The Torch & Shield Award recognizes individuals who have provided leadership and who have aided in the development of the University of Minnesota, Crookston, NWROC and Extension. It is the highest award an individual can receive from the campus.

The purpose of honoring someone with a Torch & Shield Award is to

• Honor contributions of significance to higher education, the Crookston campus, and the region
• Recognize champions of UMC, NWROC and Extension for their impact on the region through teaching, research, and outreach.
• Distinguish both high profile individuals and those who have been "quiet" contributors to the success of UMC

Nomination form and criteria

To view the Torch & Shield Photo album - click here

2009 Recipients
Wednesday, November 4th
Bede Ballroom
Corby Kemmer, director, Development & Alumni Relations, 218-281-8434
Elizabeth Tollefson, assistant director of communications, 218-281-8432

Orlyn Miller has worked for the University of Minnesota for 22 years and is currently director of planning and architecture. He plays a major role in the development and management of the capital planning and budgeting processes at the university. For the past two decades, he has provided assistance on capital planning and campus planning issues at the Crookston campus including Bergland Laboratory, Early Childhood Development Center, Kiehle Hall renovation, Student Center, and the two most recent residence halls, Evergreen and Centennial. Prior to his work at the university, Miller was a member of a landscape architectural/engineering firm, where he obtained broad experience in strategic planning, project design, project management and governmental relations. Miller and his wife, Sharon, have two children and four grandchildren.

Jim Sims was head football coach at the U of M, Crookston from 1976-1995. During his tenure, the U of M, Crookston Technical College won three division team championships, and he was named division coach of the year twice. Sims taught health, physical education, and recreation and was the program manager for two years. He went on to serve as the co-curricular activities director for the high school in Thief River Falls, Minn., until he retired in 2007. In 2002, Sims was inducted into the U of M, Crookston’s Athletic Hall of Fame, and in 2008, he was inducted into the Minnesota High School Football Coaches Association Hall of Fame. Sims, and his wife, Sharon, have two children and three grandchildren.

Erma J. Vizenor, Ph.D., was elected as the chairwoman of the White Earth Reservation in 2004 and is the first woman to lead the largest tribe in Minnesota.  As chairwoman, she represents all districts on the White Earth Reservation. Vizenor has worked her entire career in education on the White Earth Reservation.  She holds an undergraduate degree in elementary education; a master's degree in Guidance and Counseling; and a specialist degree in education administration from Minnesota State University Moorhead.  A Bush Leadership fellowship gave her the opportunity to earn a master's degree in community decision-making and lifelong learning; and a doctoral degree in administration, planning, and social policy from Harvard University.  Vizenor has two daughters and four grandchildren.

The Crookston Daily Times has roots dating back to 1885 and was locally owned until 1972. It is currently owned by GateHouse Media, a Fairport, New York-based company that owns approximately 500 media properties. The Times' operation also consists of the Valley Shopper and the Halstad Shopper. The Times itself is widely considered to be the smallest daily newspaper in Minnesota, and one of the smallest dailies in the nation. The paper publishes Monday through Friday and is a rarity in the business in that it goes to press in the afternoon and is delivered in the afternoon. With eight full-time staff members, the staff at the Times includes Publisher Randal Hultgren and newsroom staff consisting of Managing Editor Mike Christopherson, City Editor Natalie J. Ostgaard, and Sports Editor Derek Martin. Accepting the award will be Mike Christopherson.

2008 Recipients
Wednesday, October 29th
Bede Ballroom
Corby Kemmer, director, Development & Alumni Relations, 218-281-8434
Elizabeth Tollefson, assistant director of communications, 218-281-8432

Stephanie Helgeson , has served as the director of athletics at the Crookston campus since 2003. She began her career at the U of M, Crookston working as the office specialist in athletics and later became the sports information coordinator. In September of 2000 she was named the assistant director of athletics. Helgeson attended the U of M, Crookston for two years in the early 90s before transferring to the University of North Dakota to complete her bachelor's degree in business administration and where she is currently pursuing a master of science in educational leadership. Her leadership of Golden Eagle Athletics at the NCAA Division II level and as a member of the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC) emphasizes academic excellence and the development of student athletes as leaders. She and her husband, Tom, reside near Mentor, MN.

Joy Johnson , a native of Bemidji, MN, and graduate of Bemidji High School, earned her bachelor's degree in medical sociology and statistics from the University of North Dakota (UND) in Grand Forks. She completed course work for a master's of science in sociology also from UND and began a career in healthcare strategic planning and marketing. Johnson has worked for national health systems and regional and community hospitals for nearly 30 years. She is currently employed at RiverView Health in Crookston as vice president of Planning and Ancillary Services, a position she has held since August 1995. Johnson has been actively involved in various institution-wide strategic planning projects at the Crookston campus, including the University of Minnesota's recent efforts in system-wide strategic planning. she and her husband, David, reside in Crookston and are the parents of two sons.

Senator Rod Skoe, represents District 2 and has been serving in the Minnesota Senate since 2002. He served as a representative in the Minnesota House from 1998 until his election to the senate. Senator Skoe earned a bachelor of arts from Augsburg College in Minneapolis, MN, and has been involved in farming since 1985. Senator Skoe is a member of a number of senate committees including property tax division, chair; agriculture and veterans; business, industry and jobs; finance - agriculture and veterans budget and policy division; transportation budget and policy division. He and his wife, Sarah Hoagberg, live in Clearbrook, MN, and have two children.

W. Daniel Svedarsky, Ph.D, has been at the University of Minnesota, Crookston since 1969 and is currently head of the Natural Resources Department, which includes the program areas of horticulture, golf and turf management, aviation, and the traditional areas of natural resources. He completed two degrees at the University of Missouri, Columbia and later studied the nesting and brood-rearing ecology of greater prairie chickens in Minnesota while completing a doctorate in wildlife biology at the University of North Dakota in Grand Forks. Svedarsky also conducts wildlife research with the Northwest Research and Outreach Center focusing on tallgrass prairie restoration and management using fire and prairie bird management, especially for greater prairie chickens. He and his wife, Vicki, live near Crookston and have three grown children.

2007 Recipients
Tuesday, October 23rd
Bede Ballroom
5:00 pm Reception
6:00 pm Program & Dinner to Follow
For reservations, contact Sue Dwyer sdwyer@umn.edu or 218-281-8401

Cindy Bigger, a 1979 graduate of the U of M, Crookston, is a Regional Extension Educator and an associate professor for University of Minnesota Extension. The focus of her work is in leadership and civic engagement. During her 26-year career she has served in three Minnesota counties working primarily in 4-H youth development and leadership education. She also has a consulting business, Bigger Associates. For the past two years, Bigger has been a member of the U of M, Crookston Alumni Association board and currently serves as its vice president. She was the 2006 commencement speaker, a longtime donor, as well as serving on search committees and in many other volunteer capacities. Her father, Sam Bigger, received the Torch & Shield award in 1981.

Jon Evert, serves as a coordinator of Rural Life Outreach of Northwest Minnesota and as a Clay County, M.N., Commissioner. For several years, he has been a member of the All Campus Advisory Council at the U of M, Crookston. Evert has been a member of the Northwest Regional Sustainable Development Partnership since its beginning in 1988 and served as chairman for six years. He service has included the Statewide Coordinating Committee which he currently chairs. As a six-year member of the Citizens Advisory Committee for the University of Minnesota Extension, Evert is the immediate past-chair. He is an avid supporter of the Crookston campus and promoted it across northwest Minnesota and the state.

Robert Jones, Ph.D., works closely with the U of M, Crookston as the senior vice president for system academic administration. In his role as senior vice president, Jones has day-to-day management responsibility for the coordinate campuses at Crookston, Duluth, Morris and Rochester. He began his career at the University of Minnesota as a professor of agronomy and plant genetics. For the past 19 years, he has held administrative positions. His current leadership role has given him responsibilities that include, but are not limited to, public engagement and outreach; international programs; PreK-12 and other youth and family programs; urban initiatives; equity and diversity; legislative relations; and the Extension Service’s and Agricultural Research and Outreach Centers’ research and service programs throughout the state. He has been a visiting professor and featured speaker in North America, Europe, Asia and Africa, and served as an academic and scientific consultant for Archbishop Tutu’s South African Education Program.

Ardell Knudsvig, is the director of the Student Outreach Project for Applied Science and Technology at the U of M, Crookston and a crop health specialist for the northwest district of the Minnesota Department of Agriculture. Knudsvig was a science teacher at Crookston High School from 1976 until his retirement in 1998. He was named Crookston Teacher of the Year three times and believed in challenging students through encouragement, commitment and working together, something he still adheres to in his current role where he coordinates U of M, Crookston faculty and students to assist in teaching of high school students in areas of science and technology.

Senator Keith Langseth, is currently one of the longest-serving senators in the Minnesota Legislature. Over the years, Senator Langseth has chaired many committees and authored many pieces of legislation in support of education. He believes strongly in investing in the future of our state. Senator Langseth currently serves as the chairperson of the Senate’s Capital Investment Committee, which is responsible for putting together the major bonding bill in odd-numbered years which funds Minnesota’s infrastructure. This biennial bill funds millions of dollars for the University to build and renovate facilities statewide. In 2007, Senator Langseth was named Legislator of the Year by Politics in Minnesota. Senator Langseth, who is unable to be present at the Torch & Shield recognition event, was presented his award during a special presentation during homecoming in early October.

2006 Recipients

Marv Bachmeier, former Athletic Director at the University of Minnesota, Crookston

Alan G. Dexter, Ph.D., Extension Sugarbeet and Weed Control Specialist for the University of Minnesota and North Dakota State University

William Hunt, Minnesota State Conservationist with the Natural Resources Conservation Service

Linda Kingery, Executive Director of the university of Minnesota Northwest Minnesota Regional Sustainable Development Partnership

Pictured front (l to r): William Hunt, Alan G. Dexter, Ph.D, Linda Kingery, Marv Bachmeier. Back (l to r): Director of Development & Alumni Relations Corby Kemmer, UMC Chancellor Charles H. Casey, and Northwest Research and Outreach Center Head Larry Smith

Harlene Hagen, thirty-eight year career as an educator (retired), NWSA alum ’55, Northwest School of Agriculture Alumni Board

Charles Hiller, trust officer and northern regional manager for Bremer Trust

Albert Peterson, farming operation (retired), brother to Harold

Harold Peterson, farming operation (retired), brother to Albert

Liz Quam, serves as the volunteer Executive Vice President of Advocates for Marketplace Options for Main street (AMOM), a non-profit coalition, member of the UMC All-College Advisory Committee

Doug Sandstrom, conservation officer/regional training officer for the state of Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, member of UMC’s Program Improvement Audit Committee

Deborah M. Zak, campus regional director for the Minnesota Extension Service

Front, left to right, Harold Peterson, Liz Quam, Deborah M. Zak, Harlene Hagen
Back, left to right, Doug Sandstrom, Charles Hiller, Chancellor Charles H. Casey
Not pictured, Albert Peterson

2004 Recipients

Clyde Allen, University of Minnesota Regent

John Bywater, former Director of Admissions and Financial Aid at UMC

Bill Connelly, the Director of Urban Economic Initiatives at the University of St. Thomas and a member of the UMC All-College Advisory Committee

Jerome Knutson, Associate Professor of Biology

Del Roelofs, former Director of Development at UMC

Front, left to right, John Bywater, Jerome Knutson, Bill Connelly
Back, left to right, Velmer S. Burton, Jr. Chancellor, Del Roelofs, Clyde Allen, Larry Smith

2003 Recipients

George Marx, Professor Emeritus, Northwest Research and Outreach Center

Jerry Rude, UMC Landscape and Grounds Supervisor

Mil Sahlstrom, former UMC First Lady

Don Sargeant, UMC Chancellor Emeritus

(from left) UMC Chancellor Velmer S. Burton, Jr., Jerry Rude, Mil Sahlstrom, Don Sargeant, and Larry Smith, Head of the NWROC, below, George Marx

2002 Recipients

Beverly Durgan, Associate Dean for Research and Outreach and CFO, U of M College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences

Dale Knotek, former Director of Student Activities at UMC (retired)

Back Row: UMC Chancellor Don Sargeant, Jerry Nagel, Dale Knotek, Bruce Brorson, and NWROC Head Larry Smith
Front Row: Kathleen Kasprick, Lyle Kasprick, and Bev Durgan

More about the 2002 recipients

2001 Recipients

Tom Anderson, Farming Operations, Barnesville 

Dan Gartrell, Professor of Early Childhood and Elementary Education, Bemidji State University 

Les Nielsen, President, Herc-U-Lift, Inc., Maple Plain 

John Vallager, Certified Public Accountant, Drees, Riskey & Vallager, Ltd., Crookston

 
Back Row: UMC Chancellor Don Sargeant, John Vallager, Dan Gartrell, and NWROC Head Larry Smith
Front Row: Tom Anderson and Les Nielsen

More about the 2001 recipients 

2000 Recipients

Robert Bruininks, U of M Executive Vice President and Provost

Harris Peterson, Owner and CEO of Minn-Dak Growers, Ltd., NWSA Alum ‘42

Front Row: William Peterson; Honorable Bob Bergland; Honorable Allen Olson
Back Row: Larry Smith, NWROC Head; Robert Bruininks; Del Roelofs representing Harris Peterson; Don Sargeant, UMC Chancellor.

Listen to comments from 2000's award winners. 
(Real Media sound clip)

1999 Recipients

Twylla Altepeter                   Peter J. Zetterberg

Pictured above with NWROC Head Larry Smith, 
U of M President Mark Yudof, and UMC Chancellor Don Sargeant

1998 Recipients
Kristin Anderson
Michael Chowdry
Thomas Helgeson
David Torgerson
Thomas Reagan

Back Row (l-r): NWES Head Larry Smith, Linda and Michael Chowdry, Chancellor Don Sargeant
Front Row (l-r):  David Torgerson, Kristin Anderson, and Thomas Helgeson.
Not pictured: Thomas Reagan.

1997 Recipients
Robert Kvavik
Martin Sabo
Gail Skinner-West
Laurie Swenson

1996 Recipients
Bernadette Bettin
Steven Busse
Raymond Ecklund
Micheal Martin
Donald Medal
Collin Peterson

1995 Recipients
Patrick Carey
Ettore (Jim) Infante
Donald Osborne
Robert Robinson
Kenneth Schuster
Jeannine Windels

1994 Recipients
Gerald Folstrom
Darwin Hendel
James Ingeman
Donald Keith
June Shaver
Dorothy Soderstrom
Richard Widseth 
 
Front row: Richard Widseth, Dorothy Soderstrom, June Shaver, 
Donald Keith
Back row: UMC Chancellor Don Sargeant, Gerald Folstrom,
Darwin Hendel, James Ingeman, NWES Head Larry Smith

1993 Recipients
C. Eugene Allen
David Berg
George French
Marjorie & Silas Hanson
Marlin O. Johnson
Thomas C. Lenertz
MaryAnn Simmons
Gary Wagner
Wayne Wagner

1992 Recipients
Alice Bornhoft
Nils Hasselmo
Sherry Newell-Opitz
Timothy Persson
Paul Proulx
Jim Tunheim

1991 Recipients
Orley Gunderson
Barbara Muesing
Karl Palmer
Ralph Pester
David Roe
Mary Beth Sergeant

1990 Recipients
Kent Bruun
Clinton Hewitt
A. Jack Ruttger
Roy Thompson
Albert Westburg

1989 Recipients
Vern Ingvalson
Darrell Larsen
Chuck Larson
Pauline Purath
Donald Rasmusson
Gerhard Ross

1988 Recipients
Arthur Brandli
Charles Casey
Marilyn Hagerty
Bruce Hamnes
Earl Hvidsten
Thomas Jorgens
Bernie Lieder
Richard Sauer

1986 Recipients
David Bang
Howard Bergerud
Allan Dragseth
Kenneth Keller
Eleanor Maves
Judy Neppel
Roger Odegaard
Douglas Oman
Stanley Sahlstrom
Philip Weiler
Terry Wolfe

1983 Recipients
Larry Altringer
Frank Fee
Tillie Gebhardt
Erwin Goldfine
John Kostischack
Sr. Mary Magdelene
J. R. Miller
Charles Rongen
Jeffrey Sinks
Arlene Stansfield
LeRoy Stumpf
W. Keith Wharton
Medard Yutrzenka
Donald Zander

1981 Recipients
Don Bang
Sam Bigger
Peter Carlson
Lyle French
Marvin Hanson
Mary Hart Sorenson
Merle Hedland
Robert Jeska
Jean Kintgen-Andrews
Wenda Moore
Berneil Nelson
Rod Nelson
Ed Ross

1979 Recipients
Lee Engel
Charles Funk
Anne Healy
Lauris Krenik
Joel Labovitz
Donald Lawler
Albert Linck
George Nornes
Alfred Oelschlager
Ethel Peterson
Rodney Searle

1977 Recipients
Donald Brown
Jerome Dahlberg
Ray Faricy
Lowell Gunderson
Edwin Odland
Howard Peterson
Lloyd Peterson
Kenneth Plunkett, Sr.
Armin Ross
Ruth Ross
William Strickler

1975 Recipients
Kenneth Broin
Clark Dahlgren
Willis Eken
Jolanda Gumlia
Herschel Lysaker
C. Peter Magrath
Curtiss Rude
Gene Sipe
Loanne Thrane
Warren Woolery

1973 Recipients
Stanley Kegler
William Kelly
L. J. Lee
Roger Moe
Marie Nelson
John Olson
Robert Rupp
Harold Thomforde
B. E. Youngquist

1972 Recipients
Delbert Anderson
Lyman Brink
Ralph Eickhof
William Hueg, Jr.
Clifford Zaffke

1970 Recipients
Vincent Bailey
Sr. Mary John Flynn
Alfon Hanson
Harland Hasslen
William Kiewel
Robert Reardon
Andrew Skaar

1966 Recipients
Marvin Campbell
Richard Fitzsimons
Thomas Hagen
Keith McFarland
Donald Sinclair
Herman Skyberg
Stanley Wenberg