It is with sadness that we share the news of the passing of Gene Radecki, who passed away July 1, 2026. Gene’s love for Grand Rapids began in childhood, when his family spent summers on Wabana Lake, beginning a lifelong relationship with a place and people he would one day serve faithfully. Gene’s connection to …
To the members and Board of Directors of RS Fiber and their supporting communities for their unwavering commitment, courage and innovative approach that launched a new broadband cooperative providing fiber optic connectivity to residents in 10 communities and robust wireless services to farms and rural residents across multiple counties resulting in more competitive enterprises and …
From Federal Dam to the state bench As a teen, Anne McKeig set her sights on practicing law. Her focus, determination and willingness to tackle new challenges propelled her career path – the early stages of which included a Blandin Foundation Education Grant – to one of the highest destinations: becoming the first Native American …
Ayushi Patel: Full-circle living and serving in rural Minnesota Ayushi’s life has taken her across continents and across the U.S. Yet she has remained grounded in rural north-central Minnesota, where she now lives and works To my family. Thank you for being my number-one support system through every stepping stone of my life. It is …
Plants and polymerase: points along the path of a science career Dennis Prosen’s curiosity has cultivated a rewarding, varied biotech career. His roots in Coleraine – and a Blandin Foundation scholarship – gave him the strong start he needed, and a way to nurture future generations of learners. The Blandin scholarship inspired me …
Blazing toward success in college A standout athlete at Deer River High School, Jamaal Baird was looking for a career that offered physical and mental challenge – and an edge of excitement. In his first year at Itasca Community College, he’s well on his way to reaching that goal. He also is the student featured …
A lifetime tending to health Like many Itasca area teens, Jane Levens had a vision for her future. Go to school. Get a job. Get a life. The Grand Rapids High School senior’s vision was brought within reach when she was awarded a Blandin Foundation scholarship in 1971. Her vision, and the funds, propelled …
Empowerment to follow a calling When Michael Svigel realized his future would lead him on an educational path of a higher calling, he knew that he would need help with funding. A Blandin Foundation Education Grant became the answer to that calling, allowing him to explore educational opportunities that led him to a rewarding career. …
Buckled in for adventure Riley Jensen’s career is headed straight up. As an overhead power line repairman, he’s regularly 40 feet in the air. An outgoing guy who connects with people wherever he goes, Riley has landed a career that suits his personality and interests. Born and raised in Grand Rapids, I attended Grand …
Choosing community as a foundation for learning Rose Carpenter became part of the Itasca area just two years before graduating high school – and jumped into Greenway High School student life with both feet. Her determination, courage, curiosity and the sense of belonging she has felt here are propelling her path as a first-generation college …