Karen Stromme, UMD’s Senior Associate Athletic Director & Senior Woman Administrator, and Dr. Gary Holquist, UMD’s Senior Development Officer for Athletics, will retire in June from Bulldog athletics which they have been involved with for over 75 years combined. The Bulldog family would like to congratulate Karen and Gary on an inspiring career of supporting UMD student-athletes.
"Knowing the right time for action is a key to success in life. UMD has been my passion for almost 40 years and being able to serve our coaches and student-athletes over that time was the most rewarding experience I could ask for. It is simply the right time to step aside and focus on the next chapter in my life and transition into being a Bulldog fan."
"I am so proud to call myself a Bulldog. Over the years the student-athletes, staff, alumni, and Bulldog faithful have created an environment of success. To be a small part of educating and inspiring Bulldog Country in the classroom, competition and in the community is a legacy I am proud to be a part of."
ABOUT KAREN STROMME
Stromme is one of the most experienced, distinguished, and honored athletic administrators in college athletics and has left a lasting impact on the lives of everyone that she crossed paths with. Stromme served as the UMD women’s basketball head coach for 21 years along with leading the women’s golf program at UMD for three years in the late 1980s. Since 2004, she has held administrative titles and been designated as the Senior Woman Administrator for the Bulldogs. Stromme also served as the Bulldogs interim athletic director January 2013 to May 2013 and is the advisor for the Student Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) at UMD, which was awarded the inaugural Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference SAAC Cup in 2017-18 (then again in 2021-22), and recently was instrumental in the Bulldogs being recognized with the 2022 NCAA Division II Award of Excellence.
In 2019, Stromme was the recipient of the NCAA Division II 9 Women Leaders in College Sports Administrator of the Year award, which is presented to Women Leaders in College Sports members for significant contributions made as an administrator of intercollegiate athletics.
ABOUT KAREN STROMME
The winningest coach in Bulldog basketball history, Stromme spent 21 seasons directing the UMD's women program before stepping down in May 2005 to take on a full-time administrative position in the athletics department. Stromme compiled a 440-184 overall record (for a .705 winning percentage) and posted 21 consecutive winning seasons while also guiding the Bulldogs to 12 Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference titles, four of a possible five NSIC Tournament championships, eight NCAA II North Central Regional playoff berths and seven appearances in the NAIA National Tournament.
A native of Duluth and a Duluth Central High School alumnae, Stromme was chair of the NCAA Division II Management Council from January 2014 to January 2016. She has extensive NCAA II committee experience, having previously done time on the Management Council (serving as vice chair in 2013), the Committee on Infractions, the Membership Committee and the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee, among others. She was also a member of the NCAA II Women's Basketball Committee and the NCAA Diversity, Retention and Professional Development in Women's Basketball Committee.
ABOUT GARY HOLQUIST
Gary Holquist was appointed the director of development for UMD athletics on March 26, 2012 after spending the previous 14 seasons as the Bulldog head men's basketball coach. He's been employed at UMD since 1986 and also is a member of the department's senior staff.
Since taking over the development duties, Holquist has helped UMD athletics generate record amounts of fundraising revenue. The Bulldogs have now generated over $15 million during the past ten years from nearly 2,000 donors annually. These totals include current gifts and future gifts to the Bulldog Club Annual Fund, named scholarships, program support, capital projects, facility enhancements, as well as through various fundraising events.
ABOUT GARY HOLQUIST
Prior to becoming the UMD men’s basketball head coach, Holquist was an assistant coach for 12 seasons as well as directing the academic and athletic support services for Bulldog student-athletes for 15 years. In 14 seasons at the Bulldog head coaching helm, Holquist amassed a 206-197 overall record and earned a pair of NCAA Division II playoff berths (2001-02 and 2002-03), captured one Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference regular season title (2001-02) and two NSIC tournament championships (2001-02 and 2002-03). He also produced two All-Americans, three NSIC Most Valuable Players, seven all-region selections and 19 NSIC/North Central Conference All-Conference honorees. As an assistant coach under Dale Race from 1986-1998, Holquist helped direct the Bulldogs to six national tournament appearances and worked with four All-Americans, two Academic All-Americans, six NSIC Most Valuable Players and 15 All-NSIC selections.
Overall, Holquist has been involved in higher education and college athletics for 47 years including time as a student-athlete, assistant coach, head coach, and athletic administrator.
A native of Marinette, Wis., Holquist obtained his Doctor of Education in November 2011 from the University of Minnesota Twin Cities. He graduated from Milton College in 1979 with cum laude honors and a B.A. degree in literature and communications before earning a Master's of Science degree in teaching from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire in 1983.
WHAT THEY ARE SAYING ABOUT KAREN & GARY:
“It is hard to put into words how much Gary and Karen have meant to our program. I could not ask for more supportive administrators, mentors and friends! The work they have put into UMD, the Duluth Community and our women's basketball team has been incredible!!! They bring an immense amount of joy and energy and are so much fun to be around. I am so incredibly thankful for everything that they have done for me since I arrived in Duluth. Karen has a very unique way of making people feel important and knows how to be an empathetic leader that also tells you the truth in tough situations. She has helped me bridge many connections in this community and has been so amazing for our student-athletes!”
Mandy Pearson, Head Women’s Basketball Coach, Minnesota Duluth
WHAT THEY ARE SAYING ABOUT KAREN AND GARY:
"Gary personifies what caring leadership is all about. He is a Bulldog to the core, and strives to help our coaches & student-athletes maximize their collegiate experience. Our entire program knows how instrumental he is to our success. On a personal note, Gary is a tremendous mentor & friend. He has been side by side in all of our building & success as a Men's Basketball program. Both (Karen and Gary) their experiences as a coach at the collegiate level, mixed with their passion for providing a tremendous student-athlete experience, has allowed us to push our program to new heights under their leadership & guidance. They are truly one of a kind!"
Justin Wieck, Head Men’s Basketball Coach, Minnesota Duluth
WHAT THEY ARE SAYING ABOUT KAREN & GARY:
“Both Gary and Karen have meant so much to me both professionally and personally. As mentors, leaders, community members and alumni connectivity, they have helped myself and our program become better everyday. I have thought a lot about life inside UMD Athletics after both are retired and appreciate the legacy they have left. It is our responsibility to help fill the holes of their jobs but understand we will never replace their value to our department and University. I am excited for them to retire healthy, and look forward to seeing them at games as fans because we have never had fans of UMD athletics like Gary and Karen.”
Curt Wiese, Head Football Coach, Minnesota Duluth
WHAT THEY ARE SAYING ABOUT KAREN & GARY:
“Karen and Gary exemplifies everything it means to be a UMD Bulldog. And even saying that underestimates the impact they had on UMD and the UMD Athletic Department. Their positive energy and spirit were contagious and they brought the best out of people. As both a coach and administrator, they have had such a tremendous influence on all of the UMD sport programs, coaches, staff and student-athletes. Individually, they have been great mentors and leaders for me and have helped guide me through the good and bad throughout my tenure. The imprint that they will leave will forever be felt throughout the NCAA, the NSIC and at UMD. Congrats on a great career and enjoy your retirement - you will be missed.”
Jim Boos, Head Women’s Volleyball Coach, Minnesota Duluth
WHAT THEY ARE SAYING ABOUT KAREN AND GARY:
“Karen and Gary are influential and dynamic people who unknowingly change lives. Because they are authentic, it allows them to continue to be in contact with many of their former student-athletes. They go from coach to friend. People are drawn to their kind, energetic spirit that lifts everyone up that is around. Karen and Gary are true winners!”
Denise Olson, Bulldog Women’s Basketball Alum, Minnesota Duluth
WHAT THEY ARE SAYING ABOUT KAREN AND GARY:
“It’s difficult to find the right words to illustrate everything Karen and Gary have done for UMD athletics and how grateful I am for their impact on my journey. They care deeply about every student-athlete and have influenced countless lives. Their commitment to UMD will never be forgotten. Karen and Gary are a legacy.”
Jordyn Thomas, Bulldog Softball Alum, Minnesota Duluth