni Offi ce at
877-278-2586 (toll free) or 755-3989 (local). Students can also stop by the offi ce to pick up an application
at 1509 Birchmont Drive NE.
40-Year Reunion Class of 1964
Members of the Class of 1964 participating in their 40 year reunion during Homecoming include: L to R, back row: Tom
Moberg, Tolly Vollen, Don Newman, Dave Sjoblad, Bruce Melin, Dave Hutchins, Jim Thulien, Les Torgerson, Wayne Benson, Bob
Johnson, Jack Jacobsen and Curtis Matheny. L to R, front row: Carol Aenne, Judy (Bartz) Peterson, Julie (Olson) Fermenick,
Nancy Riggs, Jacqueline Olson, Carol Torgerson, Nancy Johnson and Jean Benson. Not pictured is George Thelen.
25-Year Reunion of 1978-79 & 1979-80 Men’s Hockey Teams
Eighteen members of the BSU men’s NSIC National Championship hockey teams from 1978-79 and 1979-80 returned to
campus to celebrate their 25 – year reunion on Friday, October 22 and Saturday, October 23. Members of the reunion
group, including Coach Bob Peters, were introduced prior to the men’s hockey game Saturday evening. Pictured above
on the ice are (L-R) Lee Hanson, Wade Froehlich, Mike Gibbons, Gary Tveit, Scott Currie, Tom Heaviland, coach R. H. Bob
Peters, Mike Fairchild, Pat Kinney, Neal Holmstron, Bill Parenteau, Gary Krawchuck, Jim Scanlan, Alain Fournier, Rod
Heisler, Bill Schmitz, Robin Anderson.
Team Recognition
Bryan ('00), and works in the Pine River Community
Resource Center... Jeffrey Jackelen (’01)
and Shannon Cassady were married October
16 in Eden Prairie. He is a sixth-grade teacher in
Chaska public schools. Shannon is employed by
the Target Corporation in Minneapolis... Patrick
Purrington (’02) married Kristen Janikowski on
June 12 in Bemidji. They live in Phoenix, AZ...
Rachel Becker (’04) represented the Seventh
Congressional District as an alternate delegate to
the Republican National Convention in New York
City. She also worked this summer as a paid campaign
staffer assigned by the House Republican
Caucus to help Rep. Doug Lindgren’s, R- Bagley,
re-election bid... Jacob Thomas (’01) and
Hosanna Tobin were married on August 14 at Oak
Hills Christian College, Bemidji. The couple met
Members of the 1967-68, 1968-69, 1969-70 and 1970-71 NSIC Men's National Championship hockey teams were honored
at the 2004 Athletic Hall of Fame induction ceremony.
at Hebron School in Ootacamund, South India, and
are living in Bangladesh... Tracy Ganley (’03) is
teaching sixth-grade science at the Bemidji Middle
School... Abram Schwartz (’03) is a fi fth-grade
teacher this year at Lincoln Elementary School, Bemidji...
Jessica Anderson (’03) is teaching English
at Bemidji High School this year. She’d previously
taught for a year at Princeton High School... Tiffany
Berglund (’01) is teaching second grade at Horace
May Elementary School, Bemidji, this year. She
has three years of teaching experience in Isle...
Heather Eidsmoe (’04) is teaching third grade at
Northern Elementary School, Bemidji, this year...
Lisa Schussman (’01) is teaching second grade at
Lincoln Elementary School, Bemidji, this year...
Jami Winkler (‘ 01) is teaching mathematics and
emotional behavioral disorders at Riverside School,
Bemidji, this year. She has three years of teaching
experience at Bug-O-Nay-Ge-Shig School near
Cass Lake... Ann (Thompson) Reyelts (’00) of
Superior, WI, and her husband, Dave, announce the
March 17 birth of a son, Kennan. She is employed
with Sylvan Learning Center in Duluth …Lori Ott
(’04) has been working at the registrar’s offi ce at
the College of St. Catherine, Minneapolis/St. Paul,
for the past three years and in September began a
new position as assistant registrar for Augsburg
College in Minneapolis. She lives in Minnetonka...
Brian Hill (’02), Bemidji High School orchestra
instructor, participated in the Bemidji Music
Boosters “Rock Around the Clock” fundraiser this
fall... Stacy (Mills) Peterson (’00) married David
Peterson in Stillwater on August 28. She’s employed
as an RN at Lakeview Hospital in Stillwater.
Horizons Page 7
Steve Sundahl and Fern Birnstihl
Fern Birnstihl’s Donation Allows
Dream to Become a Reality
Fern Birnstihl, who turned 93 in November, believes it is a
responsibility to share one’s time, talent and treasure and to
give back, a theory she has put into practice over many years.
She walks the walk and recently made a $50,000 donation that
will allow the University to realize a dream: the construction of
an art gallery in Bangsberg Fine Arts Complex on the campus
of Bemidji State University.
“I owe so much to Bemidji State,” said Fern (Ramsey) Birnstihl.
“I am so thankful that I was given the opportunity to
attend BSTC and, later, BSC. The education I received opened
a world of opportunities to me and allowed me to grow as a
person and as a professional.
“As a result, I experienced things that I only dreamed of as a
child. Now, I want to contribute to the future of BSU students
so they can have the opportunities I did.”
After graduating from Bemidji High School as valedictorian
in 1928, Fern Ramsey attended Bemidji State Teachers College.
She received a $27 Alumni Scholarship, which covered
the $9 per quarter cost to attend.
She became immersed in the campus community as documented
in the May 27, 1930, issue of the Northern Student.
“Miss Ramsey has taken a very active part in extra-curricular
activities. She has been a member of the Glee Club, Drama
Club, Senior Class play cast, President of the Nautilus Club
and Secretary-Treasurer of the Student Council.”
Birnstihl traveled to every continent in the world, except
Antarctica. She taught school grades 3 – 6 in fi ve different
schools, including Fosston, Northern School in Bemidji, Red
Lake Falls, Brainerd and fi nally at Aurora.
“She is more than an alum of Bemidji State, she is a true
friend,” said Sue Kringen, BSU Foundation director of development.
“She is most passionate about the arts and over the
years has made donations to support those areas including
$12,000 to the ‘Music is the Key’ campaign allowing a room
in Bangsberg Hall to be named in her honor. She established
a named endowment with another $20,000 donation that will
provide scholarships to BSU students majoring in music and
visual arts.
“She is a charter member of the BSU Legacy Society and,
as a result of a most generous bequest, she included BSU in
her will to further fund the endowment.”
Birnstihl selected her maiden name for the facility, which
will be called the Ramsey Gallery. It is being designed by
BSU visual arts faculty member, Steve Sundahl. He recently
shared six different artist’s renderings of what the gallery might
look like. After seeking input from the campus community, a
design will be chosen and construction will begin.
“We are so fortunate to have someone on our campus as
talented as Steve Sundahl,” said Kringen. “He is committed
to this project and is donating his time and talent. The models
he designed are incredibly beautiful and one can’t help but
to get caught up in the excitement of this project when they
see them.”
Concurrently with the construction of the gallery, work will
be done on the exterior of Bangsberg to incorporate signage
and artwork in the metal panels already located there. A
donation by Mary Betty Quistgard is making that project
a reality.
The dedication of the Ramsey Gallery will take place sometime
in the spring of 2005.

Horizons Page 8
Call For Nominations
Teacher of the Year The Professional Education Department will induct its sixth group into the Teacher of the
Year Hall of Fame in the spring of 2005. In order to be considered in this round of selections, nominations must be mailed
to the Professional Education Department, 1500 Birchmont Drive NE, Box 35, Bemidji, MN 56601 and postmarked on or
before January 12, 2005.
The honor is called the Professional Education Department Hall of Fame Award and is granted to teacher education graduates
of Bemidji State University. The basic criteria for selection is that the BSU alum must have been selected as a teacher
or administrator of the year for a public or private school district, college or university.
Teachers, administrators, or school board members of a district may make nominations. Nominations must include two
letters of support - one letter from a fellow teacher and one letter from an administrator or school board member (past
or present). In addition, a copy of the news release or the newspaper article that announced the candidate’s selection as
teacher or administrator of the year should be submitted.
All fi nalists will be asked to provide a resume’. Those individuals selected to receive the award will also be asked to submit
an 8-inch by 10-inch color photograph for framing and placement in the Education–Art Building on the BSU campus.
All nominees who are not chosen this year will be carried over and will be included in the next selection process.
Family Lines Cross (Continued from page 1)
Judy (Peggar) Brasgalla, Mary’s daughter, met her husband
through her Birch Hall roommate when he was on leave from
the Navy. Married in 1960, they eventually ended up in Cass
Lake where she still works as a librarian and teacher.
“My mother enjoyed herself in school, and she talked
about the friends she had made at the Normal School,” Judy
remembered. “The instructor for her class, a Miss Bell, was
somewhat of a ‘dragon,’ but Mom and her friends respected
her very much.
“When I started at Bemidji State, we visited the room in
Sanford where she stayed as a student. It was small and in
the basement, right outside of the area that was being used as
the student union. The room was being used as a closet.”
Please accept my/our gift to the BSU Foundation
Name _____________________________________________________________________________
Address ____________________________________________________________________________
City_____________________________________________ State_____ Zip ________________ _____
Telephone (h)_____________________________________ (w) _______________________________
Preferred e-mail address _______________________ Employer(s) _____________________________
Title(s) _____________________________________________________________________________
My/our gift is: Undesignated
Check Enclosed
Designated to the _____________________
Scholarship/Endowment Fund
Designated to the _____________________
Department
Bill me/us: ___ Monthly ___ Quarterly ___ Semi-annually
Judy kept close ties to Bemidji State even before her son and
daughter enrolled. Being nearby, Judy and her mother were
able to make frequent trips to the campus. Both were amazed
how the school was constantly changing and growing.
“I was on the Lutheran Campus Council for several years,
and we have been to campus many times for plays, concerts and
classes,” she said. “The entryway to ‘Old Main’ (Deputy Hall)
has always been my cornerstone for directions on campus.”
Bemidji State University proved a nurturing environment
for the dreams of the Wirt and Hetteen families for over 80
years. Will the legacy continue? Dan and Linda have one
son, Noah age 8, and another child on the way.
The old maples just keep growing and getting stronger.
ALUMNI TRACK MEET PLANNED JANUARY 15
The Beaver track program will be conducting its third annual Alumni
Track Meet at 3 p.m. January 15, 2005, and is looking for participants.
The meet will pit an alumni team against a freshman team and an upper
class team of current Beaver Athletes. The old-timer team will be given
handicaps for the number of years since they last competed for BSU. They
will also receive extra points for wearing old BSU uniforms, sweats, and
letterman jackets, even if they don’t fi t.
A dinner on campus is scheduled for 7 p.m. with a tailgate party, sponsored
by Beaver Pride, to follow at the Northern Inn.
Interested individuals are asked to write or call to receive a registration
form. A form is available by contacting Craig Hougen, Bemidji State University
#29, 1500 Birchmont Drive NE, Bemidji, MN 56601 (218) 755-2883,
chougen@bemidjistate.edu. Registration deadline is January 8, 2005.
Designated to the
___ College of Arts and Letters
___ College of Professional Studies
___ College of Social and Natural Sciences
___ Distance Learning
___ Athletics
___ American Indian Resource Center
___ General Scholarships
Charge my/our donation to ___ VISA ___ MasterCard ___ Discover Card ___ American Express ___ Diners Club
Credit Card Number _______________________ Expiration Date ___________________________
Signature ________________________________________________________________________
Please bill me each year at the same time for a similar gift.
Alumni Singers
Wanted
The Bemidji Alumni Choir
is looking for BSU choral program
alumni to become part
of a fun and fantastic choral
experience.
The ensemble has spots for
vocalists who want to reconnect
and be part of a quality
choir, have missed the camaraderie
of singing with a large
group, or have lost contact
with some of their harmonizing
friends.
The Bemidji Alumni Choir is
under the direction of Dr. Paul
Brandvik and Mark Sotebeer.
Rehearsals start at 7:15 p.m.
and last approximately 90
minutes at University Lutheran
Church of Hope, 601 13 Avenue
southeast in Minneapolis
in the Dinkytown area near the
University of Minnesota.
Rehearsals begin on February
10 and run through April
28 with a break on Thursday,
March 24. Spring concerts
are scheduled for April 30 and
May 1 in the Twin Cities.
For more information concerning
the choir, its schedule
or time commitment, email
bachoirdeb@yahoo.com.
In Memoriam
Leon Breuer (’80) – Rochester, MN
Nikki J. Doud (’66) – Aitken, MN
Ronald Louis Dremmel (’59) – Kemmerer, WY
Gerda J. Engebretson (’66) – Clearbrook, MN
Donald Erie (’60) – Bemidji, MN
Edward J. Farah (’76) – McGregor, MN
Byron L. Graves (’49) – Bemidji, MN
William F. Kirtland (’53) – Bemidji, MN
Lillie M. Kleven (’37) – Pleasant Hill, CA
Lucy Katherine Mitchell (’76) – Cass Lake, MN
Claude W. Morris (’49) – Spokane, WA
Carol Ann (Estes) Mortensen (’93) – Hines, MN
Stanley Ostrowski (’71) – Melrose, FL
Father Nathan Packard (’79) – Chokio, MN
Mark Kent Peterson (’91) – Bemidji, MN
Thomas A. Prescott (’64) – Sauk Rapids, MN
Beverly Stilwell (’83) – Godfrey, IL
Patrick Thomas Trihey (’65) – Bemidji, MN
Christine L. (Smith Jones) Woodcock (’72)
– Maple Grove, MN
AIRC Seeking
Book and Research
Donations
The American Indian Resource
Center is seeking donations of
books and research materials with
American Indian or Alaska Native
titles. Donors of books will be
acknowledged in each edition.
Questions can be forwarded by
calling the AIRC at 218-755-2094,
and donations can be sent to:
American Indian Resource Center,
Bemidji State University Box 21,
1500 Birchmont Drive NE, Bemidji,
MN 56601-2699.
Be part of the BSU Winter Rendezvous 2005! Plans are
shaping up for the Alumni Association’s Ninth Annual golf tournament
and winter celebration to be held March 19-21 in Laughlin, Nevada.
For more information, or to be put on the registration mailing
list, contact the alumni office at 877-278-2586 (toll free), 218-
755-3989 (local) or via email at alumni@bemidjistate.edu.