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A Publication for Alumni & Friends of Bemidji State UniversityVol. 14, No. 1, Fall 1998

cal warfare and counter intelli-gence offices.

Her initial post secondary ac-complishment came two years af-ter the war when she received acosmetology diploma from theParisian School of Beauty in Min-neapolis. Married four years later,she and her husband moved to In-ternational Falls in 1951 whereshe worked in the office of Cen-tury Motor Freight for 24 years.

It was then that the ember oflearning caught the wind of oppor-tunity to ignite a lifelong flame.

“I had been ‘clubbed’ to death,and had finished all the servicework I wanted to do,” Kroetenremembered. “I had a chance totake two classes at Rainy RiverCommunity College, photogra-phy and conversational German.

“Gradually I took anothercourse, then another. Aslong as I was takingclasses, I figured I mightas well work for some-thing. After I finishedone certificate program,I started another.”

The first certificate, asan account clerk, camein the spring of 1977while her last degree atRainy River was an as-sociate in science degreein human service tech-

nology. In between she earned de-grees or certificates in such areasas marine and small engine me-chanics, nursing, business ma-chine and computer repair tech-nology, and Ojibwe.

“Eventually I had just abouttaken them all,” she said. “Atabout that time Bemidji Statestarted offering the elementaryeducation degree in InternationalFalls, so I enrolled.”

As part of its distance learningeffort, BSU began offering pro-grams to sites away from campus.Students from the Twin Cities toInternational Falls and from EastGrand Forks to Duluth now en-roll in courses that are deliveredin a variety of methods.

Kroeten was one of thoseserved. “None of the studentswere traditional-aged students,”she remembered. “They werefrom all age groups. Some hadfamilies; some had jobs. And we

BSUCalendarSeptember 21 - 27, 1998

BSU HOMECOMING 1998“There’s No Place LikeHome....coming 1998”

(A full schedule of eventsis listed on page 8.)

November 14, 1998BSU Day at the Metrodome

Beaver Football vs.Wisconsin-River Falls

8 p.m., Alumni Receptionin Press Box

December 4, 5, 6, 10, 11Madrigal Dinners, Bemidji

January 30, 1999BSU Foundation “Snow Ball,” 6 p.m.

Beaux Arts Ballroom

February 12, 1999BSU Reception, Minneapolis Music

Educators Association,Minneapolis Hilton Towers

March 7, 1999Opera Night, Northern Inn, Bemidji

March 14, 1999Opera Night, Metropolitan Ballroom,

Minneapolis

March 14-15, 1999“BSU Winter Rendezvous,”

Laughlin, Nevada

BSUBSU

BSUBSU

Lessons from aLifelong Learner

On Cay Kroeten’s vita sheet,there’s one line that grabs atten-tion: Dean’s List, 40 Quarters,1978 to 1994.

Further investigation shows adozen degrees, licenses and cer-tificates as well as grades frommore than 800 courses completedin the past 25 years.

Kroeten, a spry 77, capped andgowned this academic careerwhen she joined her BemidjiState University class of 1998 forthe traditional commencementmarch and graduation ceremo-nies on campus. She had justearned a bachelor of science de-gree in elementary education.

“It was something I wanted,”said Kroeten, who resides inInternational Falls. “My husbandalways said I was a frustratedteacher.”

Her husband was probablycorrect. As an 18-year old liv-ing in Robbinsdale, her first at-tempt at earning a degree wascut short by the realities of the1930s. Her family had lost theirhome and business during theDepression; her father was hos-pitalized with tuberculosis; andher mother was pregnant.

As the oldest child, there wasn’tany question about what shewould do. She would forego herNational Youth Administrationsponsorship at the University ofMinnesota and help out at home.

By the time things settleddown on the home front, theworld was heating up. Sheworked as a waitress, cashier,and sales clerk before taking aposition at the Federal Car-tr idge Munit ions Plant inFridley at the start of WWII.Two years later she quit to jointhe Women’s Army Air Force,where she worked in the chemi-

became close because it was a lotof hard work.”

Her work paid off last Maywhen she received her bachelor’sdegree, ending a 60-year pursuitof a dream.

Was it an ending? For mostgraduating seniors, the bachelor’sdegree marked the beginning oftheir future. Kroeten was no dif-ferent; she still had a dream.

“I plan on teaching,” she statedas if it was the expected responsefrom a member of the class of1998. “The teachers at Falls El-ementary or St. Thomas Paro-chial School are always happy tohave me come over and help. Ilike working with younger chil-dren, up through the sixth grade.There’s always something I canadd to what they’re learning.”

That’s just one lesson shecan teach to a third-grader, ora college student, or a 40-yearold ... ■

T he teachers at Falls Elementary or St. ThomasParochial School are always happy to have me

come over and help. I like working with youngerchildren, up through the sixth grade. There’s alwayssomething I can add to what they’re learning.”

Cay Kroeten

Cay Kroeten

“

Cay Kroeten joined the Class of 1998 for the traditional commencement march.

Horizons Page 2

Vol. 14, No. 1, Fall 1998

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

Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Al Nohner

Designer . . . . . . . . . . . . Kathy Berglund

Photographer . . . . . . . . . . . John Swartz

President . . . . . . . . . . . . Dr. Jim Bensen

Alumni Director . . . . . . . . . Sue Kringen

Contributing Writers . . . . . . Jody Grau,Keri Mohrer

Editorial Assistance . . . . . Peggy Nohner

Editorial Board: Dr. Jim Bensen, BSUpresident; Dr. David Tiffany, vice presidentfor University advancement; Al Nohner,director of news services and publications;Sue Kringen, director of alumni relations.

Brewing

BSUBSU

infringes on their rights. SoBremer’s original name for hisbrew, “Steamaple,” had to beabandoned in favor of St. CroixMaple Ale. “In retrospect, it’sprobably a more marketable nameanyway,” shrugs Bremer.

Even after these hurdles wereovercome and Bremer had con-tracted with August Schell Brew-ery to process and bottle the ale,challenges remained. Regulationsgoverning the distribution of al-coholic beverages are even morecomplex and stringent than thosecovering its production, Bremerlearned. “Selling beer isn’t likeselling books or newspapers,” heexplains. “You can’t just go outand market your product. It’s re-quired that beer be channeledthrough distributors, and distribu-tors have designated territories.So you have to contract with mul-tiple distributors to get your prod-uct out there.”

Fierce competition amongmicrobrewers and the influence ofthe major breweries add to thefrustrations. “Naively, we thoughtthat distributors actually pro-moted your beer. In fact, it’s rarethat you find a distributor who isreally interested in pushing yourproduct,” says Bremer. “Distribu-tors are constantly being bom-barded by new beers, all fightingfor the same small space on theshelves. And the big guys pres-sure wholesalers not to sellsmaller competitors’ product.”

Nevertheless, Bremer waspleased to see the first barrels ofSt. Croix Maple Ale debut in Au-gust, 1995. Getting on Schell’sproduction schedule was a coup,Bremer reveals. “We’re very upfront about the fact that our beeris brewed in New Ulm. Schell’shas a great reputation, and that’sa selling point for us.”

Last year St. Croix Beer Com-pany introduced its second fla-vored beer, the Serrano PepperAle. While admitting that “it’s notthe easiest beer to sell,” Bremernotes the ale is not only tasty onits own, but makes a great bloodymary chaser and is a good cook-ing beer for foods ranging fromomelettes to fajitas. His confi-dence in the brew was bolsteredby its winning the “Golden Chile”trophy in Chile Pepper Magazine’s1998 Fiery Food Challenge.

While a large number ofmicrobrews have come and goneover the past several years, Bremeris proud that the St. Croix BeerCompany is still in business, de-spite an increasingly difficult mar-ketplace. He credits his BSU edu-cation and his journalism experi-ence with helping him develop“guerrilla marketing tactics” to

Brewing Upa Novel CareerYou won’t see a Swedish bikini

team touting St. Croix Beer Com-pany brews.

The brewer doesn’t have funnyfrogs for mascots, and they don’tsponsor professional sportingevents.

When you’re one of the “littleguys,” St. Croix President KarlBremer notes, you’ve got to makeyour reputation on the quality anddistinctiveness of your beers. AndBremer has achieved both withhis St. Croix Maple and SerranoPepper ales, award-winning bev-erages that are brewed andbottled by the August SchellBrewing Company in New Ulm.

Since Bremer turned his homebrewing hobby into a full-timeprofessional pursuit in 1995, hehas learned the ins and outs of thebeer-making business as well asthe ups and downs of trying tocompete in a highly competitive,sometimes cut-throat industry.Along the way he’s found that hisdegree in mass communicationfrom Bemidji State has helpedhim distinguish St. Croix ales

Surrounded by maple trees on the shoreof the St. Croix, Karl Bremer unbottlesone of his award-winning beverages.

T

create visibility for his product.“At Bemidji State I had coursework in writing, photography, pro-duction, and editing. That has paidoff in spades,” he said, adding thathe creates his own advertisementsand press releases.

Other creative strategies suchas beer dinners (similar to themore common wine dinners, inwhich a different beverage isserved with each course of ameal) have been successful. Per-haps their best marketing tech-nique is participation in regionalbeer fests, Bremer said. “At thoseevents, people who would other-wise never taste your beer areexposed to it.”

The St. Croix Beer Companyhas yet to turn a profit, but theBremers are no longer subsidiz-ing the operation from their ownfunds. Bremer is quick to credithis wife who manages an envi-ronmental laboratory in St. Paul,with bringing in the family’s pay-check. “We’re still planning tohave our own brewery some day,but it’s not a cheap proposition,”Bremer says. “Still, as my wifesays, if you have to lose moneyit’s a fun way to do it.”

For now, Bremer is contem-plating developing a third recipe.It won’t be a flavored beer thistime, he states, but a “more ac-cessible” beverage with the samehigh quality as his current ales.St. Croix Maple Ale and St. CroixSerrano Pepper Ale are distrib-uted in about two-thirds of Min-nesota and in some areas of Wis-consin. Bremer encourages any-one interested in tasting his brewto ask their local liquor store orbar to carry it. Despite the diffi-culties of making a go of it in thebeer business, Bremer isn’t sorryhe started. “There are a lot of upsand downs, but when you go toa beer fest and someone says,‘You’re my favorite beer here,’that makes it all worthwhile.” ■

here are a lot of ups and downs, but whenyou go to a beer fest and someone says,

‘You’re my favorite beer here,’ that makesit all worthwhile.” Karl Bremer

“

Bemidji State University

Horizons

from the rest of the pack.A former editor of the Northern

Student, Bremer made his living asa journalist and freelance writerafter graduation from BSU in1978. He worked for severalsmall town newspapers in Min-nesota and Montana.

He then spent five years edit-ing a magazine for the MinnesotaPublic Interest Research Group.

A stint editing a national airlinemagazine followed, and Bremerhas continued to do freelancetravel and music writing. He iscurrently working on an updatedguide to the Twin Cities.

It was in the early 1990s, whileliving near Stillwater with hiswife Chris (Hanson, ’78), that hebegan to think about taking hishobby of home brewing to ahigher level. He’d begun homebrewing in the late 1980s and wassoon developing his own recipesand teaching classes in the art. Hetested his recipes on friends andstudents in his classes. One brew,which incorporated a hint ofmaple flavor, seemed to have thebroadest appeal. He refined therecipe and submitted it in com-petition in the 1992 MinnesotaBrewfest; it won a silver medal,and Bremer decided it was timeto go commercial.

It wasn’t long,however, beforeBremer discov-ered that fine-tun-ing the balance ofingredients in hisbeer was simplecompared to deal-ing with the massof red tape, bu-reaucracy, and re-quirements re-quired by the Bu-reau of Alcohol,Tobacco, and Fire-arms, which regu-lates the industry.

“The BATFwasn’t equippedto cope with themicrobrew revo-lution,” Bremernotes. “They areused to dealingwith a few huge

breweries, and when all the new,small labels started appearingthey were way behind the curve.”

Forces within the industry alsocreated obstacles. Bremer’smaple ale is created through aprocess developed in the 19thcentury in California. Calledsteam style beer, it is “the onlytrue American beer style,” ac-cording to Bremer. Unfortunately,the term “steam style” was copy-righted by the Anchor Steam BeerCompany, which aggressivelyblocks any label that it believes

Horizons Page 3

Top Score

Where We Are ... What We’re Doing

ALL CITIES ARE LOCATED IN MINNESOTA UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED.

(Continued on page 4)

1990sAnnie Johnson (’90) of Westminster, CO, isplanning a wedding for June of 1999 in St. Cloud.Johnson completed a master’s degree in 1997 andis working on a Becker CPA review this summer… Becky (Lahti) Halvorson (’91) of Prescott,AZ, is employed as a bakery manager forSafeway Stores Inc. and her husband, Chris,works for MCI. The couple has a daughter, 3, anda son who is six months old … Amy (Beyer)Swenson (’93) and Erik Swenson (’94) live inChamplin. Amy works for American ExpressFinancial Advisors and Erik is a manager withRPS in Mahtomedi. They have one son and onedaughter … Wendy Haavisto (’94) of St. Paulwas married on May 16 … Jon Langhout (’91)and Suzy (Christianson) Langhout (’93) ofBemidji had a baby girl, Tyra Jade, on Jan 28. Jonwas recently named digital launch manager atMidwest Cable … Jodell Meyer (’93) lives inWayzata … Rhonda Lee Segler (’97) and DavidJohn Allen Graham (’97) were married Oct. 11,1997, at First Lutheran Church, Brainerd.Rhonda is employed at the Crow Wing Countyattorney’s office and David works with PORTGroup Homes. They live in Brainerd … Jennifer

Bardal (’94)was marriedlast summerand had a babygirl on March27 … WendyBoyer (’91)and JaneMorgan (’91)are Title 1teachers at PaulBunyanElementary

School which was selected recently as aDistinguished Title 1 School. The awardrecognizes the school for creating a partnershipwith schools, parents and the community and forprofessional development and coordination withother schools. A total of 109 programs out of54,000 in the United States received the specialrecognition … Samuel Sechrist (’95) marriedTricia Teiken in June. Samuel is a U.S. BorderPatrol agent in San Diego, CA, where the couplenow lives … Diane Trevena (’91) received hernursing master’s degree in May, graduating with a4.0 GPA. She plans to move to the Florida Keys to

work as a nurse practitioner and currently lives inPompano Beach, FL … Kevin Abrahamson(’90) has been hired as a K-12 site administratorwith the Cook schools. He has worked 18 years inMcIntosh as an English, speech and theaterteacher at the Win-E-Mac School District …Rick Williams (’94) attends the University ofMinnesota – Carlson School of Management.He’s working on a master’s in finance andstrategic management … Greg R. Bernard (’92)of Peru, IL, won a cash award in the 1998Literature Competition sponsored by the CentralIllinois Chapter of the National Society of Artsand Letters. The competition challengednonprofessional writers, age 19-29, to create auniquely American character in prose fiction,verse or drama … Cathy (Paslawski) Osterman(’97) recently was named assistant director of theKampeska Heritage Museum in Watertown, SD… John Kostynick (’97) was recently engagedto Ann Colligan. He is employed by the StaeblerFinancial Services of Perham … Renee McNelly(’94) and Tom Andresen (’92) were married atCouples Resort in Ocho Rios, Jamaica, on March3. Renee teaches fourth grade at RiversideElementary School, Brainerd, and Tom teaches atFranklin Junior High School in Brainerd. Thecouple lives in Nisswa … Dennis Weimann(’90) is KAWE news director and anchor of thepublic television station’s new nightly newsprogram. He spent three years with a CBSaffiliate in Minot, ND, and most recently workedfour years at KVLY-TV in Fargo, ND … JasonLeon Daniels (’96) was recently engaged to

Amber Joy Coran. He isemployed at Sauk Rapids MiddleSchool …Michael T.Sunnarborg (’97) owns CreativeConsulting in Honolulu, HI. Heis also a business instructor withthe University of Phoenix,Hawaii campus, and a politicalcampaign manager … WendyKloeppner (’95) recentlygraduated from the University ofSouth Dakota School of Law andhas accepted a judicial clerkshipwith John Konenkamp, justice of the SouthDakota Supreme Court … Michelle (Rissanen)Grass (‘ 91) recently married Patrick Grass andthe couple now lives in Las Vegas, NV … NancyMcKenzie (’93) of Newfolden received hermaster’s of science degree in nursing from theUniversity of Minnesota and participated ingraduation ceremonies at Moorhead StateUniversity. She is currently a nurse manager atRoseau Area Hospital and Homes … BrendaTherese May (’97) and Tyler Jon Struck (’97)are planning a September 5 wedding in Madison.Brenda is employed as an assistant teacher byChildren’s World in Shoreview and Tyler worksfor the Blair Police Department in Blair, NE …William Peterson (’95) of Stillwater waspromoted in June to the position of help deskanalyst at Prudential’s Corporate TechnologyServices group in Minneapolis. He’s beenemployed with Prudential for more than twoyears … Keri Klein (’91) teaches third grade at

Moriarty Municipal Schools, Moriarty, NM. Shehas a master’s degree in elementary educationfrom the University of New Mexico and is motherto a two-year-old son … Debra A. Jelencich-Jensen (’92) is in her fifth year of teaching at theCuyuna Range Elementary School. She lives inBrainerd with her husband, Floyd, and two step-daughters … Tim S. Kalmer (’90) lives in thehigh Sierra country of western Nevada where heteaches higher mathematics for Washoe CountySchool District, Reno, NV, and is on the teachingstaff at Sparks High School in Reno. During thelast school year, Tim was elected by the studentbody in an all-school election as a teacherrepresentative on the Natural Helper Project,which is a state-wide service project sponsored byROTC. He also organized and advises an activeAlpine ski club for the students and created andadvises a Future Teachers Club … RickBlackburn (’95) is completing his master’s

ming. Hu attributes the prepara-tion he got at BSU as well as hisreal-world experience at Deloitte& Touche to his success.

“My teachers at Bemidji Statedid a great job of laying out stuffthat might be on the test. Also, Ilucked out because the big prob-lem I was given on the test wassimilar to something I had justdone for a client,” Hu said. “I’dsay my score was about 50 per-cent effort and 50 percent luck.”

Despite Hu’s modesty, DavidOdegaard, also a BSU graduateand a senior vice president at

it from a book and actually do-ing it are totally different,” Hucommented. “Also, the cases weused in class were mostly manu-facturing cases. The majority ofmy clients are not in manufactur-ing, but in real estate, agriculturalbusinesses, and brokerages.”

There are some experiencesthat no course work can prepare

Bemidji State Grad is top CPA ScorerRecently the accounting firm of

Deloitte & Touche sent a postcardto its clients, asking, “Which topaccounting firm has the top scoreron the Minnesota CPA exam?”

The answer, of course, isDeloitte & Touche, and the an-swer to the question, “Which uni-versity graduated the top scoreron the Minnesota CPA exam?” isBemidji State University.

The top scorer is Xihao Hu, a1997 graduate of BSU’s account-ing program. A native of Shang-hai, China, Hu garnered the high-est score among the approxi-mately 800 who took the test inMinnesota in 1997. He alsoranked in the top 120 who testedin the entire nation last year. Hutook the exam last Novemberwhile already working forDeloitte & Touche in Minneapo-lis, having interned with the firmwhile still a student at BSU.

Hu describes his achievementas a “sweet surprise,” and thoughhe expected to pass the exam, hewas stunned to have scored sohigh. “When I started the test, Iwas kind of freaked out becauseit was such a big auditorium andthere were so many other peoplethere,” he recalled. “Also, two ofthe proctors of the test were se-nior partners at my firm. Thatadded to the pressure!”

Hu had taken a course to pre-pare for the test, but couldn’t at-tend all the classes because of hisbusy work schedule. He admitsthat for 10 days prior to the examhe huddled in his room, cram-

Debra A. Jelencich-Jensen with husband, Floyd andstepdaughters, Rosie & Michelle

Deloitte & Touche, explainedhow remarkable his achievementreally is. “To get the highest scoreon the exam is a great accomplish-ment,” Odegaard commented.“But when you consider the factthat he was an international stu-dent who had to master the En-glish language at the same time hewas pursuing a degree in account-ing, it’s even more amazing.”

Bemidji State grads have al-ways performed well on theexam, nearly doubling the na-tional pass rate every year. Hu isthe sixth BSU graduate to earn the

Xihao HuT o get the highest score on the exam is a great

accomplishment. But when you consider thefact that he was an international student who hadto master the English language at the same timehe was pursuing a degree in accounting, it’s evenmore amazing.” David Odegaard

“

highest score in the state.Hu learned about Bemidji State

University through an article in aShanghai newspaper. He appliedto two schools: Bemidji StateUniversity and a college in Ha-waii. His letter of acceptance fromBSU came first, so he chose it.

Throughout his studies his ac-counting professors offered guid-ance and support, Hu said. “Italked a lot with my teachers.They suggested auditing was agood career path, since it is thebest place to practice all the ac-counting you’ve learned.”

There are some differences be-tween accounting in the class-room and accounting in the realworld, however. “Auditing issuch a different animal. Learning

you for. As part of his work withagricultural firms, Hu was calledon to estimate the volume ofgrains stored in elevators. Thetask required him to climb out onthe roofs of the tall structures anddrop a tape measure to theground—a precarious position!“I had to do 18 of those, and I wasscared to death,” he remarked.

Hu sees two possible careerpaths in his future. He may con-tinue to work for Deloitte &Touche for the next few years,gradually working up to amanagerial position. Then hemight request a transfer to abranch of the firm in China.

Alternately, he may decide tostay in the U.S. and eventually goto work in private industry.

For the time being, though,he’s happy where he is. “I reallylike what I’m doing right now,and most people say the first fiveyears in auditing are the mostinteresting.” As for climbing thecorporate ladder, Hu shrugs,“I haven’t paid my dues yet.” ■

Wendy Boyer / Jane Morgan

Horizons Page 4

degree in counseling from the University ofWisconsin, Oshkosh, and plans to graduate inDecember. He works with autistic children, usingapplied behavioral analysis techniques. He’s beenmarried to Kris Tommervik for two years … KrisTommervik (’95) lives in Oshkosh with herhusband, Rick Blackburn. She is an accountant forWarehousing of Wisconsin … Sonia Yip (’91) andRoel Coenders (’91) recently celebrated their firstwedding anniversary. The couple met at BSU in1988 and both graduated with business degrees inMay 1991. Sonia and Roel completed master’sdegrees at the University of Kentucky. Roel is nowa marketing manager of an internationalbiochemical feeding company and Sonia is asenior financial analyst of an insurance company

… Bertha Walters (’96) and Sheldon Langager(’97) announced their engagement. Bertha isemployed at Herberger’s in Bemidji and Sheldonis an aquarium curator at Cabela’s in Owatonna… Holly Evenwoll (’94) announced herengagement to Dean Flansburg. Holly isemployed at the Bemidji Senior Center … ScottSchoneck (’97) was recently engaged to KaylynMcKinley … … Kathryn (Kleven) Nordine(’98) of Roosevelt will teach K-12 music thisschool year in Goodridge and her husband, MikeNordine (’96) will teach high school socialstudies in Thief River Falls at Lincoln HighSchool … Brian Cin (’92) of Eagle River, AK,plans an August wedding with his fiance NancyLaboy. The wedding will be conducted on ahalibut fishing charter out of Nome, AK, to befollowed by a fishing excursion for the weddingparty … Misty Miranda Bauman (’97) andEric Benjamin Jobe (’98) were recently marriedduring ceremonies in Bemidji. Eric will beteaching in Mora this fall and the couple willreside in Ogilvie.

1980sArlene Schwerzler (’85) was recently selectedas consumer manager at the Winona main officeof Norwest Winona, a company she’s beenemployed with since 1986. She is a member ofthe United Way, Winona Area Chamber ofCommerce and Central Lutheran Church andlives with her husband, Tom, and their twochildren … Nikki Hollinbeck (’80) of Nisswawas recently presented with the Minnesota

Department of Natural Resources’ Water PatrolDeputy of the Year Award for her accomplish-ments in boat and water safety in 1997. Along withher work on boating, Hollinbeck is a DNRvolunteer firearms safety instructor andsnowmobile safety instructor and was recentlycertified to teach bow hunting education. A peaceofficer since 1995, she previously worked for thePequot Lakes Police Department … StellaBowland (’88) has resigned from the AlexandriaSchool Board to pursue a law degree in St. Paul.She was first elected to the board about five yearsago and was re-elected to a four-year term 18months ago. Bowland intends to study law at theWilliam-Mitchell School of Law in St. Paul,starting this August … Mark Kurtzahn (’82) andhis wife, Lesley Williamson (’83) live in“America’s horse country,” Crestwood, KY, withtheir two daughters. Mark flies for UPS as acaptain on a B-727. He completed 12 years withthe U.S. Marine Corps, achieving the rank ofmajor … John Martin (’88) teaches welding atWestern Wisconsin Technical College inLaCrosse, WI. He lives in LaCrescent with hiswife, Gail …William E. Dimmel (’86) of Anokawas recently married and is self-employed as aprogramming consultant. His business is OnlineDynamics, Inc … Paul Bergly (‘ 86) lives in NewHope with his wife, Karen, and sons, Mathew andJonathan. Paul is producing a compact disc,“Winds of Mars,” featuring piano music by Bachand the winds of Mars, as compiled from digitaldata received from the Mars Pathfinder …Rebecca (Sarberg) Sarkela (’85) of Duluth

works as a financial counselor at Miller DwanMedical Center. Her husband, Scott, works as adistrict rep for Lutheran Brotherhood. The couplehas two sons … Kevin Newton (’82) of Glenboroteaches high school, coaches and officiatesvolleyball as a Level IV National official … Mikeand Karen (Duebbert) Eischens (’83) live inExcelsior … Karen (Baumann) Bernsdorf (’87)of Meadowlands works in customer service forSchneiderman’s Furniture, helps run a familybusiness and is mother to three … Susan(Warnke) Carlson (’89) lives in Cottage Grove… Paul Olson (’85) enjoys teaching in MooseLake where he lives with his wife, Shelly, son,Andy, 4, and daughter, Dana, 2 … Karen(Larson) Halver (’85) and her husband, Jim,recently bought more land adjacent to their homenorth of Detroit Lakes. Jim works for MN/DOTand Karen stays home with sons, Brander, 5,Drake, 3, and Korgen, 1 … Fran (Bailey)Houghton (’82) of Lakewood, CO, and herhusband spent the last year working in Tajikistan,a country in Central Asia, and traveling aroundEurope … Joe Fischer (’83) of Apple Valleyworks at Lockheed Martin, Eagan, and enjoyssoftball, hockey and hunting … Harry Hunt (83)and Margaret Hunt (’83) live in Wayzata …Brenda Ness (’86) of Eden Prairie works forDeluxe Corporation. She’s married and has twodaughters, 5 and 8 … Paul Meskan (’86) and hiswife, Jill Meskan (’84), live in Minneapolis. Paulspent ten years with the Ramsey County Sheriff’sDepartment and is currently on loan to the state asan investigator with the Minnesota Gang Strike

Force … Elise Kines Hughes (’84) lives inChester, VA, with her husband, John, and theirthree children. She is working on a master’sdegree in teaching … Becky Messenger (’81) ofNashotah, WI, owns and operates a dance studio inWaukesha, WI. She teaches social andcompetitive ballroom dance to adults and childrenand runs a ballroom competition every April - theWisconsin State Dance Sport Championships.She’s been married for 14 years to her husband,Dan, and the couple has three children … WilliamYerbich (’87) was recently engaged to Lori Baker… Mary Jo Mrazek (’82) and her husband, Tim,are the new owners of Lake Region Paint and

Decorating at 405 Beltrami Ave., which offersinterior decorating ideas, carpet, tile, paint,laminates, floor covering, wallpaper and countertops … Jim Hecimovich (’88) is the new principalof Hayfield Elementary School. “The principal

Where We Are ... What We’re Doing(Continued from page 3)

Sonia Yip and Roel Coenders

Mary Jo and Tim Mrazek

In American higher educationtoday, one trend that is catchingthe attention of both the privateand public sectors is the growthand impact of the tribal collegemovement.

Just 30 years ago, there wasn’ta single tribal college in exist-ence. Influenced by policies ofassimilation and educational phi-losophies that extracted studentsfrom reservations, education be-came a means of submissionrather that opportunity.

Today there are 29 tribal col-leges serving more than 20,000students in 12 states. Foundedand controlled by tribes, theseschools are run by Native Ameri-cans. And, according to a recentreport by the Carnegie Founda-tion, “More than any other singleinstitution, they (tribal colleges)are changing lives and offeringreal hope for the future.”

To peoples from diverse cul-tures and backgrounds, educationhas long been viewed as a vehiclethat can carry a society forward.But for many American Indians,the role of education in their lives

Tribal CollegesEducation with a Passion

focused less on growth and moreon subversion — to survive, theyhad to forego their traditions andbecome white.

Coupled too often with poorpreparation, the results of at-tempts into mainstream post sec-ondary education led to studentsdropping out at a rate thatclimbed to two or three times thenational average and reached 90percent at some colleges.

A shift in federal policy awayfrom paternalism and toward selfdetermination among indigenouspeople over the past few decadesopened the door for the tribes tocreate their own future, includingpost secondary options.

The pattern they followed wasthe community college, where phi-losophies of open enrollment,community development and jobtraining satisfied critical needs.Located on the reservations, thetribal colleges also integrated heri-tage into a curriculum that includedmath, science, English composi-tion, and American history.

“Adding a cultural and a spiri-tual component to tribal collegeswas a way to enhance the move-

ment,” said Larry Aitken, a BSUgraduate who helped found andnow serves as president of LeechLake Tribal College.

The combination of a nurturingeducational environment, familiarsurroundings, and a system thatvalued diversity has paid divi-dends. One study showed place-ment figures that ranged from 85to 93 percent at three colleges onreservations where the unemploy-ment rates hovered in the 60 per-cent range. Recent researchshowed that graduates of tribal col-leges had a completion rate above80 percent after they transferred tobaccalaureate institutions.

“Mainstream academy ap-proaches education a little likeairlines overbook seats,” said Dr.Holly Youngbear-Tibbetts, aBSU alumna who left her teach-ing post at the University of Wis-consin-Stevens Point last year to

become development director atthe College of the MenomineeNation in north central Wiscon-sin. “They admit more studentsthan they are likely to graduate,and strategies are geared forweeding out students. The goal oftribal colleges is not to weed out,but to work with each studentuntil they reach their full aca-demic potential.”

Aitken agrees. He left a posi-tion at the University of Minne-sota-Duluth to teach 43 part-timestudents in the first class at LeechLake Tribal College. Now the en-rollment is 370 full-time students.

“There’s a necessity for tribalcolleges in Indian country,”Aitken said. “The indigenouscommunity always felt it was bet-ter to raise the community upthree inches rather than lift oneor two individuals up a foot.

“Tribal colleges have the inher-ent philosophy of raising every-one — not only the eager and thegood, but also the ill-prepared andthose on hard times.”

That Indian people are findingsuccess comes as no surprise toYoungbear-Tibbetts. “The ances-tors were people of sense, wereculturally conversant, used criti-cal analysis, were linguisticallycompetent, and were naturallygiven to empirical methods tomake sound decisions,” she com-mented. “These are the abilitiesthat will be needed in the future.”

The future is of great concernto tribal colleges, both for theirstudents and for their own sur-vival. As with much of highereducation today, budgets are ex-tremely tight and staffing lean.

Contrary to public percep-tion, the tribal colleges are notfully funded entities. Their op-erations are supported by acombination of tribal resources,grants, gifts and federal appro-priations that averaged just$2,900 per student in 1995.

For the communities that haveinvested in tribal colleges, theresults extend beyond the normalbenefits of a trained workforce.With a focus on culture, the tribalcolleges have become a safe-guard of the traditions and oldways. They have moved intocommunity development and ini-tiated research programs relevantto the reservations.

Just as important, they havebecome reservoirs of calm in of-ten politically charged environ-ments. As the Carnegie study re-ported, the tribal college was themost stable and most politicallyindependent institution on manyreservations.

“Every tribal college has an el-ement that is central to its iden-tity and mission,” said Youngbear-Tibbetts “We’re contributing tothe infrastructure of Indian coun-try — with a passion.” ■

Larry Aitken

Dr. Holly Youngbear-Tibbetts

Horizons Page 5

(Continued on page 6)

year operation, which has increased staffing fromthree to 26. Kevin made his first attempt at writingand directing a movie earlier this year and it is nowbeing sold. He has been married for 11 years andhas two daughters, ages 6 and 5 … Dave Looby(’83) is one of few people who can list Kermit theFrog as an employment reference. A dozen yearsbefore beginning his new position as president/CEO of the North Hennepin Chamber ofCommerce, Looby was spokesman for the world’smost famous amphibian. Following his 10-monthstint as an administrative assistant on the travelingstage production of the Puppet Show, he workedfor the Viking Council of the Boy Scouts ofAmerica for six years and in several otherpromotional and sales positions. He was hired tohis new position with the Chamber in March …Roy C. Booth (’89) owns B&B Comics, Books &Games of Bemidji and recently had his 13th playpublished. His plays have been produced in over180 cities world-wide and in such countries asCanada, the United Kingdom, France,Switzerland and Australia. A theater troupe inChina plans to perform some of his plays in early1999 … Glen Heppner (’84) lives in Ventura, CA,where he works as an actor. Projects include partsin several television shows and a movie to bereleased in theaters this fall. He is currentlyworking on a new television series to air inSeptember … Robbin Johnson (’84) of WalnutCreek, CA, is a sales specialist with GE CapitalFleet Services. The Walnut Creek office servicesthe San Francisco Bay area. Robin is an avidrunner and has completed four Twin Cities

marathons … Brent Harrison (’89) of Eugene,OR, has worked as a recreation and intramuraldirector for the past five years in Oregon … DebraBaker (’85) recently reported for duty at NationalNaval Medical Center, Bethesda, MD. She joinedthe Navy in April … David Schnell (’83) is a Navylieutenant commander. He recently helped theguided missile cruiser USS Vincennes win thePacific Fleet’s 1997 Wellness Award (Green “H”).Schnell’s ship received the award for implement-ing health programs to improve the lifestyle andhealth of USS Anzio sailors. Two of the mostvisible and productive programs responsible forwinning the award were the smoking cessationprogram and a healthy foods initiative. Based inYokosuka, Japan, Schnell’s ship is one of the mostpowerful warships ever put to sea. Its crewrecently participated in exercises with theRepublic of Korea Forces, intended to improveoperating procedures between the U.S. andRepublic of Korea forces … Lisa (Schmutzer)Stichert (’86) works for ADP Dealer Services asmanager of training for North America. She liveswith her husband and two daughters in IslandLake, IL … Dianna Kaye DeGeest (’86) ispursuing an electrical construction degree tosupplement her job experience and traininggained with the Cass County Electric Cooperativein Fargo, ND. She worked on a database plantinventory project for the engineering departmentof the cooperative for six months and was thenhired as an engineering assistant. Dianna’s priorexperience includes six years in law enforcementand as a private investigator … Jim Minerich

(’87) was selected by his faculty colleagues asPequot Lakes Schools teacher of the year inMarch. The Pequot fifth-grade teacher hasbrought science into the classroom with a hands-on style. Animal mounts, nature specimens andeven live critters are used as learning devices. Inrecent years, Minerich has used computers and theInternet extensively in his teaching. He’s beenawarded an Environmental Quality Award, servesas a member of the Minnesota Science BestPractice Program and on the science licensurepanel for the Minnesota State Board of Teaching.He is currently serving on the Breezy Point CityCouncil until the year 2000 and also served a termon the council from 1982 to 1986 … MarkFodness (’82) has been honored as the ColeenYatckoske Minnesota Middle Level Educator of

the Year. He teaches seventh grade social studiesand history at Bemidji Middle School and waschosen from a field of 11 finalists by a selectioncommittee during an interview in St. Cloud. Theaward is given annually to a teacher, counselor oradministrator in a Minnesota organization thatencompasses some combination of students infifth through ninth grades. It is sponsored by theMinnesota Association of Middle LevelEducators to recognize “outstanding middle-level educators who inspire others through thededication and commitment to a responsivelearning environment” … Chuck Auger (’87), aBemidji High School teacher, recently completeda three-day teacher education seminar titled“Lignite – Our Regional Resource: Energy,Economics and Environment”.

1970sGail (Christofferson) Martin (’71) teachesfourth grade in Hokah. She and her husband,John, live in LaCrescent … Dan Skaja (’71) is aprincipal with the Minneapolis School District.He’s been married for 26 years and has threegrown children … Gary Mills (’74) hasannounced his candidacy for sheriff of HubbardCounty in this fall’s election. Mills has been a full-time police officer for 23 years and has worked forHubbard County for 19 years, beginning in 1979as a patrol officer. Soon after, he was promoted tohis current position as criminal investigator …Jackie Witty (’73) of Mt. Iron is a physicaleducation teacher and coach at Virginia

Faculty Retirements

sets the tone of the building. I want that to bepositive and upbeat,” he said. Jim lives with hiswife, Heidi, and their two daughters. Heidi is ateacher’s assistant at Sumner Elementary Schoolin Austin … Tom Hein (’87) and Barb(Maroney) Hein (’87) live in Sauk Rapids withtheir two children. Tom is the visual communica-tions technician for the St. Cloud School Districtand Barb is the direct mail coordinator forBankers Systems Inc. in St. Cloud. She also hoststhe company’s Compliance Basics Video Series… Jean Zielske Vroman (’85) manages a bar andgrill in Faribault where she lives with herhusband, Dave, and their 11-month-old son,Adam … Elizabeth Mulvihill (’88) teachesphysical education at Olson Middle School inMinneapolis … Tracy (Ochsner) Treanor (’87)works as a training manager for Aetna U.S.Healthcare in Minneapolis. She was married inOctober … Melvina Thomsen (’89) is the newTeen Age Parent Progam/Infant Developmentcoordinator for Kootasca Community Action. Inthe new position, Thomsen will work half-timewith TAPP in collaboration with School District318, funded through a grant from the NorthlandFoundation. The Infant Development Program isfunded through the Department of Children,Families and Learning, to facilitate infantdevelopment programming for School Districts317, 318 and 319 … Kevin McAlpin (’83) ofOrangevale, CA, manages a company providingeducational videos to schools across the U.S. andCanada. Since he started with the company, thebusiness has grown into a multi-million dollar a Jim Minerich

Retirements

Faculty with over 380 years of teaching experience at Bemidji StateUniversity joined the ranks of the retired during the past year. The 13faculty who closed out their careers at BSU included (name, title,first year at BSU):

Lee Ahlbrecht, associate professor of physical education, 1968;

Dr. Thomas Boates, professor of chemistry, 1966;

Dr. Paul Brandvik, professor of music, 1967;

Dr. Kirt Dreyer, professor of chemistry, 1965;

Dr. Art Gullette, professor of business administration, 1967;

Jay Johnson, assistant professor of industrial technology, 1967;

Dr. Don Kraft, professor of biology, 1969;

Dave Miller, professor of computer science, 1982;

Elmer Nies, a reading specialist, 1969;

Dr. Spero T. Thomaidis, associate professor of history, 1965;

Pat Trihey, professor of biology, 1965;

Dr. Duane Sea, professor of physics, 1968;

Mary Kay Smith, assistant professor and librarian, 1973;

Additional staff and administrative retirements during the year in-cluded Dr. Judy McDonald, dean of the College of Arts and Letters;Al Evans, senior electronics technician; Dick Lueben, academic com-puting assistant; Del Wiebolt, electrician supervisor; and Kay McCune,administrative assistant to the president.

Close Out Teaching Careers

Two Lives

BSU$5,000

(Approximate Value)

➞

For more information on charitable gift annuities, please contact the BSUFoundation at 1-888-234-5718 (toll free) or 755-2876 (in the Bemidji area).

3 Annual payments for twolives. Property passes tocharity with no probatefees. There are also noestate taxes, if married.

2 Annuity of $750.00 for twolives. Ta x-f ree amount$405.75. Estimated payoutin 14.6 years $10,950. Ef-fective payout rate 10.2%.

BSU Foundation $10,000 Single Life Gift AnnuityAge Guaranteed Annual Annuity Tax-Free Charitable Effective

Income Rate Portion Deduction Rate of Return*60 $670.00 6.7% $278.72 $3,395.00 8.6%65 $700.00 7.0% $318.50 $3,788.13 9.2%70 $750.00 7.5% $377.25 $4,153.08 10.1%75 $820.00 8.2% $455.10 $4,539.00 11.4%80 $920.00 9.2% $559.36 $4,965.00 13.2%85 $1,050.00 10.5% $716.10 $5,415.00 15.7%

BSU Foundation $10,000 Two-Life Charitable Gift AnnuityAge One/Two Guaranteed Annual Annuity Tax-Free Charitable Effective

Person Income Rate Portion Deduction Rate of Return*65/60 $640.00 6.4% $264.32 $2,845.00 8.1%70/65 $670.00 6.7% $303.51 $3,147.00 8.6%75/70 $700.00 7.0% $349.30 $3,611.00 9.3%80/75 $750.00 7.5% $411.00 $4,077.00 10.3%

This chart provides examples based on a $10,000 gift annuity, assuming a 28% effective tax rate.The same ratios apply to a gift of any size.

*Effective rate of return is a calculation that combines the gift annuity rate with the impact of the charitable tax deduction.

Charitable Gift AnnuityA Charitable Gift Annuity is a great way to make a major gift to Bemidji

State University and also get additional income and tax benefits foryourself and/or someone else. It’s a win-win for everyone!

Mr. John Smith - Age 79 Mrs. Jane Smith - Age 75

7.50% Annuity

1 Gift property to charity. Do-nor receives contract forannuity payments. Incometax deduction of $4,071may save $1,140.

Principal$10,000

PropertyValue $10,000Cost 10,000Gain $00

➞

This educational illustration is not professional or legal advice; consult a tax advisorabout your specific situation.

➞

Horizons Page 6

Robert Aalberts / Steve DeKrey

Where We Are ... What We’re Doing(Continued from page 5)

Secondary School. Her husband, Tom, is a socialworker supervisor and the couple has two teen-age children … M. Keith Bufis (’77) ofBrooklyn Center is employed by EnvironmentalFiltration Inc. as a research chemist andoperations manager. EFI will begin a jointventure in the fall with the Center forEnvironmental Studies at BSU. The companyhas developed a filter to be used in storm water

University of Science and Technology in HongKong last June ... Darlene (Berglund)Bratager (’75) has been teaching at Clear LakeHigh School in Clear Lake, WI, for the past 18years. She has three children and is working on amaster’s degree in education … Len Bode (’71)of Yorkton, Saskatchewan, Canada, writes thathis daughter will attend Cornell University, NewYork, NY, on a scholarship … Paul Lendobeja(’75) of Brainerd is an auto instructor at Crosby.He’s been to Haiti eight times and Guatemalaonce to help build hospitals, orphanages andschools. He’s married and has three children …Diane Shofner Pettis (’76) of Sebeka isteaching and coaching in Sebeka. Her husband,Norm, is a police chief and the couple has a nine-year-old son … Dave Rose (’72) and his wife,Cindy, of White Bear Lake have a daughter,Stacy, who is graduating from college and a son,Matt, who is graduating from high school …David Bergstedt (’73) of Apple Valley has ason, Tim, who will be transferring to BSUfollowing one year at the University of NorthDakota … Ralph Gonshorowski (’75) lives inWashington, IA … Michael Barden (’70)works in Maine for the Department ofEnvironmental Protection directing siteremediation and water quality programs. He ismarried and has two daughters, ages 6 and 9 …Kathleen (Lord) Lordbock (’76) and herhusband, Arthur, of Brainerd own Quality RoofSystems and Hearts & Pines Equestrian Center.The center is being expanded to provide

additional stabling for horses and in the future anindoor riding arena. The couple’s two daughterscompete in dressage shows … Denny Sauter(’70) lives in Carlton and three of his five chidrenhave “moved on to college (making) more roomfor future marathoners” … Steve Ott (’72) ofBowstring has been the head football coach forthe past 13 years at Deer River and has taughtscience for the past 25 years … Mary Kvanvig(’77) was cast as Lady Thiang, the king’s numberone wife, in the Grand Rapids’ Playersproduction of “The King and I” this spring. She isa music teacher for the Grand Rapids andGreenway school districts … Richard Johnson(’73) was featured speaker at Goodridgebaccalaureate services conducted in May. Thetitle of his speech was “True Success.” Johnson isa biology teacher in the Fosston school system.He also serves as the academic coordinator andcoaches the high school Knowledge Bowl team.This year, Johnson was named the Section 1 and2 Knowledge Bowl Coach of the Year … MyronKatzenmeyer (’71) is the owner of R.A. RandallAgency, an insurance company in Little Falls.He’s been in the business for 26 years andspecializes in farm insurance. He and his wife,Sandy, have three sons, the oldest of which hasgraduated from BSU … Phil Johnson (’79) ofElbow Lake has been Todd County’s HousingCoordinator since this spring. His job involveshelping low and moderate income peoplebecome homeowners and also helpinghomeowners find grants and loans to remodeland weatherize their homes. Johnson has worked

in Community Action Programs for 18 years inElbow Lake, the counties of Cass and Beltramiand with Tri-CAP in St. Cloud, serving Stearns,Benton and Sherburne counties … Larry Aitken(’74), president of Leech Lake TribalCommunity College, was a guest speaker duringWorld Touch Cultural Heritage Week on thecampus of the University of Minnesota, Morris,in late April. He spoke about water and how itaffects the American Indian community bothhistorically and in the present … DaveOraskovich (’76), an eighth-grade teacher inWaseca, was “featured teacher” in the April 30local paper. He was chosen because thenewspaper staff agreed he was outstanding in hiscontinual fight to beat the Hodgkins disease withwhich he’s been diagnosed. “Being diagnosedwith cancer has made me appreciate every dayand the opportunities of each day,” thenewspaper quoted Oraskovich as saying.“Things I once took for granted, time with myfamily, feeling well and doing ordinary things,are now valued” … Gary P. Johnson (’74) livesin Potlatch, ID … Marlene Lewis (’70) wasselected this spring as Warroad’s 1998 Teacher ofthe Year. “Teachers should take students fromwhere they’re at and go from there, always tryingto meet the needs of the child,” said Lewis, anelementary teacher for 23 years. She is married toBill Lewis and the couple has a 16-year-olddaughter … Jan Alswager (’79) is a lobbyist forthe Minnesota Federation of Teachers. She liveswith her husband, David, and their son anddaughter in Apple Valley … Brenda

Engelbrecht (’79) was married in May of 1997and lives in New Brighton with her husband,Ken, and her 13-year-old son, Jonathan. She hasworked with the same restaurant managementcompany, Franchise Associates Inc., in GoldenValley, for the past 19 years … KathyThompson (’77) was named Nevis school’s firstteacher of the year this spring. She has beenteaching second grade in Nevis for the past 20years. Academics and self-esteem areThompson’s priorities in the classroom, and herphilosophy of teaching is to make each child allthey can be … Don Hubbell (’79) and Gail(Gilbertson) Hubbell (’78) live in North Platte,NE, where Don works for Pfizer Inc. as a seniorsales manager and Gail is teaching school,grades 6 - 8. The couple has called North Plattehome for the past 15 years and has two children,ages 8 and 7 … Jane Freeburg (’78) of Anokahas worked the last six years at Altron, asubcontractor of PCB’s. Hobbies includevolleyball, bowling and biking … Cindy Lind(’76) has spent the past 21 years teaching firstand second grades at Jordan ElementarySchools. She’s been instrumental in organizingthe Jordan Elementary School science fair formany years and serves as a member of JordanElementary Site Based Council and JECED.Lind and her husband, Kevin (’76), have twochildren and are active volunteers with theJuvenile Diabetes Foundation … Carol Russell(74) and business partner Brian Herder own andoperate Russell & Herder Advertising & PublicRelations. Officed in Brainerd, it’s the only non-

catch basins. Other applications will beinvestigated with the help of BSU students …Robert Aalberts (’72), a Lied Professor ofLegal Studies at the University of Nevada-LasVegas, visited Steve DeKrey (’75), MBAdirector and assistant dean at Hong Kong

Team BSU successfully defended its title as champions of the Grandma’s Marathon Challenge.Those pictured in the gray t-shir ts were members of the BSU team and ran the full 26-mileGrandma’s Marathon. Those pictured in the white t-shir ts competed in the half marathon.Pictured Back Row (lef t to right), Ryan Ayleswor th, Brooks Grossinger,Zach Deshayes, PatQuinn, Hesse Miller, Tim Isakson, Dennis Bartz, Neil King, Steve Modich, Bob Conner, IraBatchelder, Greg Ramey. Front Row (lef t to r ight): Karen Ladig, Bryan Bouchard, KristinKnoshaug, Kandi Brick, Kari Chaf fee, Robin Rosaen, Dick Phelps. Mat t King in front of banner.

Scholarships

Active Membership Requirements ChangedBeginning July 1, 1998, in order to be considered an active member of the Bemidji State

University Alumni Association, alums must make a minimum donation of $30 for an indi-vidual membership and $50 for a joint membership a year to the BSU Foundation.

Anyone who has received 36 or more credits from Bemidji State University is automati-cally a member of the BSU Alumni Association. All BSU alumni receive a quarterly copyof HORZIONS, the BSU Alumni Association newsletter.

Active members receive many additional benefits including discounts on regular seasonathletic events; a 20 percent discount on alumni merchandise; use of the A.C. Clark Li-brary; access to the Gillett Recreation-Fitness Center at guest rates; sponsorship of theAlumni Relative Scholarship; and BSU computer lab privileges. Additionally, active mem-bers receive special mailings which include invitations to special events and activities.

For more information on becoming an active member of your BSU Alumni Associationcall the Alumni Office at 1-888-234-2687 or visit the BSU Alumni Website at http://info.bemidji.msus.edu/alumni.

Alumni RelativeScholarship WinnersFreshmen

Michael Bessler, Lake George

Alison Blessing, Bemidji

Andrea Brennan, West Fargo, ND

Tyler Burke, Brainerd

Eric Carlson, Bemidji

Lindsey Collyard, Bemidji

Jonathan Crowe, Grand Rapids

Rachael Erickson, Bemidji

Alicia Goodyear, Bemidji

Jonathan Herschbach, Bovey

Kristin Kobilka, Bemidji

Nicholas Lentz, Good Thunder

Cheri Long, Bemidji

Geoff Martinson, Sauk Rapids

Kristin Meyerson, Mounds View

Chandelle Mohr, Sar tell

Brian Moon, Buffalo

Kelly Nelson, Elk River

Joshua Parks, Duluth

Daniel Sackett, Bemidji

Jared Steinke, Andover

Renee Waller, Northome

John Wiederholt, Champlin

Returning and Transfer Students

Valerie Almer, Bemidji

Shannon Bjorklund, St. Cloud

Nicole Black, Walker

Michael Cedergren, Lancaster

Nicole Cedergren, Lancaster

Melissa Daigle, Bemidji

Rebecca Diffley, Bemidji

Susan Diffley, Bemidji

Courtney Ehlers, Shakpoee

Jasmine Finberg, Cass Lake

Thomas Forte, Hibbing

Michelle Hanse, Bagley

Carrie Honek, Staples

Heidi Kassube, Anchorage, AK

Dana Kemper, Mahnomen

Benjamin LaVelle, Monticello

Crystal Long, Bemidji

Paul Manecke, Bemidji

Melinda McCannell, Brandon, Manitoba

Karl Myers, Hill City

Travis Nohner, Richmond

Gina Oven, Browerville

John Pietila, Lake Park

John Solheim, Bemidji

Laura Van Dorn, Bemidji

Melissa Vene, Bemidji

Julie Weis, Emily

Ursula Whiteside, Bemidji

Horizons Page 7Comm

uniques

Martha I. Evenson (’23) of Arvada, COEva Lind (’28) of BemidjiOwen D. Morken (’34) of Denver, COSonja Sorlie (’76) of BemidjiCraig Dahl (’95) of CromwellGary Worth (’68) of New LondonHarold Vollen (’92) of BemidjiLaura Wilson (’61) of Park RapidsThomas Myers (’89) of Coon RapidsThelma Dailey (’63) of Red Lake FallsDoris M. Hermes (’59) of Bemidji

IN MEMORIAM

Twin Cities agency to be ranked among the top 25in Minnesota by City Business, earning 13th placewith a $2.4 million gross income in fiscal 1997.The company has grown from 20 to 52 employeesin the last three years.

1960s

Jerry Riewer (’60) and his wife, Maryann, live inStaples where they are enjoying their family,which has grown to include six grandchildren …Leroy Larson (’61) performs with the MinnesotaScandinavian Ensemble, a group which hefounded in 1974. He grew up in a Scandinaviancommunity in Clearwater County and wasinfluenced by musical parents, relatives andneighbors. The ensemble has toured the Midwest

for more than 20 years. The group’s perfor-mances include historical information,anecdotes, humor, dialect songs and a greatdiversity of sounds and styles resulting fromvarious combinations of instruments. Theensemble has recorded 10 albums-cassettes, andin 1989 they received a Minnesota Music Award.They are regular performers on GarrisonKeillor’s “A Prairie Home Companion” radioshow and have been featured on CBS “ThisMorning” … William D. Hansen (’63) of PriorLake has retired from a career of 35 years ineducation - 18 of those as an athletic director. Heplans to play golf and spend time at his summerhome just north of Aitkin … Norbert Pastir(’61) of Roseau retired in 1993 after 33 years ofteaching and coaching. He now works as aninsurance adjuster … Suzanne Breceda (’64) ofMontague, CA, taught high school English for34 years and was selected Teacher of the Year in1981. She credits Dr. Philip Sauer of BSU withhelping her “move to the next plateau” in herlife” … Norman E. Hecimovich (’60) of Austinretired as a principal in 1995 and now is aconsultant with CFL School Support TeamLeaders. Hobbies include traveling, hunting andfishing as well as filling posts with the VFW andDAV … Edward Mikulich (’65) was amongnominees for the District 241, Albert Lea,Teacher of the Year Award this spring. Currentlya sixth-grade teacher at Brookside MiddleSchool, Mikulich has been with District 241 for34 years. His wife, Karen, is a media specialist inthe same school district. The couple has three

Jerry Riewer

grown children … Judith Beaulieu (’64) offered awatercolor technique demonstration this spring ata potluck dinner of the Range Arts Center inHibbing … Al Reller (’65) writes as a humorcolumnist for the Hibbing Daily Tribune … David(Pete) Christianson (’69) and his wife, Paulette,received this year’s Friend of Education Awardfrom the Badger Education Association. TheChristiansons own the Hartz Store in Badger. Theyprovide employment opportunities for studentsand participate in the “School-to- Work” program.In 1995, they were instrumental in starting andmaintaining the Main Game, a recreational centerfor youth that operated until 1997. Working withyoung people makes the Christiansons aware ofhow different things are now than when they werein school. “I think kids today are faced with a lot ofpressure,” Pete said. “Students at all levels arefaced with more choices and not all of them areacademic. Our roles were much simpler. We tellthem to just hang in there.” … Donald Sorensen(’64) was featured commencement speaker thisspring for Little Falls Community High School.Prior to his retirement, Sorensen was a high schoolmath teacher, athletic director and coach …Joseph Scaletta (’65) of Winnipeg, Manitoba,Canada, retired two years ago from a 30-yearteaching career. Since then, he’s been travelingthroughout Western Canada and the United Statesand is organizing basketball competitions for the1999 Pan American Games … Gary Burt (’64) is arecipient of one of the 10 McKnight/ARAC CareerDevelopment Grants recently awarded by theArrowhead Regional Arts Council … LeRoy

Miller (’62) recently retired from his post as PierzHealy High School principal. Miller retired after36 years in education, 20 spent in Pierz. He plansto spend time on his 160-acre farm and lake homein Akeley and also do some hunting and fishing …Elaine Wilbur (’69) recently retired, havingspent 29 years teaching fourth, fifth and sixthgrades at Pine Island. She’s served as Pine IslandEducation Association president, negotiator andas a delegate to the NEA convention. Retirementplans include quilting, volunteering at church andspending more time with her elderly mother …Gerry Corriveau (’63) of Algonquin, IL, retiredthis spring having taught economics and U.S.history for 34 years. His wife, Arlene, has beenemployed in the real estate industry for the past 25years and Gerry will join her in that endeavor …Dale R. Carlson (’60) of Worthington retired thissummer from his position as executive vicepresident of instruction for Minnesota WestCommunity and Technical College. He’s spent 37years in education, five of that in secondaryeducation and 32 in higher education … LillianMathews (’67) recently celebrated her 80th

birthday with a gathering at the Bemidji SeniorCenter … Donald Hood (’67) of Lengby wasrecently interviewed by a student participating inthe “Linkages” project. The story, recallingHood’s childhood years in the Lengby area, waspublished recently in the Farmers IndependentNewspaper, Bagley … Dorothy Jean Millar(’68) of Bemidji recently celebrated her 50th

wedding anniversary with husband, Thomas …

1950sDuane M. Wilson (’57) of Spokane, WA, worksas a management consultant in the humanresources field and says he has no plans to retire… Richard D. Green (’56) of Bloomingtonteaches watercolor classes and workshops at artcenters throughout Minnesota … Charles H.Broekemeier (’55) of Cross Lake retired fromthe Brainerd School District in 1991. He enjoysgolfing, hiking, biking and walking with hiswife, Donna. In winter months the couple plans anumber of cross-country ski trips … BobNorman (’58) has worked as a counselor at theschool in Cochrane-Fountain City, WI, since1994, following a 30 year career as a schoolcounselor and teacher in Sebeka. He owns ahome in Sebeka and returns to Minnesota duringthe summer months … Thomas Millar (’54) ofBemidji recently celebrated his 50th weddinganniversary with wife, Dorothy Jean.

1940sMargaret Zimmerman Johnson (’49) ofFrenchtown, MT, lives “in a beautiful littlevalley in Big Sky Country.” She is retired after30 years of teaching elementary school and hasthree grown children and four grandchildren.

1930sWilbur “Bud” Booth (’35) lives in Bovey withhis wife of 60 years, Helen. The couple enjoystheir frequent travels, and Bud stays activefixing things in his workshop.

New Members Addedto Alumni Board

The Bemidji State UniversityAlumni Association board of direc-tors has two new members. Adele(Levchak) Munsterman, a 1974graduate of BSU and a French andSpanish teacher at Fridley HighSchool, ISD #14, has been ap-pointed to fill out the unexpired termof Barbara McDowell, who recentlyresigned. She has served on the ex-ecutive committee of the FridleyEducation Association and has beenactively involved in the MinnesotaEducation Association, where she iscurrently chairperson of the NorthHennepin Uniserv, a committee rep-resenting nine school districts.

During its April meeting, theboard approved an amendment tothe by-laws that provides for a BSUstudent to sit on the board in an ex-officio capacity. The positionwill be appointed annually by thepresident of the BSU StudentSenate. As a result of those ac-tions, Arianne Maxwell, a BSUjunior who is going into law, isthe newest member of the AlumniAssociation board of directors.

During its April meeting, theBoard also regretfully acceptedBarbara McDowell’s resignation.Barb has loyally served alumniand the university as a boardmember since 1987.

1948 Class Reunion! Hey, Class of 1948I’d like to hear from you. I am working with the Bemidji State University Alumni

Association and am planning a 50-year class reunion during BSU’s Homecoming.Our Alumni Association will be sponsoring a reception at the David Park Houseon Friday, September 25, 1998, and there is no charge to you! But, we need to hearif you are planning to attend. I hope you will consider joining your former class-mates. I certainly would look forward to seeing you again and to catching up onwhat paths you have taken since leaving our alma mater. If you have any questionsor if you want to RSVP, contact the Alumni Office at 1-888-234-2687 (toll free).See you in September!

Louis Marchand, chairman of the 1948 BSU class reunion

1958 Class ReunionWhere has the time gone? It seems like yesterday that we were walking through

the “hallowed halls” of good ol’ BSU. Remember the night strolls through Dia-mond Point Park? How about those great football games at the stadium? We thoughtit would be fun for the Class of 1958 to get together for a 40-year Reunion andreminisce about those great years! We have volunteered to co-chair the event andhope to hear from 1958 classmates! We have reserved the American Legion Clubfor a class reception on Friday night, September 25, 1998, which, by the way,coincides with Bemidji State University’s Homecoming! Your BSU Alumni Asso-ciation will be sponsoring the reception and there will be no charge to you. All weneed is you and then we’ll guarantee a great time “will be had by all”! We think wegraduated with a great class and we’d like to see you! Please RSVP to the BSUAlumni Office by calling 1-888-234-2687 (toll free). See you in September (soundslike a song!). Buck Buchanan and Don Campbell,

co-chairs of the 1958 BSU class reunion

The Metrodome ClassicMark your calendars and plan to join alums, friends of BSU and family mem-

bers of the BSU football team to cheer them on during the “Metrodome Classic”to be held on Saturday, November 14, 1998, at 8 p.m. at the Metrodome, where theBSU Beavers will take on Wisconsin-River Falls. The BSU Alumni Associationhas reserved the Baseball Pressbox and will be providing beverages and horsd’oeuvres during the game.

Third Annual BSU Winter Rendezvous PlannedCalling all BSU alumni and friends of the University! The Bemidji State Uni-

versity Alumni Association will be sponsoring its Third Annual “BSU Winter Ren-dezvous!” on March 14-15, 1999. Last year’s event was incredibly successful!Participants are treated to an opening registration and reception, a golf tournamentor an outing for non-golfers and a banquet and awards ceremony. The cost of theevent is $100 per person and that includes two nights lodging at the ColoradoBelle Hotel and Casino! The Alumni Office is extending an invitation to all alumniand friends of Bemidji State University....that includes all current and former resi-dents of Bemidji! If you have a winter address that is different than your perma-nent address, please contact the BSU Alumni Office by calling 1-888-234-2687(toll free). We’ll see you in Nevada!

CommuniquesAND SUE KRINGEN, DIRECTOR OF ALUMNI RELATIONSfrom BSU alumni

Madrigals Setwith New Director

A holiday tradition for manyyears, the 1998 Madrigal Dinnersare scheduled December 4, 5, 6, 10,and 11 in Bemidji under Dr. BradLogan, who replaced the retiredDr. Paul Brandvik as the directorof BSU choral activities.

While the Bemidji dates are set, theMadrigals will not be staged in theTwin Cities this winter. Among thereasons influencing that decision wasthe conversion to semesters this yearat BSU. The academic calendar con-flicted with performance dates in theTwin Cities and would have requiredthe student singers to miss final ex-ams to make the concerts.

Music faculty and the Universityadministration will be exploring

options for presentingMadrigal Dinners in themetro area in the future.

Alumni who stillwant to experienceBSU music in Minne-apolis can make plansto attend Opera Nighton March 14 in theMetropolitan Ball-room. Information isavailable by calling1-888-234-5718.

Dr. Brad Logan