Four alumni of the Northwest School of Agriculture (NWSA) were recognized as “Top Aggies" for the year 2000 at the annual reunion held recently at the University of Minnesota, Crookston (UMC).
Receiving the honors were (pictured below from left, with UMC Chancellor Don Sargeant at far left): Andy Skaar '40; LeRoy Johnson '49; Roger Odegaard '60; and Dr. Andrew Nielsen '49.
LeRoy Johnson '49
LeRoy M. Johnson is an established professional in the field of planned giving. From 1978 through 1995 he served the Covenant as its first executive director of estate planning services and coordinated the estate planning program of the Evangelical Covenant Church, Covenant Benevolent Institutions, and North Park College and Theological Seminary. In 1988 he was appointed president of the newly charted Covenant Trust Company and served until 1995, when he was named president emeritus. Although semi-retired, he continues working with clients and prospective clients nationwide.
Johnson received his B.A. degree from the University of Minnesota. In 1960 he graduated from North Park Theological Seminar, and then he served as Pastor of the Lily Lake Covenant Church in Elgin, IL, until 1963. Johnson joined the staff of North Park College and Theological Seminar as Assistant Director of Development in 1963. He became Chief Development Officer in 1965, and in 1973 was named Vice President for Development. He has been a qualified Certified Financial Planner (CFP) since 1992.
LeRoy is a member of the Ministerium of the Evangelical Covenant Church; the Chicago Estate Planning Council; Kiwanis International; and serves on the board of directors of Covenant Home and Covenant Enabling Residences of Illinois.
Johnson and his wife Carole, have two children and three grandchildren.
Dr. Andrew Nielsen ‘49 of Oak View, CA
Following graduation from the NWSA, Andrew attended the University of Minnesota and received his Bachelor of Arts degree in 1954 and his Bachelor of Science and his Doctor of Medicine in 1957. He completed his internship at Anchor Hospital in St. Paul in 1958. He did his Surgical Residency at Wilford Hall Hospital, San Antonia, TX, from 1963 -1967. Dr. Nielsen received Certification from the American Board of Surgery in 1968 and was recognized as a Fellow by the American College of Surgeons in 1970.
Dr. Nielsen’s occupational contribution included general practice in St. Paul from 1958-1959; USAF General Medical Officer 1959-1963; USAF Surgical Practice 1968-1979 with various assignments; private surgical practice in Alabama from 1979 –1990. In 1990 he retired to California.
Presently a member of Grace Lutheran Church, Ventura, CA, where he has been congregation Vice President and Financial Secretary and Chairman of the Evangelism Committee.
Dr. Nielsen states that his main accomplishment in life along with the help of his wife, Thea, is the raising of four successful children.
Roger Odegaard ’60 of Crookston, MN
After graduation from the NWSA, Roger Odegaard joined the National Guard and spent several years in the local Guard Unit. During this time, he had the opportunity to rent some land and farmed with his dad on the family farm. His interest in dairy grew, and eventually he bought out his father’s interest in the dairy operation of Registered Holsteins, the land, and machinery. Today, his son, Kevin, is farming with him on the family farm where they raise sugar beets, small grains, alfalfa, soybeans and corn.
Because of Roger’s interest in the dairy business, he became very involved in many organizations related to dairy on the local, county, and state level. Throughout the years the Odegaard family has had the opportunity to host several dignitaries and organizations on their farm.
Roger’s service to organizations, church and community are numerous and only a few will be mentioned here. He has held all the offices of his church. Has been President of the Red River Valley Winter Shows, the Red River and Polk County American Dairy Association. He and Gail have been honored as West Polk County’s Outstanding Farm Family and Outstanding Dairy Family of the Year, and they have received the Red River Valley Farmer and Homemaker Award. They are members of the University of Minnesota Foundation Presidents Club, and Roger has received the Torch and Shield Award from UMC.
Roger and his wife, Gail, have four children and one grandchild.
Andrew Skaar ’40 of Thief River Falls, MN
After graduation from NWSA, Andrew, better known as Andy, began farming on the family farm that his grandparents homesteaded in 1885. Andy and his father were both born and raised on this farm. Andy and his brother Leonard currently reside and are engaged in the day-to-day farming operations of the same land homesteaded by their grandparents.
Andy served on the Pennington County Soil and Water Conservation District Board of Directors, and on his township association board. He was a member of the Red River Development Committee for over 30 years and served on the Red River Valley Winter Shows Board of Directors.
Andy has continued his ag-related education by attending one or two seminars, almost every year since graduation from NWSA.
He served 12 years in the Minnesota House of Representatives. He was active on several committees and made a number of trips to Washington, D.C. to influence legislation favorable to Northwest Minnesota.
Andy also supports the University of Minnesota, Crookston and is our newest Heritage Society member. He has also contributed to the work and efforts of the 4-H Foundation.
He has served on the Council of Trinity Lutheran Church and also the Board of Directors. He has been recognized by the Northwest Farm and Home Development and also the Pennington County Crop Improvement Association.
Posted by Andrew Svec 09/15/00