Distinguished Alumni of Bemidji State University
Bemidji State University (BSU), a public university in Bemidji, Minnesota, has a rich history of producing notable alumni who have made significant contributions in various fields. Founded in 1919 as a preparatory institution for teachers, BSU has evolved into a comprehensive university offering 47 different areas of study, including unique programs like the Indigenous Sustainability Studies degree and a BFA in professional and creative writing. This article highlights some of the university's most accomplished graduates, showcasing their diverse achievements and the impact they have had on their communities and professions.
A Legacy of Leadership and Achievement
BSU's alumni have excelled in diverse fields, including sports, politics, business, and the arts. Their success stories reflect the university's commitment to providing a well-rounded education and fostering a supportive environment where students can develop their talents and pursue their passions. The university's emphasis on applied research, community engagement, and sustainability further contributes to the development of graduates who are not only knowledgeable but also socially responsible and prepared to make a difference in the world.
Notable Alumni in Various Fields
Sports
Bemidji State University has a strong athletic tradition, with its sports teams known as the Beavers. Several alumni have gone on to achieve success in professional sports, including:
- Gunner Olszewski: An American professional football wide receiver and return specialist for the New York Giants of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at Bemidji State as a cornerback and previously played for the New England Patriots and the Pittsburgh Steelers.
- Zach Whitecloud: A Canadian professional ice hockey defenceman for the Vegas Golden Knights of the National Hockey League (NHL). Whitecloud went undrafted while playing for Bemidji State University but signed with the Golden Knights in 2018 as a college free agent.
- Matt Dalton: A Korean-Canadian professional ice hockey goaltender for HL Anyang of the Asia League Ice Hockey (ALIH) and the South Korea men's national ice hockey team.
- Brad Hunt: A Canadian professional ice hockey defenceman who plays for the Hershey Bears of the American Hockey League (AHL). He previously played in the National Hockey League (NHL) with several teams.
- Joel Otto: An American former professional ice hockey center in the National Hockey League (NHL) for the Calgary Flames and Philadelphia Flyers. He was one of the top defensive centers in the league during his career and a member of Calgary's 1989 Stanley Cup championship winning team.
- Matt Read: A Canadian former professional ice hockey player who played eight seasons in the National Hockey League (NHL) for the Philadelphia Flyers and the Minnesota Wild.
- Andrew Murray: A Canadian-Croatian former professional ice hockey player who played in the National Hockey League (NHL).
- Matt Climie: A Canadian professional ice hockey goaltender who has played in the National Hockey League with the Dallas Stars and Phoenix Coyotes.
- Stephanie Anderson: An American ice hockey player who played for the Minnesota Whitecaps in the now defunct Premier Hockey Federation (PHF). She previously competed for the Bemidji State Beavers women's ice hockey program and was a member of the United States women's national ice hockey team that won the gold medal at the 2015 IIHF Women's World Championship.
- Zuzana Tomčíková: A Slovak retired ice hockey and ball hockey goaltender, who represented Slovakia in the 2010 Winter Olympics and at several IIHF Women's World Championships.
- Arnie Johnson: An American professional basketball player who played for the Rochester Royals of the National Basketball League (NBL) and National Basketball Association (NBA) from 1946 to 1953. Johnson is the only basketball player from Bemidji State to play in the NBA.
- Matt Pope: A retired Canadian professional ice hockey right winger who last played with the Cardiff Devils of the UK's Elite Ice Hockey League.
- Andrew Martens: A Canadian former professional ice hockey defenceman who most notably played for the Wichita Thunder of the then Central Hockey League.
- Rob Sirianni: A retired Canadian-born Italian professional ice hockey player.
- Chris McKelvie: An American former professional ice hockey player who last played with the Albany Devils of the American Hockey League (AHL).
Politics and Government
BSU alumni have also made significant contributions to the field of politics and government, serving at the local, state, and national levels:
- Christopher Waller: An American economist who has been a member of the Federal Reserve Board of Governors since 2020.
- Michele Leonhart: An American career law enforcement officer who served as the tenth Administrator of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) from 2010 to 2015.
- Thomas D. Waldhauser: A retired United States Marine Corps general who was the Commander of United States Africa Command.
- Carly Melin: A Minnesota politician and former member of the Minnesota House of Representatives.
- Bob Bird: An American conservative activist, retired high school teacher, home-school tutor and the former chairman of the Alaskan Independence Party (AIP).
- Torrey Westrom: An American businessman and politician and member of the Minnesota Senate. He is the first known blind person to be elected to the Minnesota Legislature.
- Bob Dettmer: A Minnesota politician and former member of the Minnesota House of Representatives.
- Marion O'Neill: An American politician serving in the Minnesota House of Representatives since 2013.
- John Persell: An American DFL politician who represented District 5A in northern Minnesota, first winning election in 2008.
- Patricia Walrath: An American politician who represented the 3rd Middlesex District in the Massachusetts House of Representatives from 1985 to 2009.
Arts and Literature
BSU's commitment to fostering creativity and expression is evident in the success of its alumni in the arts and literature:
Read also: Legacy of Excellence
- Gary Paulsen: An American writer of children's and young adult fiction, best known for coming-of-age stories about the wilderness. He was the author of more than 200 books and won the Margaret Edwards Award from the American Library Association in 1997 for his lifetime contribution in writing for teens.
- Brenda J. Child: An Ojibwe historian and author.
Coaching
- Frank Serratore: An American ice hockey coach, currently with the Air Force Falcons men's ice hockey team.
Recent Alumni Awards
Bemidji State University recognizes the achievements of its alumni through various awards and honors. The BSU Alumni & Foundation established the Philanthropist of the Year Award in 2024 to recognize individuals who significantly impact the university through their exceptional commitment as financial and engaged supporters.
In 2023, the Honors Gala recognized four outstanding individuals:
- Alamano: The executive director for the United Way of Bemidji Area, recognized for her significant impact on the greater Bemidji community.
- Bloomquist: Honored for his decades-long career with the Minnesota Department of Corrections and his support for the less fortunate.
- Koehler: Recognized for his over 30 years of service in the Minnesota Army National Guard and his numerous military awards.
- Thompson: A leader at Federated Insurance, recognized for his professional achievements and community involvement.
The 2024 distinguished alumni class includes:
- Marken: The senior vice president of operations at ANI Pharmaceuticals, recognized for his leadership in the pharmaceutical sector.
- Mulbah: The chief people and inclusion officer for the Minnesota Timberwolves and Minnesota Lynx, honored for her work in human resources and women's leadership.
- Whitchurch: A former businesswoman in Tampa Bay, Fla., recognized for establishing her food as a local staple and her involvement in local cat rescues.
- Johanneson: Honored with the Philanthropist of the Year Award for his significant contributions to BSU, including a $1 million pledge to endow nursing scholarships.
Read also: Your guide to lifelong learning in Bemidji
Read also: Comprehensive Guide to KSU Printing
tags: #bemidji #state #university #notable #alumni
