David F. Swensen

A successful financial adviser who has held careers with two nationally known investment firms and is currently responsible for Yale University's huge endowment fund, David F. Swensen was the 1996 Distinguished Alumnus for the University of Wisconsin-River Falls. A River Falls native, Swenson graduated from UW-River Falls in 1975, earned master of arts and master of philosophy degrees and a doctorate from Yale University, where he studied with James Tobin, a recipient of a Nobel prize in economics. He is also an advisor to the Obama Administration. Swensen is the son of Dr. Richard Swensen, emeritus dean of the UW-River Falls College of Arts & Sciences, and Rev. Grace Swensen.

Daniel C. Brandenstein

A Watertown High School graduate, Brandenstein attended UW-River Falls where he specialized in mathematics and physics, he was active in intramurals, was vice president of the junior class, served in the Student Senate, and belonged to other organizations. He joined the Navy after college, flew 192 combat missions in Southeast Asia from the USS Constellation and USS Ranger, then became a Naval test pilot before joining NASA. Captain Brandenstein played a pivotal role in advancing America’s space program through his activities as an astronaut, space Orbiter pilot, or commander aboard four shuttle missions. He piloted the Challenger on August 30, 1983, and commanded flights of the Discovery on June 17, 1985 and the Columbia on January 9, 1990. His fourth and final mission, on May 7, 1992, as commander of the maiden flight of the Endeavour, captured international attention during a daring rescue attempt of the crippled International Communications Satellite (INTELSAT) through three space walks, including a record three astronauts who exited the Endeavour to physically capture the satellite with their hands. Brandenstein retired NASA and the U.S. Navy in October 1992 after 15 years of service. His last position was chief astronaut for NASA.

Congressman Bruce Vento

Called "St. Paul’s Voice in Washington," Bruce Vento represented Minnesota’s 5th District in the U.S. House of Representatives since 1976. As a student at River Falls, he majored in political science and was active in various student organizations. He began his career as a teacher of physical and social sciences in Twin Cities public schools, and also was elected to the Minnesota House where he served as assistant DFL majority leader. He was always interested in legislation to help those in greatest need. As a legislator, Vento served on the Banking, Finance, and Urban Affairs Committee; Select Committee on Aging; Interior and Insular Affairs Committee; as well as others. His committee work and speeches in Congress and elsewhere indicated that his greatest concerns centered on the aged, environmental problems, education, and the handicapped.

Aldrich Hazen Ames

Aldrich Hazen Ames, called “Ricky” by his family, was born in River Falls on May 26, 1941. Aldrich was the son of UW-River Falls faculty member Carleton Ames and grandson of J.H. Ames, president of then-River Falls State Teachers College, from 1917-1944.

Ames had a distinguished career as an agent and analyst for the Central Intelligence Agency before he was discovered he was selling secrets to the then-Soviet Union. He was convicted of espionage in 1994.

Investigation showed he began spying in 1985 when he walked into the Soviet Embassy in Washington to offer secrets for money. Ames is held responsible for the compromise of hundreds of U.S. intelligence operations and the execution of at least 10 U.S. agents.

Over the years, Ames was paid approximately $2.5 million, allowing him and his second wife to live a lifestyle beyond the means of a normal CIA officer's family. Ames, who struggled with alcoholism, isn’tto have ha believed  any ideological affinity for the USSR. He spied purely for the money.

He is currently (2010) housed in a high security penitentiary in Pennsylvania.

Karyn Bye Dietz

If women of the world want someone to thank for the opportunity to play ice hockey, they offer appreciation to River Falls' own Karyn Bye Dietz. Girls hockey wasn't an optioin for Karyn Bye, the daughter of Cuck and Dotty Bye of river Falls, When she was a student at River Falls High School from 1985-89. Instead, she suited up with boys' team played under the name "K.L. Bye" and earned a scholarship to one of the few schools in the country hat offere hockey for women-- the University of New Hampshire.

Bye earned a spot on the U.S. Women's National team in 1992, '94, '95 and '96. Then, in 1998, she led the team t owin their first Olympic gold medal at the winter games in Nagano, Japan.

Four years later in Salt Lake City, she was part of the U.S. team that won the silver medal.

Her picture has appeared on a Wheaties box. She's visited the White House and met the President, been inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame and had a street named afer her in River Falls. Bye Dietz still does occasional speaking engagements and public relations appearances and has served as color commentator for the U.S. Women's National Team.

She is now a married mother of two who resides in Hudson, Wis., but continues to inspire and support others in their dreams.

Dick Ritger

Dick Ritger (born Nov. 8, 1938), was a dominating right-handed ten-pin bowler in the Professional Bowlers Association (PBA) from 1966 through 1981. He’s been called one of the “20 Best Bowlers of the 20th Century.”

A gentleman on the lanes and off, Ritger won the PBA's Steve Nagy Sportsmanship award on two occasions. His status among the all-time greats was solidified with his election to the PBA Hall of Fame in 1978.

Still active with his “Dick Ritger's Bowling Camps,” he is recognized as one of the most effective bowling instructors in the world. He has taught professionals and amateurs in 24 countries covering five continents, and has modified the program to assist America’s “wounded warriors” returning from Iraq.

Already a member of the United States Bowling Congress Hall of Fame in the Performance category, Ritger was the first person inducted into the USBC's new Bowling Coaches Hall of Fame in June 2008.

“Touching Eternity: If  that’s what teachers do, Dick Ritger is shaking hands with it,” read an article printed in a 2008 International Bowling Industry magazine.

He has been married for almost 50 years to his high school sweetheart, Judy, who is a nationally recognized folk artist. The couple still call River Falls home.