Micah Friez

Bemidji Alumni Choir honors Dr. Paul Brandvik in latest national anthem performance at Target Field

By Micah Friez / August 3, 2026

Many members of the Bemidji Alumni Choir were students of the late Dr. Paul Brandvik, a professor emeritus of vocal music at Bemidji State University who died in December 2025.

Through Beaver Brew, alumnus David Boehm concocts innovative way to support Bemidji State

By Micah Friez / July 24, 2026

Supporting Bemidji State Athletics just got a whole lot tastier. Here’s what a BSU alumnus helped bring to life and how every drink gives back to the Beavers.

In Memoriam: Rodney “Rod” South ’63

By Micah Friez / July 7, 2026

Gordy Skaar Memorial Golf Tournament keeps strong with support of Deerwood Bank

By Micah Friez / June 22, 2026

Behind every long drive, perfect putt, and overdue reunion at the Gordy Skaar Memorial Golf Tournament is a loud-and-clear commitment of support for Bemidji State Athletics.

Trent and Beth Baalke’s $1 million donation leads game-changing renovations to BSU Gymnasium

By Micah Friez / June 17, 2026

Trent and Beth Baalke are the leading donors to a new renovation of the BSU Gymnasium as part of the Forth the North campaign. The finished product will feature new bleachers, a viewing room, accessibility upgrades, and the newly minted Buckingham-Baalke Court.

Distinguished Minnesotan’s legacy realized within first graduates of Sunderman College

By Micah Friez / May 13, 2026

As Brent Larson delivered the Commencement address on behalf of the late R. Allen Sunderman, BSU’s 43rd Distinguished Minnesotan, looking back at him was the first graduating class of the Sunderman College of Creativity, Enterprise & Place.

Replant Our Roots brings new life to campus in emotional planting ceremony

By Micah Friez / May 5, 2026

Less than a year after BSU and the greater Bemidji area were struck by a devastating storm, alumni and friends who immediately stepped up to support were able to get their hands dirty and plant trees to replace those lost in the destruction.

Before distinguished path to the Federal Reserve, Gov. Christopher Waller’s journey began at Bemidji State

By Micah Friez / April 10, 2026

Waller earned his bachelor’s degree in economics from Bemidji State in 1981 and has gone on to become one of the world’s most influential leaders in shaping economic policy. The former resident of old Maple Hall now represents BSU as one of its most prominent national figures.

Bucky the Beaver named successor to Punxsutawney Phil as official Groundhog Day mascot

By Micah Friez / April 1, 2026

Bucky the Beaver has been named the successor to the retiring Punxsutawney Phil as the official spokes-rodent for Groundhog Day. Bucky was selected after a thorough national search, and he will assume his duties starting with the 2027 ceremony.

For the North has raised $24 million so far. Meet the latest wave of momentum

By Micah Friez / March 17, 2026

The second major campaign in the history of BSU has officially eclipsed the $24 million checkpoint and is within reach of its $25 million goal. But right now, we need to celebrate our wins — and namely who’s behind them — because progress like this isn’t possible without an army of people who believe in the North.