The 2026 Honors Gala
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2026 Honors Gala
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Friday, Sept. 25, 2026
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5:30 p.m. — Cocktail hour and cash bar
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6:30 p.m. — Dinner and program
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Sanford Center Ballroom
1111 Event Center Drive, Bemidji, MN 56601
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$100 per person
Or $50 for Golden Beavers (1976 grads and earlier)
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$600 per table (8 seats)
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Register by Sept. 11
A Homecoming tradition, the Honors Gala is an annual celebration of Bemidji State University's Outstanding Alumni Award recipients, President's Society donors, Legacy Society members, and other honorees.
The 2026 event will take place on Sept. 25 in the Sanford Center ballroom and will honor four distinguished alumni: Joseph Broking '02, Erik Hopperstad '04, Dr. Michael Thomas '02, '05, and Dr. Misty Wilkie '01. Read more about the recipients below. Bemidji State will also recognize many of its donors, including President's Society donors and new Legacy Society members.
Tickets are $100 per adult or $50 Golden Beavers (those who graduated in 1976 and earlier). Tickets are $15 for children 12 and under. Community members are also invited to purchase a seat for a current BSU student for $50.
Registration
MENU OPTIONS
MAIN COURSE
- Slow-roasted sliced beef tenderloin with twice-baked potato, and chef choice of vegetables
- Herbed tilapia with wild rice and chef choice of vegetables
- Spinach- and goat cheese-stuffed portobello mushroom served over wild rice with sundried tomatoes (vegetarian)
DESSERT
- Cheesecake with strawberry topping
- Flourless chocolate cake (gluten-free)
2026 Distinguished Alumni Honorees
Outstanding Alumni Award
Joseph Broking '02
Joseph Broking ’02 is President and CEO of Mesabi Metallics, where he is leading the completion of a $2.6 billion iron mining and processing facility on Minnesota’s Iron Range — one of the largest private investments in state history. Throughout a nearly three-decade career, Joseph has held executive leadership roles across mining, manufacturing, finance, and economic development, helping drive major investment, job creation, and regional growth. A Bemidji State University graduate, Broking is recognized for his leadership in shaping the economic future of northern Minnesota.
Outstanding Alumni Award
Erik Hopperstad '04
Erik Hopperstad ’04 is the co-founder of PRx Performance, a Fargo-based fitness equipment company that has grown into one of the most successful businesses ever featured on the television show Shark Tank. Since launching PRx in 2013, Erik has helped lead the company to more than $200 million in sales through its innovative, space-saving gym equipment. A Bemidji State University business graduate, he is also a real estate investor and a licensed realtor in both Minnesota and North Dakota.
Outstanding Alumni Award
Dr. Michael Thomas '02, '05
Dr. Michael Thomas ’02, ’05 is a cardiothoracic surgeon at Ascension St. Vincent in Evansville, Indiana. After earning degrees in chemistry and biology from Bemidji State University, he graduated from Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, where he also completed his general surgery training. He went on to complete a cardiothoracic surgery fellowship at University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics. Michael has served in the Illinois Army National Guard and the U.S. Army Reserve, including a deployment to Afghanistan, and currently holds the rank of lieutenant colonel. At BSU, Michael also played defensive end for the football team and was a two-time Academic All-NSIC selection.
Outstanding Alumni Award
Dr. Misty Wilkie '01
Dr. Misty Wilkie ’01 is a nurse leader, educator, and advocate whose work has expanded opportunities for Indigenous students in nursing and advanced equity in healthcare. A Bemidji State University graduate and former faculty member, she founded BSU's Niganawenimaanaanig program and secured $4.2 million in federal funding to support the recruitment, retention, graduation, and licensure of Indigenous nursing students. A citizen of the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians, Misty is nationally recognized for her leadership in nursing education, mentorship, and workforce development, helping create pathways for future generations of Indigenous healthcare professionals.