2023 Alumni Review

Alumni Review NORTH DAKOTA STATE COLLEGE OF SCIENCE - FALL 2023

Grow With Us!

NDSCS President Dr. Rod Flanigan

NDSCS Alumni Foundation Staff Executive Director: Kim Nelson Senior Development Officer: Denise Laymon Director of Gift Planning: Yoney Fobb Associate Director of Gift Planning: Amy Frauenberg Donor Development Representative: Barb Uhlich

2023-2024 NDSCS Alumni Foundation Board of Directors President: Megan Kummer Vice President: Chad Wehri Treasurer: Michelle Nelson* Mark Beyer Jeff Leinen Josh Dozak Andrew Mauch Beth Dohman Heather Miller Stu Engen* Kim Nelson* Pam Erlandson Daric Pfingsten Rod Flanigan* Korey Skovholt Yoney Fobb* Rich Slagle Art Grochow Trudy Tischer Dee Jensen Julie Vculek Joel Kaczynski Hugh Veit James Kapitan Adam Wahler Paige Kjesbo Roger Worner Denise Laymon* * Ex Officio

2023 Alumni Review Editors: Kim Nelson, Lee Schwartz Designer: Rebecca Truesdell Printer: Knight Printing

Contact

Phone: 701-671-2247 Email: NDSCS.Alumni@ndscs.edu Website: NDSCSalumni.com Facebook:

/NDSCSalumni

Instagram:

/NDSCSalumni

Flickr:

As we continue to offer much-needed programs — like Precision Ag, Allied Health, Diesel Technology, Robotics, Precision Machining, Unmanned Aircraft, Auto Mechanics, our new Fire Science program, and many others–using the latest technology and curriculum, we need your help to grow our overall enrollment. Alums, business partners, and friends of NDSCS, you are the future of our growth. Tell your story and help our young adults learn more about what NDSCS has to offer.

We invite you to bring them to campus and let them see what an impressive place this really is.

Dr. Rod Flanigan, only the 10th President in the 120-year history of NDSCS, recently stated, “As I begin my second year here at NDSCS, I am more impressed and excited than ever to lead this college into the future. Over the years, I have traveled throughout this country, visiting other colleges and universities; I do not think

/NDSCSalumni

The Alumni Review is an official publication of the North Dakota State College of Science Alumni Foundation, 800 6th St. N., Wahpeton, ND 58076. It is mailed to NDSCS alumni, friends, business and industry partners, government agencies, educational partners, and legislative leaders. All efforts are made to ensure accuracy of this original publication.

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Focusing on our mission to “provide access to occupational/technical programs, transfer programs, and workforce training” and reflecting on what we have accomplished together keeps us engaged and excited about the future of NDSCS. One common denominator we continue to see and hear is that our students initially came to NDSCS because of someone they heard say, “What a wonderful place NDSCS is to get an education,” and “You’ll want to be a part of the campus community.” You do not often see that in a two-year college.

NDSCS Alumni Review

In This Issue Grow With Us!....................................... 2 Growing Our Ag and John Deere Tech Opportunities...................................... 3 The Cutting Edge................................... 3 Career Innovation Center Update...... 4 DREAMS Auction Highlights................. 4 Ways our Alumni Affect Future Enrollment........................................... 5 100th Anniversary NDSCS Electrical Technology.......................................... 6 New! NDSCS Legacy Scholarship........ 6

there is a better place in the country for workforce education than right here at NDSCS. This is a unique and wonderful place to educate and build the workforce this country desperately needs.”

Kim Nelson, Executive Director of the NDSCS Alumni Foundation, added, “I am here to help our alumni and businesses find ways to invest in that future and the students who go through this great college. You can reach out about a perpetually named Scholarship Endowment, a Program Endowment for special technology, or donate to a 501c3 and help the Foundation continue our mission of being that fundraising arm of the college.”

Together, we will make a difference and ask each of you — the 40,000 plus receiving this magazine — to GROW WITH US!

Kim Nelson, Alumni Foundation Executive Director

Let Us Help You with Your Gift Plans.. 7 Carrying on a Legacy............................ 7 Navigating the “Great Wealth Transfer”..................... 7 NDSCS Electrical Technology Circuit Sponsors.................................. 8 Alumni/Foundation Board Members............................... 8-9 Alumni/Foundation Sponsors............. 9 Alumni Award Winners.................10-13 NDSCS Athletic Hall of Fame........14-15 2023-2024 Events Calendar............... 16

PROGRAM GROWTH

Growing Our Ag and John Deere Tech Opportunities In May 2017, NDSCS acquired nearly 95 acres of farmland north of Wahpeton from the Kosel family. Owners Linda (Kosel) Patterson (class of ‘69) and her mother, Mary Kosel, worked with the NDSCS Alumni/Foundation to arrange the land usage as an in-kind lease, currently used as the NDSCS land lab.

Linda Patterson (‘69)

Over the last five years, students have been an integral part of helping

with planting, harvest, tillage, soil sampling, crop marketing, and precision technology. The Ag department has grown by over 50% in the last two years.

NDSCS presented a Precision Ag Capital Project to the State of North Dakota at the 68th Legislative Assembly. We are happy to announce that almost $20M has been earmarked for expanding our Precision Agriculture Program and John Deere Tech programs. This will allow them to repurpose the north wing of the Tech Center to become the focal point for NDSCS agriculture, repurpose the existing John Deere Tech lab for the Advanced Precision Ag Tech Lab and construct a new John Deere Tech instructional area to adjoin Bisek Hall (Diesel building). Both programs continue to grow and have maxed out their current space.

This initiative will significantly enhance the capability of NDSCS to provide novel academic programming in the area of

Precision Agriculture, including emerging new technologies, autonomous systems, graphic visualization, and automation. It will provide much-needed visibility and

“Alone we can do so little, together we can do so much.”

- Helen Keller awareness to agricultural technology, robotics, and automation curriculums. It will even create collaborative laboratory spaces while resolving ongoing facility usage challenges in several instructional areas.

Programs that the completion of this project will positively impact include Agriculture (including Precision Agronomy, Precision Agriculture Technician, Farm Management, Ag Business, and Adult Farm Management), John Deere Tech, Diesel Technology, and Autonomous Systems Technology.

The Cutting Edge Students enrolled in the Meat Processing certificate program at NDSCS gain the opportunity to advance their skills in a high-demand career field. The nine-month program is taught through North Dakota State College of Science (NDSCS) in Wahpeton, North Dakota and North Dakota State University (NDSU) in Fargo, North Dakota.

Students spend the first semester at NDSCS, then have the chance to develop skills through eight weeks of hands-on training at the NDSU Meats Lab in Fargo. That is followed by eight weeks of a paid internship program.

Whether a student is adding credentials to a Culinary Arts degree, has the desire to start their own

business, or work for an established company, the internship program for the Meat Processing certificate will help polish the skills learned in classes through training in a paid work setting.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, roughly 17,700 open positions for meat cutters are projected each year due to retirements, leaving the labor force, or transferring to another occupation.

Grace Lamberson, a ’22 graduate of the Meat Processing certificate program, sees the importance of the program and the impact it can have on small towns like the one she grew up in from northwest

Grace Lamberson (’22)

Minnesota. Grace’s words of wisdom to recent graduates, “Instead of bypassing college or pursuing postsecondary education, consider this certificate program. There is always an occupation this certificate can be applied to in your community.”

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GROWTH OPPORTUNITY

Career Innovation Center Update If you have not heard the great news, Bill SB2015 passed in the North Dakota legislature allows the Career Innovation Project to gain an additional estimated $3 million (for inflationary dollars) toward the capital grant projects. This is in addition to the original $10 million grant already allocated to the CIC and the $18.9 million raised by the private and public sectors.

A Capital Grant Agreement has been created between the North Dakota Department of Career and Technical Education (DCTE), the NDSCS Alumni Foundation, and the Cass County Career and Technical Education Center (C3TEC). The DCTE and C3TEC boards have approved the agreement, as has the NDSCS Foundation. The NDSCS Foundation will be the primary recipient of the funds and oversee construction management and reimbursement requests. C3TEC will serve as secondary

support for grant monitoring of programs and guidelines.

We are still working on the project’s scope to complete it to its fullest intent.

With the inflationary cost, we still need around $4 million. We will continue to build according to the funds we have available.

The four local schools in the Fargo area (Fargo, West Fargo, Central Cass, and Northern Cass) and the administration of NDSCS and NDSCS faculty and facilities are working to define the programming and highest priority needs. We hope to have all of this structured by late fall.

Thank you to our Cass County community, local legislatures, and

DREAMS Auction Highlights DREAMS 2023 was back and bigger than ever at the Clair T. Blikre Activities Center this spring!

Our event included over $114,000 in donated items, over 600 people attending, and sales increased by 18% — leading to our most profitable event to date!

Upon arriving, our Diesel Club students and Trap Shooting team greeted guests and offered valet parking services. Once inside, Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society students, Dental Club members, NDSCS Ambassadors, and other student volunteers helped check-in and seat guests.

The event kicked off with a beautiful trumpet solo by Kent Loken, followed by warm welcomes from Kim Nelson and our NDSCS President, Dr. Rod Flanigan.

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NDSCS Alumni Review

The audience participated in a fun “Heads or Tails” paddle/guessing game. Our generous sponsors made it possible to award our winners with a cash prize of $500. Aasness Auctioneers lead the live auction – and what a treat to listen to their smooth auctioneering, and the excitement coming from the crowd was insatiable! While people were bidding on assorted items (both online and live), a strolling buffet was prepared and served by the NDSCS Culinary Arts Program. We are so fortunate to have these fantastic students, and it’s always a major highlight for us to have their help.

If you weren’t making your way to the buffet, we encouraged plenty of browsing to view all the auction items and patron the cash bar and photo booth for guests.

Music played as the evening wrapped up, and many connections were made

educational leaders for your leadership, collaboration, and support of the CIC vision. Your advocacy during the 68th Legislative Assembly was critical to influencing and guiding state leaders to see the value and need for this project.

Watch for the 2023 NDSCS Alumni Foundation Annual Report – available this fall. or restored. Whether through your donation of gifts, attending in-person, online, assisting with set-up and tear-down, or anything in between– we sincerely thank you for your continued dedication to the North Dakota State College of Science, our events, and our students!

See event photos at Flickr.com/NDSCSalumni.

NDSCS Ambassadors (L to R): Brody Berg, Kyle Weight, Kyra Bellew, Tatum Faller, Elise Klindt

ENROLLMENT GROWTH

Ways Our Alumni Affect Future Enrollment Over the years, NDSCS alums have generously donated and contributed back to NDSCS. Yet some may question how they can do more to help the college that was their first step into a life-long career, a place that cultivated life-long friendships, relationships, and much more.

“An alumni talking to their grandchild, niece, nephew, neighbor, or anyone they think could be a potential student at NDSCS is a great way to grow NDSCS and champion for its future,” Kim Nelson, NDSCS Alumni Foundation Executive Director, said. “It’s a two-year college with a four-year feel.”

as Meet and Greets (in various locations across the area), homecoming, and the annual DREAMS Auction are just a few ways for alums to connect and share their stories with prospective students.

Informing prospective students they have a multitude of options at NDSCS is another key component to its future success and students’ success. With 90 career pathway options, including 35 associate degree options, 8 diploma options, and 14 certificate options, there’s something for everyone at NDSCS. Students can also take early entry classes while still in high school or dual credit classes.

Both programs offer cost-saving benefits and can lead to early graduation or transfer to a fouryear university.

Referring students during their sophomore or junior year of high school allows optimal opportunities to communicate and work with them.

Students also can feel the two-year college cost savings at NDSCS versus a four-year university. Full-time students at NDSCS have an estimated annual tuition of less than $14,000, which pairs well with hundreds of sponsorship opportunities and over $16 million in financial aid awarded to 94% of NDSCS students.

In addition to the financial aid benefits for students, there may be incentives for alum to inform future students and students with alum referrals.

Another way NDSCS alums can champion the college’s growth and future success is by bringing an interested student to any Alumni Foundation or NDSCS event. Events such

“Our future is built on relationships with our alumni, business and industry partners, faculty, and staff sharing their story or experience of NDSCS — their why they chose to attend NDSCS as a student or work at NDSCS as an employee,” Lisa

Karch, Vice President for Academic Affairs, said.

Karch also noted it is equally as important for anyone, not just alums, to share contact information of NDSCS faculty or staff to help direct and inform prospective students of what NDSCS has to offer.

Be a champion for NDSCS and its future students, pass it on, pay it forward, and curate an impactful, informative, and story-driven alum tradition of why choosing NDSCS as a starting point may seem small in the beginning but has a tremendous future impact.

For more information or questions, don’t hesitate to contact NDSCS Admissions Office at 701-671-2521 or NDSCS.Admissions@ndscs.edu.

Fargo Area Meet & Greet August 10, 2023 F-M RedHawks Rapid City Area Meet & Greet September 21, 2023 Dahl Arts Center NDSCS Homecoming October 2-7, 2023 DREAMS Auction April 12, 2024 NDSCSalumni.com

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CELEBRATE GROWTH

New! NDSCS Legacy Scholarship Watch for further details....announcement about this new scholarship will be made during Homecoming 2023.

100th Anniversary Celebration of NDSCS Electrical Technology and Barnard Hall The smiles were plentiful, and the lobby of the Hektner Student Center echoed with laughter, shout-outs, and welcomes. 250 alumni, faculty, staff, and business partners were beginning to register on Friday, May 12th, for the North Dakota State College of Science Electrical Department and Barnard Hall 100th Anniversary Celebration weekend.

Graduation followed early-bird registration Friday afternoon as the 100th graduating class received their diplomas and joined the 100th Anniversary event as alumni for the first time. These young graduates then had the opportunity to visit with generations of electrical graduates who were still in the workforce or had retired.

A social was held Friday evening at the City Brew Hall, where Kim Nelson was the Master of Ceremony. She entertained the audience with some electrical history and introductions, but the most memorable was her electrical jokes.

Ivan Maas greeted attendees at the Saturday morning breakfast as Master of Ceremony, sharing a presentation on the past 100 years. ’58 alumnus, Arden R. Helland, captured the audience’s attention, sharing his expertise and recapping the years of electrical advancements that have been made.

Saturday afternoon was filled with campus tours, event picnics, and activities that included music, a cornhole tournament, giant inflatables, a group photo, an ice cream social, browsing past Agawasie yearbooks, and conversation. The kids were

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NDSCS Alumni Review

Circuit Sponsors: North American Coal – Coyote Creek Mine, Falkirk Mine, Freedom Mine; Expanse Electrical Co. Energy Sponsor: JDP Electric Incorporated delighted to see that face painting was there for them, too.

Yoney Fobb opened the evening as Master of Ceremony. NDSCS was honored to have North Dakota Lt. Governor, Tammy Miller, as the keynote speaker. Lt. Governor Miller shared the electrical industry’s importance to North Dakota’s growth. The evening concluded with lots of laughs from comedian Moody McCarthy.

The NDSCS Alumni Foundation has announced that a 100th Electrical Technology Anniversary Endowment, starting with $20,000, is being established for student scholarships and program equipment. This endowment can continue to grow with your donations.

A special thank you to the sponsors!

Your commitment made this event possible.

Current Sponsors: Otter Tail Power Company; Xcel Energy; Encore Electric Power Sponsors: A & K Development; Cass County Electric Cooperative; Electric Utility Workshop; Parsons Electric; Scott’s Electric Inc. Surge Sponsors: Basin Electric Power Cooperative; Bergstrom Electric, Inc.; H & H Electric; Lake Region Electric Co-op & Operation Round Up; Lesco, Inc.; Montana Dakota Utilities; North Central Electrical League, Inc.; Summerville Electric Fuse Sponsors: Border States Electric; Central Power Electric Cooperative, Inc.; Dakota Valley Rural Electric Co-op; Eagle Lake Electric; Gary & Son Electric Service, Inc.; International Association of Electrical Inspectors; North Central Electrical Engineering Society; North Dakota Association of Rural Electric Co-op (NDAREC); Northern Plains Electric Cooperative

Many attendees of the 100 year anniversary celebration.

ALUMNI GROWTH

Let Us Help You with Your Gift Plans Gifts of Land and Commercial Real Estate

There are a number of ways you can benefit from giving a gift of land or commercial real estate. Charitable plans may provide you with a way to sell your property tax free, increase your income for retirement and benefit from a charitable tax deduction with valuable tax savings. While benefits will vary by plan, possible options may include the following: OPTIONS

BENEFITS

Outright gift to organization

Charitable deduction and tax savings

Charitable remainder trust

Income, charitable deduction and tax savings

Charitable gift annuity

Fixed payments, charitable deduction and tax savings

Gift and sale plan

Cash, charitable deduction and tax savings

This information is not intended as tax, legal, or financial advice. Gift results may vary.

Consult your personal financial advisor for information specific to your situation.

Carrying on a Legacy The Alex Stern Family Foundation has been a long-term supporter (since 2006) of student scholarships with the North Dakota State College of Science Foundation.

Donating appreciated real estate, such as a home, vacation property, undeveloped land, farmland, ranch or commercial property can make a great gift to North Dakota State College of Science Foundation.

We would be happy to assist you and answer any questions you may have. If you have questions about gifts of real estate, please contact: Kim Nelson Kim.J.Nelson@ndscs.edu 701-671-2187 (w) 701-640-2701 (c) Denise Laymon Denise.Laymon@ndscs.edu 701-671-2131 (w) 218-686-0623 (c)

Navigating the “Great Wealth Transfer” For some time, we have been hearing or reading about the monumental change known as the “Great Wealth Transfer. Trillions of dollars will transfer to the next generation and to charities. It will be the greatest transfer of wealth in history.

Recipients of the Alex Stern Family Endowment

In 2016, the Alex Stern Family Foundation pledged $100,000 (along with the ND Challenge Grant match) to start the Alex Stern Family Endowment supporting full-time students who are Cass or Clay Counties residents attending NDSCS in the Wahpeton or Fargo locations.

Alex Stern came to Fargo, North Dakota, in 1880 and founded the Alex-Stern & Company. In 1916, he started the Dakota National Bank in Fargo. Mr. Stern also served as mayor of Fargo for four years, was a member of the State Legislature, a City Commissioner, was a City Alderman for three terms, and served as a member of the school board for three terms.

Stern passed away in 1934. Upon his passing, two of his living children established the Alex Stern Family Foundation to honor their family members and to carry on the Stern legacy. NDSCS Alumni Foundation is honored to present the Alex Stern Family Endowment scholarships to many students in various programs each year to support furthering their career goals.

What preparations have you made for your transfer of wealth?

The North Dakota Challenge Grant Fund Program was

established in the 2013-2015 Legislative Session, under N.D. Century Code section 15-10-48, to match private donations made to state college foundations.

Qualifying projects must be $25,000 or more in size and designated for student scholarships, program equipment, program enhancements or educational infrastructure. Lower amounts will be accepted on a case-by-case basis. The contribution can be paid as one gift or pledged for up to five years. Project eligibility must be approved by the grant review committee.

The North Dakota Tax Credit is designed for North Dakota

taxpayers to qualify for a special tax break equal to 40% when making a qualifying gift to a charity, or a qualified endowment by an individual or a business.

Contact Kim Nelson at 701-671-2187 or email Kim.J.Nelson@ndscs.edu to learn more.

The NDSCS Alumni Foundation is an eligible charity as a 501 (c) 3 organization with the mission to “ Support and assist those activities that develop and strengthen the North Dakota State College of Science.”

NDSCSalumni.com

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PARTNERSHIP GROWTH

NDSCS Electrical Technology Circuit Sponsors A special thank you goes out to Ken Kary and Ryan Hellen. They presented on behalf of their employers at the 100th Anniversary Electrical Technology Celebration.

Ken Kary (‘80)

Ken Kary, a 1980 alumnus, stated, “We are a long-term mining partner who loves what we do. We’re coal miners — pure and simple.”

What began in 1913 as a modest coal sales brokerage firm in Cleveland, Ohio, has grown to much more. Today, they have over a century of experience providing the fuel their customers need to bring power to communities across the country.

They’re proud of this legacy and come to work daily with the same principles they

founded on: to serve others, innovate, always do what’s right, and treat everyone with dignity and respect.

For over 70 years, Expanse Electrical Co. has delivered marketleading electrical, power, and automation expertise built upon a legacy of technology and quality craftsmanship. Today, as the industry focuses on bigger and more complex challenges, their team understands the importance of innovation, continuity, and efficiencies in providing seamless offerings backed by a fully integrated team. Expanse Electrical serves as a single-source provider throughout a system’s entire lifecycle, emphasizing productivity and safety — from engineering design and site preparation to the energization and beyond.

Ryan Hellen, a 2017 alumnus, commented, “We pride ourselves on having one of the most proficient teams of directly-employed licensed electricians and automation engineers in the industry.”

Ryan Hellen (‘17)

Expanse Electrical employs numerous NDSCS alums. Their in-field experience and intimate knowledge of industry codes and standards ensure compliance and certify safe operations. From individual technologies and services to comprehensive delivery, you can trust them with the details so you can focus on achieving your goals.

At Expanse Electrical Co., their vision is simple — they are working to build a better future — for their company, their craftsmen, and their customers.

They feel this is the best way to create a sustainable, safe, and industry-leading company.

Alumni/Foundation Board Members The Mission of the Foundation is to support and assist with activities that develop and strengthen NDSCS. The NDSCS Alumni Foundation Board is comprised of 18-24 members guiding the Foundation’s Executive Director and staff to success. We would like to welcome our four new board members, who start their terms in August of 2023.

Korey Skolvolt grew up with his three siblings on a farm in Mooreton, North Dakota. He continues to farm in Mooreton with his brother at J & K Grain Farm. Korey attended NDSCS, graduating in 1996 in Farm Business Management. In his spare time, he enjoys snowmobiling, hunting, and lake life in the summer. Korey is married to Aimee, and they have four children Abbie (18), Owen (15), Elise (14), and Brenan (10).

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NDSCS Alumni Review

Pam Erlandson, is a 1988 Liberal Arts alumni.

She retired from Red River Human Services Foundation after sharing 35 years. Pam has lived in Wahpeton nearly all her life and has served on the NDSCS OTA board. She is involved in the community in many ways: currently a Wahpeton Breckenridge Rotary member, part of the Headwaters Music Festival committee, and a member of Bethel Lutheran Church. Pam and her husband, Mike, celebrated 45 years of marriage in June 2023. The Erlandsons have two sons, William in Missouri and David (Karen) in Texas. They continue to live in Wahpeton and winter in Arizona.

ALUMNI SPONSORS

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Beth Dohman was born and raised in Cando, North Dakota, and began her career working for Bremer Bank in Fargo part-time while she attended College; she holds a B.S. in Communications and Business from Concordia College. She has 19 years of experience working for Bremer, helping small businesses and farmers reach their financial goals. She and her husband, Robb, operate a third-generation family farm near Campbell, Minnesota. Beth is also a member of the Wahpeton Optimist Club. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with Robb and their two children, Liam and Julia.

They enjoy their summertime at the lake and watching kids’ sports the rest of the year!

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Julie Miller Vculek (pro. “shoe-leck”), graduated with a Liberal Arts degree from NDSCS in 1982 and is also an NDSU graduate with a bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Economics.

While attending NDSCS, Julie served on the Homecoming Committee. Her husband, Brian, attended NDSCS in the Farm Business Management Program, and they currently farm together near Oakes, North Dakota. Her son, Cole, is also a graduate of the NDSCS Farm Business Management Program and farms.

NDSCSalumni.com

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NORTH DAKOTA STAT E COLLEGE O F S CIE NC E

HOMECOMING October 2-7, 2023

ONCE A

WILDCAT

Wahpeton, N.D.

ALWAYS A

WILDCAT

HOMECOMING ALUMNI AND FRIENDS SOCIAL AND RECOGNITION

Come and enjoy some Homecoming Wildcat Spirit! Join the Alumni and Friends on Friday, October 6. The Homecoming Alumni Social begins at 5:30 p.m. in The Alley located in the Hektner Student Center. A meal and cash bar will be available.

The Alumni and Friends Awards and Recognition ceremony will begin at 7 p.m.

Meet old friends and make new friends. See you there!

HONORING NDSCS ALUMNI ANNIVERSARY CLASSES

HOTEL RESERVATIONS

1953, 1963, 1973, 1983, 1993, 1998, 2003, 2013 Special Recognition Awards will be presented at the Alumni and Friends Social on Friday, October 6. Please register by mail or online by September 29, 2023.

AmericInn Wahpeton • 701-642-8365 Baymont Inn & Suites Wahpeton • 701-642-5000 Travel Lodge Wahpeton • 701-642-8731 A block of rooms is available under NDSCS Alumni Homecoming block.

Make reservations by September 12, 2023.

NDSCS 2023 HOMECOMING

AWARDS EVENT REGISTRATION & SHIRT ORDERS Purchase online at NDSCSalumni.com/Homecoming or call 701-671-2247.

2023 HOMECOMING COMMEMORATIVE LONG-SLEEVE SHIRT

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 6

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 7

$20 per person

$20 Adults | $10 Children 10 & Under

Alumni Social & Awards Event

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$

Athletic Hall of Fame Banquet

Register for Awards Events by September 29, 2023.

Pre-order by September 1, 2023. *Additional $5 if not attending and would like your shirt mailed.

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 3 7 p.m.

NDSCS Wildcat Volleyball vs. Dakota College at Bottineau Clair T. Blikre Activities Center

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 4

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 5

7 p.m.

NDSCS Wildcat Volleyball vs. Williston State College

4-7 p.m.

Classy & Classic Car Show Downtown Wahpeton Sponsored by Smith Motors

Clair T. Blikre Activities Center Faculty & Staff Appreciation

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 6 7:45 a.m.-6:30 p.m.

NDSCS Bookstore Open

11:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.

Caricature Artist

7:45 a.m.-3 p.m.

Wild Grounds Café Open

12-1 p.m.

Homecoming Pep Rally

Hektner Student Center

Hektner Student Center

11-11:45 a.m.

Catbacker Luncheon

1-4 p.m.

Homecoming Visitor Campus Tours

Hektner Student Center Lobby

Start at Hektner Student Center Customer Service Desk

5:30 p.m.

Alumni & Friends Social and Awards

Bremer Bank Theatre, Harry Stern and Ella Stern Cultural Center

5:30 p.m. – Social 7 p.m. – Awards The Alley, Hektner Student Center

Red River Valley Room, Hektner Student Center

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 7 8 a.m.

Honoree Breakfast

Red River Valley Room, Hektner Student Center

8 a.m.-2 p.m.

NDSCS Bookstore Open Hektner Student Center

At the Football Game 11:30 a.m. through halftime (approx. 3 p.m.)

10 a.m.

Homecoming Parade

Downtown Breckenridge/Wahpeton

11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.

Tailgate Celebration & Hog Roast Earl “Skip” Bute Alumni Stadium

$10/plate meal provided by NDSCS Culinary Arts. Roasted whole hog with coleslaw, potato chips, beans and dessert.

Watch for event updates at NDSCSalumni.com

1:30 p.m.

NDSCS Wildcat Football vs. Rochester Community & Technical College Earl “Skip” Bute Alumni Stadium

6 p.m.

Athletic Hall of Fame Social and Banquet

6 p.m. – Social | 7 p.m. – Banquet The Alley, Hektner Student Center

Count me in – I am enclosing my contribution to NDSCS! Gift amount:

North Dakota State College of Science 800 6th St. N., Wahpeton, ND 58076

Direct my

Annual or Club Campaign

gift to:

Scholarship Endowment________________________

$50

$100

$250

$500

Department/Program___________________________

$1,000

Other $________

In Memory/Honor of____________________________

701-671-2247

Name________________________________________________________________ Maiden Name______________________________________

Spouse/Partner________________________________________________________

Program________________________________________________________

Grad Year____________

Address________________________________________________________ City___________________________________ State_____________

Zip_________________

Phone_______________________________________________________ Email_____________________________________________________________________________ I would like more information about Planned Giving

Please make checks payable to the NDSCS Alumni/Foundation. Donations may be tax deductible.

AWARD WINNERS

FAMILY TRADITION Jim & Ellen Sturdevant Family The Jim and Ellen Sturdevant family history with NDSSS and NDSCS began in 1922 when Charles and Lucy (Jim’s grandparents) purchased John Ness’s battery and auto repair business. Mr. Ness had taken a teaching position with NDSSS and was hired to develop the auto mechanic program at the new “trade and technical division” established by the Babcock Plan and adopted by the State Board of Administration in 1922. In 1925 their grandfather Charles was hired by NDSSS to teach a class in Storage Battery Rebuilding – which he did in his downtown shop – making him one of the first adjunct teachers of NDSSS. In 1941, NDSSS became a Navy base with a machining engine class taught by the Sturdevant boys’ father, Virgil Sturdevant, a 1936 graduate of NDSSS. When World War II broke out, Virgil continued with the Navy as a Warrant Officer on PT boats in the Mediterranean Sea. He contributed to rebuilding the Packard Marine engines used in those Patrol Torpedo (PT) boats. Each PT boat contained three 12-cylinder engines.

Ben Barnard (for whom Barnard Hall was named) married Ellen’s aunt, Effie Muir. Ben was hired to develop the electrical trades program at NDSSS in 1922.

Their connection to NDSSS continued as both Jim and Ellen’s homes were in the first block south of the 6th Street school entrance, and the grounds of NDSSS became their playground.

Jim had five brothers and a sister, and all but one attended NDSSS. Jim Sturdevant, the third oldest of the Sturdevant boys, graduated from NDSSS in 1961 with a Liberal Arts degree.

He continued his education at Moorhead State University, graduating in 1963 with a business degree. While at NDSSS, Jim participated in football, basketball, and baseball. He has continued a close association with the college serving on several boards, was president of the Alumni Foundation, was elected to the Athletics Hall of Fame in 2000, and was selected “Alumnus of the Year” in 2001. Jim also received the L.B. Hartz Professional Achievement Award from Moorhead State College of Business in 2017. Jim continued his dedication to the city of Wahpeton by serving 16 years on the city council and 8 years as Mayor.

Ellen (Muir) Sturdevant graduated from NDSSS in 1962 with a degree in Pre-Education. Jim and Ellen were married after Jim’s junior year at MSU. While at NDSSS, Ellen participated in chorus, the Sacagawea Club, the Dakota Scientist staff, and other various committees. Later she continued her music education privately at MSU and NDSU and attended many pedagogy workshops and seminars. Ellen was active in state, national, and local Music Teachers’ Associations and taught piano (and did accompanying) in Wahpeton for many years.

Ellen truly valued Vernon Hektner as an advisor and favorite

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NDSCS Alumni Review

Left to Right: Brad Sturdevant (‘89), Susan Nagel (‘84), Jim Sturdevant (‘61), Ellen Sturdevant (‘62), Cathy Michaels (‘84), Jan Koppang (‘93).

Not pictured: David Sturdevant (‘92)

teacher. Jim and Ellen lived in Moorhead for 12 years, where their five children were born.

Susan (Sturdevant) Nagel is a 1984 NDSSS graduate of Liberal Arts. Susan was active in the music department, accompanying the choirs, playing in the jazz and concert bands, and as a member of the Wildcat singers. She also was a sprinter on the track team for one year, placing 5th at the Junior College National Meet as a member of the 400-meter relay team.

Susan continued her education at Moorhead State University, earning a BS in Piano Performance and later a master’s degree at NDSU. She works as a teacher and collaborative pianist in the Fargo-Moorhead area. Susan’s husband, Tom (originally from Bismarck), is a 1985 graduate of NDSSS in Electronics Technology. He is currently the Vice President of Sales at D&M Industries in Moorhead. Together they have three children: Tyler, a longtime employee at the West Fargo DQ; Matthew (Brianna), a software consultant/teacher; and Lindsay, a firefighter for the city of Seattle, Washington. Susan and Tom enjoy spending time with their grandsons, Grant and Henry.

Cathy (Sturdevant) Michels attended NDSSS from 1983-84.

Cathy transferred to NDSU in Fargo and graduated in 1988, earning a degree in Interior Design. While Cathy was a senior at Wahpeton High School, she took an Architectural Drafting class at NDSSS from Roger Jensen that sparked her interest in the design field. Cathy began her career in Minneapolis working as an interior designer. She moved to Moorhead, where she currently lives with her husband, Kevin, and has worked designing custom cabinets since 1999. Cathy and Kevin have twin daughters–McKenna is a 2020 graduate from NDSCS with a degree in Dental Hygiene. McKenna lives in Fergus Falls, Minnesota, and currently works for LifeSmiles Dental. Morgan lives in Detroit Lakes and works in the healthcare field as an X-ray technician.

Brad Sturdevant graduated from NDSCS in 1989 with a degree in Civil Engineering Technology. His first job was in Spearfish, South Dakota, doing general surveying and construction inspection. In 1990, he joined DJ&A Engineering in Missoula as a crew chief focusing on Cadastral Land Surveys, GPS, and remote surveying technology. He and his wife, Nancy (a PhD Entomologist), have two sons. Jimmy attended NDSCS in the

AWARD WINNERS diesel technology program and is employed with Lithia Ford in Missoula. Sam is presently a student at the University of Montana-Western.

Jane (Sturdevant) Koppang graduated from NDSCS in 1993, earning a degree in Business Management. After raising their children, Jane rejoined the workforce at Chahinkapa Zoo, NDSCS, and at the Clinic for Oral Health. Jane is married to Kevin Koppang, a 1990 NDSCS graduate in Architectural Drafting and Estimating, Construction Management, and Business Management. Kevin is the General Manager for Comstock Construction. Jane and Kevin have three children.

Connor Koppang is a 2015 Construction Management Technology graduate; his wife, Karly Sokness, is a 2015 Liberal Arts grad. Connor finished his degree at Minnesota State University-Moorhead, and Karly finished at NDSU. Connor is a

project manager for the Kilbourne Group in Fargo, and Karly is an industrial engineer for Noridian Health. Blake graduated from NDSCS in 2022 in the Electrical Program and works for Summerville Electric. Kristen (Andrew) Bonine lives in Prescott, Wisconsin, and has three children.

David Sturdevant graduated from NDSCS in 1992 with a degree in Liberal Arts. He transferred to the University of Southern Colorado, where he obtained an Automotive/Business Management degree. After graduation, David worked in sales for an Automotive Computer Company. In 2000, David started an automotive tool internet sales business where he’s selfemployed. He resides at Otter Tail Lake, Minnesota.

The NDSCS Foundation is proud to honor this great family as the 2023 Family Tradition Award winner.

ALUMNUS OF THE YEAR Tom Shorma Tom Shorma, an NDSCS graduate, has led an active and accomplished life since leaving NDSSS in 1978 with a Liberal Arts Degree. He has been a loyal alumnus, donor, supporter, and champion of NDSCS every year since graduation, demonstrating his deep understanding and appreciation of the NDSCS mission in countless ways. He was part of the support team that worked alongside state legislators and SBHE members to establish the Skills and Technology Training Center in Fargo during the early 1990s. Fast forward to 2021, and Tom is right there supporting and providing legislative testimony to advance the NDSCS Career Innovation Center in Fargo.

Tom is a business, marketing, advertising, and coaching graduate and football alumni of the North Dakota State School of Science (1978) and the University of North Dakota (1980).

He has served on program advisory committees, the NDSCS Foundation Board, and the Wildcat Catbacker Club. Tom and WCCO have been great contributors…together they have been long-standing Wildcat Athletics supporters. He was inducted into the NDSCS Athletic Hall of Fame in 1998 and the UND Athletic Hall of Fame in 2010 and was a charter inductee into the Richland County Athletic Hall of Fame. The NDSCS Shorma Family Workout Gym (located in Clair T. Blikre Activities Center) was dedicated in 2019. Tom also served on the search committee for our 10th president of NDSCS. He was also most recently the CEO/President of WCCO Belting, Inc., located in Wahpeton, North Dakota. He held that title since late 2001. WCCO Belting was then a privately owned primary sector manufacturer of agricultural and industrial rubber belting and conveyor products. During his tenure with WCCO, the company grew its revenues by 1000%, with as much as 60% of total annual sales generated from customers located outside of the United States. During that time, Tom hired many part-time and full-time employees who were/are NDSCS students and graduates.

Tom and his wife, Julie, have been instrumental in bringing guests from the Fargo area to the annual NDSCS Foundation DREAMS Auction. They have invited and transported many donors – reconnecting them to the college – through their invitation to join them at Tom Shorma (‘78) their table. Tom utilizes every opportunity to advocate for NDSCS – be it local, regional, or statewide.

Tom and his family are long-standing staunch supporters of NDSCS who develop relationships with people who may or may not be connected to the college and (over time) cultivates them to support the college (financially and publicly) year after year.

Tom lives in Fargo, North Dakota, and is married to Julie (Fisher) Shorma. They have four children, Karley (Tony) Serati of Fargo, North Dakota; Cassie (Tucker Bartlett) Jamestown, North Dakota; Maggie (18) and Thomas (TJ) (17) of Fargo, North Dakota, and his grandson, Asher Bartlett.

We are honored and grateful to name Thomas D. Shorma as our NDSCS Alumnus of the Year. He lives and breathes NDSCS, and his support and relationship-building since his graduation in 1978 are second to none, and he truly deserves the Alumnus of the Year Award.

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AWARD WINNERS

PARADE GRAND MARSHAL Mike Felling Mike Felling is a born leader, and we are proud to have him as our Parade Grand Marshall for Homecoming 2023.

Mike joined the Army after high school and served three years from 1957-1960. He was stationed in Ft. Sill, Oklahoma, and toured Germany while serving in the Army. In 1961, Mike enrolled at Dunwoody Institute in Minneapolis for Graphic Arts.

Two months after the paperwork and fees were paid, Mike was informed that the class was full and was told to re-enroll in 1962. Another alumnus of NDSSS (and a Graphic Arts grad) convinced Mike to come to Wahpeton. The alumnus said the Graphic Arts program is better here — and that he’d enjoy the college atmosphere, and that he did. The rest is history, a decision that has lasted a lifetime. “Once a Wildcat, always a Wildcat!”

Mike’s fondest adventure was a bike ride across Minnesota for a Multiple Sclerosis benefit. The ride started in Ortonville and ended at the Minnesota border near Wisconsin a week later.

His goal was to make it without any injury or getting hit by a car – he was successful in that goal.

Mike also participated in the M.S. Benefit Bike Ride for five years. They called their team of four the “Slo-Spokes,” and they raised more money than any of the other 25 teams.

He once shared, “I have never felt better and prouder about helping to find a cure for this disabling disease!”

Mike Felling (‘64)

He has also led the fundraising activities of his 1962 Wildcat Football Team.

That team created the 1962 NDIAC Football Championship Endowment in 2020. Mike got over 50 people to donate to the endowment by writing letters and calling them.

Mike truly loves NDSCS and has shared his stories at the Scholarship Luncheons held in the Hektner Student Center each year on the NDSCS campus. Mike and his wife, Judy, live near their children and grandchildren in Sauk Centre, Minnesota.

WILDCAT OF THE YEAR Jeff Hart Jeff Hart started teaching at NDSCS in the Fall of 2007. “I just love it here–a very unique place. Coming from Minnesota, I was familiar with community colleges that looked like overgrown high schools, all in one building. NDSCS has a college feel and alumni backing that I don’t think any other two-year school has to offer.”

After graduation from Moorhead State University, Jeff taught for 21 years at Kittson Central High School in Kennedy and Hallock, Minnesota. Jeff has a long history with athletics. He coached football in Kennedy, Minnesota, and then at the combined Kittson Central District, which included Hallock and Humboldt/St. Vincent, as well as Kennedy. His team won the Nine-Man State Title in 1994, and Jeff still proudly wears his State Championship ring.

Jeff has served on the NDSCS Faculty Senate, holding the offices of secretary, vice-president, and president–as well as being NDSCS’s representative to the state-wide Council of College Faculties, where he served as parliamentarian for five years. Jeff chairs the NDSCS General Education Committee and has served as the North Dakota General Education Council’s vice president, president, and parliamentarian.

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NDSCS Alumni Review

Jeff comments that his saintly wife, Shelly, has put up with him for 41 years (by Homecoming). They have three adult children, Dustin, Spencer, and Sadie, a daughter-in-law Bekkie (Dustin), and one grandson, Archer.

“I love being a part of Jeff Hart the NDSCS family. I am surrounded by an excellent and caring faculty, staff, and administration, and I absolutely love my job. Interaction with the students and the knowledge that I have made a difference for some of them gives me great satisfaction. Many of my college fraternity brothers are now retired and tease me that I should join them. I tell them I am not interested as I have too much fun doing what I love.”

Congratulations to Jeff on being name the 2023 Wildcat of the Year.

AWARD WINNERS

FRIEND OF THE COLLEGE Alisa Mitskog Yaggie Alisa Mitskog Yaggie is a Wahpeton native and an NDSSS 1985 Liberal Arts alum. She went on to the University of North Dakota and Logan College of Chiropractic and has practiced chiropractic for 30-plus years. Alisa owns Mitskog Chiropractic in Wahpeton.

Alisa is involved in many community organizations. She serves as District 25 Representative in the North Dakota Legislature, has served as Wahpeton City Council President, served on the Economic Development Commission, the ND League of Cities executive board, the Breckenridge-Wahpeton Community Foundation, Zonta, provided Chiropractic services to NDSCS athletics, served on the NDSCS Foundation Board and is a current NDSCS Catbacker/letterwinner board member.

Alisa has shown tremendous support for NDSCS over the past 37 years. We believe that she meets (and exceeds) the criteria established for the honor of Commitment to Excellence. Alisa consistently demonstrates her love and passion for the college.

First and foremost, she is an ambassador for NDSCS. She is ready and willing to jump in and help no matter the occasion. You may find her at sports activities, Homecoming, DREAMS events, or representing NDSCS proudly at the state level. Alisa always does a great job of making sure NDSCS is shown in a positive light.

Alisa actively donates her time, talents, and treasures — supporting the efforts of the NDSCS Foundation through scholarships, endowments, and annual giving. Alisa and her husband, Allen Yaggie, participate actively in many NDSCS functions and athletic events. They have Alisa Mitskog Yaggie (‘85) sponsored NDSCS Meet and Greets and other related activities. Their donations through the years have supported the Alumni Foundation, NDSCS Athletics, academic services, and numerous other departments. She and Allen are proud parents of three daughters: Madison Yaggie Schuler (George Schuler IV), Mackenzie, and MiraBella, and they have three granddaughters.

Alisa’s continued commitment to NDSCS makes her the perfect recipient of this year’s Friend of the College award.

YOUNG ALUMNUS OF THE YEAR Josh Dozak Josh Dozak grew up in Wahpeton, graduating in 2000 from Wahpeton High School. He attended NDSCS, graduating in 2002 in Pre-Pharmacy. Josh then attended North Dakota State University, receiving his bachelor’s degree and Doctor of Pharmacy. He currently owns and operates Wheaton Drug and Gift, providing professional pharmacy services to the community.

Josh has exemplified outstanding leadership, character, and humility at a young age. Before the age of 40, he understood the significance of education and the opportunities that NDSCS, a 2-year college, can provide. Josh and his wife, Tracy (a Nurse Practitioner), started the Josh and Tracy Dozak Scholarship Endowment in 2015, impacting dozens of lives by providing scholarship opportunities for nursing or pharmacy students, “hoping to encourage students to stay in the community.”

Josh’s most significant philanthropic contributions are not only through monetary giving, but by attending and participating in many DREAMS Auction events. He has given his time and volunteerism to the Alumni Foundation Board, serving as Vice President and President. Josh lives a life that exemplifies

NDSCS L.I.F.E. Values — Learning: Engage the campus community in a lifelong learning environment inside and outside the classroom.

Integrity: Work with others and conduct ourselves in a respectful, ethical, honest, and trusting manner.

Flexibility: Consider ideas Josh Dozak (‘02) from all sources and adapt to the needs of our patrons.

Excellence: Deliver superior programs and services that distinguish the college from its peers.

Josh and Tracy have two young boys, Gabe and Michael.

They love spending time at their home on Big Stone Lake in Minnesota.

The NDSCS Foundation is honored to celebrate Josh as the first Young Alumnus Award for the NDSCS Alumni Foundation.

NDSCSalumni.com

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AWARD WINNERS

NDSCS ATHLETIC HALL OF FAME

Lindsey Wasland

Jason Flack

David Erbes

CLASS OF ‘05

CLASS OF ‘00

CLASS OF ‘03

Lindsey Wasland ventured up Interstate 29 from Watertown, South Dakota, to play basketball for the Lady Wildcats as a forward on the 2003-05 basketball team.

Originally from Wahpeton, Jason Flack came to NDSCS after a successful football career at Wahpeton High School. He is a 2000 Liberal Arts graduate and was on the Dean’s List while maintaining a 3.2 GPA.

David Erbes came to NDSCS from Richland High School, where he excelled in athletics. He was a member of the 2001-03 Men’s Wildcat basketball team playing power forward/center. The 2001-02 men’s team had a season record of 31 wins and only two losses.

David was Region XIII and Mon-Dak Conference 1st Team. The 2002-03 Men’s team finished the season with 26 wins and seven losses. David was again Region XIII and Mon-Dak Conference 1st Team, Mon-Dak Conference MVP, and NJCAA Division 1 All-American 3rd Team.

During the 2003-04 season, the team was the Pre-Season Mon-Dak Conference Tournament Champions, and during her two years, the team had consecutive 20-plus wins. Lindsey was Mon-Dak Conference MVP, Mon-Dak All-Academic Team, and NDSCS’s “Most Outstanding Rebounder” and even led the conference in rebounds per game. In the 2004-05 season, she was Third Team All American, All-Region Team, All Mon-Dak Conference Team, All-Academic Team, and NDSCS’s “Outstanding Offensive and Defensive Rebounder,” leading the team in scoring.

She is currently number two on the list for all-time rebounds for the Lady Wildcats and number four for all-time scoring.

After her time with the Lady Wildcats, Lindsey attended SDSU in Brookings, South Dakota, to play for the Jackrabbits.

Early in her first year at SDSU, a careerending basketball injury limited her participation. Lindsey went on to finish school at NDSU and helped Coach Stein at NDSCS lead the Wildcat women to another Region 13 Championship in 2007.

Lindsey loves to say, “What is life without adventure!?” She currently splits her time between South Dakota, Minnesota, and Florida. She loves anything outdoors, is still very active in fitness, and loves time on the water, whether it’s the ocean or the lake.

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NDSCS Alumni Review

Jason played Outside Linebacker for the 1998 and 1999 Wildcat Football teams.

That 1999 team finished the season with a record of 10-0, winning the Pepsi Cola Bowl over Rochester Community College, 24-21 in a hard-fought battle.

The 1999 Wildcats football team was the only undefeated Junior College team in the country and ranked 2nd nationally. Jason was a 2-year letterwinner for the Wildcats and was First Team All-Region in 1999.

Jason continued his education at Minnesota State University-Moorhead, receiving a Bachelor of Science degree in Construction Management. He continues to live in Wahpeton and works for Comstock Construction, where his current role is Director of Preconstruction.

Jason enjoys hunting, fishing, running, and watching his sons play sports. He and his wife, Danielle (a former Wildcat Volleyball player), have two sons, Rylan and Kyler.

David graduated in 2003 with an Associate of Science degree before transferring to NDSU to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Economics and play basketball for the NDSU Bison.

He currently lives in Mapleton, North Dakota, and is employed by Gateway Building Systems in West Fargo, where he is the Sales/Project Manager.

David enjoys watching his children’s activities, gardening, watching sports, and traveling. David and his wife, Amber (also a graduate of NDSCS), have three children: Brooks, Briggs, and Blair.

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AWARD WINNERS

1973 NDSSS Track Team 2023 marks 50 years since the NDSSS track team brought home the first Region 13 Track and Field Championship for NDSSS. These 1973 Team athletes were devoted to workouts, were competitive, and shared a lot of success. Coaches Wes Andrud and Lynn Schmidt are proud to nominate them to the Hall of Fame.

NDSSS (now NDSCS) experienced a very successful track season in 1973. It was the first time NDSSS had ever won the NDJCAC title and a place in the NJCAC meet. They also finished fourth in the NDCAC. Team members were: Gary Bertek, Mike Francis, Scott Hanson, Joe Hausauer, Lee Jorgenson, Bruce Loney, Tom Manikowske, Greg Marking, Brad Naggatz, Rick Olson, Kevin Peterson, Dennis Ramlo, David Reese, John Richman, Paul Schmidt, Tom Sheets, Dan Shown, Merle Shown, Gordon Stine, Tom Sturdevant, Brian Uhlich, Mike Williams, and Gus Mohs.

Kevin Peterson, Scott Hanson, Mike Francis, and Tom Sturdevant qualified in individual events and competed in the NJCAA track meet in Houston, Texas, where Peterson placed 5th in the nation in the 880-Yard Run with his record time of 1:53.8. Francis led the 1973 team scoring with 113 points, followed by NDCAC 100 yarddash champion, Brian Uhlich, who scored 99 points. Eleven NDSSS outdoor records were established that year.

The team consisted of primarily local athletes competing because they loved to compete. The team represented NDSSS in 15 track meets.

A vivid memory was how they were bussed north of Wahpeton and dropped off to run to return to NDSSS. At Butte Gym or Frank Vertin Stadium, the team ran stairs. These training methods progressed to 1973 Wildcat Track Team: Front Row (L to R): Brian Uhlich, Tom Sturdevant, Tom Manikowski. Second Row: Merle Shown, individual event Lee Jergenson, Mike Francis, Scott Hanson, Kevin Peterson. training, with Third Row: Tom Sheets, Gery Bertek, Mike Williams, a focused goal Fourth Row: Rick Olson, Gus Mohs, Dennis Ramlo.

Fifth Row: Bruce Loney, Gordon Stine. Back Row: Joe Hausauer, of each athlete Paul Schmidt, Dave Reese, Greg Marking. to perform at their personal best and win the Region 13 Track and Field Championship. This was the vision for the entire team, including shot put and discus competitor (and long-time NDSCS President!)

John Richman.

Upon graduation, the team went their separate ways, each likely with fond memories of the 1973 NDSSS Region 13 Track Championship. With a great deal of reflective pride and joy, these track team athletes are recognized for the 2023 NDSCS/NDSSS Team Letter Winner Hall of Fame Honor.

2002-03 NDSCS Women’s Basketball Team The 2002-03 NDSCS women’s basketball team had high expectations coming into the season, and they proved they were up to the task. The team set many team and individual records on their way to a Mon-Dak Conference Championship, a Region XIII Championship, and a District J Championship.

Having earned the right to host the Region XIII tournament, the Wildcats would play one of their most exciting games of the season in the first round vs. Williston State College. Trailing much of the game (and by as many as 13 points in the first half), the Wildcats stormed back, and a late 3-pointer by sophomore, Rikiee Ellis, gave the Wildcats the 81-79 win. A 27-point blowout win vs. Lake Region in the Region Championship set the stage for a rematch with Iowa Western for the right to advance to the NJCAA championships. The Reivers had handed NDSCS their worst loss of the season just a month earlier and had ended the Wildcats’ season in two of the three previous seasons.

Led by a record-setting 40-point performance from sophomore All-American Jaci Jensen, the Wildcats raced to a 101-84 win.

They earned the program’s second-ever trip to the National Championships in Salina, Kansas. With that impressive victory, Jensen and her fellow sophomores would finish their careers with a perfect 29-0 record at the Blikre Activities Center.

The 2002-03 season was filled with several impressive individual performances, but what really stands out was their performance as a team. They set a then-record for being the highest-scoring

Front Row (L to R): Taylor Foley, Lindsay Hewitt, Jennifer Ramesbothom, Alicia Calkins, Jaci Jensen, Jennifer Strughn, Kristen Omberg, Serena Nalls, Emily Pasc Second Row: Eric Homer, Tim O’Donnell, Rikiee Ellis, Jean Asuma, Bridget Glover, Shimeka Neal, Angie Hutchinson, Abby Petersek, Geoff Lanier, Bryan Bemaine

team in program history in “points per game” and “total points.”

Other team records included “most wins in a season,” “most rebounds in a season,” “most steals in a season,” and “most made 3-pointers in a season.” That record-setting performance of 295 3-pointers also helped the Wildcats raise over $3,700 for the Wahpeton Public Schools in the “Shots for Tots” program.

Individually, sophomore Jaci Jensen was named 2nd Team AllAmerican, All-Region, All-Conference, and MVP of the Region XIII Tournament. Sophomore Jean Asuma was named All-Conference and earned a Region XIII All-Tournament Team spot. Sophomore Rikiee Ellis was named All-Region, and Head Coach Geoff Lanier was named the Conference, Region, and District Coach of the Year.

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2023-2024 ALUMNI/FOUNDATION EVENTS CALENDAR

Mark your calendars and come back to experience “The Science of Success.” Visit NDSCSalumni.com for details and revisions.

8/3 8/18 8/19-20 8/20 8/21 8/23 8/25 8/27 8/29 8/30 9/3 9/8 9/15-16 9/16 9/20 9/23 10/2 10/3 10/4 10/5 10/6 10/6 10/6 10/7 10/7

August 2023 Executive Committee Meeting Alumni/Foundation Board Meeting Move In Weekend Community Block Party Fall Semester Begins at 4 p.m.

Wildcat Volleyball Home Opener Catbacker Luncheon Wildcat Football Home Opener Wildcat Volleyball Wildcat Volleyball September 2023 Executive Committee Meeting Wildcat Volleyball Wildcat Volleyball Bell Bank Tournament – Family Weekend Wildcat Football Wildcat Volleyball Wildcat Football October 2023 NDSCS Homecoming Week Begins Wildcat Volleyball – Homecoming Wildcat Volleyball – Faculty/Staff Appreciation & Homecoming Executive Committee Meeting Catbacker Luncheon NDSCS Homecoming Pep Rally Alumni & Friends Social & Recognition NDSCS Homecoming Parade NDSCS Homecoming Tailgate Celebration

10/7 10/7 10/14 10/16 10/19 10/24

October 2023 Wildcat Football – Homecoming Athletic Hall of Fame Social & Banquet Wildcat Football Wildcat Volleyball – Sophomore Night Speaker Series NDSCS Fall Concert

11/29

November 2023 Executive Committee Meeting Alumni/Foundation Board Meeting Wildcat Men’s & Women’s Basketball AmericInn Classic Wildcat Men’s Basketball National Philanthropy Day Wildcat Men’s & Women’s Basketball Baymont Inn Classic Wildcat Men’s & Women’s Basketball

12/5 12/7 12/8 12/8

December 2023 NDSCS Holiday Concert Executive Committee Meeting Wildcat Men’s Basketball Catbacker Luncheon

1/3 1/4 1/10 1/12 1/14 1/15

January 2024 Wildcat Women’s Basketball Executive Committee Meeting Wildcat Men’s & Women’s Basketball Catbacker Luncheon Wildcat Men’s & Women’s Basketball Wildcat Men’s & Women’s Basketball

11/2 11/3 11/10-11 11/14 11/15 11/17-18

1/21

Wildcat Men’s & Women’s Basketball

2/1 2/2 2/11 2/19 2/22

February 2024 Executive Committee Meeting Alumni/Foundation Board Meeting Wildcat Men’s & Women’s Basketball Wildcat Men’s & Women’s Basketball Wildcat Men’s & Women’s Basketball

3/1 3/5-7 3/7

March 2024 Catbacker Luncheon NDSCS Drama Production Executive Committee Meeting

4/4 4/12 4/16 4/26-27 4/30

April 2024 Executive Committee Meeting DREAMS Auction NDSCS Spring Concert Alumni Sports Weekend NDSCS Wildcat Singers & Jazz Band Concert

5/2 5/3 5/10

May 2024 Executive Committee Meeting Alumni/Foundation Board Meeting NDSCS Commencement Ceremony

6/6 TBD 6/13

June 2024 Executive Committee Meeting Bismarck Meet & Greet Wildcat Golf Open

TBD

July 2024 Ottertail Area Meet & Greet