2012 Inductees

Siri is a 1976 graduate of North High, where she had been a member of the National Honor Society, the AFS student exchange program (had a summer exchange to Japan in 1975), was a Student Rep during the citywide Futuristic Conference, and was a member of the Band, Orchestra, and Jazz Band. She attended St. Olaf College (MN), earning Undergraduate Degrees in Biology and Norwegian in 1980. Siri pursued her medical degrees with study at the UND Medical School (1985) and Georgetown University in Obstetrics and Gynecology (1990), where she served as a chief resident; and was recognized for exceptional performance as a Senior Resident. In 2008, she earned a Masters Degree in Public Health from Johns Hopkins, having been awarded a Bush Medical Fellowship to support that study.

Siri has been practicing medicine in Fargo since 1990, having served as Chief of Staff at Essentia Hospital, an evolved organization that she has been a part of since its beginning. She serves on the faculty at the UNDSM, has worked with annual mission groups in Haiti since 1998, and is the Director on the stateside Board of the hospital in Pignon, Haiti. Siri has been active in the organization of Project Hero, is a member of Dakota Medical Foundation and the North Dakota Human Rights Coalition.

Don graduated from North High in 1974, where he was a member of a State Championship Swim Team and a two-year letter winner.  He credits the experience of developing a strong work ethic and team camaraderie to the coaching staff of that program.  Don also held membership in the school's Key Club, which exposed him to the notion of community service, which has remained a key piece of his character even today.  He earned his undergraduate degree from NDSU in 1978, and continued his studies at the UND School of Medicine and Health Services.  Don earned his Doctor of Medicine in 1982. 

Don is in his 27th year as a family practice physician with Sanford Health, and serves as an associate clinical professor at the UND School of Medicine.  Don has been a team physician for MSUM (14 yrs.) and NDSU (2 yrs.); and has been a volunteer sideline physician in football and hockey for local high schools.  His connection to swimming has continued through his service as a meet official for 12 years, along with serving as a North Dakota High School Officials' Association Board member since 2009. 

A 1987 graduate of North High, Chuck developed a special interest in the study of foreign languages, and Spanish in particular.  That experience helped shape his personal interest in and service to the under-privileged and foreign mission work.  Chuck attended Arizona State University, where he earned a degree in Business Management and International Business in 1992.  Following early work experiences in Boston and Chicago, he returned to Fargo.

In 1994, Chuck became a 4th generation addition to the local and regional family business of MAC's Incorporated.  He became the president of MAC's Hardware in 1996, following the death of his father.  The business has flourished under his leadership, with stores present in Minnesota, North and South Dakota.  It has grown into a multi-million dollar business.  Chuck's early exposure to the service to the needy has led to an active role in his local church as chairman of the missions committee, his donating of time and money to the Sheltering Ministry, and involvement with the Churches United for the Homeless.

A 1968 graduate of North High, he was a member of the school's wrestling team, and held membership in the Art Club, Key Club, and Elam (a male cheer group).  Stephen earned a B.S. Degree from MSUM in 1972.  He taught art in the public schools in Wahpeton (ND) during the 1975-1976 school year; and for the next 27 years in Flagstaff, AZ (1976-2003).  In addition to his public school teaching, he expanded his talents into the field of writing and art in a variety of mediums.  His artwork appears on many book covers, CD covers, greeting cards, in children's books, and in numerous public/private collections.

S.D. Nelson has earned significant recognition as an author and illustrator of children's books.  His books include Black Elk's Vision, Gift Horse, and Buffalo Bird Girl.  His published works include more than a dozen pieces as either Author or Illustrator (or both).  S.D. has been recognized by the Western Writers of America (Spur Award, 2004 and 2006), the American Library Association's (Notable Book Award, 2001 and 2011), and the Bluebonnet Master List Award by the Texas Library Association in 2011.  He was a Grammy Award nominee for Best Native American Album Jacket 2006.

Norman is a native of Little Falls, MN, where he graduated from high school in 1949.  He attended Moorhead (MN) State College, earning a Degree in Industrial Arts in 1954.  Following two years of service in the U.S. Army, Norman joined the faculty of Central High School in Fargo, ND, in 1956.  His work continued there until the fall of 1965, when he became a charter member of the teaching staff at the newly-build North High School. 

During his tenure at North High, Norman provided a strong knowledge base for his students in the fields of industrial and tech education.  His work with a construction tech course that provided students with a hands-on experience in house construction became a great success.  He and his students built 14 three-bedroom houses during the span of 14 years, within a 90 minute class period each day of the school year.  In addition to his classroom work, Norman was a loyal supporter of student sports, serving as a scorekeeper for football, and girls/boys basketball over a span of 20 years.  In 1989, he earned the FPS "Celebration of Excellence Award".  Norman retired in 1993, after 36½ years of service.