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ALUMNI NOTES

The University of Minnesota Duluth Bridge publishes Alumni Notes. You can send us notes by e-mail: alumni@d.umn.edu, by fax at 218-726-6186. If you are in the U.S., you can send your note to: Alumni Director, University Relations, University of Minnesota Duluth, 315 DAdB, 1049 University Drive, Duluth, MN 55812. This issue of the Bridge reflects the notes we received before May 1, 2004.

1952
Samuel J. Beard retired from Exxon Mobil in 1986 where he was president, chairman of the board and chief executive officer. He and his wife, Ardis Peterson, divide their time between their homes on Mercer Island in western Washington and Lake Chelan in eastern Washington. In 1988, he received the Robert E. Wilson award from the American Institute of Chemical Engineers recognizing his achievements in Nuclear Chemical Engineering.

Ronald J. Meyer, of Duluth, announced his retirement after 24 years with Proctor and Gamble and eight years with Prudential. He currently teaches the community education course, “Computers for Beginners.” Ronald is also a technical specialist for AARP’s TaxAide, supervising 66 tax sites in northern Minnesota. He and his wife, Barb, have six children and two grandchildren.

1960

Bill Laulo, of St. Louis, MO, retired in October of 2000 after 38 years of government service, including 30 years in the information security field. Currently, he is vice president of Laulo Consultants, Inc. and has taught computer security courses for the Department of Defense Security Service for the last three years. Bill and his wife of 41 years, Mary Brewster, have four grown children.

1965

John Caskey retired in 2003 after 12 years as the executive director of the local United Way and 26 years as a lieutenant colonel with the United States Marines. John and his wife, Marie Kuras, reside in Jacksonville, NC.

1966

Robert Harder, of Chicago, Illinois, won the 2004 Minnesota Magazine Short Story Contest. The story was published in the March/April 2004 issue of the magazine, which is a publication of the University of Minnesota Alumni Association.

1968

Diane Nikunen, of Rushford, MN, was inducted into the Minnesota Volleyball Coaches Association Hall of Fame. Diane’s teams went 326-74 during her 18 year coaching career at Kenyon-Wanamingo including eight conference championships. Although Diane retired from coaching in 1991, she continued teaching elementary health and physical education until 1998.

1969

John Litecky, of St. Louis Park, MN, has retired from the Hopkins School District after 34 years of teaching and coaching. John taught social studies and coached varsity soccer for Hopkins High School.

1971

David G. Gartzke recently became chairman of the Indianapolis-based Adesa, which includes Allete’s automotive service businesses. Before Allete became a publicly traded firm earlier this year, David served as the chairman of Allete’s board of directors and the chief executive officer of Adesa.

1972

Michael Shoveia, of Burnsville, MN, received his master’s degree in organizational leadership from the College of St. Catherine in 1999. In October of 2003 he completed 20 years as a trainer, and compliance officer at American Express Financial Advisors.

Mavis (Thiede) Fritsch was married in October. She has three children, Laura 28, Jana 26, and Matt 19. Mavis is a social worker in Developmental Disabilities at Mower County Human Services in Austin, MN.

1974

Jim Koepke, ’74 /’76, of Bloomington, MN, wrote Chasing Ghosts, a collection of his research and new evidence in the Kennedy assassination. His research includes interviews with CIA directors Richard Helms and William Colby and an interview with the Watergate figure Deep Throat.

1975

Lt. Col. Curtis Neal, of Las Vegas, retired from the Air Force after over 27 years service.
Earl Fashbaugh, of Dallas, is currently living in Lagos, Nigeria, working for Exxon Mobil as a senior exploration geologist researching deep water Miocene (oil and gas exploration and development). His wife is Susan Fashbaugh.

James K. Vizanko, ’75 and MBA ’82, was recently named senior vice president and chief financial officer for Allete. James has been working for Allete since 1978 and has held the positions of vice president and corporate treasurer.

1978

James Hoolihan, of Grand Rapids, was recently named president of Blandin Foundation effective in June. He is a former president of Industrial Lubricants Co. and CanJer, a Grand Rapids company that provides industrial supplies to logging, railroad, taconite, and coal mining industries. James earned a law degree from Mitchell College of Law and a master’s degree from UMD. He also completed the Harvard Business School Program on Non-profit Management in 1995.

Lorraine Mitchell, ’78 and MS ’92, of Duluth, and her siblings have written short memories about their father, Gene Miller. The stories were published in a recent issue of “Aggie,” an alumni newsletter of the Northwest School of Agriculture. Lorraine has a master’s degree in education and is employed at UMD.
Mark Ramsdell received the Outstanding Service Award for 2003 from the Minnesota Trucking Association. Mark is a partner with Larson, Allen, Weishair and Co., LLP.

1981

Nels E. Erickson, with LPL Financial Services of Duluth, has completed the National Institute for Estate Planners course in Las Vegas, NV and has been admitted into the Fellowship of Graduate Estate Planning Consultants.

Shawn Perich, along with Mike Furtman, published their book entitled, Whitetail Hunting, released by Creative Publishing International. Shawn’s book, Superior Seasons: Life on a Northern Coast was published by North Shore Press.

1982

Kathleen Erickson, of Spring Hill, FL, graduated with a master’s degree in adult education from the University of South Florida in December. She is now a registered nurse, and a nursing instructor for a practical nursing program at the Dasco Hernando Community College.

Dr. Scott Eskuri, ’82 and MS ’85, was hired as an anesthesiologist at St. Luke’s Anesthesia Associates in Duluth. Scott earned his medical degree from the Medical College of Wisconsin in Milwaukee and completed his residency at the Mayo Graduate School of Medicine, where he also completed a fellowship in cardiovascular anesthesiology.

1984

Kurt Bergemann’s 1997 book on the history of Brackett’s battalion of the Minnesota Calvary was re-published this year by the Minnesota Historical Society. The book is titled Brackett’s Battalion, Minnesota Cavalry in the Civil War and Dakota War. Kurt resides in Buffalo, MN.
Patricia Cope Staley is currently residing in Cumbria, south of the Scottish border. She is working there as a speech pathologist at the National Health Service in Carlisle. She lives on over a thousand acres with her husband, two sons, and about one thousand sheep.

1986

Christopher Dahlberg, of Duluth, and Wei Zifeng, of China, were married in October in Monterey, CA. Christopher earned his bachelor’s degree in political science from UMD. He also earned a master’s degree in public policy and a law degree from the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities.

Steven Draheim, ’86 and MA ’90, has taken the appointment of lighting designer and assistant professor at the University of Oklahoma’s School of Drama. Steven and his wife, Deborah, reside in Norman, OK.
Joseph Maijala, of Wilton Manors, FL, recently started as director of sales at the Double Tree Guest Suites, Fort Lauderdale Galleria. The property is located on the intra-coastal waterway in Fort Lauderdale, FL.

1987

Tom DeGree received his master’s degree from the University of St. Thomas in 1992. Tom is opening a café in Minneapolis called Wilde Roast Café. The café is named after Oscar Wilde, the popular 19th century playwright.

Catherine Heffernan and her husband, David Heffernan, are both currently in Mongolia on a Peace Corp assignment. They are stationed there for two years.

1988

Diane (Pavek) Running and her husband, Greg, have two children. Their son, Charles Nikolaus Lars, was born in October of 2003. Their daughter, Eleanor, was born in November of 2000. Diane is a designer and resides with her family in Savage, MN.

Brenda (Sward) Beuschel received her master’s degree in education in July from Viterbo University in LaCrosse, WI. Brenda is a kindergarten teacher at Elbrecht Elementary School in the Brodhead School District. Brenda and her husband, Sam, have four children.

Mary Warnes and Chris Marciniak, of Cloquet, were married in September. Mary earned her bachelor’s degree in business administration, and is employed by Gateway Computers of Duluth as a general manager.

1989

Frank Flanders, of Ottumwa, IA, is currently half way through his second (four-year) term on the Otummwa City Council.

Debra Stocke and Clayton Showalter III, both of Duluth, were married in February. Debra earned her bachelor’s degree in elementary education and is currently a sixth grade teacher at Morgan Park Middle School. Her husband, Clayton, is director of experimental engineering at Cirrus Design in Duluth.

1990

Mark Record and Tricia Bordson, both of Duluth, were married in September. Mark earned his bachelor’s degree in accounting, and is the general accounting manager for Luigino’s Inc. of Duluth. His wife, Tricia, is employed by Northland OB-GYN & Associates of Duluth.

Steven Sundland and Miranda Grussendorf, both of Duluth, were married in September. Miranda works in the finance department for Luigino’s in Duluth, and is employed by Grussendorf Nursery, Inc. in Hermantown. Steven works as a master plumber for R. J. Mehram & Sons in Duluth.

1992

Michael P. Hazelwood, and Monica Nelson, both of Chanhassen, MN, were married in August. Michael is now employed by Minnesota Rusco in Minnetonka as a sales manager. Monica is an advertising research manager for BBDO in Minneapolis.

1993

Scott Anderson, of Brule, and Lisa Wallin, of Duluth, were married in October. Scott earned a bachelor’s degree in philosophy, is the owner of Brule River Designs, and works at the Winneboujou Club, both in Brule. Lisa is a registered nurse at St. Luke’s Hospital.

Jeanne Devaney, MSW ’93, and Dr. Christopher Carroll, both of Duluth, were married in July at the First United Methodist Church in Duluth. Jeanne is currently employed by St. Mary’s Medical Center as a medical social worker. Christopher is an associate professor in the Electrical and Computer Engineering department at UMD.

Jeremy Laundergan completed his Master of Science in Engineering Management at California State University, Long Beach in August 2003. Jeremy has worked as a part-time yacht designer since graduating from UMD. He was a design team member for the 125’ catamaran Cheyenne which just broke the non-stop around the world sailing record, completing the circumnavigation in 58 days, 9 hours, 32 minutes, and 45 seconds. Cheyenne also holds the East-West Transatlantic record.

1995

David Kuhn and his wife, Yetta, welcomed their second child, Mitchell David, in March. Mitchell joins his older brother, Phillip, and the rest of the family in Eden Prairie. David recently graduated with a master’s degree in business administration from the University of St. Thomas and is employed by Seagate Technology as an engineering manager.

Derek Olson and Barb Johnson, both of Duluth, were married in September. Derek is employed as a senior investment associate for RBC Dain Rauscher in Duluth. His wife, Barb, is the human resource manager for Maurice’s Inc. of Duluth.

Shawn Severson, MD, completed her residency in obstetrics and gynecology in June and is moving to Mankato, MN, to start a new practice. Shawn received her doctorate from the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities in 2000. Shawn and her husband, Andrew Gunsaullus welcomed their son, Aidan, into their lives in July.

Cory Stanhope and Rebecca Schwiesow, both of Apple Valley, were married in March.
Cory is employed by NAPA Auto Parts in Hudson, WI. His wife, Rebecca, is pursuing her associate’s degree at Dakota County Technical College, in Rosemount, MN, in interior design.

1996

Stacey Hanson, of Moorhead, MN, and Jim Nilsson, ’91, of St. Paul were married in May. Stacey is pursuing a master’s degree in special education from the University of Wisconsin, Superior. She currently teaches special education at Edison-Washburn Junior Academy in Duluth. Her husband, Jim, is employed by the City of Duluth.

1997

Julie Borg and Nathan Dallmann, both of Cloquet, were married in October. Julie is pursuing a master’s degree in business administration from UMD. She is currently a credit analyst for US Bank of Duluth. Nathan is a magnetic resonance imaging technician at St. Mary’s Clinic in Duluth, and also a flight instructor.

Eric Gustafson was a runner-up for the Gerald R. Ford Prize for Distinguished Reporting of the Presidency, and was acknowledged at a ceremony hosted by Gerald Ford in New York. Eric was recognized for his coverage of the Bush administration’s relationship with Congress and the media in 2003. Eric has worked for The Economist magazine since 2001 and lives in Philadelphia.

Karen Madrzak, M.A. ’97 and Joel Green, ’97, recently had a son, Elijah Joel. Elijah has a two-year-old brother named Isaac Mitchell. Karen has a master’s degree in communication disorders and is a speech-language pathologist. Joel works as a forestry technician. The family resides in Prairie Du Sac, WI.
Anne Meyer of Richfield, MN, and Salum Abdalla Saad, of Zanzibar, Tanzania, were married in March. The couple currently resides in Richfield, MN. Anne received her bachelor’s degree in art history.

Matthew Petersen and Valerie Menzel, both of Duluth, were married in July. Matthew earned his bachelor’s degree in physical education, and teaches physical education at Kenwood and Washburn Edison charter schools in Duluth. Valerie is a special education paraprofessional at Raleigh Edison charter schools in Duluth.

1998

Kristine Squillace, MS ’03, is an instructor of human anatomy and biology of women at Normandale Community College. Kris and her husband Andy Stenlund, ’98, live in Shoreview, MN. Andy is employed by Remmle Engineering.

Marcus McConico, of Duluth, recently became the newest member of The American Tenors, singing the role of Alfredo in the Italian American Festival production of LaTraviata. Upcoming engagements for Marcus will include an American Tenors Concert with the Baltimore Symphony in June 2004, and Bruno in I Puritani with the Baltimore Opera in November, 2004.

1999

Michael Hubbell, of Apple Valley, MN, and Trista Quast, of Buffalo, MN, were married in May. Michael is employed by RBC Dain Rauscher in Minneapolis. Trista is an event planner for Job Boss Software in Edina, MN.

Michael Imhoff and Becky Vanderscheuren were married in September. The couple resides in Duluth where Michael is employed by Cirrus Design as a production specialist, and Becky is a chiropractic assistant at the Chiropractic Health Center.

Lori Schmidt, ’99, MS ’01, and Kevin Braiedy, ’99 of Littleton, CO were married in February. Lori is employed as a speech-language pathologist for Littleton Public Schools. Kevin works as a sheriff deputy with the Jefferson County.

Heather Tommerdahl of Cedar, MN, and Scott Hackett of Bloomington, MN, were married in July. Heather is an administrative assistant in Bloomington. Scott is a special education teacher at Central Middle School in Eden Prairie, MN. He coaches ninth grade baseball at Eden Prairie High School and is an assistant coach for the “Bloomington Blue” Legion baseball team.

Pam Torgerson and Shawn Roed were married in July. Pam works at Cirrus Design of Duluth. Her husband, Shawn, is a teacher and coach for Duluth East High School.

Michelle Webster and Jonathan Krueger were married in December. Michelle is a legal assistant in St. Paul. Jonathan is a program director with St. Paul Parks and Recreation.

Tracy Wimer and Michael Pearson, both of Duluth, were married in November. Tracy is pursuing a master’s degree in health information management at the College of St. Scholastica. She is currently employed in the pathology department at St. Luke’s.

2000

Douglas Breiland and Michelle Turner were married last August in Duluth. Douglas is currently the community-banking manager at Wells Fargo in Duluth. Michelle received a master’s degree in physician assistant studies at Augsburg College in Minneapolis. The couple resides in Duluth.

Brooke Sjoquist, ’00, and David Studier, ’99, were married in November. Brooke is employed as a sales representative for Upper Lakes Foods Inc. in Cloquet. David is accounting manager for the Duluth News Tribune.

Scott Witte and his wife, Tennille Van Wyhe, were married in May in Shell Lake, WI. The couple reside with their newborn son, Karter, in Fargo, ND. Scott received his master’s degree in athletic training from Western Michigan University in June of 2003 and is working as the head athletic trainer at Fargo South High School.

2001

Jeffery Harriman, of Waterville, married Nicole Rostveit, of Duluth, in December. Jeffery is employed by the city of Superior. Nicole has a doctorate in clinical psychology from the Minnesota School of Professional psychology in Eagan.

Molly Madrinich and Ryan Solomonson, both of Woodbury, MN, were married in February. Molly is working for the St. Paul Public Schools as a teacher for children with severe emotional or behavioral disorders. Ryan is a maintenance engineer for Equity Residential in White Bear Lake.

Justin Meller, of Duluth, and Laurie Johnson, of St. Louis Park, MN, were married in July. Justin is a pattern supervisor and engineer for ME Global in Duluth. Laurie is an accounts receivable follow-up representative for St. Mary’s Duluth Clinic.

Lisa Mitchell and Jason Baker, both of Richland, MI, were married in September. Lisa earned her second bachelor’s degree in music, organ performance from the University of Wisconsin, Superior in 2003. She is a program assistant with Kalamazoo College’s Center for Career Development, and an organist and worship team director for Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Portage, MI. Jason is employed at Keltech, Inc. in Delton, MI, and is a signal technician for the Army National Guard reserves in Kalamazoo.

2002

Lynn M. Brandt, ’02, and Ryan Lindahl, ’03, both of Hibbing, were married in September. Lynn is currently an office assistant for recreational sports at UMD. Ryan earned his bachelor’s degree in electrical and computer engineering.

Leslie Christensen, ’02, and Steven Stockey, ’01, both of Moundsview, MN, were married in May. Steven is a manufacturing engineer for Andersen Windows.

Kathryn Helbacka and Andrew Bennett, both of Duluth, were married in October in Duluth.

Nicole Horning and Nathan Sandman, both of Duluth, were married in Virginia, MN, last September. Nicole is an account executive for CP Internet in Duluth. Nathan is a health educator for the Fond du Lac Reservation in Cloquet.

Adam Nelson and Tiffany Skorich, both of Duluth, were married in November. Adam is now working at Vending Unlimited in Duluth as an operations manager. Tiffany is an administrative assistant for Great Lakes Children and Family Dental Care in Duluth.

Jodi Paszak, ’02 of Duluth, and James Schultz, ’03, of Hermantown, MN, were married in June. Jodi is employed by Sam’s Club in Rochester, IL. James works for Hormel Foods in Beloit, WI as a maintenance engineer.

Brian Rewitzer, of Duluth, and Janell Brown, of Carlton, MN, were married in July. Janell is working as a teacher for the Sylvan Learning Center and a teller at Northwoods Credit Union in Cloquet. Brian is working as an overnight team member with Target.

Allison Rockvam, ’02, and Matthew Parent, ’00, MBA, ’02, both of Cloquet, were married in September. Allison is employed at Minnesota Eye Institute in Minneapolis as a clinical research coordinator. Matthew earned his master’s degree in statistics and is employed by Thrivent Financial as an actuary in Minneapolis.

2003

Seth Eklund and Natalie Haugen, both of Duluth, were married in June. Seth is a sales supervisor at Best Buy. Natalie is a bank teller for Wells Fargo.

Katie Johnson, ’03, of Duluth, and Jasen Hoglund, ’01, of St. Paul, were married in August in Duluth. Katie is a substitute teacher in the St. Paul and Burnsville school districts. Jasen is a technology specialist for LSS Data Systems in Eden Prairie, MN.

Brian A. Misiewicz, with Linsco/Private Ledger of Duluth, MN, has completed the National Institute for Estate Planners course in Las Vegas and was admitted into The Fellowship of Graduate Estate Planning Consultants.

Heidi Sandstad works in Washington D.C. for Free Range Graphics. They produce viral flash activism or internet animation for political causes. Heidi recently illustrated scenes for a John Kerry flash movie.

Sarah Toffoli and Luis Lugo, both of Duluth, were married in May. Sarah works for Trillium Services in Duluth. Luis is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in business and finance from UMD. He is currently a counselor at Woodland Hills in Duluth.