NE North Dakota News

The Minot State University Alumni Association has announced the recipients of its 2024 Golden Awards. The awards honor individuals for their significant contributions to Minot State University and the wider community. This year, four individuals have been chosen for the Golden Award, and one person will receive the Young Alumni Achievement Award.

The Golden Award honorees are Dan Langemo, Teresa (Kraft) Loftesnes ’07/’15, Dr. Jeffrey Sather ’94, and Julie (Keller) Stavn ’76. Jazmine (Wolff) Schultz ’11 is set to receive the Young Alumni Achievement Award.

Courtenay Brekhus, MSU’s director of alumni engagement, stated: “It is an honor to recognize these five fantastic individuals for their outstanding service to Minot State University and the greater Minot community.” She added that the association looks forward to celebrating these accomplishments during Homecoming week in September.

Dan Langemo resides in Minot and retired from First Western Bank & Trust in 2015. He previously chaired the MSU Board of Regents and currently serves as vice president of both the MSU Development Foundation and MSU Summer Theatre boards. Teresa Loftesnes hails from Norwich and retired in 2021 after a long career at Minot State, where she served as marketing director among other roles. Dr. Jeffrey Sather also from Norwich, is the medical director at Trinity Health’s Emergency Trauma Center in Minot. Julie Stavn from Bismarck had a successful career in education with multiple state championships and Coach of the Year accolades.

Jazmine Schultz, originally from Burlington, co-owns Prairie Sky Breads in downtown Minot.

The Golden Awards are considered the highest recognition by the MSU Alumni Association, awarded based on exceptional service or leadership either within or outside of their professional careers. The Young Alumni Achievement Award targets individuals aged between 21 and 39.

The award ceremony will be held on Thursday, Sept. 12 at 6 p.m., at the Minot State Student Center Conference Center.

Further details about each recipient and information about attending will be provided later this fall semester. For additional information on these awards, visit the Alumni Association's website.

Minot State University is a public institution committed to educational excellence through rigorous academic programs and active learning opportunities while promoting community engagement.