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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

“Educational institutions like
ours serve as change agents
for society. Our campus
mission is a very high calling,”
Chancellor Fred E. Wood.
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).
From the Chancellor
With 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 lifechanging
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.
4 www.umcrookston.edu

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.
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.
Best regards,
Fred E. Wood
Chancellor
University of Minnesota, Crookston
5

“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 Relations
Tradition. 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 need
Gifts 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, director
Development & Alumni Relations
Corby Kemmer and Jim Sims before the homecoming parade in September.
6 www.umcrookston.edu

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 Lorna Hollowell
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.
Off to The Windy City
Austin 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
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!
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.
7

Focus on the Boards
“These alumni have
represented their respective
institutions with integrity and
a spirit of service as well as
achieving both personal and
professional success.”
Since 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.
8 www.umcrookston.edu

the alumni office at 218-281-8439
(rulseth@umn.edu).
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
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.
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.
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.
9

“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.
Anundson and his wife,
Kalene, are expecting
their first child in
November.
Olympic Role
This 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
10 www.umcrookston.edu

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.
Photo courtesy of Tom Kimmell Photography
Photo courtesy of Tom Kimmell Photography
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.

“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.
12 www.umcrookston.edu

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.
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.”
13

Leader to Leader
Advice for Chancellor Fred Wood from Student Leaders
Cayla Bendel
President: Natural Resources Club
Year: Sophomore
Major: Natural Resources
Hometown: 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!
Brooke Novak
Chair: Student Programming and Activities for Campus Entertainment
Year: Senior
Major: Communication
Hometown: 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!
14 www.umcrookston.edu

Anthonette Sims
President: Black Student Association
Year: Junior
Major: Communication
Hometown: 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 Gurung
President: Multicultural International Club
Year: Senior
Major: Environmental Science
Hometown: 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.
15

“My high school experience
was an enormous introduction
to life,” Wilfred Huot.
Willie Huot (left) with wrestling
coach Rod Mosher and cocaptain
Ronald Beauchane.
Education Opens Doors
and More
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.
Wilfred “Willie” Huot
participated in athletics,
Carpentry Club, Newman
Club, and a class play at the
Northwest 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
16 www.umcrookston.edu

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.
17

“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.
18 www.umcrookston.edu

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
The Reiersgords were
parents of two sons, Thomas
and Paul.
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.
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!
Read the Torch Online
You 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 (ltollefs@umn.edu)
19

They’re One for the Team
“For a number of students,
excelling in sport is the door
to a college education,” Bill
Tyrrell.
It 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.
20 www.umcrookston.edu

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.
(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 studentathletes
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
(btyrrell@umn.edu).
21

My South Korea Story
Submitted 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.
“Koreans have unique
customs and high respect for
their elders, which they show
very clearly in public.”
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).
22 www.umcrookston.edu

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.
U of M President Eric Kaler presents at the Board of Regents meeting in September.
Legislative Update
President 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.
24 www.umcrookston.edu

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 nonprofit
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 rulseth@umn.edu 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.
Campus Social Media Directory
Enjoy social media with us! Use the hashtag
#UMCrookston to search for news about the
campus or to share what makes you #UMNproud!
Facebook
facebook.com/umcrookston
facebook.com/umcrookston.homecoming
Google+
plus.google.com/umcrookston
Instagram
instagram.com/umcrookston
Linkedin
z.umn.edu/umcrookston
Pinterest
pinterest.com/umcrookston
Twitter
twitter.com/umcrookston
YouTube
youtube.com/uofmcrookston
25

ALUMNI
NEWS
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.
This alumni news reflects submissions received
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
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
26 www.umcrookston.edu
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.
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.

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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 DATE
The 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 zuckx011@umn.edu
27

ALUMNI
NEWS
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: rulseth@umn.edu 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.)
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.
28 www.umcrookston.edu
E-mail ltollefs@umn.edu with details including your contact
information.

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.
In Memory
Borgni (Skorpen) Edin
Jamestown, N.D.
December 1, 2011
Taught 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 ’44
Grygla, 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 ’49
Long 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 ’64
Kindred, N.D.
September 7, 2012
Clifford Sondrol ’64
Shakopee, Minn.
July 30, 2012
Keith Myhrer ’68
Frazee, Minn.
July 10, 2006
William “Bill” Tripp, Jr. ex. ’68
Redwood Falls, Minn.
June 9, 2012
Michael “Mike” Hayes ’86
Big Lake, Minn.
May 27, 2012
Torch
Volume 44, Number 3, Fall 2012
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 ’87
218-281-8439
rulseth@umn.edu
Sue Dwyer ’74
218-281-8401
sdwyer@umn.edu
UMCAA Board
Paige Eskelson ’08
Donna Hartel ’07
Rory Held ’11
Nancie Hoerner ’95
Juanita Lopez ’08
Amy (Peterson) Lubarski ’02
Carl Melbye ’77
Linda (Knutson) Morgan ’85 & ’09
Greg Nathan ’98
Jen (Novak) Nelson ’06
Katie (Becker) Shaw ’07
Karl Syverson ’11
Bill Thielke ’94
NWSA Alumni Association Board
Jim Chandler ’67
Don Diedrich ’56
Allan Dragseth ’57
Jeannette (Love) Filipi ’57
David Haugo ’52
Charles Holmquist ’52
Bob Kliner ’68
Melvin Larson ’55
Berneil Nelson ’42, ex officio
Clarice (Olson) Stolaas ’56
Beulah (Stolaas) Vad ’58
Jean (Stromstad) Vigness-
Parker ’55
Contact information:
Torch
Elizabeth Tollefson ’02, 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.
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 postconsumer
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.
29

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 Relations
2900 University Avenue
Crookston, MN 56716-5001
Change Service Requested
Find us on Facebook
facebook.com/umcrookston
Follow us on Twitter
twitter.com/umcrookston
Watch us on YouTube
youtube.com/uofmcrookston
UPCOMING EVENTS
November 7.................................................................................................................Torch & Shield Recognition
November 15.......................................................................Alumni Social, Ramada Plaza Suites, Fargo, N.D.
November 20.................................................................................................................. UMCAA Annual Meeting
February 15, 2013................................... NWSA/UMC Alumni Arizona Social, Viewpoint Resort, Mesa
May 11, 2013....................................................................... Commencement Exercises for the Class of 2013
June 29, 2013.......................................................................................................................NWSA Alumni Reunion
October 4-5, 2013.................................................................................................................................. Homecoming