SPRING 2009
Vol. 3, No. 1

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Continuity

THIS SPRING WILL MARK the 41st occasion that the College of Education and Human Development Alumni Society has presented awards to the college community. At this annual event we celebrate the fantastic achievements of five alumni, one faculty member, and the people who represent the future of our alumni society—10 student scholarship recipients. We are proud of this year’s honorees, who were chosen from a slate of worthy nominees and applicants. Look for their names in the next issue of Connect.

Recognizing our student scholarship recipients is one of my favorite elements of the awards celebration. It represents one of our major goals as an alumni society board: to connect with students and improve their academic experiences at the University. The CEHD Alumni Society-sponsored scholarships are a tangible way to honor and better the college experience of some of our best and brightest students. It is my pleasure to say “hats off” to this new generation of leaders.

I would also like to thank alumni and friends for their continued backing of scholarships through annual giving. Your loyal and generous gifts directly support our students.

It is a privilege to serve as your president. Feel free to contact me directly if you have any comments or suggestions on how the CEHD Alumni Society can better serve you and our community.

My best to you and yours, Tex Ostvig, B.A. ’96 president, College of Education and Human Development Alumni Society ostvigwt@umn.edu

1940s

Mildred Templin (Ph.D. ’47) died October 22, 2008, in Minneapolis.

She was known as a scholar, speech clinician, educator, adviser, and friend to students and colleagues. She created the Templin-Darley Tests of Articulation with Frederick Darley, and her work is considered foundational within psycholinguistics.

1950s

Thomas Charles Burgess (Ph.D. ’54) passed away on January 29, in Lake Oswego, Ore. He was a professor emeritus at the University of Minnesota and held positions at the University of Missouri, Oregon State University, and the University of Montana before settling at Portland State for 18 years until his retirement in 1981.

Ida Davies (M.S.W. ’55) died November 27, 2008, at the age of 96. She was a pioneer in the care of the mentally ill and established programs, supervised graduate social work interns, and served as a clinicalassistant professor at the University. She and her husband Jack supported the School of Social Work by establishing annual scholarships for many graduate students.

Myer “Whitey” Skoog, (M.A. ’58), a former Gopher Men’s Basketball player and Minneapolis Lakers guard, had his jersey retired February 22 in Williams Arena. Skoog was an All-American who developed and perfected the jump shot. He was head basketball coach at Gustavus Adolphus College, where he now serves as head golf coach. He ranks 32nd on Sports Illustrated’s 50 Greatest Minnesota Sports Figures.

1960s

Mary Hall (Ph.D. ’63) died on October 12, 2008, in Wabasha. She was a University of Minnesota pediatric psychologist and adjunct professor, and she helped found Children’s Hospital of Minneapolis.

Jack Thommen (M.S. ’67) passed away on October 22, 2008, in Edina. He was captain of the University of Minnesota tennis team and went on to found the Urban Tennis Program for Children. He also worked as an elementary and junior-high teacher and administrator in Minneapolis Public Schools.

1970s

Bennett “Ross” Taylor (Ph.D. ’73) passed away peacefully at the age of 81 on February 7. Ross started his career as a math teacher and later served as the mathematics supervisor for Minneapolis Public Schools. He retired in 1990 and served on the Minneapolis School Board from 1994 to 2004. He was a visiting professor at St. Cloud State and Macalester College and also wrote math textbooks.

Randy Johnson (M.S. ’75), parks and recreation director for the City of Apple Valley, received the Minnesota Recreation and Parks Association’s highest professional honor, the Clifton E. French Distinguished Service Award. Johnson is past president of the CEHD Alumni Society.

1990s

Peg Lonnquist (Ph.D. ’95) has been selected as the director of the University of Minnesota Women’s Center, where she has served as interim director since 2007.

Gail Swor (Ed.D. ’98) has been named the 2008 National Distinguished Elementary Principal of the Year by the National Association of Elementary School Principals. She is principal at Poplar Bridge Elementary School in Bloomington.

2000s

Sandra Simar (M.A. ’06) has been appointed to the Minnesota State Advisory Council on Early Childhood Education and Care. She serves as head start director at the Minnesota Child Care Resource & Referral Network in Rochester.

Rich Wagner (Ph.D. ’06) has been named to succeed C. Ben Wright, who is retiring as president of Dunwoody College of Technology on July 1, 2009. Wagner has been vice president of academic affairs since 2005.

JOIN US!

St. Paul Campus Reunion
June 25, 9:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.
Minnesota Landscape Arboretum
Join fellow alumni from the colleges of Education and Human Development; Food, Agricultural and Natural Resources Sciences; and Design, whose academic programs were based on the St. Paul campus. The program will include tours and lunch, and the Class of ’59 will be honored. Watch for more details at cehd.umn.edu/alumni/news

SHARE YOUR NEWS

Just like your mom or your favorite cousin, we’d love to hear from you more often. Do you have a new job? Received an award? Given a speech? Let us know. Call 612-626-8782 or e-mail hpena@umn.edu.

3rd Annual Scramble
for Scholarships
July 24, 7:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.
Les Bolstad Golf Course
A best-ball golf tournament featuring contests, prizes, breakfast, lunch, and more. Create a foursome on your own, or be matched with a group. The proceeds benefit the CEHD Alumni Society Study Abroad Scholarship Fund. Last year, we raised nearly $8,000 for student scholarships. We are seeking breakfast, lunch, beverage cart, photography, giveaway, and hole sponsors, and we are collecting gift certificates and merchandise for prizes and our silent auction. Contact Heather Peña at 612-626-8782, or e-mail hpena@umn.edu.

Saturday Scholars
September 26, 8:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.
Coffman Memorial Union
Come back to campus this fall for a day of learning—no tests required—and a chance to connect with faculty, students, alumni, and friends of the college. Watch the Web site for announcements about faculty presenters and topics, as they are confirmed. Registration begins in August and will include breakfast, classes taught by faculty, lunch at the Campus Club, and a docent led tour at the Weisman Art Museum.

SAVE THE DATE

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