Alumni News Alumni honored for their achievements during Swarm Week S


everal Black Hills State University alumni will be honored during the annual Alumni Awards Luncheon


Friday, Sept. 18 at 11:30 a.m. in the Jacket Legacy Room at the David B. Miller Yellow Jacket Student Union. Kathy Christensen will be presented with the Excellence in Education Award; the Distinguished Alumnus Award will be presented to Dr. Michael (Mick) Dana; the Special Achievement Award will be given to Carol Gee; and Howard Owens will receive the Special Service Award.


Kathy Christensen, Class of '73, has been teaching for 36 years; currently she is a fourth-grade teacher at East Elementary in Spearfish. One of Kathy's primary goals as an educator is to create an atmosphere of warmth and safety in her classroom. Kathy has received numerous awards throughout her teaching career including the Excellence in Education Award. She was chosen to receive this award by her students at East Elementary in 2008. Other awards include: the 1996 Presidential Award for Excellence in Science; and the Spearfish Teacher of the Year (1985-86). In the summer of 2000 she had the opportunity to spend six weeks in Japan through the Fulbright Memorial Fund Master Teacher Program. For over 30 years Kathy has been an


active committee member of the K-12 science curriculum group and was instrumental in adopting and using the first hands-on science curriculum in Spearfish. Kathy helped write a guide for the Spearfish Outdoor Learning Center, which is a three-acre area located along the bike path in the Spearfish city park that provides a place where students can explore, experi- ment, and discover more about themselves and their world. This area provides for an extension of learning outside the walls of the regular classroom and is open to all learners.


Dr. Michael (Mick) Dana, Class of '69,


received his bachelor's degree in science and education from Black Hills State College, where he was a member of the baseball and basketball team.


Following graduation, he attended the University of Nebraska Medical Center


College of Dentistry where he graduated in 1974 with a Doctorate of Dental Surgery. He returned to Spearfish where he established his dental practice, Dana Dental Arts and now continues to practice with several of his children. Dr. Dana is a member of


Christensen


the American Dental Association, the South Dakota Dental Association, and the Black Hills District Dental Society where he served as secretary-treasurer for many years. He has been active in several local organizations including serving on the Board of Directors for the City Recreation Committee and serving on an Education Committee. Dr. Dana has also served on the University of Nebraska College of Dentistry Dean's Advisory Board. Dr. Dana, his wife, and five of their


children received their education at BHSU. He is excited to see the growth and development that continues to transform the University.


Carol (Braxter) Gee, Class of '82, is currently the editor in the Organization and Management Area at the Goizueta Business School at Emory University in Atlanta, Ga. She performs research in sup- port of teaching, and the writing of business and management journal articles. Carol was recently awarded the 2009 UnSung Heroine Award in the Staff category from the Center for Women at Emory University, for her long- time mentorship of alumni, students, and women at Emory, as well as women in the surrounding Atlanta area. She was also hon- ored for her books and articles that empower women to realize their humanity and their own personal truth. Carol has 27 years of experience in higher education, including teaching and administration. She was presented with the Award of Distinction at Emory University in 1996 and 2008.


Her writing has been published in sev- eral magazines including: Goizueta Magazine, SisterPower, Swing Magazine, The Emory


Dana


Gee


Owens


Report, and the national magazine, Romantic Homes. Books that Carol has published include: The Venus Chronicles, and Diary of a ‘Flygirl’ Wannabe (Life Lessons of a Cool Girl in Training).


Howard Owens, Class of '55, earned his degree from Black Hills Teachers College in education. One of his fondest memories is taking one of his first college courses from President Jonas. After graduation he spent some time in the United States Naval Air Corps as an electronic technician. Howard currently owns and operates


Owens Interstate Sales, Inc., in Sturgis with his son. His company specializes in wholesale/retail sales and service of auto parts, home appliances, and electronics. Howard enjoys serving his community.


He has served as a leader in numerous organizations including: national and international director of his Jaycees; the Chamber of Commerce director; the Rotary International director, and the president and secretary/treasurer of the Barbershop Chorus. He is also a member of the Shriners, the Mt. Rushmore Society, Toastmasters, and chairman of the Lawrence County Republicans. Howard was presented with the South Dakota College Federation - Friend of Education award (1986); was honored by the South Dakota Vocational Association with the Distinguished Service Award; and received the University of South Dakota - T. M. Risk award (1984). He has served on several educational boards including roles as the South Dakota Board of Regents vice president, secretary, academic affairs chair; BHSU Foundation Board of Directors; and the Northern Hills Training Center Advisory Council.


Swarm Days 2009...starring Sting


Monday, September 14 • 1 p.m. - Carnival on the Green • 5 p.m. - BBQ


Wednesday, September 16 • 4 p.m. - Kiddie Carnival


Thursday, September 17 • 7 p.m. - Coronation


Black Hills State University Alumni Magazine Page 13


Friday, September 18 • 11:30 a.m. - Alumni Awards Luncheon* • 5 p.m. - Float Prep • 6 p.m. - Hall of Fame Banquet* • 6 p.m. - KBHU 35th Reunion • Disc Golf Tournament • Spirit Night - Volleyball game


Saturday, September 19 • 10 a.m. - Parade • 11 a.m. - Tailgate Social, featuring Kory & the Fireflies


• 1 p.m. - Football game • 5:30 p.m. - All-Volleyball Reunion


For a complete list of events and locations, visit www.BHSU.edu/SwarmDays.


* Tickets for the Alumni Awards Luncheon and the Hall of Fame Banquet must be purchased in advance. They will not be sold at the door. Please call 605.642.6385 or email TomWheaton@BHSU.edu to purchase tickets.


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