Bemidji State History

May in BSU history: Johnny Cash on campus, the key to the college and the first photo in print

By Micah Friez / May 1, 2025

Travel back in time with us as we remember some of the momentous moments of Bemidji State history from the month of May.

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It’s International Beaver Day! Do you know the history of Bemidji State’s favorite mascot?

By BSU Alumni & Foundation / April 7, 2025

Bemidji State’s beaver mascot has been around since at least the 1950s in one form or another. Today’s version of Bucky the Beaver has him looking younger, fresher and peppier than ever.

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April in BSU history: A gold medal, old Hagg-Sauer and Hands Across Campus

By BSU Alumni & Foundation / April 1, 2025

Travel back in time with us as we remember some of the momentous moments of Bemidji State history from the month of April.

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The life of Mary Welsh: the Beaver, the writer and the wife of Ernest Hemingway

By Micah Friez / March 14, 2025

On this day in 1946, author Ernest Hemingway married a Bemidji State gal. This is the life of Mary Welsh — the former Beaver, the fiery writer and the wife of a complex man.

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March in BSU history: Our 10,000th degree, first national title and a unique Ph.D.

By BSU Alumni & Foundation / March 1, 2025

Travel back in time with us as we remember some of the momentous moments of Bemidji State history from the month of March.

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February in BSU history: A $4,000 salary, ‘sparkling’ new buildings and women’s athletics heroics

By BSU Alumni & Foundation / February 1, 2025

Travel back in time with us as we remember some of the momentous moments of Bemidji State history from the month of February.

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Pop quiz: Do you know the official name of this recognizable Bemidji State sculpture?

By BSU Alumni & Foundation / January 22, 2025

This sculpture was crafted by Red Lake artist Gordon Van Wert and was installed near the Bridgeman Hall pergola in July 2008.

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January in BSU history: Presidential travel, a Civil Rights icon and hockey highlights

By BSU Alumni & Foundation / January 1, 2025

As the calendar turns over each month, we’ll highlight a handful of memories – some old, some new – that our alumni can remember or were even a part of. These events are always tied to specific days so that you can commemorate the anniversary of those that resonate with you.

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Bemidji State’s Madrigal Dinners created Yuletide magic for half a century

By BSU Alumni & Foundation / December 6, 2024

The Madrigal Dinners’ unique take on dinner theater simulated a renaissance world, complete with Christmas carols, traditional cuisine and Yuletide charm.

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In honor of playoff football, watch footage of Bemidji State’s 1955 Homecoming game

By BSU Alumni & Foundation / November 29, 2024

The Bemidji State Teachers College football team hosted Mankato State for Homecoming in 1955, playing a back-and-forth game and producing highlights that the Alumni & Foundation has digitized.

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