October 11 – By Ayanna Eckblad
The Education Foundation of Albert Lea and Albert Lea Area Schools honored the 2024 Distinguished Alumni and Distinguished Educators of Albert Lea Area Schools during a reception at the Wedgewood Cove Golf Course on Thursday.
“As I stand here tonight, I am filled with deep humility and gratitude to speak in recognition of these extraordinary individuals,” said Ron Wagner, Superintendent of Albert Lea Area Schools. “They paved the way for the excellence we see in our schools and in our community today, and it is truly a privilege to follow in their footsteps.”
Recipients were rewarded and recognized with plaques.
Recognized as Distinguished Educators were Bob Berthelsen, Charles “Chuck” Carpenter, John Cliff and Glen Parsons.
Berthelsen was recognized as a Distinguished Educator in 2024 for his work as a teacher, guidance counselor and principal at Southwest Junior High School. Because he passed away in 2007, his wife, Erna Berthelsen, accepted the honor on his behalf.
Erna spoke briefly about her husband’s love for shaping the minds of teenagers and leading the school with grace.
Carpenter was recognized as a Distinguished Educator for his work in science education. David Frame, one of Carpenter’s students and colleagues, spoke about his friendship with Carpenter and the work he did every summer with science camps.
Frame said many of the students who attended the camps eventually went on to pursue careers in science.
Carpenter’s daughter, Joann Amundson, accepted the honor on behalf of her late father.
Cliff was nominated for Distinguished Educator for his long career as a teacher in mathematics education and coaching. He talked about his career, which began in 1966, and described how he tried to teach subjects like algebra as a game to keep students engaged in the subject. He also thanked his family and the Albert Lea Area Schools and attributed his success to them.
David Larson spoke on behalf of Parsons, who was unable to attend the event due to health reasons. According to Larson, Parsons told him he couldn’t come to the reception Thursday because the doctors “wouldn’t give him a hall pass.”
Larson asked guests attending the reception to reflect on the hundreds of students Parson impacted throughout his teaching career. He described his optimism as education in action and complimented Parsons’ dedication to board positions, volunteerism and other community work.
“Everything he touched turned to gold, except the Marion Ross statue, which was bronze,” Larson said.
Recognized as Distinguished Alumni 2024 were Grant Arends, Duane Arens, Tom Butsch and Ted Unseth.
In addition to his work in finance and investment management, Arends spent years in Malawi doing humanitarian work that mainly consisted of providing clean drinking water to those without access to the resource. Arends also gives motivational talks on finding purpose, citing how his work in Malawi helped him find his life’s purpose.
Arens was introduced at the ceremony in the form of a letter written by former Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty, for whom Arens previously worked. After the letter, Arens spoke about growing up with parents who instilled in him a strong work ethic, sent 176 job applications after college and that his mother was his biggest fan.
Butsch was recognized for his work as a landscape artist.
In his speech, Butsch described his childhood and school career growing up in a military family. Although he lived in many different places, he said he and his family always had a special bond
Albert Lea because it was the town where his mother originally came from. Butsch became involved in theater during high school and found it a good way to make friends in a new environment, and it eventually led him to his career as a stage artist.
It is notable that a set in which he was involved in painting for the show ‘Guys and Dolls’ was later rented out and used as a set for the Prince album ‘Sign O’ The Times’.
He also worked live events at Disney theme parks.
Neal Skaar closed the evening by accepting the Distinguished Alumni nomination on behalf of Unseth, who was not present. Skaar described Unseth as a brilliant musician and talked about his career as a singer/songwriter and his work in authentic and original jazz music. Skaar also said that he would personally deliver the plaque to Unseth’s home and that he could spend the afternoon with him.
Following the reception, the nominees and those receiving recognition on their behalf gathered for photos.
