2014 Inductees

Susan graduated from North High in 1968, having been active in many activities that were more “social” in nature, including music, theatre, pep club, and the pom-pom squad. After leaving North High, she attended MSUM for a year, before transferring to Wahpeton SSS, where she earned an LPN Degree.

Her husband’s medical career prompted their move to the Rosebud Indian Reservation in SD, and later to San Antonio, TX, where Susan became active in children’s health and wellness opportunities. Later, as a homemaker in Sioux Falls, SD, she became a charter member of the SF Jr. League, was active with the Band Parents, Ronald McDonald House Board, and the YMCA Board.

After nearly 20 years away from being a college student, Susan was able to merge earlier college credits with a year of study at Augustana College to earn a degree. As a nurse educator, she returned to an earlier passion of helping children make healthy, responsible decisions; and her life-long advocacy of children’s and women’s issues led to her entry into the political arena in South Dakota. She was a two-term House of Representative member and Minority Whip; and was recognized by the SD Alliance for Progress with their “Humanitarian Award.”

David graduated from North High School in 1982, attended the University of Minnesota (1982-84), and earned his Bachelors Degree in Accounting from UND in 1987.

During his years at North High, he earned distinction in the sport of swimming, His competitive drive and exceptional ability as a swimmer led to his selection as a team captain and becoming a four-year letter winner. David held numerous North High, North High pool, and North Dakota state records during his high school career; and his performance level earned him the distinction as an All-American. He still holds the North High record in the 100 Freestyle, which dates back to 1981, and is the oldest record still on the board. He also served as the North High Key Club President.

In his post-high school career, David was a letter-winner and most improved swimmer at the U of MN, where he was also a Finalist in the Big Ten Championships. While at UND, he was a letter-winner and a Finalist in the Division II Nationals.

Professionally, David has served as a Senior Financial Reporting Analyst with AgStar Financial Services, where he has been employed for 15 years.

Todd was a graduate of East Grand Forks, MN in 1960; and earned his undergraduate degree from UND in 1965. After teaching for a year in New Rockford, ND, he joined the teaching staff at Fargo North in the fall of 1966, where he spent 34 years teaching Marketing Education. He retired in 2000.

During his years of service at Fargo North, Todd developed a DECA program that became one of the premier programs in the state. He, and his students, opened one of the first “school stores” as a means of providing the marketing students with a hands-on experience. Todd provided exemplary leadership and guidance for North students during attendance at 26 National DECA Conferences during his tenure. He also served as the school’s assistant Boys Hockey coach during his first 8 years at the school.

Todd earned distinction as the Fargo Jaycees Outstanding Educator; and received the O.M. Hager Award for Excellence in Marketing Education. He served in leadership capacities with the FEA and ND Marketing Education Assoc.; and was a member of the National Education Association Review Board for five years.

Karen graduated from North High in 1974, where she had been active with the swim team, pom-pom squad, Student Council, and was a member of the National Honor Society and Homecoming Court. After leaving North High, she attended Southern Methodist University in Texas, where she earned a BS Degree in Business Administration in 1978.

She, and her husband (a native Texan), have lived and worked in Texas throughout their working careers. With 35 years of banking experience, Karen is presently the Coppell (TX) Market President for Frost Bank. During her tenure there, she has been an active community volunteer, including service with the Exchange Club, PTO Boards, Chamber of Commerce, Economic Development Board, and the city’s Vision 2030 Committee.

Karen was elected Mayor of Coppell, TX in 2012, and represents her community with the Regional Mobility Coalition and holds a seat on the Regional Transportation Council. She has also held leadership roles with the Women’s Club and Education Foundation of the Coppell Independent School District.

Jeff graduated from North High in 1984, having not only excelled in academics, but also having developed a passion for music. He was immersed in the instrumental music program at North; and played Principal Trombone in the North Dakota All-State orchestra for 3 years along with membership in the F-M Youth Symphony.

In 1982, he earned the F-M Symphony Young Artist competition, and the next year he won the Grand Prize. Jeff was selected, by audition, to represent North Dakota in the McDonald’s All-American HS Band; and from there became a member of the All-America Jazz Band. They performed at the Macy’s Parade, the Rose Bowl Parade, and the Jerry Lewis Telethon.

Jeff attended the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, NY, where he earned dual degrees in Music Performance and Music Education in 1988. He earned his MM Degree from Northwestern University in Evanston, IL in 1989; and following that degree, he auditioned for, and won a position in the U.S. Navy Band.

Master Chief Knutson has been the Navy Band’s Principal Trombonist for 21 years. He has played for seven presidents, inaugurals, state funerals, and ceremonies for foreign heads of state. Jeff has remained active as a freelance musician in the Washington , DC area, and has been a soloist with the Fairfax Symphony Orchestra.