Jack Grabinski - Program Director

Jack Grabinski is a 2023 graduate of Saint John’s University with a bachelor’s degree in biology and environmental studies. While attending Saint John’s, Jack conducted field research in Patagonia, Chile with Round River Conservation Studies. Through their research, Jack and his team contributed to an effort to federally protect a biodiverse region of the Andes Mountains south of Cochrane, Chile. Most recently, Jack was the director of the student greenhouse project at Saint John’s University, supervising a team of 8 volunteers that managed the production and sale of organic produce for the college community. Jack was also student manager of the grounds department, first-year orientation leader, and two-time All American NCAA DIII diver.

Jack’s Involvement with Les Voyageurs Inc. began in 2018 when he participated in a first-year expedition after his junior year of high school. Jack is a 2019 graduate of Sauk Rapids Rice High School and did his Far North expedition in the summer of 2020.  Jack’s involvement with the program continued, as he guided first-year expeditions in 2021 and 2022, and a Far North expedition to the Arctic Ocean in 2023.

Jack began the position of Program Director for Les Voyageurs Inc. in October of 2023.

Phone: 320-292-0082

Troy Fritz - President

Troy Fritz of Saint John’s University is a long-time resident of St. Cloud. He attended Saint John’s University and obtained his BS in Natural Science and then did graduate work at the University of North Dakota. He spent 16 years working in youth non-profits locally. His work history includes the Boys and Girls Clubs, Boys Scouts and serving as the Executive Director for Big Brothers Big Sisters in St. Cloud. Currently he is the Executive Director for Major Gifts at Saint John’s University.

Troy has been active in the local St. Cloud Rotary Club having served as the Co-Chair for the renovation of Lake George/Eastman Park and is currently on the executive committee and chairs the entertainment committee for Summertime by George! He most recently served as the Club’s President in 2017-18. He is also a member of the St. Cloud Park and Recreation Advisory Board.

Troy and his wife Sheila have had three children participate in the Les Voyageurs program with a combined 11 trips, with both Zach and Mackenzie having served as guides on both First Year and Far North trips.  Troy resides in Cold Spring with his wife Sheila and has two sons and two daughters.

Phone: 320-249-4753

Richard Remer - Treasurer

Rich Remer is a 1980 graduate of SJU and has been a commercial banker in the St. Cloud area most of his career. Rich and his wife, Joy, were introduced to the Les Voyageurs program with their son Isaac’s (CHS – ’06) first year trip in 2004. Their son Aaron (CHS – ’09) was a participant on the first crew to reach the Arctic Ocean and guided three trips, including the Coppermine in 2013. In 2009 Rich and Joy began coordinating the Last Suppers and in 2011 Rich began the coordination of the canoe repair. From 2008 through 2017 Rich also founded and ran The Mountain Run, a high-altitude training program for the Cathedral Cross Country team. Rich is the Treasurer of the board of Les Voyageurs, Incorporated and with Joy they both work to move the Expeditions North/LVI program forward to continue to serve their community.

Phone: 320-248-7277

Mark Halstrom - Secretary

 Zach Fritz - Board Member

Zach Fritz is a 2019 graduate of Saint John’s University with a bachelor’s degree in Environmental Studies. While attending Saint John’s, Zach conducted field research in Patagonia, Chile with Round River Conservation Studies. Through their research, Zach and his team were the first successful scientific research expedition through the Pascua River Valley and largely focused on baseline studies and management plans for endangered flora and fauna of the region. Most recently at Saint Johns, Zach held the position as manager of the Outdoor Leadership Center (OLC) providing gear, clinics, and leading outdoor trips for students in a variety of outdoor activities and locations around the country. Zach was also active with the Peer Resource Program as a peer facilitator and with Outdoor University serving as an educational naturalist and volunteer.

 Zach’s involvement with Expeditions North-Les Voyageurs Inc. started in 2013 when he participated in his first trip after his sophomore year of high school. Zach is a 2015 Cathedral High School graduate and did his first Far North trip to the Arctic Ocean after graduation. Zach has participated in eight trips with the program, including guiding six times. Among his guided trips, Zach has led new exploratory routes for the program, has been the only other person in program history, besides Expeditions North-Les Voyageurs founder Fred Rupp, to guide back to back trips for 52 days, and guided a 45 day Far North trip to the Arctic Ocean in 2019.

In the summer of 2024, Zach and alumni of the program, Jonathon Rau, will be embarking on a 4-month, 4,400km canoe expedition from Minnesota to the Arctic Ocean. You can learn more about their expedition through their website: www.theroutelesspaddled.com

 Zach served as Program Director for Les Voyageurs from 2019-2023.

Phone: 320-250-2045