Bemidji State alumni gather in the Valley of the Sun

Pictured are the attendees of the Bemidji State University alumni gathering on March 16, 2023, in Scottsdale, Ariz. In the first row, from left, are Brian Galegher '84, Joe Grabowski '80, Patty (Gillespie) Grabowski '81, Kathleen Arola-Johnson '96, Katherine Jackson '92, Dr. Joy Hoffman, Merilee (Nathe) Baptiste '97 and Cynthia (Churilla) Leisey '78. In the second row are Mary Lerdal, Karmon Bjella, Patrick Badiuk '73, Linda (Gillespie) Bjella '73, Ron Leisey '78, Adrian Dunn '09, Maury Sullivan (faculty emeritus), Christine (Daniels) Schein '82, Andrew Schein and BSU President Dr. John Hoffman. Not pictured are Emily Backes '17, Brett Bahr '09, Matt Hanson '17 and Shari (Pernat) Krusniak '90.

By BSU Alumni & Foundation

Published 10:05 a.m. on March 20, 2023

More than a dozen Bemidji State University alumni and friends gathered in the Valley of the Sun for a social in Scottsdale, Ariz., on March 16.

The open house attracted numerous alumni and supporters from Phoenix and the surrounding area. BSU President Dr. John Hoffman and his wife, Dr. Joy Hoffman, also attended the event and enjoyed interacting with everyone.

A special thank you our hosts: Joe Grabowski '80, Patty Grabowski '81, Linda Bjella '73 and Karmon Bjella.

With the large number of Bemidji State graduates and supporters living in Arizona, the BSU Alumni & Foundation is also looking to create a network of Bemidji State alumni and friends in Arizona. If you live or spend time in Arizona and are interested in getting more involved, please contact the BSU Alumni & Foundation at 218-755-2599 or alumni@bemidjistate.edu.