Allison Conner

Now 8 years sober, Anessa DeGroat’s future is rooted in recovery and purpose

By Allison Conner / April 18, 2026

Anessa DeGroat rebuilt her life in recovery while developing strength and heightened self-awareness to sustain it. Now, the 2025 Bemidji State University alumna is helping others reach that same turning point.

Alongside Doc, alumna Rachel Kniss serves the community with special bond to partner

By Allison Conner / April 3, 2026

Rachel Kniss has worked her way into a career that demands both resilience and adaptability. And, as she’s discovered, it also requires a good partner.

Donors rally behind cheer captain, future doctor Megan Nicholls through scholarships

By Allison Conner / February 19, 2026

Megan Nicholls is pursuing her childhood dream at Bemidji State University because scholarships made it possible. And today, donors have the opportunity to support students like Nicholls through Day of Giving.

Alumnae Alyvia Arndt, Brooke Krivich highlight the impact of Career Advancement

By Allison Conner / December 26, 2025

Both Alyvia Arndt and Brooke Krivich entered the workforce while still enrolled at BSU through the George W. Nielson Foundation paid internship program. Those positions soon evolved into full-time jobs, allowing them to move directly into their career instead of into months of uncertainty.

At Bemidji State, McKnight award-winner Joshua Jones found his path to community impact

By Allison Conner / December 8, 2025

Joshua Jones found a passion for hydrogeology at Bemidji State, and the McKnight Foundation recently awarded him the Heart of Community Honor for his work at the Red Lake DNR and in the community.

Serving as living proof, Dr. Sherry Holloway works to ensure the North is for everyone

By Allison Conner / November 15, 2025

The story that carries Dr. Sherry Holloway is the belief that others placed in her before she had it within herself. Now in a position to pass it on, she’s offering belief to every student who enters her classroom.

2nd annual Federated Day brings experts back to campus to fuel student success

By Allison Conner / November 12, 2025

Through mock interviews, one-on-one career consulting sessions, and a social hour, approximately 50 students engaged in insightful conversations about what to expect career-wise after graduation.

For the North brings $1,000 scholarship boost to freshman Clara Barth

By Allison Conner / October 15, 2025

The For the North campaign has already raised more than $20 million in support of student success stories like freshman Clara Barth’s. It stands as a momentous effort for Bemidji State, defining a new era of impact and community engagement.