info@stcloudtechalumni.org - St. Cloud Tech Alumni Association

THSAA Announces 6th Distinguished Alumni Induction (April, 2023)

St. Cloud, MN — On April 13 & 14, 2023, Tech High School welcomed the 6th Induction into the Tech Distinguished Alumni Hall of Fame!

Events included a dinner/induction ceremony at the new Tech High School on Thursday evening, April 13 with plenty of opportunities to visit with inductees and old friends – as well as see the “New Tech High”! On Friday, there was an all-school assembly to introduce our 10 inductees and their accomplishments to our current students.

Following are the brief sketches of the some of the AMAZING ACHEIVEMENTS of our 10 inductees. Congratulations to the 2023 Inductees!

· Dr. Sarah Ahlberg (Class of 1999): Director of Research & Technology, Cardiac Ablation Solutions, with Medtronic, Inc, a global leader in medical technology. Her resume includes 9 issued patents, over 20 journal publications, more than 35 scientific presentations, and teaching assistant positions in Advanced Cardiac Anatomy and Physiology Courses at the University of Minnesota

· Rollie Anderson (Class of 1964): CEO/Chairman of the Board of Anderson Trucking Service – one of the largest “for hire” carrier/trucking companies in North America, including Canada, Mexico, Puerto Rico, and Hawaii. St. Cloud area philanthropist.

· TyRuben Ellingson (Class of 1977): The Senior Director in the School of the Arts at Virginia Commonwealth University who has contributed to the creation of ground-breaking special effects in films such as Jurassic Park, Star Wars, etc. Received the Art Director’s Guild Certificate of Appreciation for the ADG Award winning project Avatar- for Contribution to Excellence in Production Design for a Fantasy Film.

· Tony Ewers (Class of 1998): An active-duty Lieutenant Colonel who flies Air Force One! He has been deployed 11 times, spent over 1,000 days overseas, logged over 5,500 hours as a Command Pilot, and commandeered over 300 combat missions.

· Jim Dahl (Class of 1976): He spent over 30 years in Information Technology as a developer, analyst, and project and program manager for several firms during his career. Brought his organizational skills to the THSAA, where he has served as president for over 20 years.

· Patti Gartland (Class of 1976): Currently President of the Greater St. Cloud Development Corporation after serving many years as Planning Director for the City of St. Cloud and City Administrator for Sartell. Has received several Excellence in Service awards in recognition of her Civic work.

· Bruce Mohs (Class of 1962): After graduating from Tech and SCSU, spent his career as an educator in Milwaukee, Wis. He returned to St. Cloud in retirement and pursued community service in a variety of roles, including serving 16 years on the St. Cloud School board and president of LEAF, St. Cloud’s education foundation.

· Sandy Neutzling (Class of 1968): An entrepreneur who owns her own Insurance Business and has served as the Rotary Club president and Chair of the St. Cloud Area Chamber of Commerce

· Anoop Prakash (Class of 1991): Was awarded a Navy Commendation Medal and has two Harvard Business degrees. Worked in the Bush administration and led Harley Davidson, Canada. He has two Harvard Business School case studies written about his work and career.

· George Van Cleve (Class of 1968): A Harvard University Law School and Oxford University graduate, he served as Deputy Assistant U. S. Attorney General in the U.S. Dept of Justice. After receiving his PH D in History from the University of Virginia, has written 3 successful history books and has been a Law Professor and Visiting Scholar at several major universities.

A Brief History of St. Cloud Tech High School

The old or original St. Cloud Tech High School, St. Cloud, MN. History

A BRIEF HISTORY OF ST. CLOUD TECH HIGH SCHOOL (By Bruce Mohs)

The history of St. Cloud Tech High School (pre-1917 thru 2025) is an important and relevant part of the history of St. Cloud and Central MN. However, what remains continuous throughout the school’s history over the course of time are the stories and legacies of its students (33,000+), its administrators, faculties, counselors, coaches, and non-licensed staff; its classrooms, curriculums, and academic, athletic, art and activity programs; its buildings & venues where teaching and learning has taken place for over the past century and will continue thru this century.

These personal and professional stories and legacies of excellence and achievement are described & catalogued throughout the one-hundred eight years (1917-2025) of collections including yearbooks, school newspapers, framed photographs, and trophies & awards. These collections are gathered, stored, arranged, exhibited and securely showcased within the Tech High School ‘Tiger Den’. All of these records and mementos are archived for past, present, and future students and educators. And these historical documents will provide an opportunity for Tech Alumni and their guests to come to the ‘Tiger Den’ (individually or collectively), and reminisce, reflect and remember a great High School (and their time in it) which has served many great students and educators for over one-hundred years throughout the many great neighborhoods and communities within our city.

PRINCIPALS
The cumulative history of a great school is influenced greatly by the purposeful leadership of its building administrators. They steadfastly steer the student body and faculty of a great school to remain focused on the written mission and values of the school. They are the final decision makers of all matters associated with the methods, resources, staffing and safety of the students, educators and community members that are in and around the school and its disparate and distinct educational venues. The building principals of Tech High School, from 1917 to the present, were: Elizabeth Clark (1917-1947), Frank J. Herda (1947-1964), Paul Kinney (1964-1969), Chuck Sell (1969-1983), Wally Pretzer (1983-1991), Gayla Holmgren (1991-1996), Ed Johnson (1996-1999), Roger Ziemann (1999-2014), Adam Holm (2014-2015), Charlie Eisenreich (2015-2020), Jason Harris (2020-2023), and Molly Kensy (2023-present).

BUILDINGS
When speaking about the “teaching and learning resources” needed for quality education, the conversation regularly and recurrently centers around curriculums, books, materials, supplies, equipment and the likes. Of course, all of these items are necessary and important, and need to be available & accessible for both students and educators.
But equally as important, significant, and consequential are the buildings, venues, locations, and sites that safely provide and educationally meet and deliver the needs of all students as they transition from pre-school to elementary school, to middle-school, and (in the fullness of time) graduate from high school. The historical buildings of Tech High School were: Union School (post Civil War-1917); South Building (1917-2019), sold to City of St. Cloud, restored as City Hall); North Building (1938-2019), sold to City of St. Cloud, restored as City Hall); Cafeteria & H.B. Gough Technical Wing (1958-2019), sold to City of St. Cloud, demolished); West Wing Administration & Classrooms, first two floors (1963-2019), sold to City of St. Cloud, demolished); West Wing Administration & Classrooms, third floor (1965-2019), sold to City of St. Cloud, demolished); Gymnasium & Swimming Pool (1975-2019), sold to City of St. Cloud, demolished); Clark Field (1938-2019), sold to City of St. Cloud (to be developed as a public park); New Tech High School & Athletic Campuses (2019-present).

During parts of two Millennia, the 20th and 21st Centuries, and 10.5 Decades (from 1917-2019), the history and legacy of St. Cloud Tech High School’s students and faculty have been serving and supporting our Nation and its Allies during wars, conflicts, strifes, and historically changing social movements. Some of these historical movements have been:
Wars: World War I, World War II, Korean War, Cold War, Cuban Crisis, Vietnamese War, Gulf War, War in Iraq, War in Afghanistan, and The Syrian War.
Domestic and Global Civil Wars and Social Movements: The Stock Market Crash and The Great Depression, Free Speech and Civil Rights Movement, Women’s Suffrage ‘Right To Vote’ Movement, Anti-War Movement, LGBTQ Movement, Environmental Justice Movement, Disability Rights Movement, Racial Justice Movement, Reproductive Justice Movement, and multi-nationalism Global Movements (The Arab-Israeli War, The Indo-Pakistani War, The Congo Crisis, South Africa Apartheid Movement, The Libyan Civil War, The Somalian Civil War, and The Guatemalan-El Salvadoran War.

More information about St. Cloud Tech and the St. Cloud Tech Alumni Association at https://stcloudtechalumni.org/

Request for Class Contact Information

St. Cloud Tech High School, St. Cloud Tech Commons

Request for Alumni to provide a Class Contact(s)

An important tradition for our alumni is to help plan and attend class reunions. The Tech High School Alumni Association (THSAA) receives requests regularly for information about class reunions. THSAA does not directly plan class reunions but we provide class lists, post details on our website and allow check out of memorabilia for classes conducting a reunion.

It has been a loose tradition that the Class President would initiate the planning or find a planner for the first reunion of their classmates. THSAA would like to compile a list of class contacts. There can be multiple contacts per class. If you are a class contact or know who your class contacts are, please provide the information to us. Do not worry that your information may have already been provided, we will eliminate any duplicates.

Our plan is to gather the contacts and then allow access to that information on our website.

Thanks in advance for your participation in this request.

THSAA Board

Reunion Information

The former St. Cloud Tech High School in MN

Many of you may be planning your high school Class Reunion in the coming years, likely this year the classes ending in either a “1” or “6” are actively making plans. Your Board of Directors request that you keep Tech High School Alumni Association in mind as reunion plans develop. There are other sites available to assist in planning and the THSAA does not have control over them and they are used by some classes but are not the official site. Please consider a hyperlink to our website, or supplying us with a link to your Classes’ site. THSAA has a long history demonstrating ways in which we can assist you, and there are several ways in which you can help us.

WE CAN BE OF SERVICE TO YOU BY:

• We keep information about all reunions, you can contact us to determine where, when and who to contact about your class reunion

• Provide an electronic spreadsheet file of the contact information from the alumni database

• The archives of Tech information and materials has been organized and cataloged. We can provide you with a list of materials available from your class on request. These materials can be arranged for display in the Tiger Den

• An Alumni Association Board member can make a visit to your reunion

• Contact THSAA to arrange a tour of Tech High School

WE NEED YOUR ASSISTANCE:

• Provide us with links to any websites or social media being used by your class

• Encourage your class members to notify the Alumni Association in writing, of changes of name, address or email

• Distribute information from the Alumni Association at your reunion

• Suggest that class members donate Tech memorabilia as well as monetary gifts to Alumni Association projects and scholarships

AFTER THE REUNION:

• Provide THSAA with any classmate contact information updates you may have collected.

• Consider donating any extra money to the Alumni Association or to establish a Class Scholarship fund

Take pleasure in your reunion planning activities, and most importantly enjoy your reunion!

Tech High Alumni Association Contact Information:

Address: P.O. Box 2255, St. Cloud, MN 56302-2255

Web page: www.stcloudtechalumni.org

email: info@stcloudtechalumni.org

Facebook page: www.facebook.com/techalumni

Jim Dahl (President) 320-310-3538

2025 THSAA Scholarship Recipients

St. Cloud Tech High School Alumni Association, Tech High School Scholarship Recipients, Award winners, Declan Frantesl, Sadie Zellmann, Umayma Abdi, Chelsea Guevara, Jody Voigt

Alumni Association Awards Scholarships to Four 2025 Graduates

Every year, the Tech seniors are asked to submit essay applications for the traditional Tech Alumni Association scholarships. Thanks to the generous support of the Alumni, we continue support the scholarship program for Tech students. Similar to prior years, a committee of Alumni Association Directors selected the recipients. The candidates are selected based on excellence in academics, extra curricular activities, community service and their essay on what Tech has meant to them. In 2024 we expanded the format of the essay by allowing poetry, videos and artwork. We are pleased to present the 2025 scholarship recipients. Here are their essays –

Umayma Abdi

When I think of Tech High School, I see a world of opportunity within its diversity. Like Maya Angelou once said, “In diversity there is beauty and there is strength”. These past two years at Tech have taught me the importance of diverse learning. Going from being the only Black student in my class, back at my previous high school in rural Nebraska, to sitting side by side with fellow peers of different backgrounds has truly altered my brain chemistry. Within Tech’s learning environment, I have found my voice.

Over the past two years, I have built skills that will last a lifetime. I have become surrounded by people who see value in education. The collaborative discussions in AP Lang and Debate with Mrs. Schraw has taught me to take pride in my perspective on current events happening around the world. On the other hand, it has taught me to be a mediator at times of vocal conflict. Being the Class Representative in Student Council, Co-President of Deca, and member of NHS has educated me on what it takes to be a leader. As a leader, I learned quickly how important it is to be responsible, whether it’s showing up on time for meetings or setting up for Homecoming to speaking up for those without a platform. As a member of Equity, I have learned how to be more respectful through the guidance of Ms. Ayan Omar. A phrase of hers that has stuck with me is, “Have compassion and be nice to each other because you never want to diminish one’s potential.” To me, this means being careful with my choice of words and actions towards others within the community.

Tech has prepared me for my future in multiple ways. One great example is how I have been actively involved and challenged within my rigorous classwork. Teachers like Mr. Kopp and Mr. Thell have taught me to believe in my abilities to do something. Being smart isn’t something that magical appears in your hands, you actively have to fight for it. This past year I have had the opportunity to take Health Careers and Internship with Mrs. Doom. Through this class, I got to shadow a couple healthcare professionals like Family Nurse Practitioner Kate Foley and General Dentist David Russell. These experiences have given me an upper hand as I strive to work in Medicine in the future.

Being a Tech Alumni means taking the skills we have learned at Tech High School and carrying it on to our future communities. It means standing up for what we believe to be just and helping others find their voices. It means showing up when you’re being counted on. I have realized how we never stop learning after high school, instead the world becomes our teacher.

Declan Frantesl

Tech High School has played a significant role in shaping me into the person I am today. I did not always have such positive feelings about my school. To say that my freshman year of high school was difficult is to understate how traumatic it was for me. I was diagnosed with ADHD, depression, and anxiety. I struggled with friends and felt like an outsider. I contemplated leaving Tech and transferring to a different school. However, after taking a tour of St. John’s Prep, I realized that Tech was where I wanted to be – in spite of the struggles I was experiencing.

Tech High School has an extremely diverse student body that goes beyond merely race and culture. There are vast disparities in economic backgrounds, values, and the make-up of individual families. Within the district there are more than 600 families experiencing homelessness. That diversity played a role in helping me recognize that Tech had a place for me. Embracing that environment has allowed me to thrive. Prior to the start of my sophomore year I decided to become active in Student Council and I have never looked back. Student Council turned out to be the activity that helped me turn a corner. I have given it my all, and it has given so much back to me. Tech’s unique student body cannot be found at some other area schools, and it is truly a school where everyone can find a spot. This experience has been life-changing for me in more ways than just helping me with my mental health struggles. My own difficulties have increased the empathy I feel for others experiencing challenges. At some point in life everyone will interact with people very different from themselves. I am fortunate to have had these interactions early in my life. I know I will be able to avoid some future problems because of the relationships I have developed with others so different from me.

I served as Co-Vice President of Student Council during my junior year, and I am currently Co-President. Through Student Council I have made friends I know will endure into the future. As a result of the friends I have made, as well as my leadership role in Student Council, I was able to view the autism diagnosis that I received at the end of my junior year as a positive. It helped me better understand myself. Student Council, as well as my active engagement in sports and student activities at Tech, supported my realization that my disabilities do not define me. I have chosen to focus my time and energy at Tech on activities that bring students together. I have been instrumental in changes that have benefited students. While I am excited to be graduating this spring, it is bittersweet as I know what I have found at Tech will be impossible to duplicate elsewhere.

Chelsea Guevara

Attending Tech has been an incredibly transformative experience that has shaped both my academic and personal growth. The hands-on learning environment and the innovative spirit of the school have helped me discover and cultivate my passions. From the advanced technology programs to the collaborative projects, I’ve gained valuable technical skills that have provided a solid foundation for my future aspirations.

Tech has also fostered a strong sense of community and support, which has been crucial to my development. The ability to work alongside like-minded peers and learn from skilled instructors has opened my eyes to new possibilities and career paths that I hadn’t previously considered. The exposure to cutting-edge technologies has broadened my horizons and encouraged me to think critically and creatively.

Beyond academics, attending Tech has taught me important life skills such as problem-solving, teamwork, and adaptability. These skills have been vital not only in my coursework but also in extracurricular activities and volunteering. I feel confident that the knowledge and experiences I’ve gained here will guide me in achieving my long-term goals.

The Journey of ending and starting my new chapters

From the first day I stepped through the door,

A world of possibility, I began to explore.

Where knowledge and innovation collide,

Tech became the place where my dreams reside.

With every lesson, my mind would expand,

New skills and ideas, all at my command.

Hands-on learning, with tools in my hand,

I built my future, with each lesson so grand.

In labs and classrooms, I found my way,

Solving problems, pushing limits each day.

With peers beside me, we aimed for the sky,

Learning together, reaching so high.

The change was clear, from the start to now,

I’m more than I was, and I know just how—

Tech taught me to think, to grow, to create,

And opened the doors to a future so great.

A place where ideas are free to take flight,

Where passions are sparked and dreams burn bright.

Tech has changed me, it’s shaped who I am,

And I’ll carry its lessons, no matter where I stand.

Sadie Zellman

Sadie provided a video discussing what Tech has meant to her. If you wish to view, please access through the following link –

Video: https://youtu.be/uxzwI6HAkhI

Congratulations to the 2025 recipients! The Alumni Association is proud to welcome these four, exceptional, new alumni and the entire graduating class of 2025 as alumni. We wish them all the best as they go on to the next chapter in their lives.

To all classes – Please consider starting a class scholarship. The class of 1967 started this several years back. The class of 1976 followed. The Class of 2017 has initiated a scholarship.

If you or your class is interested and wish to start a scholarship, please contact us. We will work with you and Tech Guidance personnel to set up a scholarship. It can be as easy as providing funds or having your class review and select applications and then presenting at the annual scholarship night.

2025 Tech Athletic Hall of Fame Induction

St. CLoud Tech High School, St. Cloud Tech Gymnasium, St. Cloud Tech Athletic Hall of Fame

2025 TECH ATHLETIC HALL OF FAME

September 25 & 26, 2025

Tech High School, founded in 1917, is well known for its great athletic and activities tradition. In 1986, we decided it was time to begin to recognize the contributions and achievements of the individuals that have helped develop “Tiger Pride”! Through the formation of the Tech Hall of Fame, our community and school have been able to begin to accomplish this goal.

Recognizing outstanding alumni not only gives us the opportunity to pay tribute to those who helped establish our traditions but also gives our current students a knowledge of our school’s outstanding history- and a challenge to continue our traditions.

September 25^th & 26^th, 2025 will mark our eighth induction to Tech’s Athletic Hall of Fame. This year’s inductees include:

Riley Bates Class of 2014

Matt Clausen Class of 1991

Paul Denne Class of 2005

Katelyn (Dold) Deitz Class of 2008

Charlie Eisenreich Class of 1982

Andy Foley Class of 2014

Erin (Foley) Feddema Class of 2008

Kathy (Heine) Kelly Class of 1981

Brooke Johnson Class of 2005

Jennifer (Johnson) Kornbaum Class of 1981

David Kampa Class of 1969

Jim Pelarske Class of 1970

Eric Schmiesing Class of 1996

Keri (Schulte) Wheeler Class of 1993

Jordyn (Sears) Kolar Class of 2008

Nate Wolters Class of 2009

In addition, Tech will recognize three “Special Recognition Award Winners”. These are individuals who have made significant contributions to the Tech Athletic Program. Robert (Mick) Boatz, Jack Stinogel, and Pete Rengel/Rengel Printing will be so honored.

A BIG change for the 2025 Induction is that the THSAA decided it was time to recognize the “Hall of Fame” caliber TEAMS from our school’s history. We feel that it is important to not just recognize “star athletes”, but to also recognize ALL athletes who have participated on teams that have accomplished great seasons – whether they were stars, starters, or reserves. To that end, 77 teams have been selected and will be listed in our initial “Tech Athletics TEAM Hall of Fame” display case near the Tech gym, which will be unveiled during the fall induction ceremonies.

The THSAA also decided that at each new induction of individuals into the Tech Athletic Hall of Fame, we would also recognize one girls team and one boys team that are listed in the “Tech Athletics TEAM Hall of Fame”. This is not an “induction” into the TEAM Hall of Fame (the team and 75 other teams are already there!), but a recognition of the great season accomplished by two of our Hall of Fame TEAMS. It was determined that we would include a recognition of the 1975 Tech Volleyball team/coaches and the 1980 Boys Basketball team/coaches at our 2025 Athletic Hall of Fame Induction on Thursday, September 25 and Friday, September 26, 2025.

St. Cloud Tech Alumni Association launches a brand-new website for Tigers everywhere

St. Cloud Tech High School sign, the original Tech

The St. Cloud Tech Alumni Association is proud to unveil its brand-new online home: www.stcloudtechalumni.org. Built to serve generations of Tigers—from the newest graduates to alumni spanning back decades—the site brings together history, news, people, and ways to stay engaged with the school and each other. Whether you’re checking reunion plans, browsing old yearbooks, or nominating a distinguished alum, it’s all now just a click away.

What you’ll find on the new site

Designed with alumni needs front and center, the website organizes the most-asked-for information in one convenient place:

Tech Distinguished Alumni: Profiles celebrating graduates who have made a notable impact in their careers, communities, and the wider world.
Tech Athletic Hall of Fame Inductees: Honoring Tiger athletes, coaches, and contributors whose achievements elevate Tech’s proud sports tradition.
Articles & Media: Features, interviews, and multimedia stories about alumni and topics of interest to the Tech community.
Digital Yearbook Library: A growing archive of Tech High School yearbooks, perfect for a stroll down memory lane or tracking down a familiar face.
Class Contacts: Up-to-date contacts to help you reconnect with classmates and coordinate get-togethers.
Class Reunion Information: Dates, details, and planning resources for upcoming reunions—all in one spot.
Social Media Links: Quick access to official alumni and community pages to stay current and connected.
Contact the Association: Reach the team directly with questions, updates, nominations, or volunteer interest.
Ways to Donate: Clear options to support scholarships, programs, and alumni initiatives that strengthen Tech’s legacy.

A brief history of St. Cloud Tech High School

St. Cloud Tech’s story is woven into the growth of the city itself. Public secondary education in St. Cloud traces its roots to the late 19th century, when a formal high school program began serving local students. As the community expanded in the early 1900s, so did the vision for a modern high school that would prepare young people for college, careers, and civic life.

That vision took shape with the opening of the iconic granite Tech High School building in 1917, overlooking Lake George. For generations, the 1917 building symbolized academic rigor, Tiger pride, and a thriving extracurricular culture—from championship athletics and music to debate, theater, and student leadership. The school’s programs evolved alongside the region’s industries and aspirations, with “Tech” becoming synonymous with innovation, craftsmanship, and community spirit.

In the 2010s, the district and community charted the next chapter. Following years of planning and public input, voters approved funding to build a new, state-of-the-art facility designed for contemporary learning. The new Tech High School opened in 2019, ushering in advanced labs, collaborative learning spaces, and modern arts and athletics amenities—while carrying forward the traditions and values that define Tiger Nation. The beloved 1917 building has since been thoughtfully repurposed, preserving its architectural character and continuing to serve St. Cloud in new ways.

Milestones at a glance

Late 1800s: Formal high school education established in St. Cloud.
1917: The landmark Tech High School building opens, quickly becoming a civic and educational anchor.
Mid-20th Century: Additions and program expansions reflect Tech’s growing enrollment and broadening academic/activities offerings.
2016: Community support secures funding to build a new, future-ready facility for Tech students.
2019: New Tech High School opens, combining modern design with a century of Tiger tradition.
2020s: The 1917 structure finds new life through adaptive reuse, preserving a cornerstone of St. Cloud’s heritage.

Join, reconnect, and support

The St. Cloud Tech Alumni Association exists to keep Tigers connected—to each other, to current students, and to the broader community that shaped us. The new website makes it easier than ever to update your contact info, share class news, submit achievements, nominate Distinguished Alumni and Hall of Fame honorees, and support scholarships and programs.

Explore the site, bookmark it, and share it with classmates: www.stcloudtechalumni.org. Together, we’ll preserve Tech’s storied past, celebrate today’s accomplishments, and invest in the next generation of Tigers. Once a Tiger, always a Tiger—see you online!