A LEGACY BUILT ON CONNECTIONS

Kim Woods retires after an impactful career of making a difference in the lives of students and faculty for generations to come.

Woods and her sister Karla Harmon, ‘85 UND alumna, will continue to make a difference with the Hoggarth Family Scholarship Endowment they established to honor their parents within the Nistler College.

It’s all about connections. This statement truly embodies the work of Kim Woods and her 16-year career at the UND Alumni Association and Foundation. But her commitment to connections started far before that with her 25-year career at Alerus Financial, her UND education, and her time growing up on a farm.

Kim Woods (Hoggarth) grew up in Courtenay, ND, which is a rural town that has dwindled from 300 residents during Kim’s residence to 50 residents today. Her small-town upbringing taught her the importance of community, teamwork, adaptability, and a strong work ethic.

“Growing up on a farm and growing up in a small community instills engagement,” says Woods.

Through her family’s numerous endeavors as farmers, ranchers, and entrepreneurial business leaders, she developed her work ethic and perseverance.

“I never thought of work as a chore. It was a necessity,” says Woods.

Woods shared that her parents instilled a respectfulness for others, taught them to work hard, and have true grit. “They always made work fun and entertaining, and centered around family,” says Woods.

Giving back to the communities in which they did business was also a priority for the Hoggarth family. Woods remembers filling bags of candy at Christmas and supporting the numerous communities where those businesses were located.

“We learned the importance of giving back and being extremely supportive of others,” says Woods.

Woods learned how to fly a plane with a landing strip on their farm. Her father earned his pilot’s license, as flying was a family hobby. She always went with him — on her 16th birthday she soloed, and then obtained her license on her 17th birthday. Her interest in aviation was one of the factors that drew her to attend the University of North Dakota in the fall of 1978.

“I wanted to stay close enough to home, but still go out on my own,” says Woods. “It is so important to mature as a young adult and find your own way.”

When arriving at UND, Woods did not know anyone other than her roommate, so she knew she needed to get connected right away.

“I knew to make this experience the best I needed to get involved and connected to the University,” says Woods. To do this, she went to all of the sporting events, held internships, played on softball teams, and worked part-time jobs at the GF Herald and First National Bank.

Woods majored in Communications with a minor in Marketing. She lived in Selke Hall for two years which was just across the street from the UND Alumni Association & Foundation where she would spend a considerable part of her career.

After graduating from UND in June of 1982, Woods accepted a fulltime position at First National Bank, now Alerus Financial, where she had previously been working as a bank teller. She started full-time in customer service and over the course of her 25-year career in banking, she held roles in the areas of personal banking, private banking, sales management, and relationship banking.

This past summer marked her 40/40/40 milestones; 40 years since she graduated college, 40 years since she started her full-time job at the bank, and 40 years of being married to her husband Roger Woods.

After a successful career at Alerus Financial, Kim found herself being heavily recruited by the UND Alumni Association & Foundation and UND to work in the area of development.

UND President, Dr. Kupchella, Dean of the College of Business & Public Administration, Dr. Dennis Elbert, and CEO of the UND Alumni Association & Foundation, Tim O’Keefe, began recruiting her for about 9 months.

“I say, ‘They wore me down,’” laughs Woods. “I was flattered by their interest and that they thought I could fundraise.”

Woods says she had great respect and trust for the leadership at UND and thought it would be great to have two amazing careers that could benefit Grand Forks and the University.

“The community of Grand Forks and UND are both extremely important to me,” says Woods.

Woods went on to have a 16-year career with the Foundation as the Senior Director of Development for the Nistler College of Business & Public Administration and Associate Vice President.

As one of the most successful development officers and ambassadors for UND, Woods jumped on board right at the start of the North Dakota Spirit Campaign for UND.

She was integral in growing the overall endowment, increasing the number of student scholarships awarded, endowed faculty positions, legacy gifts, College symposiums, and last but not least, she was the lead fundraiser on a $70 million building campaign project for the new Nistler Hall with the building becoming the grand finale.

“I loved the journey, and I loved the excitement in helping donors find purpose in giving back,” says Woods. “Going forward, this building will attract new students, faculty, and leaders to the College.”

Beyond the numbers, the relationships and friendships built by Woods with donors are outstanding.

“I value all of the friendships and look forward to continuing to stay in touch with them,” says Woods.

Many donors thank Woods for getting them reconnected to the University and finding them impactful ways to give back to their alma mater.

In her retirement years, Woods says you will most likely see her driving past the new building on a weekly basis and pinching herself. But for all who know and love Kim, the burning question continues to be, “What’s next?”

“When you figure that out, let me know,” she says with a laugh. “I am going to start with a time of reflection and gratitude. Taking care of Kim.”

She says she will be prioritizing family and friends, the lake, and travel.

“I don’t see myself drifting too far away from what gives me joy and satisfaction in our community,” says Woods. “At this age, using my connections, experiences, wisdom, and finding out how to continue to apply those resources are the most exciting parts of the next chapter.”

Woods says her style is to be open to new possibilities. “I love not knowing what is next, but I will know it when I see it.”

Woods didn’t take long to find a few new endeavors. Currently, Kim is teaming up with other GF community members on a Center for Exploration campaign to build a children’s museum and destination park in GF. Kim is enjoying her time attending her grandchildren sporting events and spending more time with family and friends. She also looks forward to new travel destinations.

For Woods, it is truly all about connections.

Connections through her college years to settle down in Grand Forks for her career.

Connections through friends to meet her husband Roger leading to 40 years of marriage.

Connections from her part-time job to launch her career at Alerus Financial.

And most importantly, her connections to all of our students, our alumni, our faculty, and our community. Because of her commitment to all of those things, we have had the honor of being connected to her. We will continue to be grateful for what she has brought to not only our university and our state, but also to each of us that has had the honor of working with her. We look forward to the opportunity to continue to connect with her in the next chapter.

“Kim is one of those special individuals who is thoughtful in every interaction she has. She always makes the other person feel like the most important person in the room, and her kindness and grace always shine through. Personally, my life is better for knowing and working with her. Because of Kim, I am a better Dean, a better wife, mother, friend, and just a better person.”

Amy B. Henley, Dean of the Nistler College of Business & Public Administration

“Kim has been a vital part of the UND Alumni Association & Foundation team for the past 16 years and her crowning achievement is nearing completion at the corner of University Avenue and Centennial Drive. But the new Nistler College of Business & Public Administration building is just part of the vast legacy that Kim leaves behind. Countless students have benefited from her dedication to UND.”

DeAnna Carlson Zink, CEO of the UND Alumni Association & Foundation

“Kim’s sincere passion for UND and its students has been deeply felt by alumni, and that passion contributed greatly to her years of achievement for the Nistler College of Business & Public Administration and the Alumni Association & Foundation. Kim has been a pleasure to work with over the years.”

Henry Herr, UND Alumnus

“Kim genuinely cares about the success of others. Her natural leadership presence and bright personality bring people together to accomplish the unthinkable. She has accelerated my professional growth in more ways than I can count and her impact goes much further than just those she formally mentors.”

Shannah Gonzalez, UND Alumna and former Mentee of Kim Woods

“It would be hard to overstate Kim Woods’ contributions to UND and the Grand Forks community. Through building authentic and lifelong relationships, she has helped countless people to find the joy in giving – in a way that will impact the lives of generations of UND students. Her legacy is unparalleled in the world of philanthropy.”

Kristi Hall-Jiran, UND Nistler College Advisory Council Member

“Kim Woods is one of those rare individuals blessed with the talent to genuinely connect with people and build meaningful, long-standing relationships. She tirelessly shared the vision of UND and the Nistler College of Business & Public Administration with people around the country, generating excitement and raising funds. Her commitment, drive, and contagious optimism were the keys to bringing the Nistler College to life. We and future generations owe Kim our deepest gratitude.”

Colleen and Werner Nistler Jr., UND Alumnus