By BSU Alumni & Foundation
Published 7:00 am on January 1, 2025
Bemidji State University has been around for over a century, and rightfully so, its storied history is full of accomplishments, milestones and legendary tales.
So starting this month, we’re going to celebrate those moments.
As the calendar turns over each month, the BSU Alumni & Foundation will 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.
So travel back in time with us as we remember some of the momentous moments of Bemidji State lore from the month of January.
Bemidji State College President Harry Bangsberg left Bemidji for a trip with other U.S. educators to advise Vietnam on higher education development. Bangsberg anticipated only his immediate family sending him off and was surprised and eventually overwhelmed at seeing the airport terminal filled with well-wishers. However, Bangsberg never returned, tragically dying in a plane crash in the mountains of Da Nang 12 weeks later.
Junior center Tom Serratore netted his first and only career hat trick for the Bemidji State men's hockey team, scoring three goals and adding an assist during a 14-5 win over Augsburg at the John Glas Fieldhouse.
The first mention of Minnesota's sixth normal school in the Bemidji newspapers occurred when Absie P. Ritchie, the superintendent of the Bemidji schools, wrote an article titled "Bemidji Is the Logical Location for State Normal School for the North." Ritchie noted that "the proposition to establish the sixth normal school in this state is being widely discussed," and he went on to argue why the school should be located in Bemidji. He said that the town was the geographical center of the area, that it had excellent railroad facilities, and that it had "a climate for health and vigor that is unsurpassed."
Two days after being selected as Bemidji State's fifth president, as well as its first female president, president-elect Rebecca Stafford arrived in Bemidji and was welcomed warmly on a cold day. The Chamber of Commerce sponsored a get-acquainted luncheon for her, while a similar reception, open to everyone, was held on campus. She also began the first in a series of meetings with administrative staff members and got acquainted with her office and her office staff. The overall mood of the time was not only upbeat but almost euphoric, with the banal phrase of "breath of fresh air" used commonly in describing her selection. Following the receptions, Stafford returned in late January to Nevada to complete her obligations there, which lasted until April 1.
American singer Odetta, often referred to as "The voice of the Civil Rights Movement," performed a folk concert on campus. From her opening song, she enthralled BSC students with her booming voice. Varying her songs from the big sound of "Ain't No Grave Can Hold My Body Down" to the soft strains of "Strawberry Fields," Odetta showed why she was considered one of the best contemporary artists in the United States at the time.
In its second-to-last series in the barn, Bemidji State men's hockey team won its 500th game in the John Glas Fieldhouse by defeating Robert Morris 5-1. Jordan George and Ian Lowe posted two goals apiece in the victory, while goaltender Dan Bakala posted 32 saves. Three weeks later, BSU completed the John Glas Fieldhouse era with an overall record of 502-144-41 in the arena.
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