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Your guide to HOMECOMING, alumni benefits, events and more HOMECOMING | FALL 2014
STAYCONN You may have graduated, but that doesn’t mean you can’t stay connected with your alma mater and fellow Dragons. The Alumni Foundation offers a variety of benefits, programs and services for alumni, students and friends. From career connections to special benefits we are here for you.
Official University Page: facebook.com/MSUMoorhead Alumni Page: facebook.com/MSUMAlumni twitter.com/MSUMoorhead
pinterest.com/MSUMoorhead
Look for Minnesota State University Moorhead Group
Sign up to receive the MSUM Alumni Online Newsletter at mnstate.edu/alumni.
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Celebrations
Join the MSUM Alumni online community.
Let us know your news, jobs, moves, and other news.
VIP Discounts
Dragon Babies
Check often for a wide range of discounts on and off campus.
Let us know about your new addition to the family, and we will send you a Baby Dragon T-shirt.
Alumni Travel Travel the world with friends and former classmates at a great price.
More details at mnstate.edu/alumni
ONLINE BOX OFFICE The line ends here. Tickets to all MSUM events and productions are now available online. You can choose your seats, reserve, and pay for tickets with convenience. The Box Office, located in the Center for the Arts, is still open for purchasing tickets as well. You may stop by or call 218.477.2271 to purchase tickets. For more information or to reserve tickets online today, visit mnstate.edu/tickets.
The MSUM Alumni Foundation is an independent 501 (c) (3) charitable organization dedicated to Minnesota State University Moorhead and its alumni and friends.
HOMECOMING EVENTS
For a complete schedule, visit mnstate.edu/homecoming. THURSDAY, SEPT. 25 ▸ Chili feed competition, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m., Campus Mall ▸ Livingston Lord Library Ribbon Cutting, 1 p.m., Library ▸ Dragons of the Past: Lessons Learned, Alumni and Hall of Fame Panel, 5 p.m., Gaede Stage ▸ Johnny Holm Band, 8-11 p.m., CMU Ballroom - $5 General Admission
FRIDAY, SEPT. 26 ▸ Presidential Installation with reception to follow, 2 p.m., Hansen Theatre ▸ Athletic Parent and Family Social, 4-7 p.m., Courtyard by Marriott ▸ Athletics Hall of Fame Dinner, 5:30 p.m., Courtyard by Marriott ▸ Distinguished Alumni Celebration, 5:30 p.m., CMU Ballroom ▸ Dragon Volleyball, 7 p.m., Nemzek ▸ Coronation, Burning of the M and Fireworks, 9 p.m., Nemzek ▸ S’mores, following fireworks, Holmquist Slab 4
HOMECOMING 2014
#DragonPride SATURDAY, SEPT. 27 ▸ 1960s Reunion Breakfast, 8:30 a.m., CMU Ballroom ▸ Athletic Alumni Welcome, 9:30 a.m., Nemzek ▸ Alumni Open House, 10:30 a.m., Alumni House ▸ Children’s Bike Parade, 10:45 a.m., Campus Gates ▸ Parade, 11 a.m., Circles Campus ▸ Library Tours, 11:30 a.m., Library ▸ Tailgating, 11:30 a.m. – 2 p.m., Nemzek ▸ Dragon Soccer, noon, Nemzek Soccer Field ▸ Dragon Football, 2 p.m., Nemzek ▸ Dragon Volleyball, 5 p.m., Nemzek ▸ Dance featuring Scratch & Bang, 9 p.m. – 1 a.m., CMU Ballroom
SUNDAY, SEPT. 28 ▸ Dragon Soccer, 1 p.m., Nemzek Soccer Field
Leading for the Long Run: Alumni and friends are invited to celebrate the installation of Anne Blackhurst as MSUM’s 11th president. Blackhurst became the 11th president on July 1, 2014. Prior to her appointment, Blackhurst served as MSUM’s provost and senior vice president for Academic Affairs since 2011. For more details on all inaugural activities or to read more about Dr. Blackhurst, visit mnstate.edu/president.
REUNIONS Many groups are planning Homecoming reunions. For updated reunion information, visit mnstate.edu/homecoming. Better yet, call your friends and let us know if you are planning a get together – we’ll add your group to the website. ▸ Student Senate ▸ Wrestling ▸ 1960s ▸ Students Today Leaders Forever
▸ Dragon Entertainment Group ▸ Housing and Residential Life ▸ Phi Sigma Kappa
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DISTINGUISHED ALUMNI AWARD RECIPIENTS David Daugherty ’73 (mass communications) is associate director and director of research at Morrison Institute for Public Policy and Arizona State University. Previously, Daugherty spent 10 years as vice president for research and seven years and director of research services at the Gannett Company, the nation’s largest news and information organization. He also spent seven years serving in a variety of positions at Frank N. Magid Associates, a media research and consultation company. Daugherty holds a masters and doctorate degree from North Dakota State University and the University of Texas at Austin, respectively. Timothy Sayler ’79 (management) is the chief operating officer for Essentia Health’s West Region, overseeing facilities in North Dakota and western Minnesota. Sayler received a master’s degree in healthcare administration from the University of Colorado, Denver after his time at MSUM. He served as chief executive officer and president of the St. Joseph Regional Medical Center in Lewiston, Idaho and as chief operating officer at Altru Health System in Grand Forks, N.D., prior to his current appointment. Scott Staska ’94 (educational administration) is superintendent of the ROCORI school district in Cold Springs, Minn. Staska has had an eventful tenure, leading the school through a shooting in 2003, dealing with the first case of H1N1 in 2009, and spearheading a $30 million construction project. For 2011, the Minnesota Association of School Administrators named Staska “Minnesota Superintendent of the Year.” Lisa Borgen ’93 (criminal justice) is Vice President at American Crystal Sugar Co. Borgen began her legal career in 1997 as a solo practitioner with Minnesota’s 7th Judicial District Public Defender’s Office. In 1999, she then became a Clay County attorney, where she worked until her judicial appointment in 2006. Prior to her most recent appointment, Lisa worked as a trial lawyer at Vogel Law Firm in Moorhead, Minn.
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HOMECOMING 2014
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Distinguished Join us in celebrating Friday, September 26!
Ken Jaeger ’83 (community health) is the founder and chief executive officer of Morning Star Senior Living in Denver, Colo. After graduating from MSUM, Jaeger settled in Denver and began a career in health and human services. While working in the senior living industry, Jaeger grew adept in mentoring teams to profitability while providing outstanding quality care. He is just as commited to serving poor around the world, with a special focus on building orphanages in Latin America.
Outstanding Young Alum Kristin Jacobson Halvarson ’05 (biology, Spanish) is the executive director at Community Health Service, Inc., formerly Migrant Health Service, in Moorhead, Minn. Halvarson began her career at Community Health Service as a seasonal interpreter and has moved up the ladder to her current position.
Service Award Larry & Marcella MacLeod Larry is a retired health and physical education faculty member. During his tenure at MSUM, Larry coached basketball for 27 years, baseball, and later served as athletic director. Larry and Marcella continue to volunteer and provide excellent historical information and support to student scholarships through the MSUM Alumni Foundation.
Eva Vraspir Excellence in Nursing Alumni Award Nancy Stock ’86 (nursing) is a rural nurse practitioner for Sanford Health, working in the Mahnomen area. Stock is certified by the American Nurses Credentialing Center, and graduated from the University of Minnesota in ’96 with a master’s degree. Nursing runs in the family, as Stock’s daughter also attended MSUM for the nursing program. MINNESOTA STATE UNIVERSITY MOORHEAD
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HALL OF FAME AWARD WINNERS
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“The 2014 Hall of Fame class showcases many memorable accomplishments and achievements in the history of Dragon Athletics,” MSUM Athletic Director Doug Peters said. “It is exciting to recognize these individuals and teams in the latest induction class.”
Cal Baker ’79 (track and field), native of Morrisville, N.C., had a rewarding track career with the Dragons, jumping during his four years at MSUM. At the 1977 NCAA Division II Outdoor Championships, Baker placed fifth in triple jump with a flight of 49-9. Baker earned All-American honors and swept both the long and triple jump events at the 1977 NIC Outdoor meet. It was here that Baker was named the meet’s Outstanding Athlete. Baker established school records in both long and triple jump, and still holds the record of 48-9, set in 1977. He also participated in football while at MSUM. Jessi Bruns ’01 (volleyball) is a four-sport volleyball letterwinner at setter. During her time at MSUM, Bruns was named the Dragons’ Most Valuable Player as a sophomore, junior, and co-MVP as a senior. Bruns helped the Dragons finish with a record of 28-4, capture the NSIC title, and advance to NCAA Division II regionals for the first time since 1990. She was voted NSIC Player of the Year by league coaches, second team all-region selection as a junior, and still ranks third with 4,261 career assists. Dana Gross ’94 (volleyball, softball), native of Fargo, N.D., was a two-sport star while at MSUM, starting in both the volleyball and softball lineups. Gross still holds a Dragon career volleyball record for 200 serve aces, and has a single-match record of 78 assists against Southwest State. She is a two-time All-NSIC volleyball pick, and was chosen for the All-NAIA District 13 team in 1991 and 1992. On the softball field, Gross was a standout second baseman who helped Moorhead State advance to the NAIA National Softball Championships in 1994. She also led the Dragons in batting with a .395 average. 8
HOMECOMING 2014
all of Fame Leo Jacobson ’70 (football), native of Hendrum, Minn., is a four-year football letterman at MSUM. Jacobson was elected as co-captain his senior year, was voted the Dragons’ Most Valuable Player, and was honored with first team All-NIC honors that same year (1969). He rushed for a career-high 211 yards against Valley City State, and also lettered in track during his time at Moorhead State. Kelly Mortenson ’94 (track and field, cross-country), native of Canby, Minn., pocketed an outstanding eight All-American certificates in cross-country and track during his time as a Dragon. Mortensen was a six-time NIC champ in the 3,000-, 5,000-, and 10,000-meter races. He finished third in the marathon at the 1993 NAIA National Outdoor meet and fifth in the 10,000-meter at the 1991 NAIA Outdoor meet. Mortensen also helped the Dragons win an eighth-straight NIC cross-country title and seventh-straight NAIA District 13 championship in 1991. He was recognized with allconference and all-district honors for his efforts. John Sterner (wrestling coach) served MSUM with distinction as head wrestling coach and assistant football coach. From 1988 to 2003, Sterner led the Dragon wrestling team to a 137-92-1 overall record and guided them to six NSIC team titles. He produced eight national place winners and 25 All-Americans during his time coaching at MSUM, including Nate Hendrickson, a national champion and NCAA Division II “Wrestler of the Year.” Sterner was inducted into the Minnesota Chapter of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame in 2010. Aside from wrestling, Sterner also doubled as defensive line coach for the Dragons football team, helping win titles in 1988, 1989 and 1991. Sterner is a graduate of South Dakota State University.
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HALL OF FAME AWARD WINNERS
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Kelly Trautmann ’82 (baseball), native of Robinson, N.D., filled a prominent role in the heart of the Dragon baseball lineup. He helped fuel the baseball revival at Moorhead State in the early 1980s. In 1982, Trautmann assisted the Dragons to their first winning season in nearly two decades, with a 21-19 finish. A year later, the Dragons made a championship run. A three yearstarter, Trautmann played shortstop. He was a first team AllNIC selection as a junior and NIC Triple Crown winner. He led the league in batting (.538), RBI (22), and tied for the conference home run title with five in 1982. Trautmann was elected into the North Dakota American Legion Baseball Hall of Fame in 2011. Dave Tuomi ’82 (football), native of Kettle River, Minn., is a foursport letterman at MSUM, and is recognized as an outstanding defensive tackle and major contributor to the greatest single season in Dragon football history. Tuomi was saluted as first team All-American and All-NSIC as a senior in 1981, and helped Moorhead State set NAIA a single-season record with five consecutive shutouts, capture the NIC championship, finish the regular season undefeated and ranked No. 1 in the nation, and advance to the national playoffs for the first time.
Gregg Veldman ’83 (football), native of South St. Paul, Minn., was a major contributor to the Dragon football team as a tight end. As a member of two national playoff clubs, Veldman shared captaincy honors in 1982 and was a recipient of the Dr. Marvin Geib Award as Most Dedicated Player as a senior. He helped the Dragons claim the 1981 NIC championship, finish the regular season unbeaten and ranked No. 1 in the nation, and advance to the national playoffs for the first time. Dan Woodbury ’74 (football, track and field), native of White Bear Lake, Minn., is a two-sport letter winner in football and track at MSUM. Woodbury won the 440 title at the 1971 NIC Outdoor Track Championships as a freshman and finished second as a sophomore. He was also a three-year starter at quarterback, fashioned a 31-7-1 record and helped the Dragons win league football titles as a sophomore and senior. Woodbury was a member of seven NIC Indoor and Outdoor Championship teams, helped the Dragons finish unbeaten as a senior in 1973, and qualify for the NAIA National Outdoor meet. 10
HOMECOMING 2014
all of Fame 1974 Men’s Cross Country In 1974, coach Ken Bladow led the men’s cross country team to MSUM’s first NIC championship victory. The team earned one of 15 conference titles for Dragon men’s cross country. Mike Francis was named NIC Athlete of the Year, and MSUM had six individuals place in the top 12 at the NIC meet, all of who earned all-conference honors. Winners were: Francis, first; John Tiemann, second; Rick Cellette, third; Dave Chilko, fourth; Bob Berscheid, sixth; and Linc Woodbury, 12th. Six Dragons also earned All-NAIA District 13 honors as a result of placing in the region meet: Francis, first; Tiemann, second; Chilko, fifth; Cellette, sixth; Berscheid, seventh; and Woodbury, eighth. Both Francis and Tiemann went on to place at the national meet, placing eighth and 13th, respectively, and earned All-American honors.
1974 Men’s Track and Field The men’s track and field team in 1974 swept both the NIC Indoor and Outdoor Championships that year. Bob Jappe, John Tiemann and Dan Woodbury qualified for the NAIA National Indoor meet, where Tiemann finished fifth in the mile. Jappe and Mike Francis competed at the NAIA Outdoor meet. Jappe finished fourth in the 120-high hurdles. Senior John Marsh was presented the Red Baton Award, and the Dragons set eight new individual records and matched another. The final accomplishment of the 1974 men’s track and field team was stretching the winning streak to a remarkable 28-straight victories in meets with recorded team points. 1981-82 Women’s Basketball Team The 1981-82 women’s basketball team claimed MSUM’s first Northern Sun Conference title under first-year coach Bob Daniels. The team finished with a 10-4 league record and 15-9 overall record. The women defeated Mankato State and ST. Cloud State to capture the Minnesota State AIAQ Division II title, and advanced to post-season play for the first time. Forwards Becky Marx and Kelley Owen were named to the all-conference team. Letter winners include Lisa Breiland, Wenday DeVorak, Deb Evenson, Deb Hertwig, Deb Meyer, Marx, Owen, Mary Sweeney, and Linda Veiseth.
DRAGON WEEK OF GIVING Sept. 21-27, 2014 ~ Each gift impacts student-athletes Donate: mnstate.edu/homecoming; or Dragon Athletics 218.477.5824, riopelg@mnstate.edu MINNESOTA STATE UNIVERSITY MOORHEAD
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UPCOMING
EVENTS Don’t miss these upcoming events! There are many opportunities for alumni and friends to connect. Check the event calendar at mnstate.edu/alumni often for more details and events. ▸ Sept. 13-14, 2014, Sigma Tau Gamma Reunion – Bloomington, Minn. ▸ Sept., Oct., Nov. 2014, Monthly Retiree Coffee Corner (held every third Friday of the month) ▸ Oct. 6, 2014, Faculty and Alumni Night – Twin Cities, Minn. ▸ Oct. 13, 2014, Arts Showcase on Hennepin – Minneapolis, Minn. ▸ Nov. 2014 (TBD), New York City Alumni Gathering ▸ Nov. 7, 2014, Third Annual Scholarship Luncheon – CMU ▸ Dec. 19, 2014, MSUM Graduation
mnstate.edu/alumni facebook.com/MSUMAlumni Call for more info: 218.477.2143