August 3^rd 2019

Recalling students who rose to leadership

One of the great perks that comes with having taught college English for 40 some years is that one gets to meet so many great young people who bring their hopes and dreams and talents into your classroom and express them in the themes they write for you. One just knows that some of those young people are going to go places. And when one of those places is the Wahp-Breck metro-plex, their teachers find themselves doubly blessed -- at least I do.

I just wanted to highlight here a few of those wonderful people who have chosen to make the twin towns their home. Two of these young stars are featured almost weekly in The Daily News. They are Kathy Diekman and Wayne Beyer.

Kathy has not only dreamed and worked into reality one of the finest zoos in the country for a town this size, but her columns eloquently keep us all appraised about events among the birds and animals. She understands so intimately.

Wayne Beyer, our brilliant parks and recreation director has created programs and facilities second to none. His columns also fill us in on his adventures in long-distance running, gardening, and birdwatching—all subjects I find very interesting.

Need a haircut? Jim Colby and Tim Stromberg down at Mr. T's could easily be styling the heads of the rich and famous, but we've got them right here in Wahpeton. Jim knows most of what can be known about hunting and Tim is an aficionado on fishing and many other deep subjects.

In the realm of the fine arts two names spring instantly to mind—Benda and Erdrich. The Benda twins, Barb and Bev are both wonderful painters. Three of Barb's paintings grace our walls and may well turn out to be the most valuable things we own. Hardly a day goes by that one of those paintings doesn't lay a blessing on me that is truly rich.

Of course most of us have heard of Louise Erdrich and many of us have read one or more of her world-acclaimed novels. She is simply first rate. Yet her heart has remained here in Wahpeton. Her article in Smithsonian magazine, “Wahpeton North Dakota, My Home Town” is so good that anyone who reads it is going to want to live here. Perhaps we are the best kept secret in North Dakota.

I would like to add here the names of a few of the less famous but, to me, no less valuable contributors to Wahpeton's quality of life.

I think of Janet Gagelin resurrecting the lives of many of the departed citizens whose graves she lovingly mows in her retirement from teaching. And Carol Jacobson, that other retired teacher-lawn- mowing gal? That friendly, loving smile of hers is a welcoming reminder of the “dear hearts and gentle people who live in my home town.”

I think also of Perry Miller aspiring to represent us in Bismark with a kind of honesty and integrity too often lacking among politicians.

How could I not mention Brett Lambrecht and Tom Richels. Tom's engineering has gotten a park named after him over in Breck, and Brett has become the guy who monitors the flood situation here on the Wahp side of the rivers. Such men are indispensable when natural disasters loom up.

Then there is Paul Mumm—that's his beautiful farm spreading off to one's right as he drives south toward Fairmount; perfect crops season after season. And Casey Miller down by Tyler wasn't spectacular in English, but lord that man can farm!

I would really be remiss were I to omit NDSCS's current president John Richman. I never would have dreamed he would move on and up from football playing and later coaching here to become my president and my boss. That only shores up the scripture in the Bible which says, God sets kings on and takes kings off while still making ”all things work together for good.” Our job is to pray for (not on) those in authority”that it may go well with us.” And I think, despite some of the muttering and whining he must endure, along with the huge and complicated issues he and nearly every college president must deal with, John Richman is doing a great job. Perhaps not as spectacular a job as his son, David , who almost looked like the giant killer in the first half of NDSU's nationally telecast game against Coach K's number one Duke Blue Devils. David was a solid A student back in my class—John was more of a typical, somewhat mischievous jock—full of talent but busy fitting in with his buddies. Yet both are achieving great things.

And lastly I think of Lyle Kath who has shown us all the true nobility the human spirit is capable of when it is infused with God's Holy One. And while that ugliest of Satan's attack dogs, cancer has robbed Lyle of his beautiful speaking and preaching voice and a thriving ministry, his indomitable spirit is still inspiring souls with hope in the face of daunting challenges. In Christ, Lyle is”more than a conqueror.” His story isn't over by a long shot. I'm sure he believes Paul's proclamation:”I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”

So, as the poet says, “Great spirits now on earth are sojourning.” In fact you may have one living right next door. Or even hiding within your own breast.

Truly Wahpeton should be grateful that these and many other of my fine students have chosen to call our cities home

And here's a truth that becomes more and more clear to me as age brings insight: Every student has a special gifting that he or she is more suited for than anyone else. If they find that gift, that “treasure hidden in a field,” they can often go forth and do exploits that people will remember long after they have gone.

Young people, keep on! Keep on hoping, keep on dreaming; don't let the scorners quash your dream. “There are divine things well enveloped./ I swear to you there are divine things more wonderful than words can tell,” wrote Whitman. And every one of you has within your heart seeds of greatness just waiting to be believed into actuality. Our own home town heroes have proven that if your follow your dream; and invoke God's help, you too can “reach the unreachable star.”

Gene Pinkney  8/4/19

Uploaded, November 2019