Board of Directors

Current Board Members

President

Doug Fredrickson '10

St. Cloud, MN

Doug Fredrickson has served on the BSU Alumni & Foundation Board of Directors since 2018, bringing years of experience and leadership to the organization. Now retired, he remains committed to supporting Bemidji State and its mission. He earned his bachelor's degree in Industrial Technology from BSU in 2010, a degree that helped shape his leadership and management skills.

During his time as a student, Doug experienced a pivotal moment that set the course for his future. After two years in his initial degree program, a department head recognized his academic success but questioned whether he would find long-term fulfillment in that field. Encouraged to pursue a degree more aligned with his strengths, this guidance became a turning point in Doug's life. The mentorship he received at BSU had a profound impact on his career path, and he remains deeply grateful for the lasting influence of his education.

Doug's biography

Treasurer

Dave Sorensen '72

Lino Lakes, MN

Dave Sorensen, a 1972 Bemidji State University graduate, has a long history of dedication to BSU and its alumni. He previously served on the BSU Alumni & Foundation Board of Directors from 2004-12 and rejoined in 2025. Now retired, he resides in Lino Lakes.

During his time at BSU, Dave was deeply involved in campus leadership, serving as inter-resident hall president, student body president and student council president. The social and entertainment movement of the 1960s and early 1970s provided a unique environment for strategic campus leadership, shaping his personal growth and career path. Above all, the lifelong friendships he built during these transformative years remain one of his greatest takeaways.

Dave's biography

Secretary

Lisa Kittleson '16

St. Michael, MN

Lisa Kittleson has been a dedicated member of the BSU Alumni & Foundation Board of Directors since 2020. She earned her bachelor's in Marketing Communications with a minor in Business Administration from Bemidji State University, where she gained valuable insights that have shaped her career. Now serving as senior manager of consumer insights at Polaris, she leverages her expertise in marketing and business strategy to drive consumer-focused innovation. Her BSU experience, including the EuroSpring study abroad program and close faculty connections, played a pivotal role in her professional growth. She remains passionate about giving back to the university that helped shape her success.

Lisa's biography

Jane Berman '85

Boston, MA
At-large

Jane Berman joined the BSU Alumni & Foundation Board of Directors in 2019. A 1985 graduate of Bemidji State University, she earned a bachelor's degrees in English and education. Now retired, she resides in Boston, Massachusetts.

Throughout her time at Bemidji State, Jane was deeply influenced by the faculty and staff who shaped her academic and professional journey. Their mentorship and dedication played a pivotal role in her development, leaving a lasting impression that extended far beyond the classroom. The relationships she built with professors and peers continue to inspire her commitment to education and lifelong learning.

Jane's biography

Alex Darsow '16

St. Cloud, MN

Alex Darsow graduated from Bemidji State University in 2016 with a bachelor's degree in sport management. He currently works as a sales manager at St. Cloud Toyota, a perfect fit after knowing early in his BSU career that he wanted to end up in sales.

Alex credits his Bemidji State experience for shaping him into the person he is today. He says the people he met along the way have been nothing short of influential, while opportunities like club hockey, sporting events, and dorm life remain near and dear to him.

Alex's biography

Paul Hanson

Sioux Falls, SD

Paul Hanson was first exposed to Bemidji State University in 2009, and he quickly developed an appreciation for the institution not only for the academic programs but also the quality of students in which BSU is entrusted to develop and care for. Paul is now semi-retired and works as an independent healthcare consultant. As a former healthcare administrator in the Bemidji community, he found Bemidji State very approachable to create healthcare programs that assisted in the workforce needs of regional hospitals. That partnership, he said, is incredibly valuable and has created a level of trust and respect between organizations.

Paul's education includes bachelor's degrees in business administration and social work from Concordia College in 1986; a certificate in healthcare administration from the University of Minnesota in 1994; and a master's degree in healthcare administration from the University of Colorado in 1999.

Paul's biography

Xihao Hu '97

Moorestown, NJ

Xihao Hu has been a member of the BSU Alumni & Foundation Board of Directors since 2021. A 1997 graduate of Bemidji State University with a bachelor’s degree in Accounting, he now serves as the Controller and Chief Accountant at TD Bank Group and resides in Moorestown, New Jersey.

Reflecting on his time at BSU, Xihao is especially grateful for the attentive and dedicated faculty in the accounting department who went out of their way to support him during his senior year as he pursued opportunities with Big 4 accounting firms. He also cherishes the welcoming environment for international students, crediting the International Students Office and campus leadership for making BSU feel like home for those who had traveled far to study abroad.

Xihao's biography

Scott Kurtzweg

Bemidji, MN
At-large

Scott Kurtzweg has been a valued member of the BSU Alumni & Foundation Board of Directors, bringing his expertise in finance and business banking to support the university. He earned dual degrees in finance and international business, and his education prepared him for his current leadership role as senior vice president at Security Bank USA in Bemidji.

Scott's biography

Doug Leif

Bemidji, MN

Doug Leif is a professor emeritus of business administration at Bemidji State University. After aspiring to be a professor in northern Minnesota in his youth, Doug spent over three decades as a faculty member at BSU and recently retired. Although not a Bemidji State grad himself, Doug is a Beaver through and through. He is a passionate supporter of BSU and was also inducted into the Bemidji State Athletic Hall of Fame in 2024 as a John S. Glas Honorary Letter Winner.

Doug earned an associate's degree from Riverland College in 1983; a bachelor's degree from Minnesota State Mankato in 1985; and a master's degree from Iowa State in 1989.

Doug's biography

Kay Mack '86

Bemidji, MN

Kay Mack joined the BSU Alumni & Foundation Board of Directors in 2021. A Bemidji State University graduate, she earned a bachelor's degree in Finance with an Accounting minor. Kay built a distinguished career in public service, retiring as Beltrami County administrator. She resides in Bemidji.

One of the most impactful parts of Kay’s college experience was her ability to fast-track her education, completing three years’ worth of coursework in just two. This allowed her to start a full-time job at Beltrami County, finishing her degree through night classes and study sessions during lunch breaks. A pivotal moment in her journey was taking Intro to Business with Bill Scheela, whose enthusiasm for business inspired her to shift from a science major to business administration — a decision that led to a long and rewarding career.

Kay's biography

Abby Meyer '01

Brooklyn Park, MN

Dr. Abby Meyer joined the BSU Alumni & Foundation Board of Directors in January 2023. A 2001 graduate of Bemidji State University, she earned a biology degree with minors in chemistry, exercise science and Spanish. She went on to receive her master's degree from the University of Minnesota Medical School in 2005, completed her Otolaryngology residency at the University of Minnesota in 2010, and a Pediatric Otolaryngology fellowship at the University of Washington/Seattle Children's Hospital in 2011. In 2018, she earned an MPH in Epidemiology from the University of Minnesota School of Public Health. She currently serves as a pediatric otolaryngologist and medical director of ENT and Audiology at Children’s Minnesota and resides in Brooklyn Park.

Reflecting on her time at BSU, Abby values the opportunity she had to be involved in a wide range of activities, including intercollegiate athletics, music, theater and athletic training. The ability to explore diverse interests enriched her college experience and helped shape the well-rounded professional she is today.

Abby's biography

Roger Reierson '74

Fargo, ND

Roger A. Reierson joined the BSU Alumni & Foundation Board of Directors in 2020 and currently serves as executive chairman of RR46. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Bemidji State University in 1973 after also attending UND and Northland Community College. He is based in Fargo, North Dakota.

Initially unsure of his career path, Roger focused on math and law before discovering his passion for marketing at BSU — thanks to an inspiring professor. This led him to pursue marketing communications, shaping his future career. He fondly remembers BSU’s welcoming atmosphere and the outdoor adventures that made his college experience unforgettable.

Roger's biography

Mark Shanfeld

Bemidji, MN

Dr. Mark Shanfeld joined the BSU Alumni & Foundation Board of Directors in September 2024. He is an ophthalmologist with Sanford Health. His academic journey includes a bachelor's degree in Chemistry and Zoology from Miami University (1980), a doctorate in Physiology from St. Louis University (1987), and a Doctor of Medicine degree from the University of Missouri (1989), followed by an ophthalmology residency at Case Western Reserve University (1993).

Though not a BSU alumnus, Mark has been deeply involved with the university, drawn to its vibrant community of students, faculty and athletics. His passion for supporting BSU is evident in his football endowment and hockey scholarship, which help future generations thrive.

Mark's biography

Jim Walrath '71

Chippewa Falls, WI

Jim Walrath has been a dedicated member of the BSU Alumni & Foundation Board of Directors since 2017. He resides in Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin, and remains deeply connected to his alma mater.

Jim fondly recalls the lifelong friendships formed at Bemidji State, with annual reunions to reminisce about their college adventures — many of which, he says, are best left as memories. His advisor, Dr. Edgington, played a key role in securing his first job, while his involvement as a B-Club officer proved to be highly influential. Jim's love for BSU extends beyond his own experience, as his family has established an endowment to give back to the university that shaped their lives.

One of the most defining moments of his time at BSU was meeting Mary, who remains his wife to this day — a true testament to the lasting impact of his college years.

Jim's biography

The Vice President role is currently vacant.

Ex-Officio Members

John L. Hoffman

Bemidji, MN
President of BSU and NTC

Allyssa Joseph

Bemidji, MN
BSUAF executive director

Student Representatives

Lexi Guilford

Steeve Lessomo Eloundou

Barbara Pemberton

Board Emeriti

Cynthia Cashman '85
Joe Grabowski '80
Elwood Largis '65

Join the Board

You can apply to join the Bemidji State Alumni & Foundation's Board of Directors, or nominate another qualified candidate for consideration. Board members can serve one or two three-year terms and make a difference in a variety of ways and areas of expertise.

Board application

Lisa Kittleson, a 2016 Bemidji State graduate and a current member of the Alumni & Foundation board of directors, addresses soon-to-be graduates during the Senior Send-Off on Wednesday, April 24, 2024, at the David Park House. (Micah Friez / Bemidji State)

Join the Board

Board application

Board Member resources

Board members can access Board Effect resources by clicking the button below. New board members can also fill out the biography form to have their information added to this page.

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