Community binds 2025 BHS Legendary Women inductees

BRAINERD — “Legendary” feels like a huge word to live up to but aptly describes five women recognized as such in Brainerd.

The 2025 inductees into the Brainerd High School Legendary Women Hall of Fame have lived up to the word through their work and success in the fields of art, business, government, science and education.

“You represent diverse careers, vocations and experiences,” hall of fame committee member Lisa Salo told the women during their induction ceremony on Thursday, March 27, at the Gichi-ziibi Center for the Arts. “However, what you have in common is Brainerd Public Schools where you began your path of excellence, leadership and service, which continues to inspire and impact your communities and beyond.”

This year’s class comprises Carla Anderson Benjamin, class of 1973; Deborah Goble Erickson, class of 1991; Lee Gunsbury Seipp, class of 1978; Meghan Thurlow, class of 2001; and Laurie Potvin Wig, class of 1983.

While giving the message on behalf of the inductees, Wig highlighted the Brainerd community as the common thread all the women share, even though their journeys have been so different.

“It’s those of you here today; it’s those that are watching us from afar,” she said. “All of you have been instrumental in our journeys — some of you in small ways, others in large. And you may not even know of your role, but you were there. You were lifting us, challenging us, inspiring us, convincing us.”

When asked by the hall of fame committee for a meaningful quote to her, Wig chose one from renowned artist Butch Hartman, who said: “Life is full of challenges, but I always have the three Ps: Passion, patience and persistence. And the fourth one is pizza.”

While that passion, patience and persistence might have been the women’s own, the pizza, Wig said, was never eaten alone.

Part of that community includes the current Brainerd Public Schools students. Five students from Forestview Middle School escorted each honoree on stage during the ceremony, while four high schoolers spoke about the impact academics, arts, activities and athletics at Brainerd Public Schools have had on them.

Senior Ericah Folden spoke of the honor it was to move to Brainerd in second grade and have driven classmates and caring teachers who challenged her to academic success.

“Your classmates, coworkers, teammates and peers are not your competition. Every single one of us has a unique set of abilities and experiences that makes us who we are,” Folden said, finishing with a quote from Mother Teresa about shining brighter together than individually.

Cleo Weber represented the arts and spoke of how video production classes and opportunities in school have allowed her to appreciate art in everyday life and find a place where she fits in.

“Art is all around us. We just need to open our eyes to see it,” Weber said. “I appreciate Brainerd Public Schools for providing me and all of our present and our past students these opportunities to pursue art in these many forms.”

A member of the Key Club and Lighthouse Project, Grace Enge recounted the many activities she’s joined throughout her time in high school and the opportunities she’s gotten to serve her community.

“Just remember that there’s plenty of other clubs and activities here at Brainerd High School and that there’s something for everyone,” Enge said.

Mya Tautges rounded out the group, representing athletics. A three-sport athlete in basketball, swimming and softball, she spoke of the many valuable lessons she’s learned in athletics and will take with her throughout life.

“In a world that has lots of ups and downs and disappointments, BHS sports has prepared me to handle whatever comes my way,” Tautges said. “Determination, hard work and grittiness will prepare me for my future. …The sense of community is extra special, and I cherish how lucky I am to belong to BHS.”

Benjamin is the owner of Anderson Studios in Pillager, a visual artist specializing in encaustic techniques, stained glass and illustration. Her work has been featured in the National Archives in Washington D.C. and in international collections.

Her love of art started at a young age, growing up in the PIllsbury State Forest in a family that appreciated and encouraged the arts. She has since designed and built her own house in the state forest.

Benjamin has an associate of arts degree from Brainerd Community College and a bachelor of science degree in studio arts, design and agricultural journalism from the University of Minnesota. She studied stained glass techniques at Burleighfield Craft School in England and created the Cold Hands Warm Hearts fundraiser for the Salvation Army and Northland Arboretum in 2015.

The award, Benjamin said, is not only an honor for herself but for the whole community — every teacher, janitor, bus driver, parent and mentor.

“And we forget that, especially as kids. We’re all focused on our own thing,” she said. “But once you grow up a little bit and you get what it means and then try to find ways to contribute, it’s amazing.”

Erickson serves as Crow Wing County administrator and is the first female to have the job. She began her career with the Crow Wing County Assessors Office in 1994 and served as president of the Minnesota Association of County Officers. For eight years, she was Minnesota’s local government representative to federal elections committees and was awarded Outstanding Member of the Year in 2017 as president of both the Minnesota Association of County Officers and the Minnesota Association of County Auditors, Treasurers and Finance Officers.

She has worked for more than 25 years to provide secure, accurate elections for the citizens of Crow Wing County, and that is work she’s become truly passionate about.

Erickson has a bachelor of science degree in management from the College of St. Scholastica.

After the ceremony, Erickson highlighted Wig’s comments about the importance of community and the pride she feels from being a Warrior.

“At least in my case, it’s not something you go looking for, to be considered legendary. That word is huge,” she said. “... It’s a little bit overwhelming when you think about it, but it is just truly an honor and very humbling.”

Seipp is a marketing and pricing associate for Fleet Farm and has an associate of arts degree from Central Lakes College, along with degrees in liberal arts, communications and journalism from the University of Minnesota-Duluth. She worked 36 years at her family’s business, the Quarterdeck Resort in Nisswa, and has applied her myriad skills at area businesses in the fields of marketing, customer service, employee benefits, insurance and event planning. Siepp is a longtime volunteer for more than 19 community organizations, who said she’s been grateful and optimistic for every opportunity and experience she’s had and continues to have.

Recognitions include 2021 Nisswa Citizen of the Year and 1995 Brainerd Rotary Foundation Volunteer of the Year.

Also drawing on the theme of community, Seipp said being at the ceremony was an honor, especially because of the deep sense of community she felt.

“Community between our school district and businesses and all these people and friends and family and just everyone,” she said. “It’s very memorable.”

Thurlow is the lead technical adviser for M3 Advisors of San Francisco, adviser to the CEO and COO for Optama Inc. in Las Vegas, and lecturer of business and public policy at University of California Berkeley Haas School of Business. She has master's and a doctorate in physical chemistry from Harvard and an executive Master of Business Administration with honors from University of California Berkeley Haas School of Business. She also has a bachelor's degree in chemistry from Carlton College.

She prides herself in working hard to bring attention to the skills and talents others might not see in themselves, believing the biggest limitations are often the ones a person places on themselves.

Thurlow has four patents, one called Integration and Active Flow Control for Environmental Sensors, and six others pending. She received the Misties Award for Top 20 Individuals in Intelligent and Connected Devices in 2024.

Coming from San Francisco to Thursday’s ceremony, Thurlow said, was a great reminder of how uniquely connected the Brainerd community is.

“I appreciated the great lengths that this committee went to to organize us,” she said. “... They’re extraordinary, legendary women. So I’m appreciative that they think about creating this touch point during the year for celebrating women in the community.”

Wig is a retired teacher, spending 34 years in education in Pillager, Brainerd and Pequot Lakes. In 2023, she developed the Battle of the Books summer reading program, serving over 400 student readers in Brainerd.

Growing up just a block away from the former Carnegie Library, she walked there frequently and felt books propelled her through life.

After retiring from teaching, she returned to Brainerd Public Schools, serving in middle school curriculum support and data analysis. She has a bachelor of arts degree in elementary education from St. Catherine’s University and a Master of Arts degree in curriculum/instruction, along with an administrative K-12 principal license from St. Cloud State University. Wig has used her strengths of communication, organization, math, data and technology to serve a wide variety of grade levels, curricular areas and educational focuses in area school districts.

After the ceremony, Wig said there is something about her alma mater that she’ll always carry with her, no matter where she goes in life.

“You were raised in a community, you go out, you blossom, and you come back,” she said. “And it’s just a very big deal, a big honor to be honored in this way.”

A full video of Thursday’s ceremony is available at youtube.com/live/4GJeOnhcFcc .

THERESA BOURKE may be reached at theresa.bourke@brainerddispatch.com or 218-855-5860. Follow her on Twitter at www.twitter.com/DispatchTheresa.