Beruflich Dokumente
Kultur Dokumente
A Lasting
Handshake
Early Meeting
Sets into Motion
Immeasurable Gifts
All about
LD
Choice
Getting to the Heart
of Human Nature
aunching
reams
Alumna Sets Her
Sights on Space
Shaping Potential, Shaping Worlds.
COVER STORY:
BSU graduate Michelle “Shelley” Ford
sets her sights on space as she over-
sees shuttle preparations for launches
that someday she hopes to be on.
Story on page 10.
Contents
2 Campus Notes
6 Personal Spaces
7 Jump Starting College
10 Launching Dreams
12 A Lasting Handshake
16 Seniors to Watch
18 Searching for Answers
20 All about Choice
23 Alumni Awards
24 Class Notes
Shaping Potential, Shaping Worlds.
Our new vision statement captures the essence of 28 Save the Date
29 Summer Camps
Bemidji State University and stands as our prom-
ise to those we serve, now and in the future. T
After 18 months of planning, the University also has
a new strategic framework from which to translate
this statement from words into action. We are com- Vol. 23, No. 2, Spring/Summer 2008
mitted to shaping each person’s potential through a
rich blend of arts, sciences, and select professional
programs. Our learning environment is filled with
educational experiences in the classroom and the Horizons is produced by the Communi-
cations and Marketing Office, Alumni Asso-
community, career development opportunities, and ciation, and BSU Foundation at Bemidji State
student services. T As a university, we are work- University. It is published three times per year
and distributed free to BSU alumni, students,
ing diligently every day to reach our fullest potential,
faculty, staff, and friends. Direct comments to
as well. In less than 100 years, Bemidji State Univer- horizons@bemidjistate.edu or1-888-234-7794.
sity has transformed from a teacher training school
with some 38 students to a major regional univer- Editor Rose Jones
sity with nearly 5,000 students. T The articles in Alumni Director Marla Patrias
this issue of Horizons affirm Bemidji State’s vision Foundation Executive Director Rob Bollinger
and share a striking commonality of story lines. No Designer Kathy Berglund
matter how different their BSU experiences have Photography Director John Swartz
been, those featured in the articles credit the Uni- Contributing Photographers NASA, Princeton
versity for enabling them to pursue their passions University, The Johnson Group Marketing
and shape their potential. They have then used their Contributing Writers James “Andy” Bartlett, Carrie
talents to shape the spheres in which they live and Cramer, Jody Grau, Al Nohner, Cindy Serratore
work. T A new chapter in Bemidji State’s story Editorial Assistance Valerie Mason, Al Nohner,
Peggy Nohner, The Johnson Group Marketing
will be written on May 16, when over 900 students
join the ranks of some 39,000 BSU alumni. These Production Assistance The Johnson Group
Marketing, St. Cloud, Minnesota
students stand ready not only to graduate, but also
to help shape their worlds, no matter where those Editorial Board: James “Andy” Bartlett, Rob
Bollinger, Joann Fredrickson, Rose Jones, John “Tom”
worlds may be. Murphy, Keith Marek, Marla Patrias
“conferences.”
ConnectED Tests
Emergency
Contact System
On Tuesday, Feb. 5, Bemidji
A thletic Success
in Competition and
the Classroom
State conducted a test of the
Connect-ED emergency noti-
fication system. Connect-ED
allows the administration at Hockey
Bemidji State to deliver mes- Having won the College Hockey America (CHA)
sages to students, faculty, and regular-season championship, the men’s ice hockey
staff via telephone and e-mail team advanced to the championship game of the
in a matter of minutes. CHA Tournament. By season’s end, three BSU skat-
Bemidji State adopted the cam- ers earned All-CHA honors, with Matt Read
pus-wide notification system as named CHA Rookie of the Year. The Beavers also set
Matt Read
part of an initiative by the Min- a CHA record by placing 18 skaters on the Academic
nesota State Colleges and Uni- All-CHA team, breaking its own record of 16 stu-
versities (MnSCU) system. dent-athletes. Goalie Matt Climie signed a two-year
developmental contract with the NHL’s Dallas Stars
“We had the same rationale and reported to its Iowa Stars AHL affiliate franchise.
as many campuses that have Climie was a two-time All-College Hockey America
been seeking solutions like selection while at Bemidji State.
this in the wake of the Virginia
Tech shootings — making Emily Brookshaw earned Third-Team All-Western
sure the campus was prepared Collegiate Hockey Association (WCHA) honors
for emergencies,” Bob Griggs, as goaltender for women’s ice hockey. Brook-
interim associate vice presi- shaw, as well as 12 other Beavers, earned Academic
dent of information technology All-WCHA honors, which is a school and confer-
Matt Climie
services, explains. “MnSCU ence record.
found that individual campuses
were negotiating with vendors
for these types of services and
found that, as a system, we Tom Serratore, head coach,
could work more collabora- men’s ice hockey, was named
tively to serve students.” CHA Coach of the Year for the
fourth time in seven years.
As a result, Bemidji State
became one of approximately
12 MnSCU schools to partici-
pate in a pilot program with
Connect-ED. Emily Brookshaw
m
various BSU sports gaining regional or national recognition for
education institutions in Minne-
their performances in competition and in the classroom. sota to receive a $20,000 capacity-
building grant from the Minnesota
Campus Compact, an affiliate of the
national Campus Compact and its
network of more than 1,100 higher
Sheena Devine
education campuses committed to
civic responsibility.
With the grant, Bemidji State plans
to create a student-driven, commu-
nity leadership center – a vision first
articulated by the student organiza-
tion, Students Today, Leaders For-
ever. The center is meant to inspire
participation in activities surround-
ing the University’s civic engage-
Indoor Track and Field ment signature theme.
Sheena Devine and Joe Remitz were named the “One of the most exciting aspects
NSIC’s Female and Male Athletes of the Year, respec- Joe Remitz of this project is that the design for
tively, for indoor track and field this season. In March, the initiative is student-conceived
Devine captured her third consecutive indoor national and student-focused,” Lisa Erwin,
championship in the shot put at the NCAA Division vice president for student develop-
II championships. Sports Illustrated also featured her in ment and enrollment, says.
“Faces in the Crowd” in the March 25, 2008, issue.
The proposed center will be the on-
Not since 1994 has a BSU student-athlete appeared
campus clearinghouse to connect
in the publication. Remitz earned All-America honors
students with leadership opportu-
in the shot put by finishing second in the event at the
nities that address vital commu-
championships and in the weight throw by placing
nity issues. The grant supplies the
sixth. He also broke his own BSU outdoor record in
capacity building and early imple-
the shot put at a Moorhead event this spring.
mentation resources to plan the
Amy Lawson center and establish a framework to
Basketball sustain it. The University will assess
Amy Lawson, senior guard for the BSU women’s bas- current leadership and civic engage-
ketball team, was named to the All-North Central ment capacity and initiate a student-
Region Team and also became the first BSU player to focused discussion and planning
earn an Academic All-District honor from the College process to create the center.
Sports Information Directors of America.
The BSU Student Senate and Stu-
dents Today, Leaders Forever will
Soccer be key planning participants for the
Midfielder Megan Wallner became the first Beaver project with guidance from staff at
women’s soccer player to turn pro. She signed a Bemidji State and the Headwaters
one-year contract with Sundsvall DFF, a professional Regional Development Commis-
franchise in Sweden that competes one level below Megan Wallner sion in Bemidji.
the highest professional league in Europe, similar to
Triple-A baseball in the U.S.
l
Zevon, Bemidji State University senior
Zach Olson projects a fresh take on a
‘70s style. He relaxes in the second-
floor lounge of the recently renovated
Residential Life Adapts
Linden Hall, where students selected to Changing Lifestyles
the bright colors of the ‘70s for a hip,
modern, 21st century look. decade ago. Now, they have become Super suites with dinettes or apart-
Some things never change. And what’s requisites for meeting the needs and ments may give juniors and seniors
old is new again. interests of today’s college students. the independence they desire.
Yet, behind the walls at Linden Hall, Even the term “dorm” is obsolete. “Everything is on the drawing board
a lot has changed. Instead of tradi- Planners today think about residence right now,” says Ladig. “What we do
tional rooms, Linden Hall offers two- halls in terms of neighborhoods and know is that planning demands us to
and three-person suites, each with its lifestyles. be good listeners and to respond to
own bathroom, temperature control, More than 1,200 students live on what we hear from students.”
air conditioning, and wireless Inter- campus this year, including 75% of For Olson, a resident assistant and
net access. The facility also features the freshman class. Residential life major in creative and professional writ-
modern lounge areas, kitchenettes, staff point to housing options such ing from Baudette, MN, staying on
and a gaming room with nine plasma as those at Linden Hall as a way to campus is convenient. “The laundry
TVs and plug-and-play stations for encourage them to continue living on is downstairs. I have no utility bills. I
computer gaming. campus through graduation. always have a place to park. It’s a three-
The renovated building opened in Jan- For the students, privacy is a priority to four-minute walk to classes, and I
uary. Exterior work continues to finish a and, surprisingly, it’s not about pri- hardly ever have to drive,” he notes.
front yard patio overlooking Diamond vate bathrooms as much as it is about That unencumbered lifestyle leaves
Point Park and a tree-lined backyard having a space to be alone, says Dale Olson more time for things that matter
containing a fire pit and charcoal grills. Ladig, director of residential life. to him: playing guitar, concentrating
Such amenities were unimaginable a A comfortable place to be social, on his writing, and taking advantage
however, is also important. Ladig fig- of Bemidji State’s Outdoor Program
ures future residence halls will need Center, one of the things that first
to accommodate the different stages attracted him to Bemidji. His dream
of student life. One scenario may be job is to combine a writing career with
a hall with double-occupancy rooms camping and climbing adventures.
for freshmen, enabling them to gain Olson also enjoys the pulse of campus
from the social experience. For soph- life – the comings and goings of stu-
omores, it could be suites for sharing dents, the cram sessions for mid-
space with more close-knit friends. terms and finals, the rush for morning
classes, the social weekend nights, and
just hanging out with hall mates.
“There are a lot of community expe-
riences here that you wouldn’t get
off campus,” says Olson, who has
no regrets about his choice. “By
living on campus, everything is
taken care of. You don’t have
to worry about anything.”
C
“I know not what
course others may take;
ollege
but as for me, give me
liberty or give me death!”
Patrick Henry
She also knows that college-level ing. He finds that his students are well teaches college students preparing to
results are expected, because Bowman prepared and highly motivated, even become high school English teach-
has high expectations for her students, more so than some college students ers. From his standpoint, concurrent
wanting them to become successful he’s taught. He also enjoys the chance enrollment is not only valuable for
and confident in their abilities. to teach a more rigorous course. students, but also makes for better
“I want her to leave here saying, ‘I’m “There’s no way my regular students teachers and enriches the learning
good at math,’” says Bowman. could handle the reading, dissecting, experience.
Covering the Bemidji State general and discussing of material that we do “The interaction between teachers
education requirements, the course here,” says Bernard. “I can expect more keeps us sharp,” says Christensen,
includes an additional four-chapter out of these students, and doing well reflecting on the impact the program
introduction and advanced material in my class gives them a good sense of has on BSU faculty. “It keeps us aware
available due to longer high school how they’ll perform in another similar of what’s going on in the high school
class periods. That extra time to college course.” and what’s new in pedagogy. These
establish a foundation was important Dr. Mark Christensen, BSU professor collaborations are very powerful and
to Bitter. of English, oversees the college writ- can really have a positive effect on
ing course at the high school and also students’ lives.”
“When I first came in here, I was
scared to death because we started
with review, and I didn’t even under-
stand the basics,” says Bitter, who usu-
ally sets aside her study hall periods to
concentrate on math. “I’m more confi-
dent now than when I started.”
Bitter, a nationally ranked volleyball
setter, will be a freshman and member
of the volleyball team at Bemidji State
this fall. Finishing her math cred-
its now will lighten her fall semester
course load, making it easier to bal-
ance volleyball and academics.
Courtney Bitter
Blast Off! process to ensure implementation of
inspection, test, checkout, repair, and
modification requirements.”
A s NASA’s 100-ton space shuttle Once Endeavour returns from a mis-
Endeavour thrust through the pre- sion, Ford inspects it and oversees the
dawn sky on its latest mission to the day-to-day operations that prepare it
International Space Station, Bemidji for the next launch.
State University alumna and central
Minnesota native Michelle “Shel- Being responsible for a space shuttle’s
ley” Ford was no doubt holding her inspection may sound daunting, but
breath. Ford embraces the role. “I love my
Alumna Sets Her job,” she says. “It’s definitely my favor-
“I’m excited and nervous – a little of ite job since working at the space
both,” Ford said, four days before the S i g h t s o n S pac e center,” a privilege she’s enjoyed for
launch. “But I’m mostly excited to see some 12 years. During those years,
those boosters ignite.” As the NASA “From the time I was 10, every- she has served in positions such as
vehicle manager for Endeavour, she
processes the shuttle from landing to
thing I did was aimed toward systems engineer and project manager
with contractor United Space Alli-
launch, checking and inspecting the working in the space program.” ance and now with NASA.
vehicle throughout. Michelle “Shelley” Ford
At 35, Ford feels she has already lived
In March, Endeavour launched, deliv- much of her dream to be a part of the
ered its payload to the International “My role is to ensure that all the space program. “From the time I was
Space Station, and returned to earth requirements for a mission are imple- 10, everything I did was aimed toward
successfully, despite a cooling system mented and that we process it safely,” working in the space program.”
failure and loss of a thruster-control- Ford explains. “I am responsible for the
ling electronics unit. management and integration of the In pursuing her dream, she headed first
vehicle flow planning and scheduling to the University of North Dakota,
In 1996, two hands clasped The surgery, as fate would have it,
was performed by Dr. Jeremy Fogel-
son, who is a Rochester Mayo Clinic
in a brief greeting. Thirteen resident physician obtaining specialty
training in neurosurgery. A Bemidji
State graduate, Fogelson attended
years later, one – overtaken by the University through a scholarship
funded by Lueken.
“I saw his name on our appointment
uncontrollable tremors – would list,” Fogelson says, nearly a decade
and a half after their initial meeting at
a scholarship donor-recipient recep-
be calmed to stillness by the tion. Curious, Fogelson did some
research and confirmed that Lueken
was the Joe Lueken who had funded
skilled precision of the other. his scholarship. “I wanted to meet up
with him again,” Fogelson says. “It was
very lucky.”
On the morning of Lueken’s sur-
gery, the two hands that once came
together in a polite greeting formed a
12 12
Bemidji
Bemidji
StateState
University
University
Horizons
Horizons
n Immeasurable Gifts
,
TO
,
D
of Donna Elvira.
Regardless of the venue, the senior at
Bemidji State University is motivated
by what she says is the need to sing.
That compelling desire brought her
to BSU. At Warroad High School,
an Koev courses she needed to graduate were
scheduled concurrently with music
classes. Rather than drop music, she
T en years ago, fate aligned with at the Student Conference on United
took advantage of Minnesota’s post-
secondary enrollment options at
opportunity for the Koev family of States Affairs at West Point. He pre-
Bemidji State.
Yambol, Bulgaria, and opened passage sented original research at a meeting
to America. Dan Koev, a senior politi- of the Midwest Political Science Asso- “I came here able to sing in a Broad-
cal science major at Bemidji State Uni- ciation. He received a competitive, way style, but now I am singing
versity, found the results boundless. paid fellowship from the University opera,” says the vocal music major.
of Illinois, where he will enroll in the “The techniques are totally differ-
“I remember having mixed feelings about
doctoral program. ent. I hadn’t intended to stay, but the
leaving, but was excited about the pos-
music took over my life. The essence
sibilities,” says Koev, who was 12 when “My interaction with faculty helped me
of opera is emotion and the human
his family was among the fortunate few gain confidence,” Koev says. “When
spirit. It is who I am.”
to get a green card through a lottery. I first came to BSU, I wouldn’t have
They eventually settled in Elk River. believed this was possible.” Under voice teachers Marci McKee
and Dr. Ruth Jacobson, she learned
After earning an associate degree, In 2005, Koev fulfilled one of those
Koev’s pursuit of opportunity began possibilities by becoming a U.S. citi-
in earnest when he arrived at Bemidji zen. “It was amazing,” he recalls. “I
State to satisfy a growing interest in really liked going through it, because
political science. I felt I earned my citizenship.”
“I expected it to be like community col- The upcoming presidential election
lege, where I felt like a number,” Koev will be his first opportunity to cast a
recalls. “The reality is the opposite. The ballot on a national scale. As a political
faculty pay attention to students, care science major, he’s glad students appear
about them, and encourage them.” excited about the process this year.
Though he acknowledges being timid “I would get a little upset when young
and unsure, Koev has flourished as a people didn’t get involved,” he says.
result of that encouragement. “That frustrated me, because it under-
“Dan came to us very capable and tal- mines democracy when people throw
ented,” says Dr. Patrick Donnay, pro- their vote away.”
fessor of political science. “All we had Koev isn’t one to toss aside an opportu-
to do was convince him he had all nity. Whether it’s pursuing a graduate
V
those qualities.” degree or voting in an upcoming elec-
Once he understood his potential, tion, he relishes the chance to chase
Koev applied it. He represented BSU the American Dream.
16
anessa S
Seniors To Watch Seniors To Watch
Bemidji State University
C
Horizons
the proper way to breathe, interpret
compositions, and place tones as she
sings. She added an astounding 11
notes to her soprano range.
“The thing that impresses me most is
her drive to excel,” says Jacobson, an
assistant professor of music. “In the
end, careers are not based on talent
alone. The necessary ingredient is
drive.”
Christian exhibited both drive and
talent with her summer experiences.
J
Encouraged by faculty to audition
for the opera, she earned the role
of Don Giovanni’s spurned lover as
a sophomore. A year later she was
in New York with the Metropolitan
Opera Company, where she worked
on diction, stage presence, and sing-
ing with emotion.
osh Larson
“Singers and actors are often in a
bind when they start out because
W hen he arrived at Bemidji State As he explored the curriculum and the
University three years ago, Josh Larson profession, he realized the major fit
they can’t get an engagement with-
admits he felt uncertain. Not about the him perfectly. He rediscovered satis-
out experience, but they can’t get
location. He loved the community and faction in learning, looked forward to
experience without an engagement,”
the outdoors. Not in terms of family. each new semester, and began having
Jacobson adds. “Vanessa has made
He came to BSU with his twin brother fun. He also encountered the realities
some excellent choices as she builds
Andy. He was unsure about where his of community health.
her resume and has made important
future would lead. After volunteering at a local agency
contacts.”
The senior from Newfolden had no where he worked on compliance with
Her choice for the coming year will
idea what to do, even after stints at a smoking ban, he was hired to estab-
be to work with a voice coach, pre-
two community colleges resulted in lish non-smoking programs in the
pare for graduate school, and con-
earning an associate degree. Classes at Bemidji schools. Later he accepted the
tinue satisfying that need to sing.
UW-Superior and traveling in Europe challenge of working with businesses
didn’t clarify his aspirations either. across 13 counties to implement a
statewide smoking ban.
Being clueless changed in a hurry at
Bemidji State, however, where Dr. All the while, he continued taking
Sally (Wiltse) Sertich was assigned as classes full time.
his advisor. “I help public health agencies with edu-
“At the risk of sounding like a mom, cating businesses, elected officials, and
the first thing I told him was that Bem- the public,” Larson says. “My goal is
idji State was the last college he would to have no bars or restaurants close. I
attend,” Sertich remembers. “He had listen to them, describe what we can do,
to do some soul searching to figure out explain the law, offer assistance when
a major. He needed someone to push needed, and root for them to succeed.”
him, and I was willing to do that.” Once feeling lost, he’s now found the
The intervention put Larson on a com- confidence that his time at BSU and
munity health track that matched his real-life experiences will propel him
interests in nutrition, physical activi- beyond the competition he’ll face when
ties, health, fitness, and sports. “I had seeking internships and employment.
never heard of the degree,” Larson “It has been fun to watch him move from
recalls. “I thought it was for nurses or undecided, to committed, and to con-
doctors and focused on treatment.” fident,” says Sertich.
ha Seniors
Christian To Watch Seniors To Watch Horizons Bemidji State University 17
SA earching
nswers
For
G r a d P u r s u e s Pa s s i o n f o r P e o p l e a
H ow can life be better for people? self-perception is important for our see dogs like a possession or some-
While many ask the question, Dr. Vir- functioning,” Kwan says. “I wanted to thing related to you.”
ginia Kwan, a Bemidji State graduate explore this.” Besides her research, Kwan is for-
and Princeton University psychology In one study, Kwan compares a per- warding Princeton’s psychology cur-
professor, is conducting research to son’s view of his or her intelligence riculum by adding and teaching cut-
find the answer. with the individual’s grade point aver- ting-edge courses. She launched the
The importance of her quest for age or IQ score. She is researching first cultural psychology course at
answers was confirmed last fall, when whether we view ourselves accurately Princeton, which allows her teachings
she was named one of the field’s rising and if our self-assessments affect our to complement her research.
stars by the Association for Psycholog- mental health. For Kwan, teaching and researching
ical Science, which cited her as one of Additionally, Kwan is studying how psychology is satisfying. She particu-
the “bright lights in psychological sci- and why people project their own larly enjoys doing so in American cul-
ence.” Kwan was among ten psychol- characteristics onto non-human objects ture, which she first came to know in
ogy researchers from such prestigious and beings. Bemidji. “I was always interested in
U.S. institutions as Yale, Washington people and cultures, but I didn’t know
University in St. Louis, and the Uni- “We use non-human things more and
more today, but we haven’t looked at how much until I came to BSU,” she
versity of Chicago, who were recog- says. “My time at BSU was the first
nized at the time. the mental health aspects and how
these agents affect us,” Kwan explains. time I lived in a different culture.”
As a cultural psychology expert, with “For example, we use pets for social Attracted by the white winters she
additional expertise in social and support, projecting human emotions saw in pictures, Kwan came to BSU
personality psychology, Kwan stud- and traits onto them. We know pet from Hong Kong to investigate a
ies self-perception on three levels: ownership brings health benefits, but career in natural sciences, but found
self-perception, interpersonal per- we don’t know much about the psy- herself drawn to people. “As I inter-
ception, and group perception. “In chological mechanisms behind this.” acted with people, I became intrigued
my view, even self perception is an by them and, at the same time, very
inherently social phenomenon,” she In studying people and pets, Kwan
has ventured to dog parks where she interested in myself and my own
explains. “The individual always acts Chinese culture,” Kwan explains.
as a perceiver and is always a target of interviews pet owners. She looks at
different types of anthropomorphism “I started to wonder how much of
perception.” myself was from my culture or just
or human qualities people give to
Currently she’s investigating self- animals and inanimate objects. She my own unique self.”
perception accuracy and perception also studies how people’s judgment Through her experiences with BSU’s
of non-human agents. The prem- of others can be based on the pets International Student Organization
ise of her research lies in her belief they own. (ISO), Family Friends program, and
that self-perception is critical in an psychology courses, Kwan became
individual’s happiness. “At the very “Some people may see themselves
ever more curious about people as she
i
beginning of my career, I realized in the dogs; we call this egocen-
tric,” Kwan explains. “Other people became involved in their lives.
see other dogs like they do other
humans; this is homocentric. Others
f
energy for it, and that’s not anything
that can be taught.”
Continued from page 21 called The University of the Arctic, I courses and frequently in the program,
a significant part in understanding think this is a great opportunity for our as well. It is rare to find a BSU student
choices and affecting decisions. “In students to be exposed to research, dis- pursuing solely a philosophy major,
ethics, for example, we focus on the cussion, and debate about very timely but very common to find undergradu-
evaluation of moral beliefs and how subjects,” Christensen notes. ates using its curriculum to augment
people justify those positions. We Christensen brings this broad world- another academic degree.
help students go through their ethi- view into his classes, which frequently It’s a combination that often sets one
cal beliefs and think through those include not only philosophy majors job seeker apart from other appli-
of others, so they can exercise choice and minors, but also non-majors who cants and plants the seed of curiosity
in what is morally right or wrong.” choose the classes to fulfill liberal edu- in employers, who want to find out
His perspective on philosophy comes cation requirements. more about a candidate with such an
as no surprise to the thousands of Christensen points out that there unusual set of credentials.
students who have participated in are no prerequisites for philosophy “It’s not something you can take to an
Christensen’s classes. He currently courses. What’s needed is a willing- employer and ask to be hired as their
chairs the Department of Philoso- ness to think through problems, read philosopher,” Christensen mentions.
phy, which promotes the value of difficult texts, talk about subjects in “But you should have these problem-
critical thinking in all its offerings. class, make as much sense out of the solving, analytical skills. They make
“If we think of philosophy as an content as possible, and then write you a better team player because you’re
intellectual activity, there are skills about it in exams and essays. used to looking at other perspectives,
involved,” he explains. “We basically “They see it as fairly rigorous, rather and you’re not in it just for yourself.
teach rational analysis. What it really complex, and not always an easily “Being a good listener, you won’t be
comes down to is a fundamentally understandable domain of rational bowled over by someone who says
logical analysis of our beliefs and inquiry,” Christensen observes. something really different. You’re
how we can go about justifying them, “Those who hang in there, don’t not tipped over so easily by thinking
moving from premise to conclusion freak out, start actually listening and outside the box, because that’s where
and looking at alternatives. If we care reading, and pay attention realize most philosophers think.”
enough to believe, the issue becomes they can do this.”
how we can make the best choices.” And deciding to examine life from all
Students who do choose to study of its angles is a choice that Chris-
Studying world philosophies has philosophy find value, initially in the tensen appreciates.
extended his interests to include
international studies and education.
He has been active on the Interna-
tional Studies Council, taught in
Iceland and Denmark, and set up
both faculty and student exchanges
abroad, most recently at the Univer-
sity of Tromsø, in northern Norway.
“With the international focus on
Arctic issues currently, and Tromsø’s
participation in an international con-
sortium of universities collectively
High School in Hinckley, and he is a 1997 Gail Leverson became execu- later became assistant dean of out-
firefighter for CAL Fire … Alison Pre- tive director of the Cass County Eco- reach & workforce development, and
chel and Lucas Farm (’03) were mar- nomic Development Corporation in most recently served as interim asso-
ried August 11 in Springfield. She is July. She and her husband, Jerry, live ciate dean. He and his wife, Brooke,
employed as a graphic designer at GLS in Wadena and have three children, have a daughter, Samantha, and have
Companies, Minneapolis, and he is a Sarah, Brian, and Adam … Janelle lived in Great Falls since 2002 … Tim-
business manager at Gander Mountain (Lee) Melbo of Bagley teaches first othy Raukar and Maria (Fuglestad)
Corp. in St. Paul. grade at Bagley Elementary School, Raukar (’97) announce the November
where she’s been employed for the 9 birth of a daughter, Esme. She joins
2001 Kim Kucera was recently past nine years. She earned her mas- big sister, Amira. Maria has a home-
hired by the Mille Lacs Health ter’s degree from BSU recently. She based reflexology business, and Tim
System, Onamia, to serve as vice and her husband, Brant, have two chil- is an independent window contractor
president of hospital-based services. dren, Maria and McKenna … Maria and also a human service technician
She and her husband, Wayne, live in (Fuglestad) Raukar and Timothy at a group home for developmentally
Onamia and have three sons and four Raukar (’96) announce the November disabled adults.
grandchildren. 9 birth of a daughter, Esme. She joins
big sister, Amira. Maria has a home- 1995 David Griggs and wife,
2000 Talia Mitzner recently accepted based reflexology business, and Tim Carmen, live in Grand Rapids and
a position with Farmchek Services, is an independent window contractor have two sons, Scott and Nick. Dave
McIntosh. She lives near Trail with her and also a human service technician is a pharmacist with Target in Grand
husband, Joel, and daughters Aurora at a group home for developmentally Rapids … Bill Peterson of Lakeland is
and Ciara … Trisha Berg and Chad disabled adults … Charles Kramer has a self-employed systems analyst and
Pendill were married July 7 in Willmar. been hired as corporate controller with custom gun stock maker. He’s also
She is employed as a math teacher BOR-SON Construction, Inc., Min- a player-manager of the Lake Elmo
at Willmar Public Schools, and he is neapolis. He was corporate control- Ducks amateur baseball team. He and
employed at LPG & NH3 Supply, Inc. ler at Kraus-Anderson Construction his wife, Holly, have two sons, Will
They live in Willmar. Company and also held senior finan- and Sebastian.
cial positions with Manor Concrete
1999 Doyle Turner of Bemidji was Construction Inc., The Tree Trust, and 1994 Krisann Berglund was selected
honored as an exciting new American Cuningham Group Construction Ser- as Tri-County Schools’ 2007-08
Indian poet by the Sequoyah Research vices … Randy Huie and Amy (Boll) Teacher of the Year. She serves as stu-
Center, University of Arkansas, at the Huie (’99) were married April 5 in dent council advisor and teaches high
Voices of the Present Conference held Crookston. He currently teaches and school classes in chemistry, general
recently in Little Rock. As an honoree, coaches at Red Lake County Central and college level physics, earth sci-
his book of poetry, Time is a Parlor High School, Oklee, and she teaches ence, and physical science … Michael
Trick and Other Poems, has been pub- and coaches at Crookston High Rogers and Lia Merriweather were
lished. He is a White Earth enrollee School. They live in Crookston. married September 8 in Chicago, IL.
… Amber (Martin) Block of Wadena He is employed with Homeland Secu-
has worked in corrections for nearly 1996 Kristi (Schmitz) Langemo and rity, and she is employed as an elec-
nine years and recently secured her husband, Tory Langemo, of Chanhas- tronic communications supervisor at
licensed practical nursing certification. sen announce the December 22 birth the National PTA. They live in North-
She and her husband, Brandon, have of their first child, Camille Cecelia brook, IL.
one child, Addison … Jennifer (Ler- … Paul Matchan has been hired as a
fald) Bodnarchuk and husband, Brian, designer with White Ivy Design, Col- 1993 Rob Nelson, a private wealth
of Winnipeg, MB, Canada, announce eraine. He has four years of experi- adviser with Ameriprise Financial, was
the November 28 birth of a daughter, ence working in the design and print ranked sixth among the state’s top 25
Keira. They also have a son, William, production field. He lives in Grand wealth advisers by the Minneapolis/
who was born in May 2006. Jennifer is Rapids with his wife and daughter … St. Paul Business Journal … Julie (Bjel-
employed as a statistical analyst with Annushka Gisella Peck recently dis- land) Lokhandwala, a professional
Manitoba Lotteries Corporation … played a collection of her multi-media dog trainer in California, has launched
Amy (Boll) Huie and Randy Huie (’97) sculptures in Bemidji. The collection an interactive website for dog owners,
were married April 5 in Crookston. He explored the mythology of urban and webdogtrainer.com. Visitors to the
currently teaches and coaches at Red rural opposition … Joe Schaffer has website can learn step-by-step tech-
Lake County Central High School, been hired as the associate dean of niques of dog training. Ten percent
Oklee, and she teaches and coaches at workforce programs and chief aca- of the profits raised from the site are
Crookston High School. They live in demic officer at Montana State Uni- targeted for charities that help rescue
Crookston. versity in Great Falls. He joined the and shelter dogs.
college as director of outreach in 2002,
Continued on Page 26
1992 Beth Luukkonen and Daniel 1986 Nancy Vyskocil was chosen 1978 Scott Fox has retired from a
Kern were married October 12 in to serve as the new president of the 30-year career with the Pelican Rapids
Wadena. She works at the Wadena Pio- Northwest Minnesota Foundation, Police Department, having served as
neer Journal as a graphic designer, and Bemidji, and assumed her new posi- the police chief for the last six and
he is employed by Mason Brothers in tion in January. She had served as one-half years.
the maintenance department at Abby’s the chief financial officer and vice
Bakery, Wadena. president of the Lake Region Electric 1975 Steve DeKrey is the head of
Cooperative, Pelican Rapids, since Hong Kong University of Science and
1990 David Lee was recently 2001. She had previously worked as Technology’s Executive Masters of Busi-
inducted into the West Aurora High the assistant controller and director ness Administration (EMBA) program,
School Sports Hall of Fame. He is a of administration for Arvig Enter- which was rated the top EMBA program
teacher and basketball coach in Hay- prises, Inc., a family of communica- internationally, followed by the Univer-
ward, WI, where he lives with his wife tion companies; and as general man- sity of New York and Wharton School of
and three daughters. ager of Royale Leasing, Inc., a human Business … Deb Allison is the new exec-
resource consulting and employee utive director of the Bi-County Commu-
1989 Sue Lass began teaching dance leasing firm, both located in Perham. nity Action Program in Bemidji. She’d
as a private instructor last fall and soon previously served for a number of years
after was hired as the head coach for the 1984 Michael Porter of Blooming- as human services director for Beltrami
Barnesville Schools’ new dance-line pro- ton recently completed his doctorate County … Cindy Hart was named 2007
gram. She also works part time for the in leadership, policy, and administra- Minnesota Physical Education Teacher
North Dakota Supreme Court where tion at the University of St. Thomas, of the Year in October by the Minnesota
she coordinates the Juvenile Drug Court where he also teaches entrepreneur- Association of Health, Physical Educa-
for the East Central Judicial District in ship in the Opus College of Business’ tion, Recreation and Dance. She’s been
Fargo. She and her husband, Jayson, undergraduate program. He also runs a teacher for 20 years at Rahn Elemen-
live in Pelican Rapids … Roy Booth a marketing, communications, and tary in Eagan. She and her husband, Bob,
announces that his play, Little White management consulting business, have three grown children.
Lies, which was co-written with Richard Sopra Voce. He and his wife, Anna,
James of the United Kingdom, won in have four sons, Matt, Tyler, Bryan, 1974 Adele Munsterman has been
the “Best Comedy” and “Best Unpub- and Sam … Roxanne Struthers was appointed to serve as a director on
lished Play” categories at an annual con- posthumously inducted into the 2008 the board of trustees of the Education
test held at the Norden Farm Centre for Northwest Minnesota Women’s Hall Minnesota Foundation for Excellence
the Arts in Maidenhead, Berkshire, Eng- of Fame. An internationally recog- in Teaching and Learning, represent-
land. Booth is a published playwright nized researcher, educator, healer, and ing the Third Congressional District.
who, when not writing, divides his time speaker for American Indian health, She and her husband, Walt, live in
between his Bemidji and Brainerd comic she was born and raised on the White Brooklyn Park.
book/gaming stores, Roy’s Comics and Earth Indian Reservation. She died in
Games. 2005 at the age of 53 and is survived 1973 C.T. Marhula is the new clerk-
by her husband, James, two sons, and treasurer for the city of Warren. He
1988 Erich Campbell, a U.S. Army two daughters. brings more than 20 years of manage-
major serving in Iraq, was wounded ment experience to the position, most
during a suicide bomb attack in the 1983 Tim Milliard recently returned of it with electric cooperatives. Most
northern Iraq city of Mosul on January to teaching business and computer recently he’d been employed as a com-
24. He was expected to recover and classes at St. Mary’s Catholic School munity liaison officer for Grand Forks
return home to his wife, Roline, and following a long-term career in busi- Air Force Base for the past three years.
children, Allison and Johan, who live ness. He has lived in Sleepy Eye for His wife, Cindy, is a teacher at South
in Fort Riley, KS, and his daughters, 20 years and previously taught at St. Middle School in Grand Forks, ND.
Katy and Emily, who live in Aitkin. He Mary’s from 1986 to 1995. They have two daughters, Annie and
joined the army in 1988 and has col- Marilyn … Linda Wagner of Bemi-
lected about 20 medals for his achieve- 1980 Deb Carlson, a high school dji competed for and won the title of
ments while serving one tour of duty art teacher, was selected by Education Ms. Senior America 2007 last fall. She
in Afghanistan and three in Iraq … Minnesota, Lake of the Woods chap- teaches music at Cass Lake-Bena Ele-
Barbara Erickson recently joined ter, as the 2007 Teacher of the Year. mentary School. She and her husband,
the Rochester Post-Bulletin as a graphic She and her husband, Dana, are long- Bob Wagner (’72), have been married
designer. Since 1990, she has been a time residents of Williams and have for 38 years and have three daughters
freelance graphic artist. two daughters, Katie and Lindsey. … Sue Kringen has joined First Federal
She has been an art teacher at Lake of Bank, Bemidji, as its new vice president
the Woods Community Schools since and director of sales and marketing.
1984.
Summer Camps
MusiCamps Sports www.bemidjistate.edu/athletics
www.bemidjistate.edu/academics/departments/music/musicamp.html Boys’ High School Basketball Team Camp, June 28-29
Instrumental Week, July 13-19 Contact: Matt Bowen, Head Coach, Men’s Basketball
Piano, band, & jazz mbowen@bemidjistate.edu – 218‑755‑2774 – 800‑475‑2001
For grades 7-12 Boys’ Basketball Shooting and Scoring Camps
Contact: Dr. Del Lyren – dlyren@bemidjistate.edu – 218-755-3931 Single-day camps for boys in grades 3-12
Choral/Vocal MusiCamp, Choir & Voice, July 20-26 June 9, June 11, July 14, or July 16 – 9 a.m.- noon
For grades 7‑12 Contact: Jeremy Tiers, Assistant Coach, Men’s Basketball
Contact: Dr. Brad Logan – plogan@bemidjistate.edu – 218‑755‑2915 jtiers@bemidjistate.edu – 218‑755‑4619
Boys’ Three-Day Basketball Camp, August 4-6
Science, Technology, Engineering, Math 9 a.m.- noon – Grades 1‑6
1 p.m.- 4 p.m. – Grades 7‑12
STEM Camp: Branching Out, June 8-13 Contact: Jeremy Tiers, Assistant Coach, Men’s Basketball
The Interplay of Science, Technology, and Mathematics jtiers@bemidjistate.edu – 218‑755‑2323
For students in grades 10-12 in fall 2008. Girls’ Elementary School Basketball Camp, June 16-19
Contact: Dr. Colleen Livingston Girls’ High School Basketball Camp, July 20-23
clivingston@bemidjistate.edu – 218-755-2843 For both camps contact:
http://faculty.bemidjistate.edu/clivingston/ Krissi Super, Assistant Coach, Women’s Basketball
ksuper@bemidjistate.edu – 218-368-6547
Transitions Northern Plains Visions of Sport Camp, July 12‑19
Post-secondary Readiness Experiential Program (PREP) For students with visual impairments
A transitions program for high school students with disabilities Contact: Dr. Jim Mastro
June 22-28 jmastro@bemidjistate.edu – 218‑755‑3772
Contact: Kathi Hagen, Office for Students with Disabilities Soccer Camp, June 9-13
khagen@bemidjistate.edu – 218-755-3883 Ages 7-19
www.bemidjistate.edu/students/disabilities Contact: Jim Stone, Head Coach, Women’s Soccer
jstone@bemidjistate.edu – 218-755-2773
www.bsusoccercamps.com
Wellness Volleyball Camps
Wellness Adventure Camp for Kids, August 11-14 Overnight and camp-only options available. 9 a.m.- noon daily
An activity-based, educational program to Skills Camp – Grades 7-12, June 22-25
explore healthy and active choices Elite Camp – Grades 9-12, June 25-28
For students entering grades 2-6 Elementary Camp – Grades 2-6, June 23-25
9:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Contact: Laurie Bitter, Head Coach, Volleyball
Space is limited. lbitter@bemidjistate.edu – 218-755-3784
Contact: Dr. Jim White
jwhite@bemidjistate.edu – 218-755-2766
Horizons Bemidji State University 29
1500 Birchmont Drive NE
Bemidji, MN 56601-2699
T
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