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December 6, 2002
Foundation Board Meeting
December 7, 2002
Alumni Association Board Meeting
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January 18, 2003
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January 25, 2003
BSU Snowball – Beaux Arts
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February 14, 2003
MMEA Music Alumni Reception
March 9-10, 2003
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March 21, 2003
BSU Foundation Board Meeting
April 26, 2003
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Bemidji State University Alumni Association
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Bemidji, MN 56601-2699
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Bemidji, MN 56601-2699
PERMIT NO. 9
Vol.
BSU
18, No. 2, Winter 2002-2003
Andy Wells is the president of a
$1 million technology company
just outside Bemidji. A 1966
graduate of Bemidji State with a
degree in industrial arts, he holds
several U.S. patents for a variety
of inventions. Awards from Fortune
500 companies adorn the main
hallway of his business. This year,
Wells, a member of the Red Lake
Nation, was named Minnesota’s
Minority Small Business Person of
the Year.
And yet this accomplished man
won’t tie his shoes.
Not that he can’t tie them. But
as he explains, bending over to tie
shoes every day is, well, annoying,
time consuming and, he has
found, unnecessary.
Wells invented a clip that allows
him to open and close the gap over
the tongues of his laced shoes
without manually tying the laces.
Each day, he slips his feet in his
shoes and, with the heel of the
opposite foot, closes the clip,
tightening the shoes to his comfort
level. Presto, laced shoes are
snug on his feet without Wells
having to bend over.
Wells is an inventor, a trait he has
held since his childhood growing
up on a chicken farm in Red Lake.
“I’m always thinking of better
ways of doing things,” he said. “I
could show you hundreds of
examples.” Like the shoelace clip.
Or the automated computer head
cleaning system he built for
Control Data. Or the stabilizing
equipment that holds disc drives
safely in military vehicles.
But it was what he calls the
“chicken project” that led him to
start his own company.
Wells was teaching in BSU’s
Industrial Technology department
when he received a Bush grant to
work at Control Data, gaining
hands-on experience in the field.
That led to the head cleaning invention
and, a year later, to the
disc stabilizing equipment.
The closing of Control Data’s
plant in Minneapolis a few years
later was a blessing in disguise for
Wells. “Adversity brings out some
A Publication for Alumni & Friends of Bemidji State University
Horizons
Inventing
InventingOpportunities
“P
Andy Wells
good things,” he said. “As I drove
back to Bemidji from Minneapolis,
I wondered what I could do
next. I thought about what I knew
— chicken farming.”
Armed with hands-on knowledge
of the chicken farming industry, their cars because their hands
Wells stopped at the Gold’n Plump were so cramped up, they couldn’t
chicken processing plant in Cold grip the keys.”
Springs. A friend worked there, and Again, he built a prototype and
Wells received a tour. The plant, took it to Gold’n Plump. Many
he said, was ripe with possibilities employees were resistant at first.
for automation. He took on a chal- Once they had the scissors in hand
lenge that other companies and saw how, by barely moving a
wouldn’t: automating the unload- finger, they could trigger the scising
of pallets of chickens — unsors to snap shut, they were sold.
predictable cargo at best. The Wells made the scissors in dif-
unloading was hazardous as well, ferent sizes. He made it easy to re-
leading to numerous back injuplace the blades once they dulled.
ries among employees. He also made them ambidextrous.
This time, however, Wells was The scissors and another Wells
on his own when it came to invention — air-powered knives
financing the prototype. He used — helped cut down on carpal tun-
a $1,300, 1936 lathe to get started. nel injuries among Gold’n Plump
Months and $90,000 later, Gold’n employees. Wells has patents on
Plump bought into the project. both. He also created an air pres-
“With inventing, you need to sure booster that would double the
make a commitment to your idea air pressure to any given line,
and go for it,” he said. “It takes a bumping up its power.
lot of self-confidence that you can Work snowballed from there.
follow through and make it work.” The equipment Wells used to cre-
The next project was an air-powate the scissors and knives also
ered scissors.
could be used to make small pre-
“Gold’n Plump employees had cision machine parts. In addition
carpal tunnel injuries due to the to the parts Wells Technology
repetitive nature of their work and makes based on Wells’ inventions,
the effort it took to cut through the company now manufactures
chicken,” he said. “They’d get off more than 7,000 pieces for other
work and would struggle to start companies.
art of success is being ‘significant’. It’s taking care
of other people, sharing time, taking on a leadership role,
providing some jobs and a good work environment.”
Andy Wells
The small shop Wells used to design
and build the automated chicken
pallet loaders — “the chicken
project” — has expanded and is now
Wells Technology Inc. In the past
dozen years, the company has grown
around 20 percent a year.
Although the company he
started bears his family name,
Wells gives credit to all 20 of his
employees. “Inventing is a group
project. It’s a give and take,” he
said. “And me, I’m just like the
spark plug in the car, getting
things started.”
To Wells, the financial success
of the company and the personal
recognition he receives mean little
if he weren’t making a positive
contribution to his community and
the people in it.
“Part of success is being ‘significant,’”
he said. “It’s taking care
of other people, sharing time, taking
on a leadership role, providing
some jobs and a good work
environment. I get a good feeling
helping people in the area.”
Whether that help comes in the
form of a paycheck or an invention
that cuts down on back pain,
Wells’ significance has been felt
statewide.

Horizons Page 2
Hands-on Learning
Hands-on Learningfor a Hands-on Art Form
Visual arts professor Butch
Holden is surrounded by shelves
of ceramic vessels in the middle
of a secured room on the lower
level of the Education-Art Building
at Bemidji State. As he talks,
he casually pulls out a recently appraised
$28,000 plate crafted by
Peter Voulkos, a highly influential
artist in the ceramic world.
His nonchalance lacks nothing
in respect as he explains that
Voulkos hung out with many renowned
abstract expressionists of
the mid-1900s and created ceramics
of the same genre, eventually
elevating pottery to a fine art.
Holden sees a value that transcends
the $28,000 appraisal.
“Peter Voulkos knew abstract
Where We Are ... What We’re Doing
ALL CITIES ARE LOCATED IN MINNESOTA UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED.
1920s
Anne (Olson) Anderson (’29) taught school in
Williams for 33 years, retiring in 1971 when she and
her husband, Herman Anderson, moved to the
Bemidji area. She was widowed in January.
1930s
John Rose (’39) and his wife, Nita, recently
celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary. They live
in Carlton.
1940s
Oliver Titrud (’48) was recently listed in the Who’s
Who in Medicine and Health for his research and
practical applications of human dissection involving
a new method that does not destroy upper tissues
when studying the lower tissues. He lives in Oregon
and has one son, Kermit… Ardis (Aho) Esala (’45,
‘73) is retired and lives with her husband, the Rev.
T.A. Esala in New York Mills. She taught children
with learning disabilities in Wadena for 16 years and
retired in 1987. The couple raised four sons and a
daughter… Nita Rose (’41) and her husband, John,
recently celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary.
They live in Carlton… Eva (Vidas) Young (’49) lives
in Chula Vista, CA, and is a professor at the Embry-
Butch Holden (left) and student Josh Boock in the Harlow Collection
Riddle Aeronautical University teaching humanities,
business, aviation and aerospace classes… Janice
(Nelson) Linde (’41) and her husband, Erling, live in
Moorhead. They raised four children and have six
grandchildren… Violet (Pudas) Johnson (’43) and
her husband, Russell, are retired and living in
International Falls. They have six grown children
ranging in age from 42 to 55… Joyce (Dunlap) Doyle
(’49) and her husband, Larry, spend their summers in
Rockford and winters in Sun Lakes, AZ. They have
three children and five grandchildren… Edna (Leen)
Edna (Leen) Skold
expressionists,” Holden explains
with a touch of awe as he shows
the plate. “He knew those painters,
and was doing the same kind
of work in clay.”
In turn, Holden takes down a small
terra cotta Turkish pot believed to
date back to the First Century, the
oldest item in the collection. As he
moves about the room, he brings
out other vessels crafted by notable
contemporary artists as well as
pieces by BSU students and other
emerging potters. Each comes with
a story and a lesson in ceramic
history and technique.
Holden was immersed in the
Margaret H. Harlow Ceramics
Collection, which consists of
more than 350 pieces of mostly
contemporary, hand-made vessel
Skold (’42) taught for 50 years and is retired and
living in Milton-Freewater, OR, where she is an active
volunteer. She has two children, four grandchildren
and five great-grandchildren.
1950s
Bob Green (’57) and his wife, Peg, are retired and
living in St. Petersburg, FL. They have nine
grandchildren and are active in church music. Bob
sings in the Master Chorale of Tampa Bay, toured
Scotland with his church choir in June, and sang in St.
Paul’s Cathedral in London in 2001… Muriel Copp
(’57) lives in Red Wing and works as a secretary for
the First Presbyterian Church of Red Wing. She
retired in 1993 from Red Wing Technical College
after teaching for 36 years… John Schultz Jr. (’50)
and his wife, Leila, have three grown children. He’s
been retired for 10 years… Dale Sorensen (’57) has
served on the Two Harbors School Board for 10 years,
having retired from teaching chemistry at Two
Harbors. He and his wife, Jean, live in Two Harbors…
Genevieve Carter-Lervik (’54) lives in Hibbing and
is making plans to attend an international conference
in Sweden next year. She has a daughter, Joan, and
two grandsons… Keith Cariveau (’58) and his wife,
Katherine, retired in 1995 after 37 years in education.
They live in Livermore, CA, and have seven
grandchildren living in the area… Agnes Macias
(’58) lives in Lorton, VA, and is planning a trip to visit
her son in Australia this winter. She and her husband,
Albert, have five children ranging in age from 31 to
39… Russell (Hukee) Johnson (’52) and his wife,
Violet, are retired and live in International Falls.
Russell scored his first hole-in-one on Sept. 14 after
spending 54 years golfing as a member of the
forms and a few rare, historical
pieces. In founding the collection,
Harlow left BSU with a highly
valuable and personal legacy of
her lifetime passion for pottery. A
recent appraisal of 98 of the
pieces for insurance purposes
totaled $207,450.
For Bemidji State, the real value
is intangible. In its diversity, Holden
sees the collection as a treasure
trove of studio pottery representing
a wide range of techniques, glazes
and philosophies that make it so
valuable for teaching.
Josh Boock, a third-year ceramics
student, reflected on that value
by describing the feeling of holding
the 1,900-year-old Turkish pot.
“To see it and know that someone
long ago pushed on it and left a
thumb print I can see and touch is
really powerful to me,” he said.
“The biggest thing is that we can
bring these pieces into class, actually
see the work and handle it.
There’s so many classes where you
just get to look at a book.”
Holden credits Harlow for the
depth of knowledge the pottery
represents.
Harlow, 90, graduated from BSU
in 1936 with a degree in education
and a passion for geography,
stones and rock formations, all
interests that she further pursued
with a military career that allowed
her to travel the world. Pottery
became a natural extension of
these passions and she began
collecting pieces.
International Falls Country Club. He and Violet have
six grown children ranging in age from 42 to 55
…Will Sarkela (’58) was one of five people being
inducted in the Grand Rapids Sports Hall of Fame this
fall. He has a remarkable 36-year teaching, coaching
and administrative career at Grand Rapids High
School. He was named District 318 activities director
in 1979 and served in that capacity until retiring in
1994. He was recognized by his peers as Region 7AA
Athletic Director of the Year in 1987 and 1992, and
the Minnesota Athletic Directors Association
honored him by selecting him to the Minnesota
Athletic Directors Hall of Fame in 1999.
1960s
Jerry Riewer (‘60) is being inducted into the
Minnesota State High School Coaches Hall of Fame,
receiving the highest honor the Coaches Association
bestows upon its members. In 1984 he was also
inducted into BSU’s Athletic Hall of Fame… Jeanne
Thomas (’64), a retired teachers’ union leader from
Burnsville, was inducted May 11 into the Minnesota
Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party Women’s Hall of
Fame. She was selected for, among other things, her
efforts to bring teachers and young women into
politics and the party. She served numerous roles in
the Richfield local of the Minnesota Education
Association and traveled the country for eight years
giving National Education Association-sponsored
workshops designed to inspire women to climb the
ladder – in teacher’s union politic, in government and
in business. Her husband, Charlie, shares her passion
for politics …Joe Merseth (’66) is acting as interim
superintendent of Park Rapids schools, having retired
as superintendent at Frazee in June of 2001 after
spending 35 years in education and the last 10 years in
Over the years, her interest and
knowledge of pottery deepened
and she became a lifelong student
of the art. She met potters, studied
new works and eventually
retired in Walnut Creek, CA, a notable
pottery community where
she could be close to the potters
and the museums she most enjoys.
In 1973, Harlow handed then
BSU president Robert Decker two
cardboard boxes of her personal
ceramic collection to seed the
beginnings of the teaching collection.
In subsequent years, she
continued to seek out and contribute
pottery before eventually
asking a friend, Rick Sherman of
(Continued on page 3)
Bemidji State University
BSU
Horizons
Vol. 18, No. 2, Winter 2002 - 2003
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.
Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Al Nohner
Designer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Kathy Berglund
Photographer . . . . . . . . . . . . . John Swartz
President . . . . . . . . . . . . Dr. Jon Quistgaard
Alumni Director . . . . . Marla Huss Patrias
Contributing Writers . . . . . . . . Jody Grau,
Colleen Burke, Cindy Serratore
Editorial Assistance . . . . . . . . Peggy Nohner
Editorial Board: Dr. Jon Quistgaard, BSU
president; Al Nohner, director of news
services and publications; Carl Baer, vice
president for university advancement; Marla
Huss Patrias, director of alumni relations.
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. 03-207
Noel Bailey
his position at Frazee. He and his wife, Karen, who is a
paraprofessional in the Detroit Lakes Schools, have
three grown children, Chad, 31, Nate, 28, and Maria,
25… Noel Bailey (’63) runs the fitness program for
teens and a conditioning fitness program for adults at
the Hallett Community Center in Crosby. He taught
social studies and coached wrestling in Aitkin for 26
years and is in his fourth year of retirement. He was
inducted into the Minnesota State High School
Coaches Association Hall of Fame in 2000… Terry
Potucek (’69), a Warren area farmer and tax
accountant, filed as a candidate for re-election to a
four-year term on the Marshall County Board. He was
first elected to the board in 1994, re-elected in 1998
and is currently chairman of the county board. He is

Hands-on Art Form
(Continued)
San Jose, to visit BSU.
He met with students,
viewed the collection, and lectured
about its importance.
“He came here, saw the way that
the collection was used and
wanted his collection to become
part of it,” Holden recalled of
Sherman, an established potter
who was an advocate for ceramic
education. A year after Sherman
died, his wife, Marcella, donated
more than 50 pieces to the collection
and, as an additional gift to
BSU, paid for the recent appraisal.
“Other schools, usually larger
than BSU, have collections,”
Holden explained. “As far as I
know, they’re not likely to allow
students, especially undergraduates,
to actually handle the
pieces,” says Holden.
Sue Kringen, director of major
gifts and planned giving for the BSU
Foundation, says the collection’s
value is immeasurable for enhancing
the educational experience.
“Bemidji State would never be
able to have a collection like this
without Margaret,” said Kringen.
“She has given us far more than
she knows. Because of her and
Rick, and now the generosity of
Marcella, we have incredible
assets for our students.”
Asked about her motivation to
give so much, Harlow quickly
commented, “I received my degree
from there, and they deserve
it more than any place I’ve been.”
She also noted that she appreci-
the board’s representative on the Pembina Trail
Resource Conservation and Development Board and
Northwest Household Hazardous Waste Joint
Powers Board. He and his wife, Joan, have one son,
Joey… Robert Ostlund (’66) of Shakopee has
accepted a two-year position as interim headmaster
of St. Thomas Academy. He served as school
superintendent in Shakopee from 1991 until his
retirement in June 2000, then served as interim
superintendent of the North St. Paul-Maplewood-
Oakdale School District from July 2000 to April
2001. After that he joined the Midwest Management
Resources consulting group… Eileen Lien (’68) has
retired from teaching at the Frank Lien Elementary
School in Gonvick, named after her husband who
died seven years ago. She has been teaching second
graders there since 1977 and began teaching in the
Bagley Public School in 1968, moving on to her first
job in the Gonvick-Trail School in 1969. She has
three children, Mark, Stacy and John, and two
grandchildren… Harry Salminen (’67) is a
candidate for Becker County Commissioner District
2. He is an independent businessman, a former
educator in the Detroit Lakes school system and a
former employee of the Governor’s Manpower
Office, specializing in economic development in
rural areas… Diane Lehse (’66) is the new
superintendent of school at the Clearbrook-Gonvick
District. During the past five years she’s been
superintendent at Kelliher. She started her education
career as a teacher in the Rosemount Senior High
School and then went to the University of Alaska as a
graduate assistant and then an instructor. She has a
son and daughter living in the Minneapolis-St. Paul
area. She and her husband, Ron, live in Gonvick…
ates hearing from students who
have experienced the collection.
One of those is Cyrus Swann.
He remembers the thrill of finding
the works of a favorite potter,
Frank Boyden, in the collection.
Since then, he has come to appreciate
the wide range of ceramics
that Harlow collected, which he
finds especially impressive because
she is not an artist.
“The fact that she collected all
different forms and pots is really
important for teaching,” says
Swann. “It’s representative of all
the different styles and techniques.
It’s almost like she thought of doing
it more as a collection for the
University than for herself.”
A senior, Swann received the
Harlow Ceramics Scholarship,
which Harlow endowed in support
of students studying ceramics.
After that, Swann arranged to
meet Harlow when he traveled to
California. True to form, Harlow
encouraged Swann to keep working
hard at his craft, and he has.
Swann recently was busy examining
a collection of spouted cans
in the BSU studio. He hopes
someday to be a studio potter and
teacher, and already has a couple
of his own pieces included in the
Harlow Collection where they
stand among the works of
Voulkos, Boyden and other
notable potters.
“That is a real honor for me to
have pots in the collection,” says
Swann just before heading back
to the studio where the learning
continues.
Beverly (Schinderle) Pfeilstifter (’63) and her
husband, Chuck, are retired and living in Racine, WI.
They recently bought a winter home in Florida…
Richard Sauer (’62) and his wife, Lorraine, of
Bemidji have three grown children and nine
grandchildren. He is a retired school principal and she
is a retired teacher… Larry Erie (’62) of Pinewood
was elected to the Faribault High School Sports Hall
of fame in October. He and his wife, Gladys, have
three grown children… Arleen (Beiswenger) Boyd
(’61) is enjoying retirement and escaping to Arizona in
the winter. She makes many visits with her certified
therapy dog, Augie… Chuck Clausen (’68) is retired
and living in St. Cloud with his wife, Rosemary. He
taught elementary school for 32 years, was a sports
official for 35 years and the PA “Voice of SCSU Husky
Hockey” for many years, as well. The Clausens have
two grown children, Jill and Debbie… Wanda
(Forsland) Petersen (’68) of Turtle River is a painter
and serves as coordinator of the Fly By Night Art
Space, a gallery in Bemidji. She and her husband,
Warren, have two grown children and one grandson…
Pat (Meyer) Syvertsen (’68) and Paul Syvertsen
(’68) live in New Haven, CT, and have two children,
Kai, 26, and Erik, 21… Jacqueline Olson (’64) of
Northome is a retired teacher and is active in Delta
Kappa Gamma. She has three grown children…
Diane Hoselton Genova (’62) of Pueblo, CO, is the
director of a preschool. She has two grown children,
Christopher, 30, and Carrie, 28… Colleen Blade (’69)
lives in Nashwauk where she is an active volunteer,
particularly in the “Relay for Life,” a fund raising
event for cancer research… Norman Hecimovich
(’60) of Austin is retired and enjoying hunting, fishing
and traveling. He and his wife, Helen, have three
M
grown sons, James, 40, Mark, 38, and Bryan, 33…
Leroy Larson (’61) is a founding member of the
Minnesota Scandinavian Ensemble which has toured
the Midwest for more than 20 years, performing at
festivals, concerts, dances and made many television
and radio performances …Katherine (Johnson)
Cariveau (’60) and her husband, Keith, retired in
1995 after 37 years in education. They live in
Livermore, CA, and have seven grandchildren living
in the area.
1970s
Claudia Risnes (’71) has been named executive
director of teaching and learning with Minnetonka
Public Schools. She brings to the new position nine
years of leadership experience in curriculum,
instruction, assessment and staff development and
had previously served as director of curriculum,
instruction and assessment for the Anoka-Hennepin
School District. Prior to that she’d held the same
position in Stillwater… Harry A. Christensen (’79)
and his wife, Annette, live in Lebanon, TN, and are
anticipating the birth of their first child. He graduated
from the Nashville School of
Law in 2000 and operates a
private practice… Arla (Kari)
Nummelin (’73) and her
husband, Ollie, live in Covelo,
CA, and have three children,
Charles, 22, Minna, 13, and
Kari, 8 …James Best (’77) took
over the job of band director at
Stewartville High School this
James Best
Bemidji State
us
University
fall. He taught last year in
Barnum where he headed the
IS THE KEY
Campaign 2002-2003
Music is Key for Fund Raising Initiative
districts entire band program for grades 5-12…
Bonnie Lindgren (’75) of Spicer has spent six years
teaching in Cairo, Egypt, and continues living and
teaching there this year. Prior to that she spent six
years teaching in Pakistan and two years in Milan,
Italy… Tom Peltier (’73) is seeking a position on the
District 318 School Board. He’s been a resident of
Itasca County for the past 33 years, lives in rural
Cohasset with his wife, Kathy, and has a daughter,
Roberta, who graduated in 2000 from Grand Rapids
High School. He’s worked for Itasca County for the
past 20 years as a county juvenile probation officer
and prior to that served as an Itasca County deputy
sheriff for 10 years… Julie Zeto (’75) and her
husband, Dennis, of Bemidji recently celebrated
their 25th wedding anniversary… Mike Stanich
(’72) of International Falls filed as a candidate for the
post of Koochiching County auditor-treasurer. He’s
served for the past 26 years as budget director for the
City of International Falls and during that time
served as acting city administrator for four months.
In 1973 he served as Minnesota state auditor and
from 1973 –76 filled the post of city accountant in
Hastings. He and his wife, Vicky, have two children,
Shawn and Nicole… Mike Forsberg (’74) received
his ordination certificate August 1. He’d been a
pastor at Walworth Baptist Church of rural Ulen for
the past few years and had been licensed to preach by
the First Baptist Church of Park Rapids since 1988…
David Pratt (’74) is the new chairman of the Detroit
Lakes Chamber of Commerce. He’s employed as
director of video operations for Arvig Communications
Systems and has been in the cable television
industry in the area for more than 20 years. His wife,
Horizons Page 3
Bemidji State University fine tuned an initiative to raise funds for its music
program during a simultaneous performance by 20 musicians on 20 new upright
pianos last fall in the Bangsberg Fine Arts Complex.
The pianists were celebrating the halfway point of the campaign to raise
$811,000 for instruments, pianos, scholarships, equipment maintenance, and
an endowed visiting artist series. Grants, gifts and donations have already
raised over $463,500 with most of the money used to purchase new pianos
and to build a state-of-the-art technology lab.
A gift of $10,000 was also announced to establish the Ron Gearman
Scholarship in honor of the professor emeritus of music who served as a
music faculty member at BSU for 31 years, many of them as department
chairperson.
“The Music is the Key campaign will mean many things to our program,”
said Dr. Del Lyren, current chair of the department. “It will nearly double the
scholarships we can offer new and returning students. It will allow us to purchase
and replace band instruments.
“By the start of the spring semester, we will have a new nine-foot Steinway
concert grand in the Recital Hall. Bemidji State owns more Steinway grand
pianos than any other school in the state, and funds from this effort will help
the University repair and maintain our piano inventory.”
The purchase of new pianos is one goal of the Music is the Key campaign.
The Schmitt Music Company and a grant from the Minnesota State Colleges
and Universities (MnSCU) provided the $206,000 needed to secure the 30
instruments.
A donation from the SoundTree Company and another MnSCU grant was
used to equip the music lab in Bangsberg.
“This new technology will assist in training and preparing future teachers
for the modern classroom,” Lyren said of the $180,000 facility. “The entire
effort is designed to make the BSU Music Department a destination music
school for the upper Midwest.”
In addition to the grants and corporate gifts, $77,500 has been raised from
individuals for the campaign. To reach the $811,000 goal in one year, the
Music Department is accepting donations and pledges. It is also offering
sponsorship opportunities, where individuals may donate a minimum of $5,000
to have a name inscribed on a music practice room, classroom, or lab space.
Individuals interested in participating in the Music is the Key campaign
may contact the Bemidji State University Foundation at 218-755-2762.
Deb, works for Bremer Bank in Detroit Lakes, and his
two children attend the University of North Dakota in
Grand Forks… Gordon Sirvio (’75) has selfpublished
four suspense novels through his own
publishing company called Taconite Runes, writing
under the name of S.A. Gordon. The books were
previously published electronically and are entitled
The Deuce of Pentacles, Faces of Doom, Days
Between Seasons and Crystal Clear Pond. All four are
set in northern Minnesota and include references to
Minnesota life… Steve Bolton (’74), a Park Rapids
attorney since 1989, is seeking election to the Cass
County judgeship in the
Ninth Judicial District. He
lives in rural Nevis with
his wife, Tami, and their
children, Alice and
Nick… Ellen Weber (’77)
and Richard Segler were
married June 15 at
Bemidji State Park and
live in Bemidji… Glen
Christianson (’75) and
his wife, Vivian,
celebrated their 50th
wedding anniversary in
June… John Tibstra
Steve Bolton
(’79) and Sue Tibstra (’76) of Bemidji recently
received the Johnson-Jarvi Snowjourn Award in
honor of their long-term commitment and support of
cross country skiing in the Bemidji area… Rick
Kleinschmidt (’77), a Willmar police sergeant, filed
as a candidate for sheriff of Kandiyohi County. He has
27 years of police experience and has served 20 of
(Continued on page 4)

Horizons Page 4
Alumni Author
those in Willmar and Kandiyohi County. He and his
wife, Sharon, have five children and one
granddaughter. He is a member of the Minnesota
Peace and Police Officer’s Association, the Sons of
the American Legion and Willmar Development
Corporation… David Ambers (’72) and Betty
Ambers (’71) live and work in North Branch and
have two grown children, Kelli, 22, and Casey, 20.
David is a social studies teacher and golf coach and
Betty serves as a parent educator with ECFE…
Connie Dahl Nelson (’72) of Roseau is currently
working a combined position of superintendent and
elementary principal at the Lake of the Woods School
at Baudette. She and her husband, Bruce, have two
children, Chad, 30, and Kellie, 27… Richard Lyttle
(’72) has retired but is teaching a community college
class at CNCC covering the history of northwestern
Colorado. He and his wife, Mary Beth, live in
Meeker, CO… Sharon Botelle-Sherman (’74) of
Woodbury, CT, is semi-retired from a career in
marketing and advertising and is tutoring seventhgraders.
She and her husband, Norman, have three
grown children, Leslie Koliha, Kathy Wolhart and
Brett Sherman… Julia Sullivan (’76) of Moorhead
sings in two choirs and volunteers at her church. She
retired from 44 years of teaching in 1997… Tom
Swanson (’70) has taught for 32 years in the Brainerd
elementary schools and his wife, Helen, has taught
elementary classes in the same school district for 25
years. They live in Brainerd and have three children,
Angie, 23, Sara, 19, and Maria, 16… James
Toensing (’70) lives in Burnsville and helps care for
his mother who lives in the Apple Valley Health care
Center. He sings with the Bemidji Alumni Choir and
is a deputy grand knight with Council 2400 in
Roy C. Booth
Of all the plays he’s written, Roy
C. Booth has two favorites:
Beanie and the Bamboozling Book
Machine and Café a la Ionesco.
He has a lot to choose from, with
more than 40 to his credit and 25
in print. But these two stand out
for the Bemidji State University
graduate for a variety of reasons.
They may be his favorites because
they are dramatically different.
Beanie is a children’s play and
Ionesco an absurdist farce.
Or the appeal may be the settings.
The first is about the adventures
of a boy who doesn’t like to read,
so he invents a book-reading
machine that conjures up the mischievous
witches from fairy tales
when it is turned on. The latter is
about a hellish romantic encounter
in a fancy restaurant located in
Nymore – yes Nymore.
Then again, it might be that
Beanie was the first play published,
with co writers Bob May
and Christopher Tibbetts, while
Ionesco was the latest.
“One is for kids, the other for
freethinkers,” Booth said. “Beanie
is produced a lot due to its cast size,
fantasy elements, and heart.
Ionesco because it’s straight to the
jugular humor.”
That the plays come to audiences
from different points of the theatrical
compass is no surprise. In
addition to farce and children’s
genre, his credits include science
fiction, comedy, horror, and satire.
Where We Are ... What We’re Doing
Farmington… Judith Riggles (’70) lives in Cass
Lake with her husband, Bill, and has retired from a
32-year career of teaching at Cass Lake Elementary
School... Wayne Gartland (’77) and his wife,
Susan, celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary in
August. He works for Experior Assessments in St.
Paul… Georgia Siers Press (’78) works as an
assistant in an elementary school media center. She
and her husband, Mike, live in Cary, IL, and have two
children, Jeff, 21, and Greg, 18… Joe Vene (’74)
filed as a mayoral candidate in Bemidji… Stanley
Ostrowski (’71) and his wife, Connie, are retired
and living in Melrose, FL. They have two grown
children, Susan and Dennis. He is currently building
an airplane to replace the Cessna 172 that he flew for
more than 21 years. Stanley spent 26 years as a
teacher and principal with St. Lucie County School
System and served 22 years in the U.S. Army, both
active and reserve… Alyce Larson Thureen (’75)
and her husband, Carroll, live in International Falls
and have three grown children… Stephen Menart
Stephen Menart
Stages Life
“I write plays from stories that I
feel need to be told, and let them
find their own audience from
there,” he said. “I start with a sound
premise that has a certain desired
theatrical effect or message in
mind. I like to skew certain notions
and theatrical conventions as well.
“The success, I strongly feel,
comes from my experience not only
as a writer, but as a theatre person
who has directed, played around
with lighting theory, and all of the
other wonderful aspects of the art
of live suspension of disbelief.”
He has directed his plays and his
collaborations in productions across
northern Minnesota, most recently
with the Grand Rapids Players.
“I prefer to direct my solo works
after they’ve been published, not
before,” he commented. “Sometimes
I have to for convenience
sake and then I use a pseudonym
if I can get away with it.
“In contrast I love directing
works I’ve co-written, especially
those I’ve done with my wife,
Cynthia, in order to see what I’ve
added to the works or not, and to
bring out my collaborator’s
strength even more.”
A graduate of Pillager High
School, Booth came to Bemidji
State via Brainerd Community
College, where his interest in theater
was ignited. He graduated from
BSU twice, first with a bachelor’s
degree and later with a master’s.
Booth has also been published as
a poet, journalist, essayist, short story
Terry Mejdrich
(’73) and his wife,
Merline, live in
Gilbert where he
creates metal
sculptures including
“fire fish.” He’d
previously worked
at LTV Steel in Hoyt
Lakes… Glennis
Olson (’71) teaches
fifth grade at Frazee
Elementary and is
anticipating
becoming a
grandmother for the
first time in March.
She lives in Frazee
and has four grown children ranging in age from 20
to 29… Terry Mejdrich (’70) of Swatara recently
completed a mystery-adventure-suspense novel set
in northern Minnesota entitled A Mammoth
Resurrection. He and his wife, Darlene, have two
grown children, Eric, 29, and Angie, 26… John
Skradski (’77) and Jana (Gearman) Skradski
(’72) live in Fort Collins, CO, where John works as a
publisher and Jana as a payroll accountant. They’ve
been married 28 years and have two sons, Ryan, 18,
and David, 16… Tom O’Brien (’71) and Stephanie
(Araskog) O’Brien (’71) live in Richville and have
two grown children, Staci, 32, and Keely, 27. Tom
retired from teaching at New York Mills High School
in 2000 and Stephanie works as a math teacher in the
Fergus Falls School District… Terri (Simmerman)
Simons (’76) and her husband, Doug, live in the
Pillager area and have two sons, Nick, 16, and Zak,
writer, and a writer of comic gags.
He is currently writing a scholarly
work on Norse mythology that
could become the foundation for a
series of novels. If he musters
enough courage in the future, he
would like to write comic books.
But plays, primarily short ones,
have brought him some degree of
notoriety. His works have been
staged more than 350 times, from
Los Angeles to New York City;
from Vancouver, BC, to Houston;
from London to Perth; from New
Delhi to Brasila. His AIDS play,
Vicious Circle, was performed at
the 1995 International Aids Conference
and won seven awards.
He tries to write at least two
hours, or six good pages, a day,
five days a week. While it takes
discipline to be productive, he
finds it therapeutic and cathartic.
He then has time to spend with
Roy C. Booth
his three-year-old son Riordan.
While the impetus for writing
comes from within, the motivation
comes from the outside. He noted
that he patterns most of his
children’s plays on a study done in
Boston in the 1970s where urban
kids were exposed to a series of
plays based on other cultures. Ten
years later, it was discovered that
the same group had a significantly
smaller chance to be involved in
hate crimes, racism, theft and other
social problems.
He noted that it was, “Proof positive
of the true power of the stage
and how it can directly improve the
quality of life in our society.”
This is the second in a series of article on
authors who graduated from BSU. If you know
of such an author, contact the News and
Publications office at 1-888-234-7794,
218-755-2041, or news@bemidjistate.edu.
21. She’s in her 25th year of working with the same 1980s
employment and training agency… Jack Plattner
Mona Carter (’82) filed as a candidate in
(’70) of Gary began teaching industrial arts this fall at
November’s Bemidji School Board election… Dave
the Ulen-Hitterdal School District. He and his wife,
Evenson (’84) and Jess Ward (’96), both of
Susan, have three grown children. She is a special
Bemidji, are planning a May wedding. Dave is a
education instructor… Jeff Galle Sr. (’78) is the new
physical education and health teacher at Ponemah
instrumental music instructor for fifth- through
Elementary School and Jess is an agency specialist
eighth-grade bands, junior varsity band, varsity
with State Farm Insurance… Jack Vizecky (’86)
band, jazz bands and solos and small ensembles at
filed for re-election to his office of Lincoln County
Warroad. He spent the past 24 years teaching at
sheriff for a third term. He’s lived in Lincoln County
Heron Lake-Okabena School District and has also
ever since he was honorably discharged from the
been active in coaching softball, football and golf…
military in 1969 and served as police chief in
Jeanne Randall (’77) is teaching first grade at
Hendricks for 11 years, a Lincoln County deputy
Centerville Elementary School. She and her
sheriff for four years and has been Lincoln County
husband, Dave, live in Lino Lakes and have two sons,
sheriff for two terms. He’s married with four
Michael, 19, and Jeff, 17… Nancy (Hagen) Staiger
children, lives in rural Ivanhoe and is a member of
(’76) of Moorhead is currently a stay-at-home
the Shaokatan Sportsmen’s Club, Ivanhoe
mother and foster parent. She and her husband,
Community Club, Minnesota Sheriff’s Association
Doug, have five children, Greta, 25, Marissa, 22,
and the National Sheriff’s Association… Robin
Tony, 16, Stephanie, 16, and Alicia, 15… Nancy
Finke (’88) filed as a candidate for Swift County
Ainswork Flynn (’76) works for the Red Cross and
Attorney, having served in that post for the past two
is involved with historical neighborhood issues. She
years, filling a vacancy created when the previous
and her husband, Bill, live in Brookings, SD, and
county attorney was appointed as a district court
have four children, Kayla, 20, Susan, 17, BJ, 14, and
judge. He worked for seven years as a staff attorney
Mike, 10… Sherry Heaton (’77) recently accepted a
for Legal Aid Service of Northeastern Minnesota in
new position as assistant principal at Simle Middle
its Virginia office and is currently the treasurer and a
School in Bismarck, ND, after having taught middle
member of the board of directors of the Humane
school science for 21 years. She and her husband,
Society of Swift County. He and his wife, Lisa, live
Lewis, live in McKenzie, ND, and have an eight-
in Benson… Paul Tschida (’85) filed for re-election
year-old daughter, Ellie… Joyce Rideout (’79) lives
as Morrison County Sheriff. He is a lifelong resident
in Brainerd and enjoys doing volunteer work…
of Morrison County and he and his wife, Lila, have
Roger Reierson (’73) is owner and CEO of Flint
two grown children, Mike and Becky. Tschida, a
Communication in Fargo, Grand Forks and Duluth.
Navy veteran, began his law enforcement career 27
He and his wife, Arlene, live in Moorhead and have
years ago as a special deputy and then worked as a
two children, Andy, 23, and Alissa, 19.

Jeff Baumgartner Boyd Bradbury Curtis Olson Denis Sauter Lowell Scearcy Jeff Wallin
OUTSTANDING ALUMNI HONORED
Six graduates of Bemidji State
University received Outstanding
Alumni Awards during an October 4
banquet as part of 2002 Homecoming
festivities on campus.
Receiving the awards were: Jeff
Baumgartner, criminal justice,
1977, Bemidji; Boyd Bradbury,
Spanish, 1988, Callaway; Curtis
Olson, music, 1972, East Lansing,
MI; Denis Sauter, speech and theater,
1970, Carlton; Lowell
Scearcy, mathematics, 1967, East
Gull Lake; and Jeff Wallin, music,
1970, San Diego, CA.
The Outstanding Alumni Award
was established to recognize the contributions
BSU graduates have made
to their professions, communities and
alma mater. Since 1972, 102 individuals
have received the recognition.
JEFF BAUMGARTNER is the
founder and president of American
Time and Signal, a company that has
grown into one of the nation’s largest
clock manufacturing enterprises
that now employs over 100 people
in Dassel, MN. An active Rotarian
for more than 20 years, he has made
two trips to Honduras with medical
and dental teams. He is also a volunteer
youth hockey coach.
BOYD BRADBURY previously
served as a teacher in Wadena and
Blue Earth schools as well as a principal
of Benson High School prior
to accepting his current position as
the superintendent of Waubun Public
Schools in 2000. He is the past
full-time jailer-dispatcher while completing his
college degree… David Harrington (’82) of Turtle
River topped a field of five candidates in September’s
primary election for the post of Cass County district
judge and faced Ted Lundrigan in the Nov. 5 general
election. He is also general counsel to the Red Lake
Band of Chippewa, managed a resort in Cass County
and was a high school teacher and coach in Warroad,
Cass Lake and Brainerd… Barbara Meuers (’88)
was elected to the Bemidji City Council, serving in an
at-large capacity. She works at the Minnesota
Workforce Center… Jim DeWenter (’82) was
named Bemidji Education Association’s Teacher of
the Year for 2002 and will compete for state teacher of
the year in November. He teaches 10th-grade biology
and anatomy and physiology for 11th and 12th grades
and has been teaching at Bemidji High School for 32
years. He was also named the Bemidji Wal-Mart’s
Teacher of the Year in June and qualifies for a state
competition there, as well… Michael Spry (’83) is
president and owner of Portage Environmental, Inc.,
an environmental consulting and engineering firm
based in Idaho Falls, ID, that was recently named the
national Minority Service Firm of the Year by the
Minority Business Development Agency. The
MBDA recognized Portage for growing successfully
in spite of starting with little capital and also for job
creation, involvement with Native American
communities and high customer satisfaction.
Incorporated in 1992, Portage has grown to more than
150 employees located in offices nationwide, with
revenues approaching $20 million in 2002. In 2001,
Portage was included in the Inc. 500 List as the 79th
fastest growing business in America. Spry is a
Mississippi Band member of the Minnesota
president of the Minnesota River
Valley Principals’ Association, was
a member on the Minnesota Technology
Taskforce in Benson, and a
former president of the Chippewa
Valley chapter of the Minnesota Deer
Hunters Association.
CURTIS OLSON is a professor and
the associate director for undergraduate
studies for the School of Music
at Michigan State University. He received
a master’s degree from the
Eastman School of Music and has
performed in such major ensembles
as the Detroit Symphony and the
Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra.
The recipient of many honors, he
most recently was presented with the
Neil Humfeld Award, a recognition
given to one individual annually for
teaching excellence by the International
Trombone Association.
DENIS SAUTER has filled a variety
of roles since joining the Carlton
High School staff in 1971. In addition
to teaching, he directed school
musicals for 31 years, served as athletic
director for five years, and
coached track for eight years. A high
school hockey and volleyball official,
he has served on the Carlton
County community theater board
and was on the Minnesota High
School League athletic director advisor
board for three years.
LOWELL SCEARCY retired from
teaching in 1999 following a 32-year
career in the classroom, most of those
spent at Brainerd High School. His
466 wins over 30 years as the Brainerd
Chippewa Tribe and grew up on the White Earth Indian
Reservation in northwestern Minnesota… Loren
Jansen (’81) filed as a candidate for the post of
Nicollet County sheriff. He has worked for the St.
Peter Police Department for the past 20 years, 15 of
which he served as a patrol sergeant. He’s been
certified as an emergency manager by the Minnesota
Department of Emergency Management and worked
as a drug abuse resistance education officer for six
years. He’s married and has three daughters, ages 16,
15 and 11… Tom Norgel (’84) is development
director of the new Minnesota Fair Grounds
Foundation and a resident of Macalester-Groveland.
The foundation’s mission is to preserve maintain and
improve the state fairgrounds. He was previously
senior membership manager at Twin Cities Public
Television… Pat Sauer (’87) of Detroit Lakes is
seeking the office of Becker County auditor. He is a
consultant in the areas of
trucking and estates and is
also a part-time employee at
Lunde Ford. His previous
experience includes
spending seven years as
auditor at the Federal Energy
Regulatory Commission,
serving as part-owner and
manager of Tires Plus and
managing a private oil
Pat Sauer
business… Darrell Carter
(’82), a Bemidji attorney and
certified public accountant, filed as a candidate for
Minnesota’s District 4 Senate seat. He’s been married
for 20 years, has six children and is a Navy veteran…
Clayton Liend (’84) filed as a candidate for mayor of
baseball coach is the third highest win
total of any hardball coach in the state.
Twice named the Minnesota State
High School Baseball Coach of the
year, he guided the Warriors to 12 conference
and eight section titles while
winning two state championships. He
also served 21 years as the junior high
basketball coach and 29 years as an
assistant football coach at Central
Lakes College.
JEFF WALLIN completed a tour of
Vietnam as a pilot in the U.S. Navy
following graduation. In 1978 he resigned
his commission and became
an anti-submarine pilot in the Naval
Reserve, reaching the rank of captain.
During this time he began working
in marketing and telecommunications
business development on an international
scale and is currently the president
and CEO of Patriot Scientific
Corporation. He also founded a consulting
company in 1999 that supports
multimedia systems integration
and communication technologies.
Randy Wilson
Keewatin. He and his
wife, Sharla, have a grown
son, Blake, and a daughter,
Breanna, a high school
senior… Mike Coltom
(’88) is teaching high
school industrial
technology at McGregor.
He’s worked in various
aspects of the construction
industry during the past 14
years and, for the past
eight years, he and his wife
have operated their own furniture restoration
business… Randy Wilson (’80) currently serves on
the Glencoe City Council and filed as a candidate to
the District 2 commissioner’s post in McLeod County.
He and his wife, Kay, have lived in Glencoe for 17
years and have a daughter, Sarah, 16, and a son, Tim,
14… Becky Carlson (’85) works as a half-time
special education teacher in the New London-Spicer
School District. Her husband, Paul, is the assistant
superintendent of the district, and they have three
children, Nick, Nate and
Meghan… David
McPherson (’82) filed as
a candidate for re-election
to the Ward 2 Albert Lea
City Council seat. He
owns Customized
Computer Service, a
company providing
services for personal
David McPherson
computers and computer
networks. He and his wife,
Outstanding
Rebecca, have a 17-year-old son, Nick…Doug
Lindgren (’81) filed as a candidate to the District 2B
State House of Representatives seat. He and his wife,
Colleen, own Harwood Oil in Bagley and she is
clerk-treasurer of the City of Bagley. They have
three children, Jeremiah, Justin and Rebekah…
Colleen Chambers (’83) teaches seventh and eighth
grade physical education and serves as the high
school’s varsity volleyball coach at Jordan Public
Schools. She lives in Belle Plaine with her three
daughters, ages, 11, 8 and 3… Dwight Baker (’81)
was named program director at the Overseas
Ministries Study Center in New Haven, CT, in July.
Most recently, he and his wife, Lois, worked for
seven years at the U.S. Center for World Mission in
Pasadena, CA, before moving to New Haven for the
new position… Mark Saiger (’84) is the director of
bands at Grand Rapids High School… David Arola
(’80) and Terryl (Wordelman) Arola (’80) live in
Pine City and have two children, Rob, 18, and Andy,
16. David is principal of Pine City Elementary
School and Terryl is a Pine County court services
director, administering county probation services…
Gregory Will (’80) lives in Bemidji and is working
toward his master of science in education degree in
special needs… Michael Musich (’87) and his wife,
Donna, live in International Falls and have two
children, Kelsie, 15, and Brett, 9… Virginia
(Hoemberg) Schwichtenberg (’84) received her
master’s in special education from St. Cloud State
University in December of 2000. She and her
husband, Clement, live in Staples and have two sons,
Mathew, 19, and Wyat, 13… Karen Sletten
Mattson (’80) is employed as a special education
teacher in Warroad. She and her husband, LeRoy,
Horizons Page 5
Alumni Reception at
Beaver Men’s Hockey
Conference Tournament
The Alumni Association will be hosting
a reception at this year’s College
Hockey America (CHA) conference tournament
on Friday, March 14, 2003, in
Kearney, NB. Details on the reception will
be included in the February edition of
HORIZONS.
Tournament play will take place Friday,
Saturday and Sunday of that weekend,
with the championship game scheduled
for Sunday at 5 p.m. The winner of the
CHA conference now has an automatic
berth in the 16-team NCAA national
championship playoffs.
Tickets for the tournament are available
through Greg Shea, vice president for the
Tri-City Storm Hockey Team in Kearney.
He can be reached via email at
greg@stormhockey.com.
CALL FOR NOMINATIONS 2003 BSU OUTSTANDING ALUMNI
Nominations are now being accepted for candidates to be considered for the Bemidji
State University Outstanding Alumni Award.
The Outstanding Alumni Award is presented annually during Homecoming. It is the highest
honor presented by the Alumni Association. The recipients of the award bring much recognition
to their alma mater through distinguished and professional achievements. They are
honored for exceptional service and contributions to Bemidji State University and to their
community, state and nation.
All nominees must have graduated no less than 10 years ago from Bemidji State University.
Nominations will be accepted until January 31, 2003, and can be made by anyone
except an immediate family member. Current faculty, staff and members of the board of
directors of the BSU Alumni Association are not eligible for consideration.
A nomination form can be obtained by calling the Alumni Association at 1-877-278-
2586 (toll free), 218-755-3989 (local), via email at alumni@bemidjistate.edu or by going
to the website, info.bemidji state.edu/alumni/awards.
live in Warroad and have three children, Ryan, 15,
Lisa, 13, and Stephen, 10… Debbie Anderson (’87)
and her husband, Tom, live in Sauk Centre and have
one daughter, Stephanie, 11… Nellie Wegscheid
(’80) and her husband, Jerry, live in Wadena and have
12 grandchildren… Mark Edwards (’82) works as
an accessibility specialist with the State of Minnesota
Building Codes and Standards. He and his wife, Clair,
live in Pine River… Marilyn (Gunderson) Hood
(’85) teaches English at Bagley High School, directs
plays in the drama department, serves as senior class
advisor and coaches volleyball. She and her husband,
Joel, live in Bagley and have three children, Hillary,
14, Katie, 11, and Andrea, 9… Debbie Todd (’86)
teaches first grade in St. Francis and completed her
master’s degree in 2001. She and her fiancé, Floyd,
live in Andover… Kari Stadem (’84) and her
husband, Peter, raise turkeys on a farm in Blomkest.
They have seven children, Michelle, 14, David, 12,
Joel, 10, Daniel, 10, Sarah, 6, Andrew, 4, and
Philip, 1… John Deden (’89), a social studies teacher
at Bemidji High School, is participating in a twoweek
study tour on economic education in Ukraine
and Lithuania. The program is conducted by the
National Council on Economic Education. He has
taught civics, government and economics at BHS for
11 years… Jill Katrin (’86) teaches second grade in
District 361. She and her husband, Mike, live in
International Falls and have two children, Angie, 20,
and Andrew, 14… Gary Heaton (’85) and Judy
Heaton (’88) live in Mandan, ND, and have two
grown children, Brandon, 25, and Shannon, 23. Gary
is a pastor for the Lutheran Mission congregation and
Judy teaches elementary school… Rockford Lhotka
(Continued on page 6)

Horizons Page 6
Where We Are ... What We’re Doing
(Continued from page 3)
Athletic Hall of Fame
(’87) is writing his tenth book, VB.NET Business
Objects, which should be available in April of 2003.
He and his wife, Teresa, live in Eden Prairie with their
children, Tim, 9, and Marcus, 5… Ken Boie (’89)
lives in Belle Plaine and has three children, Gabriella,
12, Amber, 9, and Brian, 7… Kristi (Brademan)
Pickett (’87) has been working for 15 years as a
veterinary technician at Bemidji Veterinary Clinic.
She lives in Bemidji with her daughters, Jessica, 9,
and Caitlin, 4, and is planning a May wedding…
Craig Stubbins (’81) and his wife, Jayne, live in
Eden Prairie and have three children, Jesse, 17,
Callie, 8, and Joanna, 6… Ken Gagner (’86) is
teaching fifth grade at Morris Area Schools and is
coaching junior football and serving as the head girls
basketball coach. His wife, Jill, works at the USDA-
ARS Soils Lab. They live in Morris and have three
children, Jessica, 18, Heather, 11, and Grant, 10…
Lance Lokken (’89) and his wife, Debbie (Pierson)
Lokken, are the new owners of Iron Trail Laundry,
Campground and Mobile Home Park in Chisholm, a
business previously known as JKO Campground.
The couple also owns Fairview Apartments,
Hibbing, and Lance is employed at Hibbing Tac as a
tractor operator. They have three children, Jessie, 13,
Peter, 5, and Stacie, 3… Dan Hodgson (’81) has
managed Econofoods in Wahpeton, ND, since the
store opened in 1986 and prior to that had taught
freshman English at BSU. He also taught freshman
English at NDSCS and currently serves on the
NDSCS Alumni/Foundation Board of Directors. He
lives in Wahpeton and has two children… Brent
Cochran (’81) recently became president of R/C
Ann Pavlik Betty Hughes Blane Comstock David Sjoblad Diane Pettis Donald Schmeckpeper Mark Eagles Pat Sartell
Bemidji State University inducted
eight new members into the Athletic
Hall of Fame during a ceremony and
banquet October 19.
The 2002 inductees were Blane
Comstock, Warroad; Mark Eagles, St.
Paul; Betty Hughes, Roseville; Anne
Pavlik, Akeley; Diane Pettis, Sebeka;
Pat Sartell, Marysville, CA; Don
Schmeckpeper, Bemidji; and David
“Dave” Sjoblad, Pequot Lakes.
The BSU Athletic Hall of Fame
was started in 1978 and holds an induction
ceremony every two years.
There are currently 137 members in
the Hall of Fame.
Nominees 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 a broader community,
and volunteer service or financial
support to BSU.
BLANE COMSTOCK was a three-time
NAIA All-America goalie and led
the BSU men’s hockey team to four
straight national titles from 1967 to
1970. He was named small college
Most Valuable Player in 1969 and
NAIA championship Most Valuable
Player in 1970. Inducted into the
NAIA Hall of Fame in 1977, he holds
BSU records in career shutouts (11)
most career wins (68), and most wins
in a season (24). He competed on
three U.S. National Teams and the
1976 U.S. Olympic Team. He has
been teaching in Warroad, where he
coached the boys high school hockey
team until 1991. The 1986 Warroad
Teacher of the Year, he is a volun-
Machining Company, a family business with 26
employees at which he’s worked for the past 20 years.
He lives in Glenwood with his wife, Mary, and their
children, Jeremy, 16, Shelby, 13, and Colin, 4… Brett
Larson (’88) is manager of NAPA Auto Parts in
Virginia. He and his wife, Ann Marie, live in Gilbert
and have two children, Garrett, 8, and Hannah, 6. He
coaches youth football, basketball and baseball…
Janice Frenzel (’88) teaches special education in
Kelliher, grades 8-12. She and her husband, Wesley,
live in Northome and have four children and six
grandchildren… Patrick Hammann (’86) and Jane
(Dostal) Hammann (’84) live in Superior, WI, with
their daughter, Kaleigh, 13. Patrick is a helicopter pilot
for St. Mary’s Hospital in Duluth, and Jane teaches
kindergarten in the Superior, WI, School District.
1990s
Allison Kreibich (’98) has been elected to the
Bemidji School Board… Marilyn Foss (’90) is
postmaster at Max and often substitute teaches at
Squaw Lake Elementary. She’s an active member of
Centennial Lutheran Church, Squaw Lake, and a
volunteer with the American Cancer Society and the
Advocates for Family Peace in Itasca County… Amy
Boll (’99) has been hired as a full-time industrial
technology instructor at the Crookston High
School… Tim Slough (’92) and his wife, Debbie, of
Bemidji announce the August 13 birth of a son…
Diane Leaders (’99) has received her master’s
degree in social work with honors from the
University of Minnesota, Duluth. She is currently
working at Ottertail-Wadena Community Action as a
family services counselor… Nancy Allen (’90) was
recently hired as the curriculum and personnel
EIGHT ADDED TO ATHLETIC HALL OF FAME
teer in the Jump Rope for Heart and
the Special Olympics.
MARK EAGLES was a four-time
NAIA All-America player and fourtime
all-conference member of the
BSU men’s hockey team from 1972-
1976. The team captain his senior
year, he played on three conference
championship teams and one national
championship team in 1973,
when he was named to the all-tournament
squad. One of the most prolific
scorers in team history, he had
100 goals and 125 assists in 116
games. He holds the school record
in four categories: most career goals
(100), most unassisted career goals
(18), most career hat tricks (7), and
most career unassisted goals (7). He
is currently employed with Mentor
Corporation as a regional sales manager.
He has more than 20 years of
coaching youth hockey in Roseville.
BETTY HUGHES was a four-time
letter winner in basketball and volleyball
from 1976-1980. The captain
of the BSU volleyball team for
two years, she led the squad to three
30-plus win seasons, several appearances
in MAIAW state and regional
playoffs, was the Northern Sun Conference
MVP her senior year, twice
was All-MAIAW, and once named to
the All-AIAW Region 6 squad. She
was a starting guard and a senior captain
on two conference championship
basketball teams. Now a respiratory
therapist, she received the Distinguished
Service Award from the
University of Minnesota Hospital
and Clinic in 1993, has been a 20year
participant in USVBA volleyball
leagues, and was named to the
BSU women’s athletics 30-year anniversary
team in 2000.
director with Prior Lake Savage Area School
District. She’d previously been employed as director
of curriculum, instruction and assessment at Bemidji
area schools. She also served as an elementary
school principal at Lincoln Elementary in Bemidji
from 1994-2000 and at Norman County West
Elementary School in Hendrum from 1991-1994…
Christopher Parthun (’91) and his family recently
donated a golden retriever puppy to the Hearing and
Service Dogs Program, based in the Twin Cities.
Christopher’s wife, Tracy, involves her family in
training the puppy as a service dog for people with
disabilities including those who are deaf, paraplegic
or subject to seizures. The Parthuns live in Bemidji
with their children, Laura, Anna and Isaac… Jon
Gaffaney (’99) has been selected to receive the Dr.
Ya-Pin Lee Award as the
outstanding graduate
student in biochemistry
and molecular biology at
the University of North
Dakota School of
Medicine and Health
Sciences. He is working
toward a doctor of
philosophy degree in the
Jon Gaffaney
laboratory of Dr.
Roxanne Vaughan,
associate professor of biochemistry and molecular
biology. His research is an investigation of the
mechanisms of a protein involved in cocaine
addictions, and it’s believed that findings from his
research may also have application for Parkinson’s
disease. The Ya-Pin Lee Award recognizes an
outstanding student for dedication, accomplishment
ANN PAVLIK was a four-sport
athlete, competing in field hockey,
volleyball, basketball, and track and
field. She earned seven letters during
her career at BSU, including four
in track and field where she was the
MAIAW state champion in the 1973
javelin throw. She is currently in her
29th year as a teacher in the Walker-
Hackensack-Akeley school system.
As a coach, her 20-year record in
volleyball was 278-149 while she
guided her teams to three regional
tournament appearances and to a
third-place in the 1978 state tournament.
She has been active in coaching
associations at all levels and is a
past president of the Minnesota Volleyball
Coaches Association and the
National American Volleyball
Coaches Association.
DIANE PETTIS, a 1976 graduate,
competed on Bemidji State championship
teams in volleyball (1974),
track and field (1974, 1975) and basketball
(1974, 1976). Since leaving
BSU, she has taught and coached at
Sebeka High School, amassing over
300 wins in volleyball and guiding
teams to Park Regional Conference
Championships in volleyball (four),
softball (three) and basketball (one).
She directs summer volleyball camps
and clinics while remaining active
with elementary programs in volleyball,
basketball and softball. She was
named to the BSU women’s athletics
30-year anniversary team in 2000.
PAT SARTELL lettered four times
in volleyball and basketball from
1975-1978. Her basketball career included
two selections to the All
Minn-Kota Conference team and a
conference championship in 1976. A
team captain in volleyball, she was
all-conference two times and played
and zeal for research… Carrie (Collyard) Glinsek
(’96) and James Glinsek (’96) were married April 27
at Elk River, where they currently reside. Carrie
opened a chiropractic office in Elk River in September
2001… Jean Dolensek (’95) has been appointed to the
Northspan Group’s board of directors. She is the
mining program coordinator for the Iron Range
Resources and Rehabilitation Agency and previously
served as a supervisor of general accounting for
U.S. Steel Minntac. The Northspan Group is a
Duluth-based private non-profit development
organization that has, since 1985, provided
professional business and community development
services throughout Minnesota with a special
emphasis on the Northeast Region… Brandon
Fiedler (’99) announced his candidacy for the
Chisholm City Council this fall. He currently works as
an independent contractor delivering the Duluth News
Tribune and the Manney’s Shopper. He’s an active
member of St. Joseph’s Church, Chisholm, and the
Knights of Columbus Council #3539… Leslie
(Skarich) Peterson (’93) received a master’s degree
in teaching and learning from Saint Mary’s University
in May. She teaches first grade at Meadow Lake
School in the Robbinsdale School District and lives in
Andover with her husband, Charles, and son, Ryan…
Betty White (’90) of Wadena filed as a candidate for
the post of Wadena County auditor/treasurer. She’s
worked as the Wadena County Highway Department’s
accountant for the last five years and moved to Wadena
from Brainerd 27 years ago. She helped form the
Wadena County Humane Society in 1996, is past
president of the humane society’s board of directors
and currently serves as a board member. She’s also
been an active 4-H horse project leader for
on a squad that won four consecutive
Minn-Kota Conference titles.
She also participated in the early
years of BSU softball by playing on
the club team. After graduation, she
taught at Deer Creek where she
coached three sports and was named
Region 6A Volleyball Coach of the
Year in 1983. She is now a special
education teacher and was named to
the BSU women’s athletics 30-year
anniversary team in 2000.
DON SCHMECKPEPER lettered
three times in football at BSU from
1946-50 and was a four-time letter
winner in track, winning the conference
high hurdle title in 1947. An industrial
education major, he received
both a bachelor’s degree and a
master’s degree from Bemidji State.
Prior to retirement, he had a 34-year
career in education, all but one at
Bemidji High School where he was
the track coach for 10 years. He remains
active in community organizations
and in supporting Bemidji
State University programs.
DAVID SJOBLAD was the second
leading all-time scorer on the BSU
basketball team when he graduated in
1964. A four-time letterman, he was
twice elected as team captain and was
an all-conference selection. He retired
in 1999 following a lengthy career in
education, including 22 years at Pequot
Lakes high School. He has been a
wellness speaker for various organizations
and received the Central
Minnesota Counselor Association
Award for Community Service. He
continues to work as a consultant on a
program called Maxing Out, working
with coaches and athletes on chemical,
health, wellness and attitude issues
and promoting the idea of keeping
sports in a healthy perspective.
20 years… Jon Olson
(’90) was a candidate
for the office of Aitkin
County commissioner.
He’s been employed as
a police officer with the
city of Aitkin for the
past 10 years. He and
his wife, Rayette, have
four children… Sarah
Curtis-Greer (’96) of
Fall City participated
in the Avon Breast Can-
cer Crusade in August, a 60-mile, three-day walk in
the state of Washington. She’s worked for the past
seven years in
juvenile
corrections for
the Wilder
Foundation, St.
Croix Camps
near Sandstone
as a counselor
Sarah Curtis-Greer
Jon Olson
and supervisor
of an adolescent
male correctional facility and has spent time
volunteering in villages in Central America –
Antigua, Guatemala being the most recent. Proceeds
from the three-day marathon went to support the
Avon Breast Cancer Crusade’s mission to fund
access to care and find a cure for breast cancer, with a
focus on under-served women… David Bjorklund
(’90) and his wife, Wendy McGillivray Bjorklund,
of Park Rapids announce the August 23 birth of a

Communiques
from the alumni director
Marla Huss Patrias
daughter… Michelle Young (’95) and her husband,
Wade Young (’93), of Bemidji announce the August
22 birth of a son. Michelle is employed at Affinity
Plus Credit Union while Wade works at Naylor
Electric… Jess Ward (’96) and Dave Evenson
(‘84), both of Bemidji, are planning a May wedding.
Jess is an agency specialist with State Farm Insurance
and Dave is a physical education and health teacher at
Ponemah Elementary School… Chuck Eggert (’99)
is teaching fourth grade at Dassel Elementary. He
was previously employed at Monticello and has two
years of experience teaching second grade and one
year teaching fourth grade. He and his wife, Danell,
live in Foley… Vickie Erdmann (’96) is in her first
year of teaching in the
Win-E-Mac School
District. She teaches
Russian in grades 7-12
and English as a
second language and
also works with
elementary students in
a different classroom
each day on language
skills activities. Last
year she taught in
Vickie Erdmann
Track & Field Alumni Meet Scheduled
Former BSU track & field team members, are you ready to tie on your
running shoes and test your athletic skills? A BSU Alumni Track &
Field meet will be held on Saturday January 18, 2003 at 3 p.m. in the
Gillett Recreation-Fitness Center on campus. The meet will feature the
green moldy oldies versus a team of freshmen and a team of upper class
students. The green moldy oldie team will be given handicaps for the
number of years that have elapsed since the last time they competed for
the Beavers. They will also be given extra points for wearing old BSU
uniforms, sweats and letterman jackets (even if they don’t fit). Following
the meet, a supper (roast) will be held at 7 p.m. at Walnut Hall where
many stories will be told, which hopefully won’t be stretched too far!
For more information, contact coach Craig Hougen at 218-755-2883 or
via email at chougen@bemidjistate.edu.
Deadline for Alumni Relative Scholarship
Applications Coming Up
The deadline for BSU’s Alumni Relative Scholarship is coming up soon.
Applications for returning or transfer students are due Tuesday, December
31. Applications for incoming freshmen have been extended as of
this year, and are now due Friday, January 31. Applications are available
on-line at info.bemidjistate.edu/alumni/scholarship or by contacting the
alumni office.
First Ever Athletic Hall of Fame Weekend
Described as a Success!
The first ever Athletic Hall of Fame celebration weekend was held October
18 and 19. By all accounts, the weekend of events were a success
and enjoyed by the many alumni who returned to campus to participate.
A reception for all Hall of Fame members was held Friday evening at
the David Park House, with almost 100 people in attendance, including
31 AHF members and the eight inductees. Following the reception, participants
took in the women’s volleyball match and men’s hockey game
taking place in the John Glas Fieldhouse. The inductees were introduced
between the second and third matches of the volleyball game and
all Hall of Fame members present were introduced between the second
and third periods of the hockey game.
Beaver Pride again hosted a pre-football game tailgate party on Saturday
morning, followed by introductions of the inductees at halftime of
the football game. Football and hockey alums attended receptions following
the football game, and culminating the weekend of events was
the Athletic Hall of Fame induction ceremony and banquet Saturday
evening. A record 186 people were in attendance to celebrate with the
eight inductees and honor the Hall of Fame members present.
Due to the overwhelming success, the weekend format for Athletic
Hall of Fame will continue. The next celebration will be in 2004.
Northome… Meg
Kolden (’95) is
teaching geometry,
algebra II and applied math II at Stephen-Argyle
Central. She’d previously taught for seven years at
Fergus Falls Senior High. She and her husband,
Jerod, have a daughter, Bailee, 4, and son, Matthew,
1… Daryl Kehler (’99) is teaching high school and
middle school social studies at the Waseca Area
Learning Center. He’d previously taught in Bemidji
and Blackduck… Kathy Birt (’98) is the new special
education teacher at North Elementary, Deer River…
Kristen Busch (’97) is teaching science at Tower-
Soudan Schools. She’s a first-year teacher who now
lives in Tower with her husband, Rick, who works at
Tower Auto Parts… Patrick Holm (’94) is the new
high school math teacher and head wrestling coach at
Lake Park-Audubon Schools… Dawn Bergerson
(’98) is coordinating the Early Childhood Family
Education program at Menahga where she lives with
her husband and four children. She had previously
been a substitute teacher in the Menahga, Sebeka and
Park Rapids school districts… Kristen Zupetz (’96)
resigned this summer from her position as business
manager for the Chisholm School District in order to
accept a similar job with a Twin Cities school district.
She’d been employed in her position at Chisholm for
three years… Angie McCarthy (’97) and her
husband, Casey McCarthy (’97), of Bemidji
announce the September 24 birth of a daughter. Angie
is a registered nurse and Casey works in the Security
Department at BSU… Shelley Steva (’98) is in her
third year of teaching science to sixth- through eighthgraders
at RLCC at Plummer. She lives in Thief River
Falls and has two children, Erin, 17, and Lee, 14…
Kim Elhardt (’98) is in her fifth year of teaching
kindergarten at Bigfork schools. She and her husband,
Eric, live in Marcell, have a son, Ethan, 2, and are
anticipating the birth of their second child in
November… Melissa Marcotte (’92) her husband,
Glen, and their daughter, Macey, 1, recently moved
back to her hometown of International Falls after
BSU
Be part of the BSU Winter Rendezvous 2003! All BSU alumni
SEVENTH ANNUAL
Winter
Rendezvous!
invited. Plans are shaping up for the Alumni
Association’s Seventh Annual golf tournament and winter
celebration to be held March 9 - 10 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.
spending three years in Brainerd… Rebecca
Lundgren (’91) of Grand Rapids received a master’s
degree in special education from BSU in May… Bev
Turk (’92) works as an image editor and photoshop
specialist for the Grand Rapids Herald Review
newspaper. She and her husband, Keith, live in
Cohasset. Their daughter, Paula, 22, lives and works
in Boston, MA… Ann (Johnson) McCann (’90) of
Brighton, CO, has worked for the Ball Corporation for
eight years as an executive accountant. She and her
husband, Joseph, have a daughter, Samantha, 2…
Glenn Amundson (’91) of East Grand Forks has
worked as a sales manager at Hansen Ford Lincoln
Mercury in Grand Forks, ND, for the past seven
years… John Hanson (’91), his wife, Linda, and their
children, Brooke, 7, and Paige, 5, live in Houston,
TX… Kristin (Mostad) Sundgaard (’91) and
Anthony Sundgaard (’93) have two children, ages 3
years and newborn. Kristin is a physical therapist with
HealthEast Home Care and Anthony works in law
enforcement for the city of Eagan… Karen Wicklund
(’94) of St. Petersburg, FL, recently started a new job
with the Florida Department of Revenue and is
engaged to Ken Kull… Kristy Toftum (’96) and
Joshua Branson were married July 25 in Golden,
CO… Tessa Braaten (’94) and Les Lauderbaugh
were married September 7 at Leif Erickson Park in
Duluth, overlooking Lake Superior. They live in
Bemidji where Tessa is employed with the Beltrami
County Sheriff’s Department and Les with SpeeDee
Delivery… Debra Jelencich-Jensen (’92) is in her
10th year of teaching fourth grade. She and her
husband, Floyd, live in Brainerd and have three
children, Rosie, 15, Michelle, 12, and Kelsey, 2…
In Memoriam
Pictured are several hockey alums attending the Athletic Hall of Fame reception at the David Park House.
Sitting on the couch is AHF 2002 inductee Blane Comstock ’71, former men’s hockey coach Bob Peters and
AHF 2002 inductee Mark Eagles ’77. Standing from left to right in the front row are: Steve Letourneau ‘76,
Lynn Smith ‘74, Lyle Dunbar ‘73, Steve Curley ‘75, Bruce Falk ’71 and Dennis Kvarnlov-Leverty ’72. Pictured
in the back row are Bob Nyberg ‘71, Jim McElmury ’71, Glen Chiodo ’75, and Bryan Grand ’70.
Lisa Pierce (’92) has worked as an accounts
receivable bookkeeper for eight years, is the proud
owner of 21 dogs and survived a serious automobile
accident in June of 2001. She and her husband, Larry,
live in Cotton and have a 17-year-old daughter,
Danielle… Marie Chandler (’96) is teaching sixth
grade at the Cass Lake-Bena Middle School and had
previously taught at Walker-Hackensack-Akeley
schools for five years. She lives in Bemidji with her
husband, David, and has two children… Rick Berndt
(’91) owns the Pet Zone in Bemidji. He and his wife,
Patti, live in Bemidji and have three children, Derek,
19, Kari, 16, and Kris, 10… Don Anderson (’94) and
Sheila (McCarty) Anderson (’93) live in Grand
Rapids and have two children, Jacob and Julie. Don
runs his own chiropractic practice, Itasca
Chiropractic Center in Grand Rapids… Teresa
LaFriniere (’98) was hired recently as a tax specialist
with FarmChek Services of McIntosh. She’s worked
in accounting and bookkeeping positions since 1994,
most recently as a farm tax specialist with AgCountry
Farm Credit Services of Detroit Lakes. She and her
husband, Brian, live near Roy Lake in rural
Mahnomen County… Cary Parks (’95) graduated in
September from the FBI National Academy Program
at the FBI Academy campus in Quantico, VA. Parks,
who has worked 20 years with the Coon Rapids
Police Department, was one of only three Minnesota
graduates. He’s served as a detective sergeant for the
past three years. He’s married and has two daughters,
coaches girls soccer and lives in Coon Rapids…
Cindy (Haarstad) Darrow (’90) lives in Inver
Grove Heights with her husband, Dan, and is
currently employed at Macalaster College, St. Paul,
Horizons Page 7
Bradley B. Blooflat (’96) – Bagley, MN
Michael Staples (’95) – Bemidji, MN
Marion Edgar (’60) – Tahlequah, OK
Leonard Bengston (’32) – Grand Rapids, MN
Gordon L. Wright (’55) – Bemidji, MN
Hazel Hogenson (retired faculty) – Parkers Prairie, MN
Margarete Steininger (’65) – Northome, MN
Willa Beaulieu (’75) – Pinewood, MN
Ruth Stenerson (retired faculty) – Bemidji, MN
Gregg Fokken (’87) – Oronoco, MN
Dick Hess (’50) – Verndale, MN
as the associate director for operations, campus center/
programs… Serene Bachman (’90) joined the Holy
Redeemer School staff in Montgomery this fall. She
serves as a part-time school counselor, sharing her
time with two other schools, Lonsdale/New Market
Veseli and St. Wenceslaus in New Prague. She’d
previously taught for a year at Waterville-Elysian-
Morristown and for one year in Mankato. She lives in
Montgomery with her husband, Larry, and their two
children, Austin, 10, and Ali, 8… John Gronski (’91)
and his wife, Anne, live in Superior, WI, with their
children, Gunnar, 3, and Jarrett, 1… Bob Brauer (’92)
has been promoted to vice-president of marketing with
Brauer Supply Co. and also serves as a corporate pilot
with the company. He and his wife, Melanie, live in
Springfield, IL, with their children, Travis, 7, Alexis,
4, and Britta, 1… Melissa (Baker) Warren (’91) is a
senior analyst and supervisor with State Farm
Insurance and her husband, Michael, works for Illinois
Senator Bill Brady. They live in Bloomington, IL, with
their children, Samantha, 5, and Jake, 2.
2000s
Kathleen Furlong (’01) has been hired as an art
director by Out There Advertising, a marketing and
advertising agency in Duluth… Bruce Manske (’00)
filed as a candidate in November’s Bemidji School
Board election… Michele Dinius (’00) is the new
head coach of the Rush City High School varsity
volleyball squad. She will also substitute teach until a
full-time physical education teaching position opens
in Rush City. She’d previously coached at Monticello
High School and is engaged to Paul Kirby, a sixthgrade
teacher at Rush City… Leslie Johnson (’01)
(Continued on page 6)

Horizons Page 8
Where We Are ... What We’re Doing
(Continued from page 3)
FIFTH ANNUAL
BEAVER Slim’s
PRIDE
WINTER GOLF CLASSIC
and her husband, Sam, of Bemidji announce the
August 27 birth of a son… Jennifer Scheela (’00)
and Edward Belisle (’01) were married May 18 in
Bemidji. Jennifer recently completed coursework
for a master’s degree in sport management at BSU.
Edward has accepted a coaching position with the
Sioux Falls Stampede of the U.S. Hockey League…
Dan Sabin (’00) married Heather Jorgensen (‘01)
August 24 in Bemidji. Dan is employed with
Bankers Systems and Heather is a Target Corp.
employee. They live in St. Cloud… David Olson
(’01) has been hired to teach physical education at
the Isanti Middle School and the Minnesota Center.
He student taught in the Bagley Public Schools and
was a long-term substitute there. He also filled a
long-term substitute position with Cambridge
Middle School in the spring of 2002… Michael Svir
(’02) of Badger is in his first year of teaching social
studies and science to fifth-through eighth-grade
students and math to seventh- and eighth-graders at
Balaton Public School… Jason Warner (’01) is
teaching math and applied geometry at Hinckley-
Finlayson High School this year… Kami Roensch
(’00) is teaching kindergarten at Milaca Public
Schools. She’d previously worked as a substitute
teacher in Walker and an EBD teacher in Biwabik…
Scott Wherley (’01) of Hines married Trisha Linder
May 4. He is employed as a deputy sheriff for
Beltrami County and had previously worked as a
conservation officer in Nebraska… Amy Techar
(’02) of Finlayson is entering her first year of
teaching as a fourth-grade teacher at Willow River…
SATURDAY JANUARY 18, 2003
Slim’s Bar and Grill and Beaver Pride have
announced the annual winter golf tournament
will be played on Saturday, January 18, 2003,
on the frozen links of Lake Bemidji. Teams of
two golfers will use a putter and an iron to
negotiate the 18-hole course with a tennis
ball. The format is a two-person scramble and
is limited to the first 144 registrants.
Call 218-755-2827 for more information.
Alumni Trip to China in Summer 2003
Love to travel? Always wanted to see China and the Great Wall? Did you participate in
Sinosummer as a student at BSU and have dreamed of going back?
The Alumni Association will give those who answered yes an opportunity to visit China through
a guided trip to China from July 23 through August 6, 2003.
The program will be led by professor emeritus Pete Smith, and is designed as somewhat of a
shorter version of the Sinosummer program; however, it will include a few new twists for
Sinosummer veterans.
The itinerary includes two days in Beijing; five days at Liaoning University for field trips to
North East China; two days in Xian; and a four-day, three-night cruise aboard a four-star Princess
Cruise ship on the Chang Jiang through the Three Gorges.
This Three Gorges cruise will be one of the last chances to see the area since this section of the
river will be dammed and flooded in a few years as part of an enormous hydroelectric project.
The cost for the trip is $3300, which includes roundtrip airfare from Minnesota, as well as all
other transportation, hotel and meal costs. Prices for the trip may vary slightly depending on
participation.
All alumni, family and friends are welcome to participate. Interested individuals must submit
a deposit of $150 to the Alumni Association no later than February 15, 2003. If the trip were
canceled for any reason, this deposit would be refunded.
A minimum of ten participants is necessary for the trip to take place. Questions and expressions
of interest can be forwarded to the Alumni Office at 218-755-2876 (local), 1-877-278-2586 (toll
free), or alumni@bemidjistate.edu.
Pennie Rude (’02) is teaching high school U.S.
citizenship, ancient civilizations/archeology,
economics and American history to eighth-graders at
Waterville-Elysian-Morristown Schools… Eric
Austin (’02) is a new middle school social studies
teacher at Becker Public Schools this year… Evan
Lembke (’01) is the new industrial technology
teacher at Moose Lake High School. He’d previously
taught in the Wrenshall District and lives in
Wrenshall with his wife and baby daughter… Ryan
Giles (’02) took a teaching position this year at the
Lac qui Parle Valley High School. He teaches
industrial arts including drafting, construction and
woodworking… Jessica Bina (’02) of East Grand
Forks is in her first year of teaching at New Heights
Elementary there. She’s spent two years with
AmeriCorps in Bemidji working with Youth Quake
and devoting 2,600 volunteer hours in after-school
and reading programs. She also taught pre-school,
kindergarten and fourth grade in Bemidji… Calvin
Gunn (’02) is teaching sixth grade at Nevis. He’d
served as a long-term substitute for sixth grade last
year and also substituted for Title I in the spring of
2001. He and his wife, Shana (‘00), have been
married four years and have a nine-month old son,
Michael… Amory Olson (’01) is in her first year of
teaching at Southwest Star Concept High School,
Heron Lake. She’s teaching 10th-grade biology,
seventh-grade life science and eighth-grade earth
science… Kristy Finck (’01) was recently hired as
Answer The Call
“Working at the Calling Center is a lot of fun.
The people you talk to are so much fun. To hear
their experiences at BSU makes it exciting to be
here. You meet so many people and they are
great to talk with. It’s just a great thing.”
Laura Manley, Class of 2006
Laura is a freshman majoring in liberal education. This is her
first year working with the BSU Alumni Phonathon.
Answer the call
Laura and Patrick are among 30 BSU students calling throughout each academic year as
members of the university advancement calling team. These students call alumni in an effort to
update records, keep them connected to campus, and possibly garner financial support. During
2001-02, the BSU Alumni Phonathon had the most successful year in its calling history, thanks
to generous alumni. This support provides funding for scholarships, faculty and student
research projects, university-wide program enhancements and special projects, student recruitment
activities, and athletic programs to name just a few areas.
Why do alumni give through the BSU Phonathon? Aside from helping the University, it is a
way to invest in BSU and stay connected. Perhaps the best reason to give through this program
is to show belief in Bemidji State University. Alumni receiving a call this year from one of our
enthusiastic Phonathon callers are encouraged to take a few minutes to talk with them. Ask
about campus life and let them know what it was like in the good old days. Thanks to all alumni
in advance for getting involved and . . . answering the call.
For alumni who missed the call and would still like to give to the University Fund, please fill out and return the form below.
Bemidji State University Foundation
BSU Alumni Phonathon 2002-2003
$_____ Payment enclosed. Checks should be made payable to: BSU Foundation
Please bill: _____Monthly _____Quarterly _____Semi-Annually _____Annually _____Bill me during the month of __________
_____ VISA _____ Mastercard Account number ____________________________________ Expiration Date __________
Name: __________________________________________________________________________________________________
Address: _________________________________________ Telephone ______________________________________________
Signature ________________________________________ Date __________________________________________________
Bemidji State University Foundation, 1500 Birchmont Drive NE #17, Bemidji, MN 56601-2699
(218) 755-2762 / Fax (218) 755-4146
the newest addition to the Bertha-Hewitt teaching
staff as a kindergarten teacher and volleyball and
track coach. Her husband, Dale (‘91), is also a
teacher at Bertha-Hewitt… Aaron Johnson (’02) is
in his first year of teaching social studies at Tri-
County Schools, Karlstad… Michael Enerson (’01)
of Dassel is teaching seventh-and eighth-grade
social studies at Dassel schools. He was previously
employed summers with Beltrami Electric
Cooperative in Bemidji and had worked for Alaska
Interstate Construction in Prudhoe Bay… Eric
Olson (’02) was recently hired as community
facilitator for Polk County Public Health, a position
dedicated to preventing the use of alcohol, tobacco
and drugs by minors. He’s single and lives in
Fisher… Coral Swanlund (’02) is living in
Burnsville… Stacey Steinkopf (’02) of Bemidji has
started graduate studies and is a teaching graduate
assistant in the English Department at BSU… Andy
Jadoo (’02) is living in St. Paul… Jessica Creech
(’02) lives in Bemidji… Jacquelyn Chiabotti (’02)
and her husband, Michael, live in Andover with their
children, Dominic, 5, and Dylan, 3… Kajsa
Freborg (’02) has accepted a teaching position at the
Bemidji Middle School… Ryan Binder (’02) lives
in Shevlin… Rob Litchke (’02) of St. Paul is
employed as a staff auditor with the Minnesota
Office of the Legislative Auditor… Michelle
Collopy (’02) works as a SWS/ALC teacher in
District 199. She lives in Inver Grove Heights with
her husband, Gary, and their children, Erin, 15, and
Michael 10… Kerry Lakso (’02) has a new job at
Mesabi Range Community and Technical College as
an academic advisor. She lives in Cook with her
husband, Bob, and their children, Mandy, 12, and
Kanika, 3… Angie (Lease) Kellin (’02) teaches
middle school and high school English. She and her
husband, Tony, live in Grand Rapids… Jennifer
Schepers (’02) lives in South St. Paul… Crystal
Banovetz (’02) is substitute teaching in the Ely
schools. Her son, Joshua, is four… Amanda Ogden
(’02) works as a quality control chemist at Solvay
Pharmaceuticals in Baudette. She and her husband,
Roben, live in Emo, Ontario, Canada, with their
nine-year-old, Jordan… Bethany Gustafson (’02)
lives in Mankato and has begun work on a master’s
degree in teaching
English as a second
language… Derrick
Gross (’02) is teaching
fourth grade at
Northome. He also
completed eight years
of service in the U.S.
Marine Corps and
worked for a time at the
Itasca Juvenile
Center… Sherri
Kruger (’01) is a new
addition to the Badger
faculty this year and
Sherri Kruger
“I like to talk to the interesting alumni of
BSU. I also like to raise money for such a
great thing as Bemidji State University.”
Patrick Crosby, Class of 2004
Patrick is a junior majoring in industrial technology.
This is his first year working with the BSU Alumni
Phonathon.
lives in Roseau with her husband, David, and
children, Elysia, 17, Sarah, 12, and John,
10…Karen Andrascik (’02) and her family
recently moved from International Falls to
Eatonville, WA. She is working toward her state
teaching certification and plans to work as a
substitute teacher. She and her husband, Roger,
have two children, Sean, 13, and Hannah, 9… Jen
Brekkestran (’02) lives in Brooklyn Center and
works as a residential supervisor for a company
called ACR… Lauri (Nevalainen) Solberg (’02)
teaches math at Lakeville High School. She lives in
St. Paul with her husband, Chuck… Brad Czech
(’01) has joined the Long Prairie Elementary
School staff as a first grade teacher. His fiancé,
Elizabeth Santo, is a teacher at Mary of Lourdes
Elementary School in Little Falls… Zach Howard
(’02) is in his first year of teaching high school
science and biology classes in Belgrade district
schools… Cory Gish (’02) is teaching third grade
at Cass Lake-Bena Elementary School. He lives in
Bemidji with his wife, Amy… Tina Vaughn (’01)
is teaching third grade at Cass Lake-Bena
Elementary School… Scot Blumenshein (’01) is
working as an EBD teacher with the Cass Lake-
Bena School District. He’s previously worked as a
journalist for six years… Amy Klimek (’00)
teaches fourth grade at Cass Lake-Bena
Elementary School. She lives on Midge Lake with
her husband, Shawn (‘99).