Hall of Fame
Kari grew up on a dairy farm in central Wisconsin. Once she arrived at Northwestern, Kari studied Communications with an emphasis in Broadcasting and was on the cable news broadcast NWC Report, as well as the student radio station.
Kari also thrived as a basketball player. To this day, she holds the career and single season records for most total rebounds and offensive rebounds. She also holds the 3rd best career shooting percentage and was part of two NCCAA National Tournament teams, in 1994 and 1995.
After graduating, Kari earned her master's degree from the University of Minnesota in Sports Studies and worked on the marketing team for University of Minnesota Golden Gopher Athletics. She currently leads a team of community engagement professionals at Thrivent representing the Twin Cities and surrounding area, Southern Minnesota, and Iowa.
Kari and her husband, Jon, live in Vadnais Heights with their three children — Henry, Elsie and Rosie. Over the years, God led Kari and her husband to enter the foster care community – something that has become a very important part of their lives. In her free time, Kari enjoys watching her children participate in sports and coaching her daughter's basketball team.
