Lynn Luckow, president of Craigslist Foundation, has said UND was for him a central bridge from a small town without many connections to various fields and professions.
He graduated almost 40 years ago -- in 1971. And he is scheduled as speaker for winter commencement exercises today in Chester Fritz Auditorium. More than 757 are eligible to receive undergraduate degrees at 10 a.m. or graduate degrees at 2 p.m.
But ceremonies don't just happen. Behind the scenes, Fred Wittman has been overseeing the arrangements for graduation days since 2000. For the most part, he says things have gone smoothly. Now and then, there is a slight slip up but he says, "Thankfully, we have had no major gaffes." As a matter of fact, he hopes to sit and enjoy the ceremonies today. The music includes the singing of "America the Beautiful" by a senior, Mary Salveson. And the group singing of the alma mater is a tradition.
The weekend arrives with the Herald Jason Stadstad Hockey Tournament running through Saturday. ... And the UND Sioux are playing the U.S. Under-18 team Saturday evening in The Ralph. ... But there will be no meeting of Sioux fans today. ..."The Brothers Grimm Spectaculathon" is showing tonight at Grand Forks Central. ... The Grand Forks Youth Commission will celebrate as one of the nation's 100 best Saturday afternoon in Lincoln Drive Park's warming house. ... Miss Grand Forks Emily Burkland is featured in a Christmas program tonight in Empire Arts Center. ... Kids are invited to make holiday cards at the Grand Forks library Saturday. ... Lorie Line is appearing Saturday afternoon at the Chester Fritz. ... And Bluegrass group Flickertail Holler is playing Saturday evening at Immanuel Lutheran Church. ... Bird watchers will bundle up Sunday to do the annual Christmas Bird Count in cooperation with the Audubon Society. ... Grand Forks Historical Society continues its Sunday lecture series with a talk by Leah Byzewski, the director. She will examine popular holiday films and their place in Christmas tradition. ... Christmas vacation begins Thursday in Grand Forks Public Schools and Friday in East Grand Forks. ... With classes resuming Jan. 3.
Ask Marilyn
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Q. What is your fervent prayer this weekend?
A. That the bird watchers will count the five sparrows hunkering under the Washington Street underpass.
Q. How many people have been over to see Santa Village in the Lincoln Golf Course Clubhouse?
A. Lynne Roche, coordinator for the Park District, has lost count, but she said it is 2,000 to 3,000, and they still are coming with their donations of nonperishable food items or toys. There are plans for sleigh rides from noon to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. The place has been rented by groups for Christmas parties and more groups are scheduled Monday through Wednesday next week.
Q. What do people like about Santa Village?
A. Well, it is surrounded by beautifully theme-decorated Christmas trees. Favorites include the Viking tree and the Sioux theme tree. It is a place to celebrate the season. And with the heavy attendance, Roche said, "It's been crazy."
Alice Jean, Connie, Jim
Cheerful people of the week: Alice Jean Rand, Connie Stordalen and Jim Satrom.
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Reach Hagerty at mhagerty@gra.midco.net or (701) 772-1055.
