By THOMAS A. KVAMME                                                     ALUMNUS: Lori (Carriere) Klabunde, ‘83

February 14, 2008 

Lori Klabunde

Nearly 30 years since her basketball playing days in Williston, Lori (Carriere) Klabunde has found a way to mix her interest athletics and a career in the field of medicine, and says she “really enjoys” what she does. 

A native of Williston, the daughter of Marlene and the late Rene Carriere, Lori graduated in 1981 from Williston High School, where she played basketball for the Coyotes under Coach Pat Hatlestad.

 After high school, Lori enrolled at Williston State College, then known as the University of North Dakota-Williston. Lori played basketball for two seasons (1981-83) under Coach Penny Slagle. She earned her BA before transferring to the University of North Dakota.

 Klabunde (RN, PA-C) now makes her home in Bismarck and works as a physician’s assistant for The Bone & Joint Center.

 WILLISTON WAS A GOOD CHOICE
Looking back at her decision to remain in Williston and attend the local community college, Lori said,

 “Academically, Williston State was a good choice for me. We had very good instructors for my core classes and the individual care was excellent.”

 While Lori was happy with her choice to remain in Williston, that decision was sweetened with the success her team achieved on the court. In her first year as a Lady Teton, Lori was part of a basketball team that finished fourth in the nation, proving the Williston program could mix it up with the best of them.

 PURSUING WHAT SHE LOVES
At UND, Lori focused on nursing, which culminated in a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree in 1986. Not quite done, Lori returned to the classroom to receive her Physician’s Assistant degree from UND in 1989.

 For the next seven years, Lori worked in Grand Forks as a physician’s assistant, noting that she favored working in sports medicine. In 1996, Lori moved to Bismarck and her current position.

 Now working in the field of orthopedics at The Bone & Joint Center, Lori is still able to see and enjoy the sports medicine end of things. Her work is with every facet of bone and joints, and she “really” enjoys what she does.

 PROUD OF HER BOYS
While she loves what she does professionally, Lori is extremely proud of “my” boys. Lori’s son, Justin, played as a junior quarterback against the Coyotes. He will also be on the basketball court for the Bismarck St. Mary’s Saints.

 Lori’s oldest son, Joshua, was a golfer and also played football for the Saints. He is currently a sophomore at UND. 

PARENTS WERE HUGE IMPACT
Lori credits her parents as having made the biggest impact on her career decision. “My parents had a huge impact on who I am and what I decided to become,” Lori said. 

She also credited Irene Eide, who instructed Lori in science, chemistry and biology in her formative years at UND-W.

“Ms. Eide made learning fun. She was instrumental in helping me enjoy the classroom and influenced the decision I made for my future,” Lori said.

 Thanks to that early direction, Lori chose a career path that is truly hands-on.