Stanley Natives Honored At UND
Mike Jacobs and Suezette Bieri, Stanley natives and 1965 graduates of Stanley High School, both received a Sioux Award for Distinguished Achievement and Leadership from the University of North Dakota Alumni Association & Foundation, during the homecoming celebration at the end of September.
This is the highest honor given by the UNDAAF for achievement, service and loyalty. Since its inception in 1962, this distinguished award has been presented to leaders in government and business, high achievers in various professions, and alumni who have dedicated their lives in service to others. Past recipients have included former NBA coach Phil Jackson, astronaut Karen Nyberg and Minnesota Twins President Dave St. Peter.
Jacobs and Bieri met as children and graduated in 1965. They were married in 1971.
When they arrived at UND, both felt like they were stepping into a new and exciting chapter of their lives. “There was a sense of moving on,” Mike recalls.
Suezette quickly became involved in student government, a role that took her to a Black Panther rally in Oakland, marking her early engagement with social issues and leadership. Meanwhile, Mike joined the staff of the Dakota Student, eventually rising to the position of editor. Their involvement in these activities introduced them to a network of people who would become lifelong friends and mentors.
In the 1970s, the couple lived in several North Dakota towns, including Dickinson, Jamestown, Mandan and Grand Forks, before settling on 60 acres west of Gilby.
Mike began his career with the Grand Forks Herald in 1981, where he served in various roles, ultimately becoming editor and publisher. His tenure at the Herald was marked by significant contributions, including his involvement when the paper won the Pulitzer Prize for Public Service following the 1997 Red River Flood. The flood destroyed the Herald’s building, yet the paper did not miss a single issue, demonstrating the resilience and dedication of its staff.
Suezette’s professional journey included working at Job Service, ND, J.C. Penney in Dickinson, the South Central Social Services Office in Jamestown, and as director of the Student Union at Bismarck State College. After returning to Grand Forks, she worked at the University of Minnesota Crookston.
In the mid-90s, a keen “interest in the future” brought her back to UND, where she became one of the first students to earn a master’s degree in space studies. She would become deputy director of the North Dakota Space Grant Consortium, a position that allowed her to introduce students across North Dakota to the wonders of space. She had the privilege of meeting several astronauts, including Buzz Aldrin, Karen Nyberg and Sally Ride, whom she admired greatly.
While at UND, Mike studied Philosophy and Religious Studies, graduating in 1970. Suezette studied Sociology, Counseling and Space Studies, graduating as part of the Class of 1969, 1971 and 1989.