Poolman resigns from UND Alumni Association and Foundation board

GRAND FORKS, N.D. (KVRR) – Jim Poolman has resigned from the University of North Dakota Alumni Association and Foundation board of directors and Forever UND campaign committee.

The Tuesday night resignation comes one day after the Fargo businessman and former state Insurance Commissioner distanced himself from disgraced former state Sen. Ray Holmberg after a picture of the two began circulating on social media.

In a letter, Poolman, who served as chairman of the Alumni Association and Foundation board, said serving on the board was a highlight of his personal and professional career.

“I love this University, the educational opportunities it provides and its people. UND has given me so much, and I have so enjoyed giving back,” Poolman wrote. “There are so many great things going on at UND and the last thing there needs to be is a distraction. I do not want to be that distraction. It is in the best interest of the University and the Foundation that I resign my position on the Board of Directors and on the UND Campaign Committee, effective [Tuesday].”

Court records show Holmberg used his power and influence to get sexual favors from young men, including students at UND.

Poolman was interviewed by Homeland Security during the Holmberg investigation, but says he has not heard from law enforcement since. He says it may be easy to build a case of guilt by association, but says he never did anything wrong and knew nothing about Holmberg’s criminal activities.

Poolman was a state representative from 1992 to 2001 before he was insurance commissioner from 2001 to 2007.

Read the full letter below:

Dear distinguished UND Alumni Association and Foundation Board of Directors and UND Campaign Committee partners,

Serving on the Board of the University of North Dakota Alumni Association and Foundation Board of Directors has been a highlight of my personal and professional career. I love this University, the educational opportunities it provides and its people. UND has given me so much, and I have so enjoyed giving back.

There are so many great things going on at UND and the last thing there needs to be is a distraction. I do not want to be that distraction.  

It is in the best interest of the University and the Foundation that I resign my position on the Board of Directors and on the UND Campaign Committee, effective today.   

I have great confidence in my colleagues as they continue to do great work to enhance educational opportunities for students.

I wish the University of North Dakota, the UND Alumni Association and Foundation, the staff and my colleagues the very best always!   The greatest is yet to come.  Go Hawks!

My Very Best Regards and Good Luck,

Jim Poolman