Outstanding Alumni - 2006
Lorraine Cecil
Bemidji State University Graduate 1968
Lorraine Cecil earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in English and Speech from Jamestown College in Jamestown, North Dakota in 1950. Upon completion of this degree, Lorraine taught at the high school level in a couple small communities in North Dakota, prior to meeting James Cecil, whom she married. James was also an instructor and they eventually moved to Bemidji in 1965, where James became an instructor of political science at BSU. Lorraine returned to school at BSU in 1966, to complete a Masters of Arts degree in English that she began at the University of Minnesota. While a graduate student at BSU, Lorraine also served as a graduate assistant in the English Department and, upon completion of her degree, was hired as a full time instructor in that department. She later became the coordinator of the new external studies program at BSU. The program began with 44 students and by the time she retired in 1993, nearly 9,000 students had converted minors to majors, completed certificates or continued with class work during brief periods away from campus. During her 27 years at BSU, Lorraine was involved with many campus activities, including the bargaining units to which she belonged. She served for 10 years on the executive committee, four years as vice president. During her years raising children, Lorraine also served as a Girl Scout leader, a Den Mother for Cub Scouts, served on a local Cancer Society board, was active in the AAUW, Alpha Delta Kappa and worked on numerous fund drives for cancer, leukemia, diabetes and other such organizations. Her greatest passion, however, has been in political activism, something she shared with her husband. After moving to Bemidji, they both became very active in the local, regional and statewide DFL party and have worked on numerous political campaigns throughout the years. For her years of political service, Lorraine received the Humphrey Award for Volunteers and is a charter member of the Minnesota Women?s Hall of Fame. Lorraine and her late husband, James, have three grown children, Catherine, Jim, and Tom. Lorraine continues to spend summers in Bemidji and winters in Tucson, Arizona.