By BSU Alumni & Foundation
Published 9:30 am on July 28, 2025
Bemidji State University is proud to unveil the 2025 class of distinguished alumni honorees.
This year’s Outstanding Alumni Award recipients are Dr. Kenneth Anderson ‘03, Dr. Christine Imbra ‘80 and Tuleah Palmer ‘00, all of whom will be recognized for their exceptional achievements on campus and beyond. Additionally, Dr. Michael Herbert ‘79 has been named an Alumni Service Award winner for his significant volunteer and service contributions to the community, state and nation.
All four recipients will be honored during this fall’s Honors Gala on Oct. 3 at the Sanford Center. Registration for the gala will open soon.
Dr. Kenneth Anderson is a board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon specializing in advanced facial reconstruction and implant surgery. He teaches at the Pikos Institute and holds leadership roles in his hospital’s Department of Dentistry. Anderson is also active in humanitarian work, providing pro bono care through the BeBlessed Foundation and supporting youth, church and community health efforts. A proud BSU alumnus, he contributes to athletic scholarships and fundraising events and supports the biology program.
Dr. Christine Imbra is a professor emerita from St. Cloud State University who developed the first master’s and doctoral programs in Higher Education Administration in the Minnesota State system. A pioneering educator, she also led national violence prevention efforts, held security leadership roles in higher ed, and directed a major federal grant early in her career while at BSU. Imbra volunteers extensively in her community, raising over $120,000 for the Bemidji Senior Center and supporting regional arts and safety initiatives.
Tuleah Palmer is a dynamic leader and equity advocate serving as president and CEO of the Blandin Foundation. She previously led the Northwest Indian Community Development Center, securing major funding to combat homelessness and expand services. Palmer has raised over $100 million in grants and serves on state and national economic and justice councils. A first-generation college graduate, she supports Bemidji State through mentoring, fundraising, and creating education access programs for Indigenous and non-traditional students.
Dr. Michael Herbert retired in 2023 as a professor emeritus of criminal justice at Bemidji State after more than three decades of service. He also has served 25 years in law enforcement, including 10 as a SWAT commander for a multi-agency rural team. He pioneered online learning in his department and mentored hundreds of future officers. A World War II historian, he’s published two books and gives public talks on military service. Herbert also serves with the American Legion and the Forty and Eight veterans organization.
The BSU Alumni & Foundation will also award a Philanthropist of the Year award at the Honors Gala, with the honoree to be revealed at a later date. First introduced in 2024, the Philanthropist of the Year award recognizes individuals who significantly impact the 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 Bemidji State through storytelling, volunteerism, activism, collaboration and humility.
