Torch, Summer 2010, Vol. 42, No. 2

A Magazine for Alumni & Friends of theUniversity of Minnesota, Crookston

Vol. 42, No. 2 Summer 2010

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From the Chancellor

It is always a proud day for everyone at the University of Minnesota,Crookston when we gather for commencement and celebrate theaccomplishments of the graduating class. It all begins when students come tocampus, and we have the privilege of watching them choose a major and pursuea dream. Over the time students are here, they develop so many of the skills theywill need in the workplace or in graduate school. This transformational processtakes place in what seems like such a short time under the skillful guidance ofour outstanding faculty and staff.In April during our student awards program and reception, we had the

opportunity to acknowledge students for their accomplishments. The time, talent,and energy they put into their classes, volunteer projects, and clubs andorganizations are truly commendable, and we relish this opportunity to applaudtheir success. Congratulations to each one and to the faculty and staff whoworked so closely with them.There are so many students who stand out on our campus. For example, take

Erin Shaw, a senior from Lancaster, Minnesota double majoring in accountingand business, who was named outstanding accounting student; or Nik Jiran, asenior aviation major from Hayden, Idaho, who was named outstandingvolunteer of the year; or Shawn Friedland, a junior biology major from Viera,Fla., who was named outstanding math and science student; or Kevin Anderson,a senior from Spring Grove, Minn., a double major in natural resources andagricultural systems management, who was recognized for his outstandingservice to the music and theater department. And there are many others.I especially would like to congratulate our Man and Woman of the Year,

Anthony Dank and Eun Hye Kang. It is an honor for each of you to berecognized for your outstanding service and achievement. All of the students Imentioned represent only a few examples of the way our students have excelledover the last academic year.Spring semester went by so quickly, and even now, it is surprising to realize

that this spring marks my fifth commencement on the Crookston campus. Eachyear, I am impressed with the new class of graduates, and I know our students’successes will help make them great leaders, employees, community members,and global citizens.To our new graduates, I hope you will come back often to visit campus, share

your success stories with our alumni office, and keep in touch with faculty andstaff. We are proud of you and want to continue to encourage you in your futureendeavors. The word commencement means “beginning” and is a mostappropriate name for this auspicious occasion. As you commence from the U ofM, Crookston, may it be the beginning of great things for all of you.Congratulations to the Class of 2010!

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

Director of Development& Alumni Relations........4

Nancie Hoerner ............4

Jean (Stromstad)Vigness-Parker ..............5

Campus News ................6

Summer Place................7

Jean (Fischer)Whalen ............................8

Terry Nelson ................10

Ann Bailey ....................12

Hunter Family ..............14

Fehr Family....................16

Matt Brinkman ............18

Elizabeth Kern ..............20

Graduation ....................21

Gretchen Lucken ........22

Shelton Derisma ..........23

Red Potion ....................24

Mucky Peat ..................26

Alumni News ................27

In Memory ....................30

CONTENTS

Dear 2010 graduates,I offer you my sincere congratulations on your

accomplishments! Saturday, May 8, 2010, marked aproud and memorable day in your lives as youbecame graduates of the University of Minnesota,Crookston and transitioned into alumni.As alumni what can you expect? First, I welcome

you to an elite group as new members of theUniversity of Minnesota, Crookston AlumniAssociation (UMCAA). You’ll receive the Torchmagazine three times annually allowing you to staycurrent on happenings at your alma mater. I stronglyencourage you to stay active and involved, return tocampus often, and communicate frequently with ourstaff Sue Dwyer, Bill Tyrrell, Rose Ulseth and me,Corby Kemmer.What role can you play? You’re the greatest

advocates of the U of M, Crookston; therefore, shareyour insights and wisdom with prospective students.Consider joining the U of M, Crookston Alumni

Association Board, Teambackers Board, coordinate analumni gathering in your geographical area, orvolunteer your time. As new alumni you have theopportunity to build a stronger U of M, Crookstonnetwork, and I ask for your partnership.Thank you! We acknowledge the excellent

generosity by alumni and friends whose donationscontribute to the enhanced successes of the Universityof Minnesota, Crookston. All gifts, no matter the size,make a difference and change lives. As alumni, yourprivate support is more critical today than ever beforeso I challenge you to begin your philanthropy soonerrather than later. We need your continued support.Best wishes and good luck.Please don’t hesitate to contact me at:

[email protected] or 218-281-8434.Sincerely,Corby Kemmer, directorDevelopment & Alumni Relations

From the Director ofDevelopment & Alumni Relations

Focus on the Board Nancie Hoerner, ’95

4 www.umcrookston.edu

Corby Kemmer with Alumnus James Clack, ‘80,following commencement on May 8.

As an older-than-average student,University of Minnesota, CrookstonAlumni Association Board memberNancie Hoerner, ’95, remembers herexperiences on the Crookston campusrevolving around classes and herthree part-time jobs.“I remember the four years as

being very rewarding, and if someonewould pay my tuition, I’d go back ina heartbeat,” Hoerner claims. “Istarted at UMC to complete my

generals because it was a two-yearschool at the time. My intention wasto attend the University of NorthDakota in Grand Forks. UMC went toa four-year school during that period,and I couldn’t find a collegeanywhere in the world that offered amajor in ‘independently wealthy.’UMC offered a major in appliedmanagement that I could work with,so I stayed right where I was; I havenever regretted it.”

Hoerner feelsshe was verylucky to be able tocomplete aninternship atRiverView Healthin Crookston during the last quarterof her senior year. Following thatinternship, she was hired byRiverView first as a temporary, full-time employee in order to finish theprojects she was working on during

Nancie Hoerner, ’95

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The reason Jean (Stromstad)Vigness-Parker, ’55, attended theNorthwest School of Agriculture(NWSA) is simple. It was a familytradition. Her father, John, ’33;uncles, Walter, ’38; and Raymond,’47; aunt, Dora, ex. ’34; brotherAllan, ’63; and sister, Jane, ’60;along with cousins: Beulah, ’47;LaVerne, ’53; Duane, ’62; LeRoy,’64; and Bruce, ’66; all attendedthe Northwest School. It is atradition Vigness-Parker is glad herfamily carried on.“Attending the NWSA allowed

me to be in all kinds of activities,”she recalls. “Those areopportunities I would not have hadif I had lived at home and attendedschool because of the distance welived from the public high school.”Vigness-Parker took advantage

of those opportunities. She sang inthe choir, took voice and pianolessons, and took to the stage in thejunior class play.When she looks back, Vigness-

Parker recalls so many wonderfulmemories of going to school. “I amnot sure any teenager today couldstand for the kind of rules we had.We had to be in our room by 7 p.m.and studying until 9 p.m.,” shesays. “Then, we had bathroomprivileges until 9:30 p.m. and tobed by 10 p.m. If you were a junioror senior, you got to stay up until10:30 p.m.”She was “campused” once when

she failed to sign back in when shereturned from the movies. Thatviolation meant Miss Bede calledher father and she was confined tocampus for a specified amount oftime, hence, the term “campused.”“Another thing I remember is

the bad feeling you had aftersupper if you had to walk back toyour dorm alone,” she smiles.“There were only 17 girls in myclass; you would think it wouldn’thave been a concern, but when youare in high school, it was.”After graduation, Vigness-Parker

was employedby BellTelephone inCrookston andworked thereuntil she wasmarried. Shealso worked for20 years in areagrocery storesafter her children were in school.NWSA Board member Norm

Landby, ’55, and her classmateoriginally invited her to join theboard. “Norm was hard to turndown,” she says. “I couldn’t say noto him, and I thought I could helpwith the reunion planning so Iwillingly agreed to join the board.”Vigness-Parker has been back to

campus for many a reunion sinceshe graduated and is lookingforward to this year’s gathering onJune 25-26. Join her and all yourfriends and classmates on campusthis summer.

Jean (Stromstad)Vigness-Parker, ’55

Focus on the BoardJean (Stromstad) Vigness-Parker, ’55

her internship and then as theInformation Systems Coordinatormaking her the only informationtechnology person on staff at the time.She has worked at RiverView for 15years, and her current title is systemsanalyst/HIPAA security officer.There is a long history with the

campus for Hoerner. Her formerhusband, Robert Hoerner,’65, and hismother, Norma (Morgan) Hoerner,’38, both graduated from the

Northwest School of Agriculture. Herson-in-law, Troy Olson, ’89,graduated from the U of M,Crookston when it was a two-yeartechnical college and was recognizedas one of the Outstanding Alumni for2009.Hoerner says she serves on the

alumni board because she believes“it’s always a good thing to give backwhen possible so even though I amalso on the UMC Teambacker Board

and serve as secretary, I agreed toserve on the UMCAA board when Iwas asked.”For Hoerner the board is just a

great group of people. “Everyone onthe board is willing to pitch in and dotheir share to make things work whichmakes serving on the board relativelyeasy. I want to be the best boardmember I can be, and I want to do thebest job I can do with whatever task Iam given.”


Grant for $5 million to Train HealthCare ProfessionalsA consortium led by the

University of MinnesotaInstitute for Health Informaticshas been awarded more than $5million to train healthprofessionals in the field ofhealth informatics. In apartnership that also includesthe U of M, Crookston and theCollege of St. Scholastica,Professor Adel Ali, Ph.D., head of the Math, Science,and Technology Department will serve as the leadinvestigator from the Crookston Campus. Learn moreby visiting www.ahc.umn.edu/media/releases/IHIgrant.

Man and Woman of the YearThis year’s recipients of Student Achievement

Awards are AnthonyDank, senior, Sartell,Minn.; Shawn Friedland,junior, Viera, Fla.;Thomas Haarstick,senior, Vergas, Minn.;Nikolas Jiran, senior,Hayden, Idaho; BrandonSachwitz, senior, St.Paul, Minn.; KarlSyverson, senior,Minneapolis, Minn.;Alvin Tong, senior,Singapore; Lhakpa Gurung, junior, Kathmandu,Nepal; Eun Hye Kang, senior, Seoul, South Korea;Kimberly S. Nelson, senior, Cold Spring, Minn.;Kristine Neu, junior, Pelican Rapids, Minn.; MindyNieuwboer, senior, Kenneth, Minn.; Brittany Novak,junior, Dahlen, N.D. Honored as “Man and Woman ofthe Year” from the students who received the StudentAchievement Award were Man of the Year AnthonyDank, a senior animal science and equine science pre-vet major; and Woman of the Year Eun Hye Kang, asenior communication major.

National Society of Leadershipand Success

The University of Minnesota, Crookston inducted44 students into the National Society of Leadershipand Success at a gathering held in April. Keynotespeaker Kenneth Johnson, instructor in the BusinessDepartment, spoke to the students about vision,leadership, and lifelong goals. The National Society ofLeadership and Success, in its inaugural year on theCrookston Campus, is designed to help studentssucceed by discussing such topics as leadership,creating a vision, and identifying goals. It serves as apowerful force of good in the greater community byencouraging and organizing action to better the world.Officers elected for the 2010-11 academic yearinclude: Publicity Chair Shanel Finke, sophomore,Grand Marais, Minn.; Vice President Brittany Novak,junior, Dahlen, N.D.; President Ashley Williams,junior, Big Lake, Minn.; Secretary Katie Bowar,senior, Moorhead, Minn.; and Events CoordinatorAnna Ogaard, junior, Maple Grove, Minn. Atreasurer for the group will be named at a later time.

Campus News Highlights

Adel Ali, head of theMath, Science, andTechnologyDepartment

Anthony Dank and Eun Hye Kang

Shanel Finke, Brittany Novak, Ashley Williams, Katie Bowar, and AnnaOgaard

If you listen,you can almosthear the melodicstrains of “TheTheme from ASummer Place”in the air. Thesong, madefamous by the 1959movie “A SummerPlace,” starred Sandra Dee and Troy Donahue. Itbecame a hit in early 1960 when the Percy FaithOrchestra played their instrumental version ofthe song.Do you remember 1960? Alfred Hitchcock’s

thriller, “Psycho,” was one of the mostsuccessful films of the year and Harper Leepenned To Kill a Mockingbird. G.I. Joe wasintroduced by toymaker Hasbro, and students atthe Northwest School of Agriculture wereselling candy bars that cost a nickel for a dimeto help raise money for the Aggie yearbook.The Northwest School reunion this summer

honors the Class of 1960 with the reunion theme“A Summer Place.” On June 25-26, 2010, makethe campus “A Summer Place” for you and yourclassmates and friends. You might not rememberwhat you were doing in 1960, but you won’tforget spending a summer weekend on campus.

If you are looking for something special to take home with you from thereunion, the brand new campus cookbook will be for sale featuring recipesfrom faculty, staff, and even a few alumni!It all begins with the fish fry on Friday night, and concludes with the Top

Aggie banquet on Saturday night. Honored classes for this year’s reunion are’25, ’30, ’35, ’40, ’45, ’50, ’55, ’60, and ’65, but we don’t care what classyou are from, you are welcome to the campus of the University of Minnesota,Crookston because it is your summer place.

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It’s “A SummerPlace” for You


Working under a short-termcontract for the United Nations asan official court reporter at theInternational Criminal Tribunal forRwanda (UN-ITCR) has had aprofound affect on University ofMinnesota, Crookston Alumna Jean(Fischer) Whalen, ’80 and ’09.“At the genocide trials in

Rwanda, I was on a ‘team’ of‘English court reporters,’ as wewere called,” Whalen says. “TheTribunal is actually located inTanzania, which is a country in eastAfrica immediately adjacent toRwanda. Because the UnitedNations’ (U.N.) two officiallanguages are French and English,there were two separate “teams” ofcourt reporters, one team providingdaily transcripts in English and theother team providing dailytranscripts in French. It was a fast-paced environment with some veryunique challenges. The testimonycould, at times, be incredibly gut-wrenching.”The UN-ICTR is the forum

where the people who were high upin the Rwandan government arebeing tried. “These ‘Accused,’ asthey are referred to, are thegovernment officials who plannedand orchestrated the genocide,”Whalen says. “They weren’t theones swinging the machetes; theywere the ones giving the orders toother people to do the killing.“The witnesses would be flown

to and from Rwanda on a smallU.N. plane,” Whalen continues. “Ihad the opportunity to fly toRwanda on that plane for aweekend visit. Rwanda is abreathtakingly beautiful country

with a climate like Hawaii’s. It’shard to believe that such a tragicstory could unfold in such abeautiful portion of the world. Ivisited some of the genocidememorial sites, and the experiencewas surreal.”Although such sad, gruesome

stories come out of Africa, there issomething about the continent thatWhalen describes as incrediblyalluring, beautiful, and makes aperson want to keep going back.“In Tanzania, where the UN-ICTRis located, the people are friendly,the climate is perfect, and thelandscape is amazing,” She reflects.“Two-thirds of Tanzania’s land hasbeen made into national parks. Iwas able to go on some reallyamazing safaris and also hiked onMount Kilimanjaro twice.”Whalen first saw an

advertisement for short-termpositions with the UN-ICTR in anewsletter from the National CourtReporters Association. Shesubmitted her resume, and it wasn’tuntil eight months later that shewas contacted by the UN about anassignment. “The UN hires peoplefrom all over the world,” she says,“I worked with a group of about 16court reporters from the U.S.,Australia, New Zealand, Canada,the Gambia, Zimbabwe, andZambia.”Growing up in Bismarck, N.D.,

Whalen decided to pursue a careerin court reporting. She was glad tofind a major at the University ofMinnesota, Crookston TechnicalCollege because it was so close tohome, had an outstandingreputation, and was accredited. “I

am very glad I made the choice toattend the U of M, Crookston. Myprofessors were encouraging,positive, and approachable. Classeswere small, and the student-teacherratio was a great benefit tostudents.”During her second year at the

U of M, Crookston, Whalen was aresident advisor. She credits thisrole as giving her the chance to getto know a greatgroup of youngwomen.Students of

the late 1970s,would alsoprobably recalla popularnightspot inCrookston known as the VikingDisco. While there is a bit ofhesitation about bringing it up,Whalen smiles and admits it is theplace where she met her husband,Mike. They have been married 26years and have two children, Sarahand Greg.After graduating in 1980, she

worked in Grand Forks, N.D., fortwo years and then Council Bluffs,Iowa, for five years as a freelancecourt reporter. Whalen and herhusband relocated to the TwinCities area in 1987 because theyhad started a family and wanted tobe closer to relatives.After moving to the Twin Cities,

she worked as a freelancedeposition reporter through anagency for about seven years, thenshe took a leap of faith and struckout on her own starting a smallfreelance court reporting agency ofher own. After several years, she

Taking a Written Account

United Nations Map

Jean Fischer Whalenin 1980

sold the freelance agency in 2005and accepted a position in statedistrict court in St. Paul, Minn.,where she currently works. Over theyears, she has held severalleadership roles on the board of thestate court reporters association. Sheis currently union steward. In 2008,Whalen received the MinnesotaAssociation of Verbatim Reportersand Captioners DistinguishedService Award. She is a RegisteredDiplomate Reporter and CertifiedRealtime Reporter.She could have not have served

with the U.N. without the support ofher husband and children. Whalen’sexperience is something she carriesclose to her heart. “I will never bethe same,” she shares. “We reporterswere continually amazed at thedignity of the witnesses whotestified at the Tribunal. They neverbroke down on the witness stand,even when testifying about thehorrific things that had happened tothem and their families. I think Ibecame much more of a globalcitizen. In the U.S., we are soinsulated from much of what’sgoing on in the rest of the world.“Places like Rwanda are closer to

us than we realize on this small,blue planet we share. These are realplaces with real people with realfamilies who have real dreams and

aspirations just like the rest of us.When it’s nighttime here, they’reenjoying our common sun. Whenit’s daylight here, they’re gazingupon the same stars that we gazedupon last night. In the end, we’re alljust people who want peace, dignity,and a little happiness.”Whalen values education. She

graduated again from the U of M,Crookston in 2009 with a bachelorof science in applied studies, andshe did it online.A good advisor can help make

the online experience very doable.“My advisor was Lynnette Mullins,and she was very good at workingwith me and helping me meet myobjectives.“Because I work full time, I

could complete my class work onmy time rather than adding a secondcommute to my busy workday,”Whalen says. “As long as a personhas enough self-discipline to sitdown and do the work, nothingbeats the convenience of onlineclasses. Another advantage is that aslong as you have Internet access,you can keep up with your studiesfrom anywhere in the world. Takingonline classes allowed me thefreedom to travel and still keepup with my classes withoutmissing a beat.”For Whalen, there was a lot of

personal satisfaction involved inearning a degree.” The focus of myclasses was in organizationalpsychology, which will help makeme more effective in my role as aunion steward representing courtreporters in the State of Minnesota,”she says.“I still really enjoy being a court

reporter, so I will probably continueon in my current profession,”Whalen believes. “In the future, Imay go back to Africa and work ona short-term contract with the UNagain. I’m currently studying for thegrad school admissions test andmay continue on with my educationand get a master’s degree in somebranch of psychology perhapsorganizational or experimentalpsychology.”She believes that learning is a

lifelong process. “Horizons weremade to be broadened,” she says, “Ican’t think of a better and moreconvenient way to do it than to takeonline classes!”It is evident education has had a

great influence on Whalen’s life. Itcertainly led her to experiences shewould not have had without it andchanged the way she views the roleof global citizenship—an importantand powerful lesson we all need tolearn.

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Whalen is pictured in Sedona, Ariz.,with her husband, Mike.


Never give up. Three words that Alumnus TerryNelson, ’60, has carried with him from the time hewas a high school student at the Northwest School ofAgriculture (NWSA). “Wrestling is where I learned tonever give up,” Terry says. “And, those words havecome back to me time and again over the years.”Moving in with his aunt and uncle on their farm

near Twin Valley, Minn., made it possible for Terry tohelp with the farm work and attend the NorthwestSchool. Rather than staying at home in Minneapolisand attending school there, Terry planned to one daytake over his uncle’s farm. It made sense for him toattend the agricultural high school because of itsshorter school term allowing rural students to spendtime on the farm during spring’s work and harvest.Terry’s wife

of almost 47years, Bette(Hovet)Nelson,’60,grew up on afarm nearThompson,N.D., and sheloved the closerelationshipsbuilt at theNWSA. “Wefelt like a bigfamily, not justwith ourclassmates, butwitheverybody,” shereflects. “Terryand I havewonderfulmemories andwe have stayedclose with manyof our friends from high school.”The close-knit feeling of the campus was

something special to them. Terry was co-captain of a

very successful wrestling team and Bette participatedin many of the activities the NWSA offered. Successis something Terry and Bette have worked hard toachieve, not just as students, but in their family andprofessional lives as well.After graduation from the NWSA, Bette attended

nursing school in St. Louis graduating three yearslater as a registered nurse. Meanwhile, Terry workedon his uncle’s farm. After the two were married, theycontinued on the farm until a local banker asked Terryto come and work for him.“The idea of having regular hours and vacation

sounded appealing to me,” Terry explains. “I decidedto try it. My uncle and I sold the farm at that point,and I went to work for the bank in Twin Valley,Minn.”Bette worked at the hospital in Ada and cared for

the couple’s four children. “No matter where we livedover our lifetime,” Bette says, “I always worked parttime at a nearby hospital or clinic.”After a couple of years, the Nelsons moved to The

Dalles, Ore., where Terry worked as an insurancesalesman. They enjoyed Oregon, but an opportunity inMinnesota called them home. A cousin of Terry’swanted to open a business together. Terry used hisskills as a salesman to sell Subaru and Volkswagen

Sweet Memories of Northwest School

Homecoming royalty from 1960 (l to r): JoAnn Straus, Wallace Philipp, MaryOstrem, LeRoy Guttormson, Queen Ethelyn Brandli, Jerry Tjon, Bette(Hovet) Nelson, Terry Nelson, Linda Hanson, and Richard (Dick) DanielsonThe Homecoming football game was played against the Glyndon Buffaloes;the Northwest Aggies won by a score of 14 to 6.

Terry Nelson, ’60,and his wife, Bette,met at the NorthwestSchool. In November2010, the two willcelebrate 47 years ofmarriage.

Bette (Hovet) Nelson,’60, followed her oldersister Marilyn, ’56,and her older brother,Terry, ’57, to theNorthwest School ofAgriculture.

Terry and Bette Nelson

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from their car dealership inDetroit Lakes.A series of events led to the

decision to move back toOregon. When they purchaseda roofing company in TheDalles, Terry would draw onall his skills as farmer, banker,and salesman to shape thisnew experience. Over time,Terry and Bette’s roofingcompany would grow from onelocation to three. “All the jobs Ihad provided me with skills Iwould need,” Terry says. “Themidwest work ethic I knew fromfarming, the skills I gained workingin the financial world, and the artof successful sales, all influencedmy career.”Gradually, Bette found herself

spending less time in her role asnurse and more time in her role asthe business office manager. Theirson, Travis, joined the roofingcompany in 1992 and helped toopen a new location in Pendleton,Ore., in 1994, followed by a thirdlocation in Tri-Cities, Wash.,opening in 2001.The Nelsons place a high

priority on family andenjoy having their sixgrandchildren;daughters, Amy andHolly; and their sonliving near them.Sadly, the Nelson’sdaughter, Bridgette,was killed in 1993.In 2008, Bette and

Terry sold thebusiness and retired.Their son continueshis involvement, andmany of the men thatTerry and Bette hiredover the years arenow managers withinthe company. Terrystill serves as aconsultant, andrecently, another

location was opened in Idaho.Bette and Terry agree that the

Northwest School taught themresponsibility and independence.“Attending a high school wherestudents lived right on campus likecollege students helped give us animportant foundation,” Bettereflects.It also gave them a multitude of

friends. The Class of 1960 hasenjoyed staying connected, andthey are looking forward togathering on June 25-26, 2010, fortheir 50th class reunion.“When we are together,” Bette

says, “the years melt away and wejust appreciate seeing everyone. Ihope our classmates close toCrookston and those far away willjoin us for the reunion thissummer.”Make the University of

Minnesota, Crookston “A SummerPlace” for you and come home forthe Northwest School Reunion.Terry and Bette Nelson will bethere, and they would encouragetheir classmates and friends to jointhem. To find out more, contact thealumni office at 218-281-8439([email protected]).

Back Row: Pat Graham, Amy (Nelson) Graham, Rick Weseman, Holly (Nelson-Belcher) Weseman, TerryNelson, Bette Nelson, Katie Nelson, and Travis Nelson. Front Row: Colton Belcher, Madison Graham, TylerBelcher, Savannah Graham, Erin Nelson, Taylor Weseman, Alyssa Weseman, and Molly Nelson

Co-captains for the Aggie wrestling team, Terry Nelson (left) andKenny Straus, ’60, (right), are pictured with Coach Jaroslav Kruta.


As a child, Alumna Ann Bailey,’79, could not be described as agirly-girl. By her own admission,she preferred riding a horse toplaying with dolls, and to this day,blue jeans rank at the top of herfashion list. Growing up nearLarimore, N.D., her summersincluded daily rides on her horse.“I started riding a pony when I

was only five years old,” sheexplains. “I bought every horsebook I could, and when I had awriting assignment in school, Iwrote about horses.”

When a friend of her brothertold her about a degree at theUniversity of Minnesota,Crookston in light-horsemanagement, she knew without adoubt where she wanted to attendschool.Today, Bailey lives with her

husband, Brian Gregoire, and theirthree children on the farm whereher grandparents lived. Thefamily’s three horses, three cats,

and three dogs complete life onthe farm.After graduating from the U of

M, Crookston, Bailey returned tothe family farm and worked for ayear and a half. In 1981, sheentered the University of NorthDakota (UND) majoring inEnglish.“I always loved to write and

discovered that while I enjoyedhorses, I didn’t want to make themmy entire life,” she reflects.In December 1983 before she

finished at UND, Bailey beganworking at the GrandForks Herald, and sheaccepted a full-timeposition with themfollowing graduation.She currently worksas the editor of thespecial featuresdepartment at theHerald and has spentthe last 27 years as awriter.Bailey has often

incorporated herpassion for horsesinto her writingcareer. “One of themost memorable for

me was a story on a horse fromMinot, N.D., who had a perfectheart shaped mark on itsforehead,” she smiles. “The horsewas invited to the Belmont Stakes,and I was excited about theopportunity to travel to New Yorkto cover the story.”Prior to her college career at the

U of M, Crookston, Bailey rarelyever used a saddle to ride, and shecontinues to ride whenever she has

the time and her family’s scheduleallows it.Her youngest child, Ellen, was

diagnosed with leukemia in 2009,and that is when Bailey says, “Ireceived a crash course inchemotherapy.” Her daughter’sstory has served as the theme forsome of her writing. A readercomes to appreciate what Baileyand her family have been throughand the following excerpt from hercolumn in the Herald in February2010 provides a small snapshot:

These days I am less impressedby people’s talents and more abouttheir character. My heroes arepeople who live their lives in away that inspire me to be a betterperson, show grit anddetermination in the face ofadversity and have empathy forothers. Several children I know fitthat criteria. One of them is mydaughter, Ellen, and the others arearea children, who, like her, havebeen diagnosed with leukemia.Ellen and the other children don'tjust endure their illness andchemotherapy and other medicalprocedures they undergo, they doso with grace and, much of thetime, without complaining.The experience with leukemia

has not dimmed Bailey’s positiveattitude; in fact, it seems to bereflected in the life of her family.Her husband and two sons,Brendon and Thomas, along withEllen, are like any other familyconsumed with activities both onthe farm and in school.Over the years, Bailey has

taught riding lessons providing hera chance to share her riding skills

Writing a Life

Northwest School of Agriculture Alumnus Ray Dusek, ’57,presented Freshman Ann Bailey with a $75 scholarship in 1978.

13

not only with her own children butalso with those around her.Looking back to the time she

spent as a student, Baileyconsiders the friendships she madeon the Crookston Campus ahighlight. She lived in bothSkyberg and McCall halls, workedin the barn, and participated in AgArama. As a senior, she wascrowned queen at the annualspring horse show sponsored bythe Light Horse ManagementClub.Like so many alumni, Bailey

appreciated the stand out faculty

who helped her navigate hercollege career. “Harvey Petersongave me individual help,” shesays. “And, I know I had help inthe sciences from WendellJohnson.”Bailey also remembers Marty

Goodnow, who headed the lighthorse management program at thetime. “Marty was a native ofMassachusetts, and she brought ahuge thoroughbred with her toCrookston named Nanook,” sherecalls. “I learned English riding,dressage, and driving while I wasthere. I loved it.

“I would have been lost in thecrowd had I attended schoolsomewhere bigger,” Baileycontinues. “I received one-on-oneattention from instructors, andwhile I was strong in English andwriting, I needed help with mathand science.”Writing is the thread that runs

through Bailey’s life. Her career asa writer has given her a place tocombine her passions and interestsinto a storyline that chronicles thereal story—her life story—filledwith all the people, places, andhorses she loves.

Alumna Ann Bailey, ’79, in the tack room at the U of M, Crookston. Photo by Jackie Lorentz, Grand Forks Herald.

14 www.UMCrookston.edu

Kraig Hunter, ’88, began hiseducation at University ofMinnesota, Crookston in the early70s. He moved into his firstdormitory as a three-year-old andgrew up in both Robertson andStephens halls with his parents,Ken and Kathleen, who were bothstudents and dormitory counselors.Kraig’s father, Ken Hunter, ’71,

earned an accounting degree andcurrently farms near the Lancaster,Minn., area with his wife,Kathleen (Uscensky) Hunter, ex.’71, who took courses in fashionmerchandising. Both Kathleen andKen formed good friendships thatkept them coming back to campusfor visits and athletic events. Kenwas also very involved with theVets’ Club. “As a child, we wouldstop by campus to visit Dave Hoffor attend homecoming,” explainsKraig. “When we were drivingthrough Crookston, we would oftenstop to visit the people my parentsknew there.”For Kathleen, Kraig’s mom,

there were other campusconnections. Her younger sister,Judy (Uscensky) Ness, ’73,attended the U of M, Crookston toearn her degree in accounting andhas worked in Bismarck, N.D., foran insurance company for some 30years.Kathleen’s younger brother, Bill

Uscensky, ex. ’79, was a starter onthe Trojan football team in 1978-79. He went on to the University ofNorth Dakota to earn his degree inteaching. He taught and was the

boys basketball coach in Edinburg,N.D., and then moved to Minot,N.D., where for the last 21 years hehas served as the junior varsitybasketball coach. He was honoredwith the Outstanding AlumniAward in 1988, the year his team inEdinburg won the Class B StateBoys Basketball championship inNorth Dakota.When Kraig, graduated from

high school in the 80s, he headed tothe U of M, Crookston. “I wascomfortable with the campus,Kraig explains, “I remember thevisits to campus and I felt theinfluence of my parents in thechoice. When it was time to go tocollege, it seemed like a naturalprogression to head to Crookston.”

After two years at Crookston,Kraig headed for Minnesota StateUniversity Moorhead to complete abachelor’s degree in teaching. Hetaught in Bowbells, N.D., and in1993, he took a position in ElbowLake, Minn., where he still works.For the past 17 years, he has taughtbusiness education and served ashead basketball coach andoffensive coordinator for thefootball team.“I think what I liked most about

going to school in Crookston wasthe family atmosphere,” Kraigrecalls. “The two years I spent inCrookston were the most fun of allmy college years.”Following Kraig to Crookston,

were his younger sister, Kristin

Family Ties

Seated (l to r): Ken Hunter, Kathy Hunter, and Bill Uscensky. Standing: Donnie Schmiedeberg, JenSchmiedeberg, Kristin Erickson, Paul Erickson, and Kraig Hunter. Not Pictured: Judy Ness

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(Hunter) Erickson, ’91, and her husband, Paul Erickson, ex. ’92. Kirstin, an accounting major, works at EideBailey in Fargo, N.D., and Paul works as a salesman for Fargo HotSpring® Spas & Pool Tables.The Hunter family’s most recent graduate was Kathleen Hunter’s nephew, Donnie Schmiedeberg, ’96 and

’97, who graduated with an associate degree in agricultural business and a bachelor’s degree in agriculturalindustries sales and management. He is self-employed and lives in Lancaster, Minn., with his wife, Jennifer(Swenson) Schmiedeberg, ’98. She graduated with her bachelor’s degree in animal industries management andworks at the veterinary clinic in Greenbush, Minn.For Kraig, a gathering with family is like an alumni reunion. They have nine connections to the U of M,

Crookston, and they are the first in a series of the families you will be meeting in future issues of the Torch.Watch as we feature families you may know who attended high school or college on the Crookston Campus andlike the Hunter family are “well connected.”

Part 1 in a series on family connectionsat the University of Minnesota, Crookston

Ken and Kathleen Hunter were both studentsand dormitory counselors at the U of M,Crookston Technical College.

Bill Uscensky is KathleenHunter’s younger brother.He played Trojan football inthe late 70s.

Kristin (Hunter) Erickson majored in accounting as did heraunt Judy (Uscensky) Ness.

Jennifer (Swenson)Schmiedeberg earned abachelor’s degree at the Uof M, Crookston in animalindustries management.

Kraig Hunter was a starteron the Trojan men’sbasketball team in the 80s.Athletics is a big part ofKraig’s career at Minot HighSchool where he coachesjunior varsity basketball.

Paul Erickson played Trojanmen’s basketball at the U ofM, Crookston.

Donnie Schmiedebergearned his associate andbachelors degrees at the Uof M, Crookston and was astarter for the Golden EagleFootball Team.


Family Ties, Continued

The Fehr family has a historythat goes back to the NorthwestSchool of Agriculture (NWSA), aresidential high school that wasoriginally founded in 1906 on whatis now the University ofMinnesota, Crookston. When PeterFehr, ’50 (adv.), registered as afreshman in 1946, he wouldbecome the first of five of the Fehrchildren to attend the NorthwestSchool.The Fehr family’s school years

spanned the fifties and sixties untilthe Northwest School closed andthe campus transitioned to atechnical college in the late 1960s.“My parents each completedschool through the 8th grade,”Peter says. “My mother wanted usto get an education, and since wegrew up on a farm near East GrandForks, Minn., attending the NWSAallowed us to help our father withspring planting and fall harvest.”The NWSA was designed for

rural students with a school termrunning from early Octoberthrough late March to allowstudents to help with the busiesttimes on the farm. This uniqueschool calendar proved to be a bigboon in the educationalopportunities for farm families inthe region. These high schoolstudents lived on campus and hadaccess to many things unavailablein the small country schools wherethey had grown up.The Fehr family took advantage

of all the Northwest School had tooffer. From athletics to academics,Peter and his brothers Walter, ’57;

Eric, ’61; and Robert,’67; and sister, Carol(Fehr) Peterson, ’63,enjoyed learning andliving at the NWSA.For the five Fehrs, theeducation they received at theNWSA was just the beginning.When Peter started at the

NWSA, he thought he would learnas much as he could aboutagriculture and then return to thefamily farm. “You learned a lot of

great information about farming atthe Northwest School,” he recalls.“I discovered that I particularlyenjoyed the chemistry and physicsclasses I was taking, and in mysecond or third year, I felt called tobecome a medical missionary.”

The junior class officers in 1956 included Walter Fehr. Pictured with Walter are (seated, l to r): RogerTollefson; Mr. J.A. Miller, advisor; Duane Kuzel. Standing: Jean McWilliam; Jeanette Love; Fehr; andMiss Margaret Larson, advisor.

National Honor Society officers for 1963 were (seated, l to r) GaryAckerman; Mr. Reiersgord, advisor; and Carol Fehr. Standing: JackBornsen.

As a graduating senior in1949, Peter’s yearbookalready mentions hisinterest in becoming adoctor.

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Peter went on to the Universityof Minnesota where he completedboth his bachelor’s degree and hismedical degree. As a doctor, Peterspecialized in obstetrics andgynecology and spent 10 years inAfrica as a medical missionary. Hissub-specialty was maternal andfetal medicine focusing on high-risk obstetric cases.Walter earned his bachelor’s and

master’s degrees from theUniversity of Minnesota in the areaof agronomy and plant genetics.From there he went to Iowa StateUniversity, located in Ames, to earnhis doctorate in plant breeding andgenetics. As a professor at IowaState, he specializes in soybeanbreeding research.Eric, an electrical engineer,

graduated from North Dakota StateUniversity in Fargo, N.D., andcurrently lives in Coeur d’Alene,

Idaho, where he is owner andpresident of Air Tech MechanicalCompany.Carol attended the College of

Education and HumanDevelopment at the University ofMinnesota, where she earned amaster’s degree in home economicseducation in 1967. Sadly, Carolpassed away in 1985.Robert, the last in the line of

Fehr family members to attend theNWSA, earned his bachelor’sdegree at North Dakota StateUniversity in Fargo, N.D., andcompleted his doctoral work atIowa State University. He is anExtension professor in biosystemsand agricultural engineering at theUniversity of Kentucky inLexington. His work in the Collegeof Agriculture also includes

working with residentialhousing and energy educationissues.For the Fehr family, the

education they received at theNWSA served as aspringboard to higher learningand a future career. Today, theUniversity of Minnesota,Crookston carries on theheritage of the NorthwestSchool. Like its predecessor,the U of M, Crookstoncontinues to bring the best ineducation to northwestMinnesota and beyond.

The Fehr family (standing, l to r): Eric, Walter, Robert, and Peter. Seated: Jean; Marjorie; Clara, theirmother; and Carol. (Note: Jean and Marjorie attended high school in East Grand Forks, Minn.)

Robert Fehr played guard on the Aggie footballteam in the fall of 1966. It was the final seasonfor the Aggies and the last game was playedagainst Fisher High School.

Mary Ostrem, Eric Fehr, and Shirley Sheldon worked onphotos of the underclassmen as part of the Aggie staffin 1961.

www.umcrookston.edu18

San Clemente Island (SCI) is the southernmost ofthe eight Channel Islands in the Pacific Ocean off thesouthern California coast. Five of the islands are partof the Channel Islands National Park, but since 1934,SCI has been owned and operated by various navalcommands. The island’s 60-mile radius is home tomore than a dozen of the Navy’s range and operationalareas. It is also home to an important NaturalResources Office (NRO).The NRO is responsible for the island’s land use

and management of its cultural and natural resources.A mix of cactus and grassland, the island is also hometo University of Minnesota, Crookston Alumnus MattBrinkman, ’09, who chose a degree in wildlifemanagement.After growing up in St. Joseph, Minn., and

attending the northernmost campus in the Universityof Minnesota system, Brinkman never imagined hewould find himself on a small island some 70 milesoff the coast of California. But, this strange new way

of life as a predator biologist fits his interests perfectly.Working with the NRO to restore the island’s

ecosystem to its natural state, Brinkman is in charge ofprotection of endangered species, like a rare subspecies of the Loggerhead Shrike, a bird that as late as2004 numbered only 78. He conducts predator surveysand works to prevent degradation of the shrike’snesting areas. Along with protection of the shrike, heguards the health of the island foxes giving themdistemper and rabies shots.“The island’s fox population cannot be removed

from the island,” Brinkman says. “We work to removeonly non-native predators and give protection to thenatural habitat.“When I first thought about living on an island in

the Pacific, I imagined something tropical and green,but San Clemente Island has cool summers and mildwinters. The roads range from good to almost non-existent, and when something needs fixing, we do itourselves,” he reflects. “I grew up on a farm and amfamiliar and comfortable with those expectations.”Brinkman’s schedule includes working ten days

straight followed by four days off. To leave the islandhe must go through Navy security and fly out on a 19-passenger plane on the half hour flight to theCalifornia coast. “We stay in hotels during our days off

Island Living and Learning

Matt Brinkman holds a Golden-winged Warbler. He helped conductresearch on the bird while working with John Loegering, Ph.D., associateprofessor in the Agriculture and Natural Resources Department at theU of M, Crookston.

Matt Brinkman at work for the Minnesota Department of NaturalResources.

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and the four-day break gives usenough time to do somethingwhile we are on the mainland,” heshares. “I really am enjoying thework and the people I work with;this has been an amazingexperience for me.”While a student, Brinkman

worked closely with AssociateProfessor John Loegering, Ph.D.,as a work study. The summerfollowing his graduation, heassisted Loegering with researchon the Golden-winged Warbler, abird whose population has been indecline since the 1960s.“When I was in high school, I

had never heard of the U of M,Crookston until I found out aclassmate of mine had decided togo there to major in naturalresources,” Brinkman recalls. “Istarted looking into what wasavailable on the Crookstoncampus, and after a visit, I decidedI would too. By the time I was

finishing my sophomore year, Iwas hooked.“I would recommend the

natural resources major at the U ofM, Crookston because of theexperience they provide. The fieldtrips and hands-on learning aregreat, and the professors arewilling to help you get you whereyou want to go.”While a student, Brinkman

enjoyed playing Ultimate Frisbeeon the Campus Mall and pool inthe Sargeant Student Center. “Imet a lot of people hanging out inthe student center,” he says. “Itwas the place where all the majorswere mixed together. I enjoyedgetting together for a game of poolor whatever was going on there.”He was also a member of theStudent Chapter of The WildlifeSociety, the Natural ResourcesClub, and played intramurals.Brinkman is headed for

graduate school, and in fact, is

preparing for his graduate entranceexams. When a fellow crewmember left recently for anotherjob, Brinkman was moved to apermanent position on the island.Someday, he would like to becomea professor. “I owe thanks to Dr.Svedarsky and Dr. Loegering formy interest in becoming aprofessor,” he goes on. “I wasgiven the opportunity to help teachand assist with labs when I was anupperclassman and found it reallyenjoyable.”Even though he thinks about

the future and where he would likehis career to take him, Brinkman istaking advantage of everyopportunity this island experienceaffords him—making the best ofhis island living and learning.If you are interested in learning

more about a major in naturalresources, visitwww.umcrookston.edu/academics.

Brinkman enjoying some fishing after work on the Tamarac National Wildlife Refuge.


As a communication graduate, Elizabeth Kern, ’10, can’tquit talking!“Communication was the perfect fit for me since it’s what I love

to do!” related Kern. They say time flies when you’re having fun, andas a recent graduate of the University of Minnesota, Crookston, Kern has

seen time fly.“It seems like only yesterday that I was taking my tour of the campus, and now I’m a

graduate,” she smiles. Kern has kept time flying with involvement in the campus and local community. Oncampus she was in Communication Club, Alpha Lambda Delta, the Dairy Club, and has been part of severaltheater productions. In the community, she serves as a mentor and is involved in Crookston Community Theatre.If you talk to Kern, even once, you’ll probably find out she loves cows, “3-A-Day of dairy!” (the slogan

coined by National Dairy Council) is a phrase she often repeats. Kern grew up on a farm near Owatonna, Minn.,where she and her family milk registered Holstein dairy cows.Kern has earned several honors in the dairy industry including high individual in the National 4-H dairy

judging contest. In 2008, she was oneof the top twelve finalists for PrincessKay of the Milky Way, the title given tothe Minnesota state dairy princess.Next fall, Kern will attend graduate

school at Minnesota State University,Mankato to work on a master’s degreein communication studies. Her futurecareer ambitions include workingwithin the dairy industry in publicrelations, as a communicationconsultant, or in project management.No matter where she goes, Kern will

continue to use her communicationskills to get her there.

COMMUNICATECOMMUNICATECOMMUNICATECOMMUNICATE

Senior Amanda Peterson, a double major in equine science and agricultural business fromRochester, Minn.; Elizabeth Kern, ’10; and Senior Caitlin Rose, an animal science major fromBurns, Ore.; pause for a photo together in the Sargeant Student Center.

Elizabeth Kern hopes to work for the dairy industry incommunications or public relations. She graduated in May 2010.

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Graduation is a special time formany. Not just U of M, Crookstongraduates, but also for those whohave stood behind them for somany years: parents, family,instructors, and mentors.Graduation symbolizes a new stepin life. Anyway you look at it,graduation is the gateway to a newbeginning.Commencement exercises for

the Class of 2010 took place onSaturday, May 8. The day beganwith a reception for the graduatingclass in the Sargeant StudentCenter prior to commencement.Just before 2 p.m. the graduates ledby Mace Bearer William Peterson,professor in the Math, Science, andTechnology Department, began thewalk to Lysaker from the studentcenter. Faculty Marshal W. DanielSvedarsky, Ph.D., professor anddirector of the Center forSustainability, joined the processionalong with members of the facultyand staff in their regalia.Greetings from the University of

Minnesota Board of Regents werebrought by the Honorable Dean E.Johnson, who also assisted with theconferring of the degrees. Alongwith Regent Johnson, Senior VicePresident for System AcademicAdministration Robert Jones was inattendance at the ceremony. Thecommencement address was givenby Alumnus and Baltimore, Md.,Fire Chief James Clack, ’80, whowas the primary commander duringthe first 24 hours following the

2007 collapse of the I-35 bridge inMinneapolis, Minn.Cindy Bigger, ’79, brought

greetings from the University ofMinnesota, Crookston AlumniAssociation Board and welcomedthe new graduates to the alumniassociation. The traditional passingof the torch of education took placebetween Thomas Haarstick, theoutgoing president of theCrookston Student Association(CSA), and Shawn Friedland, theincoming president of CSA.Haarstick is an agricultural systemsmanagement major from Vergas,Minn., and Friedland is a biologymajor from Viera, Fla.It was a day filled with

memories and milestones.Congratulations to members of theClass of 2010 and to the facultyand staff who helped in thetransformation of these studentsinto their new lives as alumni ofthe U of M, Crookston!

Congratulations Class of 2010


Written by Elizabeth Kern, ’10,communications assistant in UniversityRelations

“They showed me the barns, andI fell in love,” Senior GretchenLucken exclaims about her firstvisit to the University ofMinnesota, Crookston. She touredmore than one school but wantedan equine program close to herhome in Melrose, Minn. As a firstgeneration college student and theoldest of eight children,Lucken’sdecision brought bothanxiety and excitement for herfamily.“It was a really big deal for my

family,” she says. But Luckendidn’t miss a beat in the transitionfrom high school to college at theU of M, Crookston. She hasparticipated in theatre productions,

the Rodeo Club, and as a freshman,she was a member of the U of M,Crookston Intercollegiate HorseShow Association (IHSA) as a rideron the Western team. Herparticipation on the riding teamhalted in Gretchen’s sophomoreyear as she wasn’t living inCrookston. Rather, she calledIreland her temporary home.Studying abroad is an exciting

experience the U of M, Crookstonoffers to help students learn aboutother cultures and gaininternational experience. ForLucken, it was even more than agreat cultural adventure. “I had anepiphany while I was in Ireland,”she affirms.Lucken traveled abroad to

Ireland, where she took classes thatapplied directly to her major in

equine science.During a ridingclass, she felloff her horseand was left onthe sidelines herlast few weeksabroad.Although glumabout the loss ofriding time,Lucken quicklyrealized thebenefit.Watching fromthe ground gaveher a brand newlook at riding.Soon, she wasable to pick upon the minutedetails that she

may have otherwise missed. WhenLucken noticed a rider needing totighten her hands, the instructorwould note the same errors. WhenLucken was eyeing a rider thatneeded to put her heels down, theinstructor would shout out the samemessage.For Lucken, the study abroad

experience helped her realize shewanted to become an instructor. “Ienjoy teaching and passing onknowledge to other people,” sheshares. Lucken is well on her wayalready. During summer 2009, shetaught riding to an 11-year-oldneighbor girl who had just gottenher first horse.Of course, the trip to Ireland

isn’t the only thing that inspiredLucken to be an instructor. U of M,Crookston instructor in equinescience Nicky (Demarais)Overgaard, ’96, also has guidedher, “She has had the biggestinfluence on me,” Lucken says,“particularly on my career path.”Overgaard was literally the firstriding instructor Lucken ever had,and she coached Lucken as a partof IHSA for a year. Lucken

Travel Abroad Epiphany

Senior Gretchen Lucken, an equine science major, willgraduate in spring 2011.

Lucken (standing) discovered a passion for teaching when she was on astudy abroad trip.

23

appreciates how Overgaard hashelped her, “I’ve learned a lot fromher and have great respect for her.”Lucken will graduate in spring

2011 with a major in equine

science and a minor incommunication. She wants toattend graduate school with hopesof following her new dream ofbecoming a collegiate equine

instructor.To learn more about the equine

science major at the U of M,Crookston, visitwww.umcrookston.edu/academics.

Growing up in inner-city Miami,Fla., college was not in the gameplan for most students aroundSenior Shelton Derisma. It turnsout that for Derisma college was away to get a step ahead. Add this tohis love for football and you havean unstoppable combination.Derisma was going to college.One might wonder why a

Floridian would come all the wayup to northern Minnesota forcollege. Derisma made theCrookston campus his home afterdeciding to play football for theGolden Eagles. He joined the squadat the last minute after his highschool classmate, Alumnus EnriqueJulien,’09, recommended theschool.Although Derisma knew he

wanted a degree, he wasn’tcompletely decided what he wantedto pursue. “I started as a sport andrecreation management major, butafter working in that program, Ifound that it just wasn’t for me.” hesaid.He visited with Kim Cousins, a

former program advisor for thefederally funded Student SupportServices program. Cousins was oneof Derisma’s biggest influences on

campus. She directed him tothe Crookston campus’ Careerand Counseling Centerwhere director, DonCavalier, provided him witha career assessment test.With results in hand,Cavalier broke down what theU of M, Crookston had tooffer to fit his needs whichultimately brought Derisma to thedecision of a major in Hotel,Restaurant and InstitutionalManagement (HRI).The U of M, Crookston offers

three distinct options for thisdegree program: resort and spamanagement, food serviceadministration, and hotel andrestaurant management. Derismahas chosen the latter. He hopes tofind his way to culinary schoolafter completing his internships andultimately graduation.“Shortly after culinary school, I

want to get established within theHRI industry in a restaurantfranchise. Hopefully I can work myway up through the company tobecome a purchasing agent.”Now, in preparation for

graduation Derisma is working asone of the managers at the new

food venue on campus, theEvergreen Grill located inEvergreen Hall. “I plan to doinventory and help create weeklyspecials for the shop.”Derisma has been involved in

other parts of campus life as well.He has worked at the Students inFree Enterprise coffee shop, theGolden Eagle Grind, is involved inStudents in Free Enterprise (SIFE)and was one of the co-founders ofthe Black Student Association(BSA) in 2006.Learn more about the

opportunities in HRI by visiting,www.umcrookston.edu/academics.

Major Choice

Shelton Derisma, who intends to graduate in fallsemester 2010, stands in the Evergreen Grill located in

the newest residence facility on campus, Evergreen Hall.

“You just have to love rock music to join us,”Yunho Jang says. If a student loves rock music, theycan be part of the first-ever rock band club on theCrookston Campus. Jang, a business managementmajor from South Korea, started Red Potion RockBand Club during spring semester 2008.“I was in choir, and I knew George [French],” Jang

says. “At first we were not a club, but we wantedothers interested in rock music to join us so we metwith the Crookston Student Association (CSA) andfulfilled the requirements for becoming a club.”French, who is director of the Music and

Theater Department on campus, encouraged Jang andhelped them where he could. However, the onlyrequirement for membership in the group is a love ofrock.Since they first organized, Red Potion’s

membership has changed. Like it is with any club ororganization on a college campus, students move onor graduate. “This spring we were looking for a newguitar player, a drummer, and a bass.” He found thestudents he was looking for, and Red Potion beganpracticing in earnest.Joining Jang, lead vocalist for the group, are

drummer Dong Sung Lee, a sophomore; and bassistHo Hyun Jung, also a sophomore; guitarist Suk Il Ohand vocalist Joon Ho Kim, who are both freshman;keyboardist MinJeong Kim, a sophomore and the lonefemale member, and Jae Woo Cho, a freshman, who isalso drummer.Some of the band’s members have musical training

in their background. Cho plays the traditional Koreandrum and has taught younger students to play. He alsotook violin lessons in elementary school and two yearsstudying applied music. Lee has taken a year of pianolessons and ten years of drum lessons. His skill andexperience on the trap set is evident when the band isplaying.While Jung admits he loves jazz, Red Potion

focuses on playing alternative rock. They enjoy BonJovi, who Jang says influenced the group’s music,along with Chris Cornell. When first meet the group,one might think they are too quiet to get their rockon, but once they begin to play, led by the mellowvocals of Jang, the group connects to the music andto their audience.“When the group first formed, we practiced three

hours every evening during the week to learn aboutrock music and to improve our skills,” Jangexplains. “We don’t practice that much now, but wedo get together at least three times a week for anhour or more to play together. We enjoy the music,and we enjoy performing.”Red Potion has been part of open mic night on

campus and performed following a choir concert


Reasons to Rock

Yunho Jang sings lead for Red Potion and also managedthe Golden Eagle Grind during spring semester.

Four new Ways to Keep In Touch and InformedVisit the U of M, Crookston on Facebook at www.Facebook.com. If you don’t have your ownaccount, create one, and keep in touch. Look for the University of Minnesota, Crookston—it’sthe official page for all graduates of the Crookston campus.

You can also follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com. Search for UMCrookston and follow allthe latest news from the Crookston campus.

Join us on LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com. Search for University of Minnesota, Crookston andconnect to our official group.

While you are at it, sign up to get the U of M, Crookston Alumni eNews. Send an e-mail toSue Dwyer at [email protected] to get your name added to the mailing list.eNews

25

in fall 2009. When they play, onerecognizes the passion the membershave for the music and thecamaraderie they share.As an upperclassman, Jang has

been an active member of Studentsin Free Enterprise, and duringspring semester managed theGolden Eagle Grind Coffee Shop.As manager, he is responsible fortraining new employees, working inthe coffee shop, and managing its18 employees. When he graduates,he would like to work for a non-profit organization.Fellow band member Jung

would like to major in psychologyand become a college professor; Ohwould like to focus on the study ofchemical engineering; and Cho isplanning to go back to work in hisfather’s business in South Korea.For now, all of the band’s

members are enjoying a great timemaking music as part of the band.Students interested in joining themare welcome to do so, but foreveryone else, listening is the bestway to rock with Red Potion.

Red Potion band members include, back row (l to r): Suk Il Oh (guitar), Dong Sung Lee (drum), and HoHyun Jung (bass). Front row: Joon Ho Kim (vocal), Yunho Jang alias “Rockstar Karaoke King” (vocal),and MinJeong Kim (keyboard).


Written by Elizabeth Kern, ’10,communications assistant in UniversityRelations

With a big enough beat to keepyour head nodding but asmoothness that will rock you tosleep, Mucky Peat and theMacrophytes have surprised many.The music they play isnontraditional to say the least. Theydescribe themselves as a band thatplays blue grass mixed with rockand roll, a little country, folk, andan occasional touch of blues. Thispotentially tattered mix of musicisn’t just your ordinary pick-upband. These guys play withpassion. Even snapping a photowas difficult during a performancebecause their eyes waned withfocus and intensity. Band membersdescribed themselves as “free-spirited.” For Mucky Peat and theMacrophytes the music is all aboutrelaxing, being themselves, andhaving fun.The band consists of guitarists

and singers Jake Anderson and D.J.Salquist, electric guitarist ChrisEvans, Jeff Wilson on themandolin, Paul Anderson playingbass guitar, and Jonah Olson onpercussion. These guys didn’t startout together however; it wascoincidence that united them.Salquist and Wilson had abluegrass band named PotatoCreek, while Olson and bothAndersons had a band named theCalico Dogs. While hanging outwith mutual friends the guys startedtalking and getting to know oneanother. They quickly came torealize they all loved music anddecided to get together to “jam.”Before they knew it the groupbecame a unit, taking on the nameof Mucky Peat and theMacrophytes.Although larger than an average

band, this group defies thecommon trends of today’s music.Writing from personal experiencesand not afraid to push the limits,Mucky Peat and the Macrophytes

have gained numerous fans aroundtown. They’ve played on campusfor the weekly student activityMusic On Mondays and haveperformed at Open Mic Night. Offcampus they are a hit as well andare quickly landing performances atarea venues.Mucky Peat and the

Macrophytes and Red Potionprovide students with two reasonsto rock at the U of M, Crookston.

That Other Band

Mucky Peat and the Macrophytes include Junior Chris Evans, Senior Jake Anderson, Senior Jonah Olson, Junior DJ Salquist, Senior Jeff Wilson, SeniorPaul Anderson. Their manager, Senior Josh Smunk is not pictured.

Read the Torch OnlineYou can read the Torch, the alumnimagazine for the Northwest Schoolof Agriculture and the University ofMinnesota, Crookston online byvisiting:http://issuu.com/umcrookstonor on the U of M, CrookstonWeb site atwww.umcrookston.edu/alumni/torch

If you would prefer to receive yourTorch online only, contactElizabeth Tollefson at 218-281-8432([email protected])

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Alumni News

This alumni news reflects submissionsreceived by May 1, 2010. News receivedafter that date will be in the next issue ofthe Torch.

E-mail forwarding: If you are interested inreconnecting with a former classmate oracquaintance, the alumni office can help!Although we cannot release e-mailaddresses due to privacy issues, we will behappy to forward a message to the personif he or she can be located in our database.

1940s

AAllllaa GG.. ((CCllooww)) BBaarrnneess,, ’’4455,, Webb City, Mo.,has three children, Michael, Donna, andHaley; sixgrandchildren;and six greatgrandchildren.Sadly, herhusband, Charles,passed away 12years ago. Sheworked manyyears in Missourias a meter maid,quality control manager, and finished hercareer as an office manager at theAmerican Legion in Webb City. Alla is amember of the Presbyterian Church,belongs to Freeman Hospital Advantage,and has been a Legion Auxiliary memberfor 30 years and a V.F.W. Auxiliary memberfor 28 years. She’s a “Red Hat” lady andbelongs to a singles group.

1970s

DDaarrrreellll LLaarrsseenn,, ’’7722,, Royalton, Minn., is theMorrison County Farm Service Agencydirector. He and his wife, Arlene, have a 40-cow beef herd made up of registered TexasLonghorns, Red Angus, and crosses of thetwo on their century farm. They directmarket the longhorn meat and sell breedingstock. The farm was homesteaded byDarrell’s great-grandfather; Darrellrepresents the fourth generation to farmthe land.

RR.. JJaammeess ‘‘JJiimm’’ EErrttll,, ’’7744 && ’’7755,, Rosemount,Minn., executive secretary of theMinnesota FFA since 1981, has beeninvolved in all facets of planning for theconvention that draws about 3,000 FFAmembers from across the state to theUniversity of Minnesota, Twin Citiesannually. He was recently inducted into theMinnesota FFA Hall of Fame during the 81stMinnesota State FFA Convention. He andhis wife, Jane, have two sons, Jon andJason.

Pictured on the left, GGaarryy WWaaggnneerr,, ’’7755,,Climax, Minn., local farmer, teaches yieldmonitoring and remote sensing courses inthe Precision Agriculture curriculum at theUniversity of Minnesota, Crookston. LannyFaleida, founder of Agri ImaGIS, was guestlecturer at a recent class and is pictured inthe center above. FFrreedd PPaarrnnooww,, eexx.. ’’8877,,Crookston, Minn., right, local Seeds 2000dealer, was also in attendance.

DDaallee EErriicckkssoonn,, ’’7766,, Vergas, Minn., has beenMahnomen (Minn.) High School agricultureinstructor for 32 years. Erickson, whorecently retired, wasone of eightindividuals to beinducted in theMinnesota FFA Hallof Fame in April 2010.He and his wife,Sheila, have threechildren and onegrandchild.


1980s

CChhrriissttoopphheerr BBuucchhoollzz,, ’’8833,, Scottsdale, Ariz.(formerly from Perham, Minn.), has beenliving in Arizona since 1984. He would loveto hear from old friends.

BBrriiaann TTaannggeenn,, ’’8866,,Frazee, Minn., is aFrazee High School(FHS) business teacher.He’s also in his 20th yearof coaching track at FHS.

1990s

Shana and EErriicc KKlliinnddtt,, eexx.. ’’9999,, Campbell,Minn., were recently named AgassizAmbassadors for the Red River ValleyEmerging Leadership Program at theawards banquet held at the U of M,Crookston. They will carry the title ofAgassiz Ambassadors 2010 for the comingyear and put their leadership skills to workin public relations, recognition, and funddevelopment. They will also work withprogram coordinators to develop anddeliver the educational programs.

Eric has been an aerial applicator for 13years, covering most of Wilkin County inMinnesota and Richland County in NorthDakota. He has also owned and operated alimo/bus service since 1999. Shana is aCreative Memories independent consultantand has owned and operated “Threads &Design,” a custom embroidery and designshop, in their home for eight years. Theyhave two children, Elise, 5, and Cody, 2.

EEiilleeeenn TTooddaahhll,, ’’9999,, moved to Cottage Grove,Minn., in August 2009 to take a position asa loan processor at ProPartners Financialin Lake Elmo, Minn. ProPartners financesshort term line of credits for farmers.

2000s

TTiiaa LLeeoonnii,, ’’0000,, St. Paul, Minn., is pleased toannounce the birth of daughter, Catalina,on March 22, 2010. She and fiancé, TraxtonTurner, are to be married on July 4, 2010.Tia is currently working as the generalmanager of Panera Bread in Eagan, Minn.,and has been with the company for threeyears.

SShhaannee aanndd DDeebb ((WWoossiicckk)) KKoolllliinngg,, ’’0000 && ’’0011,,Grand Forks, N.D., havetwo children, Jack, 4,and Claire, 2. In January,Deb became aninsurance agent forNodak Mutual andsells/services home,auto, farm/ranch, life,and health insurance. Shane is asales/account representative for Airgas;he’s been with the company for ten years.

Robert and CCaarrrriiee ((TToolllleeffssoonn)) LLoovveellaaccee,, ’’0011,,Milford, Conn., are the parents of adaughter, Elizabeth Caitlin, born on April 8,2010. Carrie currently works indevelopment for Yale University in NewHaven.

Tiffany and KKyyllee PPaaggee,, ’’0044,, Crookston,Minn., received special recognition fortheir commitment to leadership and theircommunity at theAgassiz LeadersAwards Banquetheld recently atthe U of M,Crookston. ThePages are WestPolk County’srepresentatives inthe 2010 Red RiverValley EmergingLeadership Program. Kyle is an ag/businessbanker at American Federal Bank inCrookston, a position he’s held since 2005.Tiffany has been employed since 2005 inthe Recorder’s and License Center officesat the Polk County Courthouse. They own asmall registered Angus cattle herd withKyle’s father and began farming smallgrains in 2010.

JJeennnniiffeerr SSeevveerriinnssoonn,, ’’0044,, Grand Forks, N.D.,and Tyler Graetz were married April 10,2010, at United Lutheran Church in GrandForks followed by a reception and dance atthe CelebrityBallroom in GrandForks. Jennifer is aprogram associate inthe Center for AdultLearning at theUniversity ofMinnesota,Crookston. Tyler isemployed by EagleElectric of East Grand Forks, Minn., as ajourneyman electrician.

Alumni News

To submit an item for the Alumni NewsSection, complete this form and send it toUMC Alumni Relations, 115 KiehleBuilding, 2900 University Avenue,Crookston, MN 56716, email:[email protected] or complete the formon line at: www.umcrookston.edu/alumni/keepintouch.html.

Name

Address

City/State/Zip

Phone

Email

Year of Graduation

or years of attendance

Information or news you wish to share (newjob, career, or family achievements, etc.)

29

We Want to Hear From You!

PPaattrriicckk aanndd CChhaarrllyy ((RReeiinneerrtt))SSttaannssbbeerryy,, ’’0066 && ’’0066,, Maplewood,Minn., welcomed their daughter,CayleyVivian, onFebruary 7,2010. Pat isworking atMolitorBrothersFarms inMiesville,Minn., as acroppingassistant and Charly is completingher last year of veterinary school atthe University of Minnesota.

LLuuccaass PPaallmm,, ’’0088,, Wheaton, Ill., andLindsay Bjerga were married July 11,2009, at Grace Bible Church inElmhurst, Illinois. They currentlyreside in Wheaton.

Remember the University ofMinnesota, CrookstonA will or living trust is a statement about what

matters most in your life. It ensures that your intentionsare clearly understood and will be followed by thoseadministering your estate. If you value your experience at the University of

Minnesota, Crookston or the Northwest School ofAgriculture, you can leave a legacy through a gift to thecampus in your will. Your generosity will help furtherthe mission of the University of Minnesota, Crookstonto provide education, research and outreach. Thefollowing language can be used by you and yourattorney in your will:“I give, devise and bequeath to the University of

Minnesota Foundation (percentage, sum or descriptionof property) for the benefit of the University ofMinnesota, Crookston.”If you would like more information, contact Corby

Kemmer, director of development & alumni relationstoll free at 1-800-862-6466, ext. 8434 or 218-281-8434([email protected]).For more information about giving, visit

www.umcrookston.edu/alumni/giving.html


TorchVolume 42, Number 2, Summer 2010Torch is a publication of the University of Minnesota,Crookston.

Director of Development & Alumni RelationsCorby Kemmer218-281-8434 [email protected]

Support StaffRose Ulseth 218-281-8439 [email protected]

Sue Dwyer 218-281-8401 [email protected]

UMCAA BoardCindy Bigger, ’79Paige Eskelson, ‘08Nancie Hoerner, ‘95James Kruize, ‘91Kylene (Odegaard) Lehmann, ‘01Juanita Lopez, ‘08Amy (Peterson) Lubarski, ‘02Carl Melbye, ‘77Kari (Vallager) Moe, ’03Linda (Knutson) Morgan, ’85 & ‘09Jen Novak, ‘06Katie (Becker) Shaw, ‘07

NWSA Alumni Association BoardAllan Dragseth, ‘57Lowell Hamrick, ‘53Charles Holmquist, ’52Melvin Larson, ‘55Barbara (Hylland) Lunsetter, ’56Berneil Nelson, ’42, ex officioGerhard Ross, ‘45David Sorvig, ‘47Beulah (Stolaas) Vad, ‘58Jean (Stromstad) Vigness-Parker, ‘55

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

The University of Minnesota, Crookston is a public, baccalaureate,coeducational institution and a coordinate campus of theUniversity 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 isnamed for the historical passing of the educational torch betweenthe NWSA and the U of M, Crookston in 1968.

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

Printed on recycled and recyclable paper with at least 10percent post-consumer material using agribased inks.Designed and printed at FinePrint of Grand Forks, Inc.

On the cover: Ann Bailey, ’79, has her photo taken in theUniversity Teaching and Outreach Center with one of thehorses.

On the back, Driven to Discover: Kevin Cooper, instructorin the Business Department, and Jared Hendricks,senior, Owatonna, Minn., work on a project for EconomicDevelopment Administration (EDA) University Center forthe state of Minnesota which is located on theCrookston Campus.

In MemoryMarvel (Noyes) Smith, ’31 Madison, Wis.April 4, 2010

Donald Gandrud, ’35Callaway, Minn.August 18, 2008

Elwood Gustafson, ’39Edina, Minn.April 15, 2010

Harold Anderson, ’40 Greenbush, Minn.November 16, 2008

John Lamberson, ’40 Bemidji, Minn.September 2008

Jay Bergh, ’41Hallock, Minn.January 30, 2010

Ila (Grove) Winterbourne, ’41Ventura, Calif.January 28, 2010

Hazel (Sylvester) Schultz, ’43Red Lake Falls, Minn.April 6, 2010

Donald Dufault, ’45St. Anthony, Minn.April 25, 2006

Walter Lystrom, ’50Lake Park, Minn.January 10, 2010

Robert Schroder, ’58Mekinock, N.D.March 28, 2010

John Weiland, ’59Euclid, Minn.April 14, 2010

Rebecca Preisler, ’00Eagan, Minn.March 2, 2010

NonprofitOrganizationU.S. Postage

PaidPermit No. 317

Grand Forks ND 58201

2900 University AvenueCrookston, MN 56716-5001

Change Service RequestedOffice of Admissions218-281-85691-800-862-6466UMCinfo@umn.eduwww.umcrookston.edu/visit

Office of Development & Alumni Relations218-281-84341-800-862-6466www.umcrookston.edu/alumni

Golden Eagle Athletics218-281-8423www.goldeneagleathletics.com

Upcoming EventsJune 25-26 Northwest School of Agriculture Alumni Reunion

Honored classes include: ’25, ’30, ’35, ’40, ’45, ’50, ’55, ’60, and ’65

July 1-4 U of M, Crookston at the Polk County Fair in Fertile, Minn.

Aug. 18 Ox Cart Days Ice Cream Social

Sept. 4-5 U of M, Crookston at the Minnesota State Fair in St. Paul

Sept. 24-25 Homecoming Weekend

Visit www.umcrookston.edu/today for all the latestevents and activities.

Torch, Summer 2010, Vol. 42, No. 2

Documents

Transcript of Torch, Summer 2010, Vol. 42, No. 2