Michael Worner

When you think of the qualities of alumnus of the year, it’s obvious why Dr Michael Worner is our 2020 recipient.  Michael grew up in Wahpeton, where he graduated in 1960.  He was an excellent student and standout athlete, participating in track, football, basketball and baseball.  During the summer he worked for his father in the family business and following graduation he served his country in the Army National Guard.   Michael enrolled in pre-education at then NDSSS in the spring of 1961 where he joined his brother Roger.  At NDSSS, Michael served as president of the student cabinet, managed the intramural program and was a starting player on the baseball and football teams.  Michael’s athletic and leadership skills were honored in 2007 when he was inducted into the NDSCS Athletic Hall of Fame.  In 2012, the entire 1962 championship football team was also inducted into the Hall of Fame.  Michael graduated from NDSSS with a Liberal Arts degree in 1963.

Michael met and married Marilyn Lunneborg, an elementary teacher in Wahpeton, while attending NDSSS.  They resided in Wahpeton and Michael commuted to Moorhead State College where he completed his bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education in 1965. Michael earned his master’s degree and doctorate at the University of North Dakota.  During his career, he served as a teacher, principal, director of curriculum, and superintendent of schools.  In his last position, he served as a professor of education at Mayville State University, was awarded the Burlington Northern Teacher of the Year, then retired in 2003.

Throughout his career, Michael was well-traveled, working in California, North Dakota, Minnesota, Illinois and then back to North Dakota.  This is evidenced by the fact that all three of Michael and Marilyn’s children were born in different states, and now reside in three different states. 

In retirement, Michael served as the Mayville City Council President, and as a board member for Mayville-Sanford Hospital, Thrivent Financial, and Valley Services.  He currently serves on the NDSCS Foundation Board and the ND-AARP Executive Board.

He has always been a champion of NDSCS through his generous donations and by attending events.   He and his family, including his mother Pauline and brothers Wayne (Dempsey) and Roger were recently awarded the NDSCS Family Tradition Award.

Worner’s have three children; Matthew, an auditor for the US Department of Defense; Michelle Kommer, North Dakota Commerce Commissioner and Martha, a private attorney.   They have three grandchildren, Morgan, Mya and Channing. 

Worner stated, “My time at the State School of Science was one of the most meaningful parts of my life and I will never forget the faculty, staff and students who played a major part in my life”.  Michael has many wonderful memories of NDSSS staff, including Vernon Hektner, Stan Strege, Mercedes Morris and Skip Bute. He felt each one of them genuinely cared about him.  Dr. Worner stated that his attendance at ‘Science’ was the best educational experience of his life and it set the stage for future success.  He genuinely loves his alma mater and demonstrates it with his support and action. 

We are proud to present Dr. Michael Worner as our 2020 Alumnus of the Year.