President of Marvin Windows to receive 2011 Distinguished Minnesotan award

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