Alumni Awards
Each year, the BSU Alumni & Foundation office honors alumni for outstanding professional achievements, service to their communities and outstanding performance as student-athletes, coaches or Beaver supporters.
You can nominate an alumnus or alumna for multiple awards using the online forms or by downloading the appropriate PDF below.
BSU Athletic Hall of Fame nominations are due by Jan. 1 each year.
BSU Distinguished Alumni award nominations are due by March 1 each year.
Outstanding Alumni Award
The Outstanding Alumni Award is the BSU Alumni & Foundation's highest honor. Created in 1972, it honors BSU graduates who are deemed as outstanding for their professional, personal and volunteer service following their time as a student. The awards are presented each fall at the Honors Gala.
To nominate someone for this award, click the button below or download a PDF form to mail in your submission.
Outstanding Alumni Award recipients
2024
Jim Marken
Sianneh Mulbah
Lonni Whitchurch
2023
Marc Bloomquist
Lt. Col. Corby Koehler
John Thompson
2022
Dr. Timothy Beebe '87
Dr. Thomas Chong '92
Cheri Goodwin '11
Dr. Joseph Provost '88
2020-2021
Noel (Naegele) Clay '90
Mike Maher, Jr. '81
2019
Robert "Bob" Anderson '80
2018
Patrick Pelstring '76
Tom Heaviland '80
2017
Jason Edens ’07
Brian Maciej ’86
Dr. Gene Ness ’66
Dr. Dale Greenwalt ’77
2016
Tracie Curb-Crowser ’90
Mark Ploen (1980-84)
Dr. Bruce Sutor ’86
2015
Sandra (Henderson) Anderson ’82
Joseph Grabowski ’80
Roger Reierson ‘74
2014
Lori Carmichael ’86
Kirk Gregg ’81
Robert Krowech ’72
Dr. Christopher Waller ’81
2013
Tom G. Anderson ’70
Pamela Hovland ’83
Keith Johanneson (1966-69)
2012
John “Terry” Bergum ’72
Dr. James Karner ‘94
Pamela (Fladeland) Rodriguez ’76
2011
Trent Baalke ’87
Bill Hawkins ’74
Michael Roberge ’90
2010
Gary Frazier ’75
Susan (Mattson) Halena ’78
Ron Johnson ’75
R. Scott Pearson ’77
Dr. Tom Richard ’66
2009
Paul Hedtke ’81
Kevin Jackson ’85
Gordon Johnson ’71
Michele Leonhart ’78
Adele (Levchak) Munsterman ’74
Col. Gregg Rice USAF (Ret.) ’69
Linda (Christofferson) Shadiow ’69
David Sorensen ’72
Dr. Ranae (Erickson) Womack ’87
2008
Col. Randall Anderson ’85
Lt. Col. Mark Backlin USAF (Ret.) ’79
Dr. Leah Carpenter ’85
Linda Erceg ’90
Anthony Gramer ’70
Margaret (Sullivan) Ingison ’74
Scott Lindberg ’75
Dr. Benjamin Tsang ’71
2007
Paul Boswell ’81
Dr. Almond Clark ’64
Dr. Hildreth McCarthy ’74
Jon McTaggart ’83
Dan Ninham ’83, ’92
Trudy (Kocinski) Rautio ’75
Jeanne (Remick) Thomas ’64
2006
Kermit Bensen ’60, ’70
Lorraine Cecil ’68
Dave Czarnecki ’69, ’73
Dr. Bruce Falk ’71
Paul Godlewski ’70
Dr. Debra Kellerman ’72, ’75
Carol (Johnson) Russell ’74
2005
Caroline (Dahl) Andrican ’53
Col. Patrick Donahue ’72
Lynn Dorn ’72
David Gandrud ’69
Todd Haugen ’79
William Jacoby ’70, ’74
James Kraby ’62
Robin Mechelke ’80
Mark Paulson ’61, ’66
Thomas Saterdalen ’64, ’66
2004
Melanie Benjamin ’88
Dr. Daniel DeKrey ’80
Mardy Karger ’72
Rachel (Reabe) Nystrom ’76
Judge Alan Pendleton ’77
Barbara (Goehring) Stoflet ’84
Tom Welle ’72
Andrew Wells ’66
Dr. Mark Yorek ’76
2003
Roger Aikten ’73
Nancy (Berge) Bensen ’59, ’62
Dr. Joanne Provo ’82
Michael Spry ’83
Dr. Roxanne Struthers ’84
Lt. Gen. Thomas Waldhauser ’76
Col. Clark Gilbertson USA (Ret.) '72
2002
Jeff Baumgartner ’77
Boyd Bradbury ’88
Lowell Scearcy ’67, ’76
Curtis Olson ’72
Denis Sauter ’70
Jeff Wallin ’70
2001
Dr. Gene Anderson ’63
Dr. Dan Dressen ’73
Col. Doug Hendricks ’72
D. Patrick McCullough ’67
Dr. Dorothy Moore ’49
David Ramsey ’78
2000
Dr. Steven DeKrey ’75
Dr. Clinton Moen ’69
Dennis Peterson ’79
Moses Tsang ’72
Joseph Vene ’74, ’75
Yvonne Wilson ’85, ’92
1999
John Buckanaga, Sr. ’59
Dr. Dale Carlson ’60
Dr. Michael Ford ’62, ’64
Delphine (Forte) Jacobsen ’63, ’72
Patricia Kelly ’69, ’74
Dr. Larry Womack ’72
1998
Carl Baer III ’71
Rebecca Dawley ’77
Dr. Robert Thorson ’73
1997
Margaret (Brambrink) Engebretson ’60
Dr. Lee Norman ’74
Ozzie Tollefson ’60
1996
Dr. Robert Aalberts ’72
Dr. James Bjornerud ’60
George Thelen ’64
1995
Dr. Ann (Moore) Flowers ’42
Michael McKinley ’65
Dr. James Tuorila ’79
1994
Lloyd Lee ’56
1993
David Odegaard ’66
1992
Marion (Fenson) Christianson ’50, ’71
1991
Gerald Abbott ’60
Donald Hoganson ’38
Robert D. Johnson ’52
Everal Vermilyea ’38
1990
Helen Gill ’76
Col. Gerald Green ’60
Ethel (Brandt) Roesch ’36
Prof. Willis Stittsworth ’53
1989
Dr. Jack Miller ’56
Roxanne Nawara ’73
Dr. Perry Patterson ’48
Jack Willhite ’55, ’63
James R. Williamson ’86
1988
Fred Schmit ’78
John Schmit ’58
Paul Schmit ’60
Erna (Meyer) Schuiling ’40
Dr. Walter Schuiling ’39
1987
Dr. Caroline Czarnecki ’50
Dr. Herbert Fougner ’36
Dr. Ronald Ostman ’65
Dr. Sheldon Ramnarine ’71, ’72
1986
Bill Clark ’53
Joseph Graba ’61
Dr. William Kirtland ’53
Dr. Malvin Skarsten ’22
1985
James Griggs ’70
Harvey Westrom ’57
1984
Dr. Will Antell ’59
Dr. M. James Bensen ’59
Merle Bryant ’46
Runae (Lomen) Maloney ’70
Gary S. Olson ’50
1983
Lillian (Muckala) Ailie ’34, ’63
Paula (Bruss) Bauck ’42
Robert Drake ’71, ’80
Col. Clark Gilbertson USA (Ret.) ’72
Richard Hegre ’57, ’59
Dr. Royal Netzer ’27
1982
Gail Gantz-Bergsven ’65
Dr. Richard Haugo ’61, ’63
Dr. Dwaine Marten ’58
Edwin Nordheim, Jr. ’41
Virgil Prestby ’63
1981
Margaret Berg ’43, ’60
John Borg ’71
Susan (Chianelli) Jacobson ’71
Lillie Kleven ’37
Dr. Elwood Largis ’65
Dr. Robert W. Olson ’62
1980
Dr. Carl Knutson ’47
1979
Margaret Galloway ’35, ’37, ’56
Margaret Harlow ’36
Grace Nugent ’23
Eleanor Traut ’39
Robert Vleck ’65
1978
H. Wesley Balk ’54
John Schuiling ’32
1977
Farley Bright ’36
George V. Goodwin ’64
Dr. Irvin Keeler ’29
Eleanor (Walter) Kipp ’30
Dr. James Witham ’38
1976
William Howe ’52
Guy D. Vena ’60
1975
Bertha Christianson ’39
1974
Ramond Miller ’59, ’72
1973
Dr. James Ghostley ’55
1972
George Welte ’61, ’77
Young Alumni Award
The Young Alumni Award honors a Bemidji State graduate 40 years of age or younger with outstanding achievement in their career, public service and/or volunteer activities. The award was initiated in 2011 and is presented at the Homecoming Honors Gala each fall.
To nominate someone for this award, click the button below or download a PDF form to mail in your submission.
Young Alumni Award recipients
2023
Denae (Fisher) Alamano '07
2021
Megan (McGrady) Dahlen '04
2019
Than "Alan" Htaik Lwin '05
2018
Dr. Nicholas Phelps ‘05
2017
Dr. Guylaine Haché ‘04
2016
Dr. Abby Meyer ‘01
2015
Katrina Maliamauv ‘07
2013
Dr. Jeremy Fogelson ‘00
Carri Jones ‘03
2012
Xihao Hu ‘97
2011
Nathan Sannes ‘05
Alumni Service Award
Alumni Service Award recipients are selected by the Alumni & Foundation Board of Directors for significant volunteer and service contributions to their community, state and nation. Eligible nominees are graduates of Bemidji State University.
To nominate someone for this award, click the button below or download a PDF form to mail in your submission.
Alumni Service Award recipients
2021
Virginia (Johnson) Deeds '72
2019
Sue Kringen '73
2015
Richard Siegert ‘67
2014
Randy Bowen ‘73
2013
Kay (Aultman) Mack ‘86
2012
Elaine Hazard ‘70
2011
Austin Wallestad ‘70
Honorary Alumni Award
The Honorary Alumni Award is presented to individuals who, though not graduates of Bemidji State University, have demonstrated leadership and support of the university’s mission and goals.
To nominate someone for this award, click the button below or download a PDF form to mail in your submission.
Honorary Alumni Award recipients
2022
Tracy Dill
Dr. Faith Hensrud
2018
Marla Patrias
Wayne Thorson
2017
Justice Anne K. McKeig
2016
Lisa Bollinger
Rob Bollinger
Dianne Hanson
Dr. Richard Hanson
Dr. Darby Nelson
Geraldine Nelson
2015
Jeffrey Kemink
2012
Paul Bunyan
2011
Susan Marvin
2010
Dr. Jon Quistgaard
Dr. Trish Quistgaard
2009
Don Shelby
Joe Dunn
2008
Alex Cirillo
2007
Paul Wellstone
Sheila Wellstone
2006
Kathleen Blatz
2005
Jack St. Martin
Gerald Vizenor
Robert Deeds
2004
Joe Lueken
Robert H. Peters
Herb Brooks
2003
Edgar Hetteen
1999
Naomi Zelinka
1998
Mary Lou Brandvik
Dr. Paul Brandvik
Rick Maynard
Dr. Ray Nelson
Frances Peterson
1997
Dr. Eben Calder
Dr. Jack Downing
Dr. Don Dyrhaug
Ardis Gillett
Tim O'Keefe
1996
Edward Aalberts
Rebecca Eggers
Dr. Fulton Gallagher
Jack Hoeschler
Linda Hoeschler
Dr. Tom Swanson
Gary Torfin
1995
Dr. Robert Decker
Dr. Leslie Duly
Donald Eng
Dr. Lowell Gillett
Dr. Beatrice Knodel
Charles Naylor
William Naylor
1994
Dr. Art Lee
Don Zuehlke
1993
Chester Anderson
Dr. William Britton
Dr. Raymond Carlson
Dr. Samuel Chen
Dr. Harold Hagg
Sally James-Lehmann
Dr. Harold Peters
J. Ruth Stenerson
1992
Dr. Ruth Howe
1991
Marie Bishop
Hazel Hogenson
Dr. Myrtie Hunt
1990
Dr. Phillip Sauer
Professional Education Hall of Fame
The Professional Education Hall of Fame award honors BSU alumni who excel in teaching students or managing schools. Winners are selected by the Alumni & Foundation Board of Directors and the professional education department.
To nominate someone for this award, click the button below or download a PDF form to mail in your submission.
Professional Education Hall of Fame recipients
2022
Sally Soliday '78
2020-2021
David Kahl, Sr. '61
2019
Dr. Boyd Bradbury '88
2018
Dr. Brenda J. Child ‘81
2016
Richard "Dick" Anderson '68, '75, '86
Daryle McCannell '73, '79
Jean (Fulton) Weyer '81
2015
Dr. Randall Peterson '82
Ronald Ruud '79
2013
Tracy Loken Weber '02, '05
Cynthia (Burggraf) Storhaug '82
Dr. Randy Swedburg '65
2011
Janet (Aune) Anderson '69
Bruce Brinkworth '67
Terry Gotziaman '69
Pamela (Halgrimson) Olson '68, '72
2009
Connie Dugstad Bishop '79
Larry Guggisberg '80
Dr. Christopher Mills '93
Robert Nyberg '71
2007
Richard Coe '77
Gary Hokanson '69
Katherine (Fleener) Techam '67, '78
2005
Barbara (Baso) Burkman '73
Colleen (Sullivan) Canavan '75
Joseph Merseth '66, '70
Denis Sauter '70
William Wagner '60, '67
2002
Carol Cleveland '90
Patricia Haasch '91
Lori (Olson) Klettenberg '82
Gerald Ness '80, '85
Barbara (Goehring) Stoflet '84
2000
Virgil Boehland '72
Mark Fodness '82, '95
Dr. Debra Kellerman '72, '75
Marcia (Baker) Liapis '76
Adele (Levchak) Munsterman '74
Vicki (Lykins) Rowe '78
1998
Patricia Hughes '67, '82
Delphine (Forte) Jacobsen '63, '72
Kathy (Uhrinak) Pearson '78, '82
Laura Pieper '82
James Wheeler '72
Dr. Neil Witikki '82
1996
Michael Hanlon '65
Dr. Cheryl (Clark) Hoversten '66
Robert Hursh '61, '64
John McClellan '66
Marcy Clara (Reierson) Mickelson '81
Mary (Weggum) Snorek '69
Lloyd Styrwoll '71, '77
David Thompson '71
1995
Rex Kingsbury '79
Robert Michalicek '66
Dennis Peterson '79
Elaine (Aune) Ruud '71
Roger Schmidt '78
Michael Wichmann '88
Yvonne Wilson '85, '92
Charter members
Dennis Larson '73
Donald Miller '66
Philanthropist of the Year Award
The Bemidji State University Philanthropist of the Year Award, established in 2024 by the BSU Alumni & Foundation, will be given annually at the Honors Gala. It recognizes individuals who significantly impact our university through their exceptional commitment as a financial and/or engaged supporter of the institution. The award is meant to celebrate those who go beyond simply giving and actively cultivate a culture of philanthropy at BSU through storytelling, volunteerism, activism, collaboration and humility.
Philanthropist of the Year Award recipients
2024
Keith Johanneson
Friend of the Foundation Award
The Friend of the Foundation Award is presented annually at the employee fall startup breakfast to a BSU faculty or staff member who has demonstrated exceptional commitment and effectiveness in cultivating relationships that help advance the fundraising efforts of our foundation. This award recognizes their proactive engagement, leadership and dedication to enhancing our mission through meaningful partnerships and sustainable financial support.
Friend of the Foundation Award recipients
2024
Travis Ricks
BSU Athletic Hall of Fame
The BSU Athletic Hall of Fame recognizes individuals and teams for outstanding contributions to the tradition of BSU Athletics. Honorees are selected by the BSU Alumni B-Club and celebrated during Athletic Hall of Fame Weekend.
Honorees include individual athletes, coaches and single-season teams, as well as Alumni Coaching Achievement and John Glas Honorary Letter Winner recipients.
Review of nominations and notifications
The Alumni & Foundation Board of Directors reviews all nominations and makes selections based on nominees’ personal and professional achievements and how they bring recognition to BSU through outstanding service and significant contributions to their community, state and nation.
Upon approval, award recipients are notified via a congratulatory communication from the Alumni & Foundation and the President of Bemidji State University.