Class Notes

1954

Wesley Waage, ’54, the first president of Fergus Falls Junior College (now Minnesota State Fergus Falls), received a posthumous Torchbearer Award for his transformational leadership in higher education. 

1955

Gerald VandeWalle, ’55, ’58, HON ’15, former North Dakota Supreme Court Chief Justice, received the inaugural Distinguished Alumni Award from the UND Law Review.

1961

Bernard “Bernie” Haley, ’61, was inducted into the Alberta Sports Hall of Fame. He is also in the UND Letterwinners Athletic Hall of Fame as a member of the 1958-59 hockey team. After retiring from playing hockey, Haley was a professional hockey referee. 

1967

Spencer Peterson, ’67, ’71, coauthored the feature article in the August 2024 issue of the technical journal Fisheries. Peterson retired in 2010 as a senior research ecologist at the EPA after 39 years.

1969

Marilyn (Walter) Guy, ’69, ’71, ’76, was named the 2026 Legacy Leader by the Fargo/Moorhead/West Fargo Chamber. For more than 50 years, she served as a professor and held leadership roles at Concordia College.

1972

Tom Seymour, ’72, was re-elected to the North Dakota Association of Rural Electric Cooperatives. He also serves on the Board of Directors of Cass County Electric Cooperative. Seymour was a Professor Emeritus at Minot State University from 1985 to 2016.

1973

George Eidsness, ’73, was named 2026 Citizen of the West. Eidsness is the owner of Transwest, a full-service vehicle retailer and fleet-services company based in Brighton, Colo. In his honor, the National Western Scholarship Trust awarded two $5,000 scholarships to UND students.

John Sanderson, ’73, retired after 48 years of dentistry. He has practiced in Elgin, N.D., since 1981.

1974

Doug Mowbray, ’74, recently retired from a 40-year career in teaching and coaching. He also fully retired from serving as CEO of his family farm in southern Manitoba.

1975

Brian Bjella, ’75, ’79, was elected as honorary trustee of the Foundation for Natural Resources and Energy Law for his years of service to the Denver-based organization. Bjella lives in Bozeman, Mont.

1976

John Botsford, ’76, is retiring after 40 years with the Myra Foundation. He served as president for the past 25 years.

1977

Allan Peterson, ’77, retired after serving as an advisor for the Washington State University Small Business Development Center since 2004.

1979

Daniel Crothers, ’79, ’82, retired in February after serving more than 20 years as a North Dakota Supreme Court justice.

1980

Mary Farrington-Lorch, ’80, ’83, is an attorney specializing in bankruptcy and creditor rights law at the Law Office of Mary K. Farrington-Lorch in Phoenix. She was recently featured on the networking platform, Influential Women.

Robert Harms, ’80, was named to the board of the North Dakota News Cooperative. Harms is a retired lawyer and former government affairs consultant.

Allen Koppy, ’80, ’84, retired from his job as Morton County state’s attorney after working there for nearly 40 years.

1981

Kathleen Gershman, ’81, a retired UND professor and department chair, received the Community Impact Award from Fontbonne, The Early College of Boston, where she attended high school.

Cynthia Lindquist, ’81, ’06, is chief strategy officer for the American Indian College Fund in Denver. Lindquist stepped down as chair of the North Dakota Ethics Commission, on which she served since 2019.

1983

Ruth (Indergaard) Braaten, ’83, ’89, retired as director of the child development center at the Lutheran Home of the Good Shepherd in New Rockford, N.D. She has served in that position since 2005.

Chuck Schultz, ’83, ’86, an energy lawyer, will retire in September after 23 years with NextEra Energy Resources in West Palm Beach, Fla.

1985

Peter Schmit, ’85, ’89, received the 2025 Minnesota ICON Award. He has more than 35 years of trial experience and serves as chair of Robins Kaplan LLP’s National Personal Injury, Medical Malpractice, and Civil Rights Group.

1986

Jean (Trenbeath) Johnson, ’86, is chief information officer of United Valley Bank in Cavalier, N.D., where she has worked for 40 years.

1987

Dan Kadrmas, ’87, president of TrueNorth Steel in West Fargo, N.D., was elected vice chair of the board of the American Institute of Steel Construction.

1988

Bruce Cook, ’88, founded SponsorLab, an online performance analysis company serving the sponsorship market. Cook has worked on numerous commercial sports partnerships, including seven years on the leadership team at YouGov Sport. He has lived in Scotland since 2001.

1989

Steven Allen, ’89, retired U.S. Army Brigadier General, was named COO at Almonty, a global producer of tungsten critical to the defense and technology sectors. 

Liz (Schutt) Auch, ’89, retired after 26 years as director of Countryside Public Health, which serves five counties of the Upper Minnesota River Valley. 

John Odegard, ’89, partner and co-founder of 5x5 Trading, was named chair of the International Aircraft Dealers Association. Odegard brings over 30 years of aviation industry experience, including 18 years with NetJets.

1990

Bob McWilliams, ’90, retired as president and CEO of the Altru Family YMCA in Grand Forks after more than 30 years. 

1991

Shawn Mechelke, ’91, is general manager of weather & climate at Spire Global, a provider of space-based data, analytics and space services. He most recently served as president of the aviation vertical at AFV Partners.

Staci (Hartman) Satterwhite, ’91, a guest instructor at the London School of Economics, was named one of the Top 50 Women Leaders of Houston for 2026. Satterwhite was CEO for ABS Wavesight.

Shannon Schell, ’91, is president of Spectrum Aeromed. He most recently was president and CEO of REVA, Inc., one of the largest fixed-wing air ambulance companies in the Americas.

1992

Russell Carignan, ’92, is vice president commercial/ag banker and crop insurance agent at First United Bank in Grafton, N.D.

Amy (Rademacher) Cox, ’92, ’97, is an advanced practice registered nurse and certified nurse practitioner in family medicine at the Essentia Health-Osgood Clinic in Fargo.

Steve Erhardt, ’92, global manufacturing director of Kynar at Arkema Inc., was honored as a Hero of Chemistry by the American Chemical Society for his role in developing Kynar® HSV 900, a binder used in electric vehicle batteries that advances sustainability.

Dane Jackson, ’92, UND Men’s Hockey coach, was named the National Collegiate Hockey Conference Herb Brooks Coach of the Year.

Arleigh (Hunchak) Trainor, ’92, ’03, is an emergency room doctor at Brandon Regional Health Centre in Manitoba. She is also assistant dean at the University of Manitoba’s Max Rady College of Medicine satellite program in Brandon.

1993

Tony Herbert, ’93, retired as acting chief data officer with the Office of Policy Development and Research after a 25-year career with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. He co-founded and is managing partner of Punch House, a premium bottled cocktail brand based in Atlanta.

Jason Karsky, ’93, is a professor of criminal justice at Wayne State University in Detroit. 

Lisa Fair McEvers, ’93, ’97, is North Dakota’s first female chief justice. She has served on the court since 2014.

Shaun Riffe, ’93, director of development for the Minnesota Assistance Council for Veterans, won his second Emmy Award as a producer for WCCO’s annual “Home for the Holidays” broadcast.

1994

Bill Dolny, ’94, CEO of MedAire, was elected vice chair of the International Business Aviation Council Industry Advisory Forum.

Scott Johnson, ’94, retired as the deputy state court administrator for the North Dakota Supreme Court. He served more than 30 years as a trial court administrator in several jurisdictions including North Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Oregon, and with the federal court system in Iowa.

Chris Kennelly, ’94, and Nan (Spooner) Kennelly, ’92, ’94, recently made a philanthropic gift to the Gonzaga University School of Law in Spokane, Washington. Recognizing their generosity, the school renamed its Center for Law, Ethics & Commerce the Kennelly Center for Law, Ethics & Commerce.

Rob Landis, ’94, is program officer for NASA’s Planetary Defense Coordination Office. Landis works at the Johnson Space Center in Houston.

1995

Karen (MacFarlane) Basbaum, ’95, is chief business officer at MBX Biosciences, a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company in Carmel, Ind.

1996

Peter Buffington, ’96, released the aviation-themed album “737 Red Eye” by Speed Brake Armed.

Susan (Arvik) Gallo, ’96, a family medicine physician at Clinic Miles City (Mont.), was honored on National Rural Health Day by WWAMI, the University of Washington School of Medicine’s multi-state medical education program serving Washington, Wyoming, Alaska, Montana, and Idaho. Gallo has served as a WWAMI preceptor for 15 years.

Jeremy Roesler, ’96, ’06, director of flight operations at UND’s Odegard School of Aerospace Sciences, received the 2026 Aviation Accreditation Board International Chairperson’s Award.

1997

Carol Anson, ’97, retired from her job as an advisor to UND’s Veteran & Military Affairs programs. Throughout her 35-year UND career, she has served as an advocate for veterans and military affiliated students.

Jennifer (Klemetsrud) Puhl, ’97, ’00, was named The Forum’s 2025 Area Person of the Year. She served as the acting U.S. Attorney in the trial of Ray Holmberg.

1998

Marcia Larson, ’98, joined the Bemidji State Alumni & Foundation after a 17-year career with Bemidji Parks and Recreation.

Leander “Russ” McDonald, ’98, president of United Tribes Technical College in Bismarck, was named the 2025-26 Tribal College and University President Honoree of the Year by the American Indian College Fund.

Dustin Mitzel, ’98, CEO of Happy Harry’s Bottle Shops, was named president of the Wine and Spirits Guild of America. Mitzel began his career at Happy Harry’s as a part-time summer employee in 1996.

1999

Dan Grieser, ’99, serves as solicitor for Bucks County, Pa., where he leads the Bucks County Law Department.

Lindsey Haugen, ’99, ’02, joined O’Keeffe O’Brien Lyson Attorneys in Fargo.

2000

Kelly Armstrong, ’00, ’03, governor of North Dakota, received the Andy Mork Riverman Award. The award recognizes individuals or organizations for lifetime leadership in resource management and water development within the Missouri River corridor.

Damon Feltman, ’00, retired U.S. Air Force Brigadier General, is CEO of the Space Force Association (SFA). With three decades of experience in defense and space operations, he guides the organization’s mission to support the U.S. Space Force and its Guardians while strengthening collaboration across government, industry, and allied partners. 

Mark Friese, ’00, was named a North Dakota Supreme Court Justice. Friese was a shareholder with Vogel Law Firm in Fargo, with 25 years of criminal defense experience.

Angela (Luther) Lee, ’00, ’15, an advanced practice registered nurse and certified nurse practitioner, joined Essentia Health-32nd Avenue Clinic in Fargo. She will practice gastroenterology.

2001

Scott Diamond, ’98, ’01, was appointed to a judgeship in North Dakota’s East Central Judicial District. He brings 24 years of legal experience to the role, most recently serving as a judicial referee in the district.

Michael Kreun, ’01, joined the Minneapolis office of DeWitt LLP. He has more than 20 years’ experience handling real estate litigation and complex commercial disputes. Kreun is a state senator and is assistant minority leader of the Minnesota Legislature.

Mandy (Volk) Sorlie, ’01, ’08, serves as president on the Board of the North Dakota Academy of Family Physicians.

Bill Trew, ’01, was inducted into the University of Minnesota Crookston Athletic Hall of Fame. Trew led the university to back-to-back NJCAA National Hockey Championships in 1993 and 1994, and was named a 1993-94 NJCAA All-American.

2003

Dave Relling, ’93, ’01, was named senior associate dean for health science at UND’s School of Medicine & Health Sciences. Relling was formerly the chair of UND’s Department of Physical Therapy.

2004

John “Laddie” Bata, ’04, is a captain in the Moorhead (Minn.) Police Department, where he has worked since 2015.

Kristina (Grzadzieleski) Hokenson, ’04, a registered dietitian nutritionist and yoga teacher, is owner of Haven of Health in Minot, N.D.  She combines yoga and meditation to help people make peace with food and their bodies.

Dustin Leigh, ’04, ’10, is an emergency medicine physician at Essentia Health-Fargo.

Ashley (Helle) Samuelson, ’04, ’07, was appointed to a judgeship in North Dakota’s Northeast Judicial District. 

2005

John Lyng, ’05, received the National Association of EMS Physicians President’s Award. The physician serves as the group’s editor-in-chief. 

Chris Swenson, ’05, ’14, will begin serving as superintendent of the Monticello (Minn.) School District on July 1, after serving in the same role for Holdingford Public Schools for 11 years.

2006

Cory Hilliard, ’06, was named chief financial officer of USA Swimming. Hilliard previously spent 18 years at the University of Colorado in Boulder, most recently as senior associate athletic director for business operations/CFO.

Ashley (Hagan) Kremer, ’06, ’11, is a family medicine specialist at the Sanford Northwest Clinic in Minot, N.D.

Chris Kuper, ’06, is the Philadelphia Eagles offensive line coach.

Matt Lange, ’06, was promoted to regional operations director at KLJ Engineering, where he has more than 17 years of experience in transportation project design.

2007

Carol Wright Becker, ’07, a board-certified emergency physician and assistant professor of emergency medicine at the West Virginia University School of Medicine in Morgantown, W.V., was recognized in America’s Best in Medicine.

David Rasmussen, ’07, was reelected to the board of directors for Full Circle Ag Cooperative. He and his wife,

Jessica (Kuster), ’07, run the Rasmussen family farm in Cogswell, N.D.

Jenna (Kruger) Sandman, ’07, an advanced practice nurse and certified nurse practitioner, has joined the staff at the Essentia Health-45th Street Clinic in Fargo.

Joy (Bingham) Vega, ’07, is division chief of the energy and natural resources division of the Idaho Office of the Attorney General. She has served as lead deputy attorney general in the division since 2017.

Mark Western, ’07, was appointed to a one-year term on the North Dakota Ethics Commission.

2008

Danny Freund, ’08, ’13, is offensive coordinator for UND Football. 

Justin Reisenauer, ’08, Sanford Bismarck’s chief medical officer, was named to Becker’s Healthcare 2026 list of hospital and health system chief medical officers to know.

Jon Rentz, ’08, is assistant vice president of business strategy & corporate development at Northern Plains Rail Services in Grand Forks.

Val (Sannes) Sussex, ’08, ’11, director of the North Dakota Champions Club, received the Melvin Jones Fellow Award — the highest recognition from Lions Clubs International.

2009

Jessamy (Olsen) Forsnell, ’09, is chief financial and operating officer at SRT, North Dakota’s largest telecommunications cooperative. She has served as CFO since May 2025.

Tara Mertz-Hack, ’09, was selected as the 2025 North Dakota Academy of Family Physicians Family Physician of the Year. She was honored for her role as a rural family physician and her dedication as a hospital and clinic medical director, EMS medical director, four-county public health medical officer, and nursing home medical officer. 

Karna (Plaine) Nixon, ’09, was inducted into the University of Minnesota Crookston Athletic Hall of Fame. Nixon, a standout basketball player, scored 1,642 career points, which ranks third all-time in scoring in UMC’s NCAA era.

Nick Nupdal, ’09, ’17, is a senior credit analyst at KodaBank in Fargo.

2010

Tony Schanilec, ’10, is the facility manager of the Cargill Corn Milling plant in Wahpeton, N.D.

Jeffry Tescher, ’10, is head football coach at Bismarck St. Mary’s High School. He served as assistant coach in 2025.

2011

Emily (Burkland) Montgomery, ’11, ’20, is president of the Myra Foundation in Grand Forks. She has served as a Foundation trustee for five years.

Erica (Wondrasek) Thunder, ’11, ’14, is head of tribal health equity and experience for Sanford Health Enterprise. A longtime advocate for Indigenous communities, she previously served as North Dakota’s first Native American labor commissioner.

2012

Meena Kalyanasundaram, ’12, was selected for inclusion in Marquis Who’s Who. She is president, CEO, and co-founder of WeEMBRACE, a nonprofit dedicated to empowering individuals who are neurodiverse and those with developmental disabilities. She lives in Sacramento, Calif. 

Peter Olenjniczak, ’12, co-founded a construction financial management software called “Controllr.” Olejniczak is a UND graduate in air traffic control.

Erin (Schoenrock) Roesler, ’12, ’19, deputy executive director of the Northern Plains UAS Test Site, received the UAS Sky Pioneer Award.

Elaina (Bialke) Wickman, ’12, ’24, was named executive director of the Northlands Rescue Mission in Grand Forks. 

Lori Wolff, ’12, a certified physician assistant, practices walk-in care at Essentia Health-Mid Dakota Bismarck 9th Street Clinic.

2013

Sydnie (Smith) Bahl, ’13, finished in 25th place at the Iditarod, with a total race time of 12 days and just under five hours.

Alex Johnson, ’13, is a factory manager at American Crystal Sugar Company’s Drayton, N.D., factory.

Crystal (Glaser) Koski, ’13, who has worked for Whitefish Lodge & Suites and Manhattan Beach Lodge for 18 years, was named the 2025 Crosslake (Minn.) Employee of the Year. She currently serves as director of sales for both properties, and director of operations for Manhattan Beach Lodge.

Justin Rosenau, ’13, serves as chairman of the Board of the North Dakota Academy of Family Physicians.

2014

Johnathan Gajdos, ’14, is provost at the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, located at King’s Point in Nassau County, N.Y. Gajdos has decades of experience in public administration, military leadership and education.

Dixie Holland, ’14, ’23, is chief deputy clerk of the North Dakota Supreme Court.
2015

Quinn (Hochhalter) Askew, ’15, joined the Vogel Law Firm’s Bismarck office.

Joshua Hensrud, ’15, a U.S. Air Force Major based at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, won the 2025 Warfighting Acquisition Award for his work in international security cooperation.

Samantha (Stegman) Simley, ’15, ’21, a certified physician assistant, practices palliative care at Essentia Health-Fargo.

Lisa Yonker, ’15, opened Revive and Thrive Physical Occupational Therapy in Perham, Minn.

2016

Stephanie Waldref, ’16, is a freelance meteorologist on the StormTracker 4 Weather team in Tucson, Ariz. She has worked as a meteorologist in Minot, N.D., and Wilmington, N.C.

2017

Jeffrey Diemert, ’17, a staff attorney with North Dakota Legal Services under the Federal Veterans Homelessness Grant, was named manager of the Ellendale American Legion. Diemert has served 17 years in the North Dakota National Guard and was recently promoted to staff sergeant.

Rhea Goulet, ’17, was named Company Grade Officer of the Year by the Army National Guard. Capt. Goulet is an operations officer for the Headquarters and Support Company, 141st Maneuver Enhancement Brigade in Fargo.

Erik Langerud, ’17, is a project manager at AE2S. He manages civil engineering projects across the upper Midwest and Rocky Mountain regions.

2018

Kelsey (Daley) Luce, ’18, a certified physician assistant, was recognized by America’s Best in Medicine for advancing pediatric care at Sanford West Dickinson (N.D.) Clinic.

Deland Weyrauch, ’18, Montana’s deputy medical examiner, received two major honors from the National Association of Medical Examiners: the Eckert Award and the 2025 Edward J. Barbieri Forensic Toxicology Award.

2019

Morgan Schmitz, ’19, an advanced practice registered nurse and certified nurse practitioner, joined Essentia Health-32nd Avenue Clinic in Fargo. She practices neurology.

Megan (Danelski) Schneider, ’19, is an advanced practice registered nurse and certified nurse practitioner in family medicine at Essentia Hermantown and Proctor clinics in Minnesota.

2020

Se Kwon, ’20, a reporter and news anchor, joined FOX 32’s morning team in Chicago after three years at FOX 9 in Minneapolis.

Faith Schaefer, ’20, is a Moorhead Police Department officer. She spent four years as a patrol officer with the New York Mills (Minn.) Police.

2021

Kendra Bohm, ’21, is a certified physician assistant at the Essentia Health-Valley City (N.D.) Clinic.

Kyle Finseth, ’21, ’24, earned the Accredited Airport Executive (A.A.E.) designation from the American Association of Airport Executives. He lives in Denver.

Kelly Hutton, ’21, is deputy state court administrator for the North Dakota Court System. She has served in various roles with the courts for 19 years.

Bella Kumagai, ’21, is a piano instructor in Augustana University’s School of Music in Sioux Falls, S.D.

Chris Patullo, ’21, was promoted to director of operations at American Crystal Sugar Company. Patullo, a 22-year company veteran, leads production and maintenance operations across the Moorhead, Crookston, and East Grand Forks plants.

Shannon Silverman, ’21, an astrophysicist, is planetarium and science educator at the Clay Center for the Arts & Sciences in Charleston, W.Va.

2022

Caitlyn Fussy, ’22, ’24, an occupational therapist, joined the rehab services team of RiverView Health in Crookston, Minn.

Robert “Robby” Greicar, ’22, ’25, is an associate attorney at Gjesdahl Law. He lives in Fargo.

Sierra Link, ’22, an advanced practice registered nurse and certified nurse practitioner, joined the Essentia Health-South University Clinic in Fargo. She practices pulmonology.

Betsy Seaver, ’22, is an engineer-in-training at AE2S in Grand Forks.

2023

Petros Alex, ’23, is the assistant women’s tennis coach at the University of Southern California.

Isaac Hildenbrand, ’23, is a commercial banker at National Bank of Commerce in Hibbing, Minn.

Christina Torgerson, ’23, a board-certified nurse practitioner, is a family medicine provider at the Sanford Halstad (Minn.) Clinic.

2024

Jack Blotsky, ’24, is an associate attorney at Conmy Feste Law Firm in Fargo. He previously served as law clerk to Justice Lisa Fair McEvers at the North Dakota Supreme Court.

Philip Buque, ’24, joined the Minneapolis office of DeWitt LLP. His practice focus is real estate litigation and general civil litigation.

Justine Fosle, ’24, an advanced practice registered nurse and certified nurse practitioner, practices physiatry at the Essentia Health-Duluth (Minn.) Clinic.

Hassan Kargbo, ’24, is an engineering technician for KLJ Engineering’s construction group in Williston, N.D.

Alex Morse, ’24, is a maintenance engineer at American Crystal Sugar Company’s Hillsboro, N.D., factory.

2025

Caleb Babcok, ’25, is a staff engineer at Interstate Engineering in Williston, N.D.

Jaimee (Cariveau) Berg, ’25, an advanced practice registered nurse and certified nurse practitioner, joined Essentia Health-South University Clinic in Fargo to practice dermatology.

Heather Chatham, ’25, is founder and CEO of Chatty Learners LLC. Chatham lives in Grand Forks.

Melissa Evans, ’25, an advanced practice registered nurse and certified nurse practitioner, joined Essentia Health-West Acres Clinic in Fargo to practice family medicine.

Riley Gerhardt, ’25, a financial representative at Northwestern Mutual, received the Pacesetter First 40 Award, given to representatives who guide 40 clients toward financial success in their first six months in the business.

Ashly Hall, ’25, is an engineering assistant at Burian & Associates in Grand Forks.

Miah Lee, ’25, a certified physician assistant, is practicing internal medicine at Essentia Health-Wahpeton, N.D.

Abby Olson, ’25, is a member of The Forum of Fargo Moorhead’s Readers Board, a group of community members who provide feedback on coverage and share perspectives of local readers.

Andrea (Asp) Samuelson, ’25, is an associate attorney at Gjesdahl Law. She lives in Moorhead, Minn.

1966

John Odegard, ’66, ’67, founder of UND’s School of Aerospace Sciences, will be posthumously inducted into the National Aviation Hall of Fame, Class of 2026. With just two aircraft and a few students, Odegard transformed UND into a global hub for pilot training, aerospace research, and space studies.

1974

David Maring, ’74, was awarded the Richard S. Arnold Award for Distinguished Service. Maring retired as a shareholder at Maring Williams Law Office in Bismarck and Fargo after 45 years in civil litigation.

Gary Wagner, ’74, was inducted into the Crookston (Minn.) High School Hall of Fame. Wagner earned 12 varsity letters in track and field, football, and basketball.

1977

William Severin, ’77, has a courtroom named in his honor, recognizing his more than 40 years of service as a municipal court judge in Bismarck and his lasting impact on the community.

1978

Donovan Foughty, ’78, ’83, retired in September after serving as judge in North Dakota’s northeast judicial district court in Devils Lake for 37 years.

Denise Lajimodiere, ’78, ’96, ’06, North Dakota’s first Native American poet laureate, had her term extended for three additional years.

1981

Cynthia Lindquist, ’81, ’06, was named chair of the North Dakota Ethics Commission. A member of the Spirit Lake Nation, Lindquist is director of Tribal Initiatives and Collaborations at UND.

1982

David Oberstar, ’82, was selected among The Best Lawyers in America in the area of timber law. He practices at Fryberger Law Firm in Duluth, Minn.

1983

Lloyd Harsch, ’83, has completed 25 years as Professor of Church History and Baptist Studies at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. He also serves on the faculty of Seminario Teológico Bautista de Cuba Oriental in Santiago, Cuba.

1986

Mark Aakhus, ’86, is interim dean of the School of Communication and Information at Rutgers University-New Brunswick in New Jersey.

1987

Scott Jagodzinski, ’87, launched Argent Alpha, a virtual community redefining men’s health. His book on the topic is an Amazon best-seller.

Lisa Hesse, ’87, retired from a laboratory science career, most recently serving as an infection preventionist.

1991

Kim Kenville, ’91, ’98, is senior consultant at ADK Consulting & Executive Search. Kim was a professor in UND’s John D. Odegard School of Aerospace Sciences.

Bonnie (Bailey) Butz, ’91, ’09, is a special education teacher at Northwood (N.D.) Public School.

1992

Carrie (Treml) Nichols, ’92, is the family and community wellness extension agent for NDSU Extension, serving Eddy and Foster counties.

Marina Spahr, ’92, was appointed as judge in North Dakota’s South Central Judicial District. Her chambers are in Bismarck.

1993

Holly Cook Macarro, ’93, was honored in the inaugural class of Outstanding Alumni and Supporters of St. Phillip’s School in Bemidji, Minn. Macarro is a Native American political strategist and advocate, nationally recognized for her work in advancing tribal sovereignty and Indigenous representation in U.S. politics. 

1994

Daniel Traynor, ’94, ’97, a U.S. district court judge, was awarded the State Bar Association of North Dakota’s Distinguished Service Award.

1995

Monica Mayer, ’95, an emergency medicine physician and member of the Mandan Hidatsa Arikara Nation tribal council, was appointed to the Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation Board of Trustees.

Mark Vollmer, ’95, ’14, is superintendent at Westhope (N.D.) Public School.

1996

Marc Adams, ’96, is on Essentia Health’s board of directors and retired as executive vice president and chief digital officer of Ecolab Inc.

Dave Hakstol, ’96, is assistant coach of the NHL’s Colorado Avalanche.

Mary “Misty” (Roussin) Wilke, ’96, ’98, ’02, is a clinical professor at the University of Minnesota School of Nursing, where she also serves as director of the Doctoral Education Pathway for American Indian/Alaska Native Nurses and the Center for Indigenous People, Health and Nursing.

1997

Barrett Ziemer, ’97, executive director of the Chisholm-Hibbing (Minn.) Airport Authority, was appointed to the Metropolitan Airports Commission in the Twin Cities area.

Thomas Matzke, ’97, ’01, is a dermatologist at Essentia Health-South University Clinic in Fargo.

1998

Esther Tailfeathers, ’98, serves as assistant dean of Indigenous Health in the Indigenous, Local and Global Health Office at the University of Calgary’s Cumming School of Medicine (Alberta). She is a family physician and an associate professor in the school’s Department of Family Medicine.

1999

Sarah (Hanson) O’Connell, ’99, an immunization nurse with the Spirit Lake Early Childhood Tracking Program, was recognized as North Dakota’s 2025 CDC Childhood Immunization Champion.

Kimberly (Sobolik) Svendsen, ’99, joined Winthrop & Weinstine as a shareholder in its regulatory and litigation practice. She brings extensive experience as an assistant U.S. attorney for the District of Minnesota. 

2000

Jeff Cox, ’00, is principal/assistant director of the Southeastern Career Center, a high school in Versailles, Ind.

2001

David Haring, ’01, is CEO of the Spokane (Wash.) International Airport and Felts Field.

2004

Terry (Ferebee) Eckmann, ’04, was inducted into the Minot (N.D.) State University (MSU) Academic Hall of Fame. Eckmann is an MSU professor in kinesiology.

Robert Guttormson, ’04, a board-certified general surgeon and a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons, works in general surgery at CHI St. Alexius Health in Bismarck.

Christopher Kallenbach, ’04, is a radiologist at Essentia Health-32nd Avenue Clinic in Fargo.

Zach Parise, ’04, will be inducted into the U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame in December. After playing at UND for two years, he played 19 NHL seasons with the New Jersey Devils, Minnesota Wild, New York Islanders, and Colorado Avalanche, and on two U.S. Olympic Men’s Ice Hockey Teams.

Brandon Wade, ’04, was named 2024 Trooper of the Year by the North Dakota Motor Carriers Association. Wade, based in Jamestown, works for the North Dakota Highway Patrol.

2005

Michael Kjelshus, ’05, is vice president, business banker at the Grand Forks location of Frandsen Bank & Trust.

April (Quinnell) Price, ’05, is a family nurse practitioner in the emergency department of CHI St. Alexius Health Williston (N.D.).

2006

Janet Alkire, ’06, ended her term as the first woman to serve as chair of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe. She is a 15-year Air Force veteran, USA Today Woman of the Year, and mother of two.

Max Huber, ’06, ’08, is parish director at Lumen Christi Catholic Community in St. Paul, where he previously served as director of communications. Max and his wife, Lisa Persuitti-Huber, ’05, ’08, also own The Magic Travel Guy.

Ryan Mickelsen, ’06, was selected for inclusion in “Marquis Who’s Who.” Ryan has served as president and CEO of SMP Health, St. Aloisius in Harvey, N.D., since 2023.

Angela Morrison, ’06, is interim head coach of women’s soccer at San Diego State University.

2007

Tom Barrett, ’07, won the Entrepreneur of the Year 2025 Heartland Award from Ernst & Young. He owns Barrett Petfood, a premium petfood producer in Brainerd, Minn.

Josh Honeyman, ’07, is a member of Essentia Health’s board of directors. He is an emergency medicine physician at Essentia Health Fargo.

Ellen (Brekke) Slaught, ’07, is chief operating officer at Beyond Campus Innovations in Greenwood Village, Colo.

2008

Marcelo Lima, ’08, vice president of planning and development at the Birmingham (Ala.) Airport Authority, was named the 2025 Airport Professional of the Year by the southeast chapter of the American Association of Airport Executives.

John Sampson, ’08, made national news after rescuing a boy from the monorail at Hershey Park in Pennsylvania. Sampson owns Richboro Veterinary Hospital in Richboro, Northampton Township.

Jonathan Toews, ..’08, signed with the Winnipeg Jets after winning three Stanley Cups with the Chicago Blackhawks. Toews has played in the NHL since 2007.

2009

Sarah (Winger) Anderson, ’09, Kelly (Munter) Entzel, ’12, and Emma (Munter) Preston co-founded Wildflowers of Hope, a nonprofit offering support to those in North Dakota’s Red River Valley experiencing pregnancy or infant loss.

Jacqueline DeMolee, ’09, ’12, is associate registrar of academic records at Northeastern University in Iowa City, Iowa.

2010

Dean Ekkaia, ’10, was appointed director of product management for optical sorting solutions in Duravant’s Food Sorting and Handling Group in Fairfax County, Va.

Chris Gergen, ’10, is chief information security officer for the North Dakota Information Technology department in Bismarck.

2011

Mike Demuth, ’11, ’13, is assistant vice president/business banking officer at the Baxter, Minn., location of Deerwood Bank.
Taylor (Raboin) Demuth, ’11, is principal at Baxter Elementary School in Brainerd, Minn.  

Alex Vari, ’11, is CFO at MainStreet Bank in Fairfax, Va.

2012

Matthew Gassen, ’12, is vice president-commercial banker at National Bank of Commerce based in Bemidji, Minn.

Kara Nunziato, ’12, volleyball coach at Our Redeemer’s Christian School in Minot, N.D., was voted the District 12 coach of the year for the eighth time. Nunziato is an assistant professor at the Minot State University Communication Disorders Clinic.

Evan Trupp, ’12, joined the coaching staff of the University of Alaska Anchorage hockey team.

2013

Andrew Eyre, ’13, was appointed judge in North Dakota’s Northeast Central Judicial District. Eyre won the Jim Vigness Peacemaker of the Year award in 2023 from the Community Violence Intervention Center in Grand Forks.

Alissa Hoban, ’13, an advanced practice registered nurse and certified nurse practitioner, joined Essentia Health-Park Rapids (Minn.).

2014

Steve Inglish, ’14, is medical director at Jacobsen Memorial Hospital Care Center in Elgin, N.D. Inglish continues to practice medicine at the Jamestown Regional Medical Center.

James Lyght, ’14, is community lending executive, SVP at Old National Bank in St. Louis Park, Minn., leading the Empowerment Loan Program for underserved communities in the Minneapolis, Greater Minnesota, North Dakota, and Western Wisconsin markets.

Lindsey Moffitt, ’14, a full-time corporate music therapist for residents at Valley Senior Living (VSL) facilities in Grand Forks, and Jill (Useldinger) Swingen, ’15, part-time therapist and VSL executive assistant, organized the “Voices of the Valley Variety Show,” a VSL fundraiser.

Ben Prout, ’14, ’20,  a fellow in abdominal imaging and intervention at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, won the Kalender Competition Early Career Investigators Award Recognizing Outstanding Scientific Research.

Danelle Tibbetts, ’14, is an advanced practice registered nurse and certified nurse practitioner at the Essentia Health St. Joseph’s-Brainerd Clinic in Minnesota.

2015

Thomas Erickson, ’15, a family medicine physician, joined Essentia Health-52nd Avenue Clinic in Fargo.

Jackson Knudson, ’15, is a project engineer at Fehr Graham’s West Union (Iowa) office.

Shane Martin, ’15, Turtle Mountain Community School superintendent and athletic director, is serving as the Native American At-Large Representative on the North Dakota High School Activities Association Board of Directors.

Brent Noonan, ’15, is a distinguished honor graduate at Army Flight School. Noonan, a civil engineer at KLJ’s Bismarck office, was recognized by the National Society of Professional Engineers as a 2024 outstanding young engineer of the year. 

Jennifer Schneider, ’15, is assistant principal at Horace Mann Roosevelt Elementary School in Fargo.

2016

Erik McLaughlin, ’16, and Ryan Emmerich, ’16, cofounded Bold North Roofing and Contracting in Minneapolis, which was recently ranked the 62nd fastest growing private company in the U.S.

Ian Glidden, ’16, launched a family medicine practice at RiverView Health, serving patients in Crookston and Fertile, Minn. 

Pam Rangen, ’16, joined Essentia Health-Mid Dakota Bismarck Gateway Clinic to practice elder care.

Mark Rostad, ’16, is medical director at HIA Hospice. He leads the organization in providing compassionate end-of-life care throughout North Dakota and Minnesota.

Callie (Berg) Stadem, ’16, a Grand Forks composer, harpist, and educator, received a $5,000 grant from the North Dakota Council on the Arts.

2017

Jordan Barth, ’17, is a family medicine specialist at Sanford North Mandan (N.D.) Clinic.  

Alyson Dahl, ’17, a board-certified physician assistant and founder/co-owner of Resurgent Health, presented on safety, stress management and mental wellness for farmers and ranchers at Agweek 360.

Cassandra Hovet, ’17, owner of Amber Waves Therapy in Grand Forks and a mental health therapist with BetterHelp, was named to Marquis Who’s Who.

2018

Amber Starkey, ’18, ’24, is a third grade teacher at Northwood (N.D.) Public School.
2019
Robert Kraft, ’19, a hematology and oncology specialist, joined Essentia Health-Duluth (Minn.) Clinic.

2020

Adrian Martinez, ’20, was promoted to captain of the North Dakota Highway Patrol. He serves as the agency’s division commander at its Bismarck headquarters.

Derek Schaff, ’20, is chief financial officer at the Jamestown (N.D.) Regional Medical Center.

2021

Cherie Dowell, ’21, a certified physician assistant, joined the Essentia Health-West Acres Clinic in Fargo.
Jackson Keane, ’21, is assistant coach for men’s hockey at Bemidji (Minn.) State University.

2022

Jonah Warwick, ’22, an internal medicine specialist, joined Sanford Bismarck.

2023

Moones Alamooti, ’23, ’24, leads GeoTinkers, a geothermal energy company. She represented North Dakota at the Citizens’ Climate Lobby National Conference in Washington, D.C., last summer.

Danya Carroll, ’23, a postdoctoral associate in epidemiology and biostatistics at Schulich Medicine & Dentistry in London, Ontario, and her professor are exploring the intersection of Indigenous knowledge, public health and environment policy.

Lauren Larsen, ’23, is a meteorologist and member of Storm Team 4 at TMJ4 in Milwaukee.

2024

Elle Thorson, ’24, is assistant coach for track and field at Bethel University in Arden Hills, Minn.

Alex Blumenthal, ’24, is a program manager for the UND Space Operations Group.

2025

Morgan Giuseponi, ’25, is a project manager for the UND Space Operations Group.

Kimberly Hinkel, ’25, is a certified physician assistant at the Essentia Health-32nd Avenue Clinic in Fargo. 

Desmond Little, ’25, is head girls basketball coach of the St. Cloud Crush at St. Cloud (Minn.) Technical High School and dean of students at North Junior High.  

Ellie McGlynn, ’25, opened a mobile flower truck, “Lilies of the Valley,” in the Grand Forks area.

Jennifer (Ellis) Reynolds, ’25, is a family nurse practitioner-certified at Tioga (N.D.) Medical Center.

Emma Wedar, ’25, is a marketing specialist at Town and Country Credit Union in Minot, N.D.

Five UND graduates were among the nine recipients of Prairie Business Magazine’s 2025 Leaders & Legacies award.  

Mike Bittner, ’09, Director of Strategic Initiatives and a Principal at Bolton & Menk, Inc., a 1,100-plus-employee firm based in Fargo.

Joshua Deere, ’06, President of Altru Health System, which recently opened a new hospital in Grand Forks.

Dan Kadrmas, ’87, President of TrueNorth Steel in Fargo.
Joan McCusker, ’87, recently retired executive vice president, operations and corporate strategy for Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Dakota.

Peter Stenehjem, ’07, CEO of First International Bank and Trust (FIBT) in Watford City, N.D.

Several UND alumnae were among the Top 50 Women Leaders of North Dakota for 2025, selected by Women We Admire, a membership organization composed of women executives and leaders across the U.S. and Canada.  

Richelle (Schnepf) Bishoff, ’09, vice president of procurement at Border States. 

Twylah (Butler) Blotsky, ’93, president & CEO of Butler Machinery Company
Stefanie Ellison, ’00, president of the West Market at Essentia Health. 

Laurie Geller, ’98, vice president for academic affairs at Minot State University.

Cassie Gerhardt, ’96, ’08, senior associate vice president for student affairs at UND.

Sheila (Heil) Gerszewski, ’07, senior vice president, director of retail of First International Bank & Trust.

Kristi Hall-Jiran, ’90, chief philanthropy officer of Altru Health System. 

Jill (Gustafson) Nelson, ’04, director of operations and community relations for the Grand Forks Park District.  
Sema Oncel, ’22, CEO of Oncel. 

Leigh Thompson, ’14,  chief financial officer at Sanford Health.  

Erin (Campbell) Wood, ’17, vice president of Advancement and Community College Foundation Executive Director at Lake Region State College.   

1949

Kenneth Placek, ’49, turned 102 in May. After piloting almost 100 combat missions in World War II, Placek had a successful career in the insurance business. He lives in Castaic, Calif.

1957

Marlin Thompson, ’57, developed and patented a unique rotary piston engine. He is the semi-retired owner of a small company that designs and builds custom automation machinery in Springfield, Mo.

1970

Bob Crawford, ’70, was named one of the Top 50 Pro Bono Lawyers by the State Bar of Arizona for the second consecutive year, and third time overall. Crawford, who has done volunteer tax preparation for AARP for 14 years, served as the 1969-70 UND Student Body President.

1974

Owen Anderson, ’74, received the Ernest E. Smith Lifetime Achievement Award from The Texas Journal of Oil, Gas, and Energy Law. The award recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to the advancement of natural resources law, policy, or scholarship.

Gerald Stokka, ’74, is the 99th Little International Agriculturist of the Year for his dedication to animal husbandry and veterinary medicine, his community and North Dakota. He lives in Cooperstown, N.D.

1975

Robert Reigle, ’75, is an ethnomusicologist and saxophonist who established the music bachelor’s program at the University of Papua New Guinea. Reigle also created the first ethnomusicology doctoral program in Turkey, at Istanbul Technical University, where he taught from 2002-17.

1976

Geof Bush, ’76, was Grand Marshal of the Belleville Central Business Community’s Memorial Day Parade. Bush, of Van Buren Township, Mich., enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in 1969, and served until 1973. He received the FAA Master Pilot Award in June 2024.

1978

John Thelen, ’78, ’81, is retiring after serving 10 years as the Northeast Central Judicial District Judge, which serves Grand Forks and Nelson counties. 

1980

Merle Adolphson, ’80, retired after 39 years with United Valley Bank in Argyle, Minn.

Marcie Parker, ’80, was named book review editor for “Issues in Mental Health Nursing.” Parker, a certified family life educator, is also a member of the “Family and Community Health” editorial board. She lives in Chanhassen, Minn.

Wanda Parisien, ’80, is president of Turtle Mountain College in Rolette County, N.D. She brings 40 years of education experience, including eight months as interim president, to the job.

1981

Michael Grandall, ’81, was inducted into the North Dakota High School Track and Field Hall of Fame. He coached track and field and cross country at UND for 31 years.

Carter McNamara, ’81, recently retired from a successful 25-year career at Authenticity Consulting where he consulted, wrote, taught, and coached professional and organizational development. 

1982

Erik Askegaard, ’82, ’86, has stepped down after 15 years as Crow Wing County District Court Judge, serving the 9th judicial district in Minnesota. He lives in Brainerd.

Mike Burbach, ’82, editor of the St. Paul (Minn.) Pioneer Press, was a featured speaker at UND’s annual Hagerty Lecture. 

1984

Terry Rasmussen, ’84, is president and CEO of Thrivent, chair of the H.B. Fuller Board, and this fall will begin serving as chair of the American Council of Life Insurers. She is one of four female CEOs of Minnesota-based Fortune 500 companies. 

1985

Shari Hensrud, ’85, ’90, ’92, is head of investment strategies at MissionSquare, a public sector retirement planning firm.

Greg Sweeney, ’85, was named chief investment and economic strategist for Bell Institutional Investment Management based in Fargo.

Kory Sondreal, ’85, retired from Alerus Financial as a senior retirement business advisor after 40 years with the company. Sondreal was the first person from North Dakota to earn the designation of Certified Employee Benefit Specialist.

1986

Jim Sweeney, ’86, is president of Fargo Jet Center, which Aviation International News ranked in the top 5% of fixed-base operators (FBOs) in the Americas and the No. 1 FBO in the Midwest for 2025.

1987

John Larsen, ’87, is on the boards of directors for PG&E Corporation and its subsidiary Pacific Gas and Electric Company. Larsen retired as Alliant Energy CEO and board chair in May.

Carmen (Heinen) Simone, ’87, is interim president at Lake Region State College. She is also campus dean and CEO at Dakota College at Bottineau. Both schools are in north-central North Dakota.

1988

Marilyn (Koble) Vetter, ’88, CEO of Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever, was UND’s 2025 Glenn Allen Paur seminar speaker. Her topic was “Science and Storytelling: How Leaders Can (and Should) Create Excitement for Wildlife Conservation.”

1989

Carla Christofferson, ’89, is a partner at Glaser Weil’s Century City office. She brings more than three decades of experience to the Los Angeles law firm.

 

1991

Michael Rinehart, ’91, is District 1 engineer for the Kansas Department of Transportation, responsible for the construction and maintenance of more than 5,700 miles of state highways across 17 counties. He lives in Olathe.

1992

Brian Bachmeier, ’92, a Roman Catholic priest, leads four North Dakota parishes: St. George in Cooperstown, St. Lawrence in Jessie, Sacred Heart in Aneta and St. Agatha in Hope.

1993

Linda (Braun) Kingston, ’93, is president of Lake Superior College in Duluth, Minn. She previously served as the school’s vice president for academic and student affairs.

1994

Brent Sanford, ’94, was named interim chancellor of the North Dakota University System. Sanford, a former North Dakota lieutenant governor, had been serving as interim president at Bismarck State College.

1995

Kristi Bommersbach, ’95, is the Devils Lake (N.D.) Public School District teacher of the year. She teaches science at Central Middle School.

Nicholas Chase, ’95, was nominated by the Trump administration to be the U.S. attorney for North Dakota. He previously was an East Central Judicial District judge with chambers in Fargo.

Scott Hauswirth, ’95, is senior director of clinical development in ophthalmology for Dompé, which develops therapeutic solutions for rare diseases. He previously served as director of the Ocular Surface Clinic at the University of Colorado.

Chris Oen, ’95, is senior vice president and chief claims officer at NI Holdings, Inc. Oen, who lives in Fargo, serves on several industry boards and is an Army National Guard veteran.

Chad Overcast, ’95, is a 747-8 captain for UPS. He lives in Polson, Mont.

1996

Mary Patay, ’96, was appointed to the Michigan Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness, Health, and Sports. Patay is the recreation director for the City of Mackinac Island and a writer for the Michigan Fitness Foundation.

1997

Sheri (Kleinsasser) Stockmoe, ’97, ’99, was inducted into the North Dakota Sports Hall of Fame class of 2025. Stockmoe, who lives in Fargo, was one of the most decorated women’s basketball players ever to play at UND.

Jeni (Stewart) Super, ’97, is director of human resources for Waconia (Minn.) Public Schools.

Bryan Winkels, ’97, is a Wadena County (Minn.) commissioner. He is an occupational therapist for the Freshwater School District in Staples.

1998

Grant Meyer, ’98, ’99, is CEO of AE2S, a Grand Forks-based civil and environmental engineering firm named for the third consecutive year as one of Zweig Group’s Top 5 Best Firms to Work For nationwide.

Sean Safranski, ’98, is principal at Davies High School in Fargo. He has been Davies’ assistant principal since 2013.

1999

Col. David Shattls, ’99, is the 108th Wing Commander of the New Jersey Air National Guard, which has more than 1,200 personnel and serves as a reserve component of the Air Force’s Air Mobility Command.

2000

Stephanie Gefroh-Ellison, ’00, is President-West Market at Essentia Health in Fargo. An OB/GYN, Gefroh helped expand Essentia’s women’s services and open a state-of-the-art neonatal intensive care unit and birthing center.

2001

James Boe, ’01, dean of Graduate Studies and Extended Learning at Valley City State University, has been inducted into the Academy of Fellows by the International Technology and Engineering Educators Association, the organization’s highest honor. 

2002

Cody Bartholomew, ’02, leads the newly created mechanical engineering practice at AE2S in Grand Forks.

David Goodin, ’02, was named to the NorthWestern Energy Group board of directors. Goodin has more than 40 years of experience in the utility industry, retiring as president and CEO of MDU Resources Group in May 2024.

Melanie Kay (Hensen) Jones, ’02, was named Renville County Teacher of the Year. She teaches preschool in Glenburn, N.D.

Aaron Schneekloth, ’02, is assistant coach of the NHL’s Seattle Kraken. He spent 19 seasons as both a player and coach with the AHL’s Colorado Eagles.

Rhonda (Alholm) Weathers, ’02, is a special education teacher at Divide County High School in Crosby, N.D. 

2003

DeAnn Burckhard, ’03, is marketing director of the North Dakota Association for the Disabled (NDAD), which recently opened a sixth location in Dickinson.

Nathan Prosser, ’03, was selected a 2025 Super Lawyer. He is a litigation partner at Hellmuth & Johnson in Edina, Minn.

Tiffany (Schultz) Voigt, ’03, is general manager and advertising director for the Detroit Lakes Tribune, Perham Focus, and Wadena Pioneer Journal, all part of Forum Communications. She lives in Perham, Minn.

2004

Shari Olson, ’04, is president of Northland Community and Technical College in East Grand Forks.

James Schmidt, ’04, UND clinical instructor of family & community medicine, was selected as outstanding teacher at the northwest campus in Minot, N.D.

2005

Matt Luoma, ’05, is area manager of mining for Cleveland Cliffs, North America’s largest flat-rolled steel producer and iron ore pellet supplier. He oversees Thunderbird Mine in Eveleth, Minn.

Sara (Smith) Luoma, ’05, is a women’s health nurse practitioner at Essentia Health in Virginia, Minn.

2006

Craig Foss, ’06, joined the law firm of Brutlag, Trucke, & Doherty, P.A. in Plymouth, Minn.

2007

Jason Hammes, ’07, began his six-year term as a district court judge for North Dakota’s South Central Judicial District in January.

2008

TJ Oshie, ’08, announced his retirement from the NHL after 17 seasons. Oshie played in 1,010 regular-season NHL games with the Washington Capitals and St. Louis Blues. Oshie also represented Team USA at the 2014 Olympic Winter Games in Sochi, Russia.  He lives in McLean, Va. 

Chad Parent, ’08, is survey coordinator for the North Dakota Game and Fish Department in Bismarck.

Zac Wanzek, ’08, was named chief investment officer of Bell Institutional Investment Management, a Fargo-based firm that provides investment solutions for insurance companies, foundations, and private clients.

Shannon Webster, ’08, is senior vice president of member experience at Town & Country Credit Union in Minot, N.D. 

2009

Lori (Cowan) Conroy, ’09, was inducted as a fellow into the American College of Trial Lawyers. Conroy, an assistant United States attorney for the district of North Dakota, lives in Fargo.  

Jessamy (Olsen) Fornshell, ’09, is chief financial officer at SRT Communications in Minot N.D.

Laura LaRocque, ’09, an advanced practice registered nurse and certified nurse practitioner specializing in neurology, joined the Essentia Health-32nd Avenue Clinic in Fargo.

2010

Nathan Boll, ’10, was promoted to sergeant of the North Dakota Highway Patrol. He previously served the Fargo area as eastern sergeant of the Criminal Interdiction Team.
Russell Wilson, ’10, is a physician assistant at MedHealth in Allen, Texas.

2011

Kayla (Petersen) Borszich, ’11, is clinical director at the Bemidji, Minn., location of Little Miracles, Inc., providing pediatric therapy to children. She worked for 10 years at the Grand Forks Little Miracles location.

Brad Malone, ’11, is assistant coach for the AHL’s Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins of the. He retired from professional hockey after the 2023-24 season.

Jacob Westlin, ’11, is vice president of government affairs for USA Rice in Alexandria, Va. Westlin is an agricultural policy veteran who spent six years working for former U.S. Sen. Heidi Heitkamp.

2012

Rachel (Westphal) Faleide, ’12, founded the North Dakota Center for Weight Management in Fargo, where she works as a nurse practitioner in obesity medicine and women’s health.

Dani Krause, ’12, is staff legal counsel of the North Dakota Insurance Reserve Fund, a nonprofit, member-owned organization.  

Brock Nelson, .. ’12, signed a three-year NHL contract with the Colorado Avalanche. Before being traded to Colorado in 2025, he spent 11 seasons with the New York Islanders.

Brandi Rupard, ’12, was promoted to managing editor of the marketing and communications team at the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine.

Nick Stromsodt, ’12, earned an LL.M. in estate planning from the University of Miami School of Law’s Heckerling Graduate Program. Stromsodt practices law and, this fall, starts as a teaching assistant at Heckerling.

Brooke (Hollekim) Wisthoff, ’12, was named Burke County Teacher of the Year. She teaches science at Powers Lake (N.D.) School.

2013

Erin Berentson, ’13, extension agent, family and community wellness director, and county coordinator of the Bottineau County Extension Office, was honored for her years of service to the North Dakota State University Extension. 

Derek Forbort, ’13, signed a one-year contract with the NHL’s Vancouver Canucks. Forbort, who played at UND from 2010-13, has dressed 550 NHL regular-season games across 10 seasons.

Jordan Geiger, ’13, was promoted to operations manager of the civil and environmental consulting engineering practice in the Bismarck, Minot, and Dickinson offices of AE2S. 

2014

Dylan Blacker, ’14, is a lead aircraft maintenance technician for Delta Airlines. He has been with the company for nine years and is based in Minneapolis.

Sean Sherman, ’14, is owner and CEO of Skeeter Enterprises in Wilmington, N.C., an aerospace manufacturing company that specializes in products for general aviation pilots.

2015

Dylan Berg, ’15, is chief operating officer for Phi Delta Theta General Headquarters in Oxford, Ohio. Berg has worked for the fraternity since 2015.

Scott Solberg, ’15, is territory manager and crane specialist at RMS Rentals in Savage, Minn.

2016

Bryn Chyzyk, ’16, ’20, was named assistant coach and general manager of UND Hockey. Chyzyk previously served as Waterloo (Iowa) Black Hawks general manager.

2017

Mia Treuer, ’17, ’21, serves as counsel for On Location, where she focuses on the FIFA World Cup 2026 Canada, Mexico and the United States.
Annie (Braseth) Heermans, ’16, is a gastroenterologist at Essentia Health-Duluth (Minn.) Clinic. 

Jerrod Heermans, ’16, is a urology specialist at Essentia Health-Duluth (Minn.) Clinic.
Arna Mora, ’16, ’21, is a family practice physician at Pipestone County Medical Center in Pipestone, Minn.

2018

Brii Skavlem-Marto, ’18, is the receptionist in the Ackerman-Estvold’s Minot, N.D., office.

2019

Jared Hoglin, ’19, is chief financial officer and a lender at Lincoln State Bank in Wahpeton, N.D.

Evan Holm, ’19, a defensive end in the Canadian Football League, renewed his contract with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers.

Erika Meierding, ’19, ’22, is a psychologist at the Veterans Administration in Des Moines, Iowa.

Matt Smaby, ’19, is the associate head coach for UND Hockey. A defenseman and captain while playing for UND, Smaby most recently was head coach for the Waterloo (Iowa) Blackhawks. 

2020

Victoria Goven, ’20, is a credit underwriter at the Bank of North Dakota in Bismarck. Goven also serves on the North Dakota Bankers Association agriculture committee.

Dylan Mack, ’20, is a structural designer on the industrial team at Sandman Structural Engineers in Maple Grove, Minn.

McKenna Poss, ’20, is a prosthetist orthotist at Children’s Wisconsin in Milwaukee, Wis.

2023

Kaleigh DeGeldere, ’23, is deputy director of scheduling for Mike Johnson, Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives.

Zach Greenberg, ’23, is North Dakota Labor Commissioner after serving as interim since January.

Rodney Lewis, ’23, a retired Air Force Major General, serves as a consultant for UND’s national security research development in a civilian capacity.

Roberto Moedano, ’23, is a math teacher at Holtville (Calif.) Unified School District.

Amy Stiffarm, ’23, was the 2025 commencement speaker at Aaniiih Nakoda College in Agency, Mont. She is the director of Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies: the Montana Coalition.

2024

Vicki Alberts, ’24, is public relations specialist for Spirit Lake Nation. She previously served as tribal liaison for the North & South Dakota Perinatal Quality Collaborative Initiative and law clerk at Harbott, Knutson, Larson & Holten, PLLP.

2025

Joshua Fastnacht, ’25, is a North Dakota Highway Patrol trooper stationed in Jamestown, serving the Southeast Region.

Garett Schmidt, ’25, is superintendent of the Dakota Valley (S.D.) School District. He previously served as superintendent of Doland (S.D.) Public Schools for three years.

Holly (Forsness) Gruhlke, ’11, vice president of Academic Affairs and provost at Dickinson State University, serves as chair of the School of Business &  Entrepreneurship and dean of the College of Education, Business, & Applied Sciences. She is a member of the Power of 100 Women, who have contributed more than $1 million to local nonprofits.

Chantel (Hills) Miller, ’06, is the human resources director and operations manager at Legacy Financial Partners (LFP) in Fargo. She also serves as chair of the LFP Culture Board of Directors.

Barb (Trautman) Sizer, ’13, is a senior tax manager at Eide Bailly in Fargo, where she is involved in recruitment, training, and mentorship. She also volunteers with the North Dakota CPA Society’s Next Generation Committee, visiting classrooms to promote the CPA profession.

Leigh Ann Thompson, ’14, is chief financial officer for the Bismarck market at Sanford Health. She held a series of leadership roles at Medcenter One and Sanford Health before advancing to her current position.

Prairie Business Magazine recognized several UND alumni in its 2024 40 Under 40 list, highlighting young professionals making an impact across the region.

Brittney Blake, ’13, is corporate counsel at Altru Health System in Grand Forks. A lifelong resident of the city, she has taught dance for more than 25 years.

Marissa Cerkoney, ’15, ’18, is an attorney at Ebeltoft . Sickler . Lawyers PLLC in Dickinson, N.D. She was nominated for Best Attorney and Best Estate Planning Attorney in 2023 and 2024.

Cody Christianson, ’08, is a senior associate and transportation project manager at Bolton & Menk, Inc. He leads projects across Eastern North Dakota, including the Grand Forks-East Grand Forks Pedestrian and Bicycle Master Plan.

Nikki (Kressin) Davy, ’09, ’11, is the director of human resources at First International Bank & Trust. She serves on the board of the Power of Play Foundation, which provides comfort items to hospitalized pediatric patients.

Tayler Draeger, ’15, is a financial advisor at Legacy Financial Partners in Fargo and a founding member of its Innovation Committee. He participates in the Fargo Moorhead West Fargo Chamber of Commerce leadership program.

Josh Hassell, ’08, ’10, is the senior water resources group leader at Moore Engineering, Inc., collaborating with government entities and private partners to solve complex water challenges. He also volunteers with Meals on Wheels and HERO.

Jake Miller, ’15, leads the financial services assurance practice at Eide Bailly LLP,  facilitates financial services training, and is active in the Fargo Moorhead West Fargo Chamber of Commerce.

Tony Nordby, ’08, is a civil engineer and office manager at Houston Engineering, Inc., where he designs rural flood control, drainage, and diversion projects. He also plays in a country/rock band and volunteers as a youth sports coach.

Andria Pinkerton, ’14, is senior director of legal services at the Community Violence Intervention Center in Grand Forks. She serves as treasurer of the Randy H. Lee American Inns of Court and is on the Global Friends Coalition Board.

Sarah (Just) Prout, ’07, is vice president of marketing & communications at the UND Alumni Association & Foundation. She leads marketing and events for the record-breaking Forever UND: The Campaign for the University of North Dakota.

Holland Slick, ’15, is a financial advisor at Alerus in Grand Forks and a Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor (CRPC) and holds FINRA Series 7 and 66 licenses.

Bea (Fischer) Smith, ’14, is director of Northern State University’s Startup and Innovation Center in Aberdeen, S.D. Bea’s leadership is positioning Aberdeen as a growing hub of innovation, creativity, and progress.