History in the Pines

David Park? Harry Bridgeman? Claude Hobson? Who are these people, and why are buildings at Bemidji State University named after them? Here’s a breakdown on the naming of campus buildings and facilities.

In honor of Bemidji State’s centennial celebration, longtime Beaver men’s hockey coach and athletic director Bob Peters explains what BSU athletics mean to him.

Hjalmer “Jolly” Erickson became a do-it-all coach for Bemidji State Teachers College after he first stepped on campus in the 1930s, earning the nickname “Mr. Athletics” with 17 years of experience on the Beaver sidelines.

Pioneers recall early hardships in their campaign to create a competitive athletic program for women at Bemidji State.

In the Bemidji winters of yesteryear, he pioneered the first Bemidji State Teachers College dynasty. And nine years later, he and the Rochester Royals were kings of the basketball world. Meet Arnie Johnson: the only Beaver in NBA history.

The popular underground tunnel system at Bemidji State connects one end of campus to the other, leading to just about any and every indoor spot at the school. Naturally, then, it’s not uncommon for students to hike to classrooms in short sleeves and flip flops.

Bemidji State President Harry Bangsberg was looking for someone with a pioneering spirit in 1965 when he recruited the late Dr. Charles “Chuck” Holt to expand the biology department.

The success of the 1982 BSU baseball team continues to be among the crown jewels in the history of Bemidji State athletics.

If trials build character, Beaver Hockey was always destined for greatness.