Class Notes

The Frandsen Bank & Trust’s Virginia team recently welcomed Hunter Casper as the new vice president, business, and agriculture banker.

Gina Kemper has been named the new invasive species specialist for the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources’ northwest region.

Duane Wolfe ’84 was named the Trainer of the Year by the International Law Enforcement Educators and Trainers Association in late March.

BSU alumni Brooke Wegge ’21 and Parker Borg ’22 were married on October 4th, 2024. The couple lives in West Fargo, ND. Brooke is a Registered Nurse at Essentia Hospital in Fargo, working in the labor and delivery unit. Parker is a police officer with the West Fargo Police Department.

David was ordained as a pastor in the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America in December 2022 and was called to serve in the Southwest Minnesota Synod. He is currently on his first call at United Bethlehem Parish of Atwater and Lake Lillian.

Bradley retired from a 35-year career in corporate strategy execution and project portfolio management. Getting married this June to a beautiful fellow BSU alum, Sue. Very proud of two amazing twin children, both of whom are college graduates.

Shannon Lucas-Westrum, a 1995 Bemidji State graduate, has been named a 2025 McKnight Fiber Artist Fellow. Her spouse, Jesse Westrum, graduated in 1999, and their daughter, Bridget, currently has a show at Gallery X.

After a 22-year career with Vanguard, Merilee shifted her focus to serve people in need within her community. She recently celebrated her 5-year anniversary as Executive Director of Midwest Food Bank – Arizona Division, a faith-based non-profit located in Gilbert, Ariz.