Four people have been named 2019 Distinguished Alumni at Stillwater Area High School.
David Fritts, Marcella Lantz, Robert MacDonald III and David Magnuson will be honored at a dinner May 31 at Lake Elmo Inn Event Center and at the school’s graduation ceremony June 1 at Roy Wilkins Auditorium in St. Paul.
DAVID FRITTS
Fritts, who graduated in 1967, is a scientist and researcher in the area of atmospheric dynamics who has guided rocket and ground-based radar campaigns on six continents and installed atmospheric radars all over the world. As interdisciplinary scientist for the NASA TIMED satellite, Fritts helped design this flagship mission now studying the dynamics of the middle atmosphere. Fritts earned his doctorate from the University of Illinois, and has held faculty positions at University of Alaska, University of Colorado and Colorado State University.
MARCELLA LANTZ
Lantz, whose maiden name was Schell, graduated in 1943. She spent her nearly 30-year career working at the Federal Bureau of Investigation. From 1943-1972, she worked in the FBI’s Identification Division in Washington, D.C. under the direction of J. Edgar Hoover. She was fundamental in managing the administration and organization of FBI records, including criminal records, fingerprints and DNA samples.
ROBERT MACDONALD III
MacDonald, who graduated in 1968, spent more than 40 years serving as a leader at 3M Corp. MacDonald, who holds a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Minnesota and a MBA and master’s degree in bio-engineering, led the 3M’s medical division; served as managing director of 3M Italy; oversaw the development of 3M Innovation Center, and led the company’s sales and marketing divisions as Global Chief Marketing Officer. He retired in 2011. MacDonald also has served on various foundations and boards, including the American Red Cross and the University of Minnesota Foundation Board. He currently is chairman of the National Board for the Smithsonian Institute.
DAVID MAGNUSON
A graduate of the class of 1959, Magnuson served for decades as the city attorney in Stillwater. He is believed to be one of the longest-serving city attorneys in the state. During his legal career he also represented the communities of Baytown, Lakeland Shores, Grey Cloud Island and North Oaks. Magnuson spent many years serving as a local hockey coach and youth hockey volunteer, and is a longtime member and former president of the Stillwater Rotary. Magnuson served in the U.S. Navy for four years and graduated from the University of Wisconsin — River Falls. He later graduated from William Mitchell College of Law in St. Paul.
The May 31 dinner is open to the public. It is sponsored by the high school and the Partnership Plan, a nonprofit group that raises money to benefit students in Stillwater Area Public Schools.
Tickets are $45; online reservations can be made at partnershipplan.org.