Sannes led disability services
Judy (Boettcher) Sannes was an early leader in disability services for the region’s college students. Sannes died in February after a hard-fought battle with dementia. She was 745 and most recently lived in St. Peter. She had lived in East Grand Forks for many years.
Sannes was born in Minot. She married Gary Sannes in 1977 and they adopted twin sons in 1981.
Sannes had a long and pioneering career at the University of North Dakota with what is now Disability Services for Students. She also wrote a history of UND disability services, which was published in 2009. She worked for disability services for more than 25 years and helped lead UND and other university system schools through many changes.
She was preceded in death by her husband, and is survived by her sons and their families, and a brother and sister, and other family members. Burial will take place at a later date at the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery.
Hopkins led education efforts
John Michael “Mike” Hopkins led innovative education programs. Hopkins died earlier this year of complications of Alzheimer’s disease. He was 73 and lived in St. Paul.
Hopkins graduated from Benilde High School and earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Minnesota. His study focus was education psychology.
He began his career in education with St. Paul Public Schools teaching children with autism. He went on to combine his passions for technology and education, and became the lead teacher of the Saturn School of Tomorrow in St. Paul, which was widely recognized as one of the most innovative schools of its time. Saturn operated between 1989-2003. Its focus on technology and individualized learning was widely praised. Its hands-on approach and use of computers was a draw for neurodiverse students, years before that term was even used
The school was visited in 1991 by President George H.W. Bush.
Hopkins concluded his professional career advising school districts, governments, and non-profit organizations on how best to integrate technology into the classroom.
He is survived by his wife, daughters and their families, siblings and their families and friends. Services have been held.
