Fargo Moorhead Alumni Profile: Fargo South

Dr. Mark Reinke

Class of 1974

Dr. Mark Reinke is all about serving people. It's a theme that has guided his life as an elite pilot in the Air Force, as a surgeon who handles cases from simple ear infections to cancer, as a community leader who works tirelessly to support the arts and feed the hungry, and as a family man who's married with five children.

"I fully support his inclusion into your Hall of Fame as I could not imagine a more caring and industrious individual to receive such an honor," says Dr. Gary Leong, a friend and colleague.

A former commander in the Air Force, Mark is currently in private practice in Green Bay, Wisconsin, where he has distinguished himself as an ear, nose and throat surgeon. He has undergraduate degrees from the University of North Dakota and Arizona State, and a medical degree from Rush University in Chicago.

"His first career was very difficult because to be a pilot in the Air Force demands many hours of education and training," says Fargo South Hall of Famer Rick Majerus, who has known Mark since high school. "Then to totally reverse the course and go back to school to become a doctor is totally amazing."

Says longtime friend Gene Allen: "Mark Reinke is a traditional, clean-cut family man; an exemplar of American heroism." Mark was working as an emergency medical technician with F-M Ambulance Service when he met Allen. It was at that time, even though Mark had yet to pursue his career as a pilot, that Allen knew Mark would become a doctor. "Dr. Reinke continues to distinguish himself as a surgeon. His passion for excellence remains," Allen says.

Mark graduated from Fargo South in 1974. He lettered in wrestling three years, and won the state title at 119 pounds his senior year. "With the long season, many bus trips and practices, you get to know someone very well," Majerus says. "Mark has always impressed me with his work ethic on the mat and in life."

Kristin Okerland

Class of 1974

Pianist Kristin Okerlund is known around the world for her musical mastery, both as a performer and teacher. The 1981 Fargo South graduate is a favorite coach and accompanist of many of today’s premier opera stars, including renowned soprano Nancy Gustafson. A brilliant soloist and chamber musician in her own right, Kristin has performed in the United States, throughout Europe, and in Japan and Nigeria.

She has recorded with soprano Heidi Brunner, conductor Bertrand de Billy and the Vienna Radio Symphony Orchestra. She has appeared in a chamber music series with members of the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra. She has worked with many of the top conductors in the world.

Kristin has taught at the prestigious Vienna Conservatory of Music since 1993. Kristin studied at the St. Louis Conservatory of Music and the University of Illinois. Kristin won numerous regional and national competitions on her way to becoming a sought-after coach and pianist. She won first prize in the St. Louis Symphony Young Artist Competition, the Sigma Alpha Tota Scholarship Competition, the Music Teachers National Association auditions, the Boco Raton Music Guild Competition, the Esther Wilburn-Barnes Competition, and the Earl Lee Piano Competition among others.

Kristin Okerlund and Nancy Gustafson have teamed together on recitals around the world. "Kristin is not only a world-class pianist and vocal coach, but also a first class musician," Gustafson says. "She is admired and respected throughout the musical world." Kristin also is a "great human being.” “A mother of two glorious children, she is balancing a full-time musical career and motherhood with tremendous success," the singer says. "You should be very proud to have produced such a tremendous graduate."

Fargo Moorhead Alumni Profile: Fargo South

Bruce Harmon

Faculty

For nearly 30 years, Bruce Harmon has inspired Fargo South students in the fields of marketing, management and entrepreneurship. Simply put, he has developed many of today's business leaders.

Former Fargo South principal and Hall of Famer Richard Warner describes Mr. Harmon as one of the finest marketing teachers and DECA club advisers in the country. "More than anything, Bruce showed, both in word and deed that he cared about the students. If you ask the alumni who had a significant, positive impact on them while at South High, Bruce Harmon's name is one that is always mentioned,” Dr. Warner said.

Kevin Reisenauer, the state DECA adviser, says Mr. Harmon was instrumental in curriculum development, marketing standards, and the development of performance indicators for marketing education courses. Reisenauer says mentor is the one word that best describes Mr. Harmon. "Mr. Harmon was a role model and father for many students during his tenure at Fargo South," Reisenauer said. "He always saw the good in every student and worked to develop and instill a sense of leadership, hope and opportunity."

Among his many awards, Mr. Harmon has been recognized by North Dakota DECA with the Exemplary Adviser Award, the Adviser of the Year Award, and the Honorary Life Membership Award. Bruce remains active in church, service clubs and neighborhood associations.

Mr. Harmon retired from the Fargo Public Schools in 2004 and now serves as supervisor in education field experience at Minnesota State University Moorhead. "Fargo South was fortunate to have Mr. Harmon as a teacher for many years," Reisenauer says.

Mark Larson

Class of 1974

If the Fargo South Hall of Fame truly measures its candidates by their success both in and out of high school, Mark Larson is the ideal inductee. Or as Hall of Famer Gelaine Orvik says, "Mark is a true Bruin."

Mark has been a certified public accountant for 26 years, currently working as one of five partners and shareholders in one of the largest firms in the area. He has been honored as the U.S. Small Business North Dakota Accountant Advocate of the Year, among other notable accomplishments.

"He has handled our professional relationship impeccably, demonstrating over and over his expertise in his chosen profession," said Jay Matthews, a longtime client of Mark's. "He has been a trusted counselor and confidant for our business, and he has exhibited the leadership skills necessary to help our business grow."

His business success comes as no surprise to Mr. Orvik, Mark's former English teacher and coach, who says his former student "has always been the epitome of an ordinary person accomplishing extraordinary tasks."

A 1974 graduate of Fargo South, Mark was a three-sport athlete. He was an all-conference lineman in football, a three-year letterman in wrestling, and team captain as a thrower in track.

"He was one of the hardest workers I remember in my 30 years of coaching," says Myron Wagner, also a Hall of Fame inductee. "He more than made the most of his abilities." There's also the "caring and supportive" side of Mark, says Mr. Wagner, who says his former athlete and student has helped him in his battle with cancer. Along with preparing taxes for his family, Mr. Wagner says Mark lifts their spirits with his sense of humor. "Who else would have come up with the good-natured comment, “Don't you have to have a brain to have a brain tumor?”

Fargo Moorhead Alumni News: The FPS Foundation

Microsoft-Adopt a School Program

Microsoft is known around the world for its out-of-the-box thinking, cutting-edge technology, and a whole host of other wonderful clichés…which are all indeed true. When it comes to volunteering, however, the energy and thoughtfulness Microsoft employees pour into their work surpasses the company’s own lofty reputation.

The keystone of Microsoft’s business is innovation, and the employees involved with the Fargo Public School Foundation’s “Adopt-a-School” program bring that ideology to their volunteering efforts. In fact, as I sat down to listen to their ideas and experiences with the program over the past six years, there was hardly a lull in the conversation. New ideas were being bounced back and forth throughout. There was more talk of what could be done that what had already been accomplished. The Foundation and its mission inspire similar innovation and leadership across the Fargo community.

The entire Fargo Microsoft campus has adopted Bennett Elementary School, and employees work with students, faculty and parents throughout the year on numerous collaborations. The Fargo Public School Foundation’s goal is to enrich the educational experience of students, and with partners like Microsoft, Fargo’s school children are going beyond traditional classroom learning and experiencing real-world lessons.

But like most volunteering opportunities, the benefits go both ways. Chris Lerum of Microsoft works with Bennett’s student as a volunteer for the Bennett Bears Book Club which is sponsored each year by Microsoft. Over the past five years, he has enjoyed watching the students grow into confident group leaders and participants.

“It’s hard to come up with just one memory that stands out because each year has had something different about it,” Lerum said. “I think the thing I like the most is just watching the kids get their new books when we hand them out. They are so excited to be able to take them home and call them their own. It’s also kind of humbling to observe how much they can comprehend so quickly.”

Along with the Bennett Bear Book Club, Microsoft employees participate in Bennett’s annual Fall Festival fundraiser, and because of their involvement (both time and money), families are now able to attend the festival free of charge. Microsoft also provides small, but important and often costly necessities like paper and printing for PTA needs, lunches for teachers, raffle prizes, awards, etc. Finally, for each volunteering hour put in by an employee, Microsoft’s corporate volunteering program donates $17 back to the PTA!

Though schools let out for the summer months, the “Adopt-a-School” partnership provides the opportunity for teachers and students to stay in touch over the break. To show their appreciation and to build upon their strong relationship, Bennett faculty members donate their own time by working at Microsoft’s annual picnic.

Again, the entire goal of the “Adopt-a-School” program is to enrich students’ education and to foster their development and maturation. Seeing the smiles on their faces and listening to the excitement in their voices, it is clear that this unique program is touching lives young and old in a very meaningful way.

“I am constantly reminded of how people can have varying perspectives and opinions when I work with these kids,” Lerum said. “The refreshing part is that these students are not afraid to share their opinions in a very honest way.”

Every business or individual within the Fargo community has the opportunity to become involved in the Adopt-a-School program. You can make a difference. You can help to shape lives. You may not think you have time to spare out of a busy schedule, but you do. Chris Lerum thought he was too busy to get involved. That was five years ago, and he has no plans to give up his time with the Bennett students who participate in the Bennett Bear Book club[d1] . The Foundation has a role for you. Are you ready to get involved?

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[d1]The Bennett Bear Book club runs for 5 weeks during the months of January and\or February – so I don’t want people to think that Microsoft employees spend 1 hour every week of the school year with these students.

Fargo Moorhead Alumni News: The FPS Foundation

Update from the FPS Development Foundation

We hope you enjoy reading this first quarter issue of the FPS Alumni newspaper for 2007-08. As always, we would welcome your alumni briefs (what’s new with your family, your job, any trips you’ve taken, visits with other alumni, etc.) and any ideas you would have for feature stories.

The Foundation is currently working to compile the 2008 reunion information, some of which is printed in this issue. We will keep you informed of additional reunion plans and activities as we receive them. Between issues, you can go to our website at www.fargoschoolsfoundation.org for updates.

The Foundation has once again contracted with Harris Connect in Norfolk, Virginia to publish updated alumni directories for Fargo North and Fargo South. If you’ve been getting post cards and phone calls, rest assured this is a legitimate organization. Also please be aware that you are under no obligation to purchase a directory and the information you provide for the directory will not be sold or shared with anyone else.

Lastly, if you’re looking for a unique Christmas gift for that hard to shop for person, you may want to consider something from our friends at fargostuff.com. From October 1 to December 31, a portion of sales from some of their product line with be donated to the Foundation. Their website is www.fargostuff.com.

Best wishes to you and your family for the holiday season.

Steve Backsen, Executive Director

(701) 446-1041

backses@fargo.k12.nd.us

Fargo Moorhead Alumni Profile: Fargo North

Name: Carrie Ruth Snyder

Graduation Year & High School: 2002 Fargo North High School

Currently living in: Fargo

Married? Kids? no, no

If someone wants to contact me, they can email me at: csnyder@westfargopioneer.com

My favorite High School moment: Band trip to Denver my sophomore year of school.

Activities you were involved in from HS that you wish to name: Cheerleading, Club International, Band, Choir

Favorite song while you were in HS: Probably Adams Song by Blink 182

Favorite song now: So many to name, but Duct Tape by P.O.S. is one of the many.

Favorite movie while you were in HS: Super Troopers

Favorite movie now: Garden State

Two of your best buddies in HS: Laura Mueller and Natalie Schmaltz

Last time you spoke to either one: about a year ago and last week

Knowing now, what I know, the one teacher I totally misunderstood was: Mrs. Lewis

Do you have any friends from your class who are currently friends of yours who were not back in HS? Yes, plenty.

Any current professional information (business, promotions, honors, etc) you wish to add: Currently work as the Photographer for the West Fargo Pioneer and Fargo-Moorhead Magazine. Graduated Cum Laude from Minnesota State University Moorhead in 2006 with a B.S. degree in mass communications. Won the national award for Online Feature Reporting for the Society of Professional Journalists in 2006.

Fargo Moorhead Alumni Profile: Fargo South

Name: Mike Marren

Graduation Year & High School: 1997 Fargo South High

Currently living in: Fargo, ND

Married? Kids? Married, No Kids

If someone wants to contact me, they can email me at: Michael.marren@hotmail.com

My favorite High School moment: Meeting the love of my life and marrying her 5 years later

Activities you were involved in from HS that you wish to name: Football, Track, Key Club, Basketball,

Favorite song while you were in HS: “Should have been a cowboy” Toby Keith

Favorite song now: “Amazing Grace (My Chains Are Gone)” Chris Tomlin

Favorite movie while you were in HS: Independence Day

Favorite movie now: Live Free or Die Hard

Two of your best buddies in HS: Derek Johnson, Ryan Jordet

Last time you spoke to either one: Monthly

Knowing now, what I know, the one teacher I totally misunderstood was : Mrs. Dixon

Do you have any friends from your class who are currently friends of yours who were not back in HS? No

Whatcha up to now? After service in Air Force currently working at NAVTEQ in Fargo

Fargo Moorhead Alumni Profile: Fargo South

Name: Michael K. Bakke

Graduation Year & High School: 1997 Fargo South

Currently living in: Virginia Beach, Virginia

Married? Kids? Married

If someone wants to contact me, they can email me at: Bakkem@cg55.navy.mil

My favorite High School moment: Football State Championship

Activities you were involved in from HS that you wish to name: Football

Favorite song while you were in HS: Rob Zombie - Astrocreep2000

Favorite song now: Akon – I’m Sorry

Favorite movie while you were in HS: Pulp Fiction

Favorite movie now: 300

Two of your best buddies in HS: Steve Rehorst, Brian Khan

Last time you spoke to either one: the other week

Knowing now, what I know, the one teacher I totally misunderstood was: Been to long can’t remember my teachers

Do you have any friends from your class who are currently friends of yours who were not back in HS? No

Any current professional information (business, promotions, honors, etc) you wish to add: U.S. Navy active duty

Fargo Moorhead Alumni News: Fargo South

Each spring, one deserving student from Fargo South High School receives a gift. However, unlike most other gifts, this one comes with a few prerequisites: the student must be involved in music, must perform well academically and must be dedicated to pursuing a 4-year college degree. Given each year by the Fargo Public School Foundation on behalf of Robert and Sally Berrell, the $2,000 scholarship is a fitting memorial for their son, Steve, who lost his life in tragedy on Dec. 21, 1988 at the age of 20.

Nearly twenty years ago, the Berrell’s were preparing to celebrate the holidays with their family. They were especially excited to have their son, Steve, home from his semester abroad in London, England. At that time, Steve was a junior Communications and Management double major at Syracuse University. He was finishing yet another successful trip overseas yet looking forward to getting back to New York to move into the Phi Delta Theta fraternity house he had pledged with before leaving for England.

Steve loved to travel, and he loved his music. He spent his high school life playing his trumpet and traveling with South’s choral and jazz bands, performing all over the US and Europe. It was a perfect union of Steve’s two passions. Steve was also a good student, always dedicated to learning all he could and exploring the world around him. So, it was no surprise to his family when Steve announced his plan to study abroad.

As the Christmas season bloomed full, Robert and Sally awaited their joyful family reunion. They were anxious to hear Steve’s stories, to share a laugh and embrace. This Christmas, however, turned tragic. With the news of Pan Am flight 103’s demise over Lockerbie, Scotland, the flight that was to bring Steve home to his family, the holiday season changed forever for the Berrells.

While the family gathered to grieve and support one another, Robert and Sally started the process of finding a way to honor their son and his short, but admirable life. They knew his love for music was strong. They remembered his academic achievements, and they cherished his passion for learning. The decision to create a scholarship in memoriam for their son was quite natural, and the impact of this annual gift will far outlive the tragedy for which is was created.

“Bob and I started this scholarship on our own,” explained Sally. “We met with Dr. Warner (then principal of South High) to see about the possibility of setting up a scholarship in memory of Steve.”

Later, the Berrells met with Steve Backsen and the Fargo Public School Foundation to see about the possibility of working with them to ensure the scholarship would continue in good keeping.

“We felt it was very important that it would be handled professionally year in year out,” said Sally. “We met with Steve and it went very smoothly. I can’t say enough good things about him and the work of the foundation.”

So, with the help of the Foundation, the Steve Berrell scholarship fund was set up through Heartland Trust Company, and as Sally said, “The scholarship will go on as long as South High is around!

Though the scholarship stems from terrible personal tragedy, the Berrells created a way to honor their son, provide needed financial support for promising Fargo graduates, and support a public education system that is also quite deserving. Sally Berrell once taught in the district and still marvels at the quality of education provided in spite of low pay and little recognition.

“Beginning with elementary, the teaching is excellent,” said Sally. “The teachers were very caring, and had wonderful contact with parents. I think they take it very seriously. I think the teachers here are very dedicated. They take an interest in their students.”

The tradition of learning and respect for the promise of a good education runs deep in the Berrell family. If there were a an underlying storyline, it would simply be the Berrells’ desire to attract more attention to the good work of the Fargo Schools and what the Foundation has accomplished over the years.

“People should pay more attention,” said Sally. “I think it would be wonderful for people who have children who’ve gone through the Fargo school district to consider [the Foundation] in their charitable giving…in appreciation, not necessarily for a death.

“Education was very important to our Steve,” explained Sally with a hint of a quiver in her voice. “He loved school here, he was very excited about college, and therefore we felt it was a positive step out of a terrible tragedy.”

Indeed.

Fargo Moorhead Alumni News: Fargo South

Fargo South graduate publishes futuristic novel

Charles Whittlesey has published his first novel, The Islander: A Romance of the Future. The novel is available through Amazon.com and many Barnes & Noble stores. It is also available on Amazon's wireless reading device, Kindle.

The Islander takes place in the year 2155. It envisions two Americas: one for the wealthy and one for the poor. The wealthy control most of the land and all the technology, while the poor lead short and sordid lives confined to the remnants of America’s collapsed cities, known as Islands.

The two cultures collide when Galen Fairchild, a young Islander, falls in love with Mata Vandermere, the daughter of a wealthy family from the modern city of Stratis. Like Romeo and Juliet, Galen and Mata struggle to stay together in the face of daunting opposition from family, friends, and many other forces.

Their troubles lead them into the ghostlike ruins of downtown Minneapolis, where no Islander dares to go. Inside the crumbling skyscrapers, they discover a strange power linked to Galen’s past, which not only changes his life forever, but also pits the two cultures against each other with cataclysmic results.

The Islander was written for lovers of science fiction as well as mainstream-fiction audiences. Its subject matter is suitable for anyone over the age of thirteen.

Charles Whittlesey graduated from Fargo South High in 1973. He studied philosophy and English at St. Olaf College and received his master’s degree in fiction writing from the University of Minnesota. He taught writing at Hamline University, worked in corporate communications for ten years, and started a freelance writing business in 1999. Mr. Whittlesey currently writes novels and poetry in Minneapolis, where he lives with his wife and two daughters.

For more information, please visit charleswhittlesey.blogspot.com.