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June 2020 DICKINSON STATE CELEBRATES 100TH SPRING BOHN AND MOBERG NAMED DSU’S 2020 OUTSTANDING GRADUATES COMMENCEMENT CEREMONY Dickinson State University (DSU) celebrated spring 2020 graduates during a virtual Commencement ceremony broadcast Saturday, May 16. The ceremony was also televised on Consolidated’s channel 18. Following the ceremony, DSU welcomed graduates, their families, and the community to participate in a “reverse parade” on Campus Drive. DSU students Christopher Gartner and Suzanna Moberg addressed the graduates at the University’s 100th spring commencement ceremony. Christopher Gartner, a native of Sidney, Montana, graduated from Dickinson State University with a Bachelor of Science in agricultural studies. During his time at DSU, he was a member of the Blue Hawk football team, and was involved on campus with Ag Club and Collegiate Farm Bureau. In 2018, he was voted Homecoming King by his peers. After graduation, Chris will be working as an Ag loan officer in his hometown of Sidney. Suzanna Moberg is from Dickinson, North Dakota, and is the daughter of Kevin and Susan Moberg. She graduated from Dickinson State University with a Bachelor of Science in English education. While at DSU, Suzanna participated in the Student Education Association, choral, chamber choir, residential life, Student Senate and she worked for the DSU Heritage Foundation. She also is a member of the honors fraternities Kappa Delta Pi and Omicron Kappa Delta. This past semester, Suzanna was named an Outstanding Student in Education by the North Dakota Association of Colleges for Teacher Education. Suzanna finished her student teaching this past semester in South Heart, North Dakota, and is preparing to move to Nashville, Tennessee, to begin her career as an English teacher at Hunters Lane High School in the fall. In addition to the student speakers, participants heard from DSU President Steve Easton, as well as Interim Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs Marilyn Lee, and other local and state representatives. Dickinson State awarded seven master’s degrees, 149 baccalaureate degrees, and 46 associate degrees during the virtual spring commencement ceremony. Several students also graduated from the Theodore Roosevelt Honors Leadership Program. More than 200 students were eligible to participate in this year’s ceremony; this number includes all spring and summer 2020 graduates, as well as students who graduated last fall but did not participate in the December ceremony.
Karissa Bohn and Suzanna Moberg were named Dickinson State University’s 2020 Outstanding Graduates during the virtual Outstanding Graduate awards ceremony held Friday, May 15. The Outstanding Graduate Award is the highest honor bestowed on two graduating seniors by the University. Bohn and Moberg were nominated along with 16 other students by faculty in their academic departments for exceptional performance in their fields of study. Karissa Bohn, daughter of Pat and Dana Bohn of Mandan, North Dakota, graduated with a Bachelor of Science in environmental science and minors in biology and leadership. Bohn decided to follow the footsteps of her siblings, Meyer and Kayla, as well as her father by attending DSU. Bohn served as a research assistant with the Department of Natural Sciences, in which she conducted photosynthetic-based research on crop and range land. She assisted professors in the labs as well as communicated and presented the data at the EPSCoR Annual Conference. Bohn was also a member of the Science Club at DSU for four years, including serving as the vice president during the 2018-2019 academic year in which she helped coordinate events, such as the annual plant sale, seed sale and recycling drive. She served as an Event Leader with Science Olympiad for the last three years as well as the Discovery Dome her sophomore year. During the summers of 2018 and 2019, she worked with the USDA Forest Service. Since January, she has been working with Baranko Brothers Environmental as an environmental scientist. Another area in which Bohn thrived was within the Theodore Roosevelt Honors Leadership Program (TRHLP) where she excelled quickly. She became a student assistant director during the second semester of her freshman year, a title she held until graduation. She mentored fellow honors students as well as coordinated events and meetings for the students involved in the TRHLP. Bohn was instrumental in planning fundraisers, such as the Hawk Walk, Escape Room, Brave the Shave, and the group’s silent auctions during the Blue Hawk football season. Often the one handing out the awards to her fellow classmates, Bohn received the TRHLP Female Freshman of the Year Award. Bohn sees herself staying in western North Dakota due to her love of conservation, reclamation and remediation. She has accepted a full-time position with Baranko Brothers Environmental. In time, she would like to pursue a master’s degree in Environmental Policy or Reclamation. Suzanna Moberg, daughter of Kevin and Susan Moberg, graduated with a Bachelor of Science in English education. Raised in Dickinson where both of her parents work in education, it only seemed natural that Suzanna would attend her hometown college. During her time at DSU, Suzanna was involved in many organizations on campus as well as in the community. She served all four years on Student Senate and was the Student Body President for two terms. During her time as Student Body President, Moberg helped lower technology fees for students, revitalize the Blue Hawk Hub, and served as a voice for the virtual commencement ceremony. This leadership role led to serving on various committees, such as President’s Cabinet and the Academic Affairs Task Force. She participated in chorale and chamber choir from 2016-2019 during which she traveled with the group to New York City to perform at Carnegie Hall in 2017 and 2019. In addition, she performed the national anthem either as a solo, duet, or trio with her sisters at many athletic events, community events, as well as for the American Legion. Moberg’s love and devotion to her faith is evident. Since 2016, she has spent her summer months working for Badlands Ministries. Teaching Bible studies, designing the curriculum, and supervising camp staff were some of the many duties she was given. In addition, Moberg served as a confirmation mentor with St. John Lutheran Church from 2017-2019. The many honors Moberg has received during her college career include being named the 2018 Homecoming Queen, the Outstanding Student in Education for the North Dakota Association of Colleges for Teacher Education in 2020, as well as being selected as a student speaker for the 2020 spring Commencement ceremony. Perhaps Moberg will be most remembered for her time as a co-host of the weekly Hawk Talk show as well as the Blue Hawk game day during some of the home athletic events. Moberg will be packing her bags this summer and embarking on a new journey, having accepted a position as an English teacher at Hunters Lane High School in Nashville, Tennessee. In the future, Moberg would like to pursue a graduate degree so that she can one day become a college professor.
DRAGSETH NAMED PROVOST/VPAA AT DICKINSON STATE UNIVERSITY
Dickinson State University President Steve Easton announced May 14, 2020, Dr. Debora Dragseth’s appointment to the position of Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs at DSU, effective July 1, 2020.
Dickinson State University Phi Beta Lambda (PBL) members and Advisor Amy Kass attended the North Dakota PBL State Leadership Conference remotely in April. During this conference, students competed against other North Dakota college students in career skills competitions. Participants earning first, second, or third places in SLC competitions have the opportunity to move on to nationals in June to compete in the PBL National Leadership Experience (NLE). The national conference was to be held in Salt Lake City, Utah, but has since been reformatted into a remote conference.
Dragseth began teaching at Dickinson State University in 1989. She is a tenured professor of business, the former Director of Dickinson State University’s Theodore Roosevelt Honors Leadership Program and the former Chair of the Department of Business and Management. “I am happy to accept this critical position at Dickinson State University. I believe that our motto, ‘Small Community, Big Opportunity’ says so much about the University that I have dedicated my career to serving,” said Dragseth. “Dickinson is a special place for my family and me. As a critical member of the community, Dickinson State has many supportive stakeholders that care as deeply as I do about the success of our institution, and I am looking forward to serving the University in this new capacity.” Dragseth earned bachelor’s degrees in business administration and English literature from Dakota State University, a master’s degree in business administration from the University of South Dakota, and her doctorate degree in educational leadership and strategy from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. “Dr. Dragseth is DSU’s longest-serving faculty member and during her time at DSU, she has volunteered for service on many key committees and recruited and guided many students through their academic paths to graduation,” said President Easton. “In addition, her service on the State Board of Higher Education and other statewide groups has given her contacts that will continue to be helpful for Dickinson State.” “We had two very impressive finalists for this important position. Both have been outstanding faculty members at DSU, which made this a very difficult decision.” Dragseth is an active speaker and writer. She has received national first place awards for web writing as well as business journalism. Her work on outmigration has been cited in both Forbes and Newsweek magazines. Dr. Dragseth has been given Dickinson State University’s highest faculty award, the Distinguished Teacher of the Year. She was the Dickinson Area Chamber of Commerce’s Teacher of the Year and was named the University’s Innovative Teacher of the Year. She has also been named the studentelected Outstanding Faculty. Dragseth was the president of the statewide Council of College Faculties from 2017-2019. She is currently the faculty representative on the State Board of Higher Education.
DICKINSON STATE ANNOUNCES 2020 OUTSTANDING GRADUATE NOMINEES Eighteen students were nominated by their respective departments for Dickinson State University’s 2020 Outstanding Graduate Award. This award is the highest honor bestowed on graduating seniors by the University. The following students were honored by the DSU Alumni Association at a virtual Outstanding Graduate ceremony Friday, May 15.
CAITLIN ADAMS Dickinson, ND Nursing
KARISSA BOHN Bismarck, ND Natural Sciences
DSU STUDENTS COMPETE IN PHI BETA LAMBDA STATE LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE
(L to R): Amy Kass, Joseph Unruh, Heidi Jazwa, Emily Carda, Yuuka Taniguchi, Aleksandra Voitcekhovskaia, and Kyle Michel. This image was taken at an event held prior to the implementation of COVID-19 restrictions.
The following DSU students earned one of the top three places in their individual or team events during the ND State Leadership Conference: Accounting Principles 1st – Braxton Selle | 3rd – Yuuka Taniguchi Computer Applications 1st – Yuuka Taniguchi Contemporary Sports Issues 1st – Joseph Unruh | 2nd – Braxton Selle Desktop Publishing 1st – Emily Carda, Braxton Selle, & Joseph Unruh Insurance Concepts 2nd – Emily Carda Marketing Analysis & Decision Making 2nd – Kyle Michel & Joseph Unruh Microeconomics 3rd – Yuuka Taniguchi Social Media Challenge 1st – Aleksandra Voitcekhovskaia Sports Management & Marketing 2nd – Emily Carda Who’s Who Awards Emily Carda, Kyle Michel, Joseph Unruh, & Braxton Selle In addition to these awards, Emily Carda served as the 2019-2020 ND state president and Kyle Michel served as the 2019-2020 ND vice president of membership. These officer positions were instrumental in the planning of the ND SLC. A special congratulations to Kyle Michel who was elected the 2020-2021 ND PBL president and to Emily Carda who was elected the 2020-2021 ND vice president of membership. Congratulations, PBL students, on your excellent work!
ABIGAIL BROOKS Rocklin, CA
AMANDA D’ANIELLO Branford, CT Social Sciences
Math & Computer Science
Fine & Performing Arts Language & Literature
JALEN LANE Burdett, AB, Canada
SUZANNA MOBERG Dickinson, ND
ALYSSA MUTSCHELKNAUS Elgin, ND
JOSEPH RUTLEDGE Dickinson, ND
Nursing
KAITLYN DAVIS Beach, ND
HAILEY ENTZE Golden Valley, ND
NO IMAGE AVAILABLE
SAMUEL GABLE Mandan, ND Teacher Education
COLTEN HONDL Dickinson, ND Natural Sciences
Agriculture & Technical Studies
Language & Literature
Agriculture & Technical Studies
NO IMAGE AVAILABLE
LARAE SKACHENKO Underwood, ND Social Sciences
JORDAN SMUTZLER Dickinson, ND Teacher Education
Health & Physical Education
NO IMAGE AVAILABLE
RACHAEL SOLBERG Belfield, ND Fine & Performing Arts
KEERA STOOKEY Huntley, MT
Business & Entrepreneurship
TAYLOR THIEL Dickinson, ND
Math & Computer Science
JOSEPH UNRUH Brooklyn Center, MN
Business & Entrepreneurship
STAY LOCAL
STUDENT SPOTLIGHT AN INTERVIEW WITH DICKINSON STATE’S 2020 OUTSTANDING GRADUATES Congratulations on receiving Dickinson State University’s (DSU) 2020 Outstanding Graduate Award! What does this recognition mean to you?
IMAGINE A SMALL SCHOOL THAT HA S INCREDIBLE COMMUNIT Y SUPPORT AND DEDIC ATED FACULT Y THAT ARE COMMIT TED TO HELPING YOU ACHIE V E YOUR BIG AC ADEMIC GOAL S AND DRE AMS. IMAGINE A SCHOOL THAT PROVIDES THE OPPORTUNIT Y FOR YOU TO SAV E MONE Y BY LIVING AND E ATING AT HOME. IS IT POSSIBLE THIS SCHOOL IS RIGHT IN YOUR BACK YARD? YOU DON’T HAV E TO TR AV EL FAR TO GO FAR. DICKINSON STATE UNIV ER SIT Y. AFFORDABLE, FLE XIBLE AND ACCREDITED. TURN YOUR DRE AMS INTO RE ALIT Y. COME BE A PART OF THE BLUE HAWK FAMILY. YOU BELONG HERE.
dickinsonstate.edu DICKINSON STATE UNIVERSITY TO OFFER MASTER’S TRACK IN ATHLETIC EDUCATIONAL LEADERSHIP This fall, Dickinson State University will begin offering a master’s degree track in Athletic Educational Leadership, as part of the Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) program launched several years ago. “We are extremely excited to offer this new master’s track to our alumni as well as students around the globe,” said Program Coordinator Thadd O’Donnell. “We focused on developing a program that will enrich our students’ skillset to give them a competitive edge whether it is in their current position or increasing their opportunities as a coach or athletic administrator. DSU is also able to offer the program at a cost much less than any other program like it in the world.” The purpose of the Athletic Educational Leadership track of the MAT is to prepare highly qualified mid-career professionals and recent graduates of higher education to advance their coaching or athletic administration career. The graduate degree program is designed for individuals who have successfully completed a baccalaureate degree and wish to pursue a master’s degree to advance their career and opportunities in the coaching or athletic administration arena.
Karissa Bohn (KB): This award is an absolute honor. It means that all the work I have put into growing as an individual and helping this campus and community has not gone unnoticed. Suzanna Moberg (SM): It really is an honor! I know all of the Outstanding Graduate candidates worked really hard during their time at DSU, so I was honored to even be nominated. To receive the recognition? I don’t know that I can put into words how I feel! Grateful, proud, honored. Why did you choose to attend Dickinson State University? KB: My family has a long history at DSU, which extends back before my grandma. My dad, brother and sister attended DSU. During my search for schools, I could not avoid the fact that DSU was home. Small school, big opportunities. SM: I chose to attend DSU because it was close to home so I could continue being involved in my younger sisters’ lives. My dad works here, so that was a factor, too. And, growing up, I had lots of opportunities to interact with faculty, staff and students at DSU, so I knew that I liked the small school and the family environment that’s been built here. Do you have a favorite memory you’d like to share? KB: One of my favorite memories was walking around the dorms during freshman year trying to meet new people. Many of those people I met on my first day are still my close friends today. SM: I have so many amazing memories from my time at DSU! But, all of my memories include my best friends and roommates Hailey and Lydia. Our freshman year, when we first moved in, there were different “Welcome Weekend” activities. We all went to karaoke Friday night and were roped into singing “Wannabe” by the Spice Girls – we’ve been friends ever since! What are your plans after graduation? KB: I will be working for Baranko Environmental as an environmental scientist. I hope to further my education by pursuing a master’s in reclamation and remediation after getting experience in the field. SM: I’ll be moving to Nashville, Tennessee, and starting my first year as an English teacher at Hunters Lane High School. What will you take from your time as a Blue Hawk as you move into life after college? KB: I have learned many values while being a Blue Hawk. DSU has always stressed the importance of community and I think that will always stick with me. I have involved myself in many volunteer activities at DSU and I can’t wait to get more involved in the Dickinson community as I begin a different stage of life. SM: There is so much that I will take away from my time as a Blue Hawk! I learned the importance of asking for help and being there to help others when they ask. And, I learned that the relationships you build at college are relationships that will last forever.
#sincerelysasha
“The MAT’s Athletic Educational Leadership track builds on the success of our graduates in Education and Exercise Science,” said interim Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Marilyn Lee. “The collaboration across the departments and disciplines in offering the degree is in itself an example of the University’s efforts to provide programs people want, where and when they need them.” The program, which will be delivered entirely online, is currently accepting applications for the fall 2020 semester. For more information about the Athletic Educational Leadership track of the MAT, and to view admissions requirements, visit www.dickinsonstate.edu/MAT, or contact Thadd O’Donnell, at thadd.odonnell@dickinsonstate.edu.
A word from our students: “You belong at Dickinson State!” #hawksareup
bit.ly/sincerelysasha YOU DON’T HAVE TO TR AVEL FAR TO GO FAR
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LOW TUITION
QUA LIT Y EDUC ATION
BUSY
SCHEDULE
bit.ly/YouBelongatDSU
DSU OFFER S CL A SSES
CERTIFIC ATE PROGR AMS A SSOCIATE DEGREES
INCREDIBLE OPPORTUNIT Y
ON - C AMPUS
ONLINE
BACHELOR’S DEGREES MA STER’S DEGREES
READY TO ANSWER THE CALL: DSU CAMPUS COMMUNITY MEMBERS SERVING IN NATIONAL GUARD FIND NEW NORMAL DURING PANDEMIC
By: DSU student Amanda D’Aniello
Things have changed drastically in the last few months for us all. The coronavirus pandemic has changed the way we learn, communicate and live, in general. One thing that has remained steady, however, is the selfless nature of members of the Dickinson State University (DSU) community who serve in the National Guard. Their lives look a little different from normal, like the rest of us. Now that summer has begun, they’re taking their free time to enjoy their hobbies and loved ones, and they are ready to fight the pandemic if they’re called. Hunter DeFoe, a student at DSU, currently resides in Bismarck. He is on active orders to help wherever he’s needed. While he waits, most of his days have been spent like any other student’s would be. He makes time for his favorite hobbies, like hunting, fishing and playing videogames. During this strange semester, he completed his homework as soon as possible so that it didn’t “pile up.” DeFoe’s hard work has paid off, as he graduated with an Associate of Arts degree this spring. He will continue his education at DSU and pursue a degree in computer science, a major he chose because of his love for tinkering with electronics. Like everyone else, DeFoe is adjusting to the new routines caused by COVID-19. Because he’s “cooped up,” playing video games online with his friends helps out a lot, and on a nice day, a little walk outside goes a long way.
Another member of the campus community serving in the National Guard is Anthony Haynes, DSU’s education & programming specialist. Haynes has lived in Dickinson most of his life and has been involved with DSU as long as he can remember. His father used to work for the University, so DSU is home for him. Haynes has been spending his time mostly as normal. He helps students through his job at DSU, and during the semester, he would spend his nights on his own homework, as he’s pursuing a degree in history education. Also, he and his wife, Lexi Snyder, are volunteer firefighters. Snyder graduated this spring with a Bachelor of Science in psychology and she owns a pet-sitting business, Peach’s Pet Hotel. Haynes has not been called to service because of the pandemic yet, but his unit is on the “short list” and will be called should the need arise. He says the only thing that’s really changed for him so far is not being able to go to the gym, but it’s not all bad; he’s been enjoying getting to sleep in a little later because of it. Haynes is taking this time to truly focus on himself and “just be here.” He and his wife have been spending a lot of time taking walks to help break up his days. He normally doesn’t love long walks because it reminds him of the ruck marches he did during basic training. Now, his daily walk is an activity he looks forward to, because he gets some time to play Pokémon Go! Thank you to our campus community members who serve in the National Guard, and to all those who have served and are serving at this time.
DICKINSON STATE UNIVERSITY EVENTS Jun 4
8:30 a.m.
Strong Mom Boot Camp
King Pavilion Parking Lot
Jun 6
8 a.m.
Praxis Computer Testing
May Hall, room 1
Jun 6
8 a.m.
WorkKeys Testing
May Hall, room 7
Jun 8
4 p.m.
Dickinson Area Mobile Food Pantry
Biesiot Activities Center Parking Lot
Jun 9
8:30 a.m.
Strong Mom Boot Camp
King Pavilion Parking Lot
Jun 11
8:30 a.m.
Strong Mom Boot Camp
King Pavilion Parking Lot
Jun 13
8 a.m.
ACT Testing
May Hall, main foyer
Jun 16
8:30 a.m.
Strong Mom Boot Camp
King Pavilion Parking Lot
Jun 18
8:30 a.m.
Strong Mom Boot Camp
King Pavilion Parking Lot
Jun 23
8:30 a.m.
Strong Mom Boot Camp
King Pavilion Parking Lot
Jun 25
8:30 a.m.
Strong Mom Boot Camp
King Pavilion Parking Lot
DSU Events - www.dickinsonstate.edu/events Athletic Events - www.dsubluehawks.com
2020 Spring Commencement Well Wishes from DSU Faculty & Staff
THE BLUE HAWK BULLETIN IS TAKING A VACATION IN JULY AND AUGUST!
Enjoy your summer!
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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)