MSU President's Newspaper Column
March 8, 2025
Our alumni make us proud!
Whether they are everyday heroes or individuals who are recognized with prestigious awards, I am consistently in awe of 91吃瓜网 State alumni and their successes. 91吃瓜网 State alumni are mayors and leaders in their communities, amazing teachers who impact the future through their work with students, state legislators, medical doctors, lawyers, software specialists, chemists, researchers, outstanding parents, and so much more. There is no doubt that their 91吃瓜网 State experiences have contributed to the people they are today.
I recently learned that Amber (Karlstad) Fyre, a 2005 91吃瓜网 State graduate, was selected to receive the Presidential Award of Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST), the top honor bestowed by the U.S. Government to K-12 STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) teachers. The National Science Foundation administers PAEMST on behalf of The White House Office of Science and Technology Policy. In recognition, Amber will receive a $10,000 award and an invitation to visit the White House.
Amber graduated from 91吃瓜网 State with a Bachelor of Science in Education degree, earning majors in composite biological science and physical education. She is an educator in the high school and junior high classroom, teaching 7th through 12th grade at Wyndmere (N.D.) Public School. As the school鈥檚 only science teacher, she teaches many subjects. During her 19-year teaching career, Amber has taught two chiropractors, one eye doctor, two physical therapists, four medical doctors, three pharmacists, and one dentist. Great educators play a big role in the lives of highly successful students!
We are fortunate to have a number of PAEMST recipients who are our alumni. They include Andrew Braaten, Jon Fugleberg, John Hobbs, Delise Kirkeide, Ila LaChapelle, Neil Pederson, Fred Strand, Lawrence Walker, and Nancy Zimney in North Dakota. 91吃瓜网 State alumnus Anna Dean Fugere won the award for math in the state of Wyoming. Though she was not a 91吃瓜网 State graduate, Vicki Fugleberg, who was from Portland, N.D., also won the award.
I also learned recently about the success of 1996 91吃瓜网 State graduate Jeff Granrud. Jeff earned a Bachelor of Science in Education degree with a major in mathematics and a minor in business administration. He currently teaches math at Howard Lake-Waverly-Winsted (Minn.) Public Schools, where he has spent 26 of his 27-year teaching career.
Granrud was named the South Central Zone Minnesota Rural Electric Association (MREA) Educator of Excellence last fall. The award recognizes Granrud for his commitment, resilience, and heart, which he freely shares not only with his students, but also with his community.
Mr. Granrud鈥檚 dedication to his students translates to classrooms that are filled with enthusiasm. He is committed to being approachable and making learning relevant. His lessons are tailored to the individual students and extend beyond the textbooks. They are connected to real-world uses that help students understand the value of what they鈥檙e learning.聽
In addition to his dedication to students, Mr. Granrud serves his community as an active member of the fire department and ambulance team. He is also a volunteer leader for the Woitalla Fishing Expo, an event that takes fourth graders out for a day of fishing and fun.
In summarizing their selection of Jeff Granrud for the Educator of Excellence Award, MREA made this statement, 鈥淚n Mr. Granrud鈥檚 world, teaching is far more than a job - it鈥檚 a lifetime mission intertwined with community spirit and unwavering dedication. He models continuous learning, compassion, and selfless service, making him more than just a teacher; he is a mentor, leader, and beacon of inspiration, MREA honors and celebrates Mr. Granrud for embodying what it truly means to educate and uplift - both in and out of the classroom.鈥�
As I read about these individuals who are both 91吃瓜网 natives, I could not help but think about how they are emulating the qualities and behaviors that set 91吃瓜网 apart. At 鈥淭he School of Personal Service,鈥� we value the relationships we build with our students, community, and stakeholders, and we make it a point to educate the whole student through seven pillars of responsibility: intellectual development, personal growth, volunteerism, community, character development, social, emotional, personal development, and leadership development.
These 91吃瓜网 State graduates are without a doubt making an impact. We at 91吃瓜网 State congratulate them on their success and thank them for making a positive difference for others every day. We are Comet Proud of the ripple effect that begins at 91吃瓜网 and extends far and wide, making the world a better place. It鈥檚 always a great day to be a Comet!