Class Notes

1965

Robert Sando, ’65, ’66, ’73, received the Minot State Athletics Hall of Fame Class of 2024 Special Achievement Award for his long-time support of Beaver Athletics.

1969

Gaylen Ghylin, ’69, was inducted into the Minnesota Asphalt Pavement Association Hall of Fame and celebrated 38 years as a Minnesota asphalt industry leader. He lives in Bloomington, Minn., with his wife Penny.

1971

Sam Anderson, ’71, stars with Kathy Bates in the “Matlock” series on CBS. He has appeared in nearly 200 television shows and movies in his 50-year acting career.

1974

Marguerite (Annis) Eaglestaff, ’74, was honored with the rededication and renaming of the Lakota Cultural Center’s gift shop — the Marguerite Annis-Eaglestaff Gift Shop — in Eagle Butte, S.D.  Eaglestaff died in 2022.

Al Boucher, ’74, the Muddy Waters Clay Center’s “Mudder of the Month,” held a retrospective exhibit showcasing his 60 years working with clay. Muddy Waters is in Grand Forks. 

1975

Dan Langemo, ’75, received the Minot State University Golden Award, the highest award bestowed by the MSU Alumni Association. Langemo retired from First Western Bank & Trust of Minot in July 2015, following a 40-year career in the trust banking business. He lives in Minot with his wife, Jeri.

1976

Jill Skarvold, ’76, a specialist at the Lakes Country Service Cooperative, received the 2024 Minnesota Administrators for Special Education (MASE) Legacy Award. Skarvold has dedicated 49 years to the field of education and administration.  

1977

Tom Wynne, ’77, who served as head coach of the UND men’s and women’s tennis teams for 35 years, is now coaching boys’ and girls’ tennis at Grand Forks Central High School.

1978

Keith Carlson, ’78, ’80, ’82, an ophthalmologist at Claris Eye Care and Surgery in Minneapolis, is also medical director of the Ophthalmic Medical Technician Training Program at Alexandria Technical and Community College in Alexandria, Minn.

Douglas Mattson, ’78, ’85, will retire in June from his role as North Central Judicial District Judge. Mattson, first elected district court judge in 2002, is the longest-serving judge in the North Central Judicial District and the second-longest-serving judge in North Dakota. He lives in Minot, N.D.

1979

David Reich, ’79, ’82, will retire in June from his job as South Central Judicial District Judge. He has served since 2006 and lives in Bismarck.

1980

Jim Galloway, ’80, retired from JLG Architects. Galloway was a founding partner in the Fargo-based firm when it launched 28 years ago.

Karen (Strinden) Grindberg, ’80, was appointed to represent District 41 in the North Dakota House of Representatives.

1981

Michael Vadnie, ’81, retired after 33 years as a mass communications law/ethics and journalism professor at St. Cloud State University. He has also practiced law part-time for 41 years.

Cynthia Lindquist, ’81, ’06, was named director of UND’s Tribal Initiatives & Collaboration. A member of the Spirit Lake Tribe, she previously served as president of the Cankdeska Cikana Community College in Fort Totten, N.D.

1982

Monica Musich, ’82, received the Henry Havig Award, the Grand Forks Business community’s highest honor. Musich led the Valley Dairy convenience store chain for 16 years.

Jay Debertin, ’82, is president and CEO of CHS, the nation’s leading farmer-owned cooperative. He was a featured speaker at the University of Minnesota Crookston’s Bergland Lecture Series.

Brad Gibbens, ’82, ’85, retired as director of UND’s Center for Rural Health where he was awarded the 2024 Advocate Award by the National Organization of State Offices of Rural Health. He now serves as a member of the boards of the North Dakota Rural Health Association and of Communities Acting Together for Change and Hope.

Patrick Sogard, ’82, ’96, was appointed to the North Dakota Board of Higher Education. He has served as Chair of the Board of American State Bank & Trust Co. in Williston, N.D., since 2003.

1983

Mary Jo (Koppenhaver) Flint, ’83, ’91, is a pediatrician at the Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas in Fort Scott.

1984

Robin Bobzien, ’84, was recognized with the Excellence in South Dakota Municipal Government Award. Bobzien is Aberdeen City Manager and has worked for the city for more than 30 years.

Douglas Darling, ’84, ’92, the longest serving president in the North Dakota University System, will retire from his job as Lake Region State College president in June. He has been at the two-year college in Devils Lake since 2013.

Terry Rasmussen, ’84, was appointed Chair of the H.B. Fuller Board of Directors. Rasmussen is president  and CEO of Thrivent.

Daniel Shide, ’84, retired after 37 years of Navy service. Since 2009, Shide served as Naval Base Ventura County installation environmental program director in Point Mugu, Calif.

1985

Greg Carras, ’85, ’11, was appointed to the board of directors of the Ukraine War Animals Relief Fund. Carras is a senior program manager for Boeing in Seattle.

Randy Hatzenbuehler, ’85, Theodore Roosevelt Medora Foundation President, will retire after nearly 40 years on the job. A celebration is planned for September.

1987

Marc Bluestone Sr., ’87, ’97, former superintendent of New Town Public Schools, was inducted into the North Dakota Native American Hall of Honor. Bluestone worked for the school district for more than 30 years.

Keith Millette, ’87, ’90, retired from Altru Health System’s Family Medicine Center in Grand Forks. He practiced family medicine for 32 years.

Randy Hedberg, ’87, retired as North Dakota State University’s quarterback coach. He has coached different sports across North Dakota for 46 years, the last 11 at NDSU.

1988

Randall Hanson, ’88, ’91, was inducted into the American College of Trial Lawyers. Hanson works at Camrud, Maddock, Olson & Larson, Ltd., in Grand Forks.

Lee Hodny, ’88, ’92, is an OB/GYN at Essentia Health Mid Dakota Women’s Center-Bismarck.

1989

Marvin Baker, ’89, is managing editor of the Valley City (N.D.) Times-Record.

Dave St. Peter, ’89, stepped down as CEO and president of the Minnesota Twins. St. Peter, who has been with the Twins for 35 years, will serve as a strategic advisor.

Kristen (Ovind), ’90, and Bill Zeller, ’89, were named the 2024 Vail Valley Volunteers of the Year. The Zellers, who winter in Colorado, serve as Spectator Service Volunteer Coordinators for Stifel Birds of Prey Audi FIS Ski World Cup races. They also volunteer for highway cleanup events, SKI for MS and Pink Vail, among others.

1990

Michael Dorsher, ’90, professor emeritus of journalism at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, was named the Fulbright Association’s Outstanding Former Leader. He served three two-year terms as president of the Minnesota Chapter of the Fulbright Association.

Julie (Liffrig) Fedorchak, ’90, is North Dakota’s lone representative in the U.S. Congress. She is the first woman to hold the seat.

Jay Jerde, ’90, is legal writer and associate editor at the State Bar of Wisconsin’s Legal Education & Knowledge-Communications Department in Madison.

James Nicolai, ’90, was selected to be a law clerk for the 2025-26 term of the North Dakota Supreme Court.

Daniel Ostlie, ’90, ’94, was named surgeon-in-chief and senior vice president at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital. Ostlie will oversee a department that performs more than 40,000 operations annually. He starts June 1.

Linda Olson, ’90, teaches ceramics classes at the Lifelong Learning Institute in Minot, N.D. Olson retired from teaching at Minot State University in 2024.

1991

Michelle (Strecker) Strinden, ’91, was sworn in as North Dakota’s 40th Lieutenant Governor on Dec. 15.

1992

Tony Vanyo, ’92, a corporal in the Grand Forks Police Department, retired after 31 years.

1994

Donna (Herman) Brown, ’94, ’95, ’02, is vice president for sponsored programs at the American Indian Higher Education Association in Alexandria, Va.

Reed Endersbe, ’94, was appointed Regional Director of Minnesota Masonic Charities/the Grand Lodge of Minnesota Freemasons in Bloomington.

Bob Gillen, ’94, was inducted into the North Dakota Hockey Hall of Fame. Gillen is arena general manager of the Minot Area Youth Skating Association.

1995

Howard Loos, ’95, ’97, is chief privacy officer at Brigham Young University and the Church Educational System campuses of higher education. Loos recently received certificates for Certified Information Privacy Professionals in the U.S. and Europe. He lives in Provo, Utah.

1996

Mike Olson, ’96, showed his work in an exhibit titled “On the Wall” at the Mildred Zahradnicek Gallery in Casper, Wyo. Olson has been a ceramicist for more than 30 years.

Caryl Perdaems, ’96, is chief administrative officer at Providence St. Joseph Medical Center in Polson, Mont.

Bruce Watkins, ’96, is a hand surgeon at Teton Hand Surgery in Southeast Idaho.

1997

John Ballard, ’97, was elected district court judge in the 6th Judicial District in Oregon.

Darla (McQueen) Miller, ’97, is foundation manager at Trinity Health Foundation in Minot, N.D.

Scott Volberding, ’97, is assistant airport director at the Appleton (Wis.) International Airport.

Ryan Younggren, ’97, was elected an East-Central North Dakota district judge. Younggren was assistant Cass Country state’s attorney for 15 years.

1998

Jon Ewoniuk, ’98, is founder of Peak360IT, a Salesforce software implementation partner, and the 360 Salesforce Mastermind. He lives in Scottsdale, Ariz.

Scott McCallum, ’98, is superintendent of the Washington State School for the Blind, adviser to the Board of Directors for the Pacific Foundation for Blind Children, commissioner for the Oregon Commission for the Blind, board member for the Northwest Association for Blind Athletes, and president-elect for the Council of Schools and Services for the Blind.

Nicole (Cloutier) Poolman, ’98, was UND’s winter commencement speaker.

1999

Amy Dahl, ’99, was elected to the board of directors of EMCOR Group, Inc. Dahl is vice president of international business & strategy at The Toro Company.

Jim Kleinsasser, ..’99, was inducted into the 2025 College Football Hall of Fame.

Daniel Narum, ’99, was elected to his fourth term as presiding judge of the Southeast Judicial District. Narum has held the position since 2016 and lives in Lamoure, N.D.

Jeff Thompson, ’99, is vice president of finance for Second Harvest Foodbank of Southern Wisconsin.

2000

Kelly Armstong, ’00, ’03, was sworn in as North Dakota’s 34th governor on Dec. 15.

Rob Carolin, ’00, is UND’s director of University Outreach.

Casey Opstad, ’00, a Brooklyn, N.Y.-based artist, created a 140-foot-long artwork for the new Altru Hospital in Grand Forks. A team of artists helped Opstad with the installation.

Jennifer (Gienger) Schlinger, ’00, ’04, ’23, is a clinical assistant professor in the UND Department of Social Work. She was recently appointed the director of field education.

Andy Solsvig, ’00, is Airports Manager for Redding (Calif.) Regional Airport and Benton Field.

2001

Judy (Slotto) Solberg, ’01, is chief of staff for UND’s Office of the President. 

2002

Seth Dagget, ’02, is president and CEO of NI Holdings, Inc., the stock holding company of Nodak Insurance Company. He lives in Fargo.

2003

Brad Tennant, ’03, received the 2024 Herb Blakely Award at South Dakota’s West River History Conference. Tennant, a former college history professor who now lives in Mitchell, S.D., often presents to local groups about South Dakota history.

2004

Lisa Karlgaard, ’04, ’05, was promoted to senior structural engineer at LHB, an engineering, architectural and planning firm. She lives in Duluth, Minn.

Matthew Smiley, ’04, Buffalo Bills special teams coordinator and Air Force veteran, was nominated by the Bills for NFL’s Salute to Service Award.

Trina Staloch, ’04, is project leader for the Central Washington National Wildlife Refuge Complex. She’s been with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for over 20 years.

Cory Steiner, ’04, ’09, was named Superintendent of Fargo Public Schools. He has served as superintendent of the Northern Cass School District since 2014.

2005

Jonathan Fortner, ’05, ’06, is interim president and CEO of the Lignite Energy Council where he has served as the vice president of government relations & external affairs since 2018. He lives in Bismarck.

Michelle (Fendt) Schumacher, ’05, was elected to the board of directors of the Association of International Certified Professional Accountants. Schumacher is CFO at Stoneridge Software in St. Louis Park, Minn.

2006

Curtis Jefferson, ’06, ’08, was promoted to Assistant Dean for Assessment & Accreditation at the University of Washington School of Pharmacy in Seattle.

Amy Watkin, ’06, was appointed to the Humanities North Dakota board of directors. Watkin is a professor of English at Concordia College in Moorhead, Minn. 
2007

Nicole Ficenec, ’07, is manager of the producer management division at Brilliant Corners Artist Management, a San Francisco-based agency.

Nick Reinke, ’07, CEO of HabiTerre, was named a St. Louis Business Journal 40 Under 40 honoree. HabiTerre aims to advance sustainable practices in agriculture.

Martin Tatom, ’07, is founder of Game Six Consulting in Broomfield, Colo.

2008

Chad Pedersen, ’08, a medical oncologist, joined McKenzie Health in Watford City, N.D.

John Wagener, ’08, ’12, is an interventional cardiologist at Avera Heart Hospital and North Central Heart in Sioux Falls, S.D.

2009

Jessica (Boger) Gregerson, ’09, ’10, is head coach of the Valley City (N.D.) High School cross country teams.

Kyle Wanner, ’09, executive director of the North Dakota Aeronautics Commission, is a 2024 recipient of the Airport Business Top 40 Under 40 award. Wanner lives in Bismarck.

2010

Brittany (Lervik) Bromley, ’10, is principal at Anamoose-Drake Elementary School in Anamoose, N.D.

Brett Ehrhardt, ’10, is chief financial officer at Pyx Health, a social health platform addressing loneliness, in Tucson, Ariz.

Robert Haider, ’10, ’14, is policy aide to Minneapolis City Council Member Jason Chavez.

2011

Travis Dahl, ’11, a financial advisor with Legacy Financial Partners in Bismarck, recently received his certified financial planner certification.

Jessica (Neigum) Dargis, ’11, was named CEO of Enable, Inc. Dargis, the co-owner of Bread Poets, serves on the IDEA Board and the North Dakota Council of Exceptional Children. She also serves on the boards of Special Health Services and Dakota Children’s Advocacy, and on the Olmstead Commission. She has two daughters and lives in Bismarck.

Ebony Renee Edwards, ’11, is a sports and entertainment lawyer and coach in the Baltimore-Washington Metropolitan area.

Rachel Egstad, ’11, ’15, is a Special Assistant United States Attorney under the Violence Against Women Act. She focuses on reducing intimate partner firearm violence in the Grand Forks area.

Siegfried Feierabend, ’11, brings his expertise in adult reconstruction and general orthopedics to the partnership between Meeker Memorial Hospital and St. Cloud Orthopedics, which serves patients in the Litchfield, Minn., area.

Jon Godfread, ’11, was re-elected as North Dakota Insurance Commissioner, a position he has held since 2017.

Holly (Forsness) Gruhlke, ’11, is vice president of academic affairs and provost at Dickinson (N.D.) State University.

Paul Gunderson, ’11, was appointed judge in Minnesota’s Fifth Judicial District. He fills a seat in Nicollet County.

Megan Larson, ’11, is a family medicine nurse practitioner at Essentia Health St. Mary’s-Detroit Lakes in Minnesota.

2013

Dan Kaffar, ’13, Devils Lake Central Middle School principal, was recognized as the North Dakota Middle Level Principal of the Year by the North Dakota Association of Secondary School Principals.

Jeffrey Strom, ’13, ’16, was promoted to shareholder at Ohnstad Twichell in Fargo.

2014

Jennifer Vetter, ’14, is an associate partner in the technology practice at Talentfoot Executive Search. She lives in St. Paul.

2015

Ryan Bergeron, ’15, is managing editor at the Annandale (Minn.) Advocate.

Nick Lindner, ’15, creates fishing content for Bemidji-based Northland Fishing Tackle’s YouTube channel, as well as his own social media platforms. He lives in Brainerd, Minn.

Heather Pautz, ’15, is an integrated health counselor at Sanford Valley City (N.D.).

2016

Andrew Herting, ’16, ’21, is an internal medicine physician specializing in primary care, hospital care and addiction medicine at Sanford Valley City.

2017

Vicki Andvik, ’17, is a certified physician assistant specializing in gastroenterology at the Essentia Health-32nd Avenue Clinic in Fargo.

Madina Ismail, ’17, ’22, is a board-certified nurse practitioner at Trinity Hospital in New York.

Alexa Weyer, ’17, is a large animal veterinarian at Casselton Veterinary Service, serving rural North Dakota customers.

2018

Jonathan Barrett, ’18, is sales director at KALO, a leading supplier of turf water management products. He lives in Kansas City, Kan.

Ceara Goering, ’18, an advanced practice registered nurse and certified nurse practitioner specializing in rheumatology, joined Essentia Health-South University Clinic in Fargo.

Riley Hallaway, ’18, is multimedia content specialist for Explore Minnesota.

Tyler Heavner, ’19, is Acacia Forgot on season 17 of RuPaul’s Drag Race, which premiered on MTV in January 2025.

Grace (Carson) Murphy, ’18, is an OB/GYN at Essentia Health St. Mary’s-Detroit Lakes in Minnesota.

Brady Oliveira, ’18, a running back for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, was honored as the Canadian Football League’s Most Outstanding Player and the league’s Most Outstanding Canadian. He is only the fourth player to receive both awards in one season.

Amber Stola, ’18, a doctor specializing in pulmonology and critical care, joined Essentia Health-Fargo.

2019

Claire Erickson, ’19, ’23, is an epidemiologist for the North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services in Bismarck.

Josalyn (Buxa) Grueneich, ’19, a certified family nurse practitioner, joined Knowlton O’Neill and Associates, an independent mental health clinic in Fargo.

Anna Moser, ’19, is principal of the Columbus (Kan.) Unified School District Junior/Senior High School.

Adam Stiner, ’19, is director of athletics and activities at Verona (Wis.) Area High School.

Matthew Winkels, ’19, joined CHI St. Alexius Health Carrington (N.D.) as an ophthalmologist.

2020

Evan Brownrigg, ’20, is a first officer with Delta Air Lines. He is based out of Los Angeles International Airport.

McKenzie Metzen, ’20, is a survey technician at KLJ Engineering in Bismarck.

Kimberly Naplin, ’20, ’21, is an advanced practice registered nurse and certified nurse practitioner specializing in cardiology at the Essentia Health-32nd Avenue Clinic in Fargo.

Michael Osterholt, ’20, joined Inland Orthopaedic Surgery & Sports Medicine Clinic of Pullman and Moscow, Wash. Osterholt also serves as team physician for Washington State University Athletics.

2021

Rebecca Beyer, ’21, is a certified physician assistant specializing in emergency medicine at Essentia Health-Fargo.

Daniel Fife, ’21, earned national certification as a Certified Floodplain Manager from the Association of State Floodplain Managers. Fife works at KLJ Engineering LLC in Bismarck.

Ashley Olson, ’21, is an attorney at Peterson, Kolker, Haedt & Benda Ltd. in Albert Lea, Minn.

Joshua Wilmer, ’21, is the environmental compliance supervisor at American Crystal Sugar Company’s factory in Drayton, N.D.

2022

Mary Labuhn Bruns, ’22, ’24, is an epidemiologist for the North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services in Bismarck.

Orrin Burch, ’22, is an associate at Pearce Durick PLLC in Bismarck.

Danielle (Tretbar) Darchuk, ’22, is a certified physician assistant specializing in family medicine at Essentia Health-Park Rapids (Minn.) Clinic.

Wyatt Helinsky, ’22, is a maintenance engineer at American Crystal Sugar Company’s East Grand Forks Factory.

Amy (Blair) Starzecki, ’22, superintendent of the Superior School District, was named Wisconsin Superintendent of the Year.

Charles Steinberger, ’22, is an associate at Pearce Durick PLLC in Bismarck.

2023

Zach Greenberg, ’23, was appointed interim labor commissioner for the state of North Dakota. He formerly worked as a legal and policy advisor in the Governor’s Office.

2024

Shelby Ebertowski, ’24, is a meteorologist at KSAT in San Antonio, Texas.

Haley Finch, ’24, is an associate in the Litigation Associates Group of Stinson LLP in Bismarck.

Courtney Garman, ’24, is a first-grade teacher in Larimore, N.D.

Caitlin Hovde, ’24, is a family law paralegal at Gjesdahl Law, P.C. in Fargo.

Madison Peterson, ’24, is marketing specialist at Arrowhead Promotion and Fulfillment in Grand Rapids, Minn.

Charles Rieger, ’24, is an electrical designer at MBN Engineering, Inc. in Fargo.

2025

Katie Snyder, ’25, was selected to be a law clerk for the 2025-26 term of the North Dakota Supreme Court.

1945

Beverly (Norton) Middleton, ’45, turned 100 years old on Oct. 1. She celebrated near her home in Orlando, Fla.

1958

Lyle, ’58, and David Hillman, ’65, who are brothers, were parade marshals at the 125th Deuce of August Parade in Mountain, N.D.

1969

Barbara (Varberg) Solberg, ’69, ’72, was elected chair of the board of Humanities ND. She lives in Minot, N.D.

1972

Marna (Strinden) Ramnath, ’72, was named chair of the Toledo (Ohio) Alliance of the Performing Arts. Ramnath, a registered nurse, has served on the boards of several nonprofits.

1974

Deborah (Paulsen) Campion, ’74, serves on two boards – as programming vice president for the New Hope Women of Today and as secretary of the board of New Hope (Minn.) Lutheran Church Child Care Center.

William McKinnon, ’74, ’81, ’83, was named medical director of the Dakota Regional Medical Center in Cooperstown, N.D. 

1977

Rod Rohrich, ’77, HON ’06, was voted by Newsweek as the best rhinoplasty surgeon in the United States for the fourth consecutive year. He works at the Dallas Plastic Surgery Institute.  

1979

Danilo Dalan, ’79, ’83, ’87, is a doctor specializing in allergy and immunology at Essentia Health-South University Clinic in Fargo.

1981

Norman Boucher, ’81, ’83, retired from his job as a full-time anesthesiologist in Duluth, Minn. A ceramic artist, Boucher works on pottery in Duluth and in Grand Forks as a member of Muddy Waters Clay Center.

1982

Julie (Keller) Stavn, ’82, received the Minot State University Golden Award, the highest award bestowed by the MSU Alumni Association. Stavn, a former teacher and coach in Bismarck Public Schools, earned multiple state championships and coach of the year awards.  

1984

Bill Woods, ’84, received the Lucille Dawson Award for Professional Excellence from the National Tribal Child Support Association. Woods, a Mountrail County attorney, lives in Parshall, N.D.

1985

Robert McNally, ’85, retired after 40 years at the Lincoln (Neb.) Airport, most recently as director of operations. McNally was awarded the 2024 Airport Professional of Year by the Great Lakes Chapter of the American Association of Airports.

1988

Christopher Johnson, ’88, was named President and CEO of Portico Benefit Services.

1989

Daniel Gaustad, ’89, ’94, was reappointed Grand Forks City Attorney.

Sherlock Hirning, ’89, is superintendent for the Elgin/New Leipzig (N.D.) School District.

1990

Brian Berger, ’90, is director of sales for Merchant Market, a Caribbean food distributer that serves the islands off the coast of Florida.

Daniel Bueide, ’90, and his wife Michelle opened the Bueide Law Firm in Fargo.

Mark Nord, ’90, is the control valve solution architect for Emerson’s flow controls products in Marshalltown, Iowa.

1991

Stacy (Bossert) Anderson, ’91, received the 2024 YWCA Woman of the Year Award in the education category. Anderson lives in Fargo.

Don Kostuck, ’91, retired after 32 years as an air traffic controller for the Federal Aviation Administration, the last 11 at the Dallas-Fort Worth Tower. He lives in Dallas.

Jean (Como) Sando, ’91, is the North Campus Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs at Oak Grove Lutheran Schools in Fargo. She lives with her husband, Paul Sando, ’89, a geoscience professor at Minnesota State University Moorhead. 

1992

Paul Chocola, ’92, was named deputy fire chief of the City of Oak Forest, Ill.

Brad Hoffelt, ’92, is chief financial officer at AgriBank in St. Paul, Minn.  

1993

Brett Kalina, ’93, ’96, is executive officer at San Diego County Citizens’ Law Enforcement Review Board. Kalina is a retired FBI supervisory special agent with 20 years of experience. 

Ginger (Buxa) Plumbo, ’93, is the director of external communications at Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation. She lives in Rochester, Minn., with her two daughters.

Todd Watterud, ’93, is chief operations officer of the Northwest Communications Cooperative in Ray, N.D. 

1994

Eva (Spindler) Keiser, ’94, was elected to the PRSA College of Fellows, the gold standard for leadership and service in the public relations profession. Keiser lives in Minneapolis.

1995

Randi Anderson, ’95, is superintendent of the Sevastopol, Wis., School District. 

1998

Jeffrey Sather, ’98, received the Minot State University Golden Award, the highest award given by the MSU Alumni Association. Sather is chief of staff at Trinity Health in Minot and medical director for the North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services. 

1999

Jim Thompson, ’99, was elected chairman of the North Dakota Soybean Council. He also serves as chairman of Rich Township and president of the Cass County Township Officers Association. Thompson lives in Page, N.D.

2000

Thomas Wyatt, ’00, is chair of the Department of Emergency Medicine at Hennepin Healthcare. He is one of the first tribally enrolled Native Americans (Shawnee/Quapaw) to lead an academic emergency department in the United States, and the first to chair an emergency department in Minnesota. 

2001

Phillip Goter, ’01, ’05, is partner in the intellectual property department at Barnes & Thornburg’s Minneapolis office.  

Kevin Karls, ’01, ’04, a gastroenterologist, joined the Essentia Health-Mid Dakota Bismarck 9th Street Clinic.

Jon Schelkoph, ’01, was promoted to office executive at Michael Baker International in the firm’s Minneapolis office.

2002

Tony Clark, ’02, was selected to be executive director of the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners.

David Fox, ’02, was appointed vice president-director of field operations, underwriting for The Federated 2024 Insurance Companies headquartered in Owatonna, Minn. 

2004

Colette Keith, ’04, is executive vice president of Sinte Gleska University in Mission, S.D.  

Shari Olson, ’04, was named interim president of Northland Community & Technical College in St. Paul, Minn. 

2006

Curtis Jefferson, ’06, ’08, received the 2024 Award for Excellence in Assessment from the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy. Jefferson is director of assessment & accreditation at the University of Washington School of Pharmacy in Seattle. 

2007

Trent Erickson, ’07, retired from the U.S. Marine Corps after serving over 20 years on active duty. 

2009

Erika (Wolf) Feole, ’09, was named the 2024 Graciela Wilborn North Dakota Foreign Language Teacher of the Year. She teaches German at Red River High School in Grand Forks.

Ashley (Johnson) Frost, ’09, Commander of the United States Public Health Service, is laboratory director at the Kodiak Area Native Association in Kodiak, Alaska.

Robert Klenner, ’09, ’12, was appointed president of GreenFire Energy in Emeryville, Calif.  

Michael Little, ’09, ’11, is executive director of Jail Chaplains in Fargo.

2010

Laura Aldridge, ’10, a post-production supervisor for NBC Universal/Wolf Entertainment, is currently working on “Law & Order” and “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit.” She lives in North Hollywood, Calif.

2011

Michael Leeser, ’11, is a district court judge in Minnesota’s Seventh Judicial District.  

Kylie Oversen, ’11, ’12, ’16, received the Art and Grace Link Lifetime Achievement Award. As chair of the DNC Rural Council, Oversen served three terms as the chairwoman of the North Dakota Democratic-NPL Party and was the youngest person in the country to hold a state party position. She works at the Schneider Law Firm in Fargo.  

2012

Michael Danielson, ’12, is director of the Veterans Business Outreach Center of the Dakotas, which supports service members, veterans, and military spouses in their pursuit of entrepreneurship.

Taylor (Bohannon) Jandik, ’12, is managing director of Northwestern Mutual in Edina, Minn.  

Lu Jiang, ’12, is pro bono program manager at Legal Counsel for Youth and Children, which was recognized by the National Association of Counsel for Children as the 2024 Outstanding Children’s Law Office.

2013

Sydnie (Smith) Bahl, ’13, will run the 2025 Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race, a 1,000-mile remote wilderness race from Anchorage to Nome, Alaska. .

Matthew Barber, ’13, earned the nickname “Appellate Whiz Kid” for the number and quality of amicus curiae appellate briefs he contributes on behalf of the members of the Minnesota Association for Justice. He works at Schwebel, Goetz & Sieben in Minneapolis. 

Tricia Berg, ’13, was elected to the Grand Forks City Council.

Christopher Dahl, ’13, is a captain at Envoy Air. He lives near Dallas, Texas.

Austin Salyer, ’13, is superintendent for the Midway School District in Inkster, N.D. 

2014

Kaitlin Lilienthal, ’14, leads the outpatient behavioral therapy service at Cayuga Health in Ithaca, N.Y.

2015

Cole Allick, ’15, was appointed to the Washington State Dementia Action Collaborative. Allick is a research assistant professor at Washington State University’s Institute for Research and Education to Advance Community Health.  

Laura (Huss) Fussy, ’15, is the city clerk in Lake Shore, Minn.

Kelsey (Misialek) Laffen, ’15, is a loan servicing specialist at Bank Forward in Fargo.

Michael Trimble, ’15, is a certified physician assistant at Firefly Walk-in Clinic in Portland, Ore. 

2016

Jordan Hollingsworth, ’16, is high school principal at Valley-Edinburg School in Crystal, N.D.

Paul LaDue, .. ’16, signed a one-year deal to play in Sweden’s top hockey league.

Daniel Saccomando, ’16, is a civil servant overseeing contract policy compliance for NASA. Saccomando bought a family restaurant in 2020 and won a James Beard award in 2023.

2017

Aaron Mitchell, ’17, ’22, was named senior vice president for administration, finance and operations at Wichita State University, Kansas’s only urban public research university.

2018

Rasika Mohottige, ’18, is an assistant professor of physics at Northwestern Oklahoma State University in Alva, Okla. 

Nicole (Olson) Morgan, ’18, is a certified nurse practitioner at the Cancer Center of North Dakota, Grand Forks. 

Shawn Peterson, ’18, is operations manager at IDM Companies in Scottsdale, Ariz.

2020

Kelsey (Butler) Adams, ’20, is a K-12 counselor at Central Valley School in Buxton, N.D.

Jack Lansing, ’20, is a physician assistant at Aspirus St Luke’s Clinic Duluth (Minn.) Nephrology.

Andrew Peski, ’20, signed to play hockey with Rungsted in Denmark.

Colton Poolman, ’20, signed to play for the NHL’s Buffalo Sabres.

Matthew Hokanson, ’20, is head coach of the Minnesota State Mankato women’s tennis team.

Ashley Ueckert, ’20, opened Sage Family Chiropractic in Fargo.

Stephanie (Ziegler) Wilke, ’20, is in residency at the University of Kansas School of Medicine-Wichita Family Medicine Residency Program at Ascension Via Christi St. Francis in Wichita, Kan.

2021

Brock Boltmann, ’21, is a graduate assistant with the UND Football team.

Kyle Finseth, ’21, ’24, is associate airport planner at Denver International Airport. 

Clay Froseth, ’21, joined the law firm of Olson & Burns P.C. in Minot. N.D.

Julie Harmon, ’21, joined AdventHealth Medical Group Hematology Oncology at Calhoun (Ga.).

Mackenzie Holland, ’21, is a certified physician’s assistant specializing in urology at Essentia Health-Duluth (Minn.) Clinic. 

Matt Kiersted, ’21, re-signed to play hockey with the Florida Panthers for the 2024-25 season.

Ian Meriwether-Chalfant, ’21, is manager of Watertown (S.D.) Regional Airport.   

Andrew Obritsch, ’21, is a family medicine specialist at Essentia Health-Mid Dakota Bismarck (N.D.) Gateway Clinic. 

2022

Jessica Johnson, ’22, a certified physician assistant, has joined Pella (Iowa) Regional Health Center.

Will Tibert, ’22, senior associate with NorthRock Partners, passed his CPA exam in August. Tibert lives and works in Minneapolis.

2024

Lauren Bernhardson, ’24, is a fourth-grade teacher at Randolph, Minn., Schools.

Jack Blotsky, ’24, Danielle Middleton, ’24, and McKenna Weisenburger, ’24, have one-year clerkships with the North Dakota Supreme Court.

Chelsea (Upthegrove) Casper, ’24, an advanced practice registered nurse and certified nurse practitioner specializing in neurosurgery, joined Essentia Health-St Mary’s Medical Center in Duluth, Minn.

1965

Garry Gibbs, ’65, ’67, owner/broker of the Advanta Realty Group, was selected as a Top Executive by Marquis Who’s Who for accomplishments for his 50-year professional career in real estate, finance, energy, and defense. He lives in La Quinta, Calif.

1966

Bill Wilms, ’66, was nominated to the British Columbia Hockey Hall of Fame. Wilms, a radio broadcaster, has covered more than 700 Vancouver Giants (of Canada's Western Hockey League) games. He is also in the Delta Sports Hall of Fame for golf.

1968

Rich Solberg, ’68, ’73, an award-winning metal sculptor from Minot, will be featured in his fourth art show at the Taube Museum of Art in Minot in September 2024.

1970

Rick Cornell, ’70, was inducted into the North Dakota Softball Hall of Fame. The former catcher lives in Grand Forks.

1971

Sharon (Spicer) Stewart, ’71, ’98, is an associate professor and head of the Math, Science and Technology Department at the University of Minnesota Crookston. She is also a practicing dietician.

1975

J. Michael Hatlelid, ’75, retired from practicing neurology in April. He was Associate Professor of Clinical Neurology at Washington University in St. Louis and served 14 years as medical director at a large stroke program.

1978

Venkatachalam Garimella, ’78, owner and CEO of VGL LABS, was recognized in Marquis Who's Who. Garimella is an expert in electrical engineering and hardware-based cybersecurity. He lives in Valrico, Fla. 

Gregory Gores, ’78, ’80, received the 2023 Mayo Clinic Alumni Association Professional Achievement Award. Gores, a liver disease physician-scientist, has also received mentorship awards from the Department of Internal Medicine at Mayo Clinic in Rochester and the American Gastroenterological Association. He lives in Rochester, Minn. 

Denise Lajimodiere, ’78, ’96, ’06, North Dakota Poet Laureate, received an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters from North Dakota State University. Lajimodiere, an enrolled citizen of the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa, has been involved in education for 44 years as an elementary school teacher, principal, and professor.

1980

Michael Beauchane, ’80, retired in 2014 from the U.S. Government after 33 years in Federal Law Enforcement, the last 12 for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. He lives in West Fargo.

William McMillan, ’80, ’82, retired from the Sanford Health Clinic in Jamestown after practicing medicine for nearly 37 years.

1981

Kenneth Harmon, ’81, retired after 37 years as a commercial aviation product engineer at Honeywell International. He lives in Duluth, Minn.

Paula (Schorsch) Redmann, ’81, was elected to a four-year term on the Board of Park Commissioners in Bismarck, N.D.

1982

Bruce Romanick, ’82, ’86, will retire at the end of the year after 24 years as South Central District Judge. Romanick lives in Bismarck, N.D.

1984

Cary Eades, ’84, ’86, general manager and head coach of the Fargo Force, was named the 2023-24 United States Hockey League General Manager of the Year.  

1985

Jay Skabo, ’85, retired as VP of Electric Supply at Montana-Dakota Utilities after 20 years. He lives in Bismarck, N.D., with his wife, Linda, and grandson Thorin.

1986

Joane (Brown) Mathews, ’86, a retired brigadier general in the Wisconsin Army National Guard and member of the Lac du Flambeau Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians, was named on the list of Wisconsin's 32 Most Influential Native American Leaders.

1987

Mark Graupe, ’87, ’91, ’05, is head women’s basketball coach at Miles Community College in Miles City, Mont. 
Jeff Schumacher, ’87, long-time head wrestling coach at Bismarck High School, received the Special Achievement Award from the North Dakota Associated Press Sportscasters and Sportswriters Association. Schumacher now coaches at Bismarck State College.

1988

Randi Anderson, ’88, ’95, is superintendent of the Sevastopol School District in Evastopol, Wis.

1989

Angie (Hart) Lommen, ’89, received the Sisterhood Award from Leading Ladies of Defense and Aerospace for her efforts to champion the defense industry and the women forging careers within it. Lommen, a program director with BAE Systems, lives in Rochester Hills, Mich.

John Trevor, ’89, retired after 29 years as a biologist for Ducks Unlimited Canada. He and his wife, Cheri Gratto-Trevor, ’89, live in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. 

1990

Gerald (Jud) DeLoss, ’90, ’94, was nominated to the Board of Directors of the American Health Law Association (AHLA). DeLoss serves as CEO and Chief Legal Officer of the Illinois Association for Behavioral Health.

Mylo Einarson, ’90, president and CEO of Nodak Electric Cooperative, was named to the board of directors of Grand Forks Region Economic Development Corp.

Jeff Laven, ’90, is a 737 Captain with United Airlines based in Denver.  Laven has been with United since 1997. He lives with his wife, Deborah (Schaffer) Laven ’90, in West Fargo.

Michael Norgard, ’90, ’94, a women's health specialist, joined Sanford Health Detroit Lakes, Minn. He was voted Best Doctor in Otter Tail County in 2023.  

1991

Carolyn (Malsom) Mallory, ’91, retired after a 30-year administrative career at the University of Houston-Victoria in Victoria, Texas, where she lives with her husband Ronn Mallory, ’92.

Brad Melland, ’91, retired after 19 seasons in equipment management for the Cleveland Browns. Melland began his career with the Orlando Thunder in 1991. He also worked for the Tampa Storm, Baltimore Stallions, Rhein Fire, Montreal Alouettes, and the Seattle Seahawks. Melland’s accomplishments with the Browns include his role in Cleveland’s 2021 playoff victory in Pittsburgh, his participation in the draft as the Browns’ representative, and being awarded Equipment Manager of the Year for the 2013-2014 season. Melland was involved in “Draft Day,” “Hard Knocks,” and “NFL Road Tested: The Cleveland Browns.”

Staci (Hartman) Satterwhite, ’91, was appointed COO of ABS Wavesight. She lives in Houston.

1992

Ronn Mallory, ’92, retired after a 30-year career teaching high school social studies in Victoria, Texas, where he lives with his wife, Carolyn (Malsom) Mallory, '91.

Tony Weiler, ’92, ’98, was elected vice president of NABE, the association for bar professionals. He is the second North Dakotan to be elected to the top office and will spend two years as vice president, president elect, and president. Weiler is executive director of the State Bar Association of North Dakota and lives in Bismarck, N.D.

1993

Jenny LeTexier, ’93, is project manager at General Atomics Aeronautical in Grand Forks.

Cory Melland, '93, president of PS Industries, Inc., was named to the board of directors of the Grand Forks Region Economic Development Corp.

John Schumacher, ’93, ’06, was named to the American Federal Board of Directors. Schumacher has been president of American Federal since 2023. He lives in Fargo.

1994

James Buchli, HON ’94, will be the 49th recipient of the North Dakota Theodore Roosevelt Rough Rider Award. Buchli is a NASA astronaut born in New Rockford, N.D. He was the first North Dakotan to fly in space and is a veteran of four space flights. 

1996

Erin (Campbell) Wood, ’96, is vice president of advancement at Lake Region Sate College in Devil's Lake, N.D. She and her husband, Steve, ’94, farm near Devils Lake.

Judd Wadholm, ’96, is senior vice president and general manager of Core Brands for Choice Hotels International, Inc.

Kersten (Middleton) Zupfer, ’96, executive vice president and CFO of Regis Corp., was named a Top Women Chief Financial Officer of 2024 by Women We Admire. Zupfer lives in St. Paul, Minn.
1998

Deb (Schwanke) Follman, ’98, retired after 42 years in education. She spent the last 26 years as principal of Sweetwater Elementary School in Devils Lake, N.D.

Mike Nowatzki, ’98, was the keynote speaker for UND Communication Appreciation Day in April. He works for Gov. Doug Burgum in Bismarck.

1999

Mark Bents, ’99, ’01, is director of real estate and airline affairs for the revenue and business development division of the Metropolitan Airports Commission in Minneapolis.

Derek Driedger, ’99, ’01, is provost at Dakota Wesleyan University in Mitchell, S.D.

Seamus Duffy, ’99, ’03, was appointed a district court judge in Minnesota’s Ninth Judicial District.

Kevin Ericson, ’99, market president for Independent Financial, was elected chairman of the Colorado Bankers Association Board.
Kevin Harmon, ’99, is Vice President of Student Affairs and Intercollegiate Athletics at Minot State University.

Dwight Luhmann, ’99, was appointed Winona County (Minn.) District Court Judge. He previously was a Preston City Attorney and private practice lawyer.

2000

Jaimee Lucke Hendrikson, ’00, is president and CEO of Visit St. Paul. 

2001

Arlene Krulish, ’01, has been named a 2024 Bush Fellow. From the Spirit Lake Nation, Krulish helps people overcome addiction and will enroll in a nurse practitioner program.

2002

Kelly Anderson, '02, a first-grade teacher at Sweetwater Elementary School, was awarded the 2025 Devils Lake Public School Teacher of Year.

Emily (Hoffman) Brooks, ’02, received the YWCA Woman of the Year Award for Arts and Culture. She lives in Fargo.

Erick Dahl, ’02, was appointed airport director of the Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport in Broomfield, Colo.  

Andrea Hanson, ’02, a human systems engineer at NASA’s Johnson Space Center, is President of the Space Medicine Association (SMA).

2006

Lacey (TerWee) Fetsch, ’06, CEO of University Federal Credit Union, was installed as a board member at Dakota Credit Union Association. Fetsch lives in Grand Forks.

Scott Meyer, ’06, is the engagement director for GrandSky, a UAS-specific business and aviation park at the Grand Forks Air Force Base.

Linda (Schwartz) Pettersen, ’06, received the Minot State University Distinguished Lifetime Educator Award.  Pettersen was also a 50-year Recognition Recipient as a BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing) Nurse from the North Dakota Nursing Association in May 2024.

Patricia (Olson) Savre, ’06, senior vice president and resident director for Merrill Lynch Wealth Management and leader of the Savre Wealth Management Group in Minneapolis, was named on the 2024 Forbes Top Women Wealth Advisors Best-In-State list.

2007

Lisa Gibson, ’07, owns and operates Sage & Stone Strategies, a full-service strategic communication consulting firm. 

Michelle (Worner) Kommer, ’07, is a USA Today 2024 Woman of the Year. Krommer, former state commission of North Dakota, owns HighRoad Partners, a human resources firm that caters to small business owners in North Dakota and Minnesota.

Sally (Opp) Miskavige, ’07, ’08, vice president of Opp Construction, was named to the board of directors of the Grand Forks Region Economic Development Corp.

Marisa Smith, ’07, is partner at Odgers Berndtson where she leads the U.S. Automotive and Mobility Practice. She lives in Chicago.

2008

Christen Joy Anderson, ’08, is principal designer and owner of Christen Joy, an interior design firm in Moorhead, Minn.

Weston Dressler, ’08, is a member of the 2024 Canadian Football League Hall of Fame. Dressler, who spent 11 years in the CFL, now serves as senior community relations specialist for the Bismarck region of Sanford Health.

2010

Cory Bauer, ’10, was selected as the Top Civil Engineer of the Decade for 2024 by the International Association of Top Professionals. Bauer is the owner of Eternal Infrastructure Consulting, LLC. He lives in Owasso, Okla.

Travis Bentz, ’10, ’14, a primary medicine physician at PrimaryPlus–Vanceburg, was named the Lewis County (Ky.) EMS Medical Director.

Shea (Thomas) Miller, ’10, is a member-owner of Ebeltoft . Sickler . Lawyers. in Dickinson, N.D.

Dane Mitteness, ’10, ’14, was appointed chief medical officer and senior leadership team member of Alomere Health in Alexandria, Minn.

Michael Sanford, ’10, is a service advisor at Cedric Theel Toyota in Bismarck.

Emily Stunek, ’10, is an advanced practice registered nurse and certified nurse practitioner specializing in endocrinology at Essentia Health-Duluth Clinic.

2011

Jessica Christy, ’11, is executive director of the North Dakota Council on the Arts.

Brad Malone, ’11, retired from the American Hockey League. Malone is the longest-serving captain in Bakersfield (Calif.) Condors' history, leading the team for four years. 

2012

Abigail Fuller, ’12, was appointed to serve on the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) National Public Policy Council for a three-year term. Council members provide an advisory role to the AFSP National Board of Directors on mental health and suicide prevention policy and advocacy. Fuller lives in San Antonio, Texas. 

Griffin Stangel, ’12, is a pilot for the Blue Angels, a flight demonstration squadron of the United States Navy. Stangel, a lieutenant commander, lives in Madison, Wis.

Brooke (Gerner) Suárez, ’12, joined the insurance and reinsurance group of Riker Danzig LLP, based in Morristown, N.J.

2013

Allee Mead, ’13, ’16, web writer for the Center for Rural Health (CRH) at UND, appeared on Jeopardy! in early June. Mead, a lifelong fan of the show who auditioned several times before snagging a spot, placed second.

2014

Eric Tombaugh, ’14, is director of logistics for Ergon Asphalt & Emulsions in Jackson, Miss.

2015

Megan Garza, ’15, is the owner of Rush Expresso in Sidney, Mont. The drive-thru coffee shop was a runner-up in Barclays U.S. Consumer Bank's "Small Business Big Wins" promotion.

Ashley (Sersland) Tike, ’15, is the power skating coach for the Wenatchee Wild Hockey Academy. A former competitive figure skater, Tike lives in Wenatchee, Wash.

2016

Anna Argenti, ’16, was appointed District Attorney in Juneau, Alaska.

Franchesca Cook, ’16, is a physician assistant at A.T. Still University Kirksville Family Medicine in Kirksville, Mo.

Brett DeGagne, ’16, is a pitting coach for the Somerset Patriots, a Minor League Baseball affiliate of the New York Yankees based in Bridgewater Township, N.J.

Kelsey (Knox) Hildebrandt, ’16, is director of alumni relations and signature events at William Jewell College in Liberty, Mo.

Jenna Mazour, ’16, is a certified nurse practitioner specializing in dermatology at Essentia Health St. Mary's-Detroit Lakes Clinic.

Adria (Nasset) Ridl, ’16, is a certified physician assistant specializing in family medicine at Essentia Health-Mid Dakota Bismarck Gateway Clinic.

Brian Stephens, ’16, is a cyber security specialist for the Internal Revenue Service, working to prevent unauthorized access to taxpayer data, identity theft, and fraudulent returns. Stephens lives in Huntsville, Ala.

2017

Jake Disterhaupt, ’17, ’18, is clinic manager of orthopedics & sports medicine and clinic manager of interventional pain management at Aspirus St. Luke's in Duluth.  

Bryce Mathison, ’17, is a project engineer for Apex Engineering Group in Detroit Lakes, Minn.

Peter Monsrud, ’17, is the community engagement strategist for the Fargo Police Department. He manages social media and web content and plans community events.

2018

Abby Berg, ’18, is owner of Abigail's, a micro bookstore in Grand Forks.

Riley Greeley, ’18, is a buyer in the finance department at North Memorial Health Level 1 Trauma Center in Minneapolis.

Alyssa Guck, ’18, is a lifestyle TV host for KY3 in Springfield, Mo.

Katie Jo Miller, ’18, is an attorney in the Caddo Parish Public Defender’s Office. She is the first military spouse attorney to take advantage of a new Louisiana rule that allows licensed attorney spouses of active-duty military members who reside in the state to apply for a limited license to practice law. 

2019

Alec Arvanitakis, ’19, is the running back coach for University of Minnesota Duluth football team.

Alivia Olson, ’19, ’22, is an associate attorney at Nilson Brand Law in Mayville, N.D.

2020

Kailey Arman, ’20, is a digital marketing specialist at Cornerstone Bank in Bismarck.

Cody Carpentier, ’20, is an NFL draft analyst for RosterWatch and a SiriusXM radio host.

Jairica Christjohn, ’20, a physical therapist, joined Oneida Comprehensive Health Division (Wis.) and works on the therapy team and in-outpatient care at the Anna John Resident Centered Care community.

Keenan Devier, ’20, is the first marketing and events coordinator for the city of Crookston, Minn.

Tayler Goettle, ’20, is a tax senior associate with Eidi Bailly in Fargo.

Carrie Smith, ’20, is Becker County (Minn.) administrator. 

2021

Ray Brooks, ’21, received a gold award for participating the “Fly North Dakota Airports” passport program. Brooks, one of five who received the award in 2023, lives in Bismarck, N.D.

Blake Kemnitz, ’21, is an agent with Farmers Union Insurance in Grand Forks.

Gracie Lian, ’21, ’22, attended a forum on national security at Maxwell Air Force Base, Ala. Lian, invited by the event by Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall III, is a Grand Forks County employee.

Lane Lindseth, ’21, director of bands and early elementary music specialist at Langdon (N.D.) Area Schools, was selected the 2024 Cavalier County Teacher of the Year.

2022

Madi Hart, ’22, was named head volleyball coach at Larimore (N.D.) High School. She played volleyball at UND from 2018-2021.

Habib Quadi, ’22, an oilfield operations specialist at the Energy & Environmental Research Center, joined the TWA Editorial Board. Quadi lives in Grand Forks.

Chris “C.J.” Siegel, ’22, signed with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, a Canadian professional football team. He joins two former UND football players on the team: Brady Oliveira, ’18, and Evan Holm, ’19.

2023

Steven Tjaden, ’23, is a controls and automation engineer for Schlumberger in Houston.

2024

Sasha (Hopfauf) Harm, ’24, is a certified physician assistant specializing in otolaryngology at the Essentia Health-South University Clinic in Fargo.

Sarah Dignan, ’24, was lead mentor for the FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) Robotics team for Grand Forks high school students. Dignan and other UND students started the team with in 2019 and helped lead them to the world championship this year. She moved to Virginia and will now mentor virtually. 

Max Langerud, ’24, earned first place in the ground trainer portion of the National Safety and Flight Evaluation Conference. 

Rachel Pederson, ’24, is a personal banker at American Federal Bank in Grand Forks.

Debbie Suess, ’24, is an advanced practice registered nurse and certified nurse practitioner specializing in palliative and elder care at Essentia Health-St. Joseph’s Medical Center in Brainerd, Minn.

Six UND Alumna Make Statewide Lists

Prairie Business Top 25 Women in Business

Paula Anderson, ’85, president and owner of Sterling Carpet One Floor & Home, Sterling Siding & Remodeling, took over Grand Forks Glass and Paint and turned it into a thriving business with a vastly expanded product offering.

Meghan Compton, ’06, ’10, chief clinic operations officer and executive vice president at Altru Health System, has served as Altru’s chief legal officer, manager of compliance and legal services, and patient safety/quality improvement coordinator.

Shea (Thomas) Miller, ’10, is member-owner of Ebeloft . Sickler . Lawyers, where she has worked since 2016.

Women We Admire Top 50 Women Leaders of North Dakota

Kristi Hall-Jiran, ’90, is chief philanthropy officer at Altru Health System. She served as president and CEO of the Community Violence Intervention Center in Grand Forks for nearly three decades.

Michelle Schumacher, ’05, is CFO at Stoneridge Software. She is active in the community and serves on several CPA boards and organizations.

Jill (Gustafson) Nelson, ’04, is director of operations & community relations for the Grand Forks Park District where she oversees fundraising, cultural programming, and marketing to golf courses.