SIOUX NAME TO BE RETIRED DEAR ALUMNI & FRIENDS, In early November, the North Dakota Legislature repealed House Bill 1263, which required UND to keep the Fighting Sioux name and logo. With the Governor’s signature, the rescinding of the mandate was final. Thus, as the athletic seasons end this year, the 81-year tradition associated with the Sioux name and the many various logos accompanying it will come to a conclusion. For many, but not all, this is a sad ending to a name that has stood for tradition, honor, accomplishment, character and strength. I disagree with the hypocritical manner in which the NCAA has handled this matter, and in particular the characterization of our institution as “hostile and abusive.” That said, the traditions of our past cannot supersede nor obstruct the future for our student-athletes, coaches, programs and our University. Simply said, in a variety of ways, other campuses have in effect told us, “We do not want your problems or sanctions on our campus.” The facts that surfaced this year made it clear we would not gain entry to the Big Sky Conference or, for that matter, any other credible conference. Longtime rivals such as Minnesota, Wisconsin, South Dakota State, Iowa and others made it clear publicly they would not compete with us, to include hockey after the Gophers and the Badgers leave the WCHA. Top recruits come to compete with the best. The blending of the realities associated with conference affiliation, scheduling, recruiting, and institutional reputation, academically and athletically, drove the finality of this decision. To ignore these realities would be irresponsible to the students of today and tomorrow. Over the past few years the emotions surrounding this issue have been difficult to experience, to say the least. Friends, family, colleagues and even teammates have been divided in opinion and emotion. All else aside, I fervently hope as alumni we can rise to the occasion and come together in prideful support of UND, whether it be our student-athletes, or across the campus, where there is so much to celebrate. 4
Ἅ lu m n i R e v ie w | Winter 2011
Twelve months ago, I used this space to tell you about the exciting announcement made just weeks earlier regarding North Dakota Spirit | The Campaign for UND. I told you about the $300 million campaign, and the various philanthropic goals that would shift the culture of our University in seismic fashion forever. As part of that announcement, you learned that the campaign had already raised $200 million during its four-year silent phase, and that we intended to reach our $300 million goal by Homecoming 2013. Well, the past year has not diminished our enthusiasm! We’ve added another $38 million in donor commitments to the campaign. Collectively, the $238 million is already making a huge impact on our campus! For example, there are 198 new endowments supporting superior students, outstanding faculty (10 new endowed chairs) and new programs across campus; all thanks to the spirit of our donors, who we cannot thank enough. One of the most visible signs of the campaign is the construction of the Gorecki Alumni Center, your future home on campus. The LEED Platinum project will be the most energy-efficient building ever constructed in North Dakota, and will serve as a gateway to UND, welcoming alumni, current and prospective students and their parents to campus. You can follow progress on the building and view a live video feed from the construction site at www.undalumni.org/alumnicenter. We are so excited to host the grand opening of the Gorecki Alumni Center during Homecoming 2012. Be sure to circle Oct. 12, 2012, on your calendar to take part in the biggest Homecoming celebration in years. I promise all a great time! This is an exciting time at UND. In life there are always hurdles. As we look ahead, we see big things to come, building on the past to a brighter future. Best regards,
Tim O’Keefe, ’71 Executive Vice President and CEO UND Alumni Association and UND Foundation E‐mail: timo@undfoundation.org
Alumni Review
Universit y of Nor th Dakota A lumni A ssoc iat ion
Executive Vice President and Vol CEO . 93 No. 4 • Winter 2010 Tim O’Keefe, ’71 Editor Milo Smith Designer Sam Melquist Contributing Writers Alyssa Shirek, ‘06 Juan Pedraza, ‘02 Patrick C. Miller Peter Johnson, ‘81, ‘82 David Dodds, ‘98 Amanda Hvidsten, ‘01 Ryan Powell Contributing Photography Jackie Lorentz BOARD OF DIRECTORS UND Alumni Association Chair Carolyn (Howland) Becraft, ’66 Vice Chair Kris Compton, ’77 UND Foundation Chair Rick Burgum, ’68 Vice Chair Al Royse, ’72, ’73, ’76 Directors: Alice Brekke, ’79, ’87; Jill Burchill, ’76; Steve Burian, ’90, ’92; Marc Chorney, ’81; Jody Feragen, ’78; Mark Fliginger, ’74; William Guy III, ’68, ’76; Tim Haas, ’68; Bart Holaday, HON ’06; Robert O. Kelley; Chuck Kluenker; Linda Laskowski, ’72, ’73; Paul LeBel; Lauris Molbert, ’79, ’83; Jennifer Neppel, ’86; Tim O’Keefe, ’71; Linda Pancratz, ’76; Carrie McIntyre Panetta, ’88; Fernanda (Santos) Philbrick, ’94, ‘96; Doug Podolak, ’72; Cathy (Wilson) Rydell, ’88; and Lisa Wheeler, ’75, ’82, James L. Williams, ’62. The University of North Dakota Alumni Review (USPS 018089: ISSN 0895-5409) is published in August, November, February and May by the University of North Dakota Alumni Association, 3100 University Avenue, Stop 8157, Grand Forks, ND 58202-8157. Periodical postage paid at Grand Forks, ND 58201 and other offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the Alumni Review, 3100 University Avenue, Stop 8157, Grand Forks, ND 58202-8157. For inquiries about advertising, additional copies, reprints, submissions, or general comments, contact 800.543.8764, 701.777.0831 or alumnireview@undalumni.net.