D I C K I N S O N
S TAT E
U N I V E R S I T Y
May 2018 CELEBRATING THE PAST, LOOKING TO THE FUTURE
By: Salena Loveland
BLUE HAWK STAMPEDE RODEO TO BE HELD MAY 5 & 6 AT STARK COUNTY FAIRGROUNDS It’s that time of year again! The Dickinson State University (DSU) Rodeo Program, Dickinson Rotary Club, and the DSU Heritage Foundation will host the 2018 Blue Hawk Stampede Rodeo Saturday, May 5, and Sunday, May 6, at the Stark County Fairgrounds located 2.5 miles South of Dickinson on Highway 22. The Dickinson State University rodeo program has been around since the late 1990s and has been thriving ever since. As in every rodeo there are several timed events as well as rough stock events and the annual Blue Hawk Stampede is no different. To start off, the bareback riders will take the stage, followed by calf roping, breakaway, saddle bronc, steer wrestling, team roping, barrel racing, goat tying, and bull riding events.
On June 24, 1918, the Dickinson Normal School teacher’s college, now known as Dickinson State University (DSU), welcomed 104 students to a career in education. Two years later, 18 of these students would make up the first graduating class. These students charted the path that, 100 years after the school was established, culminates in a centennial commencement celebration. More than one hundred and eighty students are eligible to celebrate the accomplishment of completing their degree programs at the spring commencement ceremony Saturday, May 12, 2018, in Scott Gymnasium. Some things have changed over the past 100 years. The first 104 students attended class sessions free of charge; paying only for room and board. Classes were held at Dickinson High School because the college did not yet have any buildings of its own. Of course, there were also the changes that naturally happen with each passing generation: fashion, technology and communication. Despite the differences brought about by time, many things are the same as they were in 1918. The pioneering students entered the doors of an institution of higher learning eager to begin a new journey. They undoubtedly had some apprehensions, too. They made new friends, studied long hours, and broadened their understanding of the world around them. One hundred years later, DSU’s graduating class of 2018 has certainly had similar experiences. During the commencement ceremony this spring, President Mitzel will be wearing a new presidential medallion to commemorate this historic year. The Centennial Medallion hangs from a chain that incorporates the names and years served of all 12 of the University presidents. It is a beautiful symbol of DSU’s history. When asked what it is like being the president of Dickinson State at this important time, Dr. Thomas Mitzel said, “It is an honor to be president at an institution with such a rich and vibrant history as DSU. To be at the University during this momentous occasion as we celebrate 100 years of existence and pedagogy, while simultaneously planning for the coming 100 years, is irreplaceable and I am deeply humbled to be a part of the beauty and development of our Blue Hawk community.” The history and future of the University cannot be viewed apart from its connection to and close ties with the greater Dickinson community. Dickinson State’s inception depended on the generous support of the community, which was proud to be part of the school’s creation. The relationship between DSU and the surrounding community remains. “The strong and meaningful relationship the University realizes with the city of Dickinson has helped the institution remain a top educational organization in which to educate young minds for the coming generations,” said Dr. Mitzel. Commencement is always a special time of reflection on what has been accomplished and of looking forward to new possibilities. In this centennial year, we celebrate the past and look forward with anticipation to what the future holds. Dickinson State has deep historical roots in the community and continues to serve the region by providing access to high quality educational programming. Join us Saturday, May 12, 2018 at 10 a.m. in Scott Gymnasium as we celebrate this historic commencement.
Don’t miss two days packed full of entertainment! The rodeo will begin Saturday with performances at 1 p.m. and 6 p.m. Sunday will feature slack at 8 a.m. and a short go at 2 p.m. “Our rodeo team has been taking names up and down the region,” said Dickinson State University student and rodeo team member Bailey Forsness. “Right now, the men’s team is ranked first in the region and our women’s team is ranked sixth.” According to current stats, the DSU Rodeo Club has some talented athletes on the teams. For the men’s rodeo team: • Sterling Lee is sitting first in the men’s all around. • Chance Glass is sitting first in the tie down roping event. • Jamie Mullins, Jordan Hunt, and Travis Koenig are all in the top six in the region for saddle bronc riding. • Lane Berg is in the top eight for bull riding. • Clay Jorgenson is in the top ten of the bareback riding. • Sterling Lee, Lane Berg, and Wade Berg are in the top fifteen for steer wrestling. • Jade Boote, is in the top fifteen for team roping headers, and Travis and Sterling are in the top fifteen for team roping heelers. As for the women’s rodeo team: • Jami Derfliger, Carlie Bowditch, and Jerilyn Wiseman, are sitting in the top fifteen in barrel racing. • Jade Boote and Allisha Dworshak are sitting in the top fifteen in the goat tying event.
“The team has a representative in almost every event regionally ranked. They work hard and like to show the community what we are good at,” said Forsness. “We love to have the support of the community, and love to see them all come out to have fun!” The Blue Hawk Stampede Rodeo, named the Great Plains Region Rodeo of the Year for 2016-2017 by the National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association (NIRA), is the region’s final college rodeo of the season. The regional champions can be determined at the two-day event. These champions go on to represent the region at the College National Finals Rodeo where more than 275 contestants from a five-state region go head to head. “The DSU rodeo team is pleased to host the Blue Hawk Stampede,” said Dr. Chip Poland, rodeo program supervisor and chair of the Department of Agriculture and Technical Studies at DSU. “More than 2,000 contestants and fans will join us for great rodeo action at the Stark County Fairgrounds. Our DSU rodeo athletes are ready to show the home crowd what they can do!” Tickets for the Blue Hawk Stampede Rodeo cost $10 for adults and $5 for students grades K-12. Admission for DSU students is free with valid ID. Proceeds from this event are split equally between the Dickinson Rotary Club and scholarships for the DSU Rodeo Program. For more information, contact Annika Plummer at (701) 483-2185 or annika.plummer@dickinsonstate.edu.
Memorial Day Ceremony Monday, May 28, 2018, 10:00 A.M. Dickinson State University Klinefelter Hall, Beck Auditorium On this special day we remember and honor those who have given the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. May we never forget that freedom is not free.
DICKINSON STATE INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS EXPERIENCE AGRICULTURE IN WESTERN ND
By: Salena Loveland
During the 2017 fall semester, seven Dickinson State University (DSU) international students from Nigeria, Tunisia, Switzerland, and Nepal took advantage of an opportunity to see what agriculture is like in western North Dakota. They spent a weekend traveling around the southwestern part of the state accompanied by DSU staff and faculty members Dr. Chip Poland, professor of agriculture and chair of the Department of Agriculture and Technical Studies; Toby Stroh, assistant professor of agriculture and Perzen Akolawala, former director of International Programs. Most, if not all, international students have preconceived ideas about what the U.S. will be like when they come to study here. Often, the reality of life in Dickinson is not what they were expecting, and students coming from big cities have never experienced rural culture. Akolawala explained that she and Poland had been talking about a farm experience for international students for some time. They would often hear students complaining that there was nothing to do in this area. “That’s when Dr. Poland, Toby and I decided we should let them experience ‘nothing’ and see how much goes on in these rural communities,” said Akolawala. The group covered a lot of area in two days and learned about a wide range of agricultural activities. They visited a small, diversified farm in Richardton and then a very large operation in Mott that uses the latest technology in crop production. Next, they traveled west to the Badlands to see range land and oil development. They ended the day at the Badlands Ministries Bible Camp south of Medora where they spent the night. According to Akolawala, the students were very excited about the campfire and roasting their own s’mores. The next day, they traveled to a cattle ranch north of Medora and finished the tour south of Belfield at Heart River Genetics where they learned about reproductive technologies employed in beef cattle including embryo collection, breeding procedures and artificial insemination. Some of the students were able to note differences in agricultural practices between the U.S. and their home countries. “A student from Switzerland told us about the day when cows in her country are brought down from the hill in a kind of ceremonial practice,” Akolawala related. “Another student from Nepal mentioned how farms in her home country are much smaller with less equipment. Beef is a banned food commodity in her country and cows are treated as next to God.” This first agricultural tour of western North Dakota was a great success. Poland shared that they are planning to host another tour this fall so that more international students can see how much “nothing” there is to do in western North Dakota.
THEODORE ROOSEVELT CENTER AT DICKINSON STATE UNIVERSITY CELEBRATES IMPRESSIVE MILESTONE
ND GOVERNOR BURGUM AND LT. GOVERNOR SANFORD VISIT DICKINSON STATE UNIVERSITY North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum and Lieutenant Governor Brent Sanford visited Dickinson State University Wednesday, April 4, 2018, to tour the campus and meet with campus administration and representatives of the faculty, staff and student senates.
DSU PHI BETA LAMBDA STUDENTS PLACE AT STATE, QUALIFY FOR NATIONAL LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE In early March, members of Dickinson State University’s (DSU) Phi Beta Lambda (PBL) organization attended the PBL State Leadership Conference in Minot, accompanied by their advisor Amy Kass, assistant professor of accounting at DSU. During the conference, students participated in workshops, networked with business professionals and other college students, and competed in various business and career skills competitions alongside their peers from other institutions within the North Dakota University System. Students earning first, second, or third places in most competitions are given the opportunity to move on to nationals in Baltimore, Maryland, this June to compete in the PBL National Leadership Conference. Students were allowed to compete in a maximum of three competitions at the state conference, and many found great success. “I am honored to work with such a great group of PBL students,” said Kass. “They continuously impress me with their professionalism and leadership qualities, as well as their commitment to excellence, their dedication to fundraising efforts and their involvement on campus. They did an awesome job at the state leadership conference and I can’t wait to see how they do at nationals!” Dickinson State University is proud to announce the following DSU student placements in the top three positions of their individual or team events: • Accounting for Professionals (1st place) - Jesper Jones • Accounting Principles (2nd place) - Hannah Hetzel • Business Presentation (3rd place) - Allisha Dworshak • Contemporary Sports Issues (3rd place) - Emily Carda • Computer Concepts (1st place) - Dhia Elhaq Rzig • Emerging Business Issues (2nd place) - Allisha Dworshak, Kyle Michel and Alyssia Salas • Global Analysis & Decision Making (1st place) - William Knudson • Help Desk (1st place) - Marccus Marsh • Hospitality Management- (1st place) - Jesper Jones, Joseph Unruh, & Marccus Marsh • Justice Administration (3rd place) - Allisha Dworshak • Management Concepts (2nd place) - Alexis Snyder • Project Management (1st place) - Dhia Elhaq Rzig • Programming Concepts (1st place) - Dhia Elhaq Rzig • Retail Management (3rd place) - Alexis Snyder The following awards were also received: • Who’s Who Award for outstanding chapter involvement - Allisha Dworshak, Joseph Unruh, Jesper Jones and Marccus Marsh • CMAP Award - Allisha Dworshak and Joseph Unruh • Largest Local Chapter Award - Dickinson State University • Bridging the Gap Award - Dickinson State University “The School of Business and Entrepreneurship is thrilled by the performance of our chapter of Phi Beta Lambda at this year’s state event,” said Dr. Holly Gruhlke, chair of the School of Business and Entrepreneurship (SoBE) at Dickinson State. “This group exemplifies what it means to be a business student in SoBE. We really couldn’t be prouder!” Congratulations PBL students on your excellent work and good luck in Baltimore!
L to R: Dr. Thomas Mitzel, Sharon Kilzer, Pamla Kukla, Pamela Pierce Lt. Gov. Brent Sanford, Gov. Doug Burgum
The week of March 5 was an important one for the Theodore Roosevelt (TR) Center at Dickinson State University (DSU) as it published its 50,000th digital item. And that number continues to climb every day with the hard work of its staff. In recognition of this accomplishment, the campus and community attended a celebratory reception hosted by Dickinson State University and the Theodore Roosevelt Center Wednesday, April 4, 2018.
CLASS OF 2018 FEATURE: CARLIE BOWDITCH
By: Parker Robinson
DSU BISMARCK STUDENT NAMED 2018 OUTSTANDING STUDENT IN TEACHER EDUCATION Congratulations to Dickinson State University Bismarck student and elementary education major, Kayla Helbling, on being named the University’s 2018 Outstanding Student in Teacher Education at the North Dakota Association for Colleges of Teacher Education’s annual conference.
Name: Carlie Bowditch Hometown: Sylvania, Saskatchewan, Canada Major: Agriculture Studies option Business/Marketing Minor: Leadership Why did you chose DSU? I was looking for a school with a great agriculture and rodeo program. The assistant coach at the time, Jen Obrigewitch, reached out to me and after a school tour, meeting Chip Poland and Jarri Newton, seeing the facilities and loving the idea of small class sizes I decided I wanted to be a Blue Hawk! What activities and organizations you have participated in? Rodeo Team, Theodore Roosevelt Honors Leadership Program, Range Club, and Farm Bureau What is your favorite memory from your time at Dickinson State? The national conventions with Range club and Farm Bureau. Also, the multiple road trips with the rodeo team and building lifelong relationships. How has DSU helped you grow? Moving far from home made me grow up in a hurry. My problem solving and ability to think things through have improved so much. I have also grown to appreciate things and people. So many staff, faculty and students have gone out of their way to make my college career successful and I cannot say thank you enough! What are your plans following graduation? I plan to attend equine chiropractic school, travel, and then return home to the family farm.
CLASS OF 2018 FEATURE: ZACH MILLER
L to R: Dr. Candice Moench, Kayla Helbling, Dr. Mari Rasmussen
DSU STUDENT CHOSEN TO REPRESENT NORTH DAKOTA AT NATIONAL AG DAY IN WASHINGTON, D.C. Dickinson State University student Aspen Lenning was selected as a youth representative from North Dakota, sponsored by the Agriculture Council of America, to participate in leadership and advocacy training on agricultural issues in Washington, D.C. for National Ag Day. Lenning is working toward a bachelor of science in agricultural studies with an option in natural resource management. Here is her experience in her own words: “I had the honor to be chosen as one of the two youth representatives for North Dakota, to go to Washington D.C. for the 2018 National Ag. Day. It was a very short trip, literally a day, and yet my perspective on advocacy for agriculture has changed, if only a little. Before I went, I knew there must be great agriculturalists out there that I had never met, but now I know for sure! I was so lucky to have met people from across the United States, and to hear about parts of agriculture that we do not have as much experience with here in the Midwest. I even had the honor to meet and speak with our North Dakota state Senator Heidi Heitkamp, and U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue.”
By: Parker Robinson
Name: Zach Miller Hometown: Dickinson, North Dakota Major: Computer Technology Management Minor: Leadership
L to R: Anne Brien (NDSU student), ND Senator Heidi Heitkamp, Aspen Lenning (DSU student)
DSU MUSIC STUDENTS ATTEND NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF TEACHERS OF SINGING COMPETITION, TWO PLACE
Why did you chose DSU? As a young child, I would attend many DSU athletic events. I was able to get a taste of the Blue Hawk atmosphere from a young age, which was a unique opportunity. From those experiences, I always knew that I would attend DSU someday. I am proud to be a third-generation Blue Hawk!
Six Dickinson State music students represented the University at the state National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS) competition in Grand Forks Saturday, April 7. Eighty-four students from around the state participated in the event, in a variety of categories.
What activities and organizations you have participated in? Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Men’s Golf Team, Theodore Roosevelt Honors Leadership Program, President Mitzel’s Student Advisory Committee
Two Dickinson State University (DSU) students had the additional honor of placing in their category. Julianne Skaff tied for first place in the lower level musical theatre competition and Abigail Moberg took second in the freshman women’s category.
What is your favorite memory from your time at Dickinson State? Through these impressionable years, there are far too many memories to just choose one. However, each year during spring break, our men’s golf team travels to Mesa, Arizona, to get prepped for the spring season. Larry Merwin has been a phenomenal host for us year in and year out. That trip holds the best memories every year. How has DSU helped you grow? Through the Theodore Roosevelt Honors Leadership Program (TRHLP), Dickinson State University has equipped me for the next chapter in my life. With a focus on servant leadership, many leadership characteristics have been sharpened throughout my time here. It has been a true blessing to be a part of the TRHLP, because it has shown me how much of a difference I can make in the world by serving others. I have also seen myself grow through my time as a collegiate golfer. To me, golf goes hand-in-hand with leadership. Golf is a game of integrity, honesty, trust, and mental toughness; four characteristics that are vital to becoming a successful leader. I am excited to see how my learning experiences at Dickinson State transition into the next chapter of my life. What are your plans following graduation? I had a unique opportunity early on in college to step into a part-time career with the Information Systems department at American Bank Center. Now, three and a half years later, I will transition into a full-time role within the department.
“I was so proud to take this group of students to a state competition,” said Kelsey K. Rogers, the students’ instructor and adjunct faculty member at DSU. “They have each made tremendous progress while working toward this event, which is the reason we participate in them. It was especially gratifying to have some of my students recognized for their exceptional work, and I know that they all made Dickinson State proud.”
DSU’S OFFICE OF COMMUNICATIONS AND PUBLIC AFFAIRS RECEIVES NATIONAL AWARDS
In April 2018, Dickinson State University said farewell to two individuals who were instrumental in building the University we know today.
“Once a Blue Hawk, Always a Blue Hawk!”
Dickinson State University’s (DSU) Office of Communications and Public Affairs was recognized among the top in the nation by the 2017 Collegiate Advertising Awards program. The Collegiate Advertising Awards (CAA) is an elite program recognizing higher education organizations for excellence in communications, marketing, advertising and promotions of their schools. Dickinson State University’s Blue Hawk Bulletin, a monthly publication, and Admitted Student Brochure, created in conjunction with Absolute Marketing Group in Fargo, both scored in the top 5 percent in the nation, thus earning two Gold Awards for Dickinson State. The 2017 CAA program had more than 900 entries from the United States and Canada, representing small community colleges to very large schools and universities. Participants’ entries competed against similar-sized organizations in their specific groups and categories and their submissions were reviewed by a national panel of industry experts. Judging criteria included creativity, layout and design, functionality, message effectiveness, production quality and overall appeal.
Winifred B. Stump-DeLong 1926 – 2018
Representing all areas of communications, media, marketing, advertising and promotions, the 2017 Collegiate Advertising Awards program contained some of the best advertising projects arguably in the world. Collegiate Advertising Awards is pleased to recognize the outstanding creative achievements of Dickinson State University.
Roger F. Huffman ’55 1929 – 2018 FOLLOW US www.dickinsonstate.tumblr.com www.facebook.com/DickinsonState www.twitter.com/DickinsonU
Dickinson State University would like to thank The Rock Bar of Dickinson for displaying and promoting Blue Hawk pride in the community!
www.instagram.com/DickinsonState
MAY EVENTS May 5 May 5 May 5 May 6 May 6 May 7 May 7 May 11 May 11 May 11 May 12 May 19 May 26 May 28 May 29 May 30 May 30 May 31
DSU Blue Hawk Stampede Rodeo DSU Blue Hawk Stampede Rodeo Year End Choir Concert DSU Blue Hawk Stampede Rodeo DSU Blue Hawk Stampede Rodeo City Band and String Ensembles concert Shaw Clarinet Concerto Outstanding Senior Graduate Ceremony Department of Nursing Pinning Ceremony Kelsey K. Rogers Voice Studio Recital Dickinson State University Spring 2018 Commencement Praxis Ex a.m.s Workkeys Ex a.m. Memorial Day Ceremony DSU Engineering Camp DSU Engineering Camp STEM Workshop - “CSI Botany” DSU Engineering Camp
DSU Events - www.dickinsonstate.edu/events
1 p.m. 6 p.m. 7 p.m. 8 a.m. 2 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 3 p.m. 6 p.m. 7 p.m. 10 a.m. 8 a.m. 7:30 a.m. 10 a.m. 8 a.m. 8 a.m. 8 a.m. 8 a.m.
Stark County Fair Grounds Stark County Fair Grounds Stickney Auditorium Stark County Fair Grounds Stark County Fair Grounds Stickney Auditorium Dickinson High School Auditorium Student Center,Ballroom 116B Biesiot Activity Center Klinefelter Hall, Beck Auditorium Scott Gymnasium May Hall, Room 1 May Hall Klinefelter Hall - Beck Auditorium Murphy Hall, Rooms 117, 133, and 135 Murphy Hall, Rooms 117, 133, and 135 Murphy Hall, Room 133 Murphy Hall, Rooms 117, 133, and 135
Athletic Events - www.dsubluehawks.com
all class reunion June 28-30, 2018
www.dickinsonstate.edu/centennial The Blue Hawk Bulletin is a publication created by the Office of Communications and Public Affairs at Dickinson State University. dsu.communications@dickinsonstate.edu 701.483.2787