2016 Inductees

Largo Callenbach graduated from North High in 1968, where she had been active in many of the school’s programs, including Drama, Speech and Debate, Choir, and related organizations.  Largo was a member of the National Honor Society and Youth Service Award winner.   Having been raised by grandparents, who instilled a strong set of core values, and an affinity for volunteerism, the template for Largo’s life appeared set.

Following a year at NDSU, Largo’s work and education stops mirrored her husband’s pursuit of a medical profession.  After work and study at UND and Seattle, WA, she completed a degree in Social Work at Avila College, in Kansas City, MO, in 1975.  Family and Early Childhood health were key issues that captured her attention and led to her work choices. 

Largo has been active in the direct and collaborative effort to create programs and legislation addressing infant, family, and the broad spectrum of life’s emotional and health issues.  Her efforts have led to many awards, including “Golden Buckle Award”, “Citizen of the Year”,  “Outstanding Achievement Medal” and “Parents of the Year”.

A native North Dakotan, Dennis graduated from Amenia, ND in 1962.  He attended Mayville (ND) State University, graduating in 1966 with a composite major in science. 

Dennis taught sciences in the Wahpeton (ND) Public Schools from 1966 through the spring of 1990.  During that period, he coached track & field, wrestling, and girls ‘ basketball.  In 1975, Dennis was awarded a Masters Degree in Science Teaching from NDSU, having spent his summers and weekends commuting from Wahpeton.

In the summer of 1990, Dennis was hired by the Fargo Public Schools, to teach science at North High School.  During his tenure at North (1990 to 2007), he taught chemistry and physics, along with physical science in the summers.  He coached track & field as well as boys and girls basketball for the Spartans.  Dennis was recognized by the Student Council as Teacher of the Year in 1994-95, and again in 2006-07.

Graduated from North High in 1974.  Following graduation, Ron attended NDSU, but found himself drawn to the adventure and world of work in Denver, CO.  In the fall of 1982, he joined the Wyoming Air National Guard; and that seemed to springboard him into what would become his life’s work and military service.

After completing his basic and follow-up training with the Air Force, Ron returned to Fargo, where he graduated from NDSU with a degree in Civil Engineering.  He served as a consultant for several years before becoming the Air National Guard Base Engineer.  Having been commissioned as a Civil Engineer Officer in 1989, his performance led to his becoming Commander of the 119th Civil Engineer Squadron; and then on to being named the Mission Support Group Commander

Ron closed out his active military career as the NDANG Adjutant General’s Chief of Staff; and in 2013, was promoted to Brigadier General.  Career highlights include a lead role in a project in Israel along with a deployment to Iraq, where he was in command of U.S. troops at Al Asad Airbase. He is currently working as a engineer with the City of Fargo.

Nancy graduated from North High in 1970, where she had been active in track & field, band, drama, cheerleading, and also served as sports editor for the school newspaper and yearbook.  She attended Moorhead (MN) State University, earning a degree in French, Physical Education and Health, and a minor in coaching, in 1974.  Nancy received a Master’s Degree from NDSU in 1993.

Nancy Tidd’s first teaching and coaching assignment was at Shanley High School in Fargo, where she worked from 1974 through the spring of 1983.  Nancy coached Swimming & Diving, Track & Field, Cheerleading, and advised the Student Council.  She was named Swim COTY in 1976, became very active in the NDHSCA, and was elected the group’s first female president in 1981.

Nancy joined the teaching and coaching staff at North High in 1983, and remained there until her retirement in 2010.  In addition to her teaching, Nancy coached Track & Field (20 yrs.) and supervised Cheerleaders (13 yrs.).  She served on numerous school district and state athletic committees, worked with Special Olympics, was a convention and motivational speaker, and a strong advocate for youth of all ages.

Matthew Wiisanen graduated from North High in 1995, where he was a letter-winner in academics, football, swimming and track.  He was a member of the National Honor Society, a class officer and member of the homecoming court.  Matt attended St. John’s University, earning a BA Degree in Natural Science (1999); and received a Master’s Degree in Public Health at the U of MN in 2005.

Matt accepted an Internal Medicine Residency at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN (2005-08); and then moved to Cardiology and Interventional Cardiology  Fellowships at the U of KY in Lexington, KY.  His professional work opportunities have included assignments in Minnesota, Kentucky, Fargo, North Dakota, and Tennessee, where he presently serves as the Director of Structural Heart Disease (teaching medical students, internal medicine residents, and cardiology fellows) at the University of Tennessee.

Matt has been recognized for his exceptional performance at each of the levels of training and staff membership he has held.  He has conducted a number of research projects, and has authored or co-authored many professional articles.