Outstanding Alumni - 2006
Dr. Bruce Falk
Bemidji State University Graduate 1971
Dr. Bruce Falk graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Biology from BSU in 1971. He went on to earn a Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the University of Minnesota in 1975. After completing his residency in 1976, at the Veterans Administration Hospital in Minneapolis, Bruce returned to Northern Minnesota, practicing dentistry in International Falls and helping his brother work the family farm in neighboring Salol. In 1987, Bruce built a house on this farm, including an office, where he now practices dentistry full-time, employing eight staff, while continuing to farm as well. In addition to several crops, the farm has included large herds of both dairy and beef cattle over the years. While attending BSU, Bruce was a four-year letter winner on the men?s hockey teams, all of which won national championships. During his senior year, he served as captain, was selected All-American and was elected MVP of the national tournament, all the while maintaining a 3.9 g.p.a. He then went on to play on the US Hockey Team in 1972, participating in the FISU Games. Bruce served four years on Bemidji State University?s Alumni Board and two years on the Foundation Board. He is a member of the Honorary Dental Society Omicron Kappa Upsilon, has coached youth hockey, and sponsors community youth, education, and human service organizations. Having grown up in a small community, Bruce embodies the qualities of a rural life. Bruce and his wife, Mary Jo, have two daughters, Amy and Allison, and they reside in Salol, Minnesota.