Volume 36, Number 3, Summer 2003 - University of Minnesota ...

Twenty-five papers, fifteen group projects, and hundreds of tests andquizzes later…Some of UMC’s honor grads included (from left) Baizhou Chen, TimAdams, Brandy Thaler, and Dan Weber, pictured with ChancellorEmeritus Don SargeantArmed with degrees and pointy hats, UMC grads boldly look forward…Three UMC Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) gradswere “pinned” by returning grads of the program. From left, Karen(Erlenbeck) Wirtz ’02, commissioned Mark Hendricks ’03, Aaron Muller’03, was commissioned by Jeff McKamey ’02, and David Fulkerson ’03,was commissioned by Neil Chandler ’02A sea of caps and gowns in Lysaker GymnasiumCoach Chris Przemieniecki congratulatesDena Schauland

ASSOCIATIONUMNI ASSOCIAALUMNIFrom the Alumni Association PresidentMark Erickson ’98,Alumni Association PresidentHello again. Mark Erickson, your current UMC Alumni Association president, here.I hope your summer has been as fast-paced as mine. When looking at Homecoming2003, I first thought it was a long way away, but after trying to figure out wheremy summer went, I know that Homecoming will be here very soon. So I am remindingall of you to mark you calendars for the weekend of September 20, 2003.I encourage as many of you as possible to come back to campus for Homecoming.This is one of the big events each year for alumni. It’s a chance to visit oldfriends, meet fellow graduates, and see what’s new with the campus. I would like toextend a special welcome to members of the Class of 1973, who will be celebratingtheir 30 th year reunion.Homecoming will kickoff with a parade sponsored by the UMC Alumni Association.This parade had been going on for a number of years, and we have been very excitedto see our number of participants and spectators growing each year. Between theparade and the game please stop by the UMC Teambackers tailgate area to get thetrue pre-football game experience. Finally, game kickoff will be at 1:30 p.m., so head tothe game and cheer our Golden Eagles on to victory over the Moorhead Dragons.In October we will have our annual meeting of the UMC Alumni Association. We are always looking forpeople willing to serve on the UMC Alumni Association. So if you are willing to serve or know someonewho would make a great board member, please feel free to contact me at marke13@hotmail.com.I hope you all enjoy the rest of you summer, and I hope to see you all at UMC’s Homecoming 2003.Editor’s note: Mark is a 1998 UMC graduate with a bachelor’sdegree in business management and an emphasis in marketingand management. He currently works for Johnson BrothersLiquor Company covering the sales territory of NorthwestMinnesota.FOCUS ON BOARD MEMBERSJen Tate ’98 grew up in the Warren area and graduatedfrom Warren High School. She is the third generation of herfamily to attend school on this campus.Her father and grandfather are NorthwestSchool of Agriculture alumni. Ofthe eight children in her family, five ofthem have attended UMC.Jen received her Applied StudiesDegree with an emphasis in marketingmanagement and a minor in technicalcommunication. She is currently theenvironmental services supervisor atRiverview Hospital in Crookston andJen Tate ’98manages about thirty staff people. Jen’sinterests are reading, making hemp jewelry,and painting.When asked what she has enjoyed most about serving onthe UMC Alumni Association Board, Jen says, “I have metsome neat and interesting people. We have one of the bestboards around, and it is rewarding to do something for yourschool. It is amazing how we can work together to get thingsdone.”Arlene Tucker ’73 has been a long time Alumni Boardmember and says that she really enjoys being connected withUMC. Originally from Sebeka, Minnesota,Arlene spoke Finnish until shestarted grade school. Both Arlene andher brother attended UMC, and she wasUMC’s first graduate from Sebeka.She received her two-year degree inaccounting, and then went on toMoorhead State University to completeher bachelor’s degree in accounting. ForArlene getting that degree meant attendingschool on weekends and evenings.Arlene Tucker ’73 She is the deputy clerk treasurer for thecity of Crookston. Since she is 100 percentFinnish and enjoys traveling, she recently visited Finland.Arlene has two children. Her daughter, Samantha, graduatedin May from the College of Human Ecology at the Universityof Minnesota’s St. Paul campus with a bachelor’s degreein nutrition. She will continue her studies this fall in France.Her son, Ryan, will be a senior at Crookston High Schooland graduate in May of 2004.Arlene would like to encourage people to serve on theBoard. She says, “People participate, and the more you worktogether the more fun it is.” Arlene also enjoys volunteeringat alumni events.The UMC Torch 3

UMC NEWSUMC HappeningsUMC’s NACTA Teams earned Senior Division Sweepstakes and Overall Sweepstakes Awards at theannual National Judging Competition of the National Association of Colleges and Teachers of Agriculture(NACTA), held in Murfreesboro, TN, April 3-5. The UMC Dairy Judging Team took first place overall, second inReasons, first in Holstein, first in Brown Swiss, first in Jersey, and first in Ayrshire. The Horticulture Team tooksecond place overall. The Ag Business Management Team earned first place overall, as did UMC’s AgComputing Team, Ag Knowledge Bowl Team, and Ag Discussion Team. Bill Leddige of Reynolds, NorthDakota, earned the Senior Sweepstakes Award! Great Job, UMC!UMC students involved in Students in Free Enterprise (SIFE) traveledto Minneapolis on April 7 and 8 to present a program of projects to a panelof judges at the annual regional SIFE conference. UMC’s team earnedRegional Champion status and will advance to the 2003 SIFE U.S.A.National Exposition on May 11-13 in Kansas City, MO, to compete againstother regional champion teams from across the U.S. This is the fourthstraight year that UMC SIFE has earned the title of SIFE Regional Champion.UMC’s SIFE Team earned Regional Champion Status in AprilThe UMC Early Childhood Club hosted its Sixth Annual Parent-ChildCarnival on Tuesday, April 8, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Lincoln School in Crookston.The event coincided with the National Association for the Educationof Young Children (NAEYC) Week of the Young Child. The carnival wasfree and open to children of UMC students, faculty, and staff and tofamilies in the Crookston community. UMC students planned and staffedhands-on activity stations appropriate for children ages six months to 8years of age.UMC’s annual International Dinner took place Saturday, April 12. The theme was “Working Together toCreate a Brighter Future.” The dinner began at 6 p.m. in Sahlstrom Conference Center’s Brown Dining Roomand was followed by a program in Kiehle Auditorium. Current international students planned the menu toinclude traditional ethnic foods and performed traditional entertainment representing various world cultures atthe program.Ken Myers, associate professor of hotel, restaurant, and institutional management, has been elected assecretary/treasurer of the Midwest Association of Hospitality Educators (MAHE), a chapter of the InternationalCouncil of Hotel, Restaurant, and Institutional Educators (CHRIE). Myers will be responsible for the actionplan, financial reports, and all chapter records of MAHE. He will helprepresent the MAHE chapter at the CHRIE meetings in Chicago this May.CHRIE is a recognized global leader in hospitality and tourism educationand research.Cheryl Isder, a junior majoring in water resource management andnatural resource management, has been named the 2003 runner-up forthe Minnesota Soil and Water Conservation Award. The award is presentedby the Minnesota Chapter of the Soil and Water ConservationSociety.The cast of the UMC production of “Run for Your Wife”Students involved in UMC Theater performed the comedy “Run for YourWife” Tuesday, April 22, through Friday, April 25, nightly starting at 7:30 p.m.in Kiehle Auditorium. The production was directed by UMC studentMarissa Koppy of Big Lake, MN. The cast of UMC’s production of “Run forYour Wife” included Noelle Jarvis, Brandon Sykora, Kristie Schill,Matthew Johnson, Daniel Webster, Jennifer Orcutt, Nathan Hoff, andDiane Delperdang.4 The UMC Torch

At the annual Student Awards Reception on Tuesday, April 15, twostudents were recognized with the year’s top academic, service andleadership award. The UMC Man and Woman of the Year for 2003 areDan Oberg, a senior majoring in wildlife management, and Cheryl Isder, ajunior double majoring in water resource management and naturalresource management. Paul Eickhof, representing the Crookston NoonDay Lions, presented Oberg and Isder each with a cash award of $100 fortheir achievements.Students also honored selected faculty and staff members withspecial awards at the reception. These awards are significant in that theentire UMC student body votes to select the award recipients. Faculty andstaff awards were presented in four categories: Outstanding Educator—Phil Baird, associate professor of natural resources; Outstanding Serviceto Students—Michelle Christopherson, assistant to the director, Centerfor Agriculture and Natural Resources; Most Creative Use of Technology—JerryKnutson, associate professor of biology; and Most Supportiveof Students—Jerry Knutson.UMC Chancellor Emeritus Don Sargeant, UMC Man of theYear Dan Oberg, UMC Woman of the Year Cheryl Isder, andPaul Eickhof, representing the Crookston Noon Day LionsMembers of the UMC Natural Resources Club took part in the 21stAnnual Chippewa National Forest Tree Planting Trip the weekend of April26-27. Seventeen UMC students planted 3,500 white spruce seedlings byhand at the Deer River Ranger District northeast of Lake Winnebigoshish.The club also removed 1500 bud caps from white pine seedlings. Theyhad installed the caps during a trip to the Chippewa this past fall toprevent white-tailed deer depredation.UMC Student Center and Cooperative Campus Ministry co-sponsoredthe Pax Christi Minnesota and Illusion Theater presentation of “A SmallBody of Determined Spirits” on Thursday, May 1, at 7 p.m. in KiehleAuditorium.Red River Valley Winter Shows Vice President Roger Odegaardpresented Delta Theta Sigma (DTS) President Jeremy Meyer and DTSVice President Steve Waling with $500 for their time, effort, and hard workin the restoration of the ox cart that stands in front of the Winter ShowsBuilding along Highway 2 in Crookston. The UMC Chapter of DTS took onthe restoration project as a community service project. The ox cart is anicon that reflects the history of Crookston, which was an important stop andcenter on the old ox cart trail to Canada.Faculty and staff award winners Phil Baird, MichelleChristopherson, and Jerry KnutsonCathy Behr of Willmar and Jay Tupa of Fargo were named UMC’sStudent-Athletes of the Year for 2002-2003 at the Athletics Awards Reception,held Monday, April 21. Criteria for the award include excellence in therecipients’ respective sport or sports and a 3.2 cumulative GPA or higher.UMC held its annual Staff and Faculty Year-end Celebration Thursday,May 15. Award recipients included: Stephanie Helgeson, interim director,Athletics - Distinguished Professional and Administrative Award; JohnZak, editor, University Relations - Distinguished Civil Service or BargainingUnit Award; Laurie Wilson, counselor and assistant educationspecialist, and Pam Holsinger-Fuchs, director, Student Activities andService Learning - Outstanding Community Service Awards; Tom Feiro,senior environmental health and safety technician - United Staff AssociationEmployee of the Semester; and Susan Brorson, professor of marketingand management - Distinguished Teaching Award.Cathy Behr and Jay Tupa, UMC Student-Athletes of the YearThe UMC Torch 5

James “Jimmy” Kaiser of Crookston received recognition for 40 years of service to the University ofMinnesota. Kaiser joined the facilities management staff in the custodial area in 1963 at what was then theNorthwest School of Agriculture.Stephanie Helgeson has been appointed interim director of athletics.Helgeson has served as assistant director of athletics since August 2000.Prior to that she worked as UMC’s sports information director. She hasbeen employed by UMC since November of 1995. Helgeson is a businessadministration graduate of the University of North Dakota, andattended UMC early in her college career.Bill Peterson presents Don and Mary Beth Sargeant with aclock made from the maple flooring of Bede BallroomThe UMC and Crookston community recognized the contributionsChancellor Don Sargeant and his wife Mary Beth have made over thepast 33 years Friday, June 6. Crookston Mayor Don Osborne declared theday “Don and Mary Beth Sargeant Day” via a citywide proclamation. Thatevening a social and dinner was held with reception at 5 p.m. at thePeterson Gazebo on the campus mall followed by dinner at 6 p.m. inBrown Dining Room and a program. At 9:30 p.m. community memberswere invited to attend a dance in the Sargeants’ honor at the Northland Innof Crookston.The Polk County Chapter of the American Cancer Society held itsannual Relay for Life on the UMC campus mall June 13-14, from 6 p.m. to6 a.m. (Friday evening through Saturday morning). Several campus staffmembers, current and retired, took part in the event, which memorializedcancer victims and survivors.Sharon Olson, Facilities Management; Dennis Kuzel, FacilitiesManagement; and Ardis Thompson, Development, were the guests ofhonor at a campus-wide retirement party on June 17. And on June 20another retirement party was held to honor (below from left) GailHasbrouck, Business Office; Toby Solberg, Facilities Management; andBetty Murphy, Business Office. Together, the six UMC staffers’ combinedyears of service to the U of M added up to more than 160 years. We wishthem all the best!UMC Retirees: (above) Sharon Olson, Dennis Kuzel, andArdis Thompson, (below) Gail Hasbrouck, Toby Solberg,and Betty MurphyUMC served as the host site for the 96th Annual Stevne of Hallinglagof America June 19-22. Hallinglag of America is a group made up ofdescendants of immigrants who came to North America from Hallingdal inBuskerud, Norway. A stevne is meeting of those interested in the history,genealogy, culture, crafts, and food of their Norwegian homeland.UMC has been awarded a grant from the U.S. Department of Educationin the amount of $118,226 for 2003-04. The grant, “Changing theCulture of Drinking on a Small University Campus,” is designed toprevent high-risk student drinking and alcohol problems and will enableUMC to implement a comprehensive campus-wide alcohol preventionprogram using a blend of social norms and environmental managementapproaches. It is anticipated that the grant will also be funded for asecond year.Over 120 students attended the Rotary Youth Leadership Award(RYLA) Camp July 13-19 at UMC. Rotary International District 5580sponsors the annual program, which emphasizes leadership training,good citizenship, and personal growth for over 100 high school juniorsand seniors from northern Minnesota, North Dakota, and western Ontario.UMC has hosted the event since it began in 1992, and several faculty andstaff were involved in the programs. Learn more at .6 The UMC Torch

Daniel Weber was recently named the recipient 2003 Cabela’sConservation Award. The award celebrates the role of hunting and fishingin conservation and is awarded to a student majoring in natural resourcesat the UMC. Weber is a recent graduate in water resource managementat UMC. The $500 award honors an outstanding student who displayssignificant potential to contribute to the field. Recipients must have atleast a 3.00 GPA, be of senior status, and complete an essay on the roleof hunting and fishing in conservation.The Thirteenth Annual UMC Teambackers Golf Classic took placeSaturday, July 19, at Minakwa Golf Club in Crookston. The winning teamrepresented True Value Hardware and Thrivent Financial. Team membersincluded: Bruce Hanson, Greg Lerum, Mark Lyczewski (attended’86-’87), Don Forney, and Wayne Melbye ‘73. The event helped raiseapproximately $6,000 for the UMC Athletics Scholarship Fund.Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty visited Crookston on Thursday,July 17. He attended a meeting to discuss the desirability of a Red RiverBasin Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP). Themeeting was held in Kiehle Auditorium on the UMC campus. CREP wouldprovide additional money to farmers to buffer riparian or river edge lands.The Red River Basin Commission has proposed this initiative, which hasbeen supported by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) andthe Red River Basin Team, a group of regional experts and practitioners inwater quality management for the Red River Basin.Ronald Del Vecchio has joined the faculty ofUMC as professor and program manager for theEquine Industries Management and AnimalIndustries Management programs. He holdsmaster’s and Ph.D. degrees in reproductionphysiology from Texas A & M University, and abachelor’s in animal and veterinary science fromthe University of Rhode Island. He comes to UMCfrom Louisiana State University, where he earnedthe rank of professor in the Department of AnimalSciences.Dan Weber is congratulated by Cabela’s East Grand Forksstore manager, David Lueth. Above, from left, Weber, Lueth,and University of Minnesota, Crookston faculty membersJohn Loegering and Dan SvedarskyChancellor Burton (left) offers greetings to MinnesotaGovernor Tim Pawlenty (right) July 17Jonathon Holland, varsity equestrian coach and teaching specialist in UMC’sEquine Industries Management program and member of UMC’s Class of 1995,returned from the 45th Annual Canadian National Appaloosa Horse Show, held July 28through August 1 in Brandon, Manitoba. Competing on the horse Zippos CountryImage, owned by Tandra Klein of Hazen, ND, Jonathon won the Canadian NationalChampion Pleasure Driving and the 3-year-old Western Pleasure honors and wasReserve Canadian National Champion in the 3-year-old Hunter Under Saddleclass. Under the guidance of Jonathon, Tandra was the Canadian National ChampionYouth Showmanship and Youth Hunter Under Saddle Champion and Reserve NationalChampion in the Youth Western Pleasure class.UMC Seeking Memorabilia Items for Eagles NestUMC will soon be redecorating a student lounge and meeting area on campus. The area is located in Sahlstrom ConferenceCenter and will be called the Eagles Nest (formerly Morsels). We are looking for memorabilia suchas pennants, old homecoming buttons, or other items—things that would be of interest to students andthat give some sense of the many past events and activities that have occurred on our campus. If anyof our alumni have items, please send them to the attention of Pam Holsinger-Fuchs, Director ofStudent Activities/Service Learning, 2900 University Ave., Crookston, MN 56716. If you have questionsabout items please call at 218-281-8505. Items will not be able to be returned.The UMC Torch 7

UMC HOMECOMING 2003SlaytheDRAGONSSchedule of EventsFriday, September 19, 2003Athletic Hall of Fame BanquetCrookston Eagle’s Club6:00 p.m. Social7:00 p.m. Dinner & ProgramTickets: $10 per person -contact Rose Ulseth in the Office of Development,218.281.8439Join us in welcoming the inductees for 2003:◆ Sonia (Walski) Kraft – basketball and volleyball 1989-91◆ Deryl Ramey – head football coach 1972-76◆ Mike Hanlon – wrestling 1972-74◆ Craig Knutson – football 73-74, 74-75.Under the watchof Head CoachDeryl Ramey, whois being inductedinto the UMCAthletic Hall ofFame, theundefeated 1973UMC Football Teamcaptured thecollege’s first statechampionship bydefeatingLakewoodCommunityCollege 45-288 The UMC Torch

Saturday, September 20, 200311:30 a.m. Homecoming Parade - travels aroundcampus mall and out to Ed Widseth FieldIf any alumni group would like to enter a float or other unit,please contact Rose Ulseth in the Office of Development218.281.8439.Looking Back:1973 Homecoming Highlights12:00 noon Tailgating, UMC Parking Lot ESponsored by UMC Teambackers1:30 p.m. Football GameUMC Golden Eagles vs. Minnesota State—Moorhead Dragons, Ed Widseth FieldHalf-time of football game◆ Outstanding Alumni Awards 2003◆ Introduction of 2003 Athletic Hall of Fame Inductees4:00 p.m. Post-game Social, Minakwa Golf Club,Crookston9:30 p.m. Homecoming Dance, UMC Campus Mall(Rain site: Lysaker Gym)Visit for more schedule information and photos following theeventsSpecial Guests of Honor: members of the GraduatingClass of 1973 and members of the 1973 Football Team, whowill be celebrating their 30 year reunion during Homecoming.For more information, contact the Alumni Office.1973 Homecoming Royalty (from left): Paulette Swanson,Thief River Falls; Raana Grant, Richfield; Queen LuAnn Miller,Balaton; Sandra Jagol, Angus; and Laurel Olson, East GrandForks1973 Football Cheerleaders (from left): Advisor Kathy Mach,Marsha Stienbrink, Laruel Olson, Gail Hangsleben, and RaanaGrantCo-captains Ron Green and Mark Linnell display the statechampionship trophyThe UMC Torch 9

Chancellor Velmer S. Burton, Jr.Will Lead UMC into the FutureIt has been 18 years since the Universityof Minnesota, Crookston (UMC)welcomed a new chancellor, and withthe arrival of Velmer S. Burton, Jr. it isonly the third time a new leader hastaken the helm in the thirty-eight yearhistory of the college. Burton wasnamed the new chancellor in June, andhe brings with him the vision and energyto continue to move UMC forward.Under his direction, UMC will not onlyface the challenges of the present, butthe opportunities of the future.Burton has a record of achievement.He holds a Ph.D. in sociology from theUniversity of Cincinnati and recentlyearned a second doctoral degree (Ed.D.)in higher education management fromthe University of Pennsylvania, one ofthe nation’s leading centers of scholarshipin that area.Most recently, he was the dean ofthe graduate school and a professor ofsociology at North Dakota State University(NDSU) in Fargo, N.D. Prior toNDSU, he served as department headat Ferris State University, a polytechnicinstitution, and then as associateprovost for graduate studies at SoutheastMissouri State University. He haspublished numerous scholarly works andhas held faculty positions at WashingtonState University-Pullman, SamHouston State University, and IllinoisState University. He has also receivedawards for his teaching.Burton has worked in two land grantuniversities prior to coming to UMC, andhe appreciates agriculture educationand the heritage of the land grant institutions.He says, “the University’sland grant mission—teaching, research,and outreach—continues to have greatvalue and vitality in serving the citizensof the region and state.”As chancellor, Burton’s responsibilitieswill be to provide administrative andacademic leadership to the Crookstoncampus; to facilitate the efforts of theadministration and the UMC faculty,students, and staff; and to representUMC to the University of Minnesotapresident, Board of Regents, community,region, state, legislature, governmentalagencies, and other organizations in-At a June 16 press conference, University of Minnesota President Robert Bruininks (right)introduced UMC’s new chancellor saying, “Dr. Burton combines the leadership, vision, andenergy that will serve the Crookston campus well in the coming years. He also brings to thechancellor position significant experience and a record of achievement in higher education witha strong scholarly record.”cluding higher education institutions.His education, experience, and visionwill help UMC meet the challenges facedin higher education.When asked about the future ofUMC, Burton is optimistic.“UMC is at a crossroads,” he says.“Ten years ago we began offeringbachelor’s degrees. The next step is toexpand our academic programs to becomea more comprehensive university.That will help make us more competitiveand attractive to students.”Burton explains that UMC has identifiedeight additional academic programsit would like to pursue.Currently, preliminary discussions arebeing held with UMC faculty and Universityof Minnesota officials to developthe degree proposals. These eight programsinclude criminal justice, appliedcommunication, applied psychology,criminal forensic science, emergencymanagement, environmental science,food safety, and computer software technology.These programs are timely for UMCin several respects. As Burton pointsout, they are polytechnic and appliedin nature, which fits the mission of theUMC campus. They are niche programsthat students have expressed interestedin. They promote regional economicdevelopment for northwestern Minnesota;this, in turn, will help citizens inthis part of the state. And, finally, theyprovide a basis for housing many of thegeneral education requirements in undergraduateeducation.Burton says that this is a very excitingtime for UMC, especially as thecampus looks forward to a new studentcenter. He also recognizes that studentachievement has increased over the last10 The UMC Torch

five years—as ACT scores for incomingfreshman have steadilyrisen— along with the level andquality of the faculty hired.The new chancellor also believesin the value athleticsbring to the campus. It is somethinghe recognizes and supports.“Athletics brings the communityto campus—and thecampus into the community—and establishes long-standingtraditions,” says Burton. SinceUMC has successfully made thetransition to Division II athletics,he believes it is imperativethat student athletes have thesupport they need to succeedboth on and off the field.“The support of alumni andfriends is more important thanever before,” Burton adds.In his free time, Burton likesto jog, walk, and play tennis.He also enjoys driving sportscars.Burton has two sons,Stanley, 15, and Alex, 11. TheUMC community would like towelcome them to the campusand looks forward to workingwith Chancellor Burton tostrengthen the campus, community,and region.Written by Liz TollefsonCHANCELLOR Q & ACan you explain your vision for UMC? How do yousee the campus growing or changing in the next fiveto ten years?“As needs have changed over time, UMC has undergonechanges—from a residential high school to a technicalinstitute to a baccalaureate degree granting institution. As ournext step, we need to expand our academic offerings to betterserve our region and to attract more students. It’s importantto note that the programs we are planning to develop areapplied and fit within our polytechnic mission. They also willoffer a wider choice for incoming students.“As we look out past the next five to ten years, I’d like tosee UMC serving about 1,800 full-time students on campus.With the addition of our new student center in the upcomingfew years, the campus could handle that amount of growthand still maintain the personalized atmosphere we’re so wellknown for.”What role can UMC alumni play in helping youachieve your vision for the campus?“Through both their career achievements and theirfinancial support, our alumni strengthen the vibrancy of thecampus and help us expand our scope. Their support of andinvolvement in what happens at UMC expands the long-termworth of their own experiences when they were students here.“One measure of the value of an institution’s degree is thenumber of graduates produced historically. Each year asUMC turns out more graduates, all alumni benefit from theenhanced reputation of UMC’s academic programs. A directvalue is made from contributing alumni to recent graduatesand our current students. Looking at it that way, you can seethat a contribution made today by an alumnus only makestheir UMC degree more valuable over that individual’s lifetime.In a sense then, contributing alumni are actually investing inthe reputation and worth of their own degree they haveobtained at UMC.The UMC Torch 11

ALUMNI FEATURES“It Still All Comes Down to Talkingwith Farmers in Their Fields”Kevin Poppel pulls into theparking slot slightly late for hisscheduled 9:30 a.m. interview.The bespectacled, hulking figure,a spring 2003 graduate from theUniversity of Minnesota, Crookston(UMC) with a bachelor’s degreein agricultural business,emerges from his vehicle and immediatelyapologizes.One glance at his brand-new,full-size Chevrolet pickup, sportinga mud-caked four-wheel-drive“Those face-to-face relationships arewhat give me the biggest charge.”It’s not that technology isn’t a bigpart of what Poppel does each day forTriangle Agronomy Services in LakePark, MN. One look at his pickup - witha wireless personal digital assistant(PDA), laptop computer and Global PositioningSystem (GPS) device inside –confirms that. But for Poppel, it’s allabout building relationships.“You have to build up some level oftrust and credibility,” he said. “If youThe JobTechnically, Poppel works forAgriliance, which sub-leases his servicesto Triangle. As an Agronomy ProductionSpecialist, Poppel works in LakePark and other surrounding towns thatare also home to Triangle branch locations.Triangle’s history dates back threeyears, he explained, when a bunch oflocal farm cooperatives joined forces insteadof continuing to compete witheach other. In all, there are 11 Trianglelocations in and around the Red RiverValley, and Poppel expects that numberto grow. He’s growing already.“I’m growing within my position everyday it seems, with more responsibilitiesadded on. It seems like whateverroles I want to play, there is an opportunityto do so,” he said. “But that’sthe way I want it; I love doing differentthings every day.”Some days he sells, other days hedrives a truck. One day he might findhimself managing the plant in LakePark, the next day he might be sprayinga field. Some of his favorite days arespent experimenting with emerging technologies.“We’re doing so much withGPS, variable rate application and satelliteimagery now that I think we’d belost without it,” he said. “Those toolshave revolutionized this industry by reallyshowing farmers what’s available tothem to improve their operation.”“There were no limitations atUMC and no locked doors;I had the opportunity to getinvolved in pretty muchanything that I wanted to”Kevin Poppel ’03 uses relationship building and technology skills daily in his job as anagronomy production specialist for Agriliance and Triangle Agronomy Services in Lake Park, MNATV strapped in the bed, renders anyexcuses moot, however, because it’sclear Poppel has been in a field, dealingwith a farmer client, and the customermust come first. In this case, the farmeris less than pleased with the performanceof a weed killer, and Poppel knewthat discussing the situation with himin person, right where the weeds weregrowing, was the only option.“Even with all the emerging technologiesin the agricultural services industry,it still all comes down to talkingwith farmers in their fields,” Poppel said.don’t, someone else will be doing yourjob for you.Poppel, originally from Breckenridge,MN, estimates that he spends 80 percentof his time on the farm with hisclients. One of his biggest clients isSteve Mattson, brother of longtime UMCagronomy Professor Marv Mattson. “He’sone of our best customers, and a majoraccount,” Poppel said. His clients rangefrom large operations like Mattson’s toa 250-acre family dairy operation nearUlen, MN. No matter the size, Poppelscouts every single acre, documentingyields and rotation. The family dairyoperation in Ulen has particularlypiqued his interest of late.“He’s growing crops for his animals,so it’s not food-grade, but he has somevery interesting practices in place,”Poppel said. “It forces me alter my focusa little bit, which can be challenging.”12 The UMC Torch

Natala has three kids, ages 11 to 16,and lives in St. Paul.He also stays in touch with JuanMoreno, who was UMC’s Director of InternationalPrograms when Natala was astudent.But it’s Natala’s role as an unofficialUMC recruiter of international students that has reaped thebiggest rewards. One of his first recruits was his youngerbrother, Joe Natala, who attended UMC in 1994-95. He hasalso recommended UMC to kids in the Chilala family in Zambia.Petronella Chilala graduated from UMC in 2000, andLouis Chilala is currently attending UMC.“What happens is my brother and my parents know aheadof time that I’m coming to Zambia for a visit, so by the timeI get there a bunch of young people know I’m coming and Itell them about UMC,” Natala explained. “I suppose I’ve beena pretty good ambassador for Crookston and UMC.”He said he’s comfortable encouraging young students fromZambia to attend UMC because he knows they’ll be treatedas individuals by instructors who will know their names andbackgrounds.“On a larger campus it’s more rigid; you’re more likely to“I know if I have a role insending a student to UMC, thatstudent will be treated well”be treated as a number than a person andyou don’t know your professors at all, really,”he said. “I know if I have a role insending a student to UMC, that studentwill be treated well.”In addition to his job at the airline,Natala ran a store in downtown St. Paulfor approximately 10 years. The store, Inside Africa, offeredhandcrafted African baskets, music and other items, in additionto books and music. He’s scaled it back of late to indirectsales and a booth at the State Fair. Either way, it keepshim tied to his roots.Natala also keeps agriculture fresh in his mind by helpinghis cousin in Zambia acquire tractors, combines, irrigationequipment and other machinery for his large farm operationthere. His daughter, Nakita, 15, is there right now helpingon the farm.“It helps me feel like I’m still using my agricultural education,”Natala said, “and helps my family and my country atthe same time.”It also gives him frequent opportunities to sing the praisesof UMC.“Yes, that, too,” he said.Written by Mike Christophersoncontiued from page 13Kevin Poppel“UMC instructors are farmers, they’reprogressive. They’ll give you to tools youneed for the future, not for the present.I feel that when I started this job I wastwo years ahead of the curve.” It’s allabout setting yourself apart, he said.“This is an exciting time in this industryand a lot of people want to get inon it, so whether you want to be afarmer, an agronomist, a marketing personor some other kind of specialist,there are phenomenal opportunities.But you’d better be better than average,”Poppel said. “UMC will set youapart. With its small size and handsonopportunities, there’s no better placeto go.”Already Giving BackOnly a few months removed from receivinghis degree, Poppel is already establishinga scholarship that he wantsto see go to a UMC student looking forthe opportunities that he sought as astudent. A scholarship recipient as asophomore, Poppel doesn’t want gradepoint-averageto be the main factor indetermining who gets the scholarshiphe’s setting up.Poppel (right) firmly believes that personal relationships with his clients are the key to hissuccess“A lot of scholarships are basedmainly on GPA and I want mine to bedifferent,” he said. “Grades won’t determinehow far you’ll go in life, but determination,motivation and awillingness to take on challenges will.I want students to get involved on campusand in the community and look back“Grades won’t determine howfar you’ll go in life, butdetermination, motivationand a willingness to take onchallenges will”on those years as the best four years oftheir life, because that’s how I see them.By giving this scholarship, I want toexpand students’ horizons.”Mike Meyer, UMC’s director of development,is thankful for any and allalumni gifts. “The gifts from our alumnimake a difference in the lives of ourcurrent students every day,” he said.“Kevin Poppel is giving students the helpthey need to take on the challengesahead. Since Kevin is such recentgraduate of UMC, his contribution isunique, and we hope it will inspire others.”Written by Mike ChristophersonThe UMC Torch 15

Seidel’s Belated College CareerOpens New DoorsPatrick Seidel ’03 recently joined the ranks of the roughly 26 percent of Americans over age 25 who holdbachelor’s degreesWhat would you do if you found thatyou could no longer work at a job youhad enjoyed for nearly 20 years? Youmay have made many friends and youmay have done your job well, but nowthat is over.Do you find a different job? Couldyou find another job? Think aboutsearching for available work, writing aresume, interviewing, and competingagainst other job seekers, many of whomare much younger than you.Do you go back to school? Howwould you pay the costs? Could yousettle in to studying? What about writingpapers and taking exams? Wouldn’tthe other students all be even youngerthan those you would compete againstin the working world?Patrick Seidel found himself askingthese same questions in 1998. Afteryears of working at American CrystalSugar in Crookston and having advancedto the level of house mechanicfirst class—the highest level next tomanagement—Patrick had to give up hisjob due to health problems that preventedhim from standing for more thanfifteen minutes at a time.After trying to work as a fork lift operatorand even considering collectingdisability from Social Security as hissole income, Patrick decided, instead,that he would go back to college. Hechose the University of Minnesota,Crookston (UMC) because it allowed himOnce he got to know theyounger students, however,he found them helpful andwilling to work with himto stay in the community andbecause he wanted to workwith computers.With the help of state VocationalRehabilitation Services,Patrick enrolled atUMC in the winter of 1998.He majored in informationnetworking management.From nominal work withcomputers at his previousjob, he had become interestedin learning more about them.He thought this field wouldalso give him the opportunityto apply for jobs that didn’trequire long periods of standing.The first month was astruggle. Feeling out of placeamong the younger students—mostof whom were 15to 20 years younger—and tryingto keep up with readingand studying, Patrick haddoubts that he would be ableto make it. Once he got toknow the younger students,however, he found them helpfuland willing to work withhim. Through group projectassignments and talking withclassmates between classes, Patricksoon became friends with many of them.The help of counselors and tutors atUMC and the Vocational RehabilitationServices also played a large role in hismaking it through his first year. Patrickqualified for help from Student SupportServices not only because of his medicaldisability, but also because neitherof his parents held a four-year degree.He is, in fact, the first of his family toattend college and receive a degree.Patrick found all of the staff very helpfulbut remembers especially, JasonTangquist, Lynn Gevens, Laurie Wilson,Claudia Barton, and Bruce Ramstorf.After that first challenging but successfulyear, things got easier. Patrickeven became a tutor to others seekinghelp from the Student Services office.Along with his class work, he participatedin the UMC I.T. Professionals, a16 The UMC Torch

computer club. He also made the Dean’sList four times, and, in his last semester,he made the Chancellor’s List, signifyinga perfect 4.0 grade point average(GPA). He graduated in December 2002with a 3.26 cumulative GPA.These achievements might haveseemed incomprehensible when Patrickwas younger. He was born in Ord, Nebraska,one of ten children. His familymoved to Newfolden, Minnesota in 1967.Patrick quit school in his senior year atNewfolden High School and entered theU.S. Army in1974. He was stationed inGermany for two years. There he earnedhis high school diploma from a schoolprovided for military personnel. Followinghis discharge from the army, he attendedthe Area Vocational TechnicalInstitute (now Northland Communityand Technical College) in Thief RiverFalls for training as an auto mechanic.Patrick met his wife, Nanci(Hansen), in Thief River Falls, and theywere married October 13, 1978. InMarch 1979, they moved to Crookston.Patrick worked for Brost Chevrolet for ashort time and then went to work atAmerican Crystal Sugar. In May 1982the couple moved to Fisher, where Nancimanaged the Fisher Café. In August of1997 they moved back to Crookston.Patrick and Nanci have one son,David, a graduate of Fisher HighSchool. After serving six years in theU.S. Army, David returned to Crookstonand majored in information networkingmanagement at UMC. After three years,David reentered the army and is currentlystationed in South Korea. Hiswife Melissa, from the St. Cloud area,transferred to UMC and was an undeclaredmajor. She also entered the armyand will soon join David in South Koreaafter completing information networkingmanagement training inArizona.Today, Patrick can’t imaginewhat his life would be likeif he had not decidedto attend collegeStill living in Crookston, Patrickcurrently works as an independent contractorfor Spencer Technologies of Minneapolis.The company installscomputer systems for other businesses.Some of the work he has done includesinstalling debit card machines at Bed,Bath, and Beyond in both Grand Forksand Fargo and installing complete computersystems for Abercrombie andFitch, a clothing store in Fargo. He isalso seeking full-time employment insetting up networks, help desk, orwebmaster positions.Patrick’s advice for older studentsreturning to school: Take a smallercredit load the first semester while youget used to going to school again. Anddon’t be afraid to ask for help from otherstudents, faculty, help desk staff, andstudent services.Without the financial assistanceand counseling from the VocationalRehabilitation Services and the individualattention and help he receivedat UMC, Patrick says he would not havemade it. He also gives a great deal ofcredit and appreciation to his wife,Nanci, for always standing behind him100 percent. He says her encouragementand support have been a great help.Today, Patrick can’t imagine what hislife would be like if he had not decidedto attend college. While the job marketis slow, he knows he wouldn’t have theknowledge and qualifications to work forSpencer Technologies or to be able toapply for work where the minimum requirementis a bachelor’s degree. Patrickis very confident in one thing, though:his decision to return to school andcomplete a degree has certainly createdmore options.Written by Wanda ClarkLEARNING FOR LIFE AT UMCMany adults are choosing new career paths orexpanding their education to enhance theiremployment. Through UMC’s flexible schedules,personal faculty contact, and a variety offinancial options, these students are reachingtheir goals. Here’s one of many success stories.For more stories visit our website.If you are an alumnus of UMC with an A.A.S.degree, don’t forget to ask how your credits cancount toward your bachelor’s degree!Milissa Van Eps had completed a mix ofcourses at three other institutions beforeenrolling at UMC. Her existing credits wereaccepted, and she added a year of courses atUMC to earn her bachelor’s degree in HealthManagement.While studying at UMC, she was also workingmore than 30 hours a week, so her tight schedulecalled for a combination of campus andonline classes. Milissa found UMC to be verytransfer-friendly and an easy transition. Shesays, “The staff really took my goals to heart.” Milissa now works atAltru in Grand Forks as a result of a connection she made throughher UMC internship there.Learn more. Call the UMC Center for Adult Learning: 1-800-862-6466 ext. 8681or visit www.UMCrookston.edu/LEARNThe University of Minnesota is an equal opportunity educator and employer.The UMC Torch 17

Web Designer Says Job Is“Ongoing History Lesson”Imagine having a job that, somedays, lets you relive many of Minnesota’smost riveting moments in history and,on other days, lets you relive your childhood.That’s the kind of job 2001 Universityof Minnesota, Crookston (UMC)graduate Garrick Willhite has as a webdesigner for the Minnesota HistoricalSociety in St. Paul. Some examples ofthe history lessons that Willhite hasbeen taught through his work includesites he’s designed on the notoriousDuluth lynchings of 1920( collections.mnhs.org/duluthlynchings/), the Chinese-Americanexperience in Minnesota( www.mnhs.org/events/ChineseAmerican/) and Minneapolis’boom time as the “Flour Milling Capitalof the World” from 1880 to 1930(www.millcitymuseum.org/).“It’s true, this job is, a lot of the time,an ongoing history lesson for me, whichis kind of a bonus, really,” Willhite said.“I learn so much through the differentprojects I do, like I never knew beforethat Minneapolis was ‘The Mill City,’ thecenter of the universe when it came toflour milling.”The Duluth lynchings site won a silverMuse Award from the American Associationof Museums (AAM) in 2003.Here’s what the judges had to say aboutthe site:“Excellent, comprehensive accesspoint for source materials. A minimumof interpretation is presented, butrather full-text versions of primary documents.The oral histories and thetimeline are terrific! The site is easy tonavigate and accessible to both generalaudiences and scholars alike. The content/topicis very serious and the siteis designed to address the nature of thecontent, while at the same time providingengaging audio clips accompaniedby appropriate images from the collection.…Even though I know very littleabout the subject matter, once I wassearching, I was going after all sorts ofarcane details of incarceration, and enjoyingimmensely looking at the originaldocuments. I can see where thisGarrick Willhite’s design for the grand opening of the Mill City Museumwould be a real asset for a historianand/or researcher interested in the field,or in what Minnesota has to offer inthat regard. It’s a nice digital library sortof initiative.”The Duluth lynching site, like othersWillhite has designed, was launchedas part of a Minnesota Historical Societycollection. Other sites he’s designed,such as the Mill City Museum, arelaunched prior to the exhibit openingat the Minnesota History Center. As forthe Muse Award, Willhite explained thatthe AAM has a category for collections,and the Duluth lynchings site won thesilver.“It’s a pretty big award for a museumcollection,” he said. “It’s definitelya feather in the old cap.”So that’s the history part. As for relivinghis childhood, one site he’s designedon an exhibit depicting thehistory of baseball in Minnesota( www.mnhs.org/places/historycenter/exhibits/playball/)combines both history and memories ofplaying baseball as a kid. Another sitehe’s working on for an upcoming exhibiton the history of action figures has reallystirred memories of playtime in hischildhood.Web Designer Garrick Willhite ‘0118 The UMC Torch

“That one is a lot of fun; it’s likebeing a kid again,” Willhite said. “A lotof times people think of history, and‘fun’ isn’t the first word that comes tomind. But in this case, for me anyway,it’s fun.”Years of GroomingAlthough only a year out of collegewhen hired by the Historical Society inJuly of 2002, Willhite had years of webdesign experience under his belt. In1995, as a high school junior in Crookston,UMC technology instructor BruceBrorson steered Willhite to what wasthen known as the Red River Trade Corridor,located at Valley Technology Park,just north of the UMC campus. Led byJerry Nagel and Brorson, Willhitelearned on the job how to designwebsites. Willhite worked there throughouthis four years at UMC, as the originalcorridor transformed into the RedRiver Trade Council and then the NorthernGreat Plains Initiative.“The Web was just starting to get bigin 1995, and Bruce knew I was a painterand drawer, so he offered me a positiondoing graphic arts,” Willhite recalled. “Ihadn’t done any web designing at thetime, but Bruce figured the technologywas pretty basic at the time and I’d beable to translate the artistic stuff intothe web pretty easily. I learned from others,and taught myself.”After graduating from UMC, Willhitedid some freelance web designing. He wasdrawn to the Twin Cities, but didn’twant to “jump into” anything corporatebecause most of those types of websitesare so similar.“I wanted to be able to do some differentthings, and the Minnesota HistoricalSociety was, and is, a real goodfit,” Willhite said. “Each project is differentfrom the one before, and presentsnew challenges.”While there are 12-15 people on theSociety’s Information Technology staff,he’s the only web designer.Willhite wouldn’t mind somedaymoving into a position that managesvarious websites, but right now he’scontent at the Historical Society. St.Paul is a little too much of a “ghosttown,” however, unless something is goingon at the Excel Energy Center, sixblocks from his apartment, so a moveWillhite earned a silver Muse Award from the American Association of Museums for his designwork on a site for the Minnesota Historical Society about the tragedy of the Duluth lynchingsto Minneapolis isn’t out of the question.Fresh off a recent visit to a friend’splace in Chicago, Willhite wouldn’tmind ending up in the Windy City oneof these years, either.“Other schools say they havethe technology, but it’s notintegrated into everythinglike it is at UMC”UMC Role“UMC is small, and yet it was oneof the most technologically advanceduniversities I could have goneto,” Willhite said. “I thinkthat’s saying a lot. Otherschools say they have thetechnology, but it’s not integratedinto everything like itis at UMC.”He also liked the way hecould integrate his artisticand creative skills with thetechnical expertise he waslearning in his classes. “Youcan’t do these things if youand I learned both of those things,” hesaid, adding that marketing and buyerbehavior classes he took at UMC alsohelp him when he considers what wouldmake people visit the sites he designs.“As a web designer, I’m always dealingwith usability issues, asking myselfif people will be able to use the site, andwhy they would even want to visit it inthe first place. That drives how I lay outthe site,” Willhite explained. “Bruce(Brorson) and the Information Technologydepartment at UMC were a hugeinfluence on me in that area.”Written by Mike Christophersondon’t know how computerswork and how the web works, Willhite’s design for the Chinese-American Experience inMinnesota has generated many positive commentsThe UMC Torch 19

UMC alumni Chad Weber ’00, Corey Hanson ’00, and Gwen Hoie ’99 are happily building their careers in information technology at MicrosoftGreat Plains in Fargo, NDUMC Graduates Build Careers at MicrosoftWhile they’ve never actually spokento Bill Gates or had an opportunity toshake his hand, University of Minnesota,Crookston (UMC) graduates GwenHoie, Chad Weber and Corey Hansonall admit to being tempted to drop theirboss, Bill Gates (“Boss technically,” Hoieis quick to add.), an e-mail just to sayhello.“But I have a strong feeling there area lot of people who filter his e-mail forhim and only send the real importantstuff his way,” Hoie said. “I don’t thinkan e-mail from me would qualify.”The folks back in Bagley, MN – nodoubt proud to call Hoie one of theirown - might dispute her humble beliefthat an e-mail from her wouldn’t beworthy of at least a glance by the richestman on the planet. The same likelygoes for the folks in Weber’s hometownof Thompson, ND, and Hanson’s hometown,Erskine, MN. Whether or notGates ever meets Hoie, Weber or Hansonor even so much as glances at an e-mailfrom them, all three rural communitiescan boast that one of their best andbrightest works for the largest softwarecompany in the world, Microsoft.“It is pretty cool to say I work forMicrosoft, and the fact that I work for acompany like this never really gets old,”Hanson said while sitting in a conferenceroom with Hoie and Weber at thebeautiful Horizon Building, one of threeMicrosoft Great Plains locations inFargo, ND. “To live in a perfect-sizedcommunity like Fargo and be able towork for probably the best known companyin the world…yes, I do feel fortunate.”While both are quick to say that theyhave no plans or desire to leave the companyanytime soon, Hoie and Weberadded that having work experience atMicrosoft placed prominently on theirrésumés would only help as they traveldown their future career paths.“It would take a great opportunityto make me leave here,” Hoie said.“Fargo is a fun place for three smalltownpeople; it has everything the TwinCities has, but with a five-minute commute.”Happy EmployeesNot that Microsoft is happy to letits employees leave for greener pastures.“This company does have a very highinterest in your career path; they’re verygood at letting you try new things becausethey’d rather have you movewithin the company than leave for anothercompany,” she explained. “Theylove being there for you, and it’s empoweringfor their employees.”“It’s tough to get your foot in thedoor here,” Weber added. “But once youget here, if you’re motivated and put inthe effort, you’re in good shape.”So just how did they get hired? Webersaid it quickly became clear in hisinterview that Microsoft was interestedin his personal people skills more thanhis technical skills.“Their thought process is they canteach anyone about a product, but theycan’t teach you how to be good, effectivepeople. They can improve on thoseskills, but not create them,” he explained.20 The UMC Torch

But when two candidates for employmentboth possess excellent peopleskills, are great communicators andhave glowing personalities, Hanson saidit probably comes down to technicalskill level when determining who is hiredand who isn’t.“At that point, UMC’s reputation fortechnology has to come into play,” hesaid. “You have that background andbaseline knowledge to build on thatsomeone else probably doesn’t have.”As students, Hoie and Weber bothworked with UMC instructor BruceBrorson at the Red River Trade Council(now Northern Great Plains, Inc.), locatedat Valley Technology Park on theUMC campus. Combining that handsonexperience with the integrated technologyin their classes and UMC’spersonal atmosphere gave them a leg upwhen it came to entering the postgraduationworkforce, Weber said.“Other schools have laptops and saythey’re cutting edge, but they’re not,”he said. “At the Trade Council, we haddaily interactions with customers, asstudents, and built relationships. Youcan’t beat the overall experience at UMCand the opportunities available there.”All three were friends at UMC, withWeber and Hanson being one-timeneighbors. Hanson and Hoie kept statisticsat men’s basketball games, andHoie played on the women’s team. Weberplayed football and baseball.“We all just kind of hung out,” Hoiesaid.Weber and Hanson both recentlymarried. Hoie rents a townhouse withtwo other UMC alumni, siblings Kyle andKarla Thormodson. Karla owns thetownhouse.What they doAll three have bachelor’s degrees inInformation Networking Management“At that point, UMC’s reputationfor technology has to come intoplay, You have that backgroundand baseline knowledge to buildon that someone else probablydoesn’t have”(INM) from UMC, with Hoie graduatingin 1999 and Weber and Hanson graduatingone year later. Both technical supportengineers, Weber and Hanson areon the same Customer RelationshipManagement (CRM) team, while Hoie isin sales operations on another team.“Without getting all technical, wesupport clients when they have issueswith their software. When they haveproblems they call us,” Weber explained.“We help with ongoing implementation,customization and work flow…a littlebit of everything.”The technical assistance that Weberand Hanson provide is considered “secondlevel.” On the first level are the “partners”like Hoie, who sold the softwarein the first place. If the problem is beyondfirst level expertise, second levelsupport kicks in, Weber explained. If theproblem is even more complex, the levelsgo all the way up to the people whoactually developed the software.Weber and Hanson joined theMicrosoft Great Plains team at the sametime, in December 2000. Hoie followedin December 2001. While Microsoft isHanson’s first job, Weber worked forNorthern Great Plains, Inc. - located inValley Technology Park just north of theUMC campus - prior to landing atMicrosoft. Hoie made two career stops,both technology companies, before joiningMicrosoft. She was laid off from thefirst one when the company was boughtout, and the second one was an Internetstart-up company.“I prepare our customers to purchasea product by putting together quotesand pricing so everything is known upfront,” Hoie said, explaining her mainduties. “All the sales managers havegoals and quotas to meet, so they cometo us a lot because they really like ourhelp. It makes a person really feel necessary.”She has 25 people on her salesoperations team. Weber and Hansonhave 35 people on their team, up from15 when they started at Microsoft a littlemore than two years ago. In all, approximately2,500 people work for theMicrosoft Great Plains operation inFargo, Weber estimated.While many associate summer withvacations and lazy, sunny days, the atmosphereis a bit more charged atMicrosoft Great Plains. August is annualperformance evaluation time, Webersaid, and raise amounts and stockoptions are riding on the outcome of theevaluations. As for Hoie, she’s still recoveringfrom a 100-hour work week inlate June.“At month-ends, quarter-ends andyear-ends, you have to stay and processall your transactions,” she explained.“Microsoft is very much a family-orientedcompany, but at those times you arerequired to be here until you’re done.”Hoie’s not complaining. She knowsahead of time when the long hours arecoming so she can adequately prepare,and the overtime pay certainly eased thestrain of the marathon week, she said.So she won’t be e-mailing Gates tocomplain about the long hours every nowand then?“No, definitely not,” Hoie said. “Ihave no complaints. I don’t see howanyone could complain about the situationwe’re in.”“I don’t know if ‘lucky’ is the rightword, but I know I’m in a good place,”Weber added.Written by Mike Christopherson!"We Want to Hear from YOU! Send us your alumninews. See page 27 for more information or visitwww.UMCrookston.edu/people/alumniThe UMC Torch 21

Wildlife Management Backgroundand Technology Skills MakeVredenburg IndispensableIt’s not like Norm Moody is lookingover his shoulder, fearing for his jobsecurity as Land Commissioner of theBackus, MN, office of the Cass CountyNatural Resources Conservation Service.It’s just that Elissa Vredenburg isthat good.“Exceptional. Amazing. Those arethe first words that come to mind todescribe her,” Moody said of Vredenburg,a 2001 graduate of the University ofMinnesota, Crookston (UMC) who worksfor him as a Forest Resource/WildlifeManager. “Some days I feel like I’mworking for her.”Vredenburg, who holds a degree inwildlife management from UMC, was veryfamiliar to Moody long before she startedworking for him full-time in Februaryof 2002. Throughout her four years atUMC, she worked at the Backus officewhenever she had a break from classes.“Christmas break, summer break,spring break…I’ve spent all of those heresince 1999,” Vredenburg recalled. “Duringspring break, my friends were on thebeaches while I was trudging throughthe snow.”Backus just happens to beVredenburg’s hometown. Even with herfamily and employment ties there, shesaid she had no intention of stickingaround once she graduated from UMC.“But the job here was just too good toturn down, and I haven’t once regrettedstaying,” she said.One Heck of an EmployeeMoody feels lucky to have her.“ She’sjust one heck of an employee; very selfmotivated,”he said. “Sometimes it’sbest to just get out of her way, becauseyou know she’s going to get a projectdone and get it done very, very well.“Her organizational skills are phenomenal,”Moody continued. “I don’tknow if that’s a credit to UMC or herupbringing, but I do know that she organizesall of her stuff and everyoneelse’s stuff, too.”Vredenburg is the resource managerfor an eight-township territory. Her22 The UMC TorchElissa Vredenburg ’01 balances office and technology work with other, more physical outdoorwork as a forest resource / wildlife manager in Cass Countymain duties involve planning and settingup timber harvests and administeringsales for loggers. She’s alsoinvolved with wildlife surveys.“We do ruffed grouse drummingcounts, and trapped and collared themto track their mortality rates,”Vredenburg explained. “We’ve also donebear baiting to monitor predator scentroutes.”She’s also getting involved with theutilization of aerial photography and iscurrently matching photos with theirtownship section. She uses Global ImagingSystems (GIS) and Global PositioningSystems (GPS) every day, andhas also obtained her real estate appraisallicense so she can help coordinateland exchanges in Cass County.So, clearly, Vredenburg is busy. “I’drather have too much to do than toolittle,” she said. “There’s lots of varietywith my job, too, which is good becauseI’d get bored doing one thing over andover.”Alongside a Department of NaturalResources (DNR) manager, she just recentlybegan monitoring all-terrain vehicle(ATV) trails in her territory, todetermine which ones should permitATV traffic and which ones should not.Across the nation but especially in Minnesota,the negative environmental effectsof heavy, unmitigated ATV use area hot topic. Vredenburg is aware of thatfact, and it only increases her passionfor the task at hand.“I’ve lived here all my life, and to seeplaces I’ve gone since I was a kid nowripped to shreds because of all these“She’s just one heck of an employee; very self-motivated,Sometimes it’s best to just get out of her way, because you knowshe’s going to get a project done and get it done very, very well”

ATVs really kind of bothers me,” shesaid. “Hopefully we can make some wisedecision and get a handle on this.”Giving UMC CreditVredenburg credits UMC for preparingher for such a wide variety of duties.“I took a wide variety of naturalresources classes, and I tried to take allof my electives in the natural resourcesarea, too,” she explained. “Every day, Iuse all of that knowledge.”But it’s in the area of technology thatreally sets Vredenburg apart, Moody“UMC’s technology has come invery, very handy and has been ahuge benefit to me”said. Attending UMC, the first universityin the nation to issue a laptop computerto each student and integrate itsuse into the curriculum, has made herextremely valuable in the workplace, hesaid.“Sometimes I don’t know what we’ddo if we didn’t have Elissa around totroubleshoot and provide technical assistance,”Moody said.“If they need something done or ifsomething isn’t working right, they bringit to me and I try to figure it out,”Vredenburg added. “UMC’s technologyhas come in very, very handy and hasbeen a huge benefit to me.”Simply put, Moody said, she’s a joyto have around.“It’s fun watching her; she’s reallysetting the pace. Just give her the toolsshe needs and she’s off,” he said. “IfUMC can keep producing people likeElissa…wow! We’d all be doing verywell.”Written by Mike Christopherson#Mail to: UMC Alumni Association, 115 Kiehle Bldg., 2900 University Ave., Crookston, MN 56716-5001We Need Your Alumni SupportPlease include my name on the Honor Roll of ContributorsI would like my gift to be used❏ Where the need is greatest❏ Support the Torch❏ Scholarships❏ SpecifyNEWS: ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Here is my gift of❏ $100 ❏ $75 ❏ $50 ❏ $25 ❏ $15 or$ _______ payable to the University of Minnesota FoundationMethod of payment: ❏ Check ❏ VISA❏ Mastercard ❏ DiscoverCredit Card # ___________________________ Expiration ________Authorized Signature _____________________________________Name __________________________________________________Street Address __________________________________________City/State ________________________________ ZIP ___________Phone ( ) ____________________________e-mail ___________________________ Grad/Attend Year _______The UMC Torch 23

pervising Wilkerson Dining Hall on campus.He oversaw the preparation anddistribution of 2,800 meals per day.Two months later, Robinson acceptedan offer to manage concessionsfor the university. The opportunity towork closely with the UND hockey programwas too much to pass up, he recalled.He also handled concessions forUND football, volleyball, swimming andbasketball. At that time, the new RalphEngelstad Arena was only a vision, hesaid, and far from reality.“Pretty soon I’m standing on thesidelines next to (then football coachand current athletic director) Roger Thomasand (hockey coach) Dean Blais,watching the games close up, free ofcharge, and I’m thinking I’ve reallyfound a home,” Robinson said.He recalled being accepted intothe Sioux family early on“I’ll never forget one Potato Bowlwhen it was pouring and cold, and wehad made 500 gallons of hot chocolateoff site that we had shipped to the field,”Robinson said. “I’m hauling it to thetruck, soaked wet with rain and hotchocolate, and Thomas sticks his headout the door and yells, ‘I suppose youthought this job would be fun!’ I feltaccepted right then, and we’ve beenfriends ever since.”Any complications caused by therain were eliminated when the AlerusCenter was constructed, and the footballgames were moved to the climatecontrolled,indoor field. Around thattime, the new Ralph Engelstad Arenabecame a reality as well. For the firstsix months after the new arena opened,Robinson tried to continue managingthe concessions for all UND sports. Butwith the new arena hosting so manyevents in addition to UND athletics,Robinson said he quickly becamestretched very thin. Soon, he was offeredthe position of full-time concessionsmanager for the new EngelstadArena.“It wasn’t a hard decision,” he said.“To go from old Memorial Stadium wherewe’d blow a circuit breaker almost everyhalftime and I’d have to walk throughthe locker room during the halftimespeech to fix it, to come to one of thenicest arenas in the country, I can’t helpbut feel very fortunate.“I never imagined anyone wouldhand me the keys to a $105 millionbuilding that is state-of-the-art from topto bottom; I feel like I’ve died and goneto heaven,” Robinson continued. “Youknow you love your job when it’s a pleasureto get out of bed in the morning. Ican’t wait to get here.”Robinson, 49, was married in Augustof 2002 and lives in Crookston. Heenjoys his commute to Grand Forks, andon many days feels as though he actuallyneeds the commute to organize histhoughts.“It’s a high-stress job, especially duringthe peak season when we have morethan 120 people working here during anevent,” he explained. “Add to that thefact that you’re mostly dealing with highschool and college kids, and it can be apotential nightmare.”Keeping all the schedules straight isa job in itself, he said, adding that, likethe airline and hotel industries, heoverbooks. The 40-minute commute allowshim to keep everything straight.“In this day and age, you’re lostif you don’t know what you’redoing with a computer, so thetechnology factor at UMC wasvery, very important in myeducation”“During the morning drive I prepare,and on the way home in the evening Ireflect on what went right and wrongthat day,” he explained. “I scribble a lotof notes to myself and call on my cellphone to leave voice mail notes for myself.”Better Prepared NowClearly, Robinson now believes hepossesses the necessary business savvyto be successful in his industry ofchoice. He credits UMC for providinghim the tools and skills he needed. “After I graduated, I felt I had the skillsthat I could add to the cooking andbartending skills I already had,” he said.UMC’s integrated technology alsogave him a leg up in the industry, headded, or at least helped him keep pace.The laptop-computer-for-every-studentinitiative was still in its infancy whenRobinson returned to school.“As an older student, I had lost touchwith computers and technology, andUMC brought me up to speed,” he explained.“In this day and age, you’relost if you don’t know what you’re doingwith a computer, so the technologyfactor at UMC was very, very importantin my education.“Everything I do every day goesthrough my computer somehow,whether it’s a schedule, a menu, securitysystem or whatever,” Robinson continued.“There’s no way I could do thisjob without my UMC education.”Unless his bosses have other plansfor him, Robinson sees himself finishingout his career in his current position.Ground is being broken on abasketball and volleyball addition to thearena, and the schedule is more demandingthan ever.“Why would I want to leave this? Igot to sit down and talk with (comedian,commentator) Dennis Miller whenhe was here. Rumor has it I even drove(singer) Faith Hill around on a golf cartwhen she was here,” Robinson said.“Really, when you think about it, I getto put on one big party after anotherhere.”The term “party” brings Robinsonback to the potential nightmares he previouslymentioned when having somany young people in one place. “Thebiggest challenge is preventing the underagedrinking,” he said. “There’s neverbeen a college venue around here thatserved alcohol, so we’re scrutinized tothe letter because of that. It’s a big partof my job.”Somehow, though, everything comesfull circle, back to Fighting Siouxhockey, and Robinson’s passion for it.He considers coach Blais a friend, andrelishes the times he gets to accompanythe team on trips. “There I am, ridingaround with these baby-faced kids, somewho are going to be NHL players, andI’m getting to know them a bit andthey’re getting to know me,” Robinsonsaid, adding that he employs many ofthe players on his summer landscapingcrew. “I’m living pretty large right now,and feeling pretty lucky.“Now, if only (University of Minnesotahockey star Thomas) Vanek wouldgo pro, I’d really be on top of the world.”Written by Mike ChristophersonThe UMC Torch 25

ATHLETIC NEWSAlumni Football 2003UMC hosted its annual Alumni FootballGame on Saturday, April 26, 2003. This year,due to NCAA Division II rules, the currentGolden Eagles Football Team did not competeagainst alumni. Rather, two teams were formedfrom those alumni who had played offense andthose who had played defense. The two teamstook part in a scrimmage, and since no onewas officially keeping score, both teams of UMCalumni were able to focus on having fun in asport they enjoy. Thanks to all those alumnimembers who took part in the day!To see more photos of the scrimmage, go towww.UMCrookston.edu/people/athletics/football/photos/2003/SpringSrimmageUMC 2003 Football ScheduleDATE OPPONENT SITE TIMEAug. 28 St. Cloud State Crookston, MN 7:00 p.m.Sept. 6 U of North Dakota Grand Forks, ND 1:00 p.m.Sept. 13 U of M, Morris Morris, MN 1:00 p.m.Sept. 20 MSU-Moorhead © Crookston, MN 1:30 p.m.Sept. 27 Winona State © Winona, MN 2:00 p.m.Oct. 4 Southwest State © Crookston, MN 1:30 p.m.Oct. 11 Northern State © Aberdeen, SD 1:30 p.m.Oct. 18 U of M, Duluth © Crookston, MN 1:30 p.m.Oct. 25 Wayne State College © Wayne, NE 12:30 p.m.Nov. 7 Concordia-St Paul © Metrodome, Mpls. 10:00 a.m.Nov.15 Bemidji State © Bemidji, MN 1:30 p.mUMC 2003 Women’s Soccer ScheduleDATE OPPONENT SITE TIMEAug. 30 Northern Michigan Crookston, MN 1:00 p.m.Sept. 7 South Dakota State Brookings, SD 11:00 a.m.Sept. 10 U of North Dakota Grand Forks, ND 4:00 p.m.Sept. 13 Finlandia College (MI) Crookston, MN 1:00 p.m.Sept. 14 Augustana College (SD) Crookston, MN 1:00 p.m.Sept. 17 U of Mary (ND) Crookston, MN 3:30 p.m.Sept. 20 Quachita Baptist U. (AR) TBA 1:00 p.m.Sept. 21 Central Arkansas TBA 11:00 a.m.Sept. 27 Concordia-St. Paul © St. Paul, MN 1:00 p.m.Sept. 28 Winona State © Winona, MN 12:00 p.m.Oct. 1 Jamestown College (ND) Jamestown, ND 4:00 p.m.Oct. 4 Southwest State © Crookston, MN 1:00 p.m.Oct. 5 Northern State © Crookston, MN 1:00 p.m.Oct. 10 Montana State - Billings Crookston, MN 3:30 p.m.Oct. 15 MSU-Moorhead © Crookston, MN 3:30 p.m.Oct. 19 UW-River Falls River Falls, WI 12:00 p.m.Oct. 22 Bemidji State © Bemidji, MN 4:00 p.m.Oct. 25 U of M, Duluth © Crookston, MN 1:00 p.m.Oct. 31 Wayne State © Wayne, NE 1:00 p.m.UMC 2003 Women’s Volleyball ScheduleDATE OPPONENT SITE TIMESept. 5 U of M, Morris Morris, MN 6:00 p.m.Sept. 6 South Dakota State Brookings, SD 11:00 a.m.Sept. 6 Dakota Wesleyan Brookings, SD 3:00 p.m.Sept. 9 U of North Dakota Crookston, MN 7:00 p.m.Sept. 19 Concordia-St. Paul © St. Paul, MN 7:00 p.m.Sept. 20 Winona State © Winona, MN 3:00 p.m.Sept. 23 Mayville State Crookston, MN 7:00 p.m.Sept. 26 Bemidji State © Bemidji, MN 7:00 p.m.Oct. 3 MSU-Moorhead © Crookston, MN 7:00 p.m.Oct. 4 Northern State © Crookston, MN 5:00 p.m.Oct. 11 U of M, Duluth © Duluth, MN 4:00 p.m.Oct. 17 Southwest State © Crookston, MN 7:00 p.m.Oct. 18 Wayne State © Crookston, MN 5:00 p.m.Oct. 21 MSU-Moorhead © Moorhead, MN 7:00 p.m.Oct. 24 Winona State © Crookston, MN 7:00 p.m.Oct. 25 Concordia-St. Paul © Crookston, MN 4:00 p.m.Oct. 28 U of North Dakota Grand Forks, ND 7:00 p.m.Oct. 31 Bemidji State © Crookston, MN 7:00 p.m.Nov. 4 Northern State © Aberdeen, SD 6:00 p.m.Nov. 7 U of M, Duluth © Crookston, MN 7:00 p.m.Nov. 11 North Dakota State Fargo, ND 7:00 p.m.Nov. 14 Wayne State © Wayne, NE 7:00 p.m.Nov. 15 Southwest State © Marshall, MN 3:00 p.m.© denotes NSIC conference gamesHome games in boldwww.UMCrookston.edu/athletics26 The UMC Torch

#Clipand mailWe Want to Hear From You . . .Let us know any information or news you’d like to share with your UMC classmates and friends. To submit an itemfor the Alumni News Section, complete this form and send it to UMC Alumni Relations, 115 Kiehle Building, 2900 UniversityAvenue, Crookston, MN 56716, e-mail rulseth@umn.edu, or complete the form online at Photos of you and your family are always welcome! Additional stories, letters, news articles, or phone calls arealways welcome. Please be sure to include your year of graduation or years of attendance. Also, please include youre-mail address if you have one.Name ______________________________________________________________________________________First Middle Initial (Maiden) LastYear of Graduation ______________________________________ or Years of Attendance ____________________Address ____________________________________________________________________________________City _____________________________________________State/Province __________ Zip/Postal Code ________Phone Number () _____________________ E-mail Address* _____________________________________*Can we include your e-mail address in the Alumni News section of The UMC Torch?*Can we include your e-mail address in our online e-mail Alumni Directory?Yes _______ No _______Yes _______ No _______Information or news you wish to share (new job, career or family achievements, hobbies, etc.)________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Return this form to:UMC Alumni Relations115 Kiehle Building2900 University AvenueCrookston, MN 56716-5001Or call us toll-free: 1-800-862-6466 ext. 8436And check out the UMC Alumni Association website at The UMC Torch 27

SUMMERAlumniNews. . . Compiled by Rose Ulseth.Please send news items and photos to Rose by e-mail:rulseth@umn.edu, via mail: UMC Alumni Association, 2900 UniversityAvenue, Crookston MN 56716-5001, or submit online at60s70sHoward Person ’75, Thief River Falls, MN, isthe county Extension director for PenningtonCounty.William Ostenberg ’78, Live Oak, FL.E-mail William atdblofarm@suwanneevalley.net80sKim (Wittenburg) Althoff ’80, Wahpeton,ND, is working as the alumni coordinator atthe North Dakota State College of Science(NDSCS). She has two children, Beth, 15and Gary, 8. She belongs to the WahpetonRotary Club and is active in her communityactivities. She enjoys spending time fishing,downhill skiing and spending time with herchildren. E-mail Kim atkim.althoff@ndscs.nodak.eduHarold Stanislawski ’81, Fergus Falls, MN,serves on theMidwest DairyRound Table and is amember of theGeneric EnvironmentalImpact Statementfor animal agriculture.Harold chairedand co-organizedthe first AgriculturalInterest Conferencein west centralMinnesota.Gerald Landby ’82, East Helena, MT, wasrecently promoted to president of theAssociation of Montana Turf and OrnamentalProfessionals (AMTOP -www.amtop.org). He also serves on theMontana Urban and Community ForestryAssociation which is an advisory board forthe Montana Community Forestry Program.Gerald and his wife, Sandy, are busybuilding a new home near East Helena. Hewould love to hear from his UMC friends. E-mail Gerald at glandby@carroll.eduRuth McGlynn ’82, Inver Grove Heights, MN.E-mail Ruth at ramcceol@aol.comVonda (Johnson) McGarvey ’83, KalispellMT. E-mail Vonda atvlmcgarvey_04@bankersresource.comMichael Ohren ’86, Altoona, WI. E-mailMichael at mike@macman-inc.comPeggy Hagman ’89, Chandler, AZ. E-mailPeggy at peghanman@aol.comBecky Schultz ’89, Deer Creek, MN, iscurrently working at State Farm in Wadena,MN. Her son, Chad, graduated from highschool in May 2003. E-mail Becky atlbschultz@eot.com90sChris Mensing attended ’87-90, Perham, MN,is the owner of Lakes Country Landscapingin Perham.Marc Simard ’91, Winnipeg, MN. E-mail Marcatmarc.simard@freedom55financial.comLinda Bunde ’92, Thompson, ND, is a realtorfor Coldwell Banker First Realty – Encore inGrand Forks, ND. E-mail Linda atmsbunde@yahoo.comKathy (Braukmann) Piepkorn ’92, GrandForks, ND, isemployed by Ecolab.She married ClarkPiepkorn on May 3,2003, in DetroitLakes, MN.Don’t forget tosend a photo withyour news.Brian ’94 and Chae (Yliniemi) Norman ’94,Hawley, MN,have a son,Tyler, who is ninemonths old and iskeeping mom anddad on their toes.Brian is coownerofOutbackEngineering andChae is amassagetherapist and hasan office in Hawley. In their spare time theyenjoy spending time with their families,friends and fishing. They send theirgreetings to all of their UMC friends. E-mailBrian at briann@outbackpc.net and Chaeat chae@outbackpc.netCasey Bryl ’95, Mandan, ND, graduated fromthe University of Mary in Bismarck, ND, in2002 with a master of business administrationand a master of management. He isworking as a sales support representativefor Philom Bios, Inc., based out of SaskatoonSaskatchewan. He enjoys playingsoftball, riding motorcycle, going to the lakeand traveling to warmer climates in thewinter. E-mail Casey atcbryl@earthlink.netMelissa (Johnson) Didericksen ’95,Ephraim, UT. Her husband is currentlyserving overseas (not in Iraq). They havetwo children, Jason, 4, and Rachel, 8months. E-mail Melissa atmelissadid2002@yahoo.comBrian Kelly attended ’93-96 & ’98, Crookstonis a preservemanagementassistant with theNatureConservancy’sGlacial Ridge Project.He married MarnaJohnsen on May 17,2003.28 The UMC Torch

Matt Larocque ’96, Winnipeg, MN, is currentlya program supervisor of the WinnipegAboriginal Sport Achievement Centre(WASAC). They run sport programs forinner city core area aboriginal children.Seth ’97 and Angela (Gamradt) Hanson’98, Oneida, NY. Seth has worked forAccurate Metering Systems as a fieldservice technician for six years. Angelahas worked for Farm Service Agency as afarm loan office for five year. They wouldlove to hear from their UMC friends. E-mailSeth and Angela atahanson@twcny.rr.comJason Prystayko ’97, Bloomington, MN. E-mail Jason at jprystayko@analysts.comNaomi (Lilja) Eggl ’98, Larimore, ND, isemployed by GowanConstruction. Shemarried Travis Egglon April 26, 2003.Karissa (Dahl) Olson ’99, Minneapolis, MN, isthe executivedirector of AngelsCare Center inCannon Falls. Priorto this position shewas the executivedirector with BeverlyHealthcare in LongLake and regionaladministrator withthe Lutheran HomeAssociation inReedsburg, WI.00sAngela (Palmer) Brekken ’00, Bemidji, MN,married her highschool sweetheart,Jeffrey Brekken, onMarch 8, 2003.Angela works atNorth CountryNursing and RehabCenter and Jeffworks at TeamIndustries in Bagley,MN.E-mail Angela atangejeff@charter.netSUMMERAlumniNewsJim Rogus attended ’98-’00, Stephen, MN, isemployed by TerogManufacturing as amanufacturingengineer. He marriedAmanda Shane inFlorian, MN,.on July19, 2003.Michael Rote ’00, Askov, MN, is employed byArcon Constructionof Harris, MN. He isengaged to KyjaWinger ofHermantown. Thetwo plan to marry inSeptember 2003 inSandstone, MN.Ryan McLean ’98, McCanna, ND, marriedJenny Solseng onMay 31, 2003. He isemployed by Agri-Valley of Larimore.Alicia (Wiebe) Laturnus ’99, Fargo, ND,married Paul Laturnus on April 5, 2003. Heis working at the Farm Service Agency StateOffice in Fargo as a digitizer. E-mail Alicia atweibelaturnus@aol.comBrandy (Lietz) ’00 and Brad Chaffeeattended ’91-‘93, Maplewood, MN, marriedBrad Chaffee May 17, 2002, on the UMCcampus. Brandy is employed by theUniversity of Minnesota as a web developer,videographer, and event coordinator for theNew Media Institute in the School ofJournalism and Mass Communications. Bradis a field arborist and foreman for RainbowTree Service in Minneapolis. E-mail Brandyat blietz@umn.eduKreg Kennedy ’00, Grand Forks, ND, is thegeneral manager of the Days Inn in GrandForks.Jill (Settingsgard) Mokos ’00, Burnsville,MN. E-mail Jill atladymokie@hotmail.comDo you have an update for UMC Alumni News?Now you can send us your updates via the Web!Go to www.UMCrookston.edu/people/alumni/ and send usyour news today.Ben Diamond ’01, Humboldt, MN, is employedby Farm CreditServices of GrandForks, ND, as aninsurance specialistfor the Hallock, MN,and Cavalier, ND,areas. Previously heworked as a cropscout for AgrilianceAgronomy Center inHumboldt and GladesCrop Care in Jupiter,FL.Rebekah (Stortroen) ’01 and Grant Seegerattended ’95-’97,Grand Forks, ND,were married July 12on the UMC campus.Rebekah is employedin the InstructionalTechnology Center(ITC) at UMC andGrant is a fourthyear medical studentat the University ofNorth Dakota.The UMC Torch 29

SUMMERAlumniNewsEric Swift ’01, Willmar, MN, is a mortgagelender for SuperiorMortgage in EdenPrairie. He marriedSara Schow on July25, 2003.Amy Nelson ’02 and Chad Sperling ’03,Grand Forks, ND, willmarry August 16,2003 in Crookston,MN. Amy is a loanofficer at CitiFinancialin Grand Forks andChad is a webdesigner for theUniversity of NorthDakota.Andrew ’03 and Jennifer (Johnson) Holle’03, New Salem NDwere married July 5,2003 in East GrandForks, MN. Andrewand Jennifercurrently work onAndrew’s familydairy farm in NewSalem.Kelly ’02 and Janelle (Mattson) Kilgore ’02,Grand Forks, NDwere married July12, 2003. Kelly isemployed by the Cityof Grand Forks andJanelle is employedby Girl Scouts – Pineto Prairie Council.Arpad Nagy ’02, Hopkins, MN, is a first yearMBA graduate student at Metropolitan StateUniversity in Minneapolis. He works as agraduate assistant teaching one or twoclasses a week. His expected graduation isin 2004. E-mail Arpad atarpad.nagy@metrostate.eduRyan Perell ’02, East Grand Forks, MN, isemployed at AltruHospital as anapplications analyst.He will marry AngieLarson on September6, 2003.Rachel Sundbom ’02 and Tim Mayville ’03,Crookston, MN, weremarried at UMC’sPeterson Gazebo onAugust 2, 2003.Rachel is employedby the CrookstonPublic Library.James Lamb ’03, Grand Forks, ND, wasaccepted as anintern for RepresentativeEarl Pomeroyand will serve fourmonths in WashingtonD.C.Brandy Thaler ’03, LaGrange, WY, is workingas a web designer, e-learning and graphicsconsultant. E-mail her atbrandy@brandythaler.comDon’t forget tosend a photo withyour news.Join us for UMC Homecoming 2003on September 19 and 20!30 The UMC Torch

IN MEMORYSUMMERAlumniNewsDan Rieck attended ’74-‘75WyomingMay 6, 2003Linda Opferkew ‘91Crookston, MNMay 25, 2003George Nornes, of Climax, MN, died July 28 in the TwinCities two weeks after having a severe stroke. Funeralservices were Saturday, August 2, in Climax, MN. Georgewas a teacher at the Climax High School and the AgassizValley Vocational School in Crookston before working as arecruiter for UMC’s agriculture programs during the 1980sand 1990s. He was also very active with the former RedRiver Valley Winter Shows.Memorial Gift AccountUMCAA has a memorial fund set up to receivememorial contributions honoring departed alumni, friendsand loved ones. If you wish to honor an individual, pleasemake your gift to the UMCAA and send it to our office andwe will notify the family that our office is in receipt of amemorial gift. Amounts will not be disclosed.Please consider your alumni association family forfuture memorial gifts.NWSA & UMC ... A LegacyHello,First of all, let me thank you for thewonderful dinner that was scheduled forthe N.W.S.A. reunion. I don’t think I hadbeen back to the campus since the day Igraduated in 1979! The identification ofthe family members in the photo takenis: Manvel Green ’49, her son, Carol(Green) Tucker ’52, her daughter, Susan(Tucker) Willis UMC ’79, Jill (Tucker)Petersen UMC ’80, Johanna (Nabben)Green ’23 Top Aggie recipient, Lark(Tucker) Oihus attended UMC ’85-’86,Ralph Tucker ’52, son-in-law. WHAT ALEGACY!!!Lark left school and became a bookkeeperat A & H Implement in Grafton.She lives in St. Thomas, N.D. and is apresently a stay-at-home mom, after beingself-employed for 7 years. Jill lives in Grafton with her husbandand two teenage sons. She was the office manager for Offutt PotatoFarms after graduating from UMC, then was the office manager for alaw firm. She furthered her education, and is presently a paralegal atthe Einarson Law Office in Grafton. I was a store manager forMaurice’s after graduation, then became a travel agent. I met andmarried my husband in 1984 and relocated to his hometown in Ohio,where I worked as a travel agent before becoming the bookkeeper forhis family-owned lumber business.Thanks again, Sue Willis ’79Alum Produces UMC T-ShirtsUMC alum Andy Dumas ’98 (right) works as a sales representativeat Coaches Choice in Fargo, ND, (www.coacheschoiceonline.com).Andy worked with UMC University Relations in the design and productionof this year’s t-shirts for new students. He lives in Fargo with wife, Kris,and daughter, Kylie, 2.The UMC Torch 31

Weddings on CampusMy CampusWedding Storyby Brandy Lietz Chaffee ’00I was probably ten years old when Istarted dreaming up “the perfect wedding.”I was equipped with about 20 years ofexperience in the planning and organizingof my wedding before it took place May 17,2003. I had envisioned the flowers, colors,dresses, foods, programs, music, passages,and virtually anything that wouldentail throwing the most memorable partyof my lifetime. All I needed was the man ofmy dreams and a location.Brad Chaffee, who is now my wonderfulhusband, certainly filled the “man of mydreams” role. It didn’t take me long tofigure out which location I wanted for thewedding when Brad and I decided wewanted to hold our celebration closer tomost of our family and friends. Havingbeen a student and employee at theUniversity of Minnesota, Crookston, I knewwell of the marvelous campus gazebo, the mall area and theremarkable work that goes into the beautification of the groundseach year. We made arrangements with the folks at UMC, andby their gracious approval the role of “location” was filled.I knew that we wouldn’t need to go overboard with decorationsfor the ceremony as the location as it stands is alreadydecorative to those who appreciate subtle beauty and nature.We added rows of white chairs, tulle, ivy and voila! It was all Ihad dreamed.Many UMC alumni, faculty, and staff attended the wedding of Brandy Lietz and Brad Chaffee onthe UMC campus mallBrad and I would like to take this opportunity to thank theUniversity of Minnesota, Crookston for allowing us to hold thewedding on campus. Thanks to Kent Freberg, as he confidentlyassured me through his words and actions that anything weneeded or wanted to make our special day perfect, wouldhappen. A special thanks to our family and friends, as youhelped to make our wedding day something that we will cherishfor our lifetime.TheTORCHUMCA MAGAZINE FOR ALUMNI & FRIENDS OFTHE UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA, CROOKSTONVolume 36, Number 3, Summer 2003The UMC TORCH is a publication of the UMC AlumniAssociation, published by the University of Minnesota,Crookston University Relations Office.Director of Alumni and DevelopmentMichael Meyer, 218-281-8434meyer243@umn.eduDirector of CommunicationsAndrew Svec, 218-281-8435asvec@umn.eduAlumni Support StaffRose Ulseth, 218-281-8439rulseth@umn.eduUMC Alumni BoardLeah (Stratton) Melsa ’93,Twylla (Johnson) Altepeter ’68 & ’02, Jeff Oseth,Jennifer (Johnston) Tate ’98, Stephanie (Hoeft) Helgeson, Arlene (Putikka) Tucker’73, Heather (Pohlmeier) Dufault ’96, Shane Roers ’01, Mark Erickson ’98, Sue(Gruhot) LeGare ’89, Korey Hegreberg ’98, Joey Alcorn ’01, Luke McCapes ’01,Kari Torkelson.Ex Officio: Rose Ulseth ’87, Mike MeyerThe UMC Torch is a publication of the UMC Alumni Association publishedby the Office of University Relations at the University of Minnesota,Crookston. It is published three times a year: fall, winter/spring, andsummer. Send address changes and information for the magazine to:UMC Alumni Association, 115 Kiehle Building, 2900 University Avenue,Crookston, MN 56716-5001.Phone: 218-281-8439 or 1-800-232-6466, Ext. 8439FAX: 218-281-8440E-mail: rulseth@umn.edu, or asvec@umn.eduEditor: Andrew SvecDesigner: John C. Zak Photos: UMC and MediaContributing writers: Mike Christopherson, Liz Tollefson, and Wanda Clark32 The UMC Torch

WEDDINGBONANZAThis summer UMC experienceda wedding bonanza: (left)Brandy Lietz and Brad Chaffeeheld their wedding May 17 at thePeterson Gazebo on the campusmall; (lower left) RebekahStortroen and Grant Seeger weremarried June 12 in KiehleAuditorium; Dana Prudhommeand George Widman exchangedvows June 14 at the Cathedral ofthe Immaculate Conception inCrookston, but stopped forphotos on the UMC campus.If you would like to involveUMC in your wedding plans,contact the UMC Alumni Office.GO! UMC!Get your UMC and Alumni Gear at the UMCBookstore. You can place your order online.Here is a sampling of what is available.UMC Bookstore Clothing/Summer 2003 TorchItems shown on rightA--Oxford Hood with UMC in tackle twill--$49.95--S, M, LG, XL, XXLB--Maroon Champion Jacket Nylon V Neck--$49.95--S, M, LG, XL, XXLC--Youth Oxford Crew with Eagle Head--$14.95--M, LG, XLD--Maroon Champion hood with Crookston--$49.95--M, LG, XL, XXLE--Gold Gear hood with UMC--$39.95--S, M, LG, XL, XXLF--Maroon Alumni Imprinted Crew--$24.95-26.95--S, M, LG, XL, XXLG--Oxford hood with Eagle head--29.95-31.95--S, M, LG, XL, XXLA.B.C.D.G.E. F.109 Robertson Hall218-281-83351-800- UMC MINNbookstore.crk.umn.eduModels: Rebekah Seeger ’01, Liz Tollefson ’02, Cameron Brauer, Senior

UMC Alumni AssociationUniversity of Minnesota, Crookston2900 University AvenueCrookston, MN 56716-5001Nonprofit OrganizationU.S. PostagePAIDPermit No. 317Grand Forks ND 58201Address Service RequestedSlay theCrookstonDragonsJoin us forHomecoming 2003September 19 & 20See page 8 for aSchedule of EventsUMC Website: www.UMCrookston.edu