Bismarck State College (BSC) is set to recognize several outstanding alumni and Hall of Fame inductees at its annual Alumni & Athletic Hall of Fame Awards Dinner on Thursday, May 15, 2025, at 6 p.m. (CST) in the Bavendick Stateroom, inside the BSC National Energy Center of Excellence.
The BSC National Alumni Association Board of Directors has named Kathryn Johnston Murphy, ’82, as the 2025 Alumnus of the Year and Alexandra Lund, ’07, as this year’s Rising Star. The Harold Schafer family has been selected as the 2025 Legacy Family of the Year. Nancy Stavn Christensen, Russ Henegar and Dave Reimnitz are being inducted into the BSC Athletic Hall of Fame.
2025 BSC Alumni Awards
Kathryn Johnston Murphy – Alumnus of the Year
BSC recognizes Kathryn Johnston Murphy as the 2025 Alumni of the Year, celebrating her outstanding legal career and unwavering dedication to justice. A 1982 graduate of then Bismarck Junior College (BJC), Murphy’s journey from a small-town student to a nationally recognized attorney is truly inspiring. She built upon her BJC foundation, earning her B.A. from the University of Texas at Tyler and her J.D. from Southern Methodist University, launching a career defined by leadership, advocacy and service.
For over 35 years, Murphy has been a trailblazer in family law, serving as senior partner at Goranson Bain Ausley, PLLC, one of the most prestigious firms in Texas. Beyond her practice, she’s a respected legal scholar, having authored over 90 legal articles and spoken at numerous national conferences. Her passion extends to mentorship and inclusion, co-founding the Drinks and Diversity program and guiding aspiring attorneys through the AAML Scholars Program.
Alexandra Lund – BSC Rising Star
Alexandra Lund, a visionary leader in the signage industry, has over 17 years of experience, with the last seven dedicated to strategic planning and market analysis. As the driving force behind Bismarck Sign Company, she has spearheaded innovative solutions, enhanced brand visibility and operational efficiency while fostering strong industry partnerships.
Beyond her leadership in signage, Lund is a dedicated business coach with The Sticker Lady, where she mentors entrepreneurs in the sign and wrap industry, helping them optimize resources and achieve sustainable growth. A 2007 BSC graduate with an AAS in graphic design, she remains committed to giving back by serving on the BSC Graphic Design Advisory Board and mentoring students.
Her impact extends far beyond her profession. Lund co-founded the Bismarck-Mandan Chamber EDC Empowering Women in Business initiative, serves on multiple leadership committees, and was named to the 2023 International Sign Association Elite 35 under 35. She also contributes to national industry publications, sharing her expertise and advocating for women in the field.
Harold Schafer Family – BSC Legacy Family of the Year
BSC recognizes the Harold Schafer family as the 2025 BSC Legacy Family of the Year. Harold Schafer was a prominent North Dakota businessman, entrepreneur and philanthropist, best known for founding the Gold Seal Company in 1942. Under his leadership, the company introduced popular household products such as Glass Wax, Snowy Bleach and the iconic Mr. Bubble.
Beyond his business achievements, Schafer made significant contributions to the state, particularly in the revitalization of Medora, N.D. His efforts led to the restoration of key landmarks, including the Rough Riders Hotel and the Ferris Store, transforming Medora into a leading tourist destination.
Schafer's philanthropic endeavors extended to education. In 1959, recognizing the need for expansion, he donated 70 acres of land atop Meadowlark Hill in Bismarck for the relocation of Bismarck Junior College from the Capitol grounds to its current location. This generous contribution facilitated the construction of a new campus, with the first building aptly named Schafer Hall in his honor. The donation played a pivotal role in the college's growth and development, providing a foundation for its future success.
Throughout his life, Schafer received numerous accolades, including the Horatio Alger Award and North Dakota's Rough Rider Award, recognizing his dedication, entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to community development.
2025 BSC Athletic Hall of Fame Inductees
Nancy Stavn Christensen
For many years, Nancy Stavn Christensen has been dedicated to athletics, education and the advancement of women's sports. As a faculty member in the physical education department at BJC, she played a pivotal role in expanding opportunities for female athletes. She became the director of women’s athletics, advocating for and developing programs that encouraged participation in sports.
Christensen’s coaching impact was profound. She led women’s track and field, volleyball and the Mystiques dance team, fostering teamwork, discipline and excellence. Additionally, she mentored student-athletes as an advisor for the BJC Letterman’s Club, shaping the futures of countless students. Christensen’s passion for track and field continued at North Dakota State University, where she furthered her coaching career.
Russ Henegar
As a standout BJC student-athlete in football, baseball, and track and field in the early 1970s, Russ Henegar’s versatility and skill set him apart. As a halfback, he dominated the 1971 football season, earning him the title of Outstanding Freshman Football Player of the Year. He rushed for 749 yards, caught 19 passes for 231 yards, and scored 11 touchdowns, proving he was an offensive threat.
Beyond football, Henegar excelled in track and field, winning a state long jump title, and on the baseball field, he led the Legion State Championship team with a 27-game hitting streak, finishing the season with a .368 batting average. His success continued at Moorhead State, earning all-conference honors and a spot on the NAIA First Team All-American roster.
Dave Reimnitz
A driven competitor with an unwavering commitment to excellence, Dave Reimnitz’s journey from high school standout to national champion is nothing short of inspiring. His wrestling career began at Bismarck High School, where he played a key role in securing the 1975 state championship. Continuing at BJC, he compiled an outstanding 38-6 record, earning 1st Team All-American and Academic All-American honors.
In 1978, Reimnitz cemented his place in history by winning a national individual title before capturing gold at the Junior Pan-American Games. He carried his momentum to Concordia College, St. Paul, where he secured back-to-back national wrestling titles in 1980 and 1981 while remaining undefeated. Reimnitz also led his Concordia soccer team to a conference championship and earned Most Valuable Player honors.