Fueling Heavy Metal Elements come to life in northern Minnesota - Bemidji State University
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
FUpueling BSU Alums at forefront
of ethanol growth
Heavy Metal
Elements come to life
in northern Minnesota
Hot Potato
BSU professor digs in
Note from the editor
Summer may have a laid-back reputation, but the
Bemidji State campus is typically bustling with
classes, special events, and activities. In addition
to regular classes, workshops and short courses
scheduled over two academic sessions, a sampling
of activities include (clockwise, starting at lower
left): a participant in the Visions of Sport Camp for
the visually impaired; canoeists who participated in
a Youth Recreation Camp through the Gillett Recre-
ation-Fitness Center; the annual BSU MusiCamp for
vocalists and instrumentalists; youngsters at Soccer
Camp; sailors on Lake Bemidji who rented a sailboat
from the Outdoor Program Center; Sharon Olds, vis-
iting distinguished writer at the Minnesota North-
woods Writers Conference; and a registrant at the
Ancient Voices - Contemporary Contexts Forum for
sharing Native American wisdom and perspectives.
The background photograph shows golfers at the
Wells Fargo/Gordy Skaar Memorial Golf Tournament,
one of three summer links events held to raise funds
for Beaver athletics.
Al Nohner (‘70, ‘93)
L
COVER STORY:
THE lake, Alumni Aaron (left) and Evan Fagen
the l e a r n i n g , chart the future of ethanol production
in the United States. Story on page 20.
the
ife... Contents
2 Campus Notes
6 Spud Science
9 Seniors to Watch
12 Turning Pages on Horizons
14 Metal for the Soul
17 Connecting Cultures
20 Fueling Futures
23 Class Notes
29 Homecoming 2006
Vol. 21, No. 3, Summer/Fall 2006
Horizons is produced by the Communications Office, Alum-
ni Association, and BSU Foundation at Bemidji State University.
It is published three times per year and distributed free to BSU
alumni, students, faculty, staff and friends of the University.
Editor Al Nohner
Alumni Director Marla Patrias
Designer Kathy Berglund
Photography Director John Swartz
Contributing Photographers Monte Draper, Jon Heller
Contributing Writers Carrie Cramer, Jody Grau,
Cindy Serratore
Editorial Assistance Scott Hondl, Peggy Nohner
Production Assistance The Johnson Group Marketing,
St. Cloud, Minnesota
Editorial Board: Joann Fredrickson, Keith Marek,
Al Nohner, Marla Patrias, Sue Kringen, Steve Heriot
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. 06-238
Horizons Bemidji State University 
Campus Notes
Kathleen Blatz Named
Distinguished Minnesotan
Former Minnesota Supreme Court
Chief Justice Kathleen Blatz received
the 2006 Distinguished Minnesotan
Master’s in Special 2006 Outstanding Award during commencement ceremo-
nies this spring at Bemidji State.
Education Available Online Alumni
First presented in 1981, the Distin-
Individuals interested in pursuing a Seven individuals have guished Minnesotan Award recog-
master of science degree in special ed- been chosen as the 2006 nizes the contributions of a current or
ucation may now enroll in a 37-credit Outstanding Alumni former resident of the state who has
graduate program offered online by at BSU. Those being performed exemplary service to the
Bemidji State. recognized during the people of Minnesota or the United
The master’s includes the courses that Alumni Honors Banquet at States.
provide a broad background in special Homecoming will be:
Blatz was appointed an associate justice
education as well as the classes required Kermit Bensen ’60 of the Minnesota Supreme Court in
for individuals to obtain a licensure to Bemidji, MN 1996 by Gov. Arne Carlson, who ap-
teach kindergarten through grade 12 stu-
pointed her chief justice in 1998. In that
dents with emotional behavioral disorders Lorraine Cecil ’68
role, Blatz championed many efforts to
(EBD) and learning disabilities (SLD). Bemidji, MN
improve the court’s handling of abused
Individuals would need to successfully
David Czarnecki ’69 and neglected children. She stepped
complete the state licensing exam.
Dubuque, IA down as chief justice in January.
There is a high need in the state for
Bruce Falk ‘71 Among her many honors, Blatz was
teachers trained in this field. In a study
Salol, MN named the National Court Appointed
that led up to 2005, the Minnesota De-
Special Advocate Association Judge of
partment of Education reported that Paul Godlewski ’70 the Year in 2005. In 2004 she received
EBD would experience the most critical Ramsey, MN the Minnesota Council of Child Care
shortage of teachers in the state while
Agencies Distin-
teaching students with learning disabili- Debra Kellerman ’72
guished Service
ties would be the fifth most critical. Oak Island, MN
Award and, that
Grant Supports Nursing Carol Russell ’74 same year, was
named among the
Program Development Brainerd, MN
University of Min-
Bemidji State University has been For more information nesota School of
awarded $175,000 to continue its pro- about the Alumni Honors Social Work Alum-
gram development of a four-year, ge- Banquet, see Homecoming ni of the Year.
neric baccalaureate nursing program. information on page 29. Kathleen Blatz
The support came from Legislative Ini-
tiative Funds dedicated for expanding
als needed to meet the re- Criminal Justice
quirements of the Board of
nursing programs and allocated to the
Nursing approval process. Offered in Brainerd
Minnesota State Colleges and Univer-
If all goes as hoped, the pro- The Bemidji State University bache-
sities (MnSCU).
gram is expected to begin in lor’s degree in criminal justice is now
The BSU proposal was one of only available in Brainerd through a spe-
the fall of 2007 and gradu-
two funded statewide, and the money cial arrangement with Central Lakes
ate the first new registered
is earmarked for hiring a program di- College (CLC).
nurses in spring of 2011.
rector and purchasing learning materi-
Bemidji State University Horizons
Campus Notes
For the convenience of working adults,
the entire program can be completed
during evening hours and through on-
line instruction. CLC will provide 67
of the 128 credits in the program, in-
cluding general education courses and
some electives.
The expansion to Brainerd is in re-
sponse to projected job growth. De-
mand for criminal justice graduates in
Minnesota is expected to grow by 15
percent through 2010. Nationally, the
demand for criminal justice graduates
is expected to grow rapidly through
the remainder of the decade, adding
over 134,000 jobs. Alumni Night at the Dome
BSU’s Bucky the Beaver and the Minnesota
The bachelor of science degree in Twin’s mascot, TC, became fast friends at the
criminal justice is a generalist degree, Alumni Night at the Dome on June 23. Over
150 BSU alumni attended the event, which
which prepares students for careers included a pre-game reception and an appear-
in law enforcement, corrections, and ance by the BSU Alumni Choir, which sang the
other public and private agencies National Anthem (above). Dr. Paul Brandvik,
BSU professor emeritus, directed the choir. Bucky and TC
concerned with the prevention and
investigation of crime. Completion of
the degree satisfies Minnesota Peace In 2005, BSU became one of Federated Insurance in Owatonna and
Officer Standards and Training Board the first institutions in Min- a 1992 BSU graduate, told him about
academic requirements. nesota to submit courses for recent changes in the actuary exam
Initial courses required for the degree approval through the Vali- process that created VEE credit. Feder-
will be offered fall semester 2006. dation by Educational Expe- ated Insurance recruits BSU graduates
rience (VEE) administration and Livingston believes VEE valida-
Alumni Involvement committee, which repre- tion at BSU will provide the company
sents the Society of Actuar- with stronger potential employees.
Gives BSU Head Start ies, the Casualty Actuarial VEE also helps ease the process of earn-
Nothing about reaching the highest Society and the Canadian ing associate or fellow rank in an actuary
ranks within Institute of Actuaries. society. Livingston became a fellow in
an actuary so- Two courses in business and the Casualty Actuarial Society in 2005,
ciety is easy, two in economics have re- an elite achievement that includes a
but help from ceived VEE approval, so stu- series of competitive exams.
alumni at Fed- dents who take those cours- BSU may also receive partial VEE
erated Insur- es receive credit toward the accreditation in the area of applied sta-
ance made it intensive exams and can ad- tistics. Adam Gerdes, an actuarial ana-
possible for vance more quickly in their lyst at Federated Insurance and 2005
Bemidji State profession. BSU grad, completed the paperwork
students to Dr. Eric Lund, associate for the VEE process in statistics and
get there with professor of mathematics, hopes that credit can be given, which
a little less led the effort to get BSU will help him as he continues through
hassle. courses validated after Erik the VEE exam process.
Dr. Eric Lund Livingston, an actuary with
Horizons Bemidji State University 
Campus Notes
Athletic
Hall of Fame
Endowed Scholarship The 2006 Athletic Hall of
Fame will induct new mem-
Ivy Knoshaug Receives
Memorializes William bers during events planned Service Award
Kirtland February 16-17, 2007. Ivy Knoshaug, professor of mathemat-
Through the Bob Peters, former men’s ics, was among six U.S. mathematicians
continued gifts hockey coach will be in- who received a national meritorious
ducted into the Coaches service award from the Mathematical
of family, friends
Hall of Fame. Association of America.
and professional
colleagues, the The athletes to be
With 27,000 members and 29 regional
William F. Kirt- inducted include:
sections, the association is the world’s
land Memorial Ken Christianson ’50 largest professional society that fo-
Scholarship has basketball/football cuses on math at the undergraduate
been fully funded Bemidji, MN level. Knoshaug was nominated by the
as an endowed William Kirtland Lori (Ehrhardt) Clark ’76 North Central Section, which covers
award through the BSU Foundation. swimming – Ellensburg, WA Minnesota and parts of North Dakota,
Scott Currie ’79 South Dakota and Canada.
A 1953 graduate with a degree in edu- hockey – San Diego, CA
cation, Kirtland died in 2004. The Knoshaug has organized summer
scholarship was established to benefit Mike Gibbons ’82 seminars and section meetings, and
a BSU student majoring in elementary hockey – St. Paul, MN served as newsletter editor, president
education. Jeanne (Larson) Glassmann ’76 and member of the executive commit-
track and field/field hockey tee. In 2005, she received the regional
He had a long career in education, Bemidji, MN Distinguished Teaching Award and in
earning a doctorate in reading educa- Rod Heisler ’80 2001, the Certificate of Meritorious
tion and retiring as a professor at Boise hockey/baseball – Service.
State University. He authored a col- Moose Jaw, Sask., Canada
lege reading skills text and numerous
Pam (Gildersleeve) Porter ’85
teaching guides; made more than 500 field hockey – Bemidji, MN
presentations to parent, adult study,
and high school student groups; and Sue (Almleaf) Samuelson ’73
field hockey/tennis
delivered over 50 programs to public
North St. Paul, MN
and private schools in Minnesota.
Bill Wagner ’60
A longtime contributing member of basketball/track and field/cross
the Alumni Association, he received country – Roseau, MN
the 1986 Outstanding Alumni Award. Also being recognized in a
new category created in 2004
Kirtland spent his early years in Be- are four women’s field hockey
midji, and wrote two books, Billy and teams who will go into the
Billy Remembers, that encompassed his Team Hall of Fame. The teams
childhood experiences. from 1975, 1976, 1977 and
1979 all made it to the national
tournament.
Ivy Knoshaug
Bemidji State University Horizons
Campus Notes
The Class of 1956 celebrated their 50-year reunion on May 11 as part of Com-
mencement ceremonies. Also invited were members of the wrap around classes of 1954
and 1956. Attending the reunion were (left to right, front row): Alice Lalonde Michels ’55,
Don Michels ’56, Lowell Vaughn ’56, Ron Gladen ’56, Elaine Bahr Wagner ’56, Duane Qualey
’56, John Grimley ’56, Pru Pearson Lolich ’55, and Luella Sedberg Gannarelli ’55. Back row:
Jan Gordon Kittleson ’57, John ‘Alden’ Kittleson ’55, Vernon Nolting ’57, Lloyd Lee ’56, Dick
Green ’56, Dick Haberer ’56, Wayne Courneya ’56, Bill Ahrens ’56, Thomas Larson ’55, Rohl
Peterson ’57, Shirley Brekke Lee ’57, and Tim Bjella ’57.
Begins Fifth Season
The Bemidji Concert Series coordinat-
ed by the BSU Music Department will
present its fifth season of performances
during the upcoming school year.
The series is designed to bring world-
class musicians to the community and
enable residents across the region to
hear music that would not commonly
be heard without traveling to the
Twin Cities.
The 2006-2007 BCS includes the
Patiche Instrumental Group, Sep-
tember 29; pianist Jeremy Denk, Oc- Gilman Presented Keller Award
tober 29; the Cantus male vocal en- Dr. Muriel Gilman, professor and chair of the Department
semble, December 12; the Harbison of Physical Education, Health and Sport, received the 2005
Jazz Quartet, March 3; and the Miro Lou Keller Award from the Minnesota Association for Health,
String Quartet, April 30. Physical Education, Recreation and Dance.
Ticket information is available through The award, presented annually since 1961, recognizes the
the Music Department. outstanding services and contributions given by a college or
university professor in the field of health, physical education,
Certificate Offered in recreation or dance.
Online Teaching In recognition of Gil-
man’s contributions and
Bemidji State University is now offering
service to the associa-
its first for-credit certificate program on-
tion, it also presented
line to help prepare educators for teach-
her with its Presidential
ing in online and hybrid environments.
Award in 2004.
The nine-credit, four-course graduate
Gilman began her ca-
Certificate in Online Teaching Program
reer 31 years ago at
was developed in response to the in-
BSU as its first wom-
creasing demand for online access to ed-
en’s athletic trainer. In
ucation and accompanying expectation
1992 she began teach-
that educators become skilled in design-
ing full-time and in
ing and delivering online courses.
1999 was elected chair
The certificate in online teaching may of the department.
be used as part of a cognate in a master Dr. Muriel Gilman
of science or master of education degree
program at Bemidji State University.
Horizons Bemidji State University 
The Lake - A Commitment to the Natural World
Dr. Drago Bilanovic
Bemidji State University Horizons
The Lake - A Commitment to the Natural World
S pud Science...
E
yeing the Potato
BSU Scientist
Thinks of
Future with
Down-to-Earth
I
Research
“ “What they call ‘waste’
“ t’s like putting garbage under tato waste comes in – waste that is
your living room rug and then asking,
is a resource. As a now often dumped in fields to rot.
‘Why is my living room stinky?’” scientist, I know that “What they call ‘waste’ is a resource,”
That’s how Dr. Drago Bilanovic, Bemi- everything on the planet Bilanovic says. “As a scientist, I know
dji State University professor of envi- that everything on the planet has some
ronmental science, sees environmen- has some type of use.” type of use. Then comes the question
tal neglect – something he considers Dr. Drago Bilanovic of how. Can we convert it into some-
a universal concern. “Not taking care thing more useful?”
of the environment is pretty stupid,” sauces, dressings and dairy If so, Bilanovic is onto one hot potato
he says. “We are stupid as a humanity products. As a fat substi- – and not the kind you want to pass
when we avoid our responsibilities.” tute, it adds the texture of off. That’s because xanthan gum cur-
Bilanovic is doing his part by working fat without the calories. rently sells for between $4-8 a pound
with garbage of another sort, and it’s (And for you pet food pa- and, as one of the nation’s biggest po-
not small potatoes. As the principal trons, it adds “cling” to tato-producing states, Minnesota has a
investigator of some cutting-edge re- Fido’s giblets.) lot to gain from these spud scraps.
search at Bemidji State, the Bosnian You’ve probably also seen In fact, the annual global market for
native is leading a research project xanthan gum in its most xanthan gum is estimated at $500 mil-
that converts potato waste into an basic form: that slime cov- lion and growing.
environmentally friendly and useful ering the “black-rot” bacte-
product. But can potatoes really hash out this
rium on broccoli and cau-
high-value product? While he’s not at
That product is xanthan gum, a thin, liflower.
liberty to discuss the study’s findings
sticky gel that is used as a stabilizer Xanthan gum is currently so far, Bilanovic’s experience leads him
and thickener in paint and chemical produced industrially by to believe so.
industries, as well as a “squeegee” of bacterial fermentation, but
sorts in oil wells. Xanthan gum is also “We are very pleased with what we are
the method is expensive.
used as a thickening agent in various getting,” he says. “Things are rolling in
That’s where Minnesota’s
the right direction.”
400,000-or-so tons of po-
Horizons Bemidji State University 
The Lake - A Commitment to the Natural World
And the “right direction” is Earth and Space Studies,”
familiar territory. “I did my Bilanovic says. “They are
Ph.D. in Israel converting nice fellows and enjoyable
citrus waste to xanthan,” he to work with, and that makes
explains. In fact, he was the life more enjoyable.”
first to do so, and he expects He is equally satisfied with
similar results with potatoes. Bemidji’s students. “I am re-
“Sometimes when you work ally pleased with the kids
you have that feeling – that here at BSU,” he says. “And
gut feeling.” I am pleased that as a stu-
With state funding, the dent-centered university,
project will likely continue students (whether or not
to chip away at potato pos- interested in science) are
sibilities. The $350,000 being exposed to the things
grant, given to BSU’s Cen- we’re doing.
ter for Environmental, Earth
and Space Studies by the
“Exposure to research work “Exposure to research work
benefits undergraduates,
Legislative Commission on benefits undergraduates, graduates, science and non-
Minnesota Resources, funds
Bilanovic’s research, as well
graduates, science and science majors, and is a key
component of the teaching
as another potato-related non-science majors, and is a key practice at Bemidji State.
study at BSU producing
polylactic acid (used to pro-
component of the teaching You know, more knowledge
is always better for society.”
duce biodegradable, non- practice at Bemidji State.
petroleum based plastics) As for Bilanovic’s research,
headed by Dr. Fu-Hsian
You know, more knowledge is he hopes the future will
Chang, an environmental always better for society.” hold continued work with
studies professor who di- potatoes, as well as other
rects the BSU Center. projects that will benefit
students, northern Min-
The grant was put to work nesota and beyond. And
last July and will cover two he hopes global trends will
years of research. “This support additional environ-
grant is really helpful. We mentally friendly research
are not a very large univer- and initiatives.
sity and funds are pretty
limited,” Bilanovic says. “It’s about time we change
ourselves a little bit,” Bi-
What’s not limited is Bi- lanovic explains. “If we
lanovic’s enjoyment of his don’t take care of our house,
work at Bemidji State. “I like nobody will.”
it here and I like working
with my colleagues at the And no one wants a house
Center for Environmental, whose carpet smells like
garbage.
Bemidji State University HorizonsSeniors toWatch
A ndrew Browers is often recognized He also has taken on roles
by some around town as Ellard, a slow- in the student-managed
witted character he played two years Theatre Unlimited, which
ago in the Bemidji State University encourages students to write
production of The Foreigner. But that’s and produce their own ma-
not surprising. terial. Last year, one of his
Browers has a gift for getting inside of short pieces was produced;
characters and being fully attentive to this fall, he directed Greater
their idiosyncrasies, strengths and foi- Tuna, a work produced by
bles, which is exactly what makes him two friends; and he twice
so memorable with audiences. wrote scripts for the BSU
Madrigal Dinners.
“It would have been easy to turn Ellard
into a foolish, dull, dolt,” says Dr. Kay In addition, he has assisted
Robinson, BSU professor of theatre and with property design, which
communications arts, who particularly he said gave him a great ap-
enjoyed watching Browers develop the preciation for all the behind-
character. “Instead, Andy recognized the-scenes work that goes
him as a real person, slower, but with into a production. And his
other gifts and strengths that some may lesser role as the Irish bar-
have just overlooked. With Andy, you tender also turned out to be a
never have to explain a lot, he picks it pivotal experience for him.
up quickly and says – ‘Got it.’” “Up to that point, I was just
Browers, of Cloquet, graduated from sort of out there being a ham,
BSU this spring with a degree in cre- stealing attention wherever I
could take it,” he remembers.
A
ative and professional writing, which is
what attracted him to BSU in the first “As the bartender, I observed
place, and a minor in theater, which he what other actors were doing
quickly found he could not resist. and I learned it’s OK just to
be there on stage, not always
“I think theater is one of the most im- being the one going for
portant art forms because it is so inti-
mate,” Browers says.
the laughs or the tears.”
As he leaves Bemidji
ndrew Browers
Having participated in theater in high State, Browers hopes to
school, Browers anticipated that the concentrate on his writing. “I have to thank theater a lot
small program might be limited. In-
stead, the smallness turned out to be a “I have to thank theater a for teaching me about language.
lot for teaching me about
big advantage. He landed his first role
language,” Browers says. Theater is 100 percent dialog
as a freshman and found that small pro-
grams deliver big opportunities. “Theater is 100 percent and that’s an important part
dialog and that’s an im-
Over the last five years, Browers has portant part of writing.” of writing.”
had a role in almost every major BSU
production, playing everything from Robinson, who has had
the mostly silent Irish bartender in The Browers in her script writing “He may not know this, but I know
Weir to the leading roles as Macbeth in classes, believes he will go far he won’t be able to stay away from
Shakespeare’s tragedy and the conman in his writing career, but that theater,” predicts Robinson. “It’s in his
Tartuffe in Moliere’s French comedy. theater will always figure into blood.”
the picture.
Horizons Bemidji State University Seniors
Charwood has received Charwood hopes her positive experi-
a fellowship to pursue a ence at BSU will influence others in
graduate degree in bio- her family to consider a college educa-
logical and environmen- tion, too.
tal engineering at Cornell “I try to talk with my cousins and start
University in Ithaca, New them thinking about what they want
York, one of the nation’s to do,” she explains. “I never did think
most prestigious environ- about what I wanted to do. I chose one
mental engineering pro- school to apply to and here I am, but I
grams, where she also has think I made a good choice. I feel a sense
been accepted into the of community here. It’s small enough
doctoral program. where I was able to learn about myself
“We are very proud of and not feel so lost in the masses.”
her,” says Dr. Fu-Hsian Her academic success earned her the
Chang, director of the Environmental Spry Scholarship for
BSU Center for Environ- three years and this spring, the Center’s
mental, Earth and Space Outstanding Senior Award. While at
studies, and Charwood’s BSU, she was also named the American
adviser. “She’s one of the Indian Resourse Center Outstanding
top graduates from our Student of the Year.
program. Every school
C ody Charwood spent much of her where she applied offered her
a full graduate scholarship.”
“Just learning how to have confidence
in myself has been an achievement,”
childhood in the tiny, close-knit com-
Charwood says of her BSU experience.
munity of Squaw Lake, Minnesota, At BSU, Charwood complet- “College has been a really good thing
population 99, where she hung out ed a degree in environmen- for me. I’ve learned a lot about myself,
with her cousins on the Leech Lake In- tal studies with an emphasis what I’m capable of and what others are
dian Reservation, fishing, hunting and in environmental chemistry capable of.”
playing in the woods. and minors in chemistry and
mathematics. She chose the Dr. Drago Bilanovic has no doubts
When she arrived at Bemidji State Uni-
latter two because she loves about her capabilities after having her
versity, those childhood experiences
mathematics and all things in class and supervising her as a lab as-
became a dominant influence in choos-
analytical. She chose the first sistant in environmental studies.
ing her major. Whatever she studied,
she wanted a career that would get her because an environmental “She’s a keen observer and she has the
back outdoors, not behind a desk. studies degree seemed to of- ability to explain complex procedures to
fer the most outdoor job op- others,” says Bilanovic. “She knows how
That worked out for the 2006 BSU portunities. to listen, learn and show what she’s do-
graduate, but the job will have to wait.
Charwood, an enrolled mem- ing. I’m confident she’ll make an excel-
ber of the Red Lake Band lent scientist. She’s a very hard worker.”
“I feel a sense of community here. of Chippewa Indians and a However her career unfolds, Charwood
It’s small enough where I graduate of Spring Lake Park hopes her studies at Cornell will lead
High School, is also a first- her home again.
was able to learn about myself generation college graduate.
“I’m just seeing where the road will take
and not feel so lost in the masses.” Her mother, Maxine, plans
me, but I hope to come back to the
to finish a BSU accounting
Cody Charwood area,” she says. “I can’t imagine being
degree in 2007.
away from my family that long.”
10 Bemidji State University HorizonsWatch
to
“The low socioeconomic school is where I want to be. Those are
If Julie Gronquist had taken the path the kids, if they don’t have good teachers, who won’t have the
of least resistance, she would have missed same opportunities that I had when I grew up.” Julie Gronquist
the hugs of at least one St. Paul second
grader who bounced between a home- 31. But Kathleen Sonsteng, “I still think it’s important to spend
less shelter and his grandmother’s place assistant professor of profes- time in schools so that you understand
before his mom got back on her feet. sional education and her BSU the teachers, the administrators and
“He was really a good kid and he grew adviser, expects that she’ll be the challenges,” she says.
so much in confidence in the 12 weeks up to the task. Her 24 St. Paul second-graders, some
I was there,” says Gronquist, who re- “The first time I met her she whose parents spoke no English pro-
cently completed her first inner-city said, ‘I want to teach inner- vided eye-opening experiences for
teaching experience. “He could really city kids,’ and she’s never been Gronquist. She contrasted her St. Paul
read me, especially when I was tired or put off by the challenge,” children with those she taught in Be-
frustrated and he’d come up and ask if Sonsteng remembers. “She’s midji, most of whom had involved
he could give me a hug.” so passionate about her de- parents and stable relationships with
It’s kids like that who galvanized this gree and working with kids. I other adults.
Bemidji State University graduate into expect to see her really make “On the third or fourth day [in St.
action. a difference in education.” Paul], I called my mom crying that I
Gronquist double majored at BSU, Only two percent of Teach just couldn’t do it,” Gronquist says.
earning a political science degree last for America participants are “In the end, I was glad I did. The low
year and completing an early child- educators. Instead, Ameri- socioeconomic school is where I want
hood education degree this spring after Corps recruits leaders who to be. Those are the kids, if they don’t
a year of student teaching. commit one to two years to have good teachers, who won’t have
teaching and then go onto a the same opportunities that I had when
While at BSU, she spent nearly four years variety of jobs where they I grew up.”
honing her leadership skills on the Stu- can influence education
dent Senate, two of them as president. Besides, Gronquist figures she’d get
policy. Gronquist plans to restless in a school that didn’t give her
Her goal is to become an urban edu- do just that, but not before a challenge and a chance to test
cator and eventually a policymaker she spends more time in the the skills she developed at
focused on closing the education gap classroom or perhaps as a Bemidji State.
between the rich and the poor, and the school principal.
ethnic divide.
She’ll be facing that challenge head on
before summer ends. AmeriCorps has
accepted her into its Teach for Amer-
ica program, which is committed to
bridging the education gap by training
leaders to focus on education issues. In
September, she’ll be a special education
teacher with her own classroom, most
likely in Brooklyn or the Bronx. She’ll
spend most of her summer training at
St. John’s University in Queens before
beginning her work.
Gronquist knows it will be a far cry from
Alma, Kansas, population 800, where
she grew up and graduated in a class of
Horizons Bemidji State University 11T P age
Al Nohner
urning
A Look at how
Horizons change,
and Remain the same
the
“Horizons has evolved and grown and
changed, and it reinforces the work the
university does in preparing students
and making a difference in a student’s
life. That is Bemidji State’s mission, and
the magazine connects traditions with
the present and the future.”
12 Bemidji State University HorizonsO ver two decades ago, a
discussion took place on campus
about the name of the new alumni
university switched to the
magazine format,” Nohner
says. “The tabloid limited
connects traditions with the present
and the future.”
Alumni have certainly embraced how
publication. A quarterly newspaper the length of the stories, the new format accomplishes this.
had replaced a periodic mailing called and generally didn’t have Nohner purposely placed his office’s
Alumnews that was reproduced with- space for visual support toll-free number in the first issue, en-
out illustrations or photographs. The with more exciting pictures couraging alumni to call. And they
University wanted a new name for the and graphics. did. Responses came from across the
piece that would be the primary com- “The 32-page magazine country, all echoing excitement about
munication link with alumni. enables us to expand the the magazine.
“We had a list of possibilities, and ev- breadth and treatment of the For Nohner, who is phasing into re-
eryone had a favorite,” says Al Noh- stories. We have a lot of good tirement this summer and stepping
ner, Bemidji State University director stories. Our alumni do inter- down as editor, working with the Ho-
of communications and marketing. esting things, and that makes rizons creative staff at BSU, including
“Dr. Ted Gillett was the BSU president for interesting reading.” designer Kathy Berglund and photog-
at that time and said something like, The new Horizons is a col- rapher John Swartz, has always been
‘When students leave, their future is laboration between the enjoyable. But writing about alumni is
on the horizon. Alumni will always BSU Foundation, Alumni the most rewarding part of his job.
have horizons to pursue because of Association, and the Office
their education here.’ It cemented the “The stories alumni tell are relevant,
of Communications and heart-warming, fun, emotionally
choice of Horizons as the name.” Marketing. It is distributed charged, and interesting,” he says.
Over the years, Horizons has kept its to almost 32,000 alumni “They speak to the essence of what
meaningful name as well as its three- and other friends of the Bemidji State means.
fold commitment to keep graduates university. The Admissions
better informed of what their class- Office is also using it as “Once I interviewed a 100-year-old
mates were doing; provide interest- part of its communication alumna who was a former teacher. While
ing, timely and compelling stories on plan by mailing it to ac- we were sitting in her front room, she
alumni accomplishments; and update cepted students so they can reached into a drawer and pulled out
the readers on campus activities. become more familiar with a textbook from her studies at Bemidji
the campus and its people. State Teachers College in 1922. It was
“Those goals have stayed the same,” a bird guide, and she talked about how
says Nohner, a 1970 BSU alumnus “We’ve come to realize it was used in the nature study class 80
whose career in writing brought him good stories that speak years earlier as well as how she, her chil-
back to campus in 1974. Nohner has about alumni, friends of dren and grandchildren still referred to
served as editor of the publication ever Bemidji State, and the cam- it to identify birds in the yard.
since it was first published in 1986. pus will resonate with foun-
What has changed is the format. dation members, alumni, “There just isn’t a better way to show
current students, individu- the value Bemidji State brings to life
It began as a theme-based tabloid, fo- than stories like this.”
cusing on issues relevant to alumni, als in the community, fac-
higher education and Bemidji State. ulty, staff and prospective
Ranging in size from eight to 12 pages, students,” Nohner explains. Communications Student Workers
it evolved into a broader publication, “Horizons has evolved and The Communications and Marketing Office is planning
offering more variety with the eventu- grown and changed, and a student worker reunion in the summer of 2007. The
it reinforces the work the reunion would be for student workers in any of the offices
al addition of four-color photography associated with Information Services, the News Bureau,
on higher quality paper. university does in prepar-
News and Publications, Photographic Services, or Sports
ing students and making Information. If you are interested in the reunion or want
“The most obvious and significant a difference in a student’s to receive information, contact the Communications and
change was this past year when the life. That is Bemidji State’s Marketing Office at 1-888-234-7794 or email news@
mission, and the magazine bemidjistate.edu.
Horizons Bemidji State University 13BSU Alumna Uses Permanent Elements to Craft
Northern Life, History, Art
Metal
for the Soul
Wanda Reise Odegard
Wanda Reise Odegard knows what it’s like to lose a piece of her
soul. Make that 27 pieces. The Bemidji-based artist, who gradu-
ated from Bemidji State University in 1963 with a degree in educa-
tion and in 1988 with a degree in fine art, lost 27 paintings when a
fire engulfed the restaurant where they were on display. “It was like
my paintings cried,” she says. But from the ashes rose Odegard’s
discovery of metals, the medium in which she loves to work today.
“After the fire, I found metals were fine,” she explains. “I wanted something
more permanent.”
14 Bemidji State University HorizonsW ith this enduring me-
dium, Odegard has made
a meaningful mark around
when it’s time for your own
career you take from that. I
definitely got that from my
northern Minnesota. Odegard college classes.”
Studios, established in 1984, She also got something else,
includes monumental sculp- “I think college gives you the
tures, such as the 12-foot confidence that your ideas
Niimii, an Ojibwe pow wow are good ones. My college
dancer which stands at the edge of When her daughter Kristi education gave me the confidence to
Lake Bemidji in downtown Bemidji; graduated high school and create,” she says. “I think you also learn
the 9-foot Mr. Hockey, who makes a went to BSU, Odegard de- not to be afraid of a challenge or the
striking pose in Bemidji State’s John cided to tag along, intend- work that’s ahead of you.”
Glas Fieldhouse; and the 7-foot bronze ing to finish the two classes The work that’s ahead of Odegard in-
globe that greets visitors at the Missis- she had left in completing cludes finishing a bronze eagle with a
sippi’s headwaters in Itasca State Park. an art degree. “I got so en- 16-foot wingspan that she’s spent three
The Studio also features furniture, rail- thused, I ended up doing
ings, sculptures, and paintings. 83 more quarter hours in
the art field,” she says.
“I hope that my work expresses what
is happening in our community,” Part of that education in-
Odegard explains. “I’d like it to give volved a nine-month in-
some knowledge in years to come of ternship with Bemidji
what went on here, because times will blacksmith Keith Johnson,
change.” who helped Odegard cut
her teeth on various metals.
Odegard’s fond regard for northern
Minnesota stems from her Bemidji But Johnson wasn’t Ode-
childhood. The self-described home- gard’s only influence. “I
town girl loved the woods and never had some teachers that un-
wanted to leave. “It never entered my derstood me very well and
mind,” she says. encouraged me to create
my own style of work – be
With encouragement from her par- my own artist,” Odegard
ents to attend college, Odegard went says. “That’s so important.
to Bemidji State, then taught in area That’s the thing you get
schools before becoming a mother from teachers – all that
and freelance painter. background experience, so
Above: Niimii.
Right: Mr. Hockey.
Horizons Bemidji State University 15 Horizons Bemidji State University 15“I hope that my work expresses
what is happening in our
community. I’d like it to give
some knowledge in years to
come of what went on here,
because times will change.”
Wanda Reise Odegard
summers creating. The eagle will be ing up at one of Odegard’s Odegard’s thought process always in-
posed catching a fish, and Odegard super-sized works. volves the viewer. “I like to have it be
is considering incorporating running “Working with metals takes interactive with people – touchable,
water into the design. a lot of time,” she explains. put your arms around it,” she explains.
“There’s a lot of research,” Odegard says “With metals, usually weeks “The Itasca globe was made so a blind
when explaining her process. “There’s and months are involved. It’s person could feel the continents, the
a lot more than just welding when you about the most difficult way latitude lines. When I create a piece it’s
do these pieces. A lot of work is also in to create a sculpture. But I with the public in mind: what they’ll
the design. You might work as long on enjoy the problem solving. enjoy and what they’ll understand.”
that as you do making it.” It’s a really different kind of One of the things Odegard hopes
Of course, “making it” is no small feat thought process.” others will understand and appreci-
either, as one can imagine when gaz- Regardless of the sculpture, ate about Bemidji, both the univer-
sity and community, is
the north woods way of
life. “The pace is slower
up here,” she says. “What
that gives you is time to
think, to enjoy what’s
around you.”
For Odegard, the result
is a nurtured soul and
an abundance of creativ-
ity. “If you feed your soul
good things, it definitely
comes out in your art-
work.”
Note: Additional photos of Wanda
Reise Odegard’s work can be seen at
www.odegardstudios.com.
16 Bemidji State University HorizonsC onnecting
American Indian Alumni
Ch a p te r be c o m es i n v o l v ed
C ultures
“Because BSU is located
F or the American Indian Alumni
Chapter, it has always been a concern
that Bemidji State students might pass
within the region of
Minnesota’s three largest
Indian tribes, our primary goal
American Indian Resource Center, the
Council of Indian Students, and the
Indian Studies Program. In addition
their entire campus career without was for all students, Indian to the annual pow wow and Indian
first-hand experiences in the culture,
traditions and concerns inherent in
and non-Indian, to become Art Expo, individuals were scheduled
to speak during classes and a forum of
American Indian life today. informed of the key American tribal leaders was held on campus.
That would minimally constitute a Indian issues that affect our “Because BSU is located within the
missed learning opportunity for stu- region of Minnesota’s three largest In-
dents at BSU, which is centrally lo-
region, state and nation.” dian tribes, our primary goal was for
cated between three Native American Roger Aitken all students, Indian and non-Indian, to
reservations. become informed of the key American
More ominously, this cultural divide So the American Indian Indian issues that affect our region,
could lead to a lifetime where differ- Alumni Chapter (AIAC) state and nation,” says Roger Aitken,
ent people find it acceptable to main- decided to act, organizing AIAC member. “The speakers present-
tain narrow views and not benefit several activities during ed on important issues in Indian Coun-
from understanding other traditions Indian Week last spring try, such as Indian education, Indian
or backgrounds. in conjunction with the cultural history, at-risk children edu-
Horizons Bemidji State University 17The Learning - Focused on Student-Centered Experiences
the White Earth Nation; and Kevin
Leecy, chairman of the Bois Forte
Band of Chippewa.
“Listening and hearing first-hand
from the local tribal leadership is an
important and unique educational
experience for students and the com-
munity,” Aitken notes. “Following the
presentation, we had a very enthusi-
astic question and answer session that
complemented the forum well.”
The activities fit nicely into the mis-
sion of the AIAC, which was formed
in 1987 to maintain connections for
American Indian graduates and In-
dian communities to Bemidji State
as well as to create opportunities for
access to resources and success at the
cation, the Indian Child Welfare Act, ment, constitutional issues, University.
tribal government, tribal courts, legal and the impact of gaming.
and political issues of tribes, media and Panelists were Floyd “Buck” “We want to establish a positive, in-
the Indian mascot subject.” Jourdain, chairman of the formative and credible Indian pres-
Red Lake Band of Chip- ence on campus that will attract,
The forum, which was open to the retain and graduate Indian students,
public, featured a discussion on tribal pewa Indians; Dr. Erma J.
Vizenor, chairwoman of provide the general student body a
sovereignty, trust lands, tribal enroll- meaningful and unique educational
18 Bemidji State University Horizons“We want to establish a positive, informative and credible
Indian presence on campus that will attract, retain and graduate
Indian students, provide the general student body a meaningful
and unique educational experience regarding tribal issues,
and contribute toward a goal of making BSU the ‘hub of Indian
education and tribal issues’ in the nation.”
Roger Aitken
experience regarding tribal issues, gram development, and and socializing. It develops program-
and contribute toward a goal of mak- generally energizing the ming that advances the educational
ing BSU the ‘hub of Indian education whole process,” says Dr. goals of Native Americans, enhances
and tribal issues’ in the nation,” says Jon Quistgaard, Bemidji cultural understanding, cultivates lead-
Aitken of the AIAC. State University president, ership, and supports scholarly work.
One of the most tangible examples of of the effort leading to the “The American Indian Alumni Chapter
American Indian alumni support over fall 2003 opening of the helped the Center make great strides
time is the American Indian Resource building. in addressing these needs during their
Center (AIRC). Chapter members The AIRC, located in the organization and support of Indian
played key roles in making that facil- heart of campus at the west Week activities,” Quistgaard says. “We
ity a reality. end of the Chet Anderson are grateful for their dedication, and
“They played a vital role in open- Football Stadium, was built for creating opportunities where the
ing doors that had been previously to create a space where Bemidji State community and gen-
closed, creating plans, helping secure American Indian students eral public can broaden their cultural
funding, providing insight in pro- could gather for learning experiences.”
Dr. Don Day (above) speaks at a professional education class as part of the AIAC’s involvement with Indian Week. At left, young students view works at the
Ojibwe Art Expo. Floyd “Buck” Jourdain (photograph, top left) speaks at the forum on tribal issues with panelists Kevin Leecy and Dr. Erma J. Vizenor.
Horizons Bemidji State University 1920
F uelingF utures
Bemidji State University HorizonsThe Life - A Promise to Transform the Future
A l u m n i B r o the r s F o r w a r d E th a n o l I n dust r y,
C a r ee r s f o r Fe l l o w G r a du a tes
F or many college graduates, the
opportunity to work in a cutting-edge
industry with a family atmosphere in
found in graduates of the
program, the Fagen broth-
ers cite drive and work
at Fagen, Inc., as the company is expe-
riencing a boom in light of the nation’s
growing interest in ethanol. Although
small-town Minnesota is nothing but a ethic as two qualities typi- Fagen, Inc. does a wide variety of proj-
pipe dream. cal of Bemidji State gradu- ects - including working with power
But at Fagen, Incorporated, a Granite ates. “Their desire is pretty generation/utilities, wind turbines,
Falls-based heavy industrial design- high when they come out pulp and paper, metals, and mining
build firm specializing in ethanol plant of school,” says Evan, who - its current focus is on ethanol plant
construction, they are building such a serves as executive vice construction.
reality for a number of Bemidji State president. “We have 23 design-build ethanol
University graduates – thanks to fellow “They have a make-it-hap- projects under construction and will
BSU alumni Aaron and Evan Fagen. pen attitude,” Aaron adds max out at 36 this year,” Aaron says.
“We know that the program matches when noting this brings Their calendar is full, and the firm has
what we’re looking for,” says Aaron, value to Fagen’s 1,500-em- refused other business projects.
the company’s chief operating officer, ployee workforce. “They Needless to say, the family-owned
about the interest in BSU students. get the job done. And they company is keeping busy, plotting
do a good job.” ethanol plants across the country and
That program is Bemidji State’s indus-
trial technology program, now known That kind of performance contributing significantly to the na-
as the Department of Technological is more important than ever tion’s changing approach to fuels.
Studies. Aaron graduated in 1998 with
a dual emphasis in construction and
manufacturing management and Evan “I put a lot of time into studying because the classes are
earned a degree in 2001 with an em- tough. I really applied myself. It taught me that
phasis in construction management.
After considering other schools, the
if you’re going to do anything that’s worthwhile,
Fagen brothers both chose BSU due to give it 110 percent.” Aaron Fagen
the quality of the technology program.
“It’s the well roundedness you get,” Aar- Evan (left) and Aaron Fagen
on explains. “You do a little bit of CAD,
machine, electrical, industrial safety.
You get a well-rounded background.”
And when they’re looking for new em-
ployees, specifically project engineers,
“We want the industrial technology
graduate,” he says. Students also gain
practical know-how from the program’s
hands-on approach. “They have real-
world knowledge that can be applied.”
In addition to these characteristics
Horizons Bemidji State University 21 Horizons Bemidji State University 21The Life - A Promise to Transform the Future
Evan and Aaron review a project with
Jeremy Corner, a 2004 BSU graduate.
“We’ve built 64 percent of the ethanol
capacity in the last six years in the Unit-
ed States,” Aaron says. What’s more,
the company is the largest merit shop
contractor headquartered in the Mid-
west, and ranked in Engineering News-Re-
cord as number 118 among the top 400
contractors and number 16 in the top
20 industrial process/petro rankings. you’re not a number, you’re mote employees who’ve got what it
That’s quite a change considering the an individual.” takes. Of the 14 Bemidji State gradu-
company had “a few projects” when Being treated as an individ- ates it has hired as project engineers,
Aaron started and “some projects” ual is something both Fa- nearly a third have been promoted to
when Evan began working full-time gens have carried forward project managers.
for their parents Ron and Diane. Both into their lives after appre- “That’s a high-end position,” Aaron
began right after college and worked ciating that quality at Be- says. “A project manager is responsible
their way up from “the field.” midji State. “BSU has a real for about 100 to 250 employees plus a
Also impressive are the brothers’ re- homey feel – you aren’t in multi-million dollar construction bud-
sponsibilities, which include equally a big city,” Evan explains. get. That’s a big responsibility.”
managing the field operation and han- “You walk across campus And it’s a responsibility that’s rewarded
dling additional duties: Aaron dealing and recognize people.” with an impressive salary, again add-
with the company’s policies and pro- In fact, the Fagens say the ing to the appeal of a Fagen, Inc. gig
cedures, and Evan the company’s hir- sense of community and – which a good handful of recent BSU
ing and training. social elements gained at grads will soon enjoy as the company
Both brothers feel they were well smaller institutions translate hired seven project engineers from the
equipped for their current responsi- to better employees. They spring 2006 graduating class.
bilities through their experiences at prefer to work with smaller As for the Fagen brothers, the two
Bemidji State. “By going to BSU, my schools because, as Evan young executives find themselves satis-
work ethic is very strong,” Evan says. says, “The graduates tend to fied with their education and careers.
have better people skills.”
“I put a lot of time into studying because “I’m happy where I’m at,” Aaron says.
the classes are tough.” Aaron agrees. “I Those skills pay off. In fact, “Our main goal is to maintain and have
really applied myself. It taught me that the company strives to pro- controlled growth of the company.”
if you’re going to do anything that’s Evan mirrors his brother’s sentiment.
worthwhile, give it 110 percent.” “Overall, I like what I’m doing,” he says.
When it comes to creating satisfy- And if the company’s standing as the
ing careers for other BSU graduates, nation’s leader in ethanol plant con-
the Fagens take a similar devoted ap- struction is any indication, they’re
proach. By providing job security and a doing it well, thanks in part to keen
friendly, supportive work environment, ambition and a commitment to excel-
Fagen, Inc. aims to give BSU graduates lence they say was instilled at Bemidji
a strong sense of community. State.
“We tell them we’re looking at them “If someone gives us something to do,
long-term,” Aaron says. “They know we give it our best,” Evan says. “After
their job is not going to last one proj- leaving BSU, if we have something to
ect and then be gone. And another do, we do it right.”
thing: We have a one-on-one family
environment versus numbers. Here Note: Additional information about Fagen, Inc. can be
found at www.fageninc.com.
22 Bemidji State University HorizonsClass Notes
Class Notes
If you want your information
included in Horizons, contact the
2006 Mark Nordell and Ross Roetman were she is a registered nurse at Bethany Good Samari-
among several graduates from BSU’s Technologi- Alumni Association Office tan Village. They live in Baxter … Sarah Maki
cal Studies Department who volunteered to build (email: alumni@bemidjistate.edu; and Benjamin Johnson were married in Roches-
a model of the Faith’s Lodge, a center planned for ter. She’s employed with the Mayo Clinic and
Webster, WI, providing services for families with toll free: 1-877-BSU-ALUM). he is employed by Yaggy Coleby Associates,
ailing children ... Tyler Chambers and Samantha Please NOTE:
Rochester … Erich Knapp and his wife, Robin
Foth (‘05) were married in Bemidji. Tyler is em- Allebach Knapp (’83), live in Menahga … Randy
ployed at the Green Mill restaurant and Saman- Towns are located in Minnesota Sweet works at the new Grand Itasca Hospital
tha is employed as a sales and marketing associate unless otherwise noted. ICU/ER and also teaches part-time in the nursing
by the Hampton Inn & Suites, Bemidji. program at Itasca Community College. He was
recently accepted as a member of the Manchester
2005 Brad Jellis, Fresno Falcons athletic trainer Who’s Who Executive and Professional Registry.
in Fresno, CA, was selected by his peers to rep- He and his wife, Diane, have a grown son and
resent the Falcons at the 2006 Bud Light ECHL nounce the August 2005 birth of live in Bovey … Kathy Macomber is a senior
Star Game and Skills Competition … Nicole Joy a son, Gavin … Alicia Beech and treasury analyst with Leggett & Platt, Inc. in Carl
was chosen last fall to represent Beltrami County Adam Bertram were married in Junction, MO, where she lives with her husband,
in the Miss Minnesota International Pageant. Breckenridge and now live near Jeff. She received a master’s degree from Mis-
She is currently a long-term substitute teacher Melrose. She is employed with souri State University in 2005 … Chris Lehman
at the Ponemah Elementary School … Jason Apprize Property Management, St. participated in the 11th annual First National
Groth is employed as a sports editor with the Cloud, and Adam is employed by Bank Bemidji Lumberjack Bonspiel this spring …
Grand Rapids Herald Review newspaper … Ashley Melrose Electric … Katie Zeiher Meghan (Wilson) Wulff will be a coach with the
Seado curls with the Gary Allen rink of Bemidji. and Joshua Bromley were married summer swim program being offered at Bemidji
Her team won the title of the American Legion in Myrtle Beach, SC. Katie teaches High School … Michelle Ruckdaschel is a re-
Mixed Bonspiel this spring … Benjamin Caron is first grade in Charlotte, NC, and porter with the Bemidji Pioneer newspaper, which
the new owner of Country Insurance and Finan- Joshua teaches high school math in won the Minnesota Newspaper Association
cial Services, Bemidji … Mike Gutz is employed Lincolnton, NC, where the couple Sweepstakes Award and received First Place in
with North Star Red Cross in Bemidji … Rob Jar- resides … Amanda (Goligowski) continuing news coverage for its reporting of the
rett began working as an officer with the Fridley Sherwood will be a coach with 2005 Red Lake school shootings.
Police Department in January … Tena Johnson the summer swim program being
and Preston Pettis were married in Nisswa and offered at Bemidji High School … 2001 Amber Richgels married Joshua Sever-
now live in St. Louis Park. Tena is a manager at Andrea Tveit is currently on her son. Amber is enrolled in a math education doc-
Ruby Tuesday and Preston is a personal trainer at second one-year tour of duty with torate program at the University of Minnesota.
Northwest Athletic Club … Shauna Lundgren Americorps. She has provided di- Joshua is a sergeant in the U.S. Army and is cur-
and Adam Paulson were married in Thief River saster relief in areas devastated by rently stationed in Iraq, serving his second tour
Falls, where the couple now lives. Shauna is em- Hurricane Katrina and is currently of duty … John Broda is employed by Carbon
ployed as a registered nurse at the Northwest working in southern Mississippi County School District at Elk Mountain, WY, as
Medical Center in Thief River Falls and Adam for Coastal Plains Resource Con- an elementary teacher and high school wrestling
is an English instructor at Northland Commu- servation and Development. coach. He’s an Elk Mountain city councilor and
nity College … Amy Donarski and John Dan- recently returned from Japan, where he toured
ielson were married in Thief River Falls … Tra- 2003 Amanda (Drummond) schools, businesses and spoke with government
vis Haskell is manager of the new Hertz rental Spires is living in Golden Valley officials on the state of Japanese and American
business located inside the Bemidji Regional … Carol Cunningham, a graduate schools … Kristopher Price lives in Alexandria
Airport … Angie Mohn is a kindergarten teacher assistant at BSU, traveled to Anka- and has three children, Jennifer, 21, Laura, 19, and
at Northern Elementary in Bemidji and is plan- ra, Turkey last winter to work with Megan, 17 … Elise Souders and James Durbin
ning a summer wedding … John Horgeshimer faculty from Ankara University were married. The couple lives in Shakopee …
of McIntosh is teaching K-12 music, choir and and Cankiri Technical College in Abby Goodman-Larson participated in the 11th
band at Oklee and Plummer schools … Lindsey developing distance learning de- annual First National Bank Bemidji Lumberjack
Bromenshenkel was promoted at Federated In- livery capacities … Kari Kelly per- Bonspiel this spring … Jodi Glidden teaches fifth
surance, Owatonna, from associate programmer formed in a play entitled “Tallgrass grade at Cass Lake-Bena Middle School … Brad
to IS-programmer … Samantha Foth and Tyler Gothic” at the Ballet of the Dolls Folkestad, assistant BSU sports information di-
Chambers (’06) were married in Bemidji. Saman- Warehouse in Minneapolis. She is rector, was selected to assist with media relations
tha is employed as a sales and marketing associate employed fulltime at Norcostco, at the NCAA Division I Midwest Regional Finals,
by the Hampton Inn & Suites, Bemidji, and Tyler a costume rental and theater sup- working at the scorer’s table during the event and
is employed at the Green Mill restaurant … John plies shop … Alison Goligowski staffing post game interviews … Alex Knutson,
Angeli was one of several graduates from BSU’s is employed as a guest experience a programmer analyst with Federated Insurance,
Technological Studies Department who volun- manager with Target, Bemidji … Owatonna, has earned his Associate in Insurance
teered to build a model of the Faith’s Lodge, a Heather Kelley is employed as Services designation.
center planned for Webster, WI, providing ser- a fifth-grade teacher at Broad-
vices for families with ailing children. view Elementary School, Broad- 2000 Matthew Dahl recently completed the
view, MT … Paige Ross married certified public accountant examination and is
2004 Jennifer Roth recently completed the Jeff Fromm in October and the employed with Kummet, Larson, Bluth & Co.
certified public accountant examination and is couple lives in Mankato. Paige is in Brainerd … Kris Williams, industrial training
employed with Kummet, Larson, Bluth & Co. in employed as a graphic designer coordinator at BSU’s Center for Research and In-
Brainerd … Stephanie Frisch was recently hired for The Occasions Group (Taylor novation, traveled to Ankara, Turkey last winter
by the American National Bank of Minnesota’s Corp.) … Andrew Bronczyk has to work with faculty from Ankara University and
Alexandria office as a customer service represen- been hired as a design engineer for Cankiri Technical College in developing distance
tative … Sara (McIntyre) Rogalla was hired to Emerson Process Management in learning delivery capacities … Tim Wurdock
teach art at Marshall County Central … April Chanhassen. teaches high school math in Menahga where
(Robb) Drietz is teaching K-6 music at Homec- he’s been employed as a teacher and coach for 12
roft Elementary in St. Paul and lives in Burnsville 2002 Shawn Sirotiak and Lisa years. He’s married and has four sons.
… Becky Litzau lives in Mankato and recently Kalar were married in International
accepted a second elementary music teach- Falls. Shawn is a customs and bor- 1999 Stephanie (Charlton) and Mike Dailey
ing position there … Talia DeBenedet of Cass der protection officer on the U.S. (’98) live in Mahnomen and have three children,
Lake teaches performing arts at Trek North High border at International Falls and Owen, 4, Dawson, 3, and Jenna, 9-months …
School, gives voice lessons at Headwaters School Lisa is employed as a registered Anne Miller lives in Buffalo … Susan McCabe,
of Music and Arts and conducts the adult choir nurse at Falls Memorial Hospital a senior programmer analyst with Federated In-
at St. Philip’s Church, all located in Bemidji … … Jacen Gondringer and Valine surance, Owatonna, has earned her Associate in
Jennifer Schickert and Derrick Moen (’02) an- Thesing were married in Brainerd. Insurance Services designation.
He is employed as an accountant
at B. Johnson and Associates and
Horizons Bemidji State University 23You can also read
