Class Notes

1966

Don Schaack, ’66, shows his handcrafted woodwork at Bridgetown Imprints Front Street Gallery in Valley City, N.D., where he lives with his wife, Sharon.

1971

Mike Hughes, ’71, is an outside director on the Atkins Nuclear Secured Holding Corporation’s board of directors. Hughes, who has 35 years of experience leading nuclear operations, is a retired Major in the U.S. Army.

1976

Rebecca (Fischer) Bowman, ’76, joined the National Society of Professional Engineers as the senior director for ethics and professional practice.

1978

Glenda Anderson, ’78, retired from her job as director of fiscal management in the North Dakota Office of the State Tax Commissioner after 42 years.

Timothy Henry, ’78, ’80, is the medical director of the Carl and Edyth Lindner Center for Research and Education and is the Carl and Edyth Lindner Family Distinguished Chair in Clinical Research at Christ Hospital in Cincinnati, Ohio.

Bruce Quick, ’78, received the State Bar Association of North Dakota’s Distinguished Service Award. Quick is a criminal defense attorney at the Vogel Law Firm in Fargo.

1980

Kevin Hofstad, ’80, was reappointed to the board of directors of the East Central Regional Development Commission Revolving Loan representing Pine County, Minn., where he is managing partner at Ledin and Hofstad Law Firm.

1982

Dennis Dahlen, ’82, chief financial officer of Mayo Clinic, is chair of the Healthcare Financial Management Association’s board of directors.

1983

David O’Shea, ’83, retired after 39 years as a civil engineer – 22 years as a U.S. Public Health Service-commissioned officer and 17 with Houston Engineering, Inc.

1984

Mike Hamerlik, ’84, ’88, retired from his job as president and CEO of WPS Health Solutions, a job he has held since 2012. Hamerlik lives in West Fargo.

Naomi Yaeger, ’84, ’86, ’98, is editor of Senior Reporter Magazine, which has been providing information for people over 50 in Northeastern Minnesota and Northwestern Wisconsin for more than 30 years. 

Tammy (Sukut) Zola, ’84, will retire from her job as chief financial officer of Alluma, based in Crookston, Minn., at the end of 2023. 

1986

Marjorie (Cook) McCullagh, ’86, retired from her job as professor of nursing at the University of Michigan.

1987

John Christen, ’87, was inducted into the North Dakota Tennis Hall of Fame.  

Cindy Juntunen, ’87, is associate provost/dean of graduate studies and research at California State University, Monterrey Bay. Juntunen was dean of UND’s College of Education & Human Development.

Don Nolan, ’87, joined the Daktronics out-of-home sales team. He will serve customers in the Great Lakes and Mid-Atlantic region.

Jeff Schumacher, ’87, is the head wrestling coach at Bismarck State College.

1989

Jason Hornbacher,’89, ’97, ’07, retired from his job as superintendent of Bismarck Public Schools.

Robert Voglewede, ’89, commemorated 15 years of providing dental services to veterans at the Fargo VA Health Care System. He previously practiced dentistry in his hometown, Carrington, N.D.

1991

Donna (Herman) Brown, ’91, ’95, ’02, was named to the board of trustees of the Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian.

Judy (Tinjum) Sauter, ’91, is database manager for the North Dakota Community Foundation in Bismarck.

1992

Anthony Sabo, ’92, a Ventura Superior Court Judge in California, received the Oxnard Knight of Columbus Public Safety Award for 2023. 

Scott Throlson, ’92, is sports editor of the Bismarck Tribune, a role he also held from 2014-17.

1993

Laura (Kohns) Brickson, ’93, ’12, received the National Catholic Education Association’s 2023 “Lead. Learn. Proclaim. Award.” Brickson is principal at St. Bernard’s Catholic School in Thief River Falls, Minn.

Tracy (Hietala) LeDuc, ’93, was named to the board of directors for North Dakota Association of Nonprofit Organizations. She is chief financial officer at the Community Violence Intervention Center in Grand Forks.

Kurt Zellers, ’93, is CEO of Minnesota Business Partnership. He lives in Maple Grove, Minn., with his wife, Kim (Rydell) Zellers, ‘95.

1994

Paul Loraas, ’94, is a Minnesota Super Lawyer. Loraas practices law at Fryberger, Buchanan, Smith & Frederick, P.A. in Duluth.

Andi St. John, ’94, was named to the 2023 List of the Most Influential Women in Arizona by AZ Business and AZRE Magazines. St. John is managing director of property management at CBRE Arizona.

David Wolf, ’94, joined the criminal background check unit of the Department of Health and Human Services in Fargo after retiring from the North Dakota Highway Patrol, where he worked for 27 years.

1995

Courtney (Ose) Ritterman, ’95, joined the board of directors of the Community Violence Intervention Center in Grand Forks. Ritterman, a licensed real estate agent, is co-owner of Dakota Commercial in Grand Forks.

Barb (Cooper) Vigen, ’95, has opened a gift shop featuring The Norway Dakota Company, Daisy Circle Studios and Gnome Life 701 in Grand Forks. Cooper is also an administrative assistant at the UND Alumni Association & Foundation.

1996

Christopher Bartlette, ’96, ’98, an associate professor of music theory at Binghamton University, recently completed his term as president of the Music Theory Society of New York State.

Dave Hakstol, ’96, was a finalist in the NHL’s Jack Adams Award for coach of the year. Hakstol led the Seattle Kraken to the Stanley Cup Playoffs in their second season of existence.

David McDonald, ’96, joined the board of directors of the National Fenestration Rating Council. McDonald is a code and regulatory affairs specialist with Marvin in Warroad, Minn.

Robin (Moen) Salander, ’96, is the office assistant in the Larimore office of the North Dakota Community Foundation. 

Kay (Lobsinger) Schraeder, ’96, joined the board of directors of the Community Violence Intervention Center in Grand Forks. Schraeder is vice president and CFO of Minnkota Power Cooperative.
1997

Paul Sanderson, ’97, ’01, was appointed vice president, chief legal officer and secretary of MDU Resources in Bismarck.

1998

Chad Bladow, ’98, celebrated 25 years as the Nebraska Prescribed Fire Manager for The Nature Conservancy.

Esther Tailfeathers, ’98, received an honorary degree from the University of Lethbridge, recognizing her contributions to improving Indigenous health care. She is the Indigenous medical lead with Alberta (Canada) Health Services’ Indigenous wellness core.

1999

Joel Bird, ’99, a private wealth advisor with Legacy Financial Planners, was named to the 2023 Ameriprise Chairman’s Advisory Council.

Charles Dendy, ’99, ’02, is legal division director for the North Dakota Office of State Tax Commissioner.

Diane Lochner, ’99, is head librarian at the Glencoe and Brownton Libraries in Minnesota. She lives in Nicollet.

Pat Slotsve, ’99, is a development officer for the Minot State University Development Foundation. Slotsve worked for 32 years in public education, retiring as principal from Lewis and Clark Elementary School in Minot in 2023.

James Thompson, ’99, was re-elected treasurer of the North Dakota Soybean Council Board of Directors.
Charles Truby, ’99, is district administrator for Little League Baseball and Softball in the United Kingdom, a four-year voluntary position.

2000

Katherine Aguilar, ’00, is a fifth-grade teacher in Worthington, Minn.

Mark Friese, ’00, received the Richard S. Arnold Award for Distinguished Service at the Eighth Circuit Judicial Conference. Friese is a shareholder at the Vogel Law Firm in Fargo.

2001

David Haring, ’01, was named 2023 Airport Professional of the Year by the Great Lakes Chapter of the American Association of Airport Executives (GLCAAAE). Haring is executive director of the Lincoln (Neb.) Airport Authority and incoming president of GLCAAAE.

Stephanie (Herman) Hayden, ’01, ’08, was appointed judge in the newly created East Central Judicial District, which is comprised of Cass, Steele and Trail counties in North Dakota.

Kris Kroetsch, ’01, is head coach for UND women’s golf. Kroetsch is a Grand Forks native and former UND golfer.

Jacob Yates, ’01, is a member of the Science Working Group for the Lunar Meteoroid Impact Observer CubeSat Mission expected to launch in 2027. Yates retired as a Commander from the U.S. Navy Reserve.

2002

Jill (Altringer) Ellis, ’02, is a first-grade teacher in Stanley, N.D.

Tim Rogers, ’02, teaches management courses through the UND-University of Shanghai partnership program. He is also a contributing author for a market-leading intro to business textbook. 

2003

Brian Balstad, ’03, ’06, ’10, is in-house counsel for Sterling Management, LLC. Balstad has been a practicing attorney and consultant throughout North Dakota and Minnesota.

Ben Bucher, ’03, ’12, has been elected to a three-year term on the North Dakota Hospital Association’s (NDHA) Board of Directors. Bucher is CEO of Towner County Medical Center and serves on the NDHA Legislative Committee.

Christi (Billiard) Pribula, ’03, was appointed as a commissioner to the Blue Valley School District’s Recreation Committee in Overland Park, Kan.

Pam (Kolstoe) Vettleson, ’03, is a teacher for the deaf/hard of hearing at Area Special Education Cooperative in East Grand Forks. She has been a learning disabilities teacher for 20 years.

2004

Jesse Lange, ’04, has joined the criminal defense team at SW&L Attorneys in Fargo.

2005

Jon Griffin, ’05, was named CEO of Capital Credit Union. He lives in Bismarck.

Brittany (Foertsch) Johnson, ’05, is an assistant professor in the UND Physical Therapy program.

Tim Toerber, ’05, is vice president for business development at Assaia, a company that provides AI solutions for airlines and airports. He lives in Gig Harbor, Wash.

2006

Karin (Lokensgard) Pierce, ’06, is a family medicine physician at Grafton Family Clinic, which is part of Unity Medical Center.

2008

Jonathan Leddige, ’08, ’11, was appointed Magistrate Judge for South Dakota’s Second Judicial Circuit.

Laine (Beyer) Martinez, ’08, is the 2023 recipient of the Graciela Wilborn Teacher of the Year Award from the Foreign Language Association of North Dakota. Martinez teaches Spanish at Bismarck High School.

Tom Miller, ’08, is sports editor at the Grand Forks Herald.

2009

Aaron Fornshell, ’09, is a civil engineer and partner at Ackerman-Estvold in Minot, N.D.

Stephanie Gravning, ’09, was named the state correctional health authority for the North Dakota Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation.

Cierra (Roebuck) Hangsleben, ’09, is principal of Crookston (Minn.) Middle School.

2010

Amber Laffin, ’10, was promoted to associate professor of criminal justice at Bemidji State University.

2011

Matt Bakke, ’11, ’13, is the assistant superintendent of elementary education for the Grand Forks School District.

Holly (Forsness) Gruhlke, ’11, was named vice president of Dickinson State University.

Adam Landstrom, ’11, co-chaired Austin Under 40 Awards, a celebration of emerging professionals and their mentors who are making an impact on the Austin, Texas, community.

Sara Monson, ’11, was named partner at O’Keeffe O’Brien Lyson Attorneys in Fargo.

Kyle Rosseau, ’11, ’17, a former UND cross country runner, is head girls’ cross country coach at Grand Forks Central.

2012

Travis Bledsoe, ’12, a former UND men’s basketball standout, was named assistant women’s basketball coach at UND.

Chantell (Bergsrud) Hunt, ’12, is a third-grade teacher in Stanley, N.D.

2013

Brandon Bigelbach, ’13, is the science and operations officer at the National Weather Service forecast office in Glasgow, Mont. Bigelbach works with fellow UND alumni Patrick Gilchrist, ’01, the meteorologist-in-charge, and meteorologists Jacob Zanker, ’20, and Julianna Glinska, ’21.

Jim Champion, ’13, is an associate professor of art at Central State University in Wilberforce, Ohio.

Nicholas Christensen, ’13, ’16, was appointed chief judge to the 59th District Court in Kent County, Mich.

Joseph Mehus, ’13, Mayville State University associate professor of biology and INBRE (IdeA Networks for Biomedical Research) researcher, has studied mosquitoes in the Red River Valley for 17 years.

2014

Jacob Kostecki, ’14, is the engineering superintendent at American Crystal Sugar Company’s Drayton factory district.

Chad Kurtyka, ’14, ’22, was named principal at Nathan Twining Elementary and Middle School at the Grand Forks Air Force Base.

Sarah Sevenbergen, ’14, is in her eighth year of teaching elementary music at the American School of Doha in Qatar.

Dillon Simpson, ’14, is an assistant coach for UND men’s hockey.

Priscilla (Coon) Stark, ’14, is a cardiac rehab nurse and health coach at Unity Hospital in Grafton, N.D.

2015

Dylan Berg, ’15, is vice president of engagement and analytics of Phi Delta Theta General Headquarters in Oxford, Ohio.

Cassie McDonald, ’15, was named the Dubuque (Iowa) Community School District Teacher of the Year. She teaches English language learners at Dubuque Senior High School.

Kaitlyn (Sivertson) Zeleny, ’15, teaches seventh- and eighth-grade social studies in Stanley, N.D.

2016

Landon Adolphson, ’16, is a senior manager in Boulay PLLP’s Risk Advisory Group. He lives in Argyle, Minn.

Amber (Johnson) Carrington, ’16, is a vascular surgery specialist at Essentia Health-Duluth Clinic.

Lauren Clarke, ’16, ’18, won an IE&EE Division Student Achievement Award. Clarke is a Ph.D. candidate in the Department of Chemical Engineering at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

Sujan Ghosh, ’16, an assistant professor of engineering at University of Arkansas-Little Rock, received the Al Sonntag Award from the Society of Tribologists and Lubrication Engineers for authoring the year’s best technical paper on solid lubricants.

Robert Gokey, ’16, is an ophthalmologist at Trinity Health in Minot.

Abby (Mattson) Grimaldi, ’16, a classically trained pianist, released a new single “Dreamer.” The music video was filmed at Red River High School in Grand Forks. Grimaldi lives in Nashville with her husband Rocco, ’16.

Kayla Michelson, ’16, ’18, is a multicultural student success coordinator in the office of the vice president of Diversity and Inclusion at Michigan Tech.

2017

Matthew English, ’17, is a relationship manager for FineMark Sports Management. English lives in Scottsdale, Ariz.

Alec Ganske, ’17, is a radiologist with Essentia Health-Fargo.

Tyson Jost, ’17, re-signed to a one-year contract with the NHL’s Buffalo Sabres. 

2018

Eric Bucholz, ’18, is a tax supervisor at Widmer Roel, a public accounting and business advisory firm in Fargo.

Timothy Hovde, ’18, is a certified physician assistant specializing in interventional radiology at Essentia Health-St. Mary’s Medical Center in Duluth.

Katie Sobolik, ’18, a civil engineer with Ackerman-Estvold in Minot, earned her North Dakota Professional Engineer registration.

Grant Thorfinnson, ’18, is the MDS supervisor at American Crystal Sugar Company’s East Grand Forks factory.

Anthony Walsh, ’18, was a lead instructor for a BIPOC, LGTBQIA and blind player hockey camp in St. Cloud. He is the author of two “Hockey is Everyone” children’s books about overcoming stereotyping and racism to succeed in the game.

2019

Rhett Gardner, ’19, signed a two-year NHL contract with the Philadelphia Flyers.

Aubrey Madler, ’19, ’22, is executive director of Angelo State University’s Porter Henderson Library in San Angelo, Texas. She previously served as the director of library and learning services at Texas Tech University – Costa Rica.

Brianna (Fuller) Speldrich, ’19, is an area hydrologist for Carlton County and the Duluth Metropolitan Area.

2020

Kayla Due, ’20, has an art exhibit installed at Hector International Airport in Fargo.

Victoria Goven, ’20, a credit analyst for Cornerstone Bank in Bismarck, serves on the North Dakota Banker’s Association Agricultural Committee.

Logan Meyer, ’20, ’22, has joined Gjesdahl Law, P.C., as an associate attorney. Meyer lives in Fargo. 

Shameka Sade Shaheed, ’20, works at Kingsley Bogard LLP in Folsom, Calif.

Katie (Stumpf) Thielges, ’20, is an advanced practice registered nurse and certified nurse practitioner at the Essentia Health-Moorhead Clinic.

Lucas Titus, ’20, is a family medicine doctor at CHI St. Alexius Health in Bismarck.

Tyler Veen, ’20, is head coach and general manager of the Rochester Grizzlies, an NA3HL hockey team.

2021

Savannah Asmann, ’21, was named communications coordinator of USA Wrestling’s national staff in Colorado Springs, Colo. 

Bentiu Panoam, ’21, ’22, is director of basketball operations for UND men’s basketball.

Nathan Peasland, ’21, ’22, and Aaron Gibson, ’21, both received the 2022 Elijah Watt Sells Award, which is given to 50 of the 67,000 CPA candidates who obtain a cumulative average score above 95.5 across all sections of the CPA exam and pass all sections on their first attempt. Peasland works at Brady Martz & Associates in Grand Forks. Gibson works for Washington Gas Light Company in Washington, D.C.

2022

Cindy Otto, ’22, is an advanced practice registered nurse and certified nurse practitioner specializing in cardiology at Essentia Health-St. Mary’s in Detroit Lakes.

Zepher Resnick, ’22, is a factory engineer at American Crystal Sugar Company in Drayton, N.D.

1967

John Runberg, ’67, runs his own income tax practice following a 44-year career as a CPA and CFO for several insurance companies. He has hiked over 600 miles on the Arizona Trail and to the highest summit in 44 states. He lives in Scottsdale, Ariz., with his wife Karen.

1975

Marian (Johnson) Lehnherr, ’75, and her husband, Rick, were recognized as outstanding supporters by the Benedictine Living Community in Garrison, N.D., where they have volunteered for more than 20 years.

1978

James (Bob) Hagerty, ’78, retired from The Wall Street Journal after more than four decades in various positions around the world.

Denise Lajimodiere, ’78, ’96, ’06, has been appointed North Dakota Poet Laureate. Lajimodiere is from Belcourt and will serve a two-year term. She delivered the commencement address at UND this spring.

Mark Peihl, ’78, retired from his job as senior archivist for the Historical and Cultural Society of Clay County after 38 years. Peihl lives in Fargo.

1979

Dave Molmen, ’79, received the Klaus Thiessen Impact Award from the Grand Forks Region Economic Development Corp. for his role in creating Altru Health System in 1997, and his leadership within the organization for more than 40 years. 

1980

Corey Cleveland, ’80, was recognized by the North Dakota Bankers Association for his retirement. He spent 42 years of his career in the banking industry, the last eight as a senior vice president of United Valley Bank in Grand Forks.

Phil Johnson, ’80, ’82, ’84, ’85, received the Excellence in Safety Award from USA Hockey. Johnson is medical supervisor with the International Ice Hockey Federation.

1982

Tom Arnold, ’82, ’84, retired from CHI St. Alexius Health in Dickinson, N.D. Arnold, an obstetrician and gynecologist, worked for 35 years and delivered almost 8,000 babies.

George Connelly III, ’82, retired from American Airlines/TWA after 34 years. Career highlights include flying with son, George Connelly IV, ’06, at American, his selection for the papal charter in 1999 with Pope John Paul II, and being UND Flight Instructor of the Quarter in summer 1979.

1983

Jeffrey Randorf, ’83, retired after a 40-year career with the U.S. Government in Washington, D.C. Most recently, Jeffrey was a senior engineering advisor.
Dean Wilson, ’83, was inducted into the North Dakota Amateur Hockey Hall of Fame. He coached hockey at various levels in the Fargo Metro area for over 30 years and led teams to three state hockey titles.

1985

John Hoganson, ’85, was grand marshal at the 2023 North Dakota State Fair Parade in Minot. Hoganson was North Dakota’s first state paleontologist.

Brad Olson, ’85, retired after 38 years as an elementary school teacher in North Dakota and Minnesota. Olson was also a high school coach for 26 years.

Paul Traynor, ’85, ’88, a visiting assistant professor of law at UND, contributed to two articles about health insurance to MoneyGeek.

1986

Michael Meyer, ’86, is director of philanthropy at Hospice of the Red River Valley.

1987

Odella Fuqua, ’87, ’02, was named associate vice president for finance at UND. She has served as interim associate VP since July 2022.

Keith Millette, ’87, ’90, retired from medical practice after caring for patients at the Altru Family Medicine Center in Grand Forks for 32 years.

1989

Joel Johnson, ’89, ’93, received two prestigious healthcare awards. He was named the 2023 National Rural Health Association’s Rural Health Practitioner of the Year. He also received the Outstanding Rural Health Provider award from the Center for Rural Health in North Dakota. Johnson practices at Park River’s First Care Health Center.

1991

Donna (Herman) Brown, ’91, ’95, ’02, was appointed a member of the National Advisory Council on Indian Education by President Joe Biden.

Michael Shea, ’91, ’00, was named principal at Meadowlark Elementary School in West Fargo.

1992

Kristine (Voxland) Quanbeck, ’92, ’95, is assistant vice president, senior accounts payable specialist at Gate City Bank in Fargo.

Heath Webber, ’92, is chief financial officer for Black Gold Farms in Grand Forks.

1993

Kathleen Coudle King, ’93, wrote “Retail Therapy,” a play about 700 years of mental health care. It premiered at the Theatre Without Walls at the Empire Arts Center in Grand Forks in May.

Nikki (Mathison) Polum, ’93, was selected Grand Forks Public Schools’ 2022-23 Teacher of the Year. She is a 6th grade teacher at South Middle School.

1994

Brent Sanford, ’94, joined the Cornerstone Bank Corporate Board of Directors. He lives in Bismarck.

1995

Mary (Marthe) Hoff, ’95, is a certified physician assistant at the Carrington (N.D.) Medical Clinic and Urgent Care, and the Family Clinic in New Rockford. She also provides care at Golden Acres Manor and the Lutheran Home of the Good Shepherd.

1996

Millie (Fournier) Baird, ’96, was named deputy forest supervisor of the USDA Forest Service Chippewa National Forest.

Todd Hebert, ’96, has five new paintings in the Mark Moore Gallery in Southern California. Hebert lives in Los Angeles.

Jonathan Warrey, ’96, received the Living Gold Award, which honors a Marco Technologies employee who embodies the company’s gold standard of employee engagement, client satisfaction, community support and vendor partnerships. He has worked for Marco since 1996. 

Ryan Zerr, ’96, ’98, was named associate vice president for strategy and implementation at UND. Zerr, a UND mathematics professor, has served as a faculty member for the last 20 years.

1997

Jodi (Anderson) Dodson, ’97, ’20, was named associate principal at Discovery Elementary School in Grand Forks.

Jon Ness, ’97, was named associate editor of The News and Advance in Lynchburg, Va.

Paul Sanderson, ’97, ’01, was named vice president, chief legal officer and secretary of MDU Resources. He has served as outside counsel for MDU Resources’ companies since 2011.

1999

Josh Christianson, ’99, is senior philanthropy officer for Hospice of the Red River Valley in Fargo.

2000

Robert Aitken III, ’00, is executive director of Leech Lake Financial Services, which offers financial education and large loan opportunities in north central Minnesota. Aitken lives in Bemidji. 

Adam Kurtz, ’00, is the strategic communications writer for the UND Division of Marketing & Communications.

Lara (Blubaugh) Storm, ’00, is a Me Coach leader and a FranklinCovey education consultant. She lives in Los Osos, Calif.

2001

Karl Goehring, ’01, made his international coaching debut as an assistant coach of the Under 18 Men’s Select Team in the 2023 Hlinka Gretzky Cup. Goehring is assistant coach of UND men’s hockey.

Christopher Knutson, ’01, is executive vice president, corporate controller for Graco. Knudson lives in Minneapolis.

Jason Triplett, ’01, was named head coach of boys hockey for the West Fargo High School Packers.

2002

Louis Varricchio, ’02, is an adjunct professor of astronomy at the Community College of Vermont at Bennington. Louis lives with his wife, Marilyn, in Middlebury, Vt.

2004

Toby Haugen, ’04, is director of human resources for the Florence Unified School District. He lives in San Tan Valley, Ariz.

Amie Miller, ’04, a board-certified plastic surgeon, opened a clinic in El Dorado Hills, Calif.

2005

Ryan Hanson, ’05, principal of Devils Lake High School, was named North Dakota Principal of the Year by the North Dakota Association of Secondary School Principals.
2006

John Burrow, ’06, is the first-ever fire marshal for the Savage (Minn.) Fire Department.

Josett Monette, ’06, ’09, has been named general counsel of New Mexico’s Indian Affairs Department.

Jason Palmer, ’06, is vice president of design and engineering at VERITA Telecommunications in Plymouth, Mich.

2007

Heidi (Clark) Bennett, ’07, was inducted into the Harding High School Athletic Hall of Fame. She competed in swimming, cross country and track at Harding in Marion, Ohio.

Peter Brehmer, ’07, is a family medicine nurse practitioner at the Pine Island/Wanamingo Clinic in Minnesota.

Elly (Jamsa) DesLauriers, ’07, was named executive director of the Minot (N.D.) Park District.

Ryan Duletski, ’07, was promoted to lieutenant of the North Dakota Highway Patrol and began work as the northwest regional commander in Minot.

Corey Samuelson, ’07, is a physical therapist and rehab manager for the McKenzie County Health Center Rehabilitation Department. He lives in Watford City, N.D.

Kirsten Yeado, ’07, is a safety specialist at American Crystal Sugar Company’s Hillsboro factory.

2008

Danny Freund, ’08, ’13, was named associate head coach of the UND football team.
Florija (Adjari) Naas, ’08, has been hired by the Red River Regional Council to be the Destination Red River Project Manager and the Nelson County (N.D.) Job Development Authority Director.

2009

Matthew Anderson, ’09, is Arts in Education Director for the North Dakota Council on the Arts.

Codi (Gates) Feland, ’09, was named an assistant principal of Century High School in Bismarck.

2011

Travis Dahl, ’11, is a financial advisor with Ameriprise Financial Services LLC, in Bismarck. He obtained the Behavioral Financial Advisor professional designation from Kaplan University and think2perform.

Chay Genoway, ’11, played defense with his former UND teammate, Andrew MacWilliam, ’13, for Salzburg, a hockey team that won the championship in Austria’s top league.

2012

Angelle (Van Oploo) French, ’12, ’17, was hired by the Red River Regional Council to be director of the Pembina County (N.D.) Job Development Authority.

Amanda (Krieger) Strahm, ’12, ’14, is an environmental engineer with KLJ Engineering LLC. She lives in Bismarck.

Alyssa (Nagle) Merriman, ’12, ’14, was named the first ever AVID Summer Institute Teacher Speaker for North Dakota. Merriman teaches at Lincoln Elementary School in Bismarck.

2013

Jacob Johnson, ’13, was promoted to major in the U.S. Air Force. Johnson is doing a residency in oral and maxillofacial surgery at Walter Reed National Miliary Medical Center in Bethesda, Md.

2014

Jenna Jorgensen, ’14, was promoted to assistant commissioner for strategic communications and brand enhancement at the Western Collegiate Hockey Association in Bloomington, Minn.

Peter Rakowski, ’14, is first officer with United Airlines on 757/767 aircraft.

Callie Ronkowski, ’14, ’16, a broker for Newmark, received the Power Broker Best of the Best award in the commercial real estate industry. She lives in Minneapolis.

Amanda (Vogl) Tomlinson, ’14, has been named principal at Mandan (N.D.) Middle School.

2015

Jordan Kopp, ’15, is a factory engineer at American Crystal Sugar Company in Drayton, N.D.

Grant Kraft, ’15, has been elected to a two-year term as president of the Fargo Education Association, the local union of educators serving students in Fargo Public Schools.

Taylor (Schlenk) Simon, ’15, ’17, a mathematics instructor, was named the 2022-23 recipient of the Jeff Sieg Award for Teaching Excellence at Mayville (N.D.) State University.

2016

Bryn Chyzyk, ’16, ’20, was named the United States Hockey League General Manager of the Year for the 2022-23 season. Chyzyk is GM of the Waterloo Black Hawks in Waterloo, Iowa.

Vicki Crowe, ’16, is director of the Burrier Child Development Center, an early childhood lab school program in Richmond, Ky.

Colten St. Clair, ’16, was named head coach of the Minnesota Wilderness junior hockey program.

2017

Jill Anderson, ’17, retired from a 35-year career in education, which included 25 years as a sixth grade teacher and 10 as a school counselor in the Hillsboro, N.D., school district.

Nicholas Cilz, ’17, is a field technology transfer specialist for the Department of Veteran Affairs in Minneapolis.

2018

Eugene “Geno” Crandall, ’18, played his fourth professional basketball season in Europe and his first with BG Goettingen in Germany’s Basketball Bundesliga.

Brady Oliveira, ’18, received the Cal Murphy Heart of a Legend Award, the community service award given by the Winnipeg Blue Bombers of the Candadian Football League. He has received worldwide recognition for his work as a dog rescuer.

2019

Zach Muckenhirn, ’19, was called up to the New York Mets professional baseball team. The pitcher is the first UND alum to play in the Major League.

2019

Zach Muckenhirn, ’19, was called up to the New York Mets professional baseball team. The pitcher is the first UND alum to play in the Major League.

2020

Kinzie Grinde, ’20, was selected a 2023 Caregiver Award recipient from the North Dakota Long Term Care Association. Grinde works at Valley Senior Living in Grand Forks.

Sherry Lawdermilt, ’20, has been selected to serve Austin Peay State University, Clarksville, Tenn., as associate vice president and chief information officer.

Andrew Samuel, ’20, is a multimedia communications specialist with the city of Stafford, Texas.

Shane Schellpfeffer, ’20, was named UND’s Director of Institutional Effectiveness and Accreditation.

2021

Turki Ali Alrashid, ’21, is an assistant professor at the Institute of Public Administration in Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudia Arabia.

Kendall Brekken, ’21, is marketing and communications lead at the North Dakota Autism Center in Fargo.

Christian Forsberg, ’21, ’22, is an embedded software engineering manager at Northrop Grumman in Baltimore, Md.

Garett Maag, ’21, has signed with the Minnesota Vikings. Maag was a wide receiver at UND.

Hunter Pinke, ’21, spoke at UND’s Delta Gamma Lectureship in April. Pinke, who attends Arizona State University, played football at UND before suffering a spinal cord injury.

2022

Hannah Freese, ’22, is coach and owner of North Dakota Cheer Tech in Grand Forks. Two of her teams recently competed in an invite-only national competition.

Danielle Tretbar, ’22, is a physician assistant specializing in family medicine at Sanford Health in Park Rapids, Minn.

Priscila Ulloa, ’22, is an associate attorney on SW&L’s family law team in Fargo.

2023

Ian Geller, ’23, is a GIS technician at Ackerman Estvold’s Minot, N.D., office.

Tyler Kleven, ’23, is a defenseman for the Ottawa Senators professional hockey team.

Ben Reznicek, ’23, founded RezBats, a South Dakota company that makes training bats often used by professional baseball players.

1955

Gerald VandeWalle, ’55, ’58, retired from the North Dakota Supreme Court in January 2023. He was the longest serving Chief Justice in North Dakota.

1962

Charlie Froebe, ’62, was selected to receive the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal for a lifetime of outstanding service to his peers and community, and to Manitoba and Canada.

1963

Gary Sukut, ’63, ’70, was inducted as a 2022 Williston Coyotes Legend. Before retiring, Sukut worked at Sukut Office Equipment and served in the North Dakota Legislature for 12 years.

1964

Lawrence Jahnke, ’64, ’66, a retired Grand Forks County judge, is the namesake of a new Northeast Central Judicial District courtroom: the “Honorable Lawrence E. Jahnke Courtroom 109.”

1966

Jana Bommersbach, ’66, is the host of a podcast called “Stolen Life: The Debra Milke Story.” She has written nine books and lives in Phoenix.

Susan (Haas) Morrissey, ’66, held her last art show, “Welcome to My World,” at the Rourke Art Gallery + Museum in Moorhead, Minn. Nearly 60 years of Susan’s art were displayed at the show.

1968

Dennis Elbert, ’68, ’72, was inducted into the 2022 U.S. Army ROTC National Hall of Fame, which honors graduates of Army ROTC who have distinguished themselves in military or civilian careers. Elbert served as Dean of UND’s College of Business & Public Administration from 1997-2014.

1971

Michael Gaddie, ’71, his wife, Kathleen, and their family were honored at the 2022 Bishop Ryan Catholic School Cor Christi Gala for their dedication to Catholic education. The Gaddies live in Minot.

1972

David Stowman, ’72, received a Golden Quill Award from the UND School of Law recognizing the 50-year anniversary of his law school graduation. Stowman practices law with his son, Jeff Stowman, at Stowman Law in Detroit Lakes.

1974

Bruce Gjovig, ’74, has been elected to the board of directors of the National Defense Industrial Association. Gjovig, the only North Dakotan on the board, will serve a five-year term. He is the founder of UND’s Center for Innovation.

1976

Ric Rosow, ’76, was honored by the Minnesota State Bar Association Public Law Section Council as a recipient of the Douglas K. Amdahl Public Attorney Career Achievement Award for his work and achievements, and his commitment to public service. He retired in late 2019 from his firm Gregerson, Rosow, Johnson & Nilan, Ltd.

1977

Larry Hoff, ’77, has been named to the board of directors for the Riverview Bank and Riverview Bancorp, Inc., in Vancouver, Wash. Hoff is a state representative for Washington’s 18th Legislative District.

Kevin Holten, ’77, launched a cowboy-themed media channel called Wild Rides TV. He lives in Dickinson, N.D.

Daniel Quandt, ’77, was named Director of Conventions & Tourism for the City of Waco, Texas.

Fred Wittmann, ’77, ’80, retired after nearly 50 years as director of ceremonies and university events at UND.

1979

Nancy Joyner, ’79, ’05, teaches a seminar for guardians and attorneys through the State of North Dakota court system. Joyner is a palliative care specialist for UND and an end-of-life nursing education consortium trainer.

1980

Paul Busch, ’80, ’84, retired from his position as president & CEO of Margaret A. Cargill Philanthropies in Eden Prairie, Minn. Busch held the job for 15 years and continues to serve on the board of directors. 

Corey Cleveland, ’80, retired after 42 years of service to United Valley Bank in Grand Forks.

Lucy Dalglish, ’80, is stepping down as dean of the Philip Merrill College of Journalism at the University of Maryland. She continues on as a professor there.

Paul Marquart, ’80, ’81, is commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Revenue and a social studies teacher at Dilworth Glyndon Felton High School.

Debbie (Fowler) Swanson, ’80, ’13, retired from her role as Grand Forks Public Health Director. Swanson has worked for Grand Forks Public Health for 38 years and as director since 2015. 

1981

David Deitz, ’81, retired after a 41-year career with Emerson’s Systems and Software (SYSS) Group in Austin, Texas. His most recent role was vice president, SYSS Global Operations. Dave was a named inventor on 20 patents awarded to Emerson.

Frank Dooley, ’81, was elected to the American Council of Education Board of Directors. He is the chancellor of Purdue Global.

Dr. Cynthia Lindquist, ’81, ’06, was named to the Board of the Bush Foundation. Lindquist is president of Cankdeska Cikana Community College, which serves the Spirit Lake Dakota community located primarily in Benson County, N.D.

Carter McNamara, ’81, has retired after 30 years of managing his worldwide consulting company, Authenticity Consulting, LLC. He recently published “Wolf: A Memoir of Love and Atonement.”

1982

Laurie Bakke, ’82, retired from her job as president of Western Equipment Finance in late 2022. Bakke transitioned to a senior advisory role with the company and will remain on the board of directors for Western State Bank and its related entities.

Jeanne (Heilman) Crain, ’82, was appointed to the Otter Tail Corporation Board of Directors. Crain is president and CEO of Bremer Financial Corporation. She lives in Minneapolis.

1983

Renee (Gildersleeve) Axtman, ’83, has been named vice president of nursing and clinical services for Sanford Health of Northern Minnesota. She will oversee quality, safety, care management and integration of clinical initiatives.

Mark Waind, ’83, has retired as executive vice president and chief information officer of Altru Health System in Grand Forks.

1984

Patti (Thibedeau) Kneiser, ’84, was named the Waukesha County (Wis.) Advocate of the Year for demonstrating incredible dedication to building a vibrant community.

1985

Lori Ford-Moore, ’85, ’89, has joined the Tahlequah Medical Group of Northeastern Health System in Tahlequah, Okla. Ford has more than 25 years of experience in gastroenterology.

Gail Friedt, ’85, was recently appointed to the Commission on the Status of Women by the mayor of San Diego. She also was promoted to senior medical science liaison, Durect Corporation, and is a retired captain, Nurse Corps, USNR.

Russell “Rusty” Papachek, ’85, is the director of business development of KodaBank’s Fargo Moorhead region.

Peter Schmit, ’85, ’89, was honored as an Attorney of the Year by Minnesota Lawyer for his outstanding service to the profession at a reception in Minneapolis in February.

Lauri (Paulson) Shimpa, ’85, and Emily Shimpa, ’21, mother and daughter, work together as nurses in the obstetrics unit of Altru Hospital in Grand Forks.

Leslie Witstock, ’85, has been named chief operating officer at Dickinson (N.D.) State University.

1986

Lori Carriere Klabunde, ’86, ’89, was inducted as a 2022 Williston Coyotes Legend. Carriere Klabunde works as a physician assistant in Bismarck.

Tim Olson, ’86, received the International Microelectronics Assembly & Packaging Society (IMAPS) Founder’s Award, which recognizes an individual who has made significant technical and leadership contributions to IMAPS. Olson is the founder of Deca Technologies in Tempe, Ariz.

1987

Ron Hocevar, ’87, ’91, is the Scott County (Minn.) Attorney. He was first elected in 2014.

Rhonda Larson, ’87, ’90, is an elected an officer for U.S. Wheat Associates.

George Singer, ’87, ’93, is a partner practicing corporate finance at Holland & Hart in Denver.

1988

Peter Kilbride, ’88, will retire from his job as Sheridan County School District 1 Superintendent in Ranchester, Wyo., at the end of the school year.

Marilyn (Koble) Vetter, ’88, has been named president and CEO of Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever. She has been a member of the organization’s National Board of Directors since 2015.

1989

John Carroll, ’89, stepped down as director of the University of Nebraska Lincoln’s School of Natural Resources. He will transition to a faculty position.

Carla Christofferson, ’89, is a partner in King & Spalding’s Trial and Global Disputes practice group in its Los Angeles office.

Jason Hornbacher, ’89, ’97, ’07, will retire as Superintendent of Bismarck Public Schools in June. Hornbacher has worked for the district for more than 30 years.

1990

Julie (Freund) March, ’90, ’94, is a pathologist at Essentia Health Fargo.

1991

Stacie (Froelich) Bell, ’91, is executive vice president of Lupus Therapeutics, an affiliate of the national Lupus Research Alliance. She lives in Denver.

April (White) Darnell, ’91, is education manager for the IGP Institute at Kansas State University.

Patrick Emery, ’91, ’95, is chair of the family medicine department at Sanford Health in Wahpeton, N.D.

Maridee (Langen) Shogren, ’91, was named dean of the UND College of Nursing & Professional Disciplines.

1992

Kavin Schieferdecker, ’92, is chief sales officer for the San Diego Tourism Authority. 

Todd Tamlyn, ’92, has joined Bellevue (Ohio) Hospital, specializing in minimally invasive robotic surgery.

1993

Jenny (Walter) Coulture, ’93, ’94, is a partner with NW Medicare Advisors, which serves the Pacific Northwest.

Lynette (Amundson) Flage, ’93, was recognized by the Association of Public and Land Grant Universities for her accomplishments as a Fellow of the Food Systems Leadership Institute. Flage is associate director for NDSU Extension.

Jeff Oxton, ’93, has been named chief of the St. Cloud (Minn.) Police Department. 

Joe Pelawa, ’93, is a senior project manager at the Duluth, Minn., office of JPJ Engineering. 

1994

Brad Costello, ’94, was named market president at American Federal in East Grand Forks. He joined American Federal in 2019 as an ag and business banker.

Kelly Dillon, ’94, has been appointed full-time referee and magistrate for North Dakota’s North Central Judicial District. She lives in Minot.

Eva (Spindler) Keiser, ’94, is serving on the PRSA Midwest District 2023 Executive Leadership Committee. Keiser, who is principal at Plural I, LLC, is immediate past chair of the committee and represents the Minnesota chapter of the committee.

Tiffany (Bosh) Lawrence, ’94, is president and chief executive officer of Sanford Health in Fargo. She is the first woman to serve in that position. Tiffany previously was Sanford’s director of business analysis and planning, and chief financial officer of the Sanford Medical Center.

Timothy Wakeham, ’94, is a coach and organizational consultant, providing his services at the corporate, armed forces, UFC, NFL, NHL, Olympic, and Power Five collegiate levels. Wakeham lives in Clearwater, Fla.

Teresa Younger, ’94, was appointed to the Board of Directors of Hedgebrook, an institution for women-identified writers on Whidbey Island, Wash. Younger is president and CEO of Ms. Foundation for Women.

1995

Kari Knudson, ’95, ’01, has been appointed Clerk of Court for the United States District Court of North Dakota. Knudson has served as the Chief Deputy Clerk since 2007.

Kristin (Shefstad) McKenzie, ’95, is senior director of information technology at Digi Key Electronics in Thief River Falls, Minn. She is also an executive board member for the UND College of Engineering & Mines.

Steve Rosenau, ’95, was promoted to vice president of agriculture at American Crystal Sugar Company’s corporate office in Moorhead, Minn. Rosenau will continue as chief operating officer of American Crystal’s wholly owned subsidiary, Sidney Sugars.

1996

Pete Buffington, ’96, was hired by United Airlines as a first officer on the Boeing 737 fleet based at O’Hare International Airport in Chicago.

Heather (Johnson) Kukla, ’96, is president and CEO of Margaret A. Cargill Philanthropies in Eden Prairie, Minn.

David McDonald, ’96, is a board member of the National Fenestration Rating Council. He is a code and regulatory affairs specialist with Marvin, based in Warroad, Minn.

Jonathan Warrey, ’96, was selected to fill a seat on the North Dakota House of Representatives.

Kersten (Middleton) Zupfer, ’96, gave a presentation on investor relations at the 2023 ICR Conference. Zupfer is executive vice president and chief financial officer of Regis Corporation.

1997

Cheryl Diermyer, ’97, is the associate director of innovative teaching and engagement at the University of California, Riverside. Diermyer teaches faculty on the art and science of teaching.

Jennifer (Soupir) Fremstad, ’97, ’13, is assistant human capital director for Fargo Public Schools.

Rob Schmieg, ’97, is a certified nurse anesthetist for Riverwood Healthcare Center’s surgical services provider team in Aitkin, Minn.

1998

Shanna (Schoemer) Johnson, ’98, is business banking portfolio manager at U.S. Bank in Bismarck.

Blane Klemek, ’98, ’05, is Minnesota’s Northwest Region Wildlife Manager. 

1999

Valeska (Wilkens) Hermanson, ’99, and David Hermanson, ’99, opened Hermanson Law PLLC in Moorhead, Minn.

Jason Kirchmeier, ’99, a private wealth advisor with Legacy Financial Partners, was named to the 2023 Ameriprise Chairman’s Advisory Council.

2000

Tara Ekren, ’00, is PR + social media manager at Flint Group in Fargo.

Jason Haugen, ’00, has been named vice president of real estate for Canterbury Park Development, LLC, in Shakopee, Minn. 

David Schlafman, ’00, a private wealth advisor with Legacy Financial Partners, was named to the 2023 Ameriprise Chairman’s Advisory Council.

2001

Gabe Dahl, ’01, ’05, ’12, associate principal at Grand Forks Central High School, has been named the North Dakota Associate Principal of the Year by the North Dakota Association of Secondary School Principals.

Diane (Connors) Jackson, ’01, is deputy airport director at Aspen Pitkin County Airport. Jackson lives in Naples, Fla.

2002

Michael Linnell, ’02, was elected as staff advisor for the North Dakota State Board of Higher Education. Linnell is director of communications at Minot State University. 

McLain “Mac” Schneider, ’02, has been confirmed as U.S. Attorney for North Dakota. 

Jami (Copp) Verkuehlen, ’02, owns Piper Tax Services in Casselton and Enderlin, N.D.

2003

Dustin Kouba, ’03, ’09, was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel in the U.S. Air Force JAG Corps. He recently returned from depolyment to Ali Al Salem Air Base, Kuwait.

DesiRae Muirhead, ’03, is chair of the University of South Dakota Department of Pathology.

Jacob Nesvig, ’03, ’07, is market president at Dacotah Bank in Bismarck.

Christi (Billiard) Pribula, ’03, has joined Lathrop GPM. She is counsel to the firm’s Trusts, Estates & Legacy Planning Practice Group in Kansas City, Mo.

Paul Sallach, ’03, was selected an honorary commander of the U.S. Air Force. Sallach is president and founder of All In Aviation in Las Vegas.

2004

Ben Hoffman, ’04, is executive director of Bemidji (Minn.) State University’s Department of Admissions.

Katie (Hardy) Krukenberg, ’04, is an associate professor and director of the social work program at the University of Mary in Bismarck.

Tony Meyer, ’04, ’20, is a financial advisor at Alerus in Grand Forks.

Bailey Nordin, ’04, and his brother, Adam Nordin, ..’99, took over the operations of Wright Funeral Home in Moorhead, Minn. Both Bailey and Adam are funeral directors.

2005

Jeff Chernoff, ’05, has been named the National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisor’s 2022 Young Advisor Team Leader of the Year. He is vice president of insurance and Trust in Tampa, Fla.

Chris Moen, ’05, was promoted to financial advisor with Alerus Financial. He serves clients in the northern Red River Valley.

Aimee (Gustafson) Onizuka, ’05, was admitted as partner at Deloitte Tax LLP.

2006

Kara (Holzwarth) Falk, ’06, has been named the unit administrator for the Central Valley Health District based in Jamestown, N.D. 

Karen (Berger) Rohr, ’06, was elected to serve District 31 in the North Dakota House of Representatives. This is her fifth term.

Kevin Todd, ’06, is CEO of Sandia Area Federal Credit Union, a $1 billion financial institution in Albuquerque, N.M.

2007

Pradeep Dhar, ’07, is the chief medical officer of Salud Family Health in Fort Collins, Colo.

Malorie Drugg, ’07, has been promoted to vice president of marketing at Marvin in Minneapolis.

Erik Fabian, ’07, was promoted to financial advisor with Alerus Financial. He serves clients in the northern Red River Valley.

Joe Hill, ’07, founder of Higher Performance Group, was interviewed on an episode of DisruptED. His new book, “Leading from Peace,” will be released soon.

Kurt W. Porter, ’07, ’10, received the Minnesota Justice Foundation’s 2022 Outstanding Service Private Practice Lawyer award at a ceremony held in Minneapolis in September 2022.

Stephanie (Haarsager) Stalheim, ’07, ’10, has been named the Minot (N.D.) City Attorney.

2008

Amanda (Dukart) Beckman, ’08, ’11, is a family nurse practitioner at St Andrew’s Clinic in Bottineau, N.D.

Eric Fenstad, ’08, has joined the Essentia Health St. Joseph’s Pine River (Minn.) Clinic.

Lisa Martinez, ’08, is the producer and editor of Ag Innovation News Podcast. She lives in Grand Forks.

2009

Kerrianne Boetcher, ’09, is Ward County Public Library Administrator, a job she has held since 2012. She lives in Minot, N.D.

Tasha M. Gahner, ’09, is an attorney at O’Keeffe O’Brien Lyson Attorneys in Fargo.

Moranda “Mandy” (Flemmer) Iverson, ’09, is Mrs. North Dakota 2023. Her platform, “Paws for Mental Health,” promotes the benefits of human-animal bonds on mental health.

Anna Sackette Urness, ’09, has been named to the St. Luke’s Hospital Board in Duluth, Minn. She is the dean of allied health and nursing at Lake Superior College and has been an RN for more than 30 years.

2010

Katie Darling, ’10, has been named financial reporting and controls manager at Alerus in Grand Forks.

Katrina Gardner, ’10, joined Hayward Area Memorial Hospital in Sawyer Country, Wis. Gardner is an expert in high-risk obstetrics and prenatal care.

Savanna (Wissbrod) Hendrickson, ’10, ’11, has been appointed to the North Dakota Bankers Association Board of Directors. She is president of the Bank of Tioga.

Andrea Johnson, ’10, ’23, has been named director of special education for the Sheyenne Valley Special Education Unit in Valley City, N.D.

Rory Ratzlaff, ’10, joined Langdon (N.D.) Prairie Health’s Primary Care Department.

Ryan Thompson, ’10, specializes in residential real estate at Park Co. Realtors in Fargo.

2011

Jenna (Kyser) Jorgensen, ’11, was promoted to Assistant Commissioner for Strategic Communications and Brand Enhancement at the Western Collegiate Hockey Association located in Bloomington, Minn.

Andrew Mills, ’11, ’15, has joined Sanford Health in Bismarck. Mills specializes in reconstructive and cosmetic procedures, treating patients who have conditions from birth disorders, injuries, trauma illnesses, and oncologic reconstruction.

Joel Schwenzfeier, ’10, ’11, is defensive coordinator for the UND football team.

Emily Swenson, ’11, joined Essentia Health South University Clinic in Fargo. She is a licensed independent clinical social worker specializing in behavioral health.

2012

Sheena Dauer, ’12, was inducted into the Springfield (Minn.) Elementary School Hall of Fame. Dauer runs Springfield Therapy, physical therapy that focuses on pelvic, orthopedic and neurological rehabilitation.

Mario Lamoureux, ’12, has been hired by the McKenzie County (N.D.) Hockey Club as a part time hockey director. Lamoureux, a Grand Forks native, played hockey at UND, and professionally for teams in the U.S. and Europe. He is currently the head coach of boys’ hockey at Legacy High School in Bismarck.

Jocelyne Lamoureux Davidson, ’12, ’13, and Monique Lamoureux Morando, ’12, ’15, were named to the U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame Class of 2022. The twins and Grand Forks natives played at UND from 2010-13, and in 2018 helped the United States Women’s National Team to its first Olympic gold medal in 20 years.

Aaron Motacek, ’12, was featured on a new Bravo TV series, “Love Without Borders.”

Alicia (Dahlsad) Nerum, ’12, chief financial officer at Thunder Seed, was selected for the United Way 35 Under 35 Women’s Leadership Program.

Stephanie Neystrong, ’12, is the executive director of the Kamloops (B.C.) Youth Soccer Association.

Mark Smith, ’12, is a surgeon at Essentia Health in Park Rapids, Minn. His father, Daniel, a professor at UND’s School of Medicine & Health Sciences, is a surgeon at the same facility.

Jenna (Wagner) Wollmuth, ’12, a senior accountant with Butler Machinery in Fargo, is participating in the United Way 35 Under 35 Women’s Leadership Program.

2013

Todd Hodenfield, ’13, is a physical therapist at Prairie Lakes Healthcare in Watertown, S.D.

Kayla (Jarhaus) Krosschell, ’13, is senior internal marketing communications specialist at Digi Key Electronics in Grand Forks.

Anne (Hook) Seidler, ’13, is director of admissions and recruitment at Bismarck State College.

Janna Towers, ’13, ’15, a speech language pathologist, has joined the Anne Carlsen Clinic in Bismarck. 

2014

Jill (Martin) Grossman, ’10, ’14, was appointed Chief Deputy Clerk of Court for the U.S. District Court of North Dakota. .

Patrick Kloeckner, ’14, ’15, is the 2023 Minnesota State High School League’s Class AA Gymnastics Coach of the Year.

Blake Olson, ’14, owns Jack Chivers Realty in Detroit Lakes, Minn., where he lives with his wife, Katie.

Jonathan Preszler, ’14, has joined Sanford Health in Bismarck, where he will lead the Bismarck Concussion Program.

Katy Wilson, ’14, opened Katy Wilson Homes Stellar Realty, a real estate brokerage and property management company in the Twin Cities.

2015

Cole Anderson, ’15, was named market president of KodaBank’s Grand Forks Region. He has been with the bank since 2015.

Rocco Grimaldi, ’15, signed a one-year American Hockey League contract with the San Diego Gulls for the 2022-23 season.

Sam (Brewer) Hillier, ’15, a family coach with the Jeremiah Program, is participating in the United Way 35 Under 35 Women’s Leadership Program.

Caitlin Jung, ’15, ’22, has joined the Essentia Health Duluth (Minn.) Clinic as an advanced practice registered nurse and certified nurse practitioner specializing in acute care.

Jesse Liebe, ’15, was promoted to managing director of Legacy Capital, located in Metairie, La.

Nicole Norheim, ’15, has joined Sanford Health in Bismarck. Norheim specializes in neuropsychology.

Kari Vien, ’15, was promoted to financial advisor with Alerus Financial. She serves clients in the northern Red River Valley.

2016

Rachel (Pederson) Biwer, ’16, has joined mobile wellness company, Flint Physiotherapy, as a physical therapist serving the greater Phoenix area.

Kaitlyn (Henke) Bjornson, ’16, ’20, joined the board of directors of Growing Hope in Pembina County, N.D. Kaitlyn practices law at Brink Lawyers, P.A., in Hallock, Minn.

Brent Boeddeker, ’16, was promoted to shareholder at Ohnstad Twichell in West Fargo. He has been an attorney there since 2017.

Caitlyn Cameron, ’16, is a certified physician assistant at Essentia Health South University Clinic in Fargo. Cameron specializes in pulmonology.

Lukas Croaker, ’16, was promoted to shareholder at Ohnstad Twichell in Fargo.

Keaton Hanevold, ’16, was promoted to maintenance superintendent at American Crystal Sugar Company’s Moorhead factory.

Matthew P. Kopp, ’16, ’19, has joined the litigation group of Fredrikson & Byron in the firm’s Fargo office.

Cassandra Plante, ’16, has joined the staff at Essentia Health Casselton (N.D.) Clinic as an advanced practice registered nurse and a certified nurse practitioner specializing in family medicine.

Nathan Svihovec, ’16, was appointed State Labor Commissioner by Gov. Doug Burgum. Svihovec will lead the North Dakota Department of Labor and Human Rights.

2017

Shane Boeser, ’17, is an ERP Business Analyst at Rahr Corporation in the Twin Cities.

Jennifer Friese, ’17, is marketing coordinator for MAK Construction and MAK Capital in Grand Forks.

Matthew Ipolito, ’17, has joined United Airlines as a 777 First Officer.

Connor Johnson, ’17, is junior account executive at Five Boyle Insurance Services, LLC. He lives in Woburn, Mass.

Cassie (Thompson) Rothe, ’17, ’22, has joined CHI St. Alexius Health Williston, N.D.

Drew Sannes, ’17, is hitting coach for the Hickory Crawdads baseball team, a minor league team of the Texas Rangers.

Karol Santistevan, ’17, ’18, is founder and owner of Ropes & Roses Therapy Services, which includes an equine therapy clinic. She is also the co-founder and past executive director at Reach 4A Star Riding Academy.

LaJaun Willis, ’17, is a UX researcher at Google in New York.

Felicia Znajda, ’17, was inducted into the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Academy of Conservation Officers. She is the third generation of the Znajda family to work in fish and wildlife enforcement. Her father, Capt. Pat Znajda, ’87, also worked at DNR, and her grandfather, Ted, was a conservation officer. Brother Taylor Znajda, ’15, is a Minnesota State Patrol officer.

2018

Dayna Bastian, ’18, is an account specialist at Paulsen in Sioux Falls, S.D.

Kari Brych, ’18, joined Essentia Health St. Mary’s Medical Center in Duluth, Minn. as an emergency medicine specialist. Brych is an advanced practice registered nurse and certified nurse practitioner.

Mari (Goldade) Knudsen, ’18, has joined Essentia Health’s West Fargo The Lights Clinic as a pediatrician.

Doson Nguyen, ’18, is a HillVets Fellow in the office of U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Ark. Nguyen is a law student at the University of Akron School of Law.

Tanner Ring, ’18, has joined the Industrial Services Grand Forks team of EAPC as a process engineer II.

Dylan Schnabel, ’18, has been promoted to vice president of information systems and technology at Hometown Credit Union in Kulm, N.D.

Adam Swigost, ’14, ’18, has joined Peachtree Dermatology Associates in Atlanta. He practices medical, surgical and cosmetic dermatology.

David W. Wischer, ’18, ’22, has joined Conmy Feste Ltd. in Fargo as an associate attorney.

2019

Dennis Chakua, ’19, is an advanced practice registered nurse and certified nurse practitioner at Essentia Health 45th Street Clinic in Fargo.

John Evenocheck, ’19, joined the Essentia Health St. Joseph’s Baxter (Minn.) Clinic as a family medicine specialist.

Colin Hennessy, ’19, is an associate attorney at Gjesdahl Law, P.C. in Fargo.

Shaun D. McNamara, ’19, has joined Conmy Feste, Ltd., as an associate attorney. He lives in Fargo.

Max Mueller, ’19, is chief meteorologist at KVRR in Fargo.

2020

Jake Carlson, ’20, is a career agent at Farmers Union Insurance in Mandan, N.D.

Se Kwon, ’20, is a morning reporter for WDAY TV, an ABC affiliate in Fargo.

Adrian Martinez, ’20, was promoted to lieutenant and serves as Northwest Regional Commander of the North Dakota Highway Patrol.

Derek Schaff, ’20, CFO of Linton (N.D.) Regional Medical Center, was featured in Becker’s Hospital Review’s “10 Rural Hospital CFOs to Know in 2023.”

Delante Sykes, ’20, was selected in the first round of the airline draft by American Airlines. Sykes is a first officer.

2021

Joshua Bodensteiner, ’21, is a maintenance engineer at American Crystal Sugar Company’s Drayton, N.D., factory.

Sav Kelly, ’21, is a reporter at the Grand Forks Herald. She covers public safety.

Jonathan Krause, ’21, is the track and field coach at Dickinson (N.D.) Trinity High School. He is also the Trinity JV boys basketball coach.

Chris Patullo, ’21, is manager at American Crystal Sugar Company’s Drayton, N.D., factory. 

Nikki Pica, ’21, is a multimedia journalist for Nevada Sports Net in Reno.

Jake Rastas, ’21, completed an ultra marathon in November to raise awareness for men’s mental health. He is training to be a veterinary surgeon at the University of Wisconsin Madison.

Matthew Ternus, ’21, has been named development and marketing director for the Empire Arts Center in Grand Forks.

2022

Julia Barlow, ’22, has been hired as the school counselor at the Bowbells (N.D.) School. She also works with students at Des Lacs Burlington School and Sawyer School, focusing on mental health awareness.

Ben Graf, ’22, has joined Lake Region Healthcare. Graf will be in the primary care department, serving in the Elbow Lake (Minn.) Clinic.

Shanda Harstad, ’22, has joined CHI St. Alexius Health in Williston, N.D. Harstad is also a vice chair on the Williams County Park Board and works as an on-call sexual assault examiner.

Kelvin Hazangwi, ’22, a social worker for Badlands Human Service Center in Dickinson, provides parenting education and adult mental health services for North Dakota families. 

DeeAnn Hogenson, ’22, an advanced practice registered nurse and certified nurse practitioner, joined Essentia Health Urgent Care Duluth (Minn.).

Brandee Kuznia, ’22, has joined the Sanford Health Wahpeton team. She is a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner.

Sierra Link, ’22, an advanced practice registered nurse and certified nurse practitioner, has joined Essentia Health Urgent Care Detroit Lakes.

Alyssa MacMillan, ’22, is assistant coach and director of marketing and advertising for the Summerland Steam Junior B hockey team. She is the first and only female coach in the Kootenay Interior Junior Hockey league.

John Merila, ’22, has a remote internship with NASA working on the Tall Lunar Tower. Merila has done three NASA internships.

Kyle Osmundson, ’22, has joined Essentia Health Proctor Clinic in Duluth. Osmundson is an advanced practice registered nurse and certified nurse practitioner specializing in family medicine.

Christina Thompson, ’22, is an advanced practice registered nurse and certified nurse practitioner at the Essentia Health 45th Street Clinic in Fargo.

Kristi Winter, ’22, is a certified nurse practitioner at Glacial Ridge Health System in Glenwood, Minn.

1967

Eugene Byron, ’67, ’69, was selected as parade marshal for the 123rd Annual 2nd of August Icelandic celebration in Mountain, N.D.

Richard Ulvin, ’67, was inducted into the Grand Forks Red River High School Athletic Hall of Fame.

1968

Ronald Bergh, ’68, was inducted into the 2022 Grand Forks Public Schools Teachers Hall of Fame.

1970

Daniel Prince, ’70, has retired after a 45-year career in the healthcare industry. He lives in Nashville, Tenn., where he’s writing his second screenplay.

1973

Scott Blanc, ’73, invented a cabling system that earned his employer its first patent. He is a principal engineer at Nortech Systems in Bemidji, Minn.

1974

Laural (Gidmark) Fisher, ’74, is a job coach for young adults with autism spectrum disorders, Down syndrome, and Fragile X syndrome at STARS Family Services in Wheaton, Ill. Prior to that, she worked 40 years in inpatient and community psychiatric nursing and adjunct teaching.

Audrey (Grandstrand) Kasprowicz, ’74, ’03, was inducted into the 2022 Grand Forks Public Schools Teachers Hall of Fame.
L. John MacMartin, ’74, retired after 32 years of service as president of the Minot (N.D.) Area Chamber of Commerce.

1977

Terry Traynor, ’77, retired after many years of service as executive director of the North Dakota Association of Counties.

1978

Kevin Dunlevy, ’78, ’84, has established Dunlevy Law, P.A., in Minneapolis.
Nancy (Martin) Koehn, ’78, retired after 43 years at Sanford Medical Center in Fargo. Koehn worked 34 of those years as a charge nurse in the pediatric unit.

Paul Korus, ’78, ’80, was nominated to serve on the Chord Energy Corp. board of directors.

1979

Phillip McKenzie, ’79, was inducted into the Crookston (Minn.) High School Hall of Fame. He currently manages ground operations for the Denver Air Connection in Thief River Falls, Minn., and teaches oboe at the University of North Dakota and North Dakota State University.

Ron Shane, ’79, has retired after 29 years with Central High School in El Centro, Calif., where he taught career and technical education and coached football and track. 

1980

Connie Sherwood, ’80, was inducted into the 2022 Grand Forks Public Schools Teachers Hall of Fame.

Thomas Shorma, ’80, president of WCCO Belting in Wahpeton, N.D., was awarded the 2021 Global Ambassador award for his support of North Dakota’s international trade initiatives.

1981

Jane (Wagner) Freeman, ’81, ’84, is the new executive director for the Crookston (Minn.) Care & Share Center.

1982

Jerome Gunderson, ’82, ’06, was inducted into the 2022 Grand Forks Public Schools Teachers Hall of Fame.

David Oberstar, ’82, was selected by his peers for inclusion in the Best Lawyers in America publication in the practice area of timber law. He is an attorney at Fryberger Law Firm in Duluth, Minn.

1983

Terry Dunphy, ’83, was inducted into the Grand Forks Red River High School Athletic Hall of Fame.

James Reinkoester, ’83, retired from American Airlines after flying their last 767 from Miami, Fla., to Santa Fe, Argentina.

Tim Seaworth, ’83, ’84, ’91, retired in June after completing a 35-year career as a student development professional that included 22 years as Vice President for Student Development at the University of Mary in Bismarck and 13 years at the UND Counseling Center. Tim and his wife, Marlene, ’80, live in Bismarck.

1984

Jeffrey Willert, ’84, retired after 30 years of service with the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation Division, finishing his career with the Los Angeles Field Office.

1985

Chris Hoversten, ’85, was inducted into the Grand Forks Red River High School Athletic Hall of Fame.

Todd Selk, ’85, is superintendent for the Fosston (Minn.) School District.

1986

Tim Loven, ’86, and Dawn Zimney, ’86, were inducted into the Grand Forks Red River High School Athletic Hall of Fame.

1987

Jane (Emerson) Holland, ’87, was hired as a senior proofreader by Flint Group in Fargo.

Steve Johnson, ’87, ’92, joined Essentia Health Fargo Family Clinic.

Therese (Stocker) Johnson, ’87, ’91, joined Essentia Family Health Fargo Clinic.

Timothy Schutz, ’87, was the first judge in 50 years from El Paso County to be sworn into the Colorado Court of Appeals.

1988

Denise (Hanson) Kolpack, ’88, was elected to serve on the Fargo City Commission.

1989

Elka (Davis) Herr, ’89, has been promoted to the senior universal banker at the Bismarck main and south branches of Starion Bank.

1990

Boyd C. Johnson, ’90, ’95, was appointed Chief Legal Officer by Spire Global Inc., a space-to-cloud data and analytics company headquartered in Vienna, Va.

Mike LaMoine, ’90, was inducted into the Grand Forks Red River High School Athletic Hall of Fame.

Paul Noot, ’90, and his son, Dakota Noot, ’15, had their art exhibition, “Father and Son: The Beast Within Us,” presented by the North Dakota Art Gallery Association. The exhibit recently was at the Taube Museum of Art, Minot, and is touring the state for the next two years.

1991

Tim Bishop, ’91, accepted the position of surveillance director of operations at Four Winds Casino & Resorts in New Buffalo and Hartford, Mich.

1992

Sarah (Manns) Mudder, ’92, was selected as 2022 Communicator of Achievement by North Dakota Professional Communicators.

1993

Craig Larson, ’93, Chad Williamson, ’93, and Kory Zimney, ’93, ’94, were inducted into the Grand Forks Red River High School Athletic Hall of Fame.

1994

Paul Loraas, ’94, is being included in the Corporate INTL 2022 Annual Who’s Who Handbook as its mining law representative.

1995

Tom Erhardt, ’95, was named director of North Dakota Parole and Probation. Erhardt served for over 25 years in North Dakota’s Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation prior to his new role.

Brian Overby, ’95, has joined Bell Bank as managing director for the wealth management division.

1996

Darin Johnson, ’96, was appointed director of buildings and grounds for the Grand Forks School District.

Sarah (Seitz) Robinson, ’96, ’98, ’10, was awarded the 2022 Frontier Award for Excellence in Continuous Learning.

1997

Susan Johnson Drenth, ’97, was named on JD Legal Planning’s 2022 list of Great Plains Super Lawyers.

Michelle Radke, ’97, joined Essentia Health Fargo as a family medicine physician.

1998

Tanya (Schroeder) Houle, ’98, is the La Conner, Wash., middle and high school assistant principal and career and technology education director.

Trisha (Nelson) Stefanski, ’98, was promoted to project director of the asset management office for the Minnesota Department of Transportation’s combined Modal Planning and Program Management and Sustainability and Public Health Division.

1999

Gwen Lappegaard, ’99, was inducted into the 2022 Grand Forks Public Schools Teachers Hall of Fame.

Brad J. Lies, ’99, was inducted into the Grand Forks Red River High School Athletic Hall of Fame.

Wade T. Swenson, II, ’99, joined Lakewood Medical staff as an oncologist.

2001

John R. Wetsch, ’01, teaches master classes in Cloud Computing at CalTech’s Center for Technology and Management Education.

2002

Brian Shawn, ’02, is the new play-by-play announcer for UND Football on Midco Sports television broadcasts.

Jeremy Trostad, ’02, is the director of operations at Summers Manufacturing in Devils Lake, N.D.

2003

Jason Butts, ’03, was recently hired as city attorney for Breckenridge, Minn.

Ivona Todorovic, ’03, ’05, was awarded North Dakota’s Teacher of the Year for 2022.

2004

Laura (Heckaman) Dokken, ’04, is the new Minot (N.D.) Public School business manager.

2005

Col. Lee M. Nenortas, ’05, commands the 22nd Medical Group at McConnell Air Force Base, Kan.

2006

Ron Bardwell, ’06, joined the anesthesiology team at the Sanford Bemidji (Minn.) Medical Center.

Grant Coauette, ’06, ’16, joined the family medicine team at the Sanford Bemidji (Minn.) Main Clinic.

Josh Deere, ’06, was selected as Altru Health System’s new president. Deere has served as chair of family medicine for four years, medical director of primary care for seven years and as interim chief medical officer.

Kendra (Siefken) Kamlitz, ’06, ’10, is the medical director for Mayo Clinic Health System in Fairmont and St. James, Minn.

Jeremy Olson, ’06, is the new superintendent for the Bemidji (Minn.) Area Schools.

2008

Christine Hanson, ’08, ’15, joins the family medicine team at the Sanford Bemidji (Minn.) walk-in clinic.

Beverly Larson, ’08, is the regional lead navigator at SunLife Health in Casa Grande, Ariz.

Holly (Silewski) Osborn, ’08, completed advanced certification in pediatric OT through the American Occupational Therapy Association. This certification is recognized among less than 1% of practitioners nationwide.

2009

Tessa (Privatsky) Lagelin, ’09, was awarded the New Dentist Award by the North Dakota Dental Association.

2010

Chris Mackay, ’10, joined the Biosports physical therapy team in Wenatchee, Wash.

2011

Karey (Brewster) O’Hara, ’11, joins the Arizona State University faculty as an associate professor of psychology.

Erica (Wondrasek) Thunder, ’11, ’14, is the new Director of Diversity and Cultural Competency at the North Dakota Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation.

2012

Ryan Harty, ’12, has joined Dacotah Bank in Jamestown, N.D., as a business banker. He resides in Jamestown with his wife, Brandi, and three children.

Ashley (Streightiff) Sailer, ’12, was awarded the North Dakota Association of Colleges for Teacher Education teacher of the year award. Sailer is in her eighth year at Midway Public School, where she teaches family and consumer sciences and sixth grade English.

Evan Trupp, ’12, is the new head coach for the Anchorage Wolverines.

2013

Matt Harder, ’13, was named the strength and conditioning coach for the Minnesota Wild.

Carter Rowney, ’13, has signed with Lowen Frankfurt of the German DEL hockey league.

Casey Sanders Berglund, ’13, was hired as the economic development manager for the City of West Fargo.

Kody Stark, ’13, has been promoted to vice president of insurance at AgCountry Farm Credit Services. He resides in Grafton, N.D.

2014

Tyrone Berentson, ’14, ’18, has accepted a position with St. Andrew’s Clinic in Bottineau, N.D.

Kristin Garaas Johnson, ’14, is the new director of curriculum & special education at Randolph Academy in Randolph, N.Y.

Ryan Smestad, ’14, has accepted the packaging & warehouse supervisor position at American Crystal Sugar Company’s East Grand Forks factory.

2015

Thomas Erikson, ’15, joins the family medicine team at CentraCare at their Willmar (Minn.) Main Clinic.

Josh Teigen, ’15, was appointed Commerce Commissioner by North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum.

Dylan Togerson, ’15, ’19, joins Sanford Health in Wahpeton (N.D.) as a family medicine practitioner.

2016

Scot Mickelson, ’16, has joined Sanford Health in Bismarck as a family medicine practitioner.

Taylor Vasek, ’16, has joined the Sanford Health team in Thief River Falls, Minn.

2017

Zane McIntyre, ’17, former UND goalie, signed a one-year contract with the Minnesota Wild.

Sarah Peterson, ’17, joined Beyond Realty as a marketing coordinator.

Luke Weston, ’17, has purchased Liebold Dental in Bottineau, N.D.

2018

Shawn Coleman, ’18, was hired as a middle school band teacher at Hallettsville (Texas) School District.

Shane Gersich, ’18, signed a one-year contract with the Hershey (Penn.) Bears of the American Hockey League.

Tanner Holten, ’18, was appointed attorney for Crookston (Minn.) Housing & Economic Development Authority.

Ogochukwu Ozotta, ’18, was named one of six finalists at the annual ALLY Energy GRIT awards. She is a data scientist/project assistant with the UND Department of Petroleum Engineering.

Taryn (Pfingsten) Pallen, ’18, was hired by EPIC Companies in Fargo. She will be involved in lead generation and guiding clients through the buying and design process of condominiums.

Dennis Pathroff, ’18, has been hired as a full-time lawyer lobbyist by GA Group, PC, in Bismarck.

Annie Richards, ’18, was named the first West Fargo Schools director of behavioral health and wellness.

Courtney Schneider, ’18, joined the team at Fargo Moorhead Chiropractic and Wellness.

2019

Matt Bradley, ’19, has been hired as engineer in training by Advanced Engineering and Environmental Services, Inc., or AE2S.

Krista (Sauber) Christopher, ’22, has been selected to serve a one-year clerkship with the North Dakota Supreme Court.

Zachary Ranisate, ’19, ’20, has been hired as engineer in training by AE2S, a civil and environmental consulting engineering firm.

Allison Walker, ’19, was hired by AE2S as a junior accountant.

2020

Auroura (Eckberg) Bentow, ’20, was promoted to senior lean manufacturing engineer on the enterprise team at Marvin Windows & Doors.

2021

Matt Kiersted, ’21, signed a two-year contract with the NHL’s Florida Panthers.

2022

Delaynee Fox, ’22, is employed with Robins Kaplan Law Firm as a human resource and talent coordinator. She lives in St. Louis Park, Minn.

Claire Hoplin, ’22, Samantha Schmidt, ’22, and Rainey Selvig, ’22, have been selected to serve one-year clerkships with the North Dakota Supreme Court.

Kelsey Krueger, ’22, joins Essentia Health Fargo as an emergency medicine specialist.

Krista Thielges, ’22, joins the Sanford Health Valley City (N.D.) Clinic as a family medicine physician assistant.