In 1954, Olga (Fosheim) Meyers graduated from Black Hills Teachers College (now known as Black Hills State University), beginning a family tradition that spans seven decades. Earlier this semester, the descendants of Thor and Gjertina (Olson) Fosheim received the 2018 Legacy Family Award from BHSU.
BHSU created the Legacy Family Award in 2008 to honor family members that have attended, graduated or are currently attending Black Hills State. After receiving her two-year teaching degree in 1954, Olga returned to BH Teachers College to complete her bachelor’s degree in elementary education in 1962 and her master’s of science in education in 1970. Her siblings, Clara (Fosheim) Roseth and Esther (Fosheim) Schanzenbach also attended the University.
More than 50 members of the Fosheim family have attended BHSU, including members from five generations. The Legacy Family Award was presented to Sylvia Root Huber, a second-generation descendant of the family, by James Mortenson, president of the Black Hills State University Alumni Association during a basketball game this spring. Sylvia was the oldest family member in attendance and accepted the award on behalf of the family.
April Meeker, who graduated from BHSU in 1989, reflects on her family’s connection with the University: “It’s a special place for us. I remember visiting the campus when I was growing up, because my grandma was attending school in the summers. So we always have those memories.”
April also met her husband, Steve Meeker during their enrollment at BHSU. Both currently work at the University—April as Registrar and Steve as Vice President for University Advancement.
Another member of the family, Ty Huber from Rapid City, will graduate this May, with a bachelor of science in biology. April Meeker’s nephew, Dale Nemec from Belle Fourche, is a sophomore this year studying business administration.