Thank you to everyone who attended the Program of Mortuary Science Alumni Society’s first “All Class Reunion” on Friday, November 11, 2011. 90 guests registered for this event. It was a beautiful fall evening and the celebration took place on the University of Minnesota campus in Coffman Union. The Alumni Committee Board (Donna Dvorak ’82, Michael LuBrant - Program Director, Mike Matthews ’67/’69, Ken Peterson ’76, Richard ’82 and Sharon Purcell ’83, Kay Sperry ’70, and student representative, MaryKay Bergeron) gratefully acknowledges those attending this highly anticipated event. There were also four student volunteers for the evening: MaryKay Bergeron (Mortuary Science Student Association President), Ross Benjamin, Britta Murphy, and Ashley Rivera.
The “All Class Reunion” began with an OSHA course directed by Mark Arnold (’86), followed by a tour of the teaching facility. A social and buffet dinner preceded the program honoring three alumni. The honorees were David Benke (’75), David Lee (’66 and ’71) and Keith Nordby (’47). These gentlemen were selected for their lifetime of exceptional contributions to the profession of funeral service.
The Alumni Committee Board enthusiastically presented the honorees with their plaques. After receiving their award each honoree was given an opportunity to respond. Mr. Benke spoke about the support he has had from his family, and the people and institutions associated with funeral service. Mr. Lee emphasized the importance of his faith and the goal he has set to “re-purpose” his life following retirement. Mr. Nordby spoke on the importance of trust in relationships and involvement in our professional organization, MFDA.
Class photos were prominently displayed as centerpieces, glasses from the 100th anniversary were table favors, the Mortuary Science Student Association showed samples of their Fall Clothing Sale, and the Alumni Committee sold logo t-shirts. The guests attending the event represented 42 classes (1947-2010); the Class of 1982 had 6 alumni, and Classes 1975, 1985 and 2010 each had 3 alumni. This occasion coincided with Veterans Day and all veterans in attendance were recognized. Duane (’62) and Sonja Cook were the first to register for this event and they were awarded a three year joint membership to the University of Minnesota Alumni Association. Finally, the committee requested suggestions for future celebrations and several attendees responded. A drawing from these entries resulted in Wally Gelecinsky’s (’89) winning a Program of Mortuary Science sweatshirt. Congratulations to Wally! Ken Peterson was the official photographer for the evening, Donna Dvorak conducted the program, and Pat Patton (’78) brought greetings from NFDA.
On behalf of the Program of Mortuary Science Alumni Society Committee, sincere thanks are extended to everyone who supported this occasion. Nothing is more important to the strength and vitality of an organization than a growing network of alumni who demonstrate an interest in its future.
Congratulations! Brian and Dana Dingmann of Dingmann Funeral Care
2011Alumni of the Year Recipients University of Minnesota Program of Mortuary Science
The Program of Mortuary Science Alumni Society Board has proudly selected Brain and Dana Dingmann as their Alumni of the Year 2011. The Alumni Society enjoys recognizing alumni for their contributions to the profession, their community and the Program of Mortuary Science.
Brian and Dana received this honor at the University of Minnesota, Program of Mortuary Science graduation ceremony held on Friday, May 13, 2011.
Brian is a 2001 graduate of the program. Following graduation Brian worked at funeral homes in Duluth, Mound and Sauk Rapids before returning home to the family owned business. Dana is a 2003 graduate of the program and was a member of the Mortuary Science Student Association. Following graduation Dana worked as a funeral director in Eden Prairie and St. Cloud before joining Dingmann Funeral Care in 2007. Brian and Dana along with Brian’s parents are owners of the Dingmann Funeral Care located in central Minnesota. Brian is the great-grandson of the founder. Brian and Dana are members of Minnesota Funeral Directors Association and at the 2011 MFDA convention participated in a discussion panel on “The Long and Winding, Varied and Multiple Paths to Career Fulfillment in Funeral Service”. They have never missed an MFDA Convention since entering the Program of Mortuary Science. They also support the profession by attending National Funeral Directors Association events. Brian and Dana have volunteered at numerous Hearts of Hope Camps as well as Camp Prep days. They frequently do community presentations on Children’s Grief Connection, memorializing the dead, grief and funeral pre-planning.
Brian and Dana have two children, Isabelle and Elias. They love to travel, attend local high school sporting events as well as University of Minnesota basketball and football games. They are members of St. Ignatius Catholic Church and are active in the Chambers of Commerce in Annandale, Kimball and Maple Lake. They are also members of the University of Minnesota Alumni Association and have contributed to the Minnesota Medical Foundation Program of Mortuary Science Fund.
After receiving their plaque, Brian and Dana shared a unique duo conversation with the graduating class, faculty, and guests what funeral service has meant to both of them in their communities of Annandale, Kimball and Maple Lake.
Members of the Program's Alumni Association Board met for a planning dinner on January 8, 2011. Attendees were (from left to right) Donna Dvorak, Rich Purcell, Sharon Purcell, Ray Gorski, Ken B. Peterson, Donna Gorski, David Dvorak, Key Sperry and Richard Sperry.
HOMECOMING 2010
Please join us at Jax Cafe on Saturday, October 2 at 4:00 p.m. to celebrate the University of Minnesota Homecoming and enjoy fellowship and dinner. Click here for more details Homecoming 2010.
The Program of Mortuary Science recently received a letter and photo from Greg Zabka, ('73). Greg wrote and sent the photo that was taken at the Tri-State (Nebraska, Kansas and Missouri) Funeral Directors' Convention in Overland Park, Kansas on May 4, 2010. The photo is of the newly installed officers for the Nebraska Funeral Director's Association, all three are graduates of the University of Minnesota, Program of Mortuary Science.
From left to right:
Ron Levander ('77), Albion, Nebraska, Levander Funeral Home, President Elect of the Nebraska Funeral Director's Association
Greg Zabka ('73), Seward, Nebraska, Zabka Funeral Home, President of the Nebraska Funeral Director's Association
Jim Wintz ('73), Hartington, Nebraska, Wintz Funeral Directors, Secretary/Treasurer of the Nebraska Funeral Director's Association
Alumnus of the Year 2010
Mr. Kenneth B. Peterson ('76)
Ken is a 1976 graduate of the Program of Mortuary Science and also holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Art Education from Winona State University. He is owner of Johnson Peterson Funeral Home in White Bear Lake and St. Paul. Throughout Ken's career in funeral service he has been active in community service and professional associations, including twice president of the Minnesota Funeral Directors Association, Executive Board member of the National Funeral Directors Association and served as President of the Minnesota Foundation for Children, which sponsors Camp Amanda, a grief camp for children, this organization is now known as Children's Grief Connection.
Ken is a generous financial supporter of the Program of Mortuary Science. Presently he serves on the advisory board of the Program and has been a keynote speaker for graduation. He acts as a preceptor to students on clinical rotation and as an advisor in our Alumni Society. Furthermore, Ken worked tirelessly to encourage his fellow MFDA Past Presidents to permanently endow their scholarship fund, and with his assistance and encouragement, $25,000 was raised from MFDA Past Presidents to endow the scholarship in perpetuity. Ken represents the profession of funeral service with exemplary dignity and professionalism. He is an inspiration to all.
One rarely sees Ken without his camera -- he is our ever present photographer. Also, it is know that when you ask Ken for something consider it done! for example, this past week at the Minnesota Funeral Directors Association convention our alumni society chose to sell Minnesota caps as a fundraiser for the Program of Mortuary Science Alumni Society and it was Ken who, as he puts it, "shamed people into buying a cap to support the Alumni Society", consequently raising $500.
The Alumnus of the Year and plaque were presented by Donna Dvorak ('82), Alumni Advisor and Alumni Relations Officer, at commencement on May 14, 2010.
From left to right: Donna Dvorak ('82) and Ken B. Peterson ('76)
"Cork-Luck"
The Program of Mortuary Science Alumni Advisors cordially invites you and guest to an evening of fellowship, food and fun. More details...
The Program of Mortuary Science Alumni Group Invites You to Three Homecoming Events
The Ultimate Open House - Sunday, October 4, 2009 1-4 PM – TCF Bank Stadium
The Ultimate Open House will provide a unique and fun opportunity for students, staff, faculty, alumni, and the local and statewide communities to tour the TCF Stadium, see first hand examples of the amazing work being done in our colleges and other areas of the University, and to celebrate homecoming.
~~~ ALSO ~~~
University of Minnesota Golden Gopher Football Homecoming Minnesota ~ Purdue
Saturday, October 10, 2009 - Game time 11:00 AM Game Day Party - 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM McNamara Alumni Center (Adjacent to the TCF Bank Stadium)
Look for our bright Mortuary Science vest so we can gather together as a group, outside McNamara Center or inside at D’Amico Café. Food and beverages will be available for purchase. If you don’t have a ticket for the football game, you can watch it free on the big screen TV.
Saturday, October 10, 2009 – 4:00 to 7:00 PM Come enjoy some Food and Fellowship with Friends
Jax Café 1928 University Avenue NE Minneapolis, MN 55418 612-789-7297
Cash Bar 4:00 PM Dinner 5:00 PM (Beef, Fish, Pork or Vegetarian Dinner Selections) Cost $40.00 Per Person (Includes Bread, House Salad, Entrée, Dessert, Coffee or Tea, Tax and Gratuity)
Please make check payable to and send to:
Program of Mortuary Science A275 Mayo Memorial Building – MMC 740 420 Delaware Street SE Minneapolis, MN 55455
We must have your reservation and payment by Monday, October 5, 2009.
Questions, please email msalumni@umn.edu or call 612-624-6464 and leave a message for Donna Dvorak.
Alumni Awards Presented
The University of Minnesota Program of Mortuary Science is pleased to announce that Tiffany A. Hofer, Class of 2003, and Mandy Luikens, Class of 2000, have been named as the 2009 “Alumnus of the Year”. The sisters have been quite active in funeral service since their graduations. After the tragic and untimely death of their employer in 2005, the women purchased the funeral businesses in the communities of: Gettysburg, Miller, Highmore, Eagle Butte, and Faulkton, South Dakota. In addition, they have demonstrated their leadership with memberships in a variety of community organizations. Besides operating a business and volunteering, Hofer and Luikens each have young families. The women were recognized on May 15, 2009, during the Class of 2009 Graduation Ceremony at the East Bank Campus of the University of Minnesota – Twin Cities.
November 1, 2008Celebra8 Mort. Sci. in 2008! Did you know that the Program of Mortuary Science celebrated its Centennial in 2008? The core committee included: Donna Dvorak, Kay Sperry, Ken Peterson, Michael LuBrant, Mike and Liz Mathews, Rich and Sharon Purcell, Stephanie Christensen, and Tom Weber. Click here for further details on this landmark event.
November 3, 2007 Homecoming Alumni-Student Networking Event at Jax Cafe and the Minnesota vs. Illinois Football Game. See details here...
Alumni Gathering held on 10/8/2007 at the National Funeral Directors Association Convention in Las Vegas
Letter from Alumni Relations Coordinator
From left to right: Stephanie Christensen, Sharon Purcell, Kay Sperry, Ken Peterson, and Rich Purcell
Dear Members of the University of Minnesota Alumni Association, Mortuary Science Group:
Last summer when I accepted the position as the adjunct business instructor for the Program of Mortuary Science, I was also hired as the Program's alumni relations coordinator.
During my first year, we have taken small initiatives in revitalizing our alumni group. Announcements were sent in the fall of 2006 about an open house on-campus followed by a dinner at Jax Café. This past spring, an alumni event was reborn: the silent auction at the MFDA convention! Additionally, an opportunity for CEU's along with a social was held at the Thomson-Dougherty Funeral Home in South Minneapolis. We had the privilege to learn from Bob Dowson ('86), who shared his experiences in serving the families of former US Presidents Reagan and Ford. Mr. Dowson was also presented with the "Alumnus of the Year" award. With the 2007-08 academic year upon us, I hope you will partake in our alumni group activities.
In addition to these activities, a group of us have been meeting on a monthly basis for planning the Program's Centennial. Please mark your calendars for November 1, 2008, to join us in celebrating /Undertaking a Century of Excellence in Funeral Service Education/. Members of the core committee include: Donna Dvorak, Kay Sperry, Ken Peterson, Michael LuBrant, Michael and Liz Mathews, Rich and Sharon Purcell, Stephanie Christensen, and Tom Weber.
As your alumni relations coordinator, I am eager to learn from each of you on your expectations and suggestions for our group. We are only in the beginning stages of revitalization, and your involvement makes a difference.
If you are interested in assisting with centennial planning or other activities, please contact me at chris416@umn.edu or at 952-935-4052.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Best Regards, Stephanie L. Christensen ('99)
2007 Alumnus of the Year for the Program of Mortuary Science
The Mortuary Science Alumni Society is pleased to honor Robert Dowson as the recipient of the Program’s “Alumnus of the Year” award.
Mr. Dowson is a native of Minnesota and a 1986 graduate of the University of Minnesota Program of Mortuary Science. After gaining experience in the funeral and cemetery business, he moved to California in 1991 and joined Service Corporation International. Over the past 15 years, he has held several positions within SCI, including Funeral Director, Mortuary Manager, General Manager, and Vice President of Operations and Revenue Services for Southern California. In 1997, Bob was transferred to run SCI’s Hawaiian Operations with locations in Oahu, Maui, Kauai, and the big island of Hawaii. Currently, Bob resides in Laguna Niguel, California, and is the Market Director of Operations for Orange and South Los Angeles Counties. His market area conducts over 6,000 services per year.
Bob is a member of the Cemetery Mortuary Association of California, the International Cemetery, Cremation, and Funeral Association, and is a past Board member of the Orange County Funeral Directors Association. Bob also serves on the Professional Development and Legislative Committees of the California Funeral Directors Association.
Bob is a member of SCI’s Ceremonial Funeral Detail, which works closely with the Military District of Washington, D.C., in coordinating State funerals for former Presidents of the United States. He has served on funeral services for Presidents Ronald Reagan and Gerald Ford. He has also participated in services for Senator Lloyd Bentsen, Vice Admiral James Stockdale, and Congressman G. V. Montgomery.
Alum named 2007 "Citizen of the Year"
Wes Libbey ('33) of Grand Rapids, MN, has been recently named the 2007 "Citizen of the Year" in his community. Mr. Libbey owned and operated Libbey Funeral Home in Grand Rapids for many years. He is a founding member of several organizations in his community, where he served in various officer capacities at the local, state, and national levels. Mr. Libbey has been a tireless activist for conservation. One of his many accomplishments includes his involvement in the establishment of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area. [Information courtesy of the Grand Rapids Herald, March 2007]
The Mortuary Science Alumni Society is pleased to honor Robert Dowson as the recipient of the Program’s “Alumnus of the Year” award.