1960s Class notes

Recently submitted

1960
Ben Sowaske (A&S) says that when he graduated from Eau Claire Senior High School in 1951, he enrolled at the Eau Claire Normal School (now UW-Eau Claire) to please his mother. During the second semester, students were told that if they enlisted or were drafted, they did not have to take final exams. Ben left school to take advantage of that opportunity and spent four years in the Air Force. After a five-year break, he returned to the university. Ben never received his 1951-52 yearbook, and is wondering if anyone has a copy for him to purchase. He lives in Madison and can be reached by e-mail at bsowaske@sbcglobal.net.

1966
Jim Bingen (A&S), professor of community, food and Agriculture at Michigan State University, was honored as a Chevalier dans l’Ordre du Mérite agricole (Knight in the Agricultural Order of Merit), a lifetime appointment given by the French government. It was established in 1883 by Jules Méline, the French minister of agriculture, to recognize those making significant contributions to the development and progress of agriculture. Bingen was honored for his contributions to helping young Americans understand French farming practices and policy that are grounded in the history and values of place. He lives in Okemos, Mich.

Submitted within the past six months

1965
Ron Bennett (A&S), founding dean of the University of St. Thomas School of Engineering, received the first-ever Community Champion Award at the 2007 Tekne Awards ceremony Nov. 1, 2007, at the Minneapolis Convention Center. The award honors an outstanding individual who, beyond a specific innovation or achievement, has helped further technology expansion in Minnesota and contributed significantly to the state's community at large. The Tekne Awards began in 2000 and are presented by the Minnesota High Tech Association in partnership with LifeScience Alley and Minnesota Technology Inc. Bennett lives in St. Paul, Minn.

Philip Thune (A&S) retired from the FBI in 1992 after 31 years with the bureau. He was transferred to Nashville, Tenn., in 1969 and remained in the area with his wife, Lynn. Philip is proud to have been commended by FBI director J. Edgar Hoover on 12 occasions and by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police once. He and Lynn live in Kingston Springs, Tenn., where Philip says he enjoys every minute of his retirement.

1966
John Janc (E) has been a professor of French at Minnesota State University, Mankato, for the past 29 years. He was named the 2008 Minnesota French Teacher of the Year by the Minnesota chapter of the American Association of Teachers of French. The recognition dinner was held April 18 in St. Paul, Minn. Janc lives in Mankato, Minn.

1967
James Kieffer (B) was the 2007 recipient of the Baraboo Kiwanis Club Dr. Al Dippel award for outstanding service to the Baraboo area. The award honors a person who has devoted a great deal of time in volunteer service to local service organizations, nonprofit organizations, churches and government entities. James lives in Baraboo.

1969
Terrence Halfen (A&S) has been inducted into Cambridge Who's Who for excellence in horticulture. Halfen, owner of Halfen Garden Center and Hosta Gardens, has a 38-year background in home gardening. During the past 18 years he has developed an expertise in growing hosta plants. After graduating from UW-Eau Claire, Halfen worked at St. Joseph's Hospital in Chippewa Falls for 16 years, where he supervised the materials handling department. He then began operating Halfen Cleaning Service and ACK Computer Consultants. In 1991 he opened Halfen Garden Center in Chippewa Falls. More information about the business is available online at www.halfengardencenter.com or www.hostaheaven.com. He lives in Chippewa Falls.

Gary Osborn (A&S), '76 (MST) recently retired after teaching science for 30 years — two years in Eau Claire and the past 28 years in Amery. Gary taught high school earth science, biology, meteorology and astronomy. He also coached boys' and girls' tennis teams for the past 28 years. Gary hopes to continue coaching. He also looks forward to traveling with his wife, biking, and playing golf and tennis. He lives in Amery.