Blue Hawk Bulletin May 2020

D I C K I N S O N

S TAT E

U N I V E R S I T Y

May 2020 DSU TO HOLD VIRTUAL COMMENCEMENT AND INVITES GRADUATES TO ATTEND FUTURE CEREMONY Dickinson State University will celebrate spring 2020 graduates during a virtual commencement ceremony that will be broadcast Saturday, May 16, at 10 a.m. MT. In addition to the virtual celebration, spring 2020 graduates are also invited to return to campus for either the fall 2020 or spring 2021 commencement ceremony.

“We love graduation at DSU, because it is the day we celebrate the academic achievement of our wonderful students with their families and friends,” said DSU President Steve Easton. “Though we are not able to hold a traditional graduation this May, we want to do everything we can to duplicate that ceremony virtually. We look forward to working with our 2020 graduates to make this a fun celebration of their work in the classroom.”

More than 200 students are eligible to participate in this year’s ceremony; this number includes all spring and summer 2020 graduates, as well as students who graduated last fall but did not participate in the December ceremony. Dickinson State will award seven master’s degrees, 149 baccalaureate degrees, and 46 associate degrees during the virtual spring commencement ceremony. Three students will also graduate from Theodore Roosevelt Honors Leadership Program.

Participants will hear from DSU President Steve Easton, as well as Marilyn Lee, provost and vice president of academic affairs, student speaker(s) and other local and state representatives.

The ceremony broadcast will be made available May 16, at www.dickinsonstate.edu.

For additional information, please visit www.dickinsonstate.edu/commencement.

‘THE MOST REWARDING 10 WEEKS OF MY LIFE’: A GRADUATE’S FAREWELL TO STUDENT TEACHING

By: Suzanna Moberg, Senior Teacher Education Student at DSU Since I began studying here four years ago, every moment of my time at Dickinson State University has been pretty memorable. From singing Spice Girls karaoke with two strangers who would soon become my BFFs at Welcome Weekend freshman year, to traveling across the country for various conferences and club activities, I am so grateful for all the opportunities being a student at Dickinson State University has provided me. But by far one of the most exciting and most rewarding opportunities that DSU gave me was my student teaching experience.

Student teaching is genuinely one of the hardest, weirdest, and craziest things I’ve ever experienced. No one really ever taught me how to respond when a student told me they don’t have to read Frankenstein because they already know it’s about a guy who hates fire and “just wants to vibe,” or what to do when my whole class started making dolphin noises as loud as they could, or how to react when two students started licking each other’s fingers in class. And no one really prepared me for how much I’d learn from my cooperating teacher, how quickly I’d fall in love with my students, and how difficult it would be to say goodbye to it all. Student teaching might have been weird and difficult, but it was also the most rewarding 10 weeks of my life.

I loved watching a student’s frustration turn into joy when they finally understood a new concept. I loved asking “so what?” questions to make students dig deeper into a text to think about the meaning behind the words.

I loved watching shy students stand up in front of their speech class and deliver an entire speech without almost passing out! Every day, one of my students would remind me just why I chose the amazing profession that is being an educator.

Unfortunately, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, my time as a student teacher was cut short. I, like thousands of student teachers and teachers all across the nation, didn’t get a last day with my class. I didn’t get to thank my students for all that they taught me. I didn’t get to say goodbye.

Come join us!

2020 Spring Commencement

REVERSE PARADE honoring graduates of Dickinson State University

Saturday, May 16 | 1 - 1:30 p.m. MT 291 Campus Drive, Dickinson, ND

Spring 2020 graduates and their families are invited to dress in their regalia or wear their favorite Blue Hawk apparel and park in the loop on Campus Drive beginning at 12:30 p.m.!

PLEASE HELP US TO ADHERE TO SOCIAL DISTANCING GUIDELINES AND LEAVE EVERY OTHER PARKING SPACE EMPTY TO ENSURE AT LEAST 6 FEET BETWEEN HOUSEHOLDS. Beginning at 1 p.m., members of the campus and Dickinson communities are welcome to drive through the loop in front of May Hall and wave, honk, and cheer in celebration of our students’ accomplishments!

Let’s show our newest class of Blue Hawk alumni how proud we are! in my department are available and willing to assist me with anything I need.

The teachers are always willing to be a listening ear, a mentor, or a counselor (even if that meant they were responding to emails until all hours of the night).

As our school, our state, and our country navigates uncharted territory, the faculty in the Department of Teacher Education work tirelessly to create a plan for all of the students effected by school closures and a transition to online learning. They are in constant contact with the students in our department modifying assignments, extending deadlines, and ensuring that all of our needs are met and our concerns are addressed.

They also work incredibly hard to ensure some semblance of normalcy. Instead of canceling events that are important milestones in a student teacher’s time at Dickinson State University, they found a way to make online events so we’d still be able to present our final portfolios and participate in our pinning ceremony. Dickinson State University has even found a way to host a virtual Commencement ceremony for all graduates to attend remotely!

Senior year is supposed to be memorable, and, in true DSU fashion, mine sure was! I learned so much from my professors, from my cooperating teacher, and from my peers in the program. I truly believe that attending a small school allowed me to develop those close connections with the faculty and staff in my department, in the school as a whole, and with faculty at various area schools. There was never a time that my professors weren’t there to offer guidance or to be a listening ear when I needed someone to talk to. I feel more prepared than ever to enter a classroom of my own thanks to the wisdom and advice of my amazing cooperating teacher, my patient and encouraging University supervisor, and all of the other faculty and staff in my department.

I am so proud to be a Dickinson State University Blue Hawk and to be part of the legacy that this place has created. As I prepare to move to Nashville, Tennessee, to begin my teaching career at Hunters Lane High School, I know that Dickinson State has provided me with all the tools I need to be successful. No matter where this exciting journey called life takes me, I’ll never forget these people, this place, and that “Hawks are up!”

DICKINSON STATE UNIVERSITY TO RETURN TO FACE-TO-FACE INSTRUCTION IN FALL 2020

Dickinson State University administration agreed unanimously to plan to return to regular face-to-face instruction in the fall 2020, with precautions taken for the safety of students, faculty and staff. The University will also continue to offer online and distance learning options for students, as it has for several years.

It was pretty surreal when I got the notification from DSU’s Department of Teacher Education that my time at South Heart Public School was coming to a close. I didn’t want my experience to end after 15 weeks, and I sure wasn’t ready for it to be done after 10! Thankfully, I had an amazing cooperating teacher who made sure that my last day at South Heart Public School was still special. The teachers from the school hosted a “socially distanced” graduation ceremony for me and for another student teacher at the school.

All of the faculty and staff gathered in the gymnasium (a safe 6 feet apart!) and sang “Pomp and Circumstance” as I got an air handshake from both the Principal and Superintendent and an air diploma from my cooperating teacher. I even got to move my air tassel!

“Dickinson State University is planning to welcome students, staff, and faculty back on campus face-toface in the fall, and we are very much looking forward to this,” said DSU President Steve Easton. “Of course, the COVID-19 experience has taught us that things can change, sometimes quickly. We will continue to monitor the situation and plan accordingly.”

I’m so grateful for a department and faculty at DSU who make tough decisions and look out for the safety of the students. While we haven’t had anything near a pandemic before, I have always known that the faculty and staff

The University also plans to open residence halls for the fall 2020 semester.

See you soon!

UNITED WAY OF DICKINSON AND DICKINSON STATE UNIVERSITY WORK TOGETHER TO SUPPORT STUDENTS IMPACTED BY COVID-19

2020 Faculty and Staff Award Recipients Professional Staff Service Award MS. ALICIA ERICKSON Director of Alumni Relations

MS. KRISSY KILWEIN Director of Human Resources

The United Way of Dickinson and Dickinson State University (DSU) are working together to support DSU students who are impacted by COVID-19.

This effort is an expansion of the local community relief fund established by United Way of Dickinson in early March to help the area’s most vulnerable individuals.

The DSU community is supporting the efforts of the United Way of Dickinson, which recently wrapped up two drives to help individuals in the community who are struggling with buying food, hygiene, and baby items. Donated baby items can still be taken to Charbonneau Car Center, AT&T off 21st St., or Daily Perks at CHI St. Alexius. These items will go to local people who are in need (including low-income individuals, immunocompromised individuals, and the elderly).

Administrative Staff Service Award MS. JEN ZIER Executive Assistant for Finance & Administration

Excellence in Teaching Award DR. PAUL BARNHART Assistant Professor of Biology

Professional Contributions Award DR. ERIC BREVIK Professor of Geology & Soils

Innovative Teacher of the Year Award MS. REBA OLSEN Assistant Professor of Mathematics

Distinguished Educator of the Year Award DR. CHIP POLAND Professor of Agriculture Chair, Department of Agriculture & Technical Studies

DSU PROVIDES HOUSING REFUNDS, WAIVERS, AND DINING REFUNDS TO STUDENTS IN CAMPUS HOUSING Dickinson State University (DSU) announced a process for providing support to students who were living in campus housing and are now making alternative living arrangements due to the current COVID-19 pandemic.

DSU will issue a 30% refund of dining plan fees to all students who have a dining plan for the spring 2020 semester, who checked out/or made a checkout appointment by April 16. Any refund would first be applied to the student’s account should they have any outstanding fees.

In addition, the University will provide residential students up to a 30% refund of the housing fees they paid for the spring 2020 semester as well as a housing waiver that can be applied toward campus housing during fall 2020. “The deadline for housing refunds has passed,” DSU President Steve Easton noted, “but we want to do something for our students who are not using the residence halls the last few weeks of the semester.”

“While our residence halls are open for those who need to remain in Dickinson, we recognize that many have chosen to remain at home or live offcampus due to the circumstances brought about in response to the coronavirus,” said Marie Moe, vice president for student affairs and university relations at DSU. “Our professional staff is working to maintain engagement and support our students as they finish the semester away from campus. One way we can support them is by providing a mechanism for them to withdraw from housing virtually and receive a refund of the unused portion of their dining contract.”

It is important to note that the refund policy only applies to those who have checked out of housing. Due to recommendations not to travel, the Director of Student Life at DSU has agreed that, in lieu of actual move out, a student can schedule a move-out date with the Office of Housing and Dining.

This will suffice as notice for the purposes of receiving this refund/waiver.

The full refund/waiver schedule can be found online at bit.ly/DSUrefunds.

During the virtual checkout process, students will confirm a date in the future for when they will be able to come to campus and pick up their personal belongings.

Individuals who are most vulnerable and needing assistance with grocery shopping or other important errands being ran are encouraged to contact United Way: Call or text: (701) 300-1094 Email: unitedway@ndsupernet.com or jenniferguw@ndsupernet.com for further assistance and information.

Individuals in need of food, hygiene, and baby items are encouraged to contact United Way: Call or text: (701) 300-1094 Email: unitedway@ndsupernet.com or jenniferguw@ndsupernet.com for further assistance and information.

In addition, DSU students who are facing financial difficulty during this time of uncertainty can apply for assistance. The United Way has established a support fund as a dedicated resource for individuals affected by the COVID-19 public health emergency.

Donations made to the COVID-19 relief fund are being received in the forms listed below: • Checks and money orders made out to “United Way of Dickinson” with “COVID-19 Relief Fund” or “COVID-19 DSU Students” written in the memo field can be mailed to: United Way of Dickinson P.O. Box 501 Dickinson, ND 58602 • Cash will be accepted in an envelope marked COVID-19 Relief Fund. It must be taken into United Way’s office located inside US Bank at 240 2nd St West, Dickinson.

• Online donations can be made at: www.paypal.me/unitedwayofdickinson www.facebook.com/UnitedWayofDickinson/?ref=settings With these donations we will work to mobilize our broad network of nonprofit agencies throughout the region to provide a flexible source of cash assistance to help families weather the COVID-19 crisis. These agencies have a proven and long track record of working with United Way to administer flexible emergency assistance for families impacted by income disruption.

Additionally, the United Way of Dickinson has decided to allocate micro grants to local nonprofits to help combat the spreading of COVID-19. The grants total up to $300 per community partner and must go toward preventing the spreading of the virus. The grant is open to any nonprofit in Stark, Dunn, and Billings counties and is available until funds are exhausted.

Applications for the micro grant can be obtained by contacting United Way of Dickinson’s executive director: Nichole De Leon at unitedway@ndsupernet.com.

PRESIDENTIAL Scholarship Awards The award is valued at $1,600 per year based on full-time enrollment.

AUTOMATICALLY QUALIFY

$1,600 per year REQUIREMENTS

“As a campus, our students’ safety and success is always at the forefront of our thinking and planning,” said Moe. “Offering students a way to safely conduct a virtual ‘checkout’ of the halls is one way we can encourage their socially responsible choices to not travel while also providing financial support now and next year. We look forward to seeing everyone back on campus for the fall semester.”

FIRST YEAR FRESHMAN Cumulative High School GPA of 3.25 OR Minimum Standardized Test Score of ACT 22, SAT 1100, or equivalent standardized test score

Residential students who need to make checkout arrangements should complete the virtual checkout appointment form as soon as possible to receive the maximum benefit. For questions, please contact Keith James, director of student life, at keith.w.james@dickinsonstate.edu or text or call 701-561-0650.

Applicants must also meet all Dickinson State University bachelor’s degree admission requirements and enroll full time.

NEW TRANSFER STUDENTS Cumulative Transfer GPA of 3.0

For more information, visit dickinsonstate.edu/scholarships

Wow. So, do you have a favorite memory from any of those clubs you’d like to share?

STUDENT SPOTLIGHT DANIEL SUAZO-AMAYA ’20 Bachelor of Business Administration International Business

There are so many good experiences I’ve had being involved on campus. To pick one favorite is hard… I remember doing an international flag parade for Homecoming, and both years that I carried the flag, it was “hella” cold.

Even though it was cold, I had fun because I was with my friends from other countries and we were just goofing around, just talking and playing music.

That was really fun and I liked it a lot because it was part of our culture, too, so we were showing where we were coming from. I felt pretty proud about it.

How has your time here changed your plans for the future?

When I was a kid, my dream job was to work at a chocolate factory. That happened because I went to Switzerland when I was 10, and since Swiss chocolate is a big thing, I wanted to work at a chocolate factory. Then, when I was older, I was still wanting to do it. I just thought to myself, “this could be a good idea, and maybe sometime in the future, I could work at Nestle.”

That’s my goal. The headquarters are in Switzerland, of course, and I could work for their company. I kind of stuck to my idea of what I wanted to be in the future, I just made it more realistic, not my original “Willy Wonka Chocolate Factory” idea.

You’re a senior, and we’re sure you get asked this a lot. What’s next for you?

Tell us about your life before you came to Dickinson State University (DSU).

I’m an only child; I’m 23 years old. I went to high school in Honduras, specifically San Pedro Sula. Right now, it’s 1.2 million people. I grew up with my parents and my grandparents, so after school, I’d usually stay with one of my grandparents and just spend the afternoon.

My high school was pretty small. My graduating class was only 11 people.

We have so many schools, and most of the schools are private. Depending on where you’re living, the school that’s nearby is the school you go to. I went to that school for elementary, middle and high school.

I played every sport there was: volleyball, basketball, soccer… I did folkloric dance, track and field, and swimming. I graduated in 2015, had a gap year, and went abroad to Switzerland to learn French. The rest of that year, I worked, and then I started college at DSU in 2016.

What made you choose Switzerland?

My aunt lives in Switzerland, and her husband works at a high school. He’s a philosophy professor, and he asked the director if I could come study for a couple months. My aunt found me a host family, and I really only had to pay for my ticket there. I lived there for three months because I’ve really always wanted to learn French because my cousins speak French and very little Spanish. I wanted to learn French so I could talk to them and learn their language.

What did you enjoy about being in a different culture and in a different country?

I just liked the diversity and how different it was from home. I like new challenges, so it was just fun to see how people lived in Europe compared to how I lived back home. A big part of that was the freedom. When I was there, there was a senior trip and our class went to Berlin, Germany, with two professors. We had five days there, and we had to plan an activity each day, like go to the museum or the Berlin Wall. After that, we had free time to do whatever we wanted. We just had to go back to the hotel at night. It was just amazing how we were just high school students walking around the streets of Berlin.

So, after Switzerland, what led you to choose to come to Dickinson and DSU? When I decided to come to the United States for college, my parents and I went to this program called Education USA. We gave them our budget and they found out what schools were in that range, and then we picked one. I decided to apply to DSU and I was accepted. My parents were happy with it and I was happy with it. It was kind of far, but I wanted a new experience.

Switzerland was very different from back home, and Dickinson is very different from back home and Switzerland. A lot of people back home go south, like Florida or Texas or Louisiana, because it’s more culturally similar to Honduras. Here, it’s completely different. There was definitely a culture shock.

The only bad thing was the winter, which I experienced in Switzerland. It was nothing compared to here. In Honduras, our winter is nothing. It’s a little bit colder, like 50 degrees, and then it rains. The first time I actually experienced winter, which was in Switzerland, I remember sending videos to my family group chat of me walking outside the house recording how the snow was falling. I was so happy, I was excited… Then, after three months of being there, I was getting tired of it. I had that experience and then I came here, and same thing. I was like, “okay, snow, I’ve had this before,” but then I realized it was nothing like that.

What’s different about college than you expected?

College back home is different. Usually, we don’t have residence halls to live in, and that experience was new for me. I just didn’t know what to expect.

One big thing was sharing a room. I never had to share a room before, and it wasn’t weird, but I just wasn’t used to having someone sleeping there every night. I got along with my roommate and my suitemates, too, so that made it easier.

Now that I’m graduating, I do want to end up living in Switzerland. I’ve been trying to apply for jobs, and with the situation going on right now, it’s kind of complicated for the economy. I’m juggling some ideas of how I can make my dream come true. It might not be the idea that I had in mind, but I feel now that I know how the world actually works, I can have fun with it. And, no, I won’t be eating chocolate every day like I pictured it, but it’ll be fun.

My idea is to work in marketing for chocolate and see how I can market chocolate in other countries and make people like it as much as I do.

What would you tell someone who’s thought about becoming a Blue Hawk?

My biggest advice would be, if you want to be part of this community, just go for it. There are definitely resources on campus that can help you succeed whilst you keep being involved on campus. With all that I’ve been involved with, I’ve been very busy and it’s been stressful. In the last two years of school, you have to prioritize some things. You’ll stick to more things that will help you in the future, but you’re still going to be a part of the campus and you can still succeed academically. At DSU, there’s people here that want to help you stay on track with what you want. Be confident about yourself, be involved on campus, and connect with people that you know are going to help you succeed.

Lightening round: three fun facts. GO! I like weird socks.

I speak three languages: Spanish, English, and French.

I’m a big Star Wars and Marvel fan.

Okay, interest piqued. What character would you choose to be from…

Star Wars? I would be Obi-Wan Kenobi. If one was assigned to me, it’d probably get C3PO. I get annoying when I talk a lot, and I like to say stuff that can be useless but interesting.

An animated movie? It’s been said that I’m Donkey from Shrek because I talk a lot. That was when I was younger, but still. That’s been my character for a long time.

Marvel? My favorite character is Iron Man. I don’t feel like Iron Man, though; I’m not that tech-savvy.

DC? My favorite superhero from DC has always been Batman.

SENIOR NURSING STUDENT HELPS PROFESSOR TRANSITION TO REMOTE INSTRUCTION

Brooke Hansen, a senior in the nursing program at Dickinson State University (DSU), spent a few hours helping her professor transition her Nursing Synthesis course online. Dr. Cheryl Lantz, chair of the Department of Nursing and Hansen’s professor, video-chatted with Hansen as the two set up her course using a software called YuJa. With help from the Technology Resource and Education Center at DSU, the pair succeeded and Lantz’s students will now be able to post their presentations! Lantz wanted to extend her thanks to Hansen. We’re proud to have Blue Hawks like these stepping up to help where they can!

DSU Faculty & Staff Well Wishes

We see you in a lot of photos taken at events and in promotions for Dickinson State. Tell us – do you ever sleep?

Yes, I do sleep! The only reason I appear in all these promotions is because I like to be a part of things, especially in a small town like Dickinson. A lot of people say there’s not much to do, or it’s cold and don’t know where to go.

Try to do everything possible: go to plays, games, activities, movies… Just try to be part of everything so you can keep yourself busy and enjoy your experience in college.

I’ve been part of the international club, soccer club, and Spanish club.

I’ve been a resident assistant for the past three years, I’m part of Student Senate, and I’ve been a tutor. I’ve been a Student Ambassador and part of Homecoming Royal Court for two years. I’ve been a part of Taste of Nations, Multicultural Committee, and Global Tables. I’ve done Best Friends Mentoring and participated in Miss(ter) Blue Hawk. I’m part of the community soccer league, and I coached for the Dickinson Soccer Club.

There was something else… no, maybe that’s it!

bit.ly/DSUwellwishes

GO FORTH TO SERVE: DSU STUDENT DONATES DICKINSON STATE OPENS APPLICATION TO TIME TO SEW MASKS FOR COMMUNITY PROVIDE STUDENTS WITH EMERGENCY By: DSU student Amanda D’Aniello GRANT FUNDING FROM CARES ACT Roxanne Gray is a nontraditional student with traditional values. She is planning to graduate with a degree in agricultural studies in 2021. She worked for years before deciding to pursue a degree, and like many students at Dickinson State University, her classes have been moved to a virtual environment. With the increased flexibility in her schedule, she has taken it upon herself to sew and donate masks to her community of Mandaree, North Dakota, in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Dickinson State University (DSU) has announced a process for the distribution of emergency grant funding for DSU students, related to the disruption of campus operations due to the coronavirus, provided by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act. The CARES Act, passed by Congress and signed into law to provide economic relief from COVID-19, includes a Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF) that provides more than $14 billion in emergency funding to higher education. Of those funds, more than $6 billion has been set aside for students in the form of emergency financial aid grants for expenses related to the disruption of campus operations due to the COVID-19 crisis, including but not limited to food, housing, health care, childcare, technology and course-related materials. Dickinson State is expected to receive about $320,000 in funds to distribute to students in financial stress.

“We know that many of our students are under significant financial pressure. To take just one example, many of those who work to pay for their college education are currently out of work,” said DSU President Steve Easton.

“We want to get our students some financial help as soon as we can.”

When I asked why she began making masks to donate to her community, she replied, “I was raised giving service to others whenever possible... and I’ve been sewing since I was old enough for my mom to allow it.” Roxanne previously worked in police dispatch and was happy to donate and help out in any way she could.

During this pandemic, which has left some of us with more free time than we know what to do with, Roxanne said she has “dedicated [her] spare time to sewing masks for the local EMS who are having to reuse masks due to shortages. They asked for help from the community and will use the cotton masks to help protect their limited N95s as well as to give to elders who wish to have one.” So far, she’s given 38 masks and is waiting for supplies that will allow her to finish 240 more.

Roxanne is not currently taking donations for her efforts but encourages those who would like to pitch in to check with resources like Joann Fabrics or local stores, such as Dakota Sew and So. These stores are offering patterns and materials for those looking to sew their own masks. Current guidelines recommend the highest thread count possible to protect against airborne particles. Roxanne recommends leaving an opening in the pattern so that a filtering material can be inserted for additional protection.

Dickinson State University has opened an online application, available May 1 – 15, for students who qualify based on the Department of Education guidelines to obtain emergency relief funding. Applications will be considered in the order they are received and funds will be awarded as they are available.

“Our goal is to distribute this money as quickly as possible in order to provide support to our students who are in financial distress as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Chris Meek, director of Financial Aid at DSU. “Through this application process, students will be able to describe how they have been impacted so that we can strategically direct grant funding to support our students in continuing their education.”

Per Department of Education regulations, only students who are eligible to participate in programs under Section 484 in Title IV of the Higher Education Act (HEA) of 1965, as amended may receive these funds. The criteria to participate in programs under Section 484 of the HEA include but are not limited to the following: U.S. citizenship or eligible noncitizen status; a valid Social Security number; registration with Selective Service (if the student is male); and a high school diploma, GED, or completion of high school in an approved homeschool setting.

To ensure Title IV eligibility, students must have an eligible 2019-2020 FAFSA on file with Dickinson State University. If they have not yet submitted a 2019-2020 FAFSA, they may do so at: https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-foraid/fafsa

For those without sewing experience, Roxanne recommends searching Facebook groups, churches and other organizations that may be giving out masks. She also recommends creating a mask that uses a simple and quick bandana around the mouth and nose with hair ties to secure it to the face.

Due to requirements of the Department of Education, students who were enrolled exclusively in an online program on March 13, 2020, the date of National Emergency declaration, are not eligible for emergency financial aid grants.

During this time, it is important that we keep ourselves safe, because in doing so, we are keeping those around us safe, as well. The closures of schools and many businesses is inconvenient; however, it is a necessary precaution in order to protect everyone. The work Roxanne and others are doing is vital to protecting public health, and we are extremely grateful to her and everyone taking steps to flatten the curve and prevent the spread of the virus.

To access the application, students should log in to their DSU Blackboard account, click the “My DSU” tab, and navigate to the Blue Hawk Hub, where they will find further instructions.

GLADSTONE STUDENT WINS SCHOLARSHIP DURING FIRST VIRTUAL DISCOVER DSU DAY Macey, a high school senior from Gladstone, North Dakota, won a $500 scholarship to Dickinson State University (DSU) during the first virtual Discover DSU Day held Monday, April 6, 2020.

She will begin pursuing a degree in business education and join DSU’s rodeo team this fall.

Congratulations, Macey!

For questions or clarification, please contact DSU’s Office of Financial Aid: • Phone: 701-483-2371 • Call or Text: 701-561-0904 • Email: dsu.financialaid@dickinsonstate.edu Easton urged students to file their applications by May 15, if not earlier. “Because we want to get these funds to our students quickly, the deadline is firm,” said Easton. “It is important to file your application by May 15, at the latest.”

As a reminder, The United Way of Dickinson and Dickinson State University are also working together to support DSU students who are impacted by COVID-19. DSU students who are facing financial difficulty during this time of uncertainty can apply for assistance. The United Way has established a support fund as a dedicated resource for individuals affected by the COVID-19 public health emergency.

For more information, or to apply for assistance, contact United Way of Dickinson’s executive director, Nichole De Leon, at unitedway@ndsupernet.com.

DICKINSON STATE UNIVERSITY EVENTS THU MAY 7 Virtual Discover DSU Day

9 a.m.

www.dickinsonstate.edu/dsudays

FRI MAY 15 Teacher Education Pinning Ceremony 4 p.m.

Zoom meeting, password required details: jeri.f.braunagel@dickinsonstate.edu SAT MAY 16 Virtual Spring Commencement

10 a.m.

www.dickinsonstate.edu

Reverse Parade

1 p.m.

Campus Drive, Dickinson, ND 58601

SUN MAY 17 Women’s Voices: “Freedom, Empowerment, and Communication Bias”

2 p.m.

The Rock’s Corner Bar

virtual DISCOVER DSU DAY

Thursday, May 7, 2020 9 - 11:30 a.m. (MST) THERE WILL BE A DRAWING FOR A

MON MAY 25 Dickinson Community Memorial Day Ceremony

PENDING FURTHER UPDATES

THU JUN 4 Chamber Mixer: Neighborhood Block Party

PENDING FURTHER UPDATES

$500 SCHOLARSHIP! You must be online to win.

dickinsonstate.edu/dsudays

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The Blue Hawk Bulletin is a publication created by the Office of University Relations at Dickinson State University. dsu.communications@dickinsonstate.edu 701.483.2787 DSU does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, or age in its programs, activities, or employment.

Contact the Affirmative Action Officer/Title IX Coordinator for questions (May Hall, Room 309-A; 701-483-2370; dsu.titleix@dickinsonstate.edu)