torch, volume 44, number 3, fall 2012

A MAgAzine for AluMni & friends of the

university of MinnesotA, Crookston

Volume 44, Number 3 FAll 2012

TABLE OF CONTENTS

From the Chancellor ................... 4

Director’s Letter ............................ 6

Campus News .................................7

Focus on the Boards ................... 8

Brock Anundson ...........................10

Chancellor Fred Wood .............. 12

Leader to Leader ......................... 14

Wilfred Huot .................................. 16

Erwin Reiersgord .......................... 18

Teambackers .................................20

Shawn Freidland.......................... 22

Legislative Update ...................... 24

Alumni News ................................. 26

In Memory ..................................... 29

Calendar ...................... Back Cover

Photo gallery link at www.umcrookston.edu/photogallery/homecoming

4 www.umcrookston.edu

From the ChancellorWith all the new students around, I am certainly not the only one learning my way

around campus this fall. Since I started in my role as chancellor in July, I have had the opportunity to meet many wonderful faculty, staff, students, and community members. It has been a great time of getting acquainted, and I could not feel more welcomed or more excited about what is ahead.

Since this letter is my first in the Torch, I want to share with you how much I am enjoying my time so far. My mother was born in Crookston, and her family farmed in St. Vincent, Minn. during her youth, so although I grew up in California, there is a part of me that felt connected to this place right from the start. My wife, Mary, who joins my excitement and enthusiasm for the Crookston campus, also feels a strong connection through my mother’s many stories of her time here and due to both Mary’s parents having been raised in the upper Midwest.

It may sound a bit cliché, but I believe deeply in education. As a first-generation college student, I know its power and how education can open the world to students.

Being a faculty member, I can relate to the challenges and rewards of teaching and I believe there is no more important interaction on a university campus than the one that takes place between students and faculty. Put simply, education does indeed change lives in so many positive ways.

The welcoming environment on our campus helps students navigate the system and creates a nurturing atmosphere. The dedicated individuals on our staff answer countless questions, keep the grounds beautiful, make sure the classrooms are in top shape and state-of-the-art, plan activities and events that enhance student life, and provide all the services students need to succeed. Their role is critical to the overall educational experience of our students.

Educational institutions like ours serve as change agents for society. Our campus mission is a very high calling. We work continuously to create an environment both on campus and online where students can achieve and where they are offered tools for life. By encouraging critical thinking and complex problem solving via experiential learning in class and online and through internships, undergraduate research, studying abroad, and engaging with others from across the country and around the world, we help students gain an understanding and appreciation of varying perspectives and ideas.

I have had a great time at many events, including the recent homecoming, meeting alumni and listening

to their stories of how this campus influenced them. Their lives attest to the life-changing effect of education and their success today is due in part to the faculty and staff who were integral to their educational experience. In addition for those alumni who were scholarship recipients, there is no greater testament to the power of investing in students than witnessing their accomplishments. Each of us owes a great deal to those who believed in us by challenging and encouraging us in the classroom, giving to scholarships, cheering us on at an athletic event, providing us numerous opportunities to develop, or making us feel at home on the campus and within the community.

Chancellor Wood spoke during orientation convocation in late August 2012. In the bottom photo he is joined by Lisa Samuelson (left) and Alysa Tulibaski (right).

“Educational institutions like ours serve as change agents for society. Our campus mission is a very high calling,” Chancellor Fred E. Wood.

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Another gem I have discovered is the fundamental way this campus serves as a hub for the region and how much we mutually benefit from the partnerships we have with the Northwest Research and Outreach Center, Extension, the Northwest Regional Sustainable Development Partnership, the Northwest Minnesota Area Health Education Center, the Minnesota Rural Health Association, and a number of others.

It is an excellent example of how integral we are to, and represent so well, the land-grant mission of the University of Minnesota. We are an important part of our community and, working together, we are committed to helping the surrounding region.

I hope this note will help you understand why I am excited about the future of the University of Minnesota, Crookston. We have much to do and will not rest on our current success. We are proud of our land grant history, and as we evolve, we remain deeply committed to offering quality because we believe excellence is a journey, not a destination. We hope you will join us in this journey.

Top left: Mary and Fred Wood rode in their first-ever homecoming parade on Saturday, September 22.Top right: Posing in the homecoming photo booth with First Lady Mary Wood and Chancellor Fred Wood are students (left to right) Ashely Hoffman, Alexmai Addo, Toynell Delaney, and Ruth Navarro.Center left: Chancellor Wood visits with a student during his first week on campus in July.Bottom right: Chancellor Wood threw out the first ball during a Red Hawks game in Fargo.

Best regards,Fred E. WoodChancellorUniversity of Minnesota, Crookston


“It is through gifts to those scholarship funds that you have the power to influence the lives of students and where gifts of all sizes have impact,” Corby Kemmer.

From the Director of Development & Alumni relationsTradition. It’s more than you might realize.

I understand tradition, and I sense a depth of pride on this campus. It is about Minnesota, it is about heritage, and it is about the state’s original land grant university—the University of Minnesota.

The Bookstore isn’t the only place you can find maroon and gold around here. On the campus, we wear it on Maroon & Gold Fridays, and those colors are reflected in the Crookston community. We celebrate our longstanding maroon and gold tradition and have since our early days as the Northwest School of Agriculture. Today, we continue the custom connecting us all and making us University of Minnesota proud.

The Minnesota Rouser brings the campus to its feet in celebration of who we are. The Campus Mall brings back memories for generations of students, and the names on the buildings remind us of our legacy. Sargeant, Sahlstrom, Lysaker, and others stand in testament to campus history.

The annual homecoming tradition brings back alumni and reminds us that no matter what year we left campus, we can always come home.

If you think about it, this campus has a legacy of giving. Scholarship dollars provided by alumni from the Northwest School have benefitted countless graduates, and the University of Minnesota, Crookston Alumni Association scholarship was created in that same tradition. It is through gifts to those scholarship funds that you have the power to influence the lives of students and where gifts of all sizes have impact.

We also have a number of initiatives where financial support would make a difference:

• Scholarships based on financial need or directed to a specific athletic or academic program

• Helping provide a wellness center on campus• Artificial turf on the football field• Areas of greatest needGifts can be directed where a donor wishes and where they can have the greatest

effect. If there are questions, contact me. I would be happy to assist you in any way I can.

One thing for certain, each gift becomes part of our history of generosity, of caring for students, and of believing in the mission of this institution.

We exist because we want to offer the opportunity for higher education on a campus that is small but legendary and one where students from Minnesota, or anywhere in the world, have the chance to earn a degree and carry on our maroon and gold tradition.

Sincerely,Corby Kemmer, directorDevelopment & Alumni Relations

Corby Kemmer and Jim Sims before the homecoming parade in September.

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CAMPUS HEADLINES

New Director of Diversity and multicultural Programs

Welcome to Lorna Hollowell, the new director of diversity and multicultural programs. She comes to the campus from Owensboro Community and Technical College in Owensboro, Ky., where she served as director of cultural diversity, and she previously worked as an educational talent search advisor for Madisonville Community College, also in Kentucky. She began her responsibilities on campus on July 23, 2012.

enrollment Trends upward Enrollment at the University of Minnesota, Crookston

appears to have surpassed previous record levels, continuing a six-year trend. Official reports put enrollment at 1,802 degree-seeking undergraduates—the highest enrollment in the history of the campus. That number beats 2011’s all-time record of 1,600. A major contributing factor to the growth is the number of undergrads pursuing their degrees online. Approximately 700 students enrolled for fall 2012 are considered “online-only” students, which means all of their courses are taken online. The U of M, Crookston currently offers ten of its twenty-six degree programs entirely online in addition to on-campus.

Lorna Hollowell

off to The Windy CityAustin Czichotzki, a 2012 graduate of the

communication program at the University of Minnesota, Crookston, began his collegiate career as an animal science/pre-veterinary medicine major in 2008. His involvement in student affairs organizations from Student Programming and Activities for Campus Entertainment, New Student Orientation, Crookston Student Association, as well as many other clubs helped decide that a communication major would be a better fit while still keeping him on the campus in Crookston, which he had come to love.

His work at the Information Desk as building manager prompted Czichotzki to add a business management minor after realizing the increased benefits this addition would bring to his education. Taking advantage of as many opportunities as he could during his time at UMC, he also took advantage of a study abroad course in Iceland and Norway, attended I-LEAD, a leadership conference in Brockport, N.Y., volunteered multiple times at the National Association for Campus Activities™ (NACA), and starred in multiple theater productions on campus.

In mid-August after working with University Relations for the summer, Czichotzki moved to Chicago for the internship with Bass-Schuler Entertainment. He is excited for the opportunity to experience big city life and is hoping the internship will lead to possible career connections in the entertainment field.

After graduation, Czichotzki worked with University Relations for the summer before accepting an internship with Bass-Schuler, an entertainment booking agency in Chicago, Ill. As he looks to the future, he also considers graduate school an option looking at degrees in either mass communication or student affairs.

In the future he would like to work in student affairs or something with entertainment events. Czichotzki was the recipient of the Man of the Year Award in 2011 and 2012.

Austin Czhichotzki ’12 worked for University Relations following graduation and was responsible for the campus radio broadcast, Insight Radio.

read Austin’s story on Alumnus brock Anundson, working with the united States olympic Committee on Page 10!

“These alumni have represented their respective institutions with integrity and a spirit of service as well as achieving both personal and professional success.”


Focus on the boardsSince the last issue of the alumni magazine, both the Northwest School of Agriculture

(NWSA) Alumni Association and the University of Minnesota, Crookston Alumni Association (UMCAA) boards have been focused on recognizing alumni who have excelled. Through the years, these alumni have represented their respective institutions with integrity and a spirit of service as well as achieving both personal and professional success.

The NWSA held their annual reunion on Saturday, June 30, 2012, and it was well attended. They celebrated the golden anniversary of the Class of 1962 and honored the Top Aggies for 2012: Helen (Rasmussen) Tangen ’41, Bemidji, Minn; Mark Chisholm ’52, Gary, Minn; and Richard Olson ’62, Grand Forks, N.D.

Chuck Holmquist ’52 was also honored with the Distinguished Service Award. This award is given by the NWSA Alumni Association Board for exemplary service. He is the 14th recipient of the award since it was established in 1991. The alumni association board is already planning for next year’s reunion to be held on Saturday, June 29, 2013, and all alumni are encouraged to attend.

The UMCAA celebrated alumni achievements on Friday, September 21, at the Outstanding Alumni and Athletic Hall of Fame award recognition. The Outstanding Alumni included Kirk Schultz ’79, Stillwater, Minn.; Doreen (Johnson) Roy ’81, Burlington, Iowa; and Gerald Landby ’82, East Helena, Mont. The inductee into the Athletic Hall of Fame was Ryan Driedger ’97, Carmen, Manitoba, Canada.

The recognition evening was memorable as were all the homecoming events hosted by the UMCAA. Saturday’s alumni social was bigger than ever, the photo booth brought alumni together for some great candid photos, and the parade was well attended by the campus and community. Alumni should plan now to come back for the NWSA reunion and homecoming in 2013, which is slated for October 4-5. If you need assistance getting your classmates and friends together, contact Rose Ulseth in

Back row, l to r: Corby Kemmer, Development & Alumni Relations; Bill Thielke; Nancie Hoerner; Katie (Becker) Shaw; Karl Syverson. Front row: Carl Melbye; Linda (Knutson) Morgan; Chancellor Fred Wood; and Juanita Lopez, UMCAA board president.

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the alumni office at 218-281-8439 ([email protected]).

Members of the alumni association boards are active promoting their respective activities, but they also faithfully support the campus through scholarship fundraising. Four U of M, Crookston Alumni Association Scholarships were awarded for 2012-13 to Senior Bryce Gillie, an agronomy major from Hallock, Minn.; Senior Ryan Snyder, a natural resource major from Morris, Minn.; Junior Benjamin Genereux, an agronomy major from Crookston, Minn.; and Sophomore Kolton Walker, a business management major from Crookston, Minn.

Scholarships provided by alumni of the NWSA have been available for a many years. These scholarships represent a great legacy and tradition. Recipients of scholarships from the Northwest School for 2012-13 are Junior Alex DeBoer, an agricultural systems management major from Crookston, Minn.; Sophomore Tyler Miller, an agronomy major from Warren, Minn.; Senior Trey Johnston, a communication major from Angus, Minn.; Senior Kathryn Baskerville, an accounting major from Tracy, Minn.; Senior Chris Anderson, a natural resource major from Missoula, Mont.; Senior Wade Wallace, an accounting major from Euclid, Minn.; Sophomore Zach Cymbaluk, an agricultural business major from Crookston. Minn.; Sophomore Allison Ulseth, an early childhood education major from Crookston, Minn.; Sophomore Ana Gustafson, an animal science major from Puposky, Minn.; Senior Laura Proulx, a business management major from Red Lake Falls, Minn.; Junior Cole DeBoer, an agricultural systems management major from Crookston, Minn.; and Freshman Tyler

Oppegaard, a software engineering major from Erskine, Minn.

Congratulations to these students and thank you to all alumni who give to the Northwest School of Agriculture and U of M, Crookston scholarship funds. Your gifts are the reason a new generation of students will continue your legacy.

Outstanding Alumni and Athletic Hall of Fame recognition honored four exceptional alumni. In the photo (left to right) are, back row, Corby Kemmer, Chancellor Fred Wood, and Stephanie Helgeson, athletic director. In the front row are Kirk Schultz, ’79, Doreen (Johnson) Roy ’81, Gerald Landby ’82 and Ryan Driedger ’97.

Back row, left to right: Corby Kemmer, director of Development & Alumni Relations; Charles H. Casey, former chancellor at the U of M, Crookston; and Richard Olson ’62. Front row: Mark Chisholm ’52; Charles “Chuck” Holmquist ’52; and Helen (Rasmussen) Tangen ’41.

“When Michael Phelps was training at the complex, I would see him two to three times a day just helping him out with anything he needed,” Brock Anundson.


olympic roleThis past summer while the Olympics were being viewed on televisions around

the country, and across the world, there was a University of Minnesota, Crookston connection that most would be unaware of. This connection came in the form of Alumnus Brock Anundson.

Anundson, a 2005 sport and recreation management graduate, has been working in operations with the United States Olympic Committee at the U.S. Olympic Complex in Colorado Springs since January 2011. The complex is an expansive, 34-acre training center used to train Olympic athletes and teams from the U.S.A. and other countries around the world. The facility is laid out much like a college campus, built on an old Air Force base, the complex includes five residence halls, a dining hall, an aquatic center, two sports centers with nine gymnasiums, an Olympic shooting center, and many other athletic training facilities. Here Anundson works as programs coordinator/operations specialist, in this position he sets up what is needed for athletes to come on the complex to train for their given sport or event. From where they will stay and what they will eat to when to where they will do their training, the operations department plans it all using the information given to them by the athletes. “The operations department is the core of everything that goes on; we are the center of it all,” he says. “When anyone wants to come on complex they have to go through us to make it happen.”

As is usually the case, Anundson started out small with the U.S. Olympic Committee, joining the team initially as an operations intern where he assisted a few program coordinators while learning the ropes. He credits networking with getting him into his current position. He first heard about the internship opportunity from a classmate

in graduate school at the University of Colorado at Denver where he graduated in 2011 with a Masters of Business Administration in international business, marketing, and sports and entertainment management. “With the sports industry itself, networking is almost more important than what you know. You need to know your stuff, but you also need to know who can help you out,” Anundson explains. “It wasn’t until I was in and working on the complex that I realized how competitive it was to get in. I was definitely in the right place at the right time.”

Hockey has been a big factor in the path Anundson’s career has taken. Originally from Baudette, Minn., Anundson started playing hockey as a five-year-old and kept playing as he grew

up. He even played junior hockey for awhile before deciding that pursuing a college education would become more of an advantage for his future. This decision led him to the U of M, Crookston in 2001 to play hockey as a Golden Eagle while earning a bachelor’s degree in sport and recreation management with a coaching minor.

During the fall his junior year at the U of M, Crookston Anundson met Kalene Verhulst, a freshmen soccer player, and the two began dating that winter. At the end of that year Kalene transferred from the Crookston campus to nursing school at Regis University in Colorado. The two continued with a long distance relationship for a year and a half until Anundson graduated and also moved to Denver. The pair was married on August 15, 2009. Kalene is currently employed as an Oncology Nurse at the University of Colorado Hospital and will receive a master’s degree in Nursing Education in December.

In Denver, Anundson decided to test the waters of his hockey career and signed with the minor league hockey team, the Colorado Eagles. Soon he decided to get into the sports field rather than playing and took a job working stadium operations and security with the Denver Broncos. During this time, Anundson was also working at Dakota

Anundson and his wife, Kalene, are expecting their first child in November.

Ridge High School in Littleton, Colo., as the head hockey coach, and later the assistant athletic director and eventually started working on his M.B.A. at University of Colorado at Denver.

With so much exposure to the athletes and everything Olympics, Anundson says he has become a bit disillusioned with the public images of those he works with on a day-to-day basis. “When Michael Phelps was training at the complex, I would see him two to three times a day just helping him out with anything he needed,” he reflects. “The same thing I would do with any of the other athletes training here. Later I’d turn the TV on and see a commercial for some random thing and there those athletes are again. I don’t tend to relate them to what they are promoting. When I am working with them every day, it is easy to forget that around Olympic time these athletes really become stars.”

Working with these athletes is Anundson’s favorite part of the job, “I use the lessons I learned at UMC when working with the athletes because I have actually been in their shoes at the amateur level, and I think applying personal experiences to others helps the athletes out by giving them shortcuts and making their experience more positive.”

Though Anundson helped play a pivotal role in the training of many of the athletes that competed in the 2012 Summer Olympic Games he wasn’t in London to watch them live. “Only half the department goes, the rest stay back to take care of the things still going on around the center,” he explains. Anundson also had his own excitement at home; he and his wife are expecting their first child in November. “It has definitely been an exciting few months, but you better believe I’ll be in the crowd at the next Olympics!” he laughs.

Top right: Working with the Olympic athletes is Anundson’s favorite part of the job.

Right: Brock Anundson began as operations intern where he assisted a few program coordinators

while learning the ropes.

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“Mary and I are extremely excited to be a part of the University of Minnesota, Crookston and the Crookston community,” Chancellor Fred Wood.


Chancellor Wood’s minnesota Ties

Fred Wood, the new chancellor of the University of Minnesota, Crookston, spent most of his life in California, but he has family ties to Crookston, Minnesota, and the Red River Valley.

Wood comes to the University of Minnesota after a 26-year career at the University of California, Davis, a public, land-grant research university within the University of California system. There, he served as vice chancellor of student affairs from 2007 to 2012, in addition to holding other leadership positions such as interim vice provost for undergraduate studies and associate dean of the UC Davis College of Letters and Science as well as concurrently serving as a tenured chemistry faculty member there.

His first Minnesota tie comes through his mother, Jean Turner, who was born in Crookston in 1917. Her parents, Earl and Ada (Cameron) Turner, were both born in St. Vincent, Minn., near the Canadian border, and were farmers. During the Great Depression when she was 12 years old, Jean moved with her family to Libby, Montana, where her family found work in the lumber mills. As the Depression gave way to World War II, Jean and her sister, Lucille, moved to California where they found work in the oil refineries. Jean met and married Jack Winfred Wood, who later became a carpenter, and while living and working in Martinez, California, their son Fred was born along with his two sisters.

Although his father stopped his formal education at high school and his mother did not complete high school, both of Fred Wood’s parents valued education, and they keenly encouraged him to attend college. “I’m a true first-generation college student,” says Wood, “and as I look back, I can see just how important that single decision was to the story of my life. It really opened the world to me, and I appreciate my parents’ encouragement and support of that decision.”

Wood started out at a local community college and then earned a B.S. in chemistry and a Ph.D. in inorganic chemistry—both from UC Davis. He spent two years as a tenured faculty member at a small community college in northern Idaho before returning to UC Davis to serve as a tenured faculty member and vice chair of the chemistry department.

While attending community college in Pleasant Hill, California, he met Mary Williams, appropriately enough, in his first chemistry class. She accompanied him to UC Davis where she completed her undergraduate degree in entomology. Fred continued his doctoral work in chemistry there, and Mary earned her Master of Library Science degree at UC Berkeley, 50 miles away. The two were married in 1982, and subsequently had three children, Kiel, Meghan, and Moira.

The value of education remains a strong force within the Wood family, and this is where another tie to Minnesota comes into play. Kiel, Fred and Mary’s oldest, is an environmental studies graduate from Willamette University and works as a wild land firefighter and rappeller for the U.S. Forest Service; he is also studying to complete a BS degree in nursing. Meghan, their second child, attended and graduated from Carleton College in Northfield, Minnesota, and she is currently studying to obtain her doctorate in veterinary medicine at UC Davis. And Moira will be a senior at St. Olaf College in Northfield, where she is studying biomedical anthropology with career goals in international public health.

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Wood admires the great regard the citizens of Minnesota have for higher education and considers the University of Minnesota system a gem among all of public education in the United States. “The size of the Crookston campus is one of the things that drew me to this opportunity—it allows for a strongly student-centered environment and provides a stellar educational experience for students. The size and mission also allow it to be nimble and move relatively quickly to deal with our changing environment,” says Wood. “The faculty and staff here have a unique ability to adapt, as they have with the transformation over its history from a boarding school to a two-year college to a baccalaureate-level university several years ago.” He also cites the

focus on experiential learning and the integration of technology across the board with the laptop computer initiative as two other very important aspects of the UMC experience. “Since they have the opportunity to work with it every day, I’m not sure the faculty and staff realize just how distinctive their use of technology is and just how well they are preparing graduates for their lives after college. It’s really quite remarkable,” he adds.

“Mary and I are extremely excited to be a part of the University of Minnesota, Crookston, and the Crookston community,” says Wood. Mary will join him after she ties up some loose ends with her work and family matters, but she will visit regularly until then.

“The University of Minnesota

system, much like the University of California system, continues to be integral to its home state, and the fact that a large number of students attending the Crookston campus are first generation students is not lost on me,” Wood says. “Those first steps into higher education can be intimidating, but they can also be wonderful and inspiring. And with the supportive, friendly environment I see here, it’s not surprising to me to see the growth and success that has occurred on this campus.

“My predecessor Chancellor Chuck Casey set the stage for continued growth and success,” adds Wood, “and I’m honored and humbled to be able to follow him as the leader of U of M, Crookston campus.”

On his second day at work, Chancellor Wood was hard at work and hosted a “Coffee with the Chancellor” to get acquainted with faculty, staff, and students who were on campus on July 3.

leader to leader Advice for Chancellor Fred Wood from Student Leaders

brooke NoVAkChair: Student Programming and Activities for Campus Entertainment year: seniorMajor: CommunicationHometown: Dahlen, N.D.

Thoughts on leadership: Being so involved has really pushed me to be a better leader. It

has taught me new leadership skills along with fine tuning the skills I already have. It has also forced me to see what I am capable of and what I can accomplish.

Advice to the Chancellor:Be visible. As a leader on this campus, one of the greatest and

most appreciated things from a chancellor is acknowledging your organization and being there if needed. Any involvement with students like that is wonderful!

CAylA beNDelPresident: Natural Resources ClubYear: SophomoreMajor: Natural ResourcesHometown: Lakeville, Minn.

Thoughts on leadership: As a student leader, I know a lot of students I may not have otherwise

had the opportunity to meet. I have also found it necessary to coordinate with many staff and professors when planning events. All of this has given me a better understanding of the campus and a closer tie to the U of M, Crookston. Being a member and now president of the Natural Resources Club makes me want to represent the Agriculture and Natural Resources Department as well as the U of M, Crookston in a positive way.

Advice to the Chancellor:I am only a sophomore at UMC this year, but my advice to Chancellor

Wood would be to say that UMC is a unique place to be. It may be small, but it is full of all different types of people. From agricultural students to athletes, from communication majors to pilots, all of us view the world differently and make the Crookston campus our home in a different way. But together, we are all shaping our futures at this small campus and have ambitious goals. So my advice would be to take the time to get to know this one-of-a-kind place and be sure to take into account everyone’s ideas and needs when making decisions or representing the institution. Good Luck!


ANThoNeTTe SimSPresident: Black Student AssociationYear: JuniorMajor: CommunicationHometown: Robbinsdale, Minn.

Thoughts on leadership:One thing I can take away from college is further understanding of team

and group work. As I have learned in the college setting, the world around us requires team work and partnerships. I have definitely learned to be a team player and reach out to my peers when I feel like I cannot complete a task alone. Although I am not sure where I am headed when speaking of career choice, one thing I am sure of is my ability to work with all people.

Advice to the Chancellor:Please be interactive with the students. To know that the leader of our

school supports and cares about the student’s interest is very important. There is no greater feeling when I as a student can attest to the chancellor actively encouraging the student and learning about their needs.

TAShi GuruNGPresident: Multicultural International Clubyear: seniorMajor: Environmental ScienceHometown: Mustang, Nepal

Thoughts on leadership:One trait that I believe truly defines me is volubility. I talk with everyone

including students, faculty, and staff regarding anything from their personal to academic concerns. This leadership role has helped me a lot in raising their concerns and making their voice loud enough to be conspicuous. Hopefully this will help bring some positive changes to campus.

Advice to the Chancellor:Giving advice to our new chancellor is like lighting a candle in front of

sunlight. However, from a student standpoint, there are a few things I would like to suggest. The U of M, Crookston is best known by the phrase “Small Campus. Big Degree.” Please keep this spirit, and if possible, make it “Small Campus with Growing Degrees—Momentously.” I mean keep working to increase the number of degrees we offer so students have more choices for their major and minor. Make our campus more sustainability-oriented because sustainability is what the world needs now and so does our campus.

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“My high school experience was an enormous introduction to life,” Wilfred Huot.


education opens Doors and more

Willie Huot (left) with wrestling coach Rod Mosher and co-captain Ronald Beauchane.

Since the Morrill Act was passed in 1862, the University of Minnesota has held steadfastly to its land grant mission. That mission is the very reason the Northwest School of Agriculture (NWSA), predecessor to the U of M, Crookston, was founded. On land donated by railroad baron James J. Hill, the U of M established the NWSA to offer training in “the technical and practical business of agriculture and in the art of homemaking.”

Over the years, the NWSA offered a residential high school experience to rural students from all over the region. For Wilfred “Willie” Huot ’63, the experience he had at the Northwest School was formative, and looking back, he sees that time as a significant part of the foundation on which he built his career. Throughout his life, education opened doors and gave him unexpected opportunities.

With brothers, Leonard ’60 and Eddie ’62, already attending the Northwest School, Huot stayed home and attended school so he could help his father with chores on the farm near Red Lake Falls, Minn. But, as a sophomore, he was able to move onto campus for his final three years of high school.

He didn’t waste time getting involved and ran cross country and wrestled his first year. “I learned I wasn’t a runner,” Huot smiles. “As a junior and senior, I switched to football and played for Coach Hersch Lysaker.”

Along with his roommate, Ron Beauchane, he was co-captain of the wrestling team and fondly recalls the fun of athletic competition. He also recalls enjoying Mr. Anderson’s history class, and the meals prepared by Myrtle “Ma” Brown, whom he refers to as a “mother to all.”

His fondest memories of high school are those of meeting students from so many backgrounds, the wide range of personalities, and the wonderful social life including times in the Aggie Inn. “My high school experience was an enormous introduction to life,” Huot reflects.

Not quite ready to return to the farm, he went on to the Area Vocational and Technical Institute (AVTI)

in Thief River Falls, Minn. He enrolled in the welding program with the intention of eventually going back to the farm. Following Huot’s graduation from the program, he moved to Red Wing, Minn., and worked. After a year, he realized he wanted to go back to school.

“I wanted a career outdoors, so I attended Itasca Community College in Grand Rapids, Minn., where I studied forestry,” Huot recollects. “Then, I went on to the University of Minnesota and graduated with my bachelor’s degree in forest resource management.”

That degree and his experience at the U of M opened the door to the world. Huot took advantage of an opportunity to join the Peace Corps and work for the Moroccan

Wilfred “Willie” Huot participated in athletics, Carpentry Club, Newman Club, and a class play at the Northwest School.

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ministry of agriculture establishing a system of inventory on cedar trees measuring both volume and mixture of cedar and green oak.

Following his time in Morocco, Huot, a friend, and his sister would travel to 23 countries around the world, leaving Morocco in August 1974 and returning to Seattle, Wash., in May 1975. He recalls his favorite stop as Nepal because of its great beauty.

Huot returned to Minnesota, went to work on the farm, and taught in Ely, Minn., for a year only to discover that his real desire was to work in Extension. After graduating with his master’s degree in adult education from the University of Minnesota, he took a job as a county agent in Montana where he would live and work for the next 15 years.

In 1990, he joined Extension in North Dakota and spent two years working in Devils Lake and the next ten years in Grand Forks, where he continues today. He is primarily responsible for farm management and also runs a part time tree service.

Next summer, Huot along with the Class of 1963 will celebrate their golden class reunion, and he is hoping his classmates and friends will be on campus. “I hope my classmates will come back to share this time together, and I hope everyone sends in information and photos for our class booklet,” he enthuses. “It is a time to enjoy and celebrate our lives and all that has happened since we left the Northwest School.”

Since 1990, Willie Huot has been with Extension in North Dakota in a career he truly enjoys.

Willie Huot stands in East Grand Forks, Minn., and across the Red River from the building where he works with NDSU Extension.

“While teaching and serving in the administration, Reiersgord devoted himself to the students and was always seeking ways to get to know them better.”


e. N. reiersgord and the making of a Principal

He was born in 1900 in the back of his father’s print shop in the tiny hamlet of Ulen, Minn. His father was the editor of the local newspaper, the Ulen Union, and as a small-town boy, Erwin Norman “Rie” Reiersgord learned the value of setting goals and working diligently to reach them.

Education was important to Reiersgord’s father, Ole, who graduated from Moorhead [Minn.] High School and Concordia College in Moorhead. In 1893, he taught rural school to help finance his own college education. He even taught school to help finance publishing of the Ulen newspaper. From 1909 to 1913, while his son Erwin was growing up, his father was the postmaster and he also served as mayor and justice of the peace. Small towns need their citizens to serve in many roles and Ole Reiersgord proved an exemplary citizen.

Erwin Reiersgord, one of seven children, followed his father’s footsteps graduating in 1924 from Concordia College with his bachelor of arts degree.

He earned a master’s degree from the University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, in administration, and eventually became superintendent in St. Hilaire, Minn., as well as directing their school band. In 1935, he became the principal at the high school in Fosston, Minn.

In 1944, he and his wife, Bertha, moved their family to Crookston, Minn., where he became registrar and mathematics teacher at the Northwest School of Agriculture (NWSA), the residential high school located on what is now the University of Minnesota, Crookston.

His stint at the NWSA would last until his retirement in 1968. The close of his career would mark the end of an era. The NWSA would cease to exist with graduation in 1968, and the University of Minnesota, Crookston Technical College would graduate its very first class. Reiersgord would be a part of this transition from a high school to a technical college. He had guided students and the NWSA for 24 years moving from registrar to principal

Reiersgord was an avid golfer and Gopher football fan often driving with friends to see them play and home again the same day.

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and teaching a range of subjects including chemistry, biology, and German along with mathematics.

While teaching and serving in the administration, Reiersgord devoted himself to the students and was always seeking ways to get to know them better. He served several times as an advisor to organizations like the “A” Club, the Aggie yearbook board, and the Hi-Y Club, along with several times as a class advisor. For a number of years he was the advisor to the Northwest School Chapter of the National Honor Society and traveled with the debate teams to competitions.

He and Bertha would raise their two sons on “Cottage Row”, the faculty houses located along the edge of campus. In 1958, they moved into Crookston. Reiersgord was passionate about education and while he focused his work primarily on the Northwest School campus, Bertha taught fifth grade at Franklin School in Crookston.

Never idle, Reiersgord painted houses in the summer when he was away from the classroom. He also loved sports and served as a referee for games in the area.

Although life at the Northwest School kept Reiersgord occupied, he still found time to be active in the Crookston community. He enjoyed Rotary and was elected president in 1964. He was also active in his church, enjoyed playing bridge, hunting, and loved long drives in the country on Sunday afternoons. He even enjoyed grocery shopping. He was devoted to family particularly his mother, sisters, and six grandchildren.

Known for his even-temper, he was an excellent babysitter and that easy going, calm nature probably helped as he kept high school students in line at the Northwest School. A teacher, a principal, an advisor, a sometimes disciplinarian, and friend, these are the legacy of E. N. Reiersgord to the many students his life touched.

Editor’s Note: Thank you to Camilla Reiersgord, wife of Thomas Reiersgord, and daughter in-law of Erwin and Bertha Reiersgord for her many contributions. And, thank you to Janet (Klemetson) Maesse ’81 the author’s contact at The Viking Sword Museum in Ulen, Minn., for her historical research for this story.

read the Torch onlineYou can read the Torch, the alumni magazine for the Northwest School of Agriculture and the University of Minnesota, Crookston online by visiting: http://issuu.com/umcrookston or on the U of M, Crookston Web site at www.umcrookston.edu/alumni/torch

If you would prefer to receive your Torch online only, contact Elizabeth Tollefson at 218-281-8432 ([email protected])

The Reiersgords were parents of two sons, Thomas and Paul.

Join us for the Fargo Alumni Social on Thursday, November 15, 5-7 p.m. at the Ramada Plaza Suites in Fargo.

We WouLd Love To See you There!

“For a number of students, excelling in sport is the door to a college education,” Bill Tyrrell.


They’re one for the TeamIt began in 1993 when the University of Minnesota, Crookston transitioned from

a two-year technical college to a four-year baccalaureate degree granting institution. Then director of athletics Marv Bachmeier and director of external relations and development Al Larson, Ph.D., recognized the need for an organization to help raise money for athletic scholarships. The two brainstormed a number of times before a committee was formed, including members of both the campus and community, and through that committee, UMC Teambackers was born.

As a two-year institution, scholarships were not offered to student-athletes as determined by a decision of the conference, but that all changed when the four-year transition took place. This change made fundraising for scholarships both an opportunity and a challenge for the campus, and Bachmeier and Larson felt the importance for both the student-athletes and the athletic program.

“We had a lot of obligations with our own roles on campus, but we also knew we had to find a way to provide scholarships for our athletes,” Bachmeier said. “Al and I understood the significance, and we looked at what others were doing and engaged people on campus and in the community who could help provide leadership.”

Bachmeier and Larson recall the first meeting of the group with about 20 in attendance including Ed Odland, June Shaver, Jim Ingeman, Darin Cook, Bernadette

Al Larson was named Teambacker of the Year for 2012. Since June Shaver accepted the first-time honor in 1995, there have been 18 individuals recognized with the award.

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(Bettin) Motherway, Bobby Clauson, Chuck Hiller, John Reese, Jim LeClair, Chuck Larson, Pete Graham, and Scott Oliver along with a number of others. One of the first things they needed to do was choose a name for the group, and once that decision was made, they needed to plan how to raise money for scholarships and promote athletics. It took a year to draft bylaws and guidelines and determine a plan to raise money.

Athletic Director Stephanie Helgeson can attest to the importance of the work that Teambackers does. “Recruiting is our lifeline and athletic scholarship dollars are so important to what we do in athletics,” she says. “Everything Teambackers does is about helping our student-athletes.”

Leadership in the organization was fostered by its officers along with Bachmeier and Larson. It worked for

a while, but it wasn’t easy. “Without someone responsible full time, it was difficult,” Bachmeier says. “We really needed someone in charge to foster growth.”

After 18 years as an athletic trainer, Bill Tyrrell was appointed director of athletic fundraising in 2005 and works closely with Teambackers. “For a number of students, excelling in sport is the door to a college education,” Tyrrell said. “It is our goal to help those students continue to compete in the sport they love and to succeed academically. We appreciate every Teambacker member for their support and the difference they make in the lives of our student-athletes.”

Over the years, Teambackers has investigated and held a number of fundraising events, but the two that have been around the longest are the Teambacker summer golf

tournaments, which have grown from one tournament to five, and Fun Nite, an evening of food, games, and auctions held annually in April. Since its humble beginning, the organization has raised some $2 million dollars.

“The role of Teambackers is vital to our campus,” Tyrrell continues. “Our athletic programs need the financial contributions of individuals and organizations to help our student-athletes be successful in their sport as well as in the classroom. Anyone interested in Teambackers should contact me.”

To mark their 20th year, Teambackers is planning a number of anniversary events. To learn more about Teambackers, visit www.goldeneaglesports.com/teambackers or contact Tyrrell at 218-281-8436 ([email protected]).

Teambackers held a kick-off event celebrating their 20 year anniversary in August. In the photo are a few of the Teambacker members including (back row, left to right) Marv Bachmeier, Stephanie Helgeson, Corby Kemmer, Bill Tyrrell, and Ray Dusek. In the front row are Tom Helgeson, Kari Torkelson, Chancellor Fred Wood, Al Larson, and Ed Odland.

“Koreans have unique customs and high respect for their elders, which they show very clearly in public.”


my South korea StorySubmitted by Shawn Freidland ’11 who is currently at the Philadelphia College of

Osteopathic Medicine where he will finish his master’s of biomedical science degree next year and pursue a doctor of osteopathic medicine, which is a 4-year program.

While sharing departing remarks and hugs with my fellow graduates of the class of 2011, I remember telling my Korean friends that I’d visit them someday in South Korea. I never imagined that one year later I’d be eating kimchi and touring 400 year old palaces in Seoul with five fellow U of M, Crookston alumni.

Staying for six days with Young Jin Kim ’11 in Myeongdong, the heart of Seoul provided me with the ultimate immersion into Korean culture. With more than 10 million people—double the population of Minnesota—living in the capitol of South Korea, it became overwhelming at times going shopping or finding a place to eat.

Young Jin Kim and Sukil Oh ex. ’10 took me to the famous palaces in Seoul: Gyeongbokgung, Changdeokgung, and Jongmyo shrine. The architecture of the buildings and gardens was unbelievable, like nothing I’ve ever seen before. I thought the United States had history, but when I learned about Korea I was blown away.

I was able to explore Seoul’s nightlife with Eunhye “Halie” Kang ’11, HongGil Lee ’11 and Ye Eun Lee, ’11. I was fascinated to learn about Korean customs while eating and drinking. For example, it’s against traditional custom to fill your own glass—it must be filled by someone else at the table, and you must use two hands to hold the glass. Koreans have unique customs and high respect for their elders, which they show very clearly in public.

Eunhye Kang brought me to a traditional Korean art performance called Buchaechum, where dancers use fans, drums, and instruments. We also ventured to the border of North Korea and out to eat at some delicious and spicy restaurants.

Between the meats, soups, noodles, and rice, I tasted things I had never tasted before. I remember eating a dish named Samgyeopsal, which is very spicy, thinly-sliced pork. It was so spicy that I started crying, but it tasted so good I couldn’t help but eat more!

After visiting South Korea for six days, I volunteered at a hospital in Bangkok for one month. I’ve always been fascinated by different cultures and going to Korea and

Friedland enjoys a bowl of Naengmyeon (cold buckwheat noodle soup).

Thailand has made me realize how important and life changing travel and new experiences can be.

A message to current U of M, Crookston students: Outside of the classroom, the most important lesson I learned in college was to step out of my comfort zone. Whether it was getting involved in student government, becoming an RA or in this case befriending international students, when I stepped out of my comfort zone, I met people I might not have met otherwise.

So, I urge you to step out of your comfort zone and get to know an international student, let them cook you a meal, listen to their stories, and learn a few words in their language.

You have nothing to lose and everything to gain. I know I did!

Top right: Eunhye Kang, HongGil Lee, Shawn Friedland, and Young Jin Kim enjoying time together on Friedland’s trip to South Korea.

Right: Friedland with Eunhye “Halie” Kang at a Pizza Hut in Seoul, South Korea.

Below: Young Jin Kim and Shawn Friedland at Changgyeong Palace.

“We need to invest in talented Minnesota students and leverage the university’s research expertise to strengthen Minnesota’s economy,” President Eric Kaler.


legislative updatePresident Eric Kaler recently proposed to the Board of Regents his 2014-2015

legislative budget request.The reform agenda — including additional policy options — represents a new

partnership with the state to freeze tuition for resident undergraduate students, reduce student debt, and spark innovation and discovery to solve our toughest problems and advance the state economy.

“We need to invest in talented Minnesota students and leverage the university’s research expertise to strengthen Minnesota’s economy,” Kaler said. “This request achieves those goals and builds the foundation for a prosperous future.”

The proposal focuses on three reform areas:1. Reforming how we fund higher education — If the state commits $14.2 million

in 2014 and 2015, the U will hold resident base undergraduate tuition at current levels for all campuses those years. This would save a Crookston student $2,133 over four years. The university also will find internal savings worth 5 percent of its annual state appropriation ($28.5 million). Kaler is committing to accountability measures to earn an additional $11.5 million. The measures include increasing financial aid and the number of degrees awarded, improving graduation rates and increasing research and technology commercialization.

2. Reforming how we invest in research and innovation — The MnDRIVE (Minnesota Discovery, Research and InnoVation Economy) funding program would advance Minnesota’s economy, improve the health of Minnesotans and advance industry. It would invest $18 million in:

• Robotics, sensors and advanced manufacturing;• Securing the global food supply;• Advancing industry and conserving our environment; and• Discoveries and treatments for brain conditions.

U of M President Eric Kaler presents at the Board of Regents meeting in September.

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Campus Social media DirectoryEnjoy social media with us! Use the hashtag #UMCrookston to search for news about the campus or to share what makes you #UMNproud!

Facebookfacebook.com/umcrookston facebook.com/umcrookston.homecoming

Google+plus.google.com/umcrookston

instagraminstagram.com/umcrookston

linkedinz.umn.edu/umcrookston

Pinterestpinterest.com/umcrookston

Twittertwitter.com/umcrookston

youTubeyoutube.com/uofmcrookston

3. Reforming how students and families pay for higher education — The U proposes a $1.5 million loan forgiveness program to partially forgive student loans for health care professionals in underserved Minnesota communities. Kaler also proposes tax credits to offset student loans, eliminate taxes on undergraduate scholarships that exceed tuition and fees, and encourage private philanthropy for scholarships at Minnesota non-profit colleges and universities.

If fully funded, this legislative package would bring the university’s state appropriation back to 2001 levels without accounting for inflation.

The Board of Regents must act on Kaler’s proposal Oct. 12 before it is submitted to the governor and Legislature.

Go to www.supporttheu.umn.edu to support the proposal.

Photos courtesy of Patrick O’Leary, University of Minnesota.

Nominate a Classmate or Friend!Do you know an outstanding alumnus or alumna who is deserving of an award for exemplary commitment, achievement, or service? Consider nominating them for Outstanding Alumni, Top Aggie, or for induction into the Athletic Hall of Fame.

Send the name to Rose Ulseth in the Office of Development & Alumni Relations at [email protected] or call 218-281-8439.

Nominations can be made by visiting www.umcrookston.edu/alumni, choose either UMC Alumni Association or Northwest School of Agriculture Alumni Association, and select the appropriate award for your nominee. For nominations for Athletic Hall of Fame go to www.goldeneaglesports.com and choose Athletic Hall of Fame to make your nomination.

E-mail forwarding: If you are interested in reconnecting with a former classmate or acquaintance, the alumni office can help! Although we cannot release e-mail addresses due to privacy issues, we will be happy to forward a message to the person if he or she can be located in our database.

ALUMNINEWS


This alumni news reflects submissions re-ceived by September 17, 2012. News received after that date will be in the next issue of the Torch. The deadline for alumni news for the next issue is February 1, 2013.

1940s

Alton knutson ’42, Forest Lake, Minn., and his wife, Margretta “Toodie,” were honored with an open house luncheon celebrating their 90th birthdays and their 69th wedding anniversary. The event was hosted by their children on September 29, 2012.

1970s

Gary Swanson ’75, Afton, Minn., along with his wife, Lori, and their family, have been recognized by the University of Minnesota as a 2012 Farm Family of the Year for Washington County. Families were selected by their local county Extension committees for having demonstrated a commitment to enhancing and supporting agriculture. They were officially recognized in a ceremony at the annual Farmfest. The Swanson family farm has been in operation since 1942. The farm was originally a dairy but was converted to a feeder cattle and hog operation when Gary took over in 1976. Today Gary is operating a corn and soybean farm along with feeder cattle using GPS yield monitoring and mapping and grid soil sampling for fertilizing.

1980s

kristi ulrich ’83, Fargo, N.D., has joined Heritage Homes and Prudential Premier Real Estate in Fargo as vice president of marketing and public relations. Kristi has more than 29 years of experience in management, marketing, and public relations.

richard Newman ’84, Barnum, Minn., was named a 2012 Farm Family of the Year by the University of Minnesota for Carlton County. Richard and Corina Newman’s 80 acre farmstead was originally purchased by Rich’s grandparents in 1922. Rich’s father purchased and started farming the property in 1977. Rich and Corina purchased the farm in 1990, remodeled the barn, and started Newman Dairy in 1991. Today, the family milks about 30 cows, grows corn silage, and puts up their own haylage; barley and oats are cropped on alternate years. They also raise steers and heifers for sale.

1990s

karla Thormodson ’98, Fargo, N.D., and Michael Isley married October 13, 2012. The wedding and reception was held at the Avalon Events Center in Fargo. Karla is the director of contract administration at Noridian Administrative Services, LLC, in Fargo and Michael is a software design engineer at Microsoft in Fargo.

2000s

Tom and Jody (lundbohm) Andrades, ’00 & ’00, recently moved to Haslett, Mich. For the past 12 years, Tom has been employed at Parker Hannifin and is currently managing the Manitawac, Wisc.; Deerwood, Minn.; and Mason, Mich., IT department branches. Jody is a model office analyst at Jackson National Life Insurance, a position she’s held for the past four years.

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Dr. Andrew Gasparini ’02, Grand Forks, N.D., has joined Altru’s family medicine team. Most recently, Dr. Gasparini completed a residency in family medicine at Altru Health System. Prior to completing his residency, he worked at Altru for ten years with Altru’s Ambulance Services.

Amy (Nelson) Sperling ’02, Grand Forks, N.D., a personal banker with U.S. Bank for eight years, was recently awarded its First Quarter Star of Excellence award. Amy received the award for performing at the highest level among her peers and consistently showing a strong commitment to the needs of customers.

tyler and Jennifer (Severinson) Graetz ’04, Grand Forks, N.D., welcomed the birth of their baby girl, Morgan Autumn, on April 18, 2012.

Pat mcCabe ’06, Bloomington, Minn., was recently named athletic media relations director for the College of Saint Benedict, St. Joseph, Minn. Pat brings eight years of experience in athletic media relations to the Blazer athletic department, most recently as the sports information director at the U of M, Morris.

Alison Stone ’06, Fargo, N.D., North Dakota State University master’s student, is the recipient of the Curt Stern Memorial Scholarship from the National Sunflower Association. Alison is a student in the Department of Plant Pathology and is currently conducting research within the USDA-ARS Sunflower and Plant Biology Research Unit in Fargo.

Spencer berg ’07, Cold Bay, Alaska, and Mackenzie Reuss were married July 27, 2012, on the shore of Lake Latoka, Alexandria, Minn. Mackenzie is a registered nurse and Spencer is employed with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in Alaska.

Tamara Saxton ’07, Wanamingo, Minn., is lead fire technician at Rydell and Glacial Ridge national wildlife refuges in Polk County, Minn., and oversees a program that uses fire to enhance prairie habitat for the benefit of wildlife and native plants. Tamara is trained and certified in wildfires and heavy firefighting equipment and beginning her fourth year with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, which acquired the land from The Nature Conservancy to establish Glacial Ridge National Refuge.

Dauline menze ’08, Rochester, Minn., graduated from the University of Central Missouri in May with a master of science degree in college student personnel administration. Dauline is employed at the University of Minnesota Rochester as the student activities coordinator.

2010s

heather (herrig) and Stephen Funk ’10 & ’10, celebrated their second wedding anniversary on October 2, 2012. Stephen began his third year teaching agriculture at Mahnomen Public High School and Heather is a wetland specialist with the Natural Resources Conservation Service in Fergus Falls, Minn. The Funks recently bought their first home in Detroit Lakes, Minn.

SAVE THE DATEThe 38th Annual Ag Arama will be held January 26th, 2013, at the University of Minnesota

Crookston. Enjoy of fun filled day of showmanship contests, games for all ages, and food. For more information or any questions, contact Samantha

Zuck at [email protected]

We Want to Hear From You!To submit an item for the Alumni News Section, send information to: UMC Alumni Relations 115 Kiehle Building 2900 University Avenue Crookston, MN 56716 e-mail: [email protected] or complete the form on line at: www.umcrookston.edu/alumni/keepintouch.html.Please include your name, address, phone number, e-mail, year of graduation/attendance and information or news you wish to share (new job, career, family, or achievements, etc.)

ALUMNINEWS


Jordan Jacobson ’10 and kimberly kuehn ’11, St. James, Minn., were engaged July 29, 2011, and will be married September 14, 2013, in Stillwater, Minn. Jordan is an assistant superintendent at the St. James Golf Course and Kimberly is a teller at First National Bank in St. James.

rom ogaard ’10, Crookston, Minn., completed his initial year of employment with Northland Community and Technical College, Thief River Falls [Minn.] campus, as the radio/television program coordinator. He recently transferred to the East Grand Forks campus in the same capacity.

Stephanie onken ’10, resides in Sioux City, Iowa, where she works for Tiger-Rock Martial Arts International as the director of content and communication.

bobbie Torkelson ’10, Crookston, Minn., and Jessie Danielson were married June 23, 2012, in Fertile, Minn. Jessie is employed at New Flyer of America and Bobbie is employed at Tri valley head start, both in Crookston.

Skyler holzbauer ’11, Breckenridge, Minn., and Megan Vold were married July 28, 2012, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Breckenridge. Skyler is an agronomist at Wilbur Ellis Air, Wahpeton, N.D.

Christina benson ’12, Crookston, Minn., joined the human resources staff of RiverView Health in Crookston on May 14, 2012. She is responsible for workers’ compensation, employee health, and FMLA. Since 2007, Christina worked as a switchboard operator for RiverView.

matthew krueger ’12, Maddock, N.D., and Amanda Flint were married August 4, 2012, at First United Methodist Church in Aberdeen, S.D. Amanda is studying equine science and agricultural business at the U of M, Crookston, and currently interning with Leclair Performance Horses at St. Onge Ranch in Gainesville, Tex. Matthew is employed by Precision Ag Results in Maddock, as an agronomist.

is your organization hiring?Advertise your opportunity to current students and alumni through the University of Minnesota, Crookston – Official group on LinkedIn.

E-mail [email protected] with details including your contact information.

in memoryborgni (Skorpen) edinJamestown, N.D.December 1, 2011Taught at the Northwest School of Agriculture from 1950-1952 and spoke with the greatest respect and affection for the young men and women who were her students.

robert Wurden ex. ’42 Fisher, Minn.August 8, 2012

Alva (leshar) Sparby ’44Grygla, Minn.October 8, 2010

Phyllis (Fore) Peterson ’46 Thief River Falls, Minn., formerly of Hastings, Minn.July 14, 2012

Curtis Simmons ’47 Adv.Fertile, Minn.June 13, 2012

marian (melin) Deboer ’49Long Lake, Isanti, Minn.August 1, 2012

Steve Pauluk ’49 Adv.West Hartford, Conn.December 3, 2011

Arthur helgeson ’50 Adv.Erskine, Minn.May 21, 2012

Jens bolstad ’53 Great Falls, Mont.June 26, 2012

Vernon Grove ex. ’55 Crookston, Minn.June 19, 2012

robert kuznia ’55 Casper, Wyo.May 14, 2012

robert odegaard ’64Kindred, N.D.September 7, 2012

Clifford Sondrol ’64 Shakopee, Minn.July 30, 2012

keith myhrer ’68Frazee, Minn.July 10, 2006

William “bill” Tripp, Jr. ex. ’68Redwood Falls, Minn.June 9, 2012

michael “mike” hayes ’86 Big Lake, Minn.May 27, 2012

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lauren Stai ’12, Bemidji, Minn., works at Northern Farmers Co-op Exchange and Northern Excellence Seed of Williams, Minn. Her job includes checking fields for pests, collecting soil samples, and conducting research.

Julie Trotter ’12, Eagan, Minn., is sales and marketing coordinator for Bonanzaville, a historical museum and event center in West Fargo, N.D. Julie is responsible for coordinating events and volunteers as well as leading marketing and sales initiatives.

Torch

Volume 44, Number 3, Fall 2012 Torch is a publication of the University of Minnesota, Crookston.

Director of Development & Alumni RelationsCorby [email protected]

Support StaffRose Ulseth ’87 [email protected]

Sue Dwyer ’[email protected]

umCAA board Paige Eskelson ’08Donna Hartel ’07Rory Held ’11Nancie Hoerner ’95Juanita Lopez ’08Amy (Peterson) Lubarski ’02Carl Melbye ’77Linda (Knutson) Morgan ’85 & ’09Greg Nathan ’98Jen (Novak) Nelson ’06Katie (Becker) Shaw ’07Karl Syverson ’11Bill Thielke ’94

NWSA Alumni Association board Jim Chandler ’67Don Diedrich ’56Allan Dragseth ’57Jeannette (Love) Filipi ’57David Haugo ’52Charles Holmquist ’52Bob Kliner ’68Melvin Larson ’55Berneil Nelson ’42, ex officioClarice (Olson) Stolaas ’56Beulah (Stolaas) Vad ’58Jean (Stromstad) Vigness-

Parker ’55

Contact information:TorchElizabeth Tollefson ’02, editorUniversity of Minnesota, Crookston2900 University AvenueCrookston, Minnesota 56716Phone: 218-281-8432Fax: 218-281-8440E-mail: [email protected]

The University of Minnesota, Crookston is a public, baccalaureate, coeducational institution and a coordinate campus of the University of Minnesota. The Northwest School of Agriculture (NWSA) was a residential high school serving students from 1906-68 and the predecessor of the Crookston campus. The Torch is named for the historical passing of the educational torch between the NWSA and the U of M, Crookston in 1968.

The University of Minnesota is committed to the policy that all persons shall have equal access to its programs, facilities and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status or sexual orientation.

Layout and design by Amy Chandler Design of Grand Forks, N.D., and printed at Forum Communications Printing in Fargo, N.D.

Printed on recycled and recyclable paper with at least 10 percent post-consumer material using agribased inks.

On the front cover: Brock Anundson, a 2005 sport and recreation management graduate, has been working in operations with the United States Olympic Committee at the U.S. Olympic Complex in Colorado Springs since January 2011. Photo courtesy of Tom Kimmell Photography

On the back cover, Because feature: Bottles of seeds collected more than 100 years are a symbol of our history as a land grant institution.

Front row: George Proulx, Gloria (Nelson) Holte, Carol (Hotvedt) Wahl, Kay (Haugen) Jacobsen, Sandra ( Risser) Reynolds, Bonita (Bohnsack) Rotvold. Middle row: Hugh Swift, Pat McKeever,

Gerald Helgeson, Dale Charais, David Walz, and Robert Schol. Back row: Ernie Swift, John Sannes Harley Grefschmeidt, Dick Olson, Don Strickler, Mark Hoper, James Smith, and David Brule.

Photo gallery link at www.umcrookston.edu/photogallery/nwsaclassreunions

office of development & Alumni relations2900 university AvenueCrookston, MN 56716-5001Change Service requested

Find us on Facebook™facebook.com/umcrookston

Follow us on Twitter™twitter.com/umcrookston

Watch us on YouTube™youtube.com/uofmcrookston

UPCOMING EVENTSNovember 7.................................................................................................................Torch & Shield RecognitionNovember 15 ......................................................................Alumni Social, Ramada Plaza Suites, Fargo, N.D.November 20 ................................................................................................................. UMCAA Annual MeetingFebruary 15, 2013 .................................. NWSA/UMC Alumni Arizona Social, Viewpoint Resort, MesaMay 11, 2013....................................................................... Commencement Exercises for the Class of 2013June 29, 2013 ......................................................................................................................NWSA Alumni ReunionOctober 4-5, 2013 ................................................................................................................................. Homecoming

torch, volume 44, number 3, fall 2012

Documents

university campus

crookston campus

new students

campus news

services students

campus mission

student life

wonderful faculty