D I C K I N S O N
S TAT E
U N I V E R S I T Y
February 2020 2020 VISION: LOOKING BACK AT AN INCREDIBLE DECADE AND LOOKING FORWARD TO EVEN MORE SUCCESS The University has produced four individual national champions and the NAIA has inducted four Blue Hawks into its Hall of Fame. The Blue Hawks have also produced a number of all-conference athletes, Coaches of the Year, 78 NAIA all-Americans and have had several teams quality for their respective NAIA National Tournaments in the last 10 years. Five of our recent graduates appeared in the Olympic Games. One, Ramon Miller, took the baton in the classic Olympic relay race, the 4 by 400 meters, five meters behind and drove past the lead runner to secure his country’s first ever men’s Olympic track gold medal. Among small schools, DSU is at the top of Mount Olympus. In 2018, the University celebrated its Centennial year, commemorating 100 years of excellence in education as alumni from across the country traveled back to the DSU campus. During this celebration, alumni and their families and friends had the opportunity to reconnect with fellow classmates and see how the campus has changed since they last walked the halls of their alma mater.
by Interim President Steve Easton As I embark on my first full month as the Interim President of Dickinson State University, it is clear that this is a fascinating time in the history of our beloved “College on the Hill.” The past decade was filled with accomplishments for Dickinson State. On the academic front, DSU student Matt Perdue received the prestigious recognition of being named a Truman Scholar, and other recent graduates were accepted into optometry, medical, law, and other professional schools, while their colleagues were accepted in graduate school at institutions, some of which include the University of Massachusetts, Johns Hopkins School of Nursing, the University of Arizona, Baylor University, the Peabody Institute of Music at Johns Hopkins University, Oregon State, Rice University, Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine, Georgetown, the University of Alabama, and the University of Connecticut. In 2019, DSU received a glowing accreditation report that will carry our Higher Learning Commission accreditation through 2024. Following a midcycle comprehensive review of the institution’s mission, academic programs and services, governance and administration, finances, and resources, the Higher Learning Commission confirmed that DSU is meeting recognized accreditation standards in higher education, is pursuing institutional improvement and excellence, and is in full compliance with requirements set by the U.S. Department of Education.
In 2019, Dickinson State became the first and only dual mission four-year institution in North Dakota. This means that, in addition to our traditional strengths (including teacher education, agriculture, business, the humanities, science, and others), we will now teach nontraditional workplace training and other courses to meet the specific needs of Dickinson and southwestern North Dakota. We have already added certified nursing assistant training, a communication workshop for working professionals, and criminal justice programs, and we hope to be able to provide welding this spring. We look forward to adding other innovative programs in the upcoming decade. As part of our dual mission designation, we have also recently added our first graduate programs. The Department of Teacher Education added a master’s degree for those who pursued undergraduate degrees in non-teaching fields in 2018, and the School of Business and Entrepreneurship added a master’s degree in Entrepreneurship in 2019. Both programs are poised to grow. As a DSU alumnus, I treasure the accomplishments of the past decade. As the new Interim President, I treasure the opportunity to share them with our students, potential students, alumni, and other supporters. This is an exciting time for Dickinson State, with wonderful opportunities already on the horizon.
The Department of Business and Management at DSU received approval from the North Dakota State Board of Higher Education in 2017 to form the School of Business and Entrepreneurship. Launched in 1927 as the Commerce Division of Dickinson Normal School, the academic unit consisted of business administration, secretarial arts, and commerce. Now, as the School of Business and Entrepreneurship, DSU offers six bachelor’s degree fields of study in business accredited by the International Assembly for Collegiate Business Education. In 2017, Arts Midwest, one of six regional arts organizations in the United States, named DSU its sole World Fest partner for the state of North Dakota. Through a two-year partnership, Arts Midwest collaborated with the University to bring four international music ensembles to Dickinson to share their unique culture and music through workshops in schools and community locations. Each visit culminated in a well-attended public concert in May Hall’s Dorothy Stickney Auditorium. During this decade, the Theodore Roosevelt Center, established in 2009, published its 50,000th digital item – a number that continues to climb daily with the hard work of its staff. The impressive collection housed in the digital library is helping to fulfill the TR Center’s mission to “facilitate research for scholars, students, Roosevelt enthusiasts and the public.” Its 50,000-plus item inventory makes for quite a comprehensive resource. A wide variety of interested parties are taking advantage of having access to these materials. On the fiscal front, too, there is good—indeed, amazing—news. Four years ago, Interim President Jim Ozbun and a group of dedicated alumni and friends started a brand-new foundation to raise funds to support DSU students with scholarships. In that short time, the DSU Heritage Foundation has raised over $15 million. The generosity of Dickinson and southwestern North Dakota citizens demonstrates the amazing support our area provides to DSU and its students. In the last 10 years the campus has seen vast improvements to student spaces including a newly renovated dining area that is also open to the public, upgrades to residence halls, and the addition of the Blue Hawk Hub lounge space. The North Dakota Legislature also appropriated funds that will enable us to make a longstanding dream—converting Pulver back into a campus facility— come true. The renovated Pulver Hall will be the home of our Theodore Roosevelt Center and the residence for our Theodore Roosevelt Honors Leadership Program scholars. This will allow both programs, which are unique to our University, to continue to grow. When the Pulver Hall renovation is completed (in about two years), we will also have showcase space for the community that will tell the story of Theodore Roosevelt’s connections to Dickinson and southwest North Dakota. We hope it will become a “must stop” when you are taking your out-of-town guests on a tour of Dickinson. The sports pages of the past decade also document many DSU accomplishments. The Blue Hawks have won 35 conference championships in the past decade: • 7 in men’s track and field
• 4 in women’s track and field
• 7 in softball
• 3 in men’s cross country
• 6 in football
• 2 (regional championships) in wrestling
• 5 in women’s cross country
• 1 in men’s basketball
We are also optimistic that we can grow Dickinson State’s enrollment in the upcoming years. While it is true that other colleges will also be competing for students, Dickinson State has much to offer. Our brand is personal attention. When I ask our students what keeps them at DSU to pursue their degrees, the overwhelming reason is “people at Dickinson State care about me.” While a rich campus life, solid facilities, opportunities for student participation and growth, and even successful athletic teams are important assets, it is DSU’s people who are our biggest treasure. They do indeed care about our students. They work hard to help them succeed. Along with many moments of achievement, happiness, and even glory in the past decade, DSU and we who love her did have some tough times. But she stands strengthened by those tough times, proud of the many good times, and ready to take on the world in the upcoming decade. My son, a recent graduate, and his friends popularized the expression “Hawks are up!” as an indication of pride in DSU. The Hawks are up for the 2020s!
Congratulations! DR. LORI HAUF Best College Professor Dr. Lori Hauf, assistant professor of business in the School of Business and Entrepreneurship at Dickinson State University, was named Best College Professor in The Dickinson Press’ 2020 Best of the Western Edge contest!
2019 FALL COMMENCEMENT Dickinson State University celebrated graduates at the fall 2019 commencement ceremony held Friday, Dec. 20, in Dorothy Stickney Auditorium. The ceremony featured student speaker Rachael Solberg, who addressed the graduating class. Solberg is the daughter of Ken and LuAnn Solberg of Belfield, North Dakota. While at DSU, Solberg performed in 10 theatre productions and participated in chorale, chamber singers and the jazz ensemble. Solberg spent most of her free time at DSU helping in the theatre assisting Mr. Jarvis Jahner, associate professor of theater and communication. She also competed at the Region 5 Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival several times. Through auditions at the festival, Solberg was hired by the Brownville Village Theatre in Nebraska, where she performed last summer. After graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in theatre and a minor in music, Solberg plans to start her career in acting and has multiple auditions lined up. In the next few years, she also plans on getting her master’s degree in either drama therapy or acting.
Photos from Fall Commencement are in, and our newest grads look fantastic! Get the pics here
bit.ly/Fall2019Comm
THEODORE ROOSEVELT SCHOLARS TUTOR AREA HIGH SCHOOL WRITERS Dickinson State University (DSU) students enrolled in Mr. Kevin Moberg’s fall honors writing course served as writing tutors to sophomores and juniors at Dickinson High School (DHS). Moberg, assistant professor of English and education at DSU, and Tina Whittington, an English teacher at DHS, collaborated to give their students a mutually beneficial learning experience. Whittington’s students received feedback from university students in an advanced writing course, getting advice as they worked on drafts of their essays; Moberg’s students reinforced their own learning about good writing by applying those concepts to others’ work. DSU students in Kevin Moberg’s Honors Composition I class. L to R back row: Keaton Meschke, Kyle Anderson, Isabel Lopez, Conor McCarvel, Kaitlyn Kelley; middle row: Ethen Wolfe, Matthew Meschke, Hillary Moberg, Mia Rogerson, Brendan Johnson, Wrenzi Wrzesinski; front row: Haylie Oberlander, Kennedy Kuntz, Kamryn Kuntz
The high school students shared their early drafts electronically with the DSU students, who met in teams to prepare feedback on each draft. Then, Moberg’s students traveled to DHS to meet face to face with Whittington’s class for small-group and one-to-one writing tutorials. Moberg’s students are participants in DSU’s Theodore Roosevelt Honors Leadership Program.
DICKINSON STATE: GETTING BACK TWICE WHAT YOU PUT IN by DSU student Amanda D’Aniello Hi guys! My name is Amanda D’Aniello. I was born and raised in Branford, Connecticut. I belong to a small, but diverse, working-class family. It was always a dream of mine to attend college, and now I’m a senior here at Dickinson State University. I’ve spent all four years of my undergraduate studies at DSU and am incredibly excited to graduate in May. I came here as a freshman in 2016 right after I graduated from Branford High School. I came to DSU with my heart set on a creative writing degree. I had spent most of my high school career focused on my interest in writing. I took extra courses, practiced writing, and shared my work with friends. In my first years at Dickinson State University, I was lucky enough to be spotted in our campus publication Impressions by publishers seeking work from all over the country. Now, several pieces of my work can be found in the Best Emerging Poets series. To this day, writing is my favorite hobby. It’s a great means of self-expression. At the beginning of undergrad, I was absolutely certain that I wanted to be a writer. But I was wrong. Like so many students do, I changed my mind. Over half of undergraduates change their major at some point, and it’s absolutely not something to fear. It was one of the best decisions I’ve made thus far, so if you’re considering it you should talk to your advisor and explore your options. One of the most amazing things about Dickinson State University is how much guidance is available to students. When it comes to deciding our course of study, I know many of us can use all the help we can get. There are so many decisions to be made about our major, minor, and post-graduation plans. It can all seem very overwhelming, but with enough introspection and the right guidance, it’s more than possible to figure out the right course for you. At Dickinson State, I’ve been able to find help throughout these difficult decisions. Our language and literature department was so supportive as I transitioned to a pre-law political science degree. Then, I was met by a friendly and inviting social sciences department. They ensured that I didn’t fall behind because of my change in major- a fear many students have, and something which can hold us back from pursuing the major we really want. Instead, I was warmly welcomed into the political science program. After I committed to my major, the political science department made innumerable opportunities available to me. Many of these opportunities, I realize, would not be possible without the small, focused, and individual instruction
we benefit from at Dickinson State University. I was able to participate in the Campus Election Engagement Project fellowship, join and eventually lead the League of Political Scientists, and have been invited to speak on several occasions for different campus events. When I’m not in a class, or doing activities with my club you can find me bowling with friends at The Paragon, catching a scary movie in the student center, or out in Medora exploring the Theodore Roosevelt National Park. I’ve always found a lot of peace in nature, and the amazing wildlife and gorgeous skylines of the badlands are unbeatable. It is a priceless resource, and one of my favorite parts of living in this region. I’m so looking forward to some warm spring weather and the beginning of the camping season. In the meantime, you can find me frequenting our West River Community Center staying fit by going for a run, or a swim, or just lounging in the sauna after a long, cold day. In the cold winter months, the West River Community Center is a great place to play a pickup game of basketball, walk the track and chat with a friend, or stretch and decompress after a long day. This semester, I’ll be contributing to the many diverse stories which make up the Dickinson State University community. Hopefully, I can provide a familiar voice to some of the shared experiences on campus. At the same time, I’ll be navigating my future plans, pending applications, and transition into postgraduate studies. I’ve always loved contributing to the vibrant little community at Dickinson State University - you always seem to get back twice what you put in.
Giving Week at DSU
#GiveDSUWeek
The Society Society (Fine (includes and Performing Arts, Music, and Communications) The and Fine Performing Arts, Music, and Communication)
Sunday March 1 Monday March 2
Theodore Roosevelt Honors Leadership Program Book Drive - Located outside the TRHLP Office #GiveToSaveEducation
Tuesday March 3
Faculty and Staff Campaign Give a “Compliment Card” - Location TBA #GiveToSaveHumanity
Wednesday March 4
Nursing pm - Located at the West River Community Blood Drive -1-6 Located at the West River Community Center Center #GiveToSaveLives
Thursday March 5
Athletics (includes Cheerleading, Rodeo, and E-Sports) Food Drive - Located at the DSU Heritage Foundation #GiveToSaveTheHungry
Friday March 6
DSUHF Operating Fund Campus Cleanup #GiveToSaveTheEarth
Saturday March 7
1918 Legacy Society (Endowments and Legacy Gifts)
ALUMNI S P O T L I G H T
MANDIE ERICKSON ’06
Realtor CONTINENTAL REAL ESTATE
If you have questions contact Seth Moerkerke at seth.moerkerke@dickinsonstate.edu or 701-483-2486
DICKINSON STATE STUDENT RECEIVES GRANT TO ATTEND 2020 SPACE EXPLORATION EDUCATORS CONFERENCE Dickinson State University-Bismarck elementary education student Allison Ziebarth is one of several North Dakota-based educators who was selected to receive a grant covering an allexpenses paid trip to the 26th annual Space Exploration Educators Conference (SEEC) in Houston, Texas, Feb. 6-8, 2020. In October 2019, the North Dakota Space Grant Consortium (NDSGC) began accepting applications to send up to four North Dakota-based educators to the 2020 SEEC, a hands-on, immersive NASA conference held at the Johnson Space Center and Space Center Houston. On Dec. 4, Ziebarth received notice that she was one of four North Dakota educators who had received a grant, which was available to education students in North Dakota as well as K-12 educators across the state. “This year’s SEEC theme is Gateway to Achieve. SEEC is like a gateway, or portal, for educators from all around the globe to come and gather resources and return to their classrooms to help their students enter the STEM pathway,” said Phyllis Friello, education manager for Space Center Houston. According to the NDSGC, the conference provides educators with opportunities to learn and participate in hands-on space-related and STEM activities that they can take back to the classroom. The sessions are taught by NASA scientists and engineers, and educators from across the country. Some of the special sessions include tours of NASA’s Johnson Space Center, Rocket Park, and each year there is a scuba diving session to train just like the astronauts do. “We offer them a lot of curriculum to take back to the classroom, hands-on activities that can almost be implemented right away,” said Angela Case, education program coordinator for Space Center Houston. Ziebarth’s grant application focused her desire to bring back quality STEM education to rural North Dakota. In addition to providing a resume, she was also required to submit an essay explaining how her participation would benefit her students and further her goals as an educator. “The Department of Teacher Education at Dickinson State is thrilled that this honor is provided to a current elementary major in the teacher education program,” said Dr. Deborah Secord, chair of the department. “We congratulate Allison on her initiative in applying for and receiving this grant.”
8th annual
ND RECLAMATION CONFERENCE 2020 Tue, Feb 25 3 - 5 p.m.
Wed, Feb 26 7:30 a.m. - 4 p.m.
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(formerly Ramada Grand Dakota Hotel) 532 15th St W, Dickinson, ND 58601
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Why did you choose become a Blue Hawk at Dickinson State University (DSU)? My parents are both DSU graduates. I started off by attending North Dakota State University for one semester but missed home and came back to Dickinson State. I was a member of the Blue Hawk golf team.
In what year did you graduate and what degree did you earn? I graduated in 2006 with a degree in business and management. Was there a certain professor who made a big impact on your life? I really liked all of the staff & professors in the business department at the time I attended, but one of my favorite professors was Dr. Dragseth. She always was so confident and educated in her teaching and treated her students with respect. I always admired the extra things she did to make herself better at her profession. What is a favorite memory you have of your time as an undergraduate? I have many great memories. I made a lot of friends that I am still friends with today that I would have never met. A couple of my best friends were members of the golf team with me and we were fortunate enough to qualify for the national golf tournament in Daytona Beach, Florida. Many of my friends were athletes, so most of my memories are of Blue Hawk football or basketball games. We would travel to out of town games and those were always filled with lots of laughs. What would you tell someone who is considering attending Dickinson State? This university is very welcoming. DSU has tremendous coaches and teachers that truly care about your success and well-being. The smaller classroom sizes allow you to get to know your professors on a more personal level. You will not only obtain a great education but will also come away with great friends and mentors. How did DSU help shape your decisions for your path after you graduated? After graduating from DSU, I felt prepared to try something new, so I moved out of state for a while. I began working for a large corporation and enjoyed my time in a faster-paced environment. But, since I was raised in Dickinson, I always knew this was the community I wanted to raise a family in. And, after attending DSU, I gained even more appreciation for the community. How do you stay involved in your community or with DSU? I have been a Blue Hawk Booster Club board member since 2012 and for the past year have served as the Booster Club President. I try to volunteer for events at the public schools where my kids attend and support anyway I can. What are you doing now? I am currently a realtor. I got my real estate license in 2014 and am an agent at Continental Real Estate. Do you have any plans for the future you would like to share? I plan to stay in Dickinson and hope to watch my two kids become Blue Hawks!
THREE DSU SENIORS PRESENT CAPSTONE PROJECTS AT EIGHTH ANNUAL OPPORTUNITIES IN AGRICULTURE EVENT ternal Parasites in Horses Within Different Environments and Management Scenarios.” This year’s career fair attendees included: American Bank Center/American Insurance, Billings County Weed Control Board, Butler Machinery Company, Central Grasslands Research Extension Center, Dacotah Bank, Dakota Community Bank and Trust, Farm Credit Services of Mandan, Gooseneck Implement, Helena Agri-Enterprises, LLC, North Dakota Farm Bureau, Northwest Farm Credit Services, Plains Ag, LLC – West Plains, Inc., Roughrider Electric Cooperative, Runnings, Stockman Bank of Montana, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, and Western Cooperative Credit Union. Representatives from the Department of Agriculture and Technical Studies welcomed program alumni back to the DSU campus and got the opportunity to learn about their professional advancements after graduation. The ninth annual Opportunities in Agriculture event will be held Wednesday, Nov. 18, 2020.
The Opportunities in Agriculture career fair was well-attended by regional businesses and agencies. Bottom left: Five agricultural graduates were welcomed back as representatives in the career fair portion of the event. L to R: Katie Jo (Clyde) Dillman, Jodee Egly, Daniel Garza, Haley (Sabe) Robison, and Katie (Dukart) Eggen. Bottom right: The three senior capstone presenters. L to R: Michelle Fitterer, Amanda Gleich, and Taylyn Koenig.
The eighth annual Opportunities in Agriculture event, sponsored by the Dickinson State University (DSU) Department of Agriculture and Technical Studies, was held Wednesday, Nov. 20, 2019. The event is an opportunity for DSU students to visit with area vendors, present their senior capstone projects, listen to an informative presentation by a keynote speaker, and above all, network with industry leaders for future career opportunities.
6th annual
The keynote speaker this year was Grand Forks farmer Chris Adams. Adams was a 2019 Producer of the Year finalist and is a fourth generation farmer in the Red River Valley. His talk focused on succession planning and diversification.
Woodwind Day CONCERT
Three agricultural studies seniors presented their capstone projects. Taylyn Koenig of Baker, Montana, shared “Beef Calf Morbidity and Mortality Rates from Dry Lot and Rangeland Calving Systems.” Michelle Fitterer of Tuttle, North Dakota, talked about “The Effects of Forage Types, Storage Method, and Time on Nutrient Composition.” Lastly, Amanda Gleich of Mandan, North Dakota, presented the “Prevalence of In-
Wednesday, March 4, 2020 @ 2 p.m. May Hall, Dorothy Stickney Auditorium
DICKINSON STATE UNIVERSITY EVENTS Feb. 7
Men’s Basketball vs. Waldorf University
7:30 p.m.
Scott Gymnasium
Feb. 7
Women’s Basketball vs Waldorf University
5:30 p.m.
Scott Gymnasium
Feb. 8
4th Annual DSU Softball Crab Feed
6 p.m.
Biesiot Activities Center
Feb. 8
ACT Testing
8 a.m.
May Hall, main foyer
Feb. 8
Women’s Basketball vs Viterbo University
3 p.m.
Scott Gymnasium
Feb. 8
Men’s Basketball vs Viterbo University
5 p.m.
Scott Gymnasium
Feb. 9
Softball Instructional Camp
11 a.m.
Wienbergen Gymnasium
Feb. 10
Discover DSU Day
9:30 a.m.
Student Center, ballroom 116B
Feb. 10
Morgan Hutzenbiler Junior Percussion Recital
7 p.m.
May Hall, band room
Feb. 11
Wrestling vs. Minot State University Beavers
7 p.m.
Scott Gymnasium
Feb. 15
Blue Hawks Roping Series
8 a.m.
Indoor Arena
Feb. 15
Praxis Computer Testing
8 a.m.
May Hall, room 1
Feb. 15
Praxis Computer Testing
1:30 p.m.
May Hall, room 1
Feb. 16
Softball Instructional Camp
11 a.m.
Wienbergen Gymnasium
Feb. 19
Global Table - Pakistan
12 p.m.
Stoxen Library
Feb. 19
Reception: Area High Schools Fine Arts Exhibition
1 p.m.
Klinefelter Hall, Mind’s Eye Gallery
Feb. 22
Cowboys & Candlelight
5 p.m.
Ramada Grand Dakota Lodge
Feb. 23
Blue Hawks Barrel Racing Series
7 a.m.
Indoor Arena
Feb. 25
ND Reclamation Conference
3 p.m.
Ramada Grand Dakota Hotel
Feb. 26
ND Reclamation Conference
7:30 a.m.
Ramada Grand Dakota Hotel
Feb. 29
Blue Hawks Roping Series
8 a.m.
Indoor Arena
Mar. 1
Blue Hawks Barrel Racing Series
7 a.m.
Indoor Arena
Mar. 4
Global Table - Spring Celebrations
12 p.m.
Stoxen Library
Mar. 4
Woodwind Day at DSU - Concert
2 p.m.
May Hall, Dorothy Stickney Auditorium
DSU Events - www.dickinsonstate.edu/events
Athletic Events - www.dsubluehawks.com
DISCOVER DSU DAYS February 10, 2020 April 6, 2020 AT E A C H D I S C O V E R D S U D AY, T H E R E W I L L B E A D R AW I N G F O R A
$500 S C H O L A R S H I P! You must be present 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)