The Upper Great Plains Transportation Institute at NDSU will honor three transportation leaders at its 15th annual awards banquet Oct. 7 at the Hilton Garden Inn in Fargo.
Honorees include Dick Johnsen, longtime transportation advocate and president of Johnsen Trailer Sales in Fargo; Herman Schmitz, Williston area farmer and agricultural leader; and Keith Bjerke, NDSU vice president for university relations and former adjutant general of the North Dakota National Guard.
The banquet will begin with a social at 5:15 p.m., and dinner at 6:45 p.m. Tickets may be purchased for $30 by calling 1-7767.
Johnsen will receive the Agrey Award, the highest award presented by the institute and named for John M. Agrey, pioneer, innovator and advocate for transportation in North Dakota. Agrey worked for the North Dakota Public Service Commission for nearly 40 years and is remembered as an advocate for fair rail rates for North Dakota’s farmers. The award recognizes an individual who has made significant contributions to North Dakota through involvement in transportation. Johnsen is being recognized for his service to transportation at the legislative and business levels. He has been an advocate for transportation needs, working to attain a balance between business interests and the need to preserve and rebuild the state’s infrastructure.
Schmitz will receive the Lifetime Achievement Award, recognizing a distinguished career in a transportation-related field. His dedication to transportation was evident in his efforts to improve rail rates and service for North Dakota wheat producers. He was instrumental in seeking change in noncompetitive rail rates in the Northern Plains states and forming and maintaining the North Dakota Wheat Commission’s transportation portfolio while on the commission. Schmitz is considered a champion of North Dakota wheat producer interests and a significant figure in shaping the current successes of agricultural transportation.
Bjerke will receive the Chairman’s Award, recognizing contributions to transportation research, education and research at NDSU and to the viability of the institute. He has a long history of public service in North Dakota, serving as administrator of the Agricultural Stabilization and Conservation Service, executive vice president of the Commodity Credit Corp. and adjutant general of the North Dakota National Guard. Since 2001, he has been vice president for university relations at NDSU, responsible for university relations, legislative affairs and community outreach. Bjerke’s leadership and support have led to expansion of the institute’s research and education programs, particularly the master’s in managerial logistics program.
