BEMIDJI, Minn. (April 29, 2011) — Susan Marvin, president of Warroad, Minn.-based Marvin Windows and Doors, will receive Bemidji State University’s 2011 Distinguished Minnesotan Award during commencement ceremonies Friday, May 6.
First presented by Bemidji State in 1981, the Distinguished Minnesotan Award acknowledges the contributions of current or former residents of the state who have performed exemplary service to the people of Minnesota or the United States. The Distinguished Minnesotan award was presented annually from 1981-2009, and was not awarded in 2010.
“Susan Marvin is a stellar example of what the Distinguished Minnesota award is all about,” said Dr. Richard A. Hanson, president of Bemidji State University and Northwest Technical College. “A product of northern Minnesota, she has remained firmly rooted in her commitment to the area while generously sharing her leadership talents with state and national organizations. She is a superb role model for our students, leading by example and proving once again that hard work and commitment to community are keys to success.”
As president of Marvin Windows and Doors, Marvin oversees the window and door business of the Marvin Companies including the Marvin, Integrity and Infinity brands. Prior to joining the family business in 1981, she worked for American Hoist and Derrick Company.
Marvin serves on the boards of directors for Hormel Foods Corporation, Marvin Lumber and Cedar Company, University of Minnesota Foundation Board of Trustees, and St. Thomas College of Business Advisory Board of Governors. She is a member of the World Presidents’ Organization and Women Corporate Directors.
She has been an active member of various industry associations including the Window and Door Manufacturers Association and the National Council of the Housing Industry. She was a member of the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, and in 1995 served as Chair of the Board. In 1995, Minnesota Governor Arne Carlson honored Marvin for her contributions to Minnesota business.
Marvin is a 1979 graduate of the University of Minnesota where she earned an undergraduate degree in journalism.
A native of Warroad, Minnesota, Marvin lives in both Warroad and Minneapolis with her husband, Keith Schwartzwald.
For more information on commencement ceremonies at Bemidji State University, visit http://www.bemidjistate.edu/commencement.
Recipients of Bemidji State University’s Distinguished Minnesotan award
- 1981 Sigurd Olson, naturalist and author
- 1982 Karl Kassulke, athlete and handicap advocate
- 1983 Janet Dearholt Esty, businesswoman and entrepreneur
- 1984 Frederick F. Manfred, author
- 1985 Dr. John Najarian, transplant surgeon
- 1986 Dr. Harlan Cleveland, political scientist
- 1987 Muriel Buck Humphrey Brown, advocate for the disadvantaged
- 1988 Elmer L. Andersen, businessman and former governor
- 1989 Curtis L. Carlson, businessman and philanthropist
- 1990 William S. Marvin, businessman and community leader
- 1991 Meridel LeSueur, writer and social activist’
- 1992 Veda Ponikvar, newspaper publisher
- 1993 Nellie Stone Johnson, political and social activist
- 1994 Cheryl Dickson, leader in humanities programming
- 1995 William H. Kling, innovator in public radio
- 1996 Jerry Willet, businessman and former state senator
- 1997 Ann Bancroft, explorer of the North Pole and South Pole
- 1998 Bob Bergland, congressman and former U.S. secretary of agriculture
- 1999 Coya Knutson, congresswoman
- 2000 Jon Hassler, author and educator
- 2001 Libby Larsen, composer
- 2002 Rosalie Wahl, Minnesota Supreme Court justice
- 2003 Edgar Heteen, entrepreneur and snowmobile pioneer
- 2004 Herb Brooks, men’s ice hockey coach
- 2005 Gerald Vizenor, author and educator
- 2006 Kathleen Blatz, chief justice of the Minnesota Supreme Court
- 2007 Paul Wellstone, U.S. Senator & Shiela Wellstone, advocate against domestic abuse
- 2008 Dr. Alex Cirillo, Jr., vice president for community affairs, 3M
- 2009 Don Shelby, television anchor
- 2010 [no award given]
- 2011 Susan Marvin, president of Marvin Windows & Doors