THE HERITAGE
for alumni & friends Summer 2020
INSIDE THIS EDITION Page 7
Life’s a Beautiful Ride
Page 10 Faith . Family . Friends . Forever Page 13 A Perfect Match Page 16 Forever a Country Girl Page 25 Johnsons Establish Endowed Chair
Letter from the President
DSU Heritage Foundation FOUNDATION BOARD MEMBERS
Ty Orton
Executive Director
Dear Alumni & Friends, It’s been a challenging spring for everyone as we learn to adapt to the current global situation created by the Covid-19 pandemic. It gives me great pleasure to inform you that our Dickinson State University students and members of our faculty and staff have risen to the challenge with perseverance, positivity, and tireless work. From academics to student clubs, to athletic team meetings, to our virtual commencement ceremony, Dickinson State University has found its place in the virtual world while maintaining our aspired brand. Encouraged by our mission, the Dickinson community continues to make great impact in the lives of students. We will always be appreciative for the support of alumni and friends like you in meeting the needs of our students and allowing them to pursue an education. If you are in a position to give, your donation today will help students, now and in the future, to continue to lead and serve, no matter what the world looks like tomorrow. You can make a contribution using the enclosed return envelope or by giving online at www.dsuheritagefoundation.org/donate. Your donation to the DSU Heritage Foundation ensures students will have the ability to continue their pursuit of education, regardless of financial hardships they are currently facing. Thank you for your support of Dickinson State University. Sincerely,
President Steve Easton P.S. The recently passed CARES Act may provide you with additional tax benefits that may also benefit Dickinson State University. Please consult your attorney or tax advisor for more information.
CONTACT US DSU Heritage Foundation 230 8th Ave West Dickinson, ND 58601 Phone: (701) 483-2486 Email: contact@dsuheritagefoundation.org
PAGE 2
THE HERITAGE | SUMMER 2020
DSUHERITAGEFOUNDATION.ORG
Bruce Dolezal ‘77 President
Vince Reep ‘76
Vice President
Dale Hansen Secretary
Haylee Cripe
Treasurer
Dr. Tom Arnold ‘80 Terrald Bang ‘69 Bob Baumann ‘79 Hank Biesiot Dodie Birdsall ‘92 Rob Bollinger ‘74 Steve “Butch” Goodall ‘66 Bob Green ‘71 Grant Haugland ‘03 Val Mack ‘94 Dr. Holly McBee, Ex-Officio Scott Molander ‘88 George Nodland ‘72 Klayton Oltmanns ‘93 Dr. Jim Ozbun Dr. Woodrow “Chip” Poland, Ex-Officio Irene Schafer ‘83 Jim Schwartz ‘74 Pete Stanton ‘89, Ex-Officio Deb Zillich ‘75 President Stephen Easton ‘80, Ex-Officio
DSU HERITAGE FOUNDATION STAFF Ty Orton, Executive Director Alicia Erickson, Director of Alumni Relations Pam Rudolph, Office Manager Amanda Bramhall, Accounting Manager PAGE 3
Letter from the Board President
DSU Heritage Foundation
Director of Alumni Relations
DSU Heritage Foundation
Alumni and Friends, Hello and welcome from the Board of Directors of the DSU Heritage Foundation! I hope everyone is enjoying the summer which will be remembered as one like no other. Because of this we continue to change and invent alternative ways to live each day and do business. In these challenging times, the ingenuity and teamwork come to the forefront and the dedicated staff of the Foundation have taken this challenge head on. The progress of the Foundation the last four years has been amazing. The scholarship dollars for 2020-2021 totals over $900,000. The Foundation goal for the future is $1.5M annually. The current economy makes fundraising difficult, but the commitment to provide scholarship dollars remains. An endowment in remembrance of a family member or simply a Booster Club membership all make a difference. Thank you for all you do for DSU and the Foundation! We look forward to seeing you on campus and alumni events. I was asked to provide a short introduction for this publication. I grew up on a farm/ranch NW of Killdeer with very supportive parents and four brothers and a sister. My parents met at what was then called Dickinson State Teachers College in 1948 and were married in 1950. They instilled in us early the value of education and there was no question college would follow high school. Five of the six kids attended Dickinson State. We regularly attended the Savages football and basketball games in the 60’s which were lasting impressions. Mom loved the musical and theatre productions in Stickney Auditorium and hoped they would give her kids a little culture. I graduated from Killdeer in 1973 and enrolled that fall at Dickinson State. To my parent’s surprise, I actually graduated in four years in 1977. DSU was an opportunity to experience coaches like Roger Huffman and Hank Biesiot and instructors like Don Vick. The teammates and friends made during that time still remain today. The best thing to ever happen to me was the spring of 1980 when I met my wife, Lisa, who was enrolled in the nursing program at DSU. We were married in 1983 and have three great kids whom we are very proud of including their spouses. Our son Lance is Card and Check Payments Manager for Bell Bank in Fargo, and his wife Jordan is a Fifth Grade Teacher. They PAGE 4
Greetings from a blue clear sky day at the DSU Heritage Foundation! Work on the summer edition of The Heritage is complete. This edition has a common theme of reminding us to look to our roots to find peace during these uncertain times. From the love stories of Trent and Lisa Myran and Everett “Ev” and Teri Nelson to how they turned to their faith to get them to where they are today, may these stories bring you a sense of hope and a smile to your face.
have a seven-year-old daughter, Marley, and two-month-old son, Luke. Lindsey will graduate in April of 2021 with a Doctorate in Nursing Practice. Her husband Kevin is a Real Estate Broker and was recently accepted into law school. They live in Cashiers, NC. Laura is a Registered Nurse at Essentia Health in Fargo and husband James has a flooring business. I retired in March of 2019 after a 42-year career in banking. I was active in civic and community organizations as well as some state boards of which I am still involved today. Lisa remains on call as an OB nurse at CHI St. Alexius Health in Dickinson.
In these times of uncertainty, I have been looking at some of the small things that surround my life every day. From the flowers that are enjoying our hot, muggy summer weather to some of the greatest sunsets. It reminds me that even though I am not in control of everything going on around me, I am in control of who I surround myself with and what I view. I have taken the time to distance myself from the news and negativity. By doing this, I have given myself the time to interview some of these great people you will read about. Their stories will hopefully inspire you to sit down and enjoy a cup of coffee with someone you would like to get to know more. Be the friend that provides comfort for someone else. Remember the freedoms that centuries of veterans have fought so hard for. Find that American pride as well as that pride for your alma mater. Make a difference! The Alumni Association has been busy sending out onesies to our Future Blue Hawks. These baby pictures remind us that life
is so precious and pure. It also serves as a reminder to contact us if you recently added to your family. I am excited to see these Future Blue Hawks turn in to our next class of freshmen. As students return to campus, it is a great reminder that we can show them the Blue Hawk Pride that we all have by sharing these stories. The next chapter of their life story is blank. Now is the time for them to take the pen and write. As we reflect on our college days, there is no time like the present to reach out to those friends that you haven’t talked to in years or even decades. Take the time to catch up on the past and make a plan to reunite sometime in the future. Even though we had to make the heartbreaking decision to cancel our Homecoming festivities on the alumni side for the 2020 due to the safety and health of our constituents, now is the time to start planning for the future. By the time the winter edition is released, we should have the dates set for Homecoming 2021. In addition, Yuletyme will still be taking place on December 12, 2020. The planning committee is working around COVID and will be revealing a solution in the coming weeks. On behalf of your Blue Hawk family, take care and stay healthy! Sincerely,
Alicia Erickson Director of Alumni Relations
We love visiting our kids and their families and spending time at our cabin on Lake Sakakawea. We also enjoy traveling and spending a couple winter months in Florida. Fall is usually full of bird and deer hunting with family and friends. We live in a beautiful neighborhood by the high schools and DSU. My mother, who is now 90, lives a few blocks away from our home in the retirement community at Edgewood Hawks Point. We are blessed to have her living close by. We are incredibly grateful for what life has given us. Bruce Dolezal DSU Heritage Foundation Board President THE HERITAGE | SUMMER 2020
DSUHERITAGEFOUNDATION.ORG
PAGE 5
Thru a Professor’s Lens From the Perspective of a Historian by Dr. Frank Varney, Professor of History Our nation is in crisis. We are battling an insidious disease which has not only killed far too many of our citizens, but caused disruption of our way of life; interruption of the education of our students; serious damage to our economy; and it has deepened the political divide which has so injured our national wellbeing. We see protests at every turn. Some people rebel against measures intended to keep us safe. Others have chosen this alreadychaotic time to make a political point. Still others protest against injustice – while others deny that injustice exists. Families must deal with having their children at home unexpectedly, while mom and dad try to earn a living in an economy that at times seems on the verge of collapse. And just to add to it all, we are deep into an election year that seems unprecedented in venom and anger. But it is not. We have seen elections like this before. In 1824 the presidential election began with five candidates, wound up in a deadlock, and was sent to the House of Representatives for resolution: and in that resolution the man who had won both the popular and electoral votes lost the election. Four years later another election included wild accusations of the most personal and offensive nature. And of course, in 1860 a legally constituted election led to the most-bloody war in the history of our nation, in which more Americans perished than in all of our other wars combined.
DSU Heritage Foundation to account past due 30 days, 60 days, 90 days. Then one final bill, on the bottom of which someone had written – not typed, written - “please.”
Life’s a Beautiful Ride
It broke my heart to see that one-word note from a desperate man, written so many years before I had been born, to the grandfather I never knew.
One of the great joys of growing older is being able to appreciate the finer things in life. You actually get to slow down and enjoy the beautiful ride. In June, we had an alumnus from the class of 1957 who made the trip to Dickinson from his home in Corpus Christie, Texas. At 90 years old, Herb doesn’t let much stop him.
And we survived that. So many of us have similar stories from our parents, grandparents, and great-grandparents, who not only survived the depression but the terrible war which followed it. Millions died: but this nation survived. Sometimes people ask “Why study history? It’s over and done with. It happened to other people, people we don’t even know, and it happened a long time ago.” But it isn’t over. We live history every day. Someday the story we live through today will be the history studied in classrooms all over this great nation. It didn’t happen to people we don’t even know. It happened to our parents, our grandparents, our great-grandparents. It happened to us. And it happens still. The lessons of the past inform the future. From history we can take context, in which to judge the present. From history we can find the balance to help us cope with the chaos all around us. From history we can find the strong foundation upon which this country was built, so we can build anew. And from history we learn that there is nothing we are unable to overcome if we are willing to work together. That there is no challenge too great, if we only set aside the things that divide us and focus on the things that make us one and make us proud. We are in crisis. But all crises end. This one will too. Let us make sure that when it does, we have not done ourselves needless damage in our anger, in our confusion, and in our fear. We have everything we need to survive this. We have each other.
We have also seen economic hardship before, often of staggering dimensions. Our history is replete with “The Panic of…” or “The Crash of….” We survived them all. Even the Great Depression, a world-wide tragedy of unprecedented scope, did not destroy us. I never knew my grandfather: he died when my father was only sixteen. But many years later, after my father was also long gone, I found my grandfather’s business ledgers. They were in the attic of the old family home, built in the 1890s.
Herbert Heck was raised on a farm east of Hwy 85 and north of Hwy 21 in southwest North Dakota. He was born to a family of eight kids and was lucky to have a twin brother. After his sister married, he became his mother’s helper in the kitchen. He enjoyed learning how to cook for the threshing crews. From his father, he learned to be gentle and to not get upset about things you have no control over. Herb recounted a story from his youth in which his dad had just bought a combine. The piece of machinery was going to cut the crop for that year. Unfortunately, a hailstorm came thru and wreaked havoc on the crops. Rather than get upset, Herb’s dad told his sons to go collect the hailstones so that they could make ice cream. As Herb told the story, he chuckled in disbelief that a man could be so laidback after seeing such destruction. Herb’s family moved to town and he was able to graduate from Model High School. The Korean War was around the corner and Herb’s dad did what a lot of fathers did back then. They offered to turn the farm over to their sons to save them from the war. Herb said he had no desire to farm and wanted to enlist. Unfortunately, his twin brother also had to enlist then.
After graduating in 1957, Herb took a job offer in Alaska. For nearly 30 years, Herb was a dedicated employee for the Federal Aviation Administration. During that time, he served five and a half years as Chief at Prudhoe Bay while the pipeline was constructed. Seven years were spent in the headquarters. THE HERITAGE | SUMMER 2020
DSU Heritage Foundation
by Alicia Erickson, Director of Alumni Relations
Herb was stationed stateside during the Korean War and used his veteran’s benefits to enroll in Dickinson State Teachers College. He said it was free room and board by living with his family. With a smile, he recounted how his dad felt about Herb attending DSTC. According to Herb, “Dad was proud I went to college.”
My grandfather owned his own plumbing business, which he lost in the Great Depression. I could see the history of it there in his ledgers: good income, then less income, then unable to collect from people he had done work for because they had lost their jobs. Then finally he reached the state where he was unable to pay his own bills. There, stuck between the pages of the ledger, we found typed letters from people he owed money PAGE 6
Alumni Spotlight
DSUHERITAGEFOUNDATION.ORG
These days Herb enjoys living in the sunny region of Corpus Christi, Texas. His condo is along the Gulf Coast where he can see the waves crashing against the shore. It is prime real estate for the annual Fourth of July celebration in Corpus Christi. Herb loves to entertain and enjoys inviting his friends to his party. “I don’t have to invite many. The rest come,” explained Herb. Herb loves to bake and cook. He even as a nickname. His friends and the people from the Senior Citizens Center call him the Cookie Man. Once a week, he makes a double-batch of cookies which amounts to roughly 150 cookies. He puts them in large plastic canisters. At 90 years young, he makes sure to put all the ingredients on the counter in the order that they need to be added to the mixing bowl. He loves to give them away. “I only eat the cookies that fall on the floor,” Herb said. At Christmas time, he is known for his rum cakes. He makes 115 cakes to give to his neighbors, friends, banker, doctor, and countless other people. The only gift he expects in return is a simple thank you. As a veteran, Herb also loves to give back to fellow veterans especially his Korean War comrades. Herb recounted the tough days of being in the military. He said back then the news was remarkably similar to today. The reporters were not reporting the facts. Many did not go over to report from the front lines. The weather was brutal. He explained how it was the first war the United States of America did not win. Therefore, when the PAGE 7
Alumni Spotlight
DSU Heritage Foundation
veterans came home, they didn’t tell people that they had served our country. Today, Herb is making up for that time by buying a bulk number of caps. If he finds out a person is a Korean War Veteran, he gives them a cap. According to Herb, “The Korean War is the forgotten war. That’s why we wear our caps.” He wants the veterans to be proud of serving their country and the people of the USA. “There are no winners in any war,” said Herb. As far as Herb’s longevity, his advice is that, “Life is not that serious. If you want to live long, you better relax. Stress kills.” Herb is taking a few lessons from his father. “I’ve got a short fuse, but I back off,” said Herb. He’s also found a way to enjoy life. He enjoys going on cruises. He’s cruised all over and has been on 29 or 30 cruises. However, his cruises are a little different than it is for most people. He goes for the dining and getting dressed up. He never leaves the cruise ship at port. “Life on a ship is laidback. A nice place to relax,” stated Herb. “I had a good job and good retirement. I spend it.” Herb’s trip to Dickinson this time around was a business trip. He decided to donate some mineral holdings to the DSU Heritage Foundation. The 400 acres of mineral rights will go towards academic scholarships when they are leased or producing. Herb hopes to make it back to Dickinson in September. Since his macular degeneration diagnosis, he cannot make the trip to Dickinson by himself. He hires a driver. This time, his fellow Korean War buddy, Lonnie, who he met at the Senior Citizens Center joined him on the voyage as his driver. Like Thelma and Louise but this journey is two men in their nineties setting out cross country in a Lincoln who go by the names of Herb and Lonnie. Life is indeed a beautiful ride. PAGE 8
DICKINSON ROTARY
Blue Hawk Stampede
PRESENT THE 2020
RODEO
2017 and 2019 NIRA Great Plains Region
RODEO OF THE YEAR Clay Jorgenson Watford City, ND 2019 CNFR Qualifier NIRA Great Plains Region 12 Regional Colleges represented at this event!
$10/adults $5/students
DSU Students free with Student ID
Tickets available at these locations: DSU Ag Dept (400 State Ave.) DSU Heritage Foundation (230 8th Ave. W.) Dickinson Rotary Members or at the Gate
Stark County Fairgrounds Photo by Annika G. Plummer
2.5 miles south of Dickinson, ND, on Highway 22 Rodeo #1 October 1-2, 2020
Oct. 1 - 6:00 p.m. Performance Oct. 2 - 9:00 a.m. Slack
All Times MDT
Rodeo #2 October 2-3, 2020
Oct. 2 - 6:00 p.m. Performance Oct. 3 - 9:00 a.m. Slack Oct. 3 - 6:00 p.m. Short Go For more information, contact DSU Rodeo at 701-483-2325
THE HERITAGE | SUMMER 2020
It is twenty years since I was given the DSU black rocking chair with the DSU emblem It has “rocked” for all these years! The first “rock” started way back in 1963 upon choosing DSU for college “A man’s heart plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps” - Proverbs 16:9 Another “rock” Graduation from DSU with four years behind with some interesting challenges However, overall wonderful experiences! Another “rock” Got a phone call in the early 70’s—needed a shorthand teacher to fill out the quarter Again, another “rock” Got my foot in the door and “rocked” until 2000 Adjunct to full-time in 10 years Shorthand—Typing—Internship Business Communications 345—Medical Terminology So many wonderful students and stories Now after “rocking” younger grandchildren in our home, It sits on pretty rocks against a white fence with red carnations on the seat I look at it every day And it warms my DSU heart Now it “rocks” in my memories DSUHERITAGEFOUNDATION.ORG
PAGE 9
Alumni Spotlight
DSU Heritage Foundation
Alumni Spotlight
DSU Heritage Foundation
Back in Mohall, there was a special young lady. Teri was his girlfriend from high school, and they united in marriage at a young age. Together, they set out to pursue their life as a family. To this union, they brought four daughters: Randi, Jeni, Lindsey, and Molly. “Teri is a daughter of the king! I always say she is the best person I know. She is a loving wife and teammate, a wonderful mother and grandmother. She is extremely caring and passionate about serving God and Others. Plus, she is truly a ‘wildcard,’” said Ev.
Faith . Family . Friends . Forever. by Alicia Erickson, Director of Alumni Relations 2020 has been a year in which many people are trying to get a handle on. There have been some trying times in the world. It is a great reminder that we cannot take life forgranted. It also reminds us that there is a greater God that is there for all of us if we are willing to accept Him. Working in the college environment, we are reminded daily that everyone’s story is different. No one is raised the same or has the exact same ideals or beliefs. However, we can become better humans by learning from each other and the difficulties and struggles that others have faced. The awareness makes us more open to our surroundings as well as a willingness to help. On many college campuses across the country, you will see the abbreviation FCA which stands for the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. It is an organization that reaches out to the demographic of college athletes in uniting them with a common theme – faith. On the campus of the University of North Dakota, Everett (Ev) Nelson ‘77 started his mornings motivating young men who came into the weight room to lift before attending their first classes of the day. Ev was not the coach or even an assistant coach. He was the Chaplain of the Fighting Hawks Football Team, a title he held since 2014. Ev’s story started on the wide-open spaces of a farmstead by Mohall, ND. Ev loved the farm life. So much so that when PAGE 10
his dad died when he was an eighth grader, Ev still worked the summers during his high school years for the farmer who now farmed his family’s land. In high school, he had his eyes set on attending UND to major in pre-dentistry. However, something changed. A good friend and classmate of his from Mohall was going to Dickinson State College to play football. It might have also helped that his coach and mentor, Rich Wardner, was also an alum of DSC. For many young people who grow up without a father, they look to find someone to fill that role. For Ev, Rich did that. Ev explained, “Growing up without a father, my coaches all played a part as my role models, some better than others. However, in high school, Rich Wardner was my favorite teacher and was an extremely caring coach.” The respect was mutual. Rich reflects back on the young man that he taught. “I had the pleasure of coaching and teaching Everett Nelson in football during his 7th, 8th and 9th grades, two years of high school track, 7th grade Life Science and 10th grade Biology at Mohall High School. Everett Nelson respected his teachers and coaches, always worked to improve, was focused both in the classroom and on the athletic field, wanted to please his teachers and coaches, and was well liked by his classmates. Everett’s positive attitude and drive to achieve were instrumental in his success as a Blue Hawk football player and his teaching and coaching career,” stated Rich. In August of 1972, he came to DSC. Like many young men, his primary purpose was playing football. It was great men like Roger Huffman and Bob Lasater that continued giving Ev the fatherly guidance he was missing. He quickly became friends with his teammates on the football team as well as the other residents in Pulver Hall. Some of those include Rob Bollinger, Arlan Hofland, and Vince Reep. These teammates and friends became the brothers that Ev was looking for in his life. “These guys are lifelong friends. Our families have known and loved each other for over 40 years. Regardless of where we have lived, we have always stayed connected,” stated Ev. THE HERITAGE | SUMMER 2020
Ev continued his dream of coaching football and teaching at the high school level. He started in South Dakota and eventually ended up coaching and teaching at Grand Forks Central. However, the trials of life brought him to a turning point when he turned 50 in 2004. It was then that he gave his life to Christ. That year and milestone was a pivotal point in his life. He realized there was a greater purpose. He wanted to be a better husband, father, grandfather, and coach. His philosophy changed. Instead of putting it all in to winning football games, he wanted to make sure that he was impacting the lives of young people. In 2013, he got out of teaching and coaching. He had reached that pivotal point where he knew God had given him a platform and he needed to use it. Ev called and visited with some guys who were in FCA. To his surprise, they invited him to come and work for them. As he began to explore FCA, he started raising money to have his own ministry. He had coached for 28 years so he knew many families who were willing to give to this cause. Joining Ev in his journey in ministry was his partner in life, Teri. Together, they were going to start this next chapter. It just so happened that the chapter would be in the town they called home and the college Ev had originally planned to attend – the University of North Dakota. UND had a familiar face as the head coach of the football team. Bubba Schweigert was taking over at the helm and he enlisted Ev to serve as the team Chaplain. Coach Schweigert felt that it was needed in to bring the team together. While Ev was starting his day by attending the early morning practices or training sessions, Teri was focusing her time with some of the women’s sports teams. They found that with time and persistence the ministry grew. They watched the culture of the teams change and students were making a difference. According to Ev, “All the power to God. He allowed us to be funded and the coaches opened the door to us.” Ev said that the main thing was to be present in the lives of these college athletes. By being at the practices, it led to conversations with the players. Over time, they built relationships. It served as a constant reminder that there is a greater purpose. They saw their huddle of fellowship continue to grow from the seven DSUHERITAGEFOUNDATION.ORG
student athletes they started with at their first meeting in 2014 to over 100 at some of their gatherings. In the six years since they started the FCA chapter at UND, Ev and Teri are seeing what Ev describes as the coolest thing. “Athletes left UND and continue to spread Jesus in their new jobs,” stated Ev. He is seeing that these discipline makers are making a difference. After the half-dozen successful years at UND, the couple is ready to spread their ministry to others. In August, they are turning over the Fellowship of Christian Athletes chapter to someone else. They may be retiring in some ways, but they are going to continue to serve. “Teri and I will be having our first fall off without football coaching or FCA character coaching, so that will be very different. We are looking forward to not having a schedule, being together and traveling in a newly purchased camper trailer. We are confident God will reveal His new chapter for us. We are going to spend some time in South Carolina in PAGE 11
Alumni Spotlight
DSU Heritage Foundation
Alumni Spotlight
late September and plan to serve with a ministry friend that is involved in disaster reconstruction,” explained Ev.
similar. She would ask me some tough questions that made me think about my answers. Questions like, “Where should we go for supper?” I met her parents on several occasions. In Lisa’s case, I am not sure if it was a case of knowing I was “the one” or that she just couldn’t get rid of me. Either way, I definitely married up.” The thoughts were similar for Lisa. “After I finally decided to go out with him and realized how funny, charismatic, and compassionate he was, there was no question that he was “the one.” He is my best friend. The one who I can talk to about anything, laugh, and eat a whole medium pizza from Pizza Patrol in your dorm room and no judgements as he is eating his own. I couldn’t imagine life without him and love being on the journey of life with him,” stated Lisa.
Ev has some great advice for everyone. “Get yourself out of the way and be a selfless servant to others,” he said. As far as the friendship with his college buddies, the bond will continue to grow over the years to come. According to Arlan, “Ev, Vince, and I are no longer friends, we refer to each other as brothers, and it is a title that was earned and based on love. We have known each other for over 40 years. People change over that period of time and both of us have certainly changed. Our friendship has changed in many ways, but the foundation of our friendship has not changed. We do not always agree with each other on a variety of subjects, but we know that we will be there for each other whenever the need arises.” Vince agreed. “Lifelong buddies. We have had a ton of fun experiences together. We are like brothers. Pam and I are Godparents to Ev and Teri’s second
DSU Heritage Foundation
daughter, Jennifer. We get together at least a couple of times each year to stay in touch,” stated Vince.
Shortly after Lisa graduated with her associate degree, the couple married on May 28, 1994 in her hometown church. Trent continued working on his bachelor’s degree and graduated in 1996 while Lisa worked as a receptionist at Steffes. Before long, two boys, Tanner and Hunter, were born and rounded out their family.
There is no doubt that the Ev’s approach to life is putting faith, family, and friends at the top. By doing this, he is creating a love with Teri and their family as well as his college buddies that will last forever.
A Perfect Match by Alicia Erickson, Director of Alumni Relations When people come to college and fall in love, a lot of times the relationship ends in marriage. For one couple who met at Dickinson State University, their love story consisted of marriage, kids, and wedded bliss. Their friends and family members knew that being married for 25 years meant that they were a perfect match. However, for Trent ’96 and Lisa ’94 Myran their perfect match meant more than just love. This past year, Trent was needing a kidney transplant. It turns out his wife, Lisa, was his perfect match.
Life for the Myran’s was going pretty smoothly. The couple were nestled in the Dickinson community and were enjoying their usual routine with their careers. Trent had spent the past 24 years working for his alma mater in Facility Operations and Lisa was just entering her fifth year working for Dickinson Public Schools. The boys were in college. Tanner was working on his MBA at the University of Montana and Hunter was going to school at Dickinson State University. Trent was scheduled for a routine doctor’s visit with his kidney doctor that changed his life. In his early twenties, he was diagnosed with having IGA Neuropathy and was told that one day he would need to have a kidney transplant. As Trent explained, “IGA Neuropathy is a very slow-moving disease. The symptoms I noticed most during the last few years before the transplant were extreme fatigue and a lack of energy. When I got the news, I honestly was not afraid or nervous. I knew that it would be alright because I had God and my family.”
To tell you a little bit about them, lets flashback to 1991 when they were freshmen at Dickinson State. Trent graduated from Richardton-Taylor High School and Lisa was from Lemmon, SD. Lisa’s roommate, Beth, was Trent’s best friend from high school so naturally Trent would go over to Woods Hall to visit Beth. That is how they met. According to Lisa, “Pretty sure for him it was love at first sight, but I actually played hard to get. It took him a couple of months to break me down, but I finally agreed to go to a movie and Sergio’s for our first date towards the end of October in 1991.” Over time, their feelings for each other deepened. Trent recalls, “Lisa and I had a lot of long conversations. Our beliefs were PAGE 12
THE HERITAGE | SUMMER 2020
DSUHERITAGEFOUNDATION.ORG
PAGE 13
Alumni Spotlight
DSU Heritage Foundation
Trent’s optimism carried over to Lisa. Lisa started thinking in the back of her mind about the possibility of getting tested to see if she was a match. “In the beginning I didn’t really think about it until we had a meeting with his transplant team that I began to think more about it. They mentioned how he had a better chance with a living donor than waiting on the transplant list as that could take years. Also, he was a perfect candidate since he wasn’t on dialysis yet,” explained Lisa. Like any case, siblings are a likely donor candidate. Trent’s brothers got tested. They were a match but couldn’t donate due to other circumstances. At that point, Lisa decided it was her sign to get tested. “I was a little hesitant in the beginning since I would also have to be the caregiver as there would be a ton of follow-up appointments, but I realized that didn’t matter as we could make things work and I have a very supportive family. My brother was also ready to get tested but they only test a few at a time. He was next in line if I wasn’t a match,” said Lisa. “Both of our boys were willing as well to be tested, but since this is a kidney disease he will have for life and there is potential it will break down the new kidney over years like it did the first time, it is best to have some backup plans.” The test for a match consists of different steps. The first step is a couple of blood draws in which they see if the candidate is a match. This step takes about 10 days to get the results back. Once you get the results and find out you are a match, the candidate must make the decision if they are willing to do this. In Lisa’s case, she committed to donating a kidney. The next steps were extensive testing. Lisa explained it best as, “One would call it the “ultimate” physical to see if I was physically and mentally healthy. They take a lot of blood, labs, x-rays, CT scan, and you also meet with several doctors, a pharmacist, a dietician, and a psychologist who administered a wonderful psychological test that consisted of over 500 questions! That was probably the most painful part of the two-day testing, but it was determined I met all criteria and wasn’t crazy!” The couple will never forget the day that they got the results back. “It was September 4 and I was home for lunch and the transplant coordinator called. She told me I was a match and we could move forward if I was willing too. I didn’t even hesitate, and the surgery was scheduled for November 12,” Lisa said. Lisa as the wife and donor describes feeling “a real hot mess of emotions” when she got that phone call. She couldn’t wait to tell everyone that had been praying for them. PAGE 14
Alumni Spotlight
DSU Heritage Foundation
The Myrans would encourage everyone to consider becoming a donor. Over 95,000 Americans are on the waiting list to receive a kidney. It is as easy as making sure it is stated on your driver’s license. “Do it! You were born with the ability to change someone’s life, do not ever waste it. I would do it all over gain if I had other parts to spare, and I am listed as a donor on my driver’s license. To see how much it has helped Trent go back to being able to do things that he couldn’t in the last couple of years is awesome to see and so glad that I am healthy and was able to give him a second chance at life.” – Lisa Myran, Kidney Transplant Donor “I would encourage anyone to consider donating. A donor has a real chance to literally save a life. There are so many people out there waiting, many in worse condition than myself when Lisa gave me the kidney.” – Trent Myran, Kidney Transplant Recipient
For both Trent and Lisa, they relied on their faith to get them through this trying time. As Lisa stated, “Lots and lots of prayers as during this time it does test your faith and patience, but God is bigger than anything and is good! I know that we couldn’t have gotten through all of this if it wasn’t for God and all the prayers from our church, family, and friends. It did really give me lots of peace going into this whole journey.” With the transplant date scheduled for two months away in Bismarck, the couple started getting everything lined up. Since they would both need assistance, their families were there to assist in the house that Lisa rented for a couple of weeks not too far from Sanford Hospital. Lisa’s parents, Bill and Connie Hourigan, came from Lemmon to stay at the rental house to be there for their daughter and son-in-law. A few days before the surgery, the couple made their way to Bismarck. They had to complete tests the day before surgery to make sure everything was on track. Their family joined them the evening before surgery for support. The day of the surgery arrived. Both Trent and Lisa described the feeling of that morning as calm and peaceful. “I really wasn’t nervous. I just wanted to get the transplant over with so I could begin recovery,” stated Trent. For Lisa, just knowing she had friends and family sending prayers and positive thoughts up for them meant a lot. “We also had a great support system there with us that morning in the waiting room. My parents, his parents, our pastor and his wife, my sister and brother, our boys, and Hunter’s girlfriend. Which is awesome to have such support because without them, it would make things much harder. Also, we had a ton of other family members and friends praying which gave me lots of peace and encouragement,” she said. THE HERITAGE | SUMMER 2020
The surgery went well. By that evening, they were able to Facetime each other. The next day when Trent was up for his first walk, the nurses made sure they stopped by Lisa’s room to see her. “Sanford did a great job to make sure our rooms were right beside each other,” stated Lisa. Lisa’s stay at Sanford was two nights while Trent’s was eight days. They stayed in Bismarck until the transplant team gave them the go ahead to go home. Back in Dickinson, Lisa became Trent’s primary caregiver. They spent time at the West River Rec Center utilizing the indoor track. “We both moved very slowly for quite a while and I am sure we were entertaining to watch. We went to the community center to walk the track and were pretty hyped… until we finished the first lap,” he said.
means so many things. It is a promise before God that you will always take care of each other, no matter what. You are also promising your spouses family that you will take care of them. However, although it is a contract, it is not fool proof. I heard of comments by married folks that they would never donate a kidney to their husband or wife. This makes me think that for them, “in sickness and in health,” only goes so far. I never have to wonder about Lisa. She has given me two awesome sons. She has also given me my life back.”
The recovery time for the couple varied. As the donor, Lisa said it took 4-5 months to start to feel better. At the five-month mark in April, she feels back to her old self. As for Trent as the recipient, it took several months, and he is still working on medication adjustments. He explains, “I would call it the “new normal.” The medications I am on fluctuate. It has been just recently that most of them are where my doctor wants them. However, there are side effects that occur whenever an adjustment is made. The worst are migraine headaches and dizziness. I have a great doctor and donor team and although I have ups and downs, I feel that I am doing well.” Looking back on their journey, they will be the first to state that the vows they recited on their wedding day mean so much more today. For Lisa, “It is an amazing feeling to know that we were truly a match made in Heaven and God knew what he was doing when he had us meet in Woods Hall back in the day. We do make an amazing team. The vows were definitely challenged during this time, but we are here to support each other and are committed to do whatever it takes to make this work even during the most difficult obstacles. I have become a better person because of the love and support from Trent.” As for Trent, “For me, marriage DSUHERITAGEFOUNDATION.ORG
PAGE 15
Alumni Spotlight
DSU Heritage Foundation
Forever a Country Girl Chasing Her Dreams Like the sunflowers growing on the rolling hills in McKenzie County, Nikki Thompson Darrington ‘06 spreads joy wherever she goes. With her infectious laugh and a smile that lights up any room, Darrington is known throughout her hometown community for being a girl who loves helping others. When the pandemic hit this spring, her mind went into overdrive. She wanted a way to connect with her friends, neighbors, and others who needed to feel a part of something. Meet Hygge Hen.
The idea came about when she started a walking challenge led by an individual who was not an expert. This sparked the fire in her. “I always thought I had to be an expert to share my thoughts. No, it turns out people just like an everyday normal person that you can relate to. Also, the pandemic was the perfect time to launch as people needed things to do. I needed a purpose as I’m used to being busy. I found myself bored with idle hands,” stated Nikki. Over the past couple of months, followers have seen Nikki share her tips on how to keep track of the inventory of groceries on hand, recipes, how to organize junk drawers, etc. Her goal was to get 100 followers by the end of 2020. As of the end of June, her following was quickly approaching 500. In the future, Nikki sees Hygge Hen growing in other formats. She would love to expand to a YouTube channel. Also holding organizational workshops for people who are challenged in this area. She thinks everyone should find comfort and coziness in their home. Part of what makes the Darrington home so cozy is who she shares it with. Her husband of 13 years, Patrick, and their three children: PAGE 16
DSU Heritage Foundation
but we also have morphed into being more accepting and have found a way to make this community not just a stepping stone but a home for all new families. Growing up I never would have thought I would get to come back as there were not many opportunities,” said Nikki. Like many small-town girls, she tries to shop local. “Oh my gosh, we have the best shops. Everything you need for my kids you can find at Beaver Creek Creations. My favorite home décor store is Mabe’s Flower Market. When I need gifts for cards and birthdays, Barretts Pharmacy is my go-to.”
by Alicia Erickson, Director of Alumni Relations
Hygge Hen is a Facebook page that allows women to learn some new tricks around the house. It is a mixture of some of the Food Network favorites mixed with HGTV. According to Nikki, “I have wanted to have an outlet for my cooking/baking, organizing, and decorating for a while but didn’t know when. The Pioneer Woman is my BIGGEST inspiration and my hubby is always pushing me to follow my dreams. My friends have always asked me to share my planning tips and so here it is.” From sharing tips on how to keep your freezers organized to planning your meals for a week, Nikki presents plans to keep busy moms functionally organized.
Alumni Spotlight
Gracyn (9), Gavyn (8), and Graham (5). The family lives on a farm where they raise crops as well as 4-H animals. Nikki is very much hands on when it comes to instilling in her kids life skills. When the county fair in McKenzie County was cancelled in 2020 due to the coronavirus, Nikki took matters into her own hands. The family hosted their own county fair and invited their immediate family to join in on the fun. The girls were able to show their livestock. Even Graham got in on the action by showing a little kitty when his potbellied pig was not cooperating in being shown. Nikki’s sister-in-law was sweet enough to make leather ribbons that will forever be a keepsake for the kids of this special occasion.
In addition to having a full-time job, being a mother and wife, Nikki is the owner of an in-home business called Lone Tree Mercantile. She helps wedding couples and young men going to prom get their suits and tuxes. The business expanded to now helping young women find prom dresses. “I started a free prom dress drive for girls that can’t buy a prom dress. I gave away 57 dresses this year,” stated Nikki. Girls who need a dress for a winter formal or prom can set up an appointment to come see Nikki. Girls came from as far away as Culbertson, MT, to get a dress. No doubt Nikki’s payment was just being able to beam at making these young girls dreams come true. Lone Tree Mercantile continues to grow as she has expanded to wedding coordination which she claims, “[It] is so much fun. I love weddings more than anything! My ultimate dream is to build a wedding lodge,” Nikki said. There is no doubt that this country girl will continue to chase her dreams. As she does, she will continue to make people smile along the way just like wild sunflowers do. Editor’s Note: To be inspired by Nikki, become a friend of Hygge Hen on Facebook.
Nikki’s love of the land explains why it is only natural that she pursued a degree in agriculture from Dickinson State University. She went on to get her bachelor’s degree and came back to her family’s farm. She loves everything that farm life offers. According to Nikki, “The wide-open spaces, growing food and animals to eat, raising my kids, and appreciating nature.” She works as a District Conservationist for the McKenzie County NRCS (Natural Resources Conservation District). She has been in the office located in Watford City for almost nine years. One of the great programs their district started was Cowgirls and Conservation. “We started with 57 women and now we are up to almost 200! We needed to have an event that focused on women and agriculture as that was not being addressed. We have a new theme every year,” stated Nikki. “I love when people are excited to come and I love showing them all we do at our office!” Watford City was one of the areas impacted immensely by the oil boom. However, Nikki sees it as positive. “Wow! Has it ever changed! The local people are closer I think as we cling to our past, THE HERITAGE | SUMMER 2020
DSUHERITAGEFOUNDATION.ORG
PAGE 17
New Alumni
DSU Heritage Foundation
New Alumni
Time to Spread Your Wings and Fly
Having the opportunity to travel while in college with the English and Fine Arts Departments allowed Hailey the opportunity to see what else is out there in the world. She got to see Chicago as well as the historic works of art in Italy. “Those trips opened my eyes to places that were drastically different from my little North Dakotan life and I fell in love with them. I would go back and repeat those trips every week if I could,” explained Hailey.
by Alicia Erickson, Director of Alumni Relations May 2020 was a bittersweet moment for the DSU Heritage Foundation. We were working remotely during the pandemic so we didn’t get to properly say goodbye to our student workers. For some, we will see them again in August. For others, they are spreading their wings to fly as they earned what they set out to do. Suzanna Moberg Foundation Job: Co-Host of Hawk Talk/QTego Online Auction and Website Specialist Major: English Education Hometown: Dickinson, ND Raised by parents who work in the educational field, it made perfect sense that Suzanna Moberg decided to follow their footsteps. She earned honors as being selected as a Student Commencement Speaker and an Outstanding Graduate. Her next move will be to Nashville, TN, where she will be starting her career as an English teacher at Hunters Lane High School. Leaving Dickinson State and the city of Dickinson is bittersweet. Not only are her two sisters pursuing their degrees at DSU, but this is her home. According to Suzanna, “There’s so much that I’ll miss about Dickinson! Of course my family and my friends because they’re the biggest part of my life. I think I’ll also miss what a tightknit community we have. Wherever you go in town, you’re bound to know someone and get caught up in conversation with them which is a lot of fun!” Reflecting on her time as a Blue Hawk, Suzanna was the co-host of Hawk Talk, a student worker for the DSU Heritage Foundation, Student Body President during her junior and senior years, as well as active in choir. She got a real sense for the Blue Hawk Pride. “Being a Blue Hawk has changed my life because I found a group of people who were there to support me and who I got to support in every aspect of life. Whether that be going to choir concerts and plays, rodeos, football games, research conference presentations, everyone at DSU supports everyone and I’m proud to be part of that supportive family environment,” stated Suzanna. Even though she has decided to spread her wings and teach in Tennessee, it won’t be forever. As Suzanna said, “I’m moving to Nashville, but I would like to come back to this area eventually. I don’t know if that’s five years, 10 years, or 15 years from now. I would like to come back and teach in South Heart because that’s where I did my student teaching and I had the best experience. So maybe in 10 years I’ll be back in North Dakota teaching in South Heart!” PAGE 18
DSU Heritage Foundation
“Looking back, I’m a way different person than I was when I first came to DSU, and it’s because of the small school and the big opportunities that I’ve grown into the person I am today,” said Suzanna. “I really found where I belong. I found a major that I’m passionate about. I found a group of friends who are caring and supportive and who became my second family. I found professional support in the faculty and staff at DSU and the DSU Heritage Foundation that I know won’t end just because I’m leaving DSU.” “I feel like being a teacher is my dream job...A way big dream would be to be the Secretary of Education.” Keera Stookey Foundation Job: Accounting Assistant Intern Major: Business Administration Hometown: Huntley, MT The daughter of one of the most prominent coaches in Montana, Keera Stookey came to Dickinson State University to play volleyball. She continued to set her way on the court as well off the court by being a part of the Theodore Roosevelt Honors Leadership Program and by teaching young girls the fundamentals of volleyball. As a college athlete for the Blue Hawks, Keera was a leader for her young team. She wasn’t afraid to use her coaching skills to aid her teammates. In fact, every time Keera wore the school colors of blue and gray on the court, she felt the pride. “Blue Hawk Pride is something that I will carry with me forever,” stated Keera. “Seeing how much people give back to this school, I know that I want to give back just as much to the place that has given me so much.” Her leadership and coaching skills will come in handy as she has moved back to her hometown of Huntley to become one of her mom’s assistant coaches at Huntley Project High School. A position that will mean a lot for both Iona and Keera in the coming years as her mom finishes out her coaching career alongside her daughter. THE HERITAGE | SUMMER 2020
In fact, Keera will continue to be a mentor for the young members of the high school team just like she was for her teammates. She will be able to give them the advice needed to get them ready for leaving their hometown and heading off to college. Keera noticed how college changed her. “I came into college as a young, naïve athlete and I have grown into a strong, independent, young woman who feels ready to take on the real world,” explained Keera.
Reflecting on her college career, Hailey stated it best when she said, “It’s more of a nostalgic thing that I’ll miss the most. I’ll miss the feeling I had while I was there. That feeling of being young and carefree and having virtually no big, real-world responsibilities. I mean, I’m still young, obviously, but it just hits different in college when you’re right there in the thick of things. I’ve just made so many good memories in Dickinson. It’ll be sad to close that chapter in my life.”
As far as advice to the incoming freshmen, she shared some tips. According to Keera, “Take advantage of all the activities on campus and got to the library to study – it helps!”
“I know for sure I’m not the same person I was when I came here,” said Hailey. “I mean, I think that’s just part of getting older as well, you grow and change as long as you’re open to it. I’ve learned more about who I am and what I want, what makes me happy and what I’m really passionate about. I’ve also learned to just be me, not care so much about what other people think. Life turns out to be more fun that way.”
For now, moving home means returning to where opportunity awaits. Eventually, Keera would like to become a flight attendant so that she can travel. No doubt she will be able to see the world with the assistance of a plane’s wings.
Hailey’s starting her career working as a graphic designer for AgriCover in Jamestown. It’s close to her grandparents and within a few hours of her family’s ranch. Just far enough away to spread her wings.
“I am so proud to be a DSU alumnae. I am shocked how fast the last four years have gone by.”
“I can’t imagine being anything other than a Blue Hawk at this point. I never knew before coming to college that I would care that much about it or my part in it, but I realized that DSU isn’t just any university. The people really care about each other and want each other to succeed. It really is a family atmosphere here. DSU Blue Hawks have more genuine pride in their college than I’ve seen anywhere else.”
Hailey Entze Foundation Job: Graphic Designer/ Writer Major: Creative Writing Hometown: Golden Valley, ND A girl who has a sense for illustrating images either through her photography or graphic design is Hailey Entze. Growing up on a ranch in the wide open spaces near Golden Valley, ND, Hailey blossomed as a college student. She was a part of the Art Club and Student Senate. She was an Outstanding Graduate nominee. Moving to Dickinson from the family ranch is an adjustment for most kids. For many, the transition to a smaller four-year college is easier because it allows them an opportunity to get involved in campus activities.
DSUHERITAGEFOUNDATION.ORG
PAGE 19
Outstanding Graduates Suzanna Moberg 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 Dickinson State University, Suzanna was involved in many organizations on campus as well as in the community. She served all four years on Student Senate and was our 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, as well as served as a voice on the virtual commencement ceremony committee. 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 of the 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 the camp staff were some of the many duties she was given. In addition, Moberg served as a confirmation mentor with St. John’s 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
DSU Heritage Foundation Association of Colleges for Teacher Education in 2020, as well as being selected as a student speaker at the spring Commencement ceremony. Perhaps Moberg will be most remembered for her time as a cohost of the weekly Hawk Talk show as well as the Blue Hawk Gameday during some of the home athletic events. Moberg packed her bags this summer and set out to embark on a new journey. She accepted a position as an English teacher at Hunters Lane High School in Nashville, Tennessee. Down the road, Moberg would like to pursue a graduate degree so that she can one day become a college professor. “I couldn’t be prouder to say that I’m a Dickinson State Blue Hawk, and I fully believe that ‘Hawks are up!’” Karissa Bohn Karissa Bohn is the daughter of Pat and Dana Bohn of Mandan, ND. She graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Sciences 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 Dickinson State University. Bohn’s college career was dedicated to two main areas at Dickinson State. The first being within her major, the Department of Natural Sciences. She served as a research assistant with the department in which she conducted photosynthetic based research on crop and range land. She assisted the professors in the labs as well as communicated and presented the data at the EPSCoR Annual Conference. Bohn served with the Science Club for 4 years which included serving as the Vice President during the 20182019 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 the 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. The other area in which Bohn thrived was within the Theodore Roosevelt Honors Leadership Program where Bohn excelled quickly. She became a Student Assistant Director during the second semester of her freshman year. A title she held up until graduation. She mentored fellow honor students as well as coordinated events and meetings for the students involved in the TRHLP. Bohn was instrumental in planning fundraisers, such
PAGE 20
THE HERITAGE | SUMMER 2020
DSUHERITAGEFOUNDATION.ORG
PAGE 21
Outstanding Graduates
DSU Heritage Foundation
as the Hawk Walk, Escape Room, Brave the Shave, as well as 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. During her time as a Blue Hawk, she received multiple scholarships: North Dakota Space Grant Consortium Scholarship, North Dakota Academic Scholarship, DSU Blue Hawk Talon Waiver, as well as the DSU Heritage Foundation’s Theodore Roosevelt Honors Leadership Scholarship. 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. “I am a great example of a Hawk taking full flight during my college career.”
PAGE 22
THE HERITAGE | SUMMER 2020
DSUHERITAGEFOUNDATION.ORG
PAGE 23
Major Gift
DSU Heritage Foundation
Johnsons Establish Endowed Chair by Alicia Erickson, Director of Alumni Relations “Do what you can, with what you have, where you are.” --Theodore Roosevelt Giving back to their community is one way to describe Dennis and Vaune Johnson. The couple committed to establish the Theodore Roosevelt Honors Leadership Program Endowed Chair. This brings the first endowed chair to Dickinson State University and paves the way for future endowed chairs for other programs and department areas. The Theodore Roosevelt Honors Leadership Program was established in 2000-2001 to recruit some of the elite high school seniors across the region. The requirements of the program still hold true today. For students to have a 3.5 GPA or higher and/or an ACT of around 26 or higher. The students receive a scholarship today that is renewable for up to four years. Freshmen and sophomores receive a scholarship in the amount of $3,000 a year while juniors and seniors receive $4,000 a year. In addition, the Student Assistant Directors (SAD’s) receive an additional $500 in scholarship dollars a year while fulfilling that role. The scholars take leadership classes and end up graduating with a minor in leadership. Since the program has been around for nearly twenty years, we have found that this honors distinction has helped with students getting accepted into law school, medical school, master’s programs, etc. Many of the students have that natural leadership ability which is proven successful in the communities in which they live. They bring a voice to the table and will engage others in problem solving and decision making. It allows them to learn how to succeed in a diverse environment. Dennis and Vaune are both leaders in the Dickinson community. Dennis is the former Mayor of the City of Dickinson and former CEO of TMI Systems. Vaune is the Market President of Cornerstone Bank in Dickinson. Together, they see how valuable leadership is not only in a company but in various community efforts. Dennis continues to serve as a member of the Bank of North Dakota’s Advisory Board and the MDU Resources Group, Inc. Vaune serves on the Stark County Jobs Development Authority, ND Board of Medicine, Greater North Dakota Chamber, American Bankers Association Grassroots. There is no doubt that they exhibit prime examples of leadership. Dickinson State University and the DSU Heritage Foundation are grateful for the Johnsons investing in our future leaders. Their gift will help provide funding for a program that can recruit and PAGE 24
THE HERITAGE | SUMMER 2020
DSUHERITAGEFOUNDATION.ORG
retain some of the best academic students who want to further enhance their leadership abilities. Besides scholarship funding, the endowed chair will assist with covering the benefits and the salary of the director. “The Theodore Roosevelt Honors Leadership program at DSU is a phenomenal opportunity for students to learn far more than academia. Theses high achieving scholars are exposed to experiences which will shape their careers and life decisions. We are thrilled to commit to the Endowed Chair and further the advantage offered to DSU TR scholars,” stated Dennis and Vaune Johnson. With this major gift from Dennis and Vaune, we are able to plan for the future. “Dennis and Vaune are key components for the TRHLP Endowed Chair and truly believe in the future of this program. This lead gift will help to build this program to the highest standards possible. Thank you, Dennis and Vaune, for all of the support you have shown DSU and the Dickinson Community,” stated Ty Orton, Executive Director of the DSU Heritage Foundation. If you are interested in contributing to this cause or finding out more information, contact the DSU Heritage Foundation at 701.483.2486. PAGE 25
Spring Sport Snaps
DSU Heritage Foundation
is a FAMILY Jada Maher McLaughlin, SD Breakaway Barrels Team Roping Goat Tying
Jade Boote Binford, ND Breakaway Team Roping Goat Tying
DSU Rodeo has a long history of success, finishing at the top of the Great Plains Region year in and year out. The program has produced multiple college national champions and NFR qualifiers over the last 50 years. DSU Rodeo athletes become a family as soon as they step on campus! Head Coach Eudell Larsen | eudell.larsen@dickinsonstate.edu | 605-515-0765 www.dickinsonstate.edu | DSURodeoBlueHawks
Save the Date andCandlelight Cowboys Saturday, February 20, 2021 Save the Date
Inauguration of
STEPHEN D. EASTON, J.D. The 13th President of Dickinson State University
October 9, 2020
9 - 10 a.m. May Hall - Dorothy Stickney Auditorium Dickinson State University
PAGE 26
THE HERITAGE | SUMMER 2020
DSUHERITAGEFOUNDATION.ORG
PAGE 27
NON PROFIT ORG US POSTAGE PAID PERMIT 97001 DICKINSON ND
230 8th Avenue West Dickinson, ND 58601