specialdonorreport - University of Minnesota, Crookston

A Magazine for Alumni & Friends of the 

University of Minnesota, Crookston 

Vol. 40, No. 2 Annual Report Spring 2008 

SPECIAL DONOR REPORT

Torch 

Annual Report Spring 2008 

Torch is a publication of the University of Minnesota, 

Crookston. 

Director of Development & Alumni Relations 

Corby Kemmer 

218-281-8434 ckemmer@umn.edu 

Support Staff 

Rose Ulseth 

218-281-8439 rulseth@umn.edu 

Sue Dwyer 

218-281-8401 sdwyer@umn.edu 

UMCAA Board of Directors 

Cindy Bigger, ’79 

Brandy (Lietz) Chaffee, ‘00 

Korey Hegreberg, ‘98 

Kylene (Odegaard) Lehmann, ‘01 

Amy (Peterson) Lubarski, ‘02 

Carl Melbye, ‘79 

Jennifer Novak, ‘06 

Michelle Ramstad, ‘03 

Leah (Stratton) Reitmeier, ’93 

Rich Stangle, ‘07 

Tara Sylvester, ‘06 

Kari Torkelson, O.D., ex. ‘91 

Kari Vallager, ’03 

NWSA Alumni Association Board of Directors 

Lowell Hamrick, ‘53 

Charles Holmquist, ’52 

Don Holy, ‘53 

Bob Kresl, ’53 

Norm Landby, ‘55 

Barbara (Hylland) Lunsetter, ’56 

Berneil Nelson, ’42, ex officio 

Harvey Pulkrabek, ‘48 

Gerhard Ross, ‘45 

David Sorvig, ‘46 

Richard Widseth, ‘49 

Contact information: 

Torch 

Elizabeth Tollefson, editor 

University of Minnesota, Crookston 

2900 University Avenue 

Crookston, Minnesota 56716 

Phone: 218-281-8432 

Fax: 218-281-8440 

E-mail: ltollefs@umn.edu 

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. 

Printed on recycled and recyclable paper with at least 

10 percent post-consumer material using agribased inks. 

Designed and printed at FinePrint of Grand Forks, Inc. 

On the cover: Chancellor Charles H. Casey, D.V.M., is joined 

by students holding their countries’ flags representing just a 

few of the global connections between the University of 

Minnesota, Crookston and the world. From top to bottom (l to 

r): Chancellor Casey; Luke Anderson, ’07, natural resources 

major from Crookston, Minn.; Senior Subok Kim, business 

management major from South Korea; Freshman Lhakpa 

Gurung, early childhood education major from Nepal; Senior 

Nari Kim, business management major from South Korea, 

Sophomore Alvin Tong, business aviation and natural 

resources major from Singapore; and Junior Tracy Nyhus, 

pre-dentistry major from Almena, Wis. 

Annual Report 2008 

It is my pleasure to present you with this annual report on the 

University of Minnesota, Crookston, and the work we do to deliver 

applied, career-oriented learning, research and service that combines 

theory, practice and experimentation in a technology-rich environment. 

As I reflect on the new ideas and the enthusiasm that such progress has 

yielded during the past year, I am reminded 

that the stories captured here are only 

a small portion of the great 

accomplishments realized by 

students, faculty, staff, alumni 

and supporters of the Crookston 

campus. However, we celebrate 

these relevant successes that 

drive the campus forward and 

show how we are living the 

University of Minnesota vision 

in northwestern Minnesota. 

“The great thing in this world 

is not so much where we stand, 

as in what direction we are moving,” 

so said acclaimed 19th century poet 

Oliver Wendell Holmes, Sr. At the 

University of Minnesota, Crookston, it is evident that we are moving forward. 

What are the indications? Enrollment is up. Applications and admits 

for next fall are up 70% and 60% to date, respectively. More individuals 

and families have discovered the unique aspects of the Crookston campus 

and are making it their higher education choice. Campus strategic plans 

call for bringing more online learners onboard, attracting students from 

around the world and expanding degree offerings. We are pleased that all 

of these are successfully supporting recruitment and retention efforts. 

Giving to the Crookston campus is also on the rise in the form of 

endowments and scholarships as well as program and facility investments. 

Donors are committed to enhancing opportunities on campus so students 

can compete successfully in the global marketplace and faculty can 

enhance quality of life through research and discovery. We are pleased to 

recognize these individuals and businesses in the Donor Report included in 

this issue. 

I am excited to share this overview with you and hope you’ll take pride 

in the progress we’ve made in educating exceptional students, fostering 

exceptional faculty and staff, strengthening an exceptional organization and 

promoting exceptional innovation. I appreciate your dedication to supporting 

our journey and encourage you to look forward with us toward an even 

better year ahead. 

Sincerely, 

Charles H. Casey, D.V. M. 

Chancellor 

Exceptional Students, Exceptional Faculty and Staff, Exceptional Organization, Exceptional Innovation 

3

Right: Ryo Iwasaki, an international student 

from Japan, received grant funding for his 

undergraduate research project in Second Life. 

Far right: The sign identifying the U of M, 

Crookston Multicultural Center in Second Life. 

Iwasaki continues to develop the project under 

the guidance of David DeMuth, Jr., Ph.D., head 

of Math, Science & Technology Department. 

Research Has “Second Life” 

Junior Ryo Iwasaki creates multicultural and diversity center in Second Life 

University of Minnesota, Crookston Junior Ryo Iwasaki is 

using the virtual world to improve communication and awareness 

in the real world by constructing a multicultural and 

diversity center in Second Life. 

Sound confusing? It can be, unless you are familiar with 

Second Life, a three-dimensional virtual world created 

entirely by its users, known as Residents. Since opening to 

the public in 2003, Second Life has grown explosively and 

today is inhabited by millions of Residents from around the 

globe (www.secondlife.com). This vast digital continent, 

made possible by the power of the Internet, is inhabited by 

avatars, which are the “people” created by Residents as a 

personal expression in a virtual world. 

Walter Raymaker is the name of Ryo Iwasaki’s avatar. 

Iwasaki is working on a project in Second Life that will create 

a place for students to gain an understanding of the 

Second Life system and contribute to a new educational 

movement taking place in this virtual environment. 

Iwasaki explains, “The great thing about Second Life is 

that it brings together students from all over the world and we 

can do things we could not do in our first life.” Those things 

include practicing conversation and developing relationships 

with students unrestricted by location – important tools for 

helping students to overcome bias and discrimination. It also 

provides students with an opportunity to learn about the 

Crookston campus by interacting with its students. 

“Appearances, clothing, facial expressions, tone of voice 

and other physical attributes can influence our impressions of 

people,” Iwasaki points out. “These factors are eliminated in 

Second Life thereby easing communication and social constraint.” 

Second Life is comprised of many of the same elements 

we have in “first life.” Iwasaki enthused, “It provides a creative, 

energetic and engaging environment.” His work, under 

the guidance of David DeMuth, Jr., Ph.D., associate professor 

and head of the Math, Science and Technology Department, 

is building a multicultural and diversity center patterned after 

the work of architect Frank Lloyd Wright. 

Iwasaki is establishing the first presence of the U of M, 

Crookston in the virtual world and opening the door for 

greater exploration and development. The possibilities are 

endless and the opportunities for education are “virtually” 

unlimited! 

Winning Crops Judging Team: Stephen Roerick (alternate), Amy Schwartz, 

Joyana Wardrip, Luke Dighans and Associate Professor Chuck Habstritt. 

Above: With eight regional championships 

under their belt, the U of M, Crookston SIFE 

club is working on projects such as a student-run 

radio station, the Golden Eagle 

Grind coffee shop and many others. 

Left: Successful horticulture team included 

Jennifer Zoch, Kaarina Visness, Scott 

Hoffman and Kathryn Stangler. 

4 

www.UMCrookston.edu

Senior Theresa Crance played both basketball 

and volleyball for the Golden Eagles. 

Finding a Perfect Fit 

For this small-town girl, a small-town campus was the perfect fit. University of 

Minnesota, Crookston Senior Theresa Crance, who grew up in Timber Lake, S.D., a 

town of just over 400, had the chance to play NCAA Division II athletics if she attended 

school in Crookston. While that drew her to the campus, the opportunity to receive 

a U of M degree without hectic city life confirmed her decision. Two weeks after 

her campus visit, Crance committed to playing Golden Eagle volleyball and 

basketball. 

Crance was named to the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC) 

All-Academic team two years in basketball and three years in volleyball. She was 

also named NSIC Honorable Mention All-Conference in volleyball in 2007. 

A member of the Intercollegiate Compliance Committee at the Crookston 

campus, Crance has been a very active student, serving as a student representative 

on the Student Conduct Committee, as well as serving as the student-athlete 

representative on the athletic hiring committee. 

In addition to athletics, Crance is involved with Students Today Leaders 

Forever (STLF), a non-profit organization emphasizing leadership development 

through youth programming, giving her the chance to participate in the Pay It 

Forward alternative spring break tour twice. Crance served as one of the team 

leaders from the Crookston campus. Her mother even joined her on the trip – 

something Crance will always cherish. 

Crance will graduate in May 2008 with degrees in both biology and the 

pre-professional health sciences. After graduation, she plans on pursuing her doctorate 

in physical therapy. 

“The caring atmosphere created by the faculty and staff makes this campus a comfortable 

place to learn and get involved,” Crance says. “It has helped make me the best that I could be.” 

Looking back over her collegiate career, Crance believes she has evolved both personally and 

professionally and attributes that to her campus experience. “I have worked hard with the hope 

that I will leave a mark on the campus and the people here when I leave for new adventures 

because this place has certainly influenced my life.” 

Teamwork Builds Success 

Working together leads to successful competitions for crops judging, business and horticulture teams 

Success is a longstanding trademark of the crops judging 

teams at the University of Minnesota, Crookston. The 2007 

Collegiate Crops Judging Team, coached by Associate Professor 

Chuck Habstritt, placed second at both the Chicago and Kansas 

City (Missouri) Collegiate Crops Judging Contest. 

For the Students in Free Enterprise (SIFE) club, success has 

meant winning the regional championship for eight consecutive 

years. They also run the Golden Eagle Grind, the campus coffee 

shop located in the Student Center. Most recently the club, along 

with General Mills, has been working with Red Lake High School 

students to market their very own cookbook with recipes from the 

Red Lake tribal community. Advisors for the club are business 

instructors Eric Burgess and Kenneth Johnson. 

Despite being the smallest horticulture program in the competition, 

the University of Minnesota, Crookston still managed 

to grab second place – out of 13 schools – in the Mid-America 

Collegiate Horticulture Society competition. Participants take 

a written horticulture exam in addition to judging various types 

of horticulture crops and identifying both herbaceous and 

woody plants. The team is coached by horticulture instructor 

Sue Jacobson. 


5

Associate Professor Wendell Johnson 

and two students take a closer look at 

the parts of the hibiscus flower. 

Research and Teaching 

Grow Rewarding Career 

During a career spanning 40 years at the University of Minnesota, 

Crookston, Associate Professor Wendell Johnson has taught hundreds of 

students the finer points of botany and plant physiology. 

Johnson started his career teaching high school science before heading 

to the University of South Dakota in Vermillion. After receiving a master’s 

degree in botany, Johnson took a job at the U of M, Crookston in the summer 

of 1968. A few years later, he decided to take a leave to complete 

a second master’s degree in crop physiology at Iowa State University 

in Ames. 

Over the years, Johnson not only spent his time teaching but has worked 

with a number of partners on research in bio-mass fuels using cattails 

and hybrid trees. He appreciates the excellent partners he has had the 

opportunity to work with during his career 

including the Natural Resources Research 

Institute, the Agricultural Utilization 

Associate Professor 

Wendell Johnson 

taught botany and 

plant physiology 

during his 40-year 

career at the 

U of M, Crookston. 

Award-Winning Faculty 

Equine Industries Management 

Instructor Nicky Overgaard, ’96, was 

honored as the 2007 Horsewoman of the 

Year by Great Midwestern International 

Horse Show. Overgaard is a previous 

Intercollegiate Horse Show Association 

rider and founding member of the U of 

M, Crookston Golden Eagle Equestrian 

team. For the past ten years, Overgaard 

has served as an instructor in the equine 

program. She teaches such courses as 

training and showing, reproduction, 

western horsemanship, driving and 

English equitation. 

Research Institute (AURI), the Energy & Environmental Research Center (EERC), Initiative 

for Renewable Energy and Environment (IREE), Minnesota Department of Natural 

Resources and the U.S. Forest Service. 

“I have worked with many excellent agencies that have helped with funding for 

research,” Johnson reflects. “The outside relationships have been great avenues for 

applied research projects.” 

Working summers and taking release time to conduct research influenced his 

teaching. “The research work led to new technologies and ideas applicable to 

teaching,” affirms Johnson. “I took my experience right back to the classroom 

and lab.” 

For Johnson, who will officially retire at the end of spring semester 

2008, teaching has been the greatest source of pleasure in his long 

career. “Every semester brought new challenges, new activities and 

new students” and for Johnson that made teaching worthwhile. 

More recently, Johnson co-chaired the committee that helped 

develop the new biology degree on campus. Through the degree, 

students may choose from advanced courses designed to emphasize 

studies in either animal or plant systems or any of the pre-professional 

health science study options. 

“The biological sciences are always changing, and it is important 

to be current with new developments,” Johnson says. “Change 

makes it very important for students to have a good foundation and 

that is what we offer at the University of Minnesota, Crookston – 

technology, applied learning and a great foundation on which to 

build a career.” 


Donor Report 2008 

“How wonderful it is that nobody need wait 

a single moment before starting to improve 

the world.” 

– Anne Frank 

On behalf of the University of 

Minnesota, Crookston, it gives me great 

pleasure to use this special annual report 

issue of the Torch to extend my sincere 

gratitude for your generosity and support 

of this great institution. 

Wherever your footsteps have taken 

you, you haven’t traveled alone. We all 

have the opportunity to improve the 

Lifetime Giving 

Corby Kemmer 

Director of Development & Alumni Relations 

world. It has been said that “it takes a 

village to raise a child.” In the mind of 

this director of development, it takes 

generous and consistent giving to offer 

affordable education to an increasing 

number of students. 

I am pleased to report that the 

University of Minnesota, Crookston again 

had a successful fundraising year. In 2007 

(July 1, 2006 – June 30, 

2007), $690,471 was 

generated in total gifts – 

up $24,353 from fiscal year 

2006. Through your 

investment(s) in the U 

of M, Crookston, you 

acknowledge the 

importance of research and 

discovery, teaching and 

learning and outreach and 

public service. 

The University of 

Minnesota, Crookston 

relies on annual and lifetime giving from 

alumni and friends. Your participation 

demonstrates to others that you value the 

Crookston campus. 

Your private dollars make this a better 

university, one that has an increasingly 

significant economic impact on the 

community of Crookston, the region and 

state. Whether you’re a current, past or 

new donor considering a gift, know that 

your contributions change lives and that 

giving is a spectacular act! 

Please contact me on the numerous 

giving opportunities available to you in 

support of the University of Minnesota, 

Crookston, toll-free at 800-862-6466 ext. 

8434 (ckemmer@umn.edu). 

My heartfelt thanks to you. With your 

support, the future is bright! 

Corby Kemmer 

Director of Development & 

Alumni Relations 

BUILDERS SOCIETY 

(Lifetime Gifts of $1,000,000 or more) 

Lyle & Kathleen Kasprick 

Frank W. Veden* Charitable Trust 

REGENTS SOCIETY 

(Lifetime Gifts of $500,000 through 

$999,999) 

Larry & Diane Altringer 

Elenora Amalia & Ben Filipi, 

In Memoriam 

The Ford Foundation 

Les & June Nielsen 

TRUSTEES SOCIETY 


$499,999) 

Stanley S.* & 

Hanorah K. Alseth* 

Blandin Foundation 

Otto Bremer Foundation 

Charles H. Casey & 

Barbara J. Muesing 

Michael* & Linda Chowdry 

Family Foundation 

Rolland* & Avis* Gustafson 

Carl & Lorraine Hord, 

In Memoriam 

Wallace* & Hanna* Miller 

Roger & Paulette Moe 

Hazel E. Nakken Estate 

Ernest J. Newhouse* 

Northwest Minnesota Foundation 

Donald & Wilma* Oss 

Otter Tail Power Company 

Harris A. Peterson 

Robert & Barbara Peterson 

Stanley & Mil* Sahlstrom 

June Shaver 

Andrew Skaar 

Jeraldine Swain 

UMC Teambackers 

Andrew & Elmer Wardeberg, 

In Memoriam 

CHANCELLORS SOCIETY 


$99,999) 

Rose C. Anderson Estate 

Big Valley 4-H Cluster Fair, Inc. 

Bremer Bank of Crookston 

Deutsche Banc Alex Brown, Inc. 

Harlene Hagen 

Gloria Hvidsten 

IBM Corporation 

Allan & Kathryn Larson 

Marvin Windows & Doors 

Michael & Barbara Menzhuber 

Allen & Freda Pedersen 

Albert O. Peterson* 

Harold O. & Alma* Peterson 

Robert G. Robinson* 

Donald & Mary Beth Sargeant 

Dr. Russell Sather* 

Allan H. & Barbara Ward/Ward 

Charitable Trust 

FOUNDERS SOCIETY 


$49,999) 

American Crystal Sugar Company 

Bayer Corporation 

Robert & Becky Cameron 

Cy & Frances Carpenter 

Richard Cecchettini & Nan Wille 

Cenex Harvest States Foundation 

Dak-Bev/PepsiAmericas Inc. 

Allan & Judy Dragseth 

Doris & Gary Egbert 

Jeffrey Field 

Special Donor Report


Kenton & Barbara Freberg 

Robert Hoerner 

Tom Hruby 

Paul Klodt 

Carol Mack 

Marion Ugland Mallinger Estate 

Elaine Maruska 

Midwest Dairy Assn. (formerly 

American Dairy Assn.) 

Minn-Dak Growers Assn. 

Minnesota Approved Seed 

Conditioner & Marketing 

Association 

Northern Co-op Foundation 

Doug & Sandi Oman 

Georgia Orton 

Del & Judy Roelofs 

Larry & Sandra Smith 

Phyllis Anderson Solee 

Syngenta Crop Protection Inc. 

VFW Post 1902, Crookston 

Gordon & Diane Viere 

Barbara & Philip Weiler 

William & Nancy Zats 

AMBASSADORS CLUB 


$24,999) 

3M Foundation Inc. 

Altru Health System 

American Legion Post #20 

Everett & Rejeanne Anderson 

Marvin & Diane Bachmeier 

Benjamin & 

Ardelle* Bakkegard 

David & Karen Bang 

Don & Carrie Bang 

Daniel & Rochelle Bauer 

Percy & Colleen Blake 

Lyle & Jeanne Brekken 

Bruce & Susan Brorson 

Hilmer & Hildegard Brost 

Philip & Ethel Buckley 

Peter & Karen Carlson 

Cathedral of Immaculate 

Conception (George & 

Cecil Conati Sch) 

Donald & Mary Cavalier 

Centrol of Twin Valley 

Alan Copa 

Thomas Crane 

Crookston Chamber of 

Commerce 

Crookston Development 

Authority 

Crookston Jobs 

Crookston National Bank 

Morris Dahl 

Dahlgren and Company, Inc. 

Clifford Dahlsad* 

John Doherty 

Hannah Dowell 

Jack & Audrey Eickhof 

Dr. Peter Fehr 

Thomas & Kim Feiro 

Glen & Marlys Finkenbinder 

First State Bank of Fertile 

Dona Fisher 

George & Rae French 

Arvin Gorden 

Edna Gudvangen Estate 

Charles & Christine Habstritt 

Delmar* & Eunice* Hagen 

Bruce & Aase Hamnes 

Hartz Foundation 

Stephanie & Tom Helgeson 

David & Irene Hoff 

Duane & Susan Hoff 

Art* & Joyce Howard 

Earl Hvidsten* 

Kenneth & Patricia Johannson 

Ray K. Johnson 

Mary Louise Jorgenson* 

Michelle Wilcox King 

Albert Kopecky* 

KROX Radio 

Land O’ Lakes, Inc. 

Charles & Jorene Larson 

Keith Magnuson 

Richard Maves 

Gary & Nancy McVey 

Rita Meyer 

Catherine Meyers 

Mid-Valley Grain Co-op 

Andrew V. Miller 

Minnesota Grain & 

Feed Association 

North Central Food 

Systems, Inc. 

Northwest Regional 

Development Commission 

Anne Nowlan 

Roger & Gail Odegaard 

Mildred Odegaard* 

Richard Pals 

Arnold & Pamela Paradis 

Edwin Pearson* 

Ralph & Mary Pester 

PKM Electric Cooperative, Inc. 

Polk County, Crookston 

Courtney & Mary Pulkrabek 

Keith Ramberg 

Robertson Brothers 

Clarence & 

Edna Sargent 

Eugene & 

Susan Scarberry 

Gary & Carol Senske 

Otilda Anderson Shadensack 

Estate 

Robert & Julie Smith 

William* & Jean Strickler 

Ralph & Carole Taylor 

The Andersons, Inc. 

UMC Management Club 

UMC Women’s Association 

John & Janice Vallager 

Roger Ward* 

Karla Watson 

Carol Windels 

Harvey & Jeannine Windels 

Bernard & Bernice* Youngquist 

CHAMPIONS CLUB 


$9,999) 

Paul & Janet Aakre 

Agriliance LLC 

American Federal Bank, 

Crookston 

Association of American 

Agricultural Insurers 

Aventis Cropscience 

Bonita & Bruce Anderson 

Philip & JoAnn Baird 

Bruce Beresford* 

Jo Bolte 

Kenneth E. & Harriet Broin 

Ruth Menzhuber Buness* 

John & Mary Bywater 

Linda Chowdry 

Brian Ciccone 

City of Crookston 

Bo & Margareta Crabo 

Crookston Kiwanis 

Crookston Noon Day Lions 

Crookston Rotary Club 

Margaret Czachor 

Morris Dahl 

Robert & Diana Fehr 

Walter & Elinor Fehr 

Cynthia Fossey 

Jack Frid 

Michael & Connie Gasper 

Grain Terminal Association 

Art Greenberg 

Orland & Vivian Hanson 

David & Jean Haugo 

Adam & Crystal Maruska 

Richard & Carole Hebert 

Charles & Bonnie* Holmquist 

Alice & Joseph Hufstedler 

Shelly Hughes 

Hugo’s 

Johannson, Rust, Fagerlund, 

Yon and Stock PA 

Wendell & Penny Johnson 

Richard Jordahl 

Kim Kaug 

Jerome & 

Mary Lynne* Knutson 

Preston* & 

Patricia Dollard King* 

Harold & Marjorie Lang 

Elizabeth Luther 

Herschel Lysaker* 

Joseph & Virginia Massey 

Nicolle McBlair 

Mid-State Chapter-MN Society 

of CPA’s 

Midwest Coca-Cola Bottling 

Company 

Berneil Nelson 

Robert & Gayle Nelson 

Alan & G. Lorraine Nesland 

Northland Inn, Crookston 

Northwest Agri-Dealers 

Association 

Northwest Feed Manufacturers 

Association 

Northwestern Stockmen’s Assn. 

Odland, Fitzgerald, 

Reynolds & Remick 

Marsha Odom 

Steven C. Olson 

R. Bruce Partridge & 

Dr. Jane C. Widseth 

G. Milford Peterson Trust 

The Pillsbury Company 

William & Jean Rath 

Red River Valley Sugarbeet 

Growers Assn. 

John & Ruth Reese 

Gilmore Restad Estate 

Gerhard & Norma Ross 

Arnold Skeie 

Dr. Sara Sneed 

State Farm Company 

Foundation 

W. Daniel & Vicki Svedarsky 

Twyla Treanor 

Bill & Mary Tyrrell 



Villa St. Vincent 

Al* & JoAnn Westburg 

Lyle & Susan Westrom 

Laurie & Daniel Wilson 

Stephen Wright* 

SPONSORS CLUB 


$4,999) 

AGSCO, Inc. 

Curtiss & Marlene Almlie 

Anderson Beverages 

Rose Anderson 

Thomas E.* & 

Kirsten Anderson 

Anonymous Donor 

Kristen & Brent Bartsch 

Bill & Arlene Bayer 

Connie Batten 

Marjorie Berendt 

Howard & Cathy Bergerud 

Dr. Steve & Jana Biermaier 

Cindy Bigger 

Lon & Chris Boike 

Robert & Gladys Boucher 

Central Livestock Association 

Keith Chisholm 

Charles Christians 

Michael & Michelle Curfman 

Lisa & Marvin Drill 

Frederic & Rose Mary Eldridge 

David & Peggy Engh 

Marshall Evans* 

Dr. Colin Fennell 

First American Bank, Warren 

Fraternal Order of the Eagles, 

Crookston Aerie #873 

GFG Foodservice, Inc. 

GFWC Women’s Club 

Dr. Peter & Ann Graham 

Arlyss & Richard Grosz 

Gilman* & Maxine* Hanson 

Richard & Terry Hanson 

Happy Joe’s of Crookston 

HealthSouth Sports Medicine & 

Rehabilitation Center 

Ralph & Rene Heimer 

Charles & Marlys Hiller 

Paul & Alice Holm 

Charles Horowitz 

Harry Howard 

David & Bertha Hsiao 

Larry Huus* 

Jeannie Jensen 

Robert & JoAnn Jeska 

Robert L. & Joan Johnson 

Brenda Cruz Keith 

Donald* & Donna Keith 

Orvis & Carol Kloster 

Dale & Mary Ann Knotek 

Russell & Susan Kreager 

Mark Kunkel 

Florence Kuznia 

Lowell & Carole Larson 

Teri Lawson 

Leonard Street & Deinhard 

Bernie Lieder 

Betty Lundin 

Patti Malme 

2007 Torch & Shield Award Recipients 

Jennifer Marske 

McDonalds of Crookston - 

Mike & Cindy O’Keefe 

McKinnon Co., Inc. 

Donald & Mary Medal 

Philip Meyers 

Midwest Dairy Association 

JR Miller & Company 

Minnesota Wheat 

Research & 

Promotion Council 

Lynnette Mullins 

Jerry Nagel & Brenda Menier 

Rodney & Nancy Nelson 

Noah Insurance Service 

Jacqueline & James Normandin 

Northern States Power 

Scott & Denice Oliver 

Glenn Olsen & 

Barbara Hager-Olsen 

Kramer W. Olsen 

Randal L. Olson 

Sharon Olson 

Susan Omdahl 

Fred Ophus 

Jeffrey Oseth 

Cindy Ostlie 

PENTAIR, Inc. 

Harvey Peterson 

William C. & Debra Peterson 

Alison Phillips 

Thomas & Deborah Piche’ 

Gary & Patricia Purath 

Patricia Ramstad 

William T. & Pearl Rasmussen 

Red River Valley Potato 

Growers Assn. 

Forest & Rose Reichel 

John Reitmeier 

Christine Renard 

Marielle Robinson 

Alex & Hollyn Rodeck 

Alan Roebke 

Dr. Daniel Rud 

Dorothy & Rodney Soderstrom 

Sports, Etc. 

James Sterriker 

Subway, Crookston 

Swanson, Ostlie and Associates 

Wayne & JoAnne Swanson 

Dr. Kari Torkelson 

Norman Torkelson 

Theresa Trocke 

UMC Hospitality Club 

UMC Horticulture Club 

Lee & Sharon Wall 

Terri Weyer 

Edwin* & Janet* Widseth 

Richard Widseth 

Widseth Smith Nolting & 

Associates 

Charles & Ruth Wilder 

XCEL Energy 

David & Mary Yost 

John & Deborah M. Zak 

ASSOCIATES CLUB 


$2,499) 

Adkins Equipment, Inc. 

Aero Dyna-Kleen Services, Inc. 

AGF Foundation 

Agassiz Study Club 

American Dairy Association, 

West Polk County 

American Family 

American Legion, Fisher 

Honorable Russell & 

Kristin Anderson 

Alton* & Georgine Arness 

David Badman 

Harvey & Elaine Baker 

Claudia & Larry Barton 

Ed & Ann Baumgartner 

Everett & Edith Battles, 

In Memoriam 

Eldo & Marlys Bentley 

Howard & Verna Berg 

Eddie & Barbara Bernhardson 

Jeffrey & Julie Bigger 

Kevin Bigger 

Mark Bigger 

Scott Bigger 

Larry & Georgia Blatchford 

John Blue 

Gregory Boetcher 

Karl & Alice* Bornhoft 

James & Patricia Bramley 

Art & Nancy Brandli 

Stephen & Lonnie Braseth 

Betty Brecto 

David Brictson 

Roger* & Faith* Briden 

Velmer S. Burton, Jr. 

Wayne & Nancy Capistran 

Mylo Carlson Family 

The Carpet Mart, Crookston 

Darlene R. Charron 

Ray & June Christensen 

Richard & Myra Christenson 

Michelle & Michael 

Christopherson 

Coast-to-Coast Hardware, 


David & Trudy Crawford 

Crookston Blue Line Club, Inc. 




Crookston Dawn-to-Dusk Lions 

Crookston Federal Land Bank 

Crookston Pontiac-Buick-GMC 

Crookston Scholarship Fund 

Crookston Valley 

Cooperatives, Inc. 

R. Blake Crosby 

Custom Aire Inc. 

Dan’s Flying Service 

Stanley & Doris Davis 

Kari Torkelson, O.D. 

Gene Dessel 

Delta Airlines Foundation 

Mr. & Mrs. Harvey Diamond 

Dirks, Inc. 

Paul & Sue Dwyer 

Rick & Mary Jo Eastes 

Paul Eggebraaten 

Duane* & Alice Ekman 

Milton Ellinger 

Donald & Theresa Enright 

Erskine Shipping Assn. 

Jean Schullz Feagans 

Mary & Chris Feller 

Fine Print of Grand Forks, Inc. 

Dale & Janice Finkenbinder 

Glen & Marlys Finkenbinder 

George & Kristi Flaskerud 

Leonard & Margaret Geske 

Clark & Margaret* Gibb 

Gold Star Steam Cleaning 

Services 

Golf Terrace Motel, Crookston 

Marilyn Grave 

Manvel & Delores Green 

Harold Grotte 

Tyler & Rhea Grove 

Dan & Stacey Grunewald 

Allan & Pauline Gustafson 

Theodore Haas 

Cliff* & Marie Hagen 

Marilyn Hagerty 

Perry Haglund 

Todd Halvorson 

(Happy Joe’s, GF) 

A.O.* & Theresa Hamnes 

Warren Hamrick & Sons 

Lew, Jr. & Shelly Hanson 

Leonard Hapka 

Brian & Hallie Harron 

Jerry & Debbie Hasbrouck 

Michael Hayes 

Werner & Marian Hegstrom 

Helena Chemical Company 

Dennis Henrickson 

James & Clara Higgins 

Barbara Hoefer 

Raymond & Jean Hoppe 

E. Paul & Katherine Imle 

Vern & Marlene Ingvalson 

J. C. Penney Company 

J. K. Sports 

Helen Jackson 

Jerry Jacobson 

Marlyn & Marlys Jacobson 

Marvin Jensen 

Glenice Johnson 

Marlin & Sandy Johnson 

Larry Kennedy 

L. “Bud” Kiecker 

Steven J. King 

E. Duane & Faith Knott 

Dennis & Rose Koch 

Kathleen Koebensky-Gauthier 

Bernard Koltes 

Kraft Foods, Inc. 

Thrainn Kristjansson 

Gladys LaCoursiere 

Lakeview Farms, Roland & 

Marland Rue 

David & Sue LeGare 

Thomas & Patricia Lenertz 

John & Marie Leseth 

Grant & Elizabeth Leydard 

Carl Lundeen* 

Michael Maglich 

Y. B. Magnusson, In Memoriam 

Luke Maidment 

Cecil Malme 

MPT Enterprises 

Vern* & Patricia Markey 

Marshall County Crop 

Improvement Association 

Master Construction, Fargo 

Marvin Mattson 

Doris & Bill Matzke 

Russell* & Eleanore* 

Maves 

Don & Sue McCall 

McIntosh Dairy & 

Farm Supply, Inc. 

MDU Resources Foundation 

Cleon & Jeri Melsa 

Men’s Garden Club of Mpls. 

MetaDynamics, Inc. 

Michael & Kaye Lynn Meyer 

Brian & Michelle Miller 

Eugene & Arlene Miller 

Kenneth & Merle Miller 

Minn-Dak Asphalt Inc. 

Minnesota FFA Foundation 

Minnesota Nursery & 

Landscape Association 

Ira & Marjorie Mjelde 

Donald & Ruth Milner 

Bruce & Marlys Mjoen 

Gerald & Jeanne Moritz 

Steven Mursu* 

Donald Mykleby 

Pamela Neil 

Timothy J. Nelson 

Ness Café 

Howard Neumann 

Earl A. Newhouse* 

New Vision Fiberglass Inc., 

Grand Forks 

New York Football Giants, Inc. 

Alan Nordell 

Northern Paving, Inc. 

Northwestern Clinic, Crookston 

Northwestern Minnesota 

Agricultural Association 

Nufarm Americas Inc. 

James O. Olson 

Dr. Ted & Lynnette Olson 

Larry & Janet Olsonawski 

Cindy Bigger 

Jon Evert & Chancellor Charles H. Casey 

Harold & Jan Opgrand 

Bennett & Gloria Osmonson 

Jerry Oxborough 

Earl A. Patch 

Ted & Joyce Paul 

Kenneth Pazdernik 

Arnold Pearson 

Daniel Pedersen 

Peoples State Bank of Warren 

Blake Peterson 

Sherwood & Marilyn Peterson 

Harold & Esther Petsch 

Phoenix Industries, LTD 

Polk County State Bank, 


Duane A. Preston 

Krista & Mike Proulx 

Paul & Lois Proulx 

Willard & Pauline Purath 

Michelle Ramstad 

Mary B. Randall 

W. Howard Reese 

Kristie Brekken Ricord 

Rivard’s Quality Seeds, Inc. 

Royal & Karen Rivard 

Jon Rogelstad 

Rohm & Haas Company 

Truman Rolf 

Annette Rother* 

Rud Chiropractic Clinic, 


Robert & Matilda Rupp 

Rooters on Sale, Inc. 

Carrie Sample 

Salem Motors, Inc. 

Perry Schermerhorn 

Mario & Jill Schisano 

John & Lynel Schleicher 

Arley & Pat* Schultz 

Lyndon & Lori Schultz 

Tom & Gayle Schuster 

Thomas Sczepanski 

Kathryn Searight 

Seed Systems Inc. 

C. W. & Margaret Seemann 

Victoria Seltun 

Steele & Sherry Senske 

Russ & Doris Severson 

David & Kathy Simon 

Albert & Jane Sims 

Jim & Sharon Sims 

Sisters of Saint Benedict 

Stephanie Smith 



David Solberg 

Franklin & Mary Sorensen 

David Spong 

Allen & JoAnn St. Germain 

David & Denise St. Germain 

John & Florence St. Germain 

Paul & Janet St. Germain 

Virginia Stainbrook 

John Stanko 

Russell & Arlene Stansfield 

Annual Gifts 

UMC ANNUAL GIFTS 

GOLD CLUB 

(Annual Gift of $2,500 or more) 

Altru Health System 

Daniel & Rochelle Bauer 

Bremer Bank of Crookston 

Cy & Frances Carpenter 

Charles H. Casey & 

Barbara J. Muesing 

Crookston National Bank 

Dr. Colin Fennell 

Jeffrey Field 

Fraternal Order of Eagles #873 

Stephanie & Tom Helgeson 

Alice & Joseph Hufstedler 

Kim Kaug 

KROX Radio 

Mark Kunkel 

Charles & Jorene Larson 

Maves Hallmark Store – 

Richard Maves 

Nicolle McBlair 

Northwest Minnesota Foundation 

Georgia Orton 

Richard Pals 

Gilmore Restad Estate 

Shannon & Jodi Stassen 

State Bank of Shelly 

Sharon Stewart 

Orlan & Clarice Stolaas 

Aaron Stover 

Lee Sundberg 

Syngenta Crop Protection Inc. 

Lyle Swanson 

Ernest Swift 

Wayne & Berget Taintor 

The choir performs under the direction of George French. 

Marielle Robinson 

Susan & Eugene Scarberry 

June Shaver 

Arnold Skeie 

The Andersons, Inc. 

UMC Teambackers 

Bernard E. Youngquist 

William & Nancy Zats 

MAROON CLUB 

(Annual Gift of $ $1,000 through 

$2,499) 

Thomas* & Kirsten Anderson 

Marvin & Diane Bachmeier 

Benjamin J. Bakkegard 

Bayer CropScience LP 

Bruce & Susan Brorson 

Philip & Ethel Buckley 

Donald & Mary Cavalier 

Crookston Area Chamber 

of Commerce 

Custom Aire Inc. 

Dahlgren & Co., Inc. 

Allan & Judy Dragseth 

Jack & Audrey Eickhof 

Donald & Theresa Enright 

Jason & Renee Tangquist 

Raymond* & 

Rosemary Tate 

Terra International, Inc. 

Ardis Thompson* 

O. E.* & Dorothy Thorbeck 

Murray & Patti Tiedemann/ 

Tiedemann Farms 

Ron & Sally Tobkin 

Terry & Elizabeth Tollefson 

Rose & Marc Ulseth 

Janet L. Utech 

Vaaler Insurance Inc. 

Mr. & Mrs. Erwin Vanek 

Vennes Farms, Inc. 

M. Jerome Voxland 

Raymond Walter 

Roger Walter 

Pete Wasberg 

Morris Webster 

Richard & Kathy Wehking 

Weiss Dairy Association, 

Erwin Weiss 

Weiss Farms, Arlan & Gary Weiss 

Thomas & Kim Feiro 

Gasper Air Spray Inc. 

Hamnes Farms Inc. 

Terry & Richard Hanson 

Charles & Marlys Hiller 

Charles Holmquist 

McDonald’s of Crookston – 

Michael & Cindy O’Keefe 

Mid-State Chapter-MN Society 

of CPA’s 

Midwest Dairy Association 

Minn-Dak Asphalt Inc. 

Minnesota Approved Seed 

Conditioner & Mktg. Assn. 

Donald Mykleby 


Ness Café 

Ed & Mary Ann Odland 

Steven C. Olson 

Jeffrey Oseth 

Otter Tail Power Co. 

PKM Electric Cooperative Inc. 

Red Power International Inc. 

RiverView Healthcare Assn. 

Donald & Mary Beth Sargeant 

Steele & Sherry Senske 

Chancellor Charles H. Casey & Barbara Muesing 

West Polk County Crop 

Improvement Assn. 

Widman’s Candy Shop 

Dean Widseth 

Donald & Audrey Wieland 

Linda Wiggins 

Linda & Greg Wilkens 

Gary & Lynn Willhite 

Gary & Ward Wilson 

Arnold & Lillian Wolden 

Audrey Wolfe Estate 

Warren & Beatta* Woolery 

Ye Ole Print Shoppe, Inc. 

Dr. Paul & Mary Youngquist 

Conrad Zak 

Greg Zak 

DeAnn Zavoral 

Gary Zitzer 

*deceased 

Larry & Sandra Smith 

Ernest Swift 

Dr. Kari Torkelson 

Esther Tyrrell 

Vaaler Insurance Inc. 

John & Janice Vallager 

Lyle & Susan Westrom 

Laurie & Daniel Wilson 

Dr. Paul & Mary Youngquist 

Larry & Sandy Smith 


2006-07 Scholarship Recipients 

AG ACTIVITIES DAY SCHOLARSHIP 

Cathy Balsiger ............................Lake Park, Minn. 

Jaime Emery ..............................Greenbush, Minn. 

Nathan Shaw ......................................Ulen, Minn. 

BREMER BANK SCHOLARSHIP 

Megan Hannon ............................Green Bay, Wis. 

Elizabeth Kern ............................Ellendale, Minn. 

CHOWDRY, MICHAEL A. ENTREPRENEURIAL 

SCHOLARSHIP 

Matthew Erickson..............................Marion, S.D. 

Joseph Field ....................Thief River Falls, Minn. 

Pene Hargreaves ......................Grand Forks, N.D. 

Preston Johnson* 

Lei Sun Koesterman........................Beijing, China 

Brianna McKenzie ........................Cushing, Minn. 

Corey Ramsden................................Sisseton, S.D. 

Charly Reinert* 

Courtney Sonnek ..............Minnesota Lake, Minn. 

April Thorstad ..............................Hampden, N.D. 

CROOKSTON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE 

SCHOLARSHIP 

Stacy Flikka................................Crookston, Minn. 

CROOKSTON KIWANIS CLUB SCHOLARSHIP 

Mariam Maiga............................Crookston, Minn. 

CROOKSTON ROTARY CLUB SCHOLARSHIP 


CROOKSTON VFW POST 1902 SCHOLARSHIP 

Rebecca Langlois ......................Crookston, Minn. 

CURRY, ETHEL AMERICAN INDIAN SCHOLARSHIP 

Chris McMullen ......................Anchorage, Alaska 

Jessica Trottier ..........................Devils Lake, N.D. 

EDMAN, VICTOR/ P.K.M. SCHOLARSHIP 

Evan Grandstrand ..........................Stephen, Minn. 

FEDERATION OF WOMEN’S CLUBS SCHOLARSHIP 

Amber Hill ................................Crookston, Minn. 

GREAT PLAINS NATURAL GAS COMPANY 

SCHOLARSHIP 

Brian Gysbers ..........................Maplewood, Minn. 

Donors visit during social at 

Torch & Shield Recognition. 

HORD, CARL & LORRAINE SCHOLARSHIP 

Whitney Coffield..................Lake Bronson, Minn. 

Danika Kent* 

Teal Plaine......................................Hallock, Minn. 

Bryan Tobin....................................Hallock, Minn. 

Erin Weleski ................................Lancaster, Minn. 

HUGO’S VALLEY MARKETS SCHOLARSHIP 

Heather Schroeder ............................Nevis, Minn. 

HVIDSTEN, EARL MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP 

Sara Nowacki ..................................Argyle, Minn. 

JOHNSTON, HERBERT & ANNA SCHOLARSHIP 

Darin Moen ..................................Alvarado, Minn. 

JORGENSON, MARY LOUISE MEMORIAL 

SCHOLARSHIP 

Theresa Crance ........................Timber Lake, S.D. 

Josiah Loll ..................................Campbell, Minn. 

MENZHUBER, WILLIAM & RUTH MEMORIAL 

SCHOLARSHIP 

Brandin Solie....................................Fertile, Minn. 

MEYER, CHARLES T. SCHOLARSHIP 

Jessica Cowen ........................Pequot Lakes, Minn 

Nicole Erickson ............................Starbuck, Minn. 

Melissa Herbst* 

Lei Sun Koesterman........................Beijing, China 

MILLER, WALLACE & HANNA ENDOWED 

SCHOLARSHIP 

Kelsey Bazey ................................Stephen, Minn. 

Chelsey Cordes ............................Henning, Minn. 

Shannon Demarais........................Plummer, Minn. 

Jayme Hansen ........................Eagle River, Alaska 

Megan Kuznia................................Stephen, Minn. 

Mark Larson..................................Warroad, Minn. 

Amanda Munch ............................Beltrami, Minn. 

Henry Raymond Pinta......................Grafton, N.D. 

Eric Proulx..........................Red Lake Falls, Minn. 

Megan Purrington ................................Ada, Minn. 

Barrett Thomas ..............East Grand Forks, Minn. 


Bethany Tollefson* 

Dana Trickey* 

Samuel Westby ................................Erhard, Minn. 

Blake Younggren............................Hallock, Minn. 

NEWHOUSE, ERNEST & EDNA SCHOLARSHIP 

John Allmaras ..........................Grand Forks, N.D. 

Joseph Field ......................Thief River Falls, N.D. 

Erick Hamness ..........................Strathcona, Minn. 

Micah Meyer ......................Parkers Prairie, Minn. 

Lori Sowada................................Wrenshall, Minn. 

Terrance Woodward ..........................Eyota, Minn. 

NIELSON, MITCH SCHOLARSHIP 

Shayla Henneberg ......................Crookston, Minn. 

Mariam Maiga............................Crookston, Minn. 

Ryan Tucker ..............................Crookston, Minn. 

NORTHWEST SCHOOL OF AGRICULTURE 

HERITAGE SCHOLARSHIP 

Kyle Johnson ............................Grand Forks, N.D. 

Adam Parnow ............................Crookston, Minn. 

Wade Peterson ................East Grand Forks, Minn. 

Michael Enright ............East Grand Forks, Minn. 

Andrew Plaine....................................Hatton, N.D. 

Kathryn Proulx ..................Red Lake Falls, Minn. 

Dion Turgeon ................................Hallock, Minn. 

ONLINE LEARNING SCHOLARSHIP 

Amanda Hinrichs ..................Breckenridge, Minn. 

Glenn Olsen & Barbara Hager-Olsen 

PEARSON, EDWIN A. SCHOLARSHIP 

Ryan Fisher ..................................Plummer, Minn. 

PETERSON, ALBERT SCHOLARSHIP 

Debra Altepeter ..........................Crookston, Minn. 

Kayla Kappes ......................................Ada, Minn. 

PETERSON, GEORGE & CLARENCE PSM 

SCHOLARSHIP 

Jeffrey Chandler ..............................Warren, Minn. 

Bryan Tobin....................................Hallock, Minn. 

PETERSON, LEROY SCHOLARSHIP 


PETERSON, ROBERT L. & BARBARA/ 

3M SCHOLARSHIP 

Kimberly Anderson ........................Atwater, Minn. 


Cole Simmons..........................Underwood, Minn. 

Cody Wenninger..........................Rochester, Minn. 

PSM NIELSON, MITCH SCHOLARSHIP 


ROBERTS, LYLE MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP 

Mark Wright ............................Grand Forks, N.D. 

RYLA SCHOLARSHIP 


*Information withheld by request 



SAHLSTROM, STANLEY D. SCHOLARSHIP 


Heather Herrig....................Mountain Lake, Minn. 

Crystal Starr ......................................Bisbee, N.D. 

SARGEANT, CHANCELLOR EMERITUS DON & 

MARY BETH 


SATHER, RUSSELL O. & INEZ MEMORIAL 

SCHOLARSHIP 

Vanessa Armstrong............................Fisher, Minn. 

Jessica Berglund ............East Grand Forks, Minn. 

Erick Hamness ..........................Strathcona, Minn. 

Bobby Henderson ................................Ada, Minn. 

Amanda Munch ............................Beltrami, Minn. 

(l to r): Larry Smith, Ph.D.; Robert Jones, Ph.D.; 

Chancellor Charles H. Casey, D.V.M. 

UMC ASPIRE SCHOLARSHIP 

Hanidah Erickson ......................Crookston, Minn. 

Juanita Lopez ............................Crookston, Minn. 

UMC WOMEN’S ASSOCIATION SCHOLARSHIP 


WOLD, NELS T. AMERICAN LEGION 

SCHOLARSHIP 

Jacob Peterson............................Crookston, Minn. 

AGRICULTURE DEPARTMENT 

’68 AG ALUMNI SCHOLARSHIP 

Amy Schwartz ..........................Monticello, Minn. 

AG SYSTEMS MANAGEMENT SCHOLARSHIP 

Jade Estling ................................Roosevelt, Minn. 

Jacob Gerber............................Elbow Lake, Minn. 

ANDERSON, ALTON & OTILDA MEMORIAL 

SCHOLARSHIP 



Casey Wilde ......................................Oklee, Minn. 

BROST, HILMER & HILDEGARD SCHOLARSHIP 


CENEX HARVEST STATES 

Jessica Beach ..................................Sebeka, Minn. 

Kari Hendrickx..................New York Mills, Minn. 

Craig Roerick..............................Swanville, Minn. 



CENTRAL OF TWIN VALLEY SCHOLARSHIP 


DAHLGREN & COMPANY INC. SCHOLARSHIP 


DRAGSETH, ALLAN & JUDY SCHOLARSHIP 


PSM EAST POLK COUNTY FAIR BOARD 

SCHOLARSHIP 



EICKHOF, JACK & AUDREY SCHOLARSHIP 

Sierra Dyrdal ..................Thief River Falls, Minn. 

Megan Hannon ............................Green Bay, Wis. 

FREBERG, BRANDON MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP 

Caleb Kreklau..................................Sebeka, Minn. 

HABSTRITT, STEVE MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP 


Nathan Whalen..................................Oklee, Minn. 

HOEFER, GERALD MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP 

Austin Aasness ........................Fergus Falls, Minn. 

Danika Kent* 

HOWARD, ART & JOYCE SCHOLARSHIP 

Meagan McGrane..........................Bluffton, Minn. 


Stephen Roerick..........................Swanville, Minn. 

KOPECKY, ALBERT FAMILY SCHOLARSHIP 

Virginia Carrlson ..............New York Mills, Minn. 



MAELC SCHOLARSHIP 

Katie Becker....................................Sebeka, Minn. 

Virginia Carrlson ..............New York Mills, Minn. 

Kari Hendrickx................New Yorks Mills, Minn. 


Amy Konradi ..........................Round Lake, Minn. 



Cindy Young ......................................Pierz, Minn. 

MARSHALL COUNTY CROP IMPROVEMENT 

ASSOCIATION SCHOLARSHIP 


MIDWEST DAIRY ASSOCIATION SCHOLARSHIP 


Samuel Westby ................................Erhard, Minn. 

MINN-DAK GROWERS ASSOCIATION 

SCHOLARSHIP 




Brian Shaw..........................................Ulen, Minn. 

MINNESOTA APPROVED SEED CONDITIONERS & 

MARKETING SCHOLARSHIP 

Meagan McGrane..........................Bluffton, Minn. 

Daniel Pazdernik ..........................Waubun, Minn. 


MN FFA FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIP 

Kari Hendrickx..................New York Mills, Minn. 

Amy Konradi ..........................Round Lake, Minn. 

NORTHWEST GRAIN ENDOWED SCHOLARSHIP 


PETERSON, HAROLD & ALMA SCHOLARSHIP 



PETERSON, S. WILBUR MEMORIAL 

SCHOLARSHIP 


POPPEL, KEVIN SCHOLARSHIP 


RED RIVER VALLEY DAIRYMAN’S ASSOCIATION 

SCHOLARSHIP 


Marv & Diane Bachmeier 

RED RIVER HORSEBREEDER’S INC. SCHOLARSHIP 

Courtney Sonnek ..............Minnesota Lake, Minn. 

RED RIVER VALLEY LIVESTOCK ASSOCIATION 

Abigail Harrison ............................Wadena, Minn. 

ROBINSON, ROBERT G. SCHOLARSHIP 

Kerry Fredrich ........................New Holstein, Wis. 

Jacob Gerber............................Elbow Lake, Minn. 


Nathan Whalen..................................Oklee, Minn. 



ROCK EAGLE AIRSPRAY SCHOLARSHIP 

Cole Dimmler ......................................Crary, N.D. 

SARGENT, CLARENCE & EDNA SCHOLARSHIP 

Jade Estling ................................Roosevelt, Minn. 

SPONG, CARL MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP 

Desiree Carrlson................New York Mills, Minn. 

Chris Zellmer ................................Oakdale, Calif. 

STELTER, E.C. “DOC” MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP 


Kyle Severence....................Waterbury Center, Vt. 

WARD FAMILY SCHOLARSHIP 

Jessica Anderson* 

Joyana Wardrip* 

Tom & Stephanie Helgeson 

WEST POLK COUNTY CROP IMPROVEMENT 

ASSOCIATION SCHOLARSHIP 


WESTROM, LYLE & SUSAN SCHOLARSHIP 


Chris Zellmer ................................Oakdale, Calif. 

WEST POLK COUNTY AGRI-WOMEN SCHOLARSHIP 

Carolyn Paulson ..............Thief River Falls, Minn. 

ART, HUMANITIES, SOCIAL SCIENCES 

DEPARTMENT 

FEHR, CLARA & EILERT FAMILY ENDOWED 

SCHOLARSHIP 

Alyssa Cunningham..........................Huxley, Iowa 

Sarah Nowacki ................................Argyle, Minn. 

BUSINESS DEPARTMENT 

ALTRINGER, LARRY & DIANE SCHOLARSHIP 

Brianna McKenzie ........................Cushing, Minn. 

Nicole Switzer................................Barnum, Minn. 

CHARRON, DARLENE SCHOLARSHIP 

Pene Hargreaves ......................Grand Forks, N.D. 

Marissa Schoepp ..............................Sidney, Mont. 

MID-STATE CHAPTER OF THE MN SOCIETY OF 

CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS 

Jason Ellingson..............................Reynolds, N.D. 

James Irrgang............................Grand Forks, N.D. 

PARADISE, WILLIAM MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP 



VALLAGER, JOHN SCHOLARSHIP 

Jessica Berglund ............East Grand Forks, Minn. 

MATH, SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 

DEPARTMENT 

NAKKEN ENDOWED SCHOLARSHIP 

Daniel King ................................Princeton, Minn. 

Alyssa Rogalla ................Thief River Falls, Minn. 

Gregory Summers............................Beatrice, Neb. 

SWANSON, WAYNE SCHOLARSHIP 

Christine Bergmann ....................Princeton, Minn. 

VEDEN, DR. FRANK ENDOWED SCHOLARSHIP 

Amber Klamar ......................Middle River, Minn. 

Rebecca Langlois ......................Crookston, Minn. 

Monica Snyder ................................Jordan, Minn. 

Gregory Summers............................Beatrice, Neb. 

Becky Thorbjornsen ....................Rapid City, S.D. 

NATURAL RESOURCES DEPARTMENT 

BERESFORD, BRUCE MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP 


BUCKLEY, DR. PHILIP & ETHEL SCHOLARSHIP 

Amanda Fickes................................Sebeka, Minn. 

Mary Jo Geldert* 

Micah Meyer ......................Parkers Prairie, Minn. 

Tamara Saxton ............................Rush City, Minn. 

PANKRATZ MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP 

Tamara Saxton ............................Rush City, Minn. 

UMC HORTICULTURE CLUB SCHOLARSHIP 

Amber Werner..............................Big Lake, Minn. 

ATHLETIC DEPARTMENT 

AGASSIZ BOWL ATHLETIC SCHOLARSHIP 

Josh Kruetner ....................................Revillo, S.D. 

BACHMEIER, MARV & DIANE ATHLETIC 

SCHOLARSHIP 

Katie Cheline ..................................Mondovi, Wis. 

BREMER BANK ATHLETIC SCHOLARSHIP 

Katie Cheline ..................................Mondovi, Wis. 

CROOKSTON NATIONAL BANK ATHLETIC 

SCHOLARSHIP 

Kiely Bladow ............................Monument, Colo. 

Shawna Steinbrink ....................Crookston, Minn. 

LECLAIR, JIM ATHLETIC SCHOLARSHIP 

Kelsey Van Ackeren ....................St. Cloud, Minn. 

Cassie Yates ....................................Buffalo, Minn. 

ODLAND, ED ATHLETIC SCHOLARSHIP 

Theresa Crance ........................Timber Lake, S.D. 

OLIVER, SCOTT ATHLETIC SCHOLARSHIP 

Chris McMullen ......................Anchorage, Alaska 

OLSONAWSKI, MARK ATHLETIC SCHOLARSHIP 

Jordan McCormick..................San Leandro, Calif. 

ROELOFS, DEL ENDOWED ATHLETIC SCHOLARSHIP 

Heather Davis ......................North St. Paul, Minn. 

Amber Erdmann ........................Crookston, Minn. 

SHAVER, JUNE ATHLETIC SCHOLARSHIP 

Erin Flynn........................................Bloomer, Wis. 

Cassie Yates ....................................Buffalo, Minn. 

SHAVER, JUNE GBS ENDOWED ATHLETIC 

Martin Bender ....................................Minot, N.D. 

Jordan Brandt ......................................Sparta, Wis. 


Kyle Peterson....................................Eagan, Minn. 

Delano Robinson ........................Bloomington, Ill. 

Dan & Laurie Wilson 

SIMS, JIM ENDOWED ATHLETIC SCHOLARSHIP 

Matthew Forse ....................Sturgeon Lake, Minn. 

WIDSETH, ED ATHLETIC SCHOLARSHIP 

Travis Buchanan ..........................Riverside, Calif. 

Chad Greff ..................................Dickenson, N.D. 

Josh Kreutner ....................................Revillo, S.D. 

Joseph Lamb ........................................Anna, Tex. 


Helgeson speaks at a news conference 

announcing the decision to remain NCAA 

Division II in January 2007. 

After five years as athletic director, 

Stephanie Helgeson continues to find the 

work both challenging and rewarding. 

She’s the One and Only 

As the only female athletic director in the Northern Sun Intercollegiate 

Conference (NSIC), Stephanie Helgeson, ex. ’92, finds her work both challenging 

and rewarding. Helgeson, who is in her fifth year as athletic director 

for the Golden Eagles, says the work is “a lifestyle rather than a job. 

Like coaching, you devote yourself to your work.” 

The role of athletic director requires Helgeson to hone her skills 

in time management and organization in order to find structure and 

work-life balance. “Every day is very different, and you have to 

be ready for anything,” Helgeson explains. “The job description 

includes meetings, dealing with students and coaches, managing 

budgets, attending conferences and fundraising.” Helgeson draws 

on her skills as a leader and as a team player for this important role. 

“I really appreciate what I have,” Helgeson reflects. “Watching studentathletes 

from the time they come into our program until they graduate and go on to find success in a career is rewarding; 

I am touched by the impact our coaches and staff have on the lives of student-athletes. It is amazing to see.” 

Starting as an office assistant 13 years ago, Helgeson worked half time in athletics and half time for Associate Professor 

Marilyn Grave, something for which she is very grateful. “I learned about athletics, but I also learned about the academic 

side of campus and that has proven beneficial in understanding and building relationships.” 

Currently completing her master’s degree in educational leadership from the University of North Dakota, she plans to 

graduate in summer 2008. 

When she was younger, Helgeson wanted to be a basketball coach and teacher or work in business. As athletic director, 

she combines those aspirations into one career, and Helgeson wouldn’t have it any other way. “Right now, I can’t imagine 

myself in a different spot; I am right where I want to be and grateful for this opportunity.” 

Offering Students More 

Biology, communication, bio-fuels and renewable energy 

and urban forestry are four of the newer academic options 

for students at the University of Minnesota, Crookston. In 

fall 2008, organizational psychology joins them. 

This unique career-oriented organizational psychology 

degree offers students both a solid background in the social 

sciences and an interdisciplinary focus on human resource 

development skills geared for multiple employment settings. 

The bachelor of science degree offers emphases in 

consumer service settings and industrial and production 

management. 

The development of the organizational psychology 

degree is the responsibility of Assistant Psychology 

Professor Alvin Killough, Ph.D., who conceptualized and 

wrote the program. “This program, unique in the state of 

Minnesota, will engage students as pre-professionals who 

are preparing for careers where employers are concerned 

with solving realistic problems using the findings and methods 

of psychological science.” 

Through challenging coursework students majoring in 

organizational psychology will increase both people and 


teamwork skills. The program 

will prepare and enable students 

to better comprehend the 

dynamics of the psychological 

and social dimensions of organizational 

behavior; more 

effectively meet the challenges 

of working in professional team 

oriented settings; and successfully 

manage and engage professionally 

in interpersonal relations. 

New degree programs are just one Assistant Professor Alvin Killough, 

of the many ways the campus is working 

to provide exceptional academic lecture in his psychology class. 

Ph.D., engages students during a 

opportunities. During the past two 

years alone, seven other degree options, including several 

online degrees, have been added to the academic mix. 

Increasing the number of degree programs and the breadth 

of their underlying disciplines, are among the top campus 

priorities in order to increase enrollment and to better serve 

the University’s land-grant commitment to the region. 

7

Right: Mary Jo Geldert worked with 

Associate Professor Phil Baird on 

prairie plant restoration research. 

Far right: Kristin Fritz holds a prairie 

chicken. Fritz is working on plans for 

an observatory at the Crookston High 

School wildlife area. 

Undergraduate Research Yields Exceptional Student Experience 

Working alongside faculty, students 

at the University of Minnesota, 

Crookston have the opportunity to 

engage in research projects. This type 

of collaborative research results in 

high-quality learning experiences 

for students. 

In 2006-07, the U of M, Crookston 

campus provided $71,000 in grant-supported 

undergraduate research. Some 

$8,000 of student research was also 

funded through the University of 

Minnesota’s Undergraduate Research 

Opportunities Program (UROP). 

Funding for undergraduate research 

projects demonstrates strong 

University support for and encouragement 

of student/faculty collaborative 

investigation. 

Research takes place across a wide 

spectrum of disciplines including biology, 

natural resources, psychology and 

technology, to name a few. The 

Natural Resources Department at the U 

of M, Crookston demonstrates how 

students are involved in a variety of 

research projects in that field. 

Mary Jo Geldert, Annandale, Minn., 

a December 2007 graduate, worked on 

a prairie plant restoration project in 

Itasca State Park with Associate 

Professor in Natural Resources Phil 

Baird. The research will continue with 

Junior Erick Elgin. 

“Environmental Impacts of 

Consumer Choices” is the topic of 

research for Senior Amanda Williams, 

Littlefork, Minn., who is working with 

Dan Svedarsky, Ph.D., head of the 

Natural Resources Department. 

Williams studied abroad in Costa Rica 

and the trip provided examples that 

will be included in her research study. 

Svedarsky is also working with 

Senior Kristin Fritz to develop an environmental 

education program for the 

Crookston High School Wetland 

Conservation Area. Fritz will be developing 

an education program that 

includes plans for an observation blind 

for birds and other wildlife. 

Instructor Rhett Johnson is overseeing 

the work of Senior Bobby 

Henderson, Ada, Minn., in a botanical 

study to develop a current floristic 

inventory of the Agassiz Dunes 

Natural Area near Fertile, Minn. 

“Undergraduate research keeps the 

best students here,” Svedarsky 

explains. “The work of our students 

has also raised the intellectual excitement 

of students in our department. It 

is a great opportunity for students and 

faculty, and the rewards are many.” 

Innovation and Transformation Tell Campus Story 

There was both an evolution and a revolution taking place 

in the early 90s at the University of Minnesota, Crookston, 

and it wasn’t the first time. The campus evolved from a residential 

high school from 1906-68, transitioned to a two-year 

technical college in 1966, and then in 

1993, it was transformed once again 

to offer baccalaureate degrees 

and provide students and faculty 

with laptop computers 

and infuse technology into 

the curriculum. 

“The integration of 

technology into our classrooms 

has changed the 

way we teach and the way 

students learn,” explains Bill 

Peterson, head of the Arts, 

Humanities and Social Sciences 

Department. “When we decided to 

become the world’s first laptop campus, we experienced both 

fear and excitement. We constantly asked ourselves how we 

could incorporate the computer into our activities in the 

classroom.” 

Some 15 years later, the campus continues to adapt to the 

changes in education and expand its service to the region and 

throughout world. Partnerships, like those with campuses in 

China, aid students, faculty and staff from both countries in 

learning more about each other. Locally, partnerships like the 

Northwest Minnesota Area Health Education Center (AHEC), 

located at RiverView Healthcare in Crookston, are helping 

bring the power of University of Minnesota health care education 

system to the region. The Crookston campus is also home 

to the Minnesota Rural Health Association (MRHA), an 

organization that advocates for rural health issues. 

Innovating, adapting and transforming have kept the 

University of Minnesota, Crookston a growing and vibrant 

place to learn, conduct research and reach out in service to the 

community, the region and the world. 

Above: Students are assisted by Assistant Professor Jingpeng Tang, Ph.D., in a computer software technology class. 

8 


Golden Eagle Athletics 

Building Momentum 

Just over a year ago, Chancellor Charles H. Casey reaffirmed the commitment of the University of Minnesota, Crookston 

to continue competing in NCAA Division II athletics with the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference. This decision was a 

truly significant one. A quarter of the student body at the U of M, Crookston – some 300 students – are athletes. 

Over the past year, additional coaches, media relations staff and scholarships were added. With these steps, there 

has been increased interest by student-athletes, improved retention and added depth that has served to strengthen programs 

and renew excitement. 

Private fundraising helped bring in $50,000 in 

50 days, and with matching funds, gave the athletic 

department $100,000 of much-needed support. 

An endowment fund honoring the legacy of 

Crookston resident and former U of M, 

Crookston baseball coach, Jim Karn, 

was established to help build scholarship 

support for baseball. The Bill Tyrrell 

Walk-a-thon was held for the first time 

and along with Fun Nite, exceeded 

expectations. 

The goal of NCAA Division II 

athletics is to help provide students with 

learning, service, passion, sportsmanship, 

resourcefulness and balance. Studentathletes 

at the U of M, Crookston have been 

increasingly engaged in community service 

activities. Organizing a NFL Youth Football League 

and hosting the Crookston Area Special Olympics 

are just two examples of their community involvement. 

Athletics enriches the student experience and is an 

important aspect of college life on the Crookston campus. 

With a new gymnasium floor installed last summer, Lysaker Gymnasium is an exciting venue for both volleyball and 

basketball. Improvements to Ed Widseth Field, which is shared by both the U of M, Crookston Golden Eagles and the 

Crookston High School Pirates, included a new track surface as well as a new ticket booth and concession building which 

houses permanent, handicapped accessible bathrooms. 

A refreshed athletic Web site online at www.goldeneaglesports.com showcases our athletic programs. As we work to 

provide an exceptional student experience and momentum continues to build, we offer students a truly “golden” opportunity. 

Donors and Alumni Strengthen Student Experience 

The importance of private giving to 

education has grown steadily over the 

years; it is crucial to the life and success 

of a university. Gifts to scholarships help 

students address financial need and 

encourage their development. Creating 

educational opportunities is a goal of the 

University of Minnesota systemwide. 

These opportunities range from academic 

and athletic scholarships, support for 

online students and study abroad programs, 

funding for research as well as 

buildings and facilities. 


The opportunities to benefit the 

Crookston campus are many. Financial 

support from alumni and donors makes 

great things possible, and over the years, 

giving has made a difference in the lives 

of countless students. In the past year, 

536 merit and specialty scholarhsips 

were awarded. This annual report focuses 

on the strides we have made over the 

past year and highlights the support of 

those who care for this institution and 

our land-grant mission of education, 

research and outreach. 

Above: (l to r) Stephanie Helgeson, Mary Beth Sargeant and First Lady Barbara Muesing visit during 

the donor recognition held for the $50,000 in 50 days campaign last summer. 

9

Assistant Professor Paul Aakre (center) discusses bio-diesel production 

research with (l to r) Vice Chancellor Tom Baldwin; Extension Educator 

Derek Crompton; and Paul Porter, Ph.D., an associate professor in 

agronomy and plant genetics at the Twin Cities campus. 

Innovation Includes 

Learning Online 

Making Oil for the Future 

Generating creative solutions to problems is often the result of 

experimentation and study by experts in a field. For Senior Jade 

Estling, Roosevelt, Minn., finding a solution that would help reduce 

agriculture’s dependence on diesel fuel is part of his undergraduate 

research project. The farm scale seed-to-fuel bio-diesel project could 

result in farmers producing the fuel they need right on their own 

farms. 

Along with Assistant Professor Paul Aakre, ’70, Estling, a double 

major in agriculture systems management and agronomy, has been 

helping develop a bio-diesel demonstration facility on campus. 

The facility will have the capability to handle canola or sunflower 

oil, and by use of a twin screw press, produce crude vegetable oil. 

The oil will be made into bio-diesel by a process know as transesterification. 

The process essentially removes glycerol from the oil. In 

24 hours, the facility will be able to process about 1,100 pounds of 

canola seed yielding about 45 gallons of oil per day. 

In addition, canola-meal pellets, that result from crushing the 

seed and removing the oil will be investigated as a possible dairy 

cattle feed supplement by Associate Professor in Animal Science 

Harouna Maiga, Ph.D. Northwest Manufacturing, Inc., from Red 

Lake Falls, Minn., will also test the pellets as a source of fuel for 

burning in corn stoves. 

Research opportunities, like the bio-diesel project, have great 

potential and provide students with unique experiential learning 

that demonstrates our dedication to teaching, discovery and 

engagement. 

Jade Estling has 

worked on the bio-diesel 

project as part of an 

undergraduate research project. 

The online student population has almost 

doubled at the University of Minnesota, 

Crookston Online, and we are delivering more 

credits online, up 36 percent over last year. 

“We continue providing exceptional student 

services while delivering a flexible learning 

environment for students who want to 

earn and complete a 4-year 

degree entirely online,” 

said Michelle 

Christopherson, 

director for the 

Center for Adult 

Learning. 

The U of M, 

Crookston began 

offering students 

the option of getting 

a bachelor of 

applied health degree 

online in the mid- 

1990s, the first campus in 

the University of Minnesota 

system to offer an online degree. 

Since then, the Crookston campus 

has added two more online 

degrees – the bachelor of manufacturing 

management and a 

bachelor of science in business 

management. 

The expansion of online degrees plays an 

important role in the campus vision and strategic 

positioning, which calls for pursuing an 

aggressive growth strategy in selected areas of 

online programming while providing exceptional 

student experiences. 

Along with 10-year full continued accreditation 

in 2006, the Higher Learning 

Commission (HLC) also gave blanket approval 

for the Crookston campus to provide any of its 

traditionally offered degree programs online, 

as approved by the University of Minnesota 

Board of Regents. 

Looking to the future, the Crookston campus 

looks to build on its reputation, infrastructure 

and talent to compete in this growing educational 

marketplace. Educating exceptional 

students whether they are on-site or online is 

what the University of Minnesota, Crookston 

is all about. 

Above (l to r): Michelle 

Christopherson, director for 

the Center for Adult Learning 

and program associates Jodi 

Steiner, Jennifer Severinson 

and Rhonda Miller (seated) 

provide exceptional service 

to online students. 

10 


We’ll Have a Rockin’ Reunion! 

June 27-28, 2008 

Northwest School Reunion honoring classes 

’23, ’28, ’33, ’38, ’43, ’48 (adv.), ’53, ’58, ’63, ’68 

Watch for more 

details coming soon or visit: 

www.UMCrookston.edu/alumni 

Nonprofit 

Organization 

U.S. Postage 

Paid 

Permit No. 317 

Grand Forks ND 58201 

Office of Admissions 

218-281-8569 

1-800-862-6466 

UMCinfo@umn.edu 

www.UMCrookston.edu/visit 

2900 University Avenue 

Crookston, MN 56716-5001 

Change Service Requested 

Office of Development & Alumni Relations 

218-281-8434 

1-800-862-6466 

www.UMCrookston.edu/alumni 

Golden Eagle Athletics 

218-281-8423 

www.goldeneagleathletics.com

specialdonorreport - University of Minnesota, Crookston

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