Class Notes

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.

1959

Harold “Jim” Anderson, ’59, has been a member of the National Ski Patrol for 62 years. He is also a member of the Rock/Little Switzerland Ski Patrol. He lives in Greendale, Wis.

1962

William Ketter, ’62, CNHI senior vice president for news, was awarded the Wells Key for service to the Society of Professional Journalists.

1965

Richard “Rex” Haugen, ’65, is the namesake of Rex Haugen Court at Pelican Rapids (Minn.) High School, where Haugen was longtime basketball coach.

1967

Barry Bernhard, ’67, Chair of TEC Canada, was appointed to the UND Customer Experience Program Advisory Board. His daughter, Kristine (Bernhard) Juck, ’95, is executive director of Pain Care and Cystic Fibrosis for the Provincial Health Services Authority in British Columbia, Canada.

1974

Greg Lange, ’74, ’78, was honored with the Riverman Award, presented by the Missouri River Joint Water Resource Board in appreciation for a lifetime of leadership, resource management, and water development in the Missouri River corridor. Lange lives in Bismarck. 

Mary Martin, ’74, was honored as a 2023 Wyoming Woman of Influence by the Wyoming Business Report. She was recognized in the Lifetime Achievement category for her 48 years of service to the University of Wyoming and to the state.

1977

Gregory Schaack, ’77, retired after 28 years as CFO for St. Joseph’s/Candler Health System in Savannah, Ga., where he lives with his wife, Karen.
1978

Arleen (Dorsher) Norton, ’78, retired after 70 years as the organist for St. Michael’s Church in Grand Forks.

1979

Vicki Martin, ’79, retired after 10 years as president of Milwaukee Area Technical College in Wisconsin.

1980

Brad Nygaard, ’80, is a reporter covering public safety, law enforcement, and the court system for the Bismarck Tribune.

1981

Mark Jenson, ’81, received the Marshall Tanick award for teaching excellence at the University of Minnesota’s Hubbard School of Journalism and Mass Communication.

Kevin Moug, ’81, retired from his job as chief financial officer and senior vice president at Otter Tail Corporation after 27 years of service to the Fergus Falls, Minn.-based company.

1982

Thomas Arnold, ’82, ’84, joined West River Health Services in Hettinger, N.D. He specializes in gynecological surgery.
Brad Rinas, ’82, ’90, was named part-time superintendent of Underwood (N.D.) Schools.

Joel Wall, ’82, retired after 41 years of government service with the U.S. Army and the Department of Homeland Security. He lives in Alexandria, Va.

1983

Mike Fadel, ’83, is executive director-treasurer of the 115,000-member Massachusetts Teachers Association. Fadel lives in Quincy, Mass.

Charles Kummeth, ’83, joined the Orthofix Board of Directors. He is president and CEO of Bio-Techne Corporation, headquartered in Minneapolis.

1984

Richard Anderson, ’84, of West Fargo High School, was selected 2023 Winter Sports Assistant Coach of the Year by the North Dakota Coaches Association. He is in his 39th year of teaching.

Robin Bobzien, ’84, is city manager of Aberdeen, S.D., previously serving as public works director/city engineer for 29 years.

Audrey Stewart-Farol, ’84, retired after 32 years with the U.S. Postal Service and is now a junior deputy auditor for Clay County, Minn. She and her family own a stable of thoroughbred horses and race at tracks in Canada and the United States.

1985

Dale Heglund, ’85, received the lifetime achievement award from the NDSU Upper Great Plains Transportation Institute.

1986

Carrie (Thompson) Widmer, ’86, ’13, joined the behavioral health therapy staff at Northland Community Health Centers, providing service at Northland’s eight federally funded clinics in North Dakota.

1987

Shannon Holte, ’87, director of social services at Valley Senior Living - Woodside Village in Grand Forks, was named the Long-Term Care Social Worker of the Year by the North Dakota Long Term Care Association.

1988

Garfield Atchison, ’88, is president and CEO at McLaren Northern Michigan, a healthcare system based in Petoskey, Mich.

1989

Derek Dunham, ’89, is president of Varsity, a senior services marketing agency in Hershey, Penn.

Sharon Rezac Andersen, ’89, ’96, was recognized as an Honored Member of the American Association of University Women after serving as its president for two years. She lives in Green Valley, Ariz.

1990

Julie (Liffrig) Fedorchak, ’90, was named president of the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners. Fedorchak, a North Dakota Public Service Commissioner, lives in Mandan, N.D.

1991

Trent Clausen, ’91, is vice president of engineering and construction at Arcadian Infracom, an information infrastructure development company. Clausen lives in Livermore, Calif.

Deanna (Miller) Sellnow, ’91, was appointed chair of the Clemson University Department of Communication in Clemson, S.C.

1992

Brenda Chilstrom, ’92, is founder of That Makes Sense OT in Naples, Fla., which was awarded Best Occupational Therapy in the 2023 Best of Naples Awards. 

Blake Nicholson, ’92, is editor of the Bismarck Tribune. Nicholson, who has served as secretary/treasurer of the North Dakota Associated Press Sportscasters and Sportswriters Association since 2002, lives in Mandan, N.D.

1993

Janelle (King) Cheney, ’93, is district supervisor of field services at the Minnesota Department of Corrections in Moorhead, Minn.

Joseph Pelawa, ’93, is a civil engineer at Widseth, an architecture, engineering, environmental, and surveying firm, in Duluth, Minn.

Shaun Riffe, ’93, was awarded a 2022 Regional Emmy by the Upper Midwest Chapter Board of Governors for his work as writer/producer of the Home for the Holidays campaign for WCCO and the Minnesota Twins, which brings awareness to Veteran homelessness.

Erin (Halvorson) Schuld, ’93, retired from teaching after 28 years, 25 teaching fifth grade. She lives in Cibolo, Texas.

Mary (Whitworth) Whiteside, ’93, retired after 30 years of teaching elementary students: 20 years with the Department of Defense Dependent Schools overseas in Japan and 10 years in Minnesota and North Dakota.

1994

James Haussler, ’94, former Bismarck Public Schools Athletic Director, will be inducted into the North Dakota High School Athletic Coaches Association Hall of Fame on June 25.

1995

Charles Black Lance, ’95, was named to the board of directors of the Marshall H. and Nellie Alworth Memorial Fund. He is director of TRIO Student Support Services at Central Lake College in Brainerd, Minn.

1996

Lisa (Michels) Bales, ’96, is principal and COO of Kepp Flores Architects in Austin, Texas.

Cassie Gerhardt, ’96, ’08, was named to the board of directors for Make-A-Wish North Dakota. She is the associate vice president for student affairs at UND and lives in Grand Forks.

Tiffany Hodge, ’96, is a project manager in the Bismarck office of KLJ Engineering LLC.

Kersten (Middleton) Zupfer, ’96, CFO of Regis Corp., was named CFO of the Year 2023 by the Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal.

1997

LaTisha (Ulrich) Gietzen, ’97, is Marketing Manager-Mining North America for Kalenborn Abresist Corporation. She lives in Hibbing, Minn.

Ted Sandberg, ’97, was appointed to a judgeship in North Dakota’s Northeast Central Judicial District, composed of Grand Forks and Nelson counties. Sandberg practiced law in Grand Forks for over 25 years.

Paula Suda, ’97, ’04, retired as Hillsboro (N.D.) Public School Superintendent, a job she held for 14 years.

1998

Jon Olafson, ’98, was appointed to Colorado’s 2nd Judicial District Court.

1999

Mike Brookbank, ’99, is an award-winning TV news anchor and host of Good Morning Cleveland, an ABC affiliate in Cleveland, Ohio.

Stephanie Dahl, ’99, joined IMA Healthcare-Fargo. Dahl is a reproductive endocrinology and infertility specialist.

Shawn Ferguson, ’99, vice president of government relations and chief of staff in the Special Olympics International Office of Chairman Timothy Shriver, was awarded the Lions Club International Foundation’s Melvin Jones Fellowship for Dedicated Humanitarian Service. He lives in Washington, D.C. 

2000

Brent Keyes, ’00, is director of aviation for Graham Capital Management, L.P., a hedge fund based in Palm Beach, Fla.

Josh Long, ’00, was appointed Chief of the Office of Diverse Learner Supports and Services for Chicago Public Schools.

Pedro Ylisastigui, ’00, was named a Pinnacle Lifetime Member for his contributions to the medical field. Ylisastigui is a primary care physician in Lehigh Acres, Fla.

2001

Chris Domitrovich, ’01, serves as commander of the 119th Wing of the North Dakota National Guard, the Happy Hooligans. Domitrovich lives in Fargo.

Adam Gardner, ’01, is deputy director of aviation at Salisbury Regional Airport on the Eastern Shore of Maryland. He lives in Salisbury, Md. 

2002

Kevin Buettner, ’02, ’04, ’07, ’13, a clinical professor of nursing at UND, was inducted as a Fellow into the American Academy of Nursing.

Brent Ekstrom, ’02, executive director of Lewis & Clark Development Group, was reappointed to the Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines’ Affordable Housing Advisory Council. Ekstrom, who lives in Bismarck, represents North Dakota.

Ryan Holzwarth, ’02, is a board-certified dermatologist in the Hudson, Wis., office of Tareen Dermatology.

Kent Johnson, ’02, ’03, is assistant city manager in Elmhurst, Ill. He has been city engineer since 2014 and will also continue in that role.

JoAnna (Kaspar) O’Neil, ’02, ’04, a work-based learning coordinator at Pequot Lakes (Minn.) High School, received the Pequot Lakes School Staff of the Year award. She lives in Pequot Lakes with her husband, Michael O’Neil, ’02, ’03, who is Pequot Lakes Middle School principal.

Alex Vournas, ’02, is general manager of Mountrail-Williams Electric Cooperative, which provides services to northwestern North Dakota. He lives in Williston, N.D. 

2003

Carl Clemetson, ’03, is the owner of Clemetson Event Services, LLC, which recently purchased the Regency Event Center in Minot, N.D.

Meg (Coffey) Morley, ’03, ’11, was named North Dakota Mother of the Year by American Mothers Inc. Morley practices law at Morley Legal Services in Grand Forks, working as a legal advocate for children, especially those in foster care.

Benjamin Spain, ’03, obtained his CCRN (Critical Care Registered Nurse) board certification. He is a cardiac ICU nurse at Cedars-Sinai, Beverly Hills, and lives in Los Angeles.

Paul Tessman, ’03, is an assistant professor in the Department of Surgery at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health in Madison, Wis.

Charity (Stephenson) Weeden, ’03, is associate administrator for NASA’s Office of Technology, Policy, and Strategy at NASA headquarters in Washington, D.C.

2006

Emily Carle, ’06, a family nurse practitioner, joined the staff at Richmond (Maine) Area Health Center.

Teri (Sigurdson) Larson-Johnson, ’06, a certified physician assistant and hematology and oncology specialist, joined the Essentia Health-Duluth (Minn.) Clinic. 

Melinda Lavine, ’06, an award-winning, multidisciplinary journalist, is features editor for the Duluth (Minn.) News Tribune.

Scott Meyer, ’06, was named to the Altru Board of Directors. Meyer is a North Dakota Senator and a Grand Forks mortgage planner.

Josett Monette, ’06, ’09, was named cabinet secretary of the New Mexico Indian Affairs Department. She lives in Albuquerque, N.M.

Tomi Kay Phillips, ’06, was named president of Sitting Bull College in Fort Yates, N.D. Phillips is a U.S. Army Veteran and a Bush Fellow.

2007

Selena Bailey, ’07, was named CFO of the Rural Alaska Community Action Program (RurAL CAP), a statewide nonprofit to empower low-income Alaskans. She lives in Eagle River, Alaska.

Dillan Knudson, ’07, was named Western Alliance Bank’s head of commercial banking for Arizona. He lives in Phoenix. 

Kari (Johnson) Koob, ’07, ’08, is director of accounting and controller for Alerus Financial. Koob lives in Minnetonka, Minn.

2008

Jenny (Dosch) Bladow, ’08, ’09, director of teacher education in UND’s College of Education & Human Development, was appointed to North Dakota’s Task Force for Teacher Retention and Recruitment. She is a member of the Education Standards and Practices Board.

Eric Fenstad, ’08, a cardiologist, joined the Essentia Health St. Joseph’s-Brainerd Clinic in Minnesota.
Nicole Gullickson, ’08, a doctor focused on obstetrics, women’s health, pediatrics and sports medicine, joined West River Health Services in Hettinger, N.D.

Joshua Knudson, ’08, is the first general surgeon in North Dakota to perform more than 1,000 robotic-assisted surgeries. Knudson works at the Sanford Broadway Same Day Surgery Center in Bismarck.

Lisa Martinez, ’08, is communications manager at the Agricultural Utilization Research Institute in Crookston, Minn.

2009 

Paige Helmers, ’09, opened Northern Sight Eyecare in Tisdale, Sask., with her husband, Trevor Styan.

David Piper, ’09, is a shareholder at Ohnstad Twichell Law Firm in West Fargo.

Sam Seafeldt, ’09, is reliever airports manager for the Minnesota-Twin Cities Metropolitan Airports Commission.

Korrine (Johnson) Stephani, ’09, is the first health professional in Grand Forks and one of five in North Dakota to qualify as a certified addiction registered nurse. She is the registered nurse case manager at LaGrave on First.

2010

Andy Foss, ’10, is an accounting assistant at CBE Construction in West Fargo, N.D.

Nick Ibarra, ’10, joined the operations team at VISIONBank in Fargo.

Gillian Lavik, ’10, is a general surgeon at McKenzie Health in Watford City, N.D.

Michael McNeff, ’10, ’14, a 12-year employee of the Rugby School District, was named North Dakota’s Superintendent of the Year by the North Dakota Association of School Administrators.

2011

JoLynn Azure, ’11, is a family practitioner with Sanford’s Highway 2 Clinic in Minot, N.D.

Curtis Dublanko, ’11, was inducted into the Leduc Sports Hall of Fame Class of 2023. Dublanko played football in the Canadian Football League, won two powerlifting provincial championships, and now coaches and is president of the District Minor Football Association. He lives in Thorsby, Alberta. 

Patrick Joyce, ’11, ’19, is senior business advisor for Alerus Financial in Fargo.

Mickayla (Zinsli) Rosard, ’11, has been appointed to a two-year term on the UND Center for Innovation Board of Directors. She is a partner at Groove Capital in Minneapolis, Minn.

Jeff Sands, ’11, was named to School Band and Orchestra Magazine’s 50 Directors Who Make a Difference. He teaches at Minnesota State Community and Technical College in Fergus Falls, Minn.

2012

Katie (Crook) Tomaszcyzuk, ’12, was named St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital’s Nurse of the Year.  She lives in Boulder, Colo.

2013

Victoria Hicks, ’13, ’16, is a partner at the Johnson Hicks Law Office, P.C., in Fargo.

Alex Johnson, ’13, is the production superintendent at American Crystal Sugar Company’s Drayton, N.D., factory.

Deidre Pugh, ’13, is a human resources and management instructor at Dakota College at Bottineau (N.D.).

Joseph “JJ” Schlangen, ’13, was appointed president of the central region of United Natural Foods Inc.

Ashley Secord-Holmes, ’13, is director of operations for the University of Minnesota women’s hockey team.

2014

Morris Duffy, ’14, is a physician assistant at Jacobson Memorial Hospital Care Center’s emergency room. He also sees patients at the Elgin Community Clinic in Elgin, N.D

Erik Kolb, ’14, teaches sixth grade reading and social studies at Jim Hill Middle School in Minot, N.D.

Laura (Tvrdik) Notch, ’14, is a 2023 Minnewaska Area Schools Athletic Hall of Fame inductee. Notch was a standout volleyball and fast-pitch softball player. Today, she is a clinical reviewer for Evolent in Alexandria, Minn.

Jose Saavedra, ’14, is director of the Bangor International Airport in Bangor, Maine.

Todd Wahlund, ’14, is vice president and chief financial officer at Otter Tail Corporation in Fergus Falls, Minn. 

2015

Sekou Dukuly, ’15, is managing director at the National Port Authority – Liberia.

Larry Guggisberg, ’15, received the 2023 Minnesota Association of School Administrators Polaris Leadership Award. Guggisberg, who served Minnesota public schools for 44 years, lives in Roseau, Minn. 

Kendell LaRoche, ’15, is a help desk analyst for the Jefferson Center for Mental Health in Denver, Colo.

Juan Martinez, ’15, has been named a partner at Widmer Roel, an accounting firm in Fargo.

Tessa Vaagen, ’15, was appointed a judicial referee and magistrate in North Dakota’s South Central Judicial District. She lives in Bismarck. 

2016

Sarah Jo Aymond, ’16, director of instrumental music at Iowa Western Community College, marched in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City as part of a band comprised of 400 band directors from across the U.S. Aymond lives in Bellevue, Neb. 

Katie Mayer, ’16, will become the Grand Forks Children’s Museum Executive Director in July 2024. Museum groundbreaking is scheduled for early 2025.

Jason Trainer, ’16, is vice president of strategic enrollment management at Minnesota State University Moorhead.

2017

Jordan (Hampton) Forgione, ’17, was selected to participate in the 2023-24 Boston Bruins Diversity and Inclusion Scouting Mentorship Program. Forgione is a Michigan area hockey scout and the girl’s director of Little Caesars AAA Hockey. She lives in Northville, Mich.

Kelsey Gladen, ’17, joined Essentia Health-St. Mary’s Center in Duluth, Minn. She is a pediatric intensivist.

Halie Kraft, ’17, is an occupational health nurse at American Crystal Sugar Company’s Hillsboro, N.D., factory.

Jordan Parise, ’17, is goalie coach at the Park City Ice Miners in Park City, Utah.

Andrea (Watkins) Sailer, ’17, ’19, is a speech-language pathologist at LaMoure (N.D.) School.

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

2018

Austin Artz, ’18, is an associate at Fredrikson & Byron in Bismarck.

Justin Bieber, ’18, and his father, Jeff, farmers in northeastern Montana/northwestern North Dakota, took second place in the irrigated wheat category at the National Wheat Yield Contest.

Maggie (Godfrey) Melvin, ’18, is director of admissions at the University of Minnesota Crookston.

Brady Oliveira, ’18, a running back for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, was awarded the Canadian Football League’s Most Outstanding Canadian for the 2023 season.

Matthew Wagner, ’18, is a radiologist at the Essentia Health-Duluth (Minn.) Clinic.

Connor Willits, ’18, is a control systems engineer at American Crystal Sugar Company’s Moorhead, Minn. factory.

2019

Daniel Hoy, ’19, a family medical specialist, joined the Essentia Health-West Fargo Clinic.

Bryan Johnson, ’19, a certified physician assistant specializing in family medicine, joined Essentia Health-Fosston (Minn.) Clinic.

Zachary Kraft, ’19, is a nurse practitioner at St. Luke’s Cardiology Associates in Duluth, Minn.

Micaela (Higlin) Ranisate, ’19, is a business banking officer at Starion Bank in Bismarck.

Brittney Smith, ’19, ’22, is an advanced practice registered nurse and certified nurse practitioner at Essential Health-Fargo. 

2020

Kennedy (Chrest) Archer, ’20, is customer service and sales supervisor at Gate City Bank in Grand Forks.

Nicholas Johnson, ’20, is a maintenance engineer at American Crystal Sugar Company’s Crookston, Minn., factory.

Ashlyn Kamrath, ’20, a doctor at Altru Hospital, has an obstetrics/gynecology fellowship at Altru Health System in Grand Forks.

Jordan Lindholm, ’20, joined St. Luke’s Mount Royal Medical Clinic in Duluth, Minn. 

Steven Lockhart, ’20, CEO at BrandRep, leads the Orange County, Calif., company’s digital marketing effort.

Brandi (Braukmann) Mosher, ’20, a registered nurse in the memory care unit at Bethany Retirement Living on University, was chosen as Caregiver of the Year by the North Dakota Long Term Care Association. Mosher lives in Fargo.

Nayana (Batham) Shallbetter, ’20, is a project engineer at Wigen Water Technologies in Chaska, Minn.

Terrill Taylor, ’20, is an assistant professor in the psychology department at the University of Maryland. He lives in Washington, D.C. 

2021

Jordan Kawaguchi, ’21, is a financial representative for Northwestern Mutual in Fargo.

Lane Lindseth, ’21, was named Langdon (N.D.) Area Schools Teacher of the Year. Lane is the director of bands and an early elementary music specialist.

2022

Ashley Dwyer, ’22, is a digital sales coordinator at KTTC in Rochester, Minn.

Ryan Hursh, ’22, is a nurse practitioner at St. Luke’s Interventional Pain Management in Duluth, Minn.

Rainey (Selvig) Muth, ’22, has joined the business law team of Moss & Barnett in Minneapolis.

Jacey Spaeth, ’22, is public health project coordinator at Kittson County (Minn.) Public Health. Spaeth is an AmeriCorps member.

Dillon Vogt, ’22, won a regional Emmy for his work as a meteorologist at WDAY TV in Fargo.

2023

Kaylina Kelley, ’23, is a physician assistant at the Cancer Center of North Dakota in Grand Forks.

Madonna McNulty, ’23, an advanced practice registered nurse and certified nurse practitioner specializing in hospital medicine, joined Essentia Health-St. Mary’s Medical Center in Duluth, Minn.

Hailey Narlock, ’23, is editor of the Walsh County Record in Grafton, N.D.  

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.