Regina Monnig (Ph. D. ‘75) a Franciscan Sister of the Congregation of Our Lady of Lourdes, Rochester, and professor in the School of Nursing at the University of Minnesota passed away on July 20, 2017. Monnig received her doctorate in Educational Psychology from the University of Minnesota, and was project director of the Minnesota Nursing Association Career Mobility Study (1971-1974). Sister Regina also served as an Air Force Reserve Nurse in 1972 and received an honorable discharge in 1992. From 1978 until 1998 she served as an Academic Dean and Professor of Nursing for several nursing programs around the country.
Myron E. Fahey (M. Ed. ‘53)
Myron E. Fahey (M. Ed. ‘53) a long time educator passed away at the age of 95, on July 12, 2017. After serving in World War II, Fahey returned to school and earned his master’s in Education Administration from the University of Minnesota. In 1958 he became a high school principal in Gilbert, Minnesota and later the superintendent of the district, he retired in 1989. In addition to his profession, he was also elected to the board of directors for the Minnesota State High School League, an officer in the Minnesota Education Association, and Range Retired Teachers.
John Treiber (B.S. ‘80)
John Treiber (B.S. ‘80) founder of the non-profit, People Serving People, passed away on July 16, 2017. After serving in the Navy during the Vietnam war from 1959 to 1962, Trieber earned his Bachelor of Science from the University of Minnesota and went on to pursue his master’s in Psychology specializing in substance abuse rehabilitation.
Mary Bradley (A.A. ‘46)
Mary Bradley (A.A. ‘46) a student of the General College, passed away November 30, 2016. Bradley, known for her singing, sang in Mendelssohn’s oratorio “Elijah”, at St. Mark’s Cathedral, as well as with the Minneapolis and St. Paul Civic Operas. In the 1950’s she was a member of the famous Schiek’s Singing Sextet, where she sang and performed with the company in dozens of musical shows at Schiek’s Cafe. Later, she went on to work for the Minneapolis Institute of Arts and for the Tyrone Guthrie Theater Foundation.
Kinesiology professor emeritus Leo McAvoy awarded U of M’s OAA
CEHD alumnus and professor emeritus Leo McAvoy received the University of Minnesota’s Outstanding Achievement Award (OAA) on July 31 at an evening reception at the Campus Club. Regent Abdul Omari presented the award, which recognizes McAvoy’s significant contributions to outdoor and adventure education. The OAA is the University of Minnesota’s highest award for its graduates.
McAvoy earned a Ph.D. in Recreation, Park, and Leisure Studies from the College of Education and Human Development, and spent more than 30 years as a professor in the School of Kinesiology. He directed the Recreation, Park, and Leisure Studies division for a total of 12 years, and served twice as acting director of the School. He has been honored nationally for his contributions to his field, including its highest honor, the Theodore and Franklin Roosevelt Award for Excellence in Recreation and Park Research.
What makes McAvoy’s work special is his focus on populations that are often overlooked in the literature. Much of his research concentrated on the notion of inclusive recreation. His groundbreaking work challenged long-held myths about the preferences of individuals with disabilities for outdoor environments and the extent of their participation in adventure activities. Throughout this career, McAvoy collaborated with nonprofit organizations such as Wilderness Inquiry, an inclusive outdoor program in Minneapolis, and consulted for schools and government agencies.
McAvoy was also recognized for his skills in the classroom. His classes included hands-on work, such as visiting a local YMCA camp to participate in a high ropes challenge. McAvoy is beloved by his former students, who remember his passion for the outdoors and his innovative syllabi. Many of his advisees attended the award ceremony.
McAvoy’s frequent research collaborator, former School of Kinesiology professor Stuart Schleien, shared in his nomination letter: “Leo’s work exemplified the ideals of integrating research with action, and I would regard him as one of our field’s outstanding scholars in his ability to share his knowledge, expertise, and experiences to multiple audiences.”
Congratulations, Professor Emeritus McAvoy!
CEHD alumni honored with Outstanding Achievement Award
CEHD alumni John Haugo and David Metzen received the University of Minnesota’s Outstanding Achievement Award (OAA) on June 19 at an evening reception at Eastcliff. They were recognized for their significant contributions to Minnesota’s educational system and given their awards by President Eric Kaler. The OAA is the University of Minnesota’s highest award for graduates.
John Haugo was an innovative tech entrepreneur before it was cool. After working as a teacher for many years, Haugo went on to earn an M.A. (’64) and Ph.D. (’68) from CEHD. He had a specialty in information systems and, after finishing his doctorate, led the implementation of computer networks across Minnesota State University campuses.
He was later appointed to a governor’s task force to study the potential use of computers in education, which led to his position as executive director of the Minnesota Educational Computing Consortium, or MECC. Early on, Haugo realized the educational potential of personal desktop computers and the importance of teaching students how to use them. Because of his efforts at MECC, all public schools in Minnesota had Apple computers with instructional software, and teachers were trained how to incorporate them into their lesson plans. Haugo eventually moved on to launch his entrepreneurial career and founded several software companies focused on health care delivery and resource management. One of his colleagues said, “John could have used his entrepreneurial skills in any type of business, but he wanted to improve the world.”
David Metzen went from being a U of M hockey standout to having an exemplary career in the field of public education. Metzen has a B.S. (’64), M.A. (’70) and Ed.D. (’73) from CEHD. He started his career as a teacher in his hometown of South Saint Paul, soon advancing to the position of principal and later superintendent. A parent from that time shared, “On the first day of school, Dave took our daughter by the hand and walked her to her classroom, all the while telling her how great school was going to be. She not only believed him then, she is now a 9th grade English teacher in the Minneapolis public schools.” As a lifelong resident and passionate supporter of his community, Metzen realized the importance of strong public schools as a civic point of pride. To ensure the ongoing health of the district, he established one of the first school foundations in Minnesota, the South Saint Paul Educational Foundation.
The University of Minnesota was influenced by Metzen’s thoughtful leadership as a Board of Regents member for 12 years, including two years as chair. He wanted to ensure that college education remained affordable for all students. During his time as a regent, the board oversaw the reorganization of General College and the College of Human Ecology, bringing together several programs under the umbrella of the new College of Education and Human Development. After his regents term ended, Metzen continued his leadership for college affordability as Minnesota’s Commissioner of Higher Education.
In their acceptance remarks, both Haugo and Metzen acknowledged the importance of the University of Minnesota to their lives and to the state. We are proud to have such distinguished alumni affiliated with CEHD!
All college alumni are invited to stay connected through the CEHD Alumni Society.
Corey Bulman (M.Ed ’06)
Corey Bulman (M. Ed ’06), was named the 2017 Minnesota Teacher of the Year. Bulman teaches high school language arts at Mound Westonka High school. Bulman is the 53rd recipient of the prestigious award, and the first from the Westonka district. In his teacher of the year portfolio, Bulman said he struggled as a young student, but then he met a group of dedicated teachers who saw his potential. “This educational experience has taught me an important lesson: education is a gift that is renewed every time it is shared” Bulman said. Bulman has taught at Mound Westonka High school since 2000 and he holds a master’s degree in education for the University of Minnesota.
Mitchell Pearlstein (Ph.D ’80)
Mitchell Pearlstein (Ph.D ’80), delivered his 2017 talk, “Great Jobs Without A Four-Year Degree- What it Means for Students, Parents, and Employers.” This discussion was to address the mistake that many students make when choosing to pursue a degree. Pearlstein earned his doctorate in educational administration with an emphasis on higher education policy from the University of Minnesota. He was named one of the 100 of CEHD’s 2006 Distinguished Alumni.
Daniel Persons (B.S. ’84)
Daniel (Dan) Persons (B.S. ’84), has been hired as the first vice president of customer experience at Sisu Healthcare IT solutions in 2017. Sisu Healthcare IT Solutions is a company that “specializes in delivering the IT solutions and services community healthcare facilities need to survive”. Dan has over 25 years of experience in senior level positions in healthcare and financial services.
Duane J. Hannan (B.S. ’85)
Duane J. Hannan (B.S. ’85), retires in 2017, after 32 years of teaching. Duane grew up in St. Paul and graduated from the University of Minnesota with a degree in English after returning home from serving overseas in Germany. Hannan started teaching at Westbrook High school in Westbrook, MN. There he taught English, German, speech, and English social projects. Over the years, Hannan has become the technology person at the school and has built and developed both hardwire and wireless networks in the High school and tech campus. As well as doing administrative and development of new networks, Hannan has also set up several portable computer labs.
Jill Watson (Ph.D ’10)
Jill Watson (Ph.D ’10), has been recognized at St. Olaf College as an extraordinary faculty member. At St. Olaf College, Jill serves as an advisor for English Secondary Language Club, a teacher for the ESL Licensure, and an educator for Principles of Education. As she serves in these multiple roles she also is co-authoring a book that will help raise awareness, on St. Olaf’s campus, of students who have limited or interrupted formal education. Her passion for connecting people across languages and cultures have made her a person to remember.
Laura Bloomberg (Ph.D ’97)
Laura Bloomberg (Ph.D ’97), has been appointed as the dean of the Humphrey School of Public Affairs for a two-year term. Since the winter of 2013, Laura has served as the associate dean of the Humphrey School of Public Affairs. During her tenure as associate dean, Laura helped advance the school’s mission through her involvement in multiple programs and school initiatives. Just to name a few, Bloomberg led in the efforts in developing a Master of Human Rights degree program, helped develop a new certificate in election administration, and the developing the Humphrey summer institute for underrepresented college students who have interest in public affairs. Congratulations again, on the new position as the dean of Humphrey School of Public Affairs!
Steven Massey (Ed.D’99)
Steven Massey (Ed.D ’99), has been offered Forest Lake’s superintendent position. Dr. Steve Massey has served as a principal for many years. Dr. Massey served as the assistant principal of Century Junior High School in 1991 to 2001. From 2001 to 2003 Massey was the principal at Central Learning Center and Montessori Elementary. Dr. Massey served as Forest Lake Area High School’s principal for the past 14 years. As the principal of Forest Lake Area High School, Massey became an adjunct professor at the University of Minnesota in 2008. Massey received his Ed.D degree of Educational Policy and Administration from University of Minnesota – Twin Cities in 1999.
Kathleen Ridder (B.S. ’60)
Kathleen Ridder (B.S. ’60), passed away at 94. Kathleen Ridder was an advocate for women in education, sports, and politics. She volunteered on multiple boards of both nonprofit organizations and educational institutions. As a member of multiple U of MN boards she advocated for the women’s athletic program. Her financial contributions and being the prime supporter of the U of MN’s Ridder arena. The Ridder Arena is the first women hockey arena in the nation She established the U of MN’s, Kathleen C. Ridder Scholarship. A scholarship for women in sports who a pursing a degree in wither medicine, science, or math. She wanted all women to be successful in sports, but most importantly in the business world.
Anita Beaton (Ph.D ’91)
Anita Beaton (Ph.D ’91), passed away at the age of 75 on March 11, 2017. Anita earned her Master of Education in Early Childhood Education and Doctorate in Education from the University of Minnesota. She devoted her life to the advocacy of women and children. She was the director of the Montessori Lab School, professor at both the College of St. Catherine and Hamline University. During her teaching career she developed the Urban Teacher Program at Metro State University. She retired in 2007.
Jean Ann Robertson (M.S.W. ’96)
Jean Ann Robertson (M.S.W. ’96), passed away on March 9, 2017, at the age of 66. Jean received her Master’s in Social Work from the University of Minnesota in 1996. Jean had a 36 year career in social work. She dedicated her life to being the voice for the underrepresented.
Nancy Hohn (M.A. ‘69)
Nancy Hohn (M.A. ‘69), peacefully passed at age 91 in December of 2015. Nancy served in the Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service (W.A.V.E.S) in World World II. After WWII, Nancy obtained her Master’s of Art Degree in Early Childhood from the University in 1969. She taught in Columbus City Schools during her teaching career. She was loving wife, friend, and grandmother who loved to travel around the world.
Sybel Haugen (M.Ed ’85)
Sybel Haugen (M.Ed ’85), passed away at age 93, on March 4, 2017. She was one of the first teachers of Kasson-Mantorville region to obtain additional training in special education. In 1980, Sybel was recognized as the Teacher of the Year at Kasson-Mantorville. She always was recognized for Minnesota Teacher of Excellence and became semi-finalist for the Minnesota Teacher of the Year. She obtained her Master’s Degree in Education from the University of Minnesota in 1985.
Julie A. Critz (M.Ed ’93)
Julie A. Critz (M.Ed ’93), is the current Superintendent of the Alexandria Public Schools. Julie was recently awarded with the 2017 Kay E. Jacobs Memorial Award. This award recognizes “excellent leadership and involvement in MASA and other educational organizations by an administrator who is a woman with ten or less years of school district central office experience”. Minnesota Association of School Administrators (MASA) is a professional organization of Minnesota’s school leaders and educators that are dedicated to educational leadership for students. MASA recognizes members for their contribution and hard work to public education. Julie Critz earned her master’s degree in Elementary Education from the University in 1993.
John L. Hoffman (Ph.D ’00)
John L. Hoffman (Ph.D ’00) is being inducted by NASPA as a Pillar of the Profession on March 13, 2017. NASPA Foundation recognizes outstanding members of the student affairs and higher education community through the Pillars of Profession. The Pillars of Profession award honors individuals who have served as teachers, leaders, and scholars in the field and who have kept professional distinction in the higher education field, served leadership roles in NASPA, are recognized by colleagues, friends, staff, or student organizations for outstanding service, and have a significant lifetime contributions to the higher education field. Dr. Hoffman earned both his master’s degree in 1997 and Ph.D in Educational Policy and Administration 2000 from the University.