THEHERITAGE
Moose’s Tracks! THE DSU HERITAGE HIT A MILESTONE IN JULY ’24... RAISED IN ONLY $60 MILLION 8 YEARS!
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At Dickinson State University, the bond between our alumni and the University is a cornerstone of our continued success. Referring a prospective student is one of the highest honors you can bestow upon your alma mater, and we are grateful for your support. Through the Refer a Blue Hawk program, your endorsement helps us welcome new generations into the Blue Hawk family, ensuring that our traditions, values, and excellence in education continue to thrive.
To show our appreciation, those who successfully Refer a Blue Hawk will receive a special shoutout from the DSU Heritage Foundation, along with some exclusive DSU swag. Join us in shaping the future of Dickinson State refer a student today and help us soar to new heights!
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In addition to our undergraduate certificates, associate, and bachelor’s degrees, you can also refer prospective students to one of DSU’s six graduate programs.
• Master of Arts in Teaching
• Master of Business Administration
• Master of Education- Educational Leadership
• Master of Education- Elementary Education
• Master of Entrepreneurship
• Master of Sport Administration
A MESSAGE FROM OUR EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR AND ACTING PRESIDENT THEHERITAGE
FOR ALUMNI & FRIENDS FALL 2024
DSU HERITAGE FOUNDATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS
PRESIDENT Haylee Culver
VICE PRESIDENT
Val Mack ’94
TREASURER
Steve Perdue ’89
SECRETARY
Hank Biesiot
PAST PRESIDENT
Vince Reep ’76
BHBC REPRESENTATIVE
Mandie Erickson ’07
BHTDC REPRESENTATIVE
Dave Michaelson ’82
Susan Anderson ’78
Dr. Tom Arnold ’80
Terrald Bang ’69
Bob Baumann ’79
Bruce Dolezal ’77
Steve “Butch” Goodall ’66
Grant Haugland ’03
Dr. Brian Jesperson ’73
Amber Kuntz
Scott Molander ’88
Klayton Oltmanns ’93
Irene Schafer ’83
Jim Schwartz ’74
Richard Wardner ’66
Dan Weber ’90
Deb Zillich ’75
EX OFFICIO
Dr. Debora Dragseth, DSU Faculty Representative
Ty Orton, DSU Heritage Foundation Executive Director
Pete Stanton ’89, DSU Athletic Director
DSU HERITAGE FOUNDATION TEAM
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Ty Orton
DEVELOPMENT OFFICER - ATHLETICS & RODEO
Kyle Smith ’12
OFFICE MANAGER - SCHOLARSHIP SUPPORT
Pamela Rudolph
ACCOUNTING MANAGER
Amanda Bramhall
ALUMNI RELATIONS & EVENTS COORDINATOR
Kierra Mathern ’22 & ’24
OFFICE SUPPORT
Sarah Boltz
DEVELOPMENT OFFICER - ACADEMICS
Robyn McChesney
ACCOUNTING SUPPORT
Kiana Miller ’23
GRADUATE ASSISTANT - BLUE HAWK SCHOLARSHIP FUND
Chloe Gunderson
GAMING MANAGER
Maranda Dworshak
OFFICE SUPPORT
Moose
MAGAZINE CO-EDITORS
Dr. Debora Dragseth
Scooter Pursley
MAGAZINE DESIGN
Sarah Selle ’03, Quality Quick Print
Hello Blue Hawk Nation!
Hello Blue Hawk Nation!
We are excited about the start of the new academic year and to see our vibrant and thriving campus come alive with future leaders. Dickinson State University (DSU) is a great institution that holds a special place in the hearts of many. Whether you are an alumnus, have a family member who has walked these halls, or are a friend who holds DSU close to your heart, you appreciate the profound impact of DSU.
At DSU, we cultivate our students’ potential through a nurturing and supportive atmosphere. We are committed to evolving with the times to ensure our students receive a current and exceptional education. With the unwavering support of our community, we feel DSU is on a strong path forward.
In this annual publication, you will read about the renovation of our agriculture classrooms and the updates to the indoor arena. This is a significant project for DSU and our students. Our region is deeply rooted in agricultural heritage. Growing up involved in 4-H, with a sister actively engaged in FFA, and parents who were – at least to me – rodeo legends, I feel personally connected to this initiative. Agriculture cultivates character and work ethic in successive generations, and at DSU, we aim to provide the best education to continue these legacies.
Please enjoy this magazine, and when you are finished, pass it on to others. Help us share the story of DSU, a place where the future is built on a strong foundation of work ethic, meaningful relationships, family, and friends.
Thank you for your continued support of Dickinson State University!
Warm regards,
Ty Orton Acting President, Dickinson State University
Orton family at the Theodore Roosevelt National Park
DSU HERITAGE FOUNDATION SURPASSES $60 MILLION IN DONATIONS
In an impressive showing of community support, the Dickinson State University (DSU) Heritage Foundation has surpassed the $60 million mark in donations. This achievement comes just eight years after the Foundation began rebuilding.
Since 2016, the Foundation has set and pursued ambitious goals, channeling funds into vital initiatives that have significantly benefited the university. Among these accomplishments is the awarding of $8 million in scholarships, which has helped countless students achieve their academic dreams.
This month, Executive Director of the Foundation Ty Orton and his staff celebrated a gift from an anonymous donor that pushed total donations beyond the $60 million mark. Orton said, “This anonymous contribution underscores the deep-seated support and belief in DSU’s mission and future.”
“This milestone is a collective victory,” Orton continued. “Every contribution, large or small, has brought us to this point. We look forward to continuing this journey to make Dickinson State an even more impressive place to live and learn.”
The impact of these donations on the university and the local community has been profound. The funds have played a key role in improving campus facilities, both athletic and academic, and in providing scholarships to deserving students.
“Supporting Dickinson State University has always been a way for me to give back to the community that shaped me. Seeing the impact of our contributions is incredibly rewarding,” said Nate Lebsock (’11), a longtime donor. His sentiment echoes the feelings of many donors who have seen their contributions make a tangible difference.
Dr. Tom Arnold, the first president of the DSU Heritage Foundation Board, said, “The growth and success of the Heritage Foundation are a testament to the generosity of our alumni and supporters. This $60 million milestone is just the beginning.”
Looking ahead, the DSU Heritage Foundation has ambitious plans to continue its support for DSU. Future initiatives include expanding scholarship programs and enhancing campus facilities. The Foundation’s goals are clear: to continue making a positive impact on DSU and its community.
“This $60 million milestone is a significant achievement, but it is also a stepping stone towards even greater accomplishments,” said Haylee Culver, current DSU Heritage Foundation Board president.
To learn more about how you can contribute to the DSU Heritage Foundation, whether through the general fund or by directing your gift to a specific area of campus,
LEARN ABOUT THE EDMUND AND SYLVIA MORRIS
12
Dickinson State University Blue Hawk, Jory Boote ’24, achieved an impressive 11th place in the nation for tie-down roping at the College National Finals Rodeo (CNFR) in Casper, Wyoming.
READ ABOUT THE BOOTE FAMILY’S DEDICATION TO BOTH RODEO AND ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE.
BOOTE FAMILY LEGACY
AT THE CNFR
For 25 years, Casper, Wyoming, has hosted the College National Finals Rodeo (CNFR). As the college rodeo community proudly says, “Champions are made in Casper.” Each June, the most elite athletes and some of the best stock in the nation come together in the famous yellow arena for saddle bronc riding, bareback riding, bull riding, tie-down roping, steer wrestling, team roping, barrel racing, breakaway roping, and goat tying. More than 400 rodeo cowboys and cowgirls from more than 100 universities and colleges qualify annually for the CNFR.
Eleven regions make up the National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association (NIRA). Throughout each region, contestants compete with their teammates against other universities and colleges. Contestants can qualify for the national finals individually or with their team. While honing their athletic abilities, rodeo athletes must maintain academic standards to be eligible to compete.
From Binford to the Big Arena
The Boote family, hailing from a ranch near Binford, is well-known in college rodeo circles. Daughter Jade was only a third grader when her mother, Nikki, and her father, Alan, teamed up with eight other families to start the Central Dakota Youth Series. “We wanted a place for our kids – Jade, Jory, and Jace – to rodeo,” explained Alan. “So, we organized a youth rodeo series in order to make that happen.” Nikki offers advice to any Dickinson State
University Blue Hawk striving to reach a goal whether it be in the arena, on the court, on the field, on the mat, or in the classroom:
“Surround yourself with people who push you to be your best, and don’t take it personally when they challenge you to do hard things.”
The entire Boote family clearly takes this advice to heart, as if it were etched in silver on a rodeo buckle.
Jade served as the student director for the Great Plains Region from 2021 to 2023. As director, she developed sponsorships and more than doubled the region’s qualifier awards during her tenure. Jade also competed in the CNFR in breakaway roping in 2021, 2022, and 2023. Jory competed in the CNFR as a sophomore in 2022 and again in 2024 as a senior. Reflecting on her rodeo career, Jade said, “I will be forever thankful for all the places that blue vest has taken our family.”
This spring, the Boote family celebrated multiple milestones: both mother and daughter graduated with MBAs, and Jory earned his bachelor’s degree in computer technology management.
Dickinson State University’s director of Ag and Tech Studies, Chip Poland, gave a tip of the hat to the Boote family, saying, “Every rope and every ride, every paper and every
assignment matter. The Boote family embodies what it means to be true leaders both in the classroom as well as in the arena.”
A Night to Remember
On Saturday night of the CNFR finals, Jory placed 11th nationally in tie-down roping. His family and friends were there in full force at the sold-out arena to share in the joy of the Blue Hawk athlete’s achievement.
Continuing the family’s rodeo tradition, younger brother Jace competed in the National Junior High Rodeo Finals in Des Moines, Iowa, this summer.
By: Debora Dragseth, Baker Boy Professor of Leadership | School of Business and Entrepreneurship Dickinson State University
Head Rodeo Coach Eudell Larson, Jory Boote, Assistant Rodeo Coach Cameron Mormon, Colton Zubach
Jory and Jade Boote
THE BENEFITS OF HAVING PETS AROUND THE OFFICE HAPPY TAILS:
According to Dr. Wendy Wilson, professor of psychology at Dickinson State University, the inclusion of pets in the workplace is more than just a fun distraction—it’s beneficial for employees.
Wilson notes that animals at work significantly improve office morale. “Studies have measured ‘happiness’ chemicals and found increases in oxytocin, endorphins, and serotonin following close interactions with animals such as cats, dogs, and horses; and likely other animals.”
Wilson explains that work environments can be stressful due to negative interactions with colleagues or clients, and authoritarian top-down management styles of bosses or leaders. Animals have a soothing and calming effect in the workplace, leading to increased morale and improved cohesion and team building. She said,
“In general, animals at work promote better physical, emotional and mental health.”
Wilson points to innovative practices beyond the traditional dogs and cats at work. Her research focuses on equine-assisted team building, where horses help in enhancing communication and collaboration among teams.
But it’s not all smooth sailing. Bringing pets into professional settings can raise concerns, such as allergies and maintaining cleanliness. However, with designated animal-free zones and regular cleaning schedules, these issues can be effectively managed.
Wilson noted that Sigmund Freud, the inventor of psychoanalysis, observed in the early 1900s that his patients were more open and relaxed in the presence of his Chow Chow, Jofi. “Since Freud’s observations, many have realized the power of human and animal interactions and the positive outcomes associated. A relaxed animal often signals safety and warmth to humans of all ages.”
Simply being in the vicinity of an animal can have positive health benefits such as decreased blood pressure, heart rate, and stress hormones. Wilson has a miniature horse that she brings to campus to show her students a variety of activities, including assisted team-building and leadership with horses that improve communication, morale, collaboration, and cooperation among colleagues.
With careful planning and consideration of all employees’ needs, pets are fantastic additions to any workplace.
Moose: The Heart of the DSU Heritage Foundation’s Office
Moose has become more than just a pet; he is a cherished colleague who had been “employed” since January 8, 2024. According to Alumni Relations and Event Coordinator
Kierra Mathern, Moose is a Shorkie (Shih Tzu and Yorkie mix), who has transformed the workplace in numerous positive ways.
She said, “Moose’s amazing temperament makes him a favorite among the staff. He chooses to spend his days in different offices, migrating to where he feels he is needed the most. This simple act makes employees feel special and cared for. His enthusiasm is contagious, especially when he greets guests with his little booty wagging full force, as if telling each person, ‘I AM SO HAPPY TO SEE YOU!’”
Taking care of Moose involves taking him outside several times a day, which serves as a wonderful reminder for the staff to take breaks, step away from their computers, and enjoy a bit of fresh air. The staff take turns taking Moose outside, and this shared responsibility fosters a sense of community and teamwork.
Moose is also a delightful addition to meetings. He usually cuddles up on someone’s lap, takes a power nap and provides a comforting presence without being distracting. Mathern said, “In stressful moments, having Moose’s ‘love all’ personality in the mix brings a calming effect, helping us to stay focused and relaxed. Moose is hypoallergenic, so allergies to dogs are not a concern for our staff.”
One of the highlights of having Moose around is witnessing his zoomies. Although it doesn’t happen frequently, when Moose gets the zoomies, the halls are filled with laughter as employees enjoy the spontaneous and joyous display.
Moose is a fantastic example of how integrating pets into the workplace can enhance morale, foster a positive environment, and remind his coworkers all to take a moment to appreciate the simpler joys in life.
Ready to give it a try? It might just be the change your office needs to boost both
and productivity.
By: Debora Dragseth, Baker
LIKE MAGIC
RYAN KITTLESON ’12
Like most young basketball players, Billings West’s Ryan Kittleson had dreams of someday landing a job in the National Basketball Association. Five years in the Dickinson State University program led to his dream coming true, only not in the traditional way.
Kittleson, a 2012 DSU graduate, has been program director, lead trainer, and coach for The National Basketball Academy in Orlando, Florida, since 2013. In the last two years, Kittleson became the city director for Orlando, running 25 summer camps contracted by the Orlando Magic.
“Growing up, I wanted to be in the NBA (National Basketball Association),” Kittleson said. “When you realize you’re not going to make it that far, the dream became to be high school coach, and when I was in college, it was to be a college coach. When this opportunity came, it was full-time basketball: in the gym, coaching, and working with players. It’s a place I never thought I would be, but I absolutely love it. It’s something I can do the rest of my life.”
Kittleson joined the DSU program at the same time the current DSU Heritage Foundation Executive Director, Ty Orton, became the Hawks’ head men’s basketball coach. He redshirted one year and played the final four as DSU bounced around from the Dakota Athletic Conference to the Frontier Conference, and finally, as an independent while transitioning to the North Star Athletic Association.
By: Scooter Pursley, Communication Specialist | DSU
“It was good,” Kittleson recalled. “For four straight years, we were conference runners-up. I was fortunate enough to have coach Orton there, and the lessons he instilled in us – hard work and teamwork – are the ones I teach to the people I coach now.”
Kittleson went to Orlando in the summer of 2012, and then assisted Orton at DSU for a season while looking for a grad assistant position. Orton put Kittleson in touch with former McCook Community College coach and TNBA (The National Basketball Academy) Director of Operations Jack Lutzeier, who invited Kittleson to Orlando to run summer camps and a career was born.
“Once I was down here, I really loved it. They liked me and offered me a position in January 2013,” Kittleson said. “The basketball world is small, and relationships are a big thing.”
Kittleson’s camps train a wide variety of athletes. TNBA works with about 2,000 athletes each summer. Kittleson oversees the entire operation, including four Junior Magic Basketball leagues for kids in grades 1-11. He directs seven girls’ traveling teams for grades 4-11 and 18 boys’ teams for grades 3-11.
His camps employ many Magic players and coaches. “It’s big. We’ve grown tremendously and have been partners with them since 2008,” Kittleson said. “Within the NBA, we’re the longeststanding partners with any team.
“When we get into the AAU (Amateur Athletic Union) travel teams, that’s more of the elite level we work with,” Kittleson added. “I coached the first nine years on the boys’ side, taking high school teams to Las Vegas, Washington, and New Orleans (to name a few). Two years ago, I shifted to the girls’ side. I coach one of the seven teams, but I oversee all the programs.”
Kittleson credits his time at DSU with helping him achieve a lifelong dream job. “I cherish my time at DSU. It was a struggle at times; you’re a young kid, and you leave home.
The community of Dickinson, the students, and the staff, and obviously the team and coaches, had a huge impact.
The whole DSU spirit and the community feel was a blessing. I’m so thankful I ended up at DSU and stayed as long as I did.”
Heritage Foundation
DSU’S DIESEL TECH PROGRAM POWERS UP START YOUR ENGINES:
With workforce issues an ever-growing problem in western North Dakota, Dickinson State University is focusing on addressing those needs through the Southwest Area Career and Technical Education Academy.
This fall, the university will launch a diesel technology associate degree program that will integrate theoretical learning with handson experiences to prepare students for careers in the diesel technology industry.
“Dickinson State continues to transition to training skilled workers to meet the demands of industries in southwest North Dakota,”
Dickinson State University Acting President Ty Orton said, “We are excited about the diesel technology program and other future collaborations within Career and Technical Education (CTE).”
The university has hired Nicholas Lacher to develop the program from the ground up. “I’m gathering classroom materials, creating lesson plans, and working with local businesses to secure donated equipment for hands-on student experience,” Lacher said.
On-site training will be conducted at the Southwest Area Career and Technical Education Academy, a facility shared with high school CTE programs. According to Lacher, this collaboration is a win-win for both programs.
“The high school has the other half of the shop. We’re encouraging students to stay in Dickinson, move to the other side of the shop to earn a diesel tech degree, and build their careers in western North Dakota. The only other school offering this is the North Dakota State College of Science in Wahpeton, and if they go there, they might not come back, and we desperately need technicians here.”
By: Scooter Pursley, Communication Specialist | DSU Heritage
Dickinson State Vice President Holly Gruhlke expects 15 students to enter the program this fall, and Lacher said he can accept up to 20.
Diesel tech is the second CTE program, following welding, that supports the university’s dual mission, Gruhlke said. “The CTE aspect complements our dual mission,” Gruhlke explained. “In 2019, DSU transitioned from a regional liberal arts institution to a regional comprehensive institution. This allows us to offer everything from certificate programs to graduate degrees, focusing particularly on the needs of western North Dakota. Career and Technical Education programs were a priority once we gained that distinction.”
“I really enjoyed teaching and mentoring the younger technicians at the local Ford and GM dealerships,” Lacher said. “There is such a desperate need for technicians. Once this program is up and running, it will be highly beneficial. I want these students to be the best they can be out there.”
While the two-year program will focus mainly on general diesel engines, Lacher wants to expand it to include agricultural and construction equipment.
Full Throttle Community Support
Gruhlke said diesel tech was a tough program to get off the ground, taking four years of planning. Partnerships were established, a location at the Southwest Area CTE Academy was secured, and most importantly, the right leader was found.
“That was the tricky part,” Gruhlke said. “We knocked it out of the park when Nick stepped up and offered his assistance, and the high school provided guidance. The high school instructor and Nick worked together. We have some of the strongest diesel technology faculty in the state.”
Orton echoed those sentiments. “Nick is an extremely hard worker who has the passion we need to start this important program.”
Gruhlke said community support was critical to the program’s development.
“We received a lot of feedback to make sure the program is meeting the needs of a diverse group of industry professionals. Our industry partners stressed the importance of students being the right fit for any company.”
“We need the right equipment because things change quickly in that industry,” Gruhlke stressed. “That’s where the DSU Heritage Foundation plays an important role. It helps us maintain the relationships necessary to acquire the resources we need to keep the program relevant and cutting edge.”
Orton, executive director of the DSU Heritage Foundation, praised the Dickinson community for its support. “We have great community support with many donations to start the program. We will continue to grow this program to help fulfill the community’s needs.”
Foundation
Governor Doug Burgum supporting workforce development
ATHLETE SPOTLIGHTS
1
3
4
5
8
10
1 BASEBALL
Wyatt Wilharm 2nd Team All-NSAA
2 MEN’S BASKETBALL
John Evans 1st Team All-NSAA
3 WOMEN’S BASKETBALL
Samantha Oase 2nd Team All-NSAA
4 FOOTBALL
Braden Zuroff 1st Team All-NSAA
5 MEN’S GOLF
Blake Barner NSAA Golfer of the Week
6 WOMEN’S GOLF
Brooklyn Materi 1st Team All-NSAA
7 WOMEN’S
Kaitlyn McColly Indoor Pentathlon National Champion
8 MEN’S TRACK+FIELD
Galen Brantley 1st Team All-American
9 MEN’S WRESTLING Edrich Nortje All-American 10 WOMEN’S WRESTLING
Mariah Wahl Heart of America Freshman of the Year 11 SOFTBALL
Dallis Mitchell 1st Team All-NSAA NSAA Pitcher of the Week
Senior Female Athlete of the Year
12 VOLLEYBALL
McKenzie Moser 2nd Team All-NSAA
13 COMPETITIVE CHEER
Teandra Schneider 1st Team All American NAIA Champion of Character
Earlier this year, the Edmund and Sylvia Morris Collection arrived at Dickinson State University. The university’s Theodore Roosevelt Center stores the collection on behalf of the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library (TRPL), an important partnership between two vital keepers of the Roosevelt flame. We are beginning to see the fruit of this collaboration.
EDMUND AND SYLVIA MORRIS COLLECTION
AT DICKINSON STATE UNIVERSITY
Almost as soon as the collection arrived, DSU and TRPL colleagues sifted through the boxes for answers to lingering historical questions. For example, the oft-repeated story that Theodore Roosevelt watched Abraham Lincoln’s procession from his grandfather’s second-story mansion lacked concrete evidence. The historical record has relied exclusively on a photograph of what appears to be the heads of two children peeking over the sill of a window as apocryphal proof.
Correspondence within Sylvia Jukes Morris’s papers has led historians to a definitive conclusion that the two heads in the photo are indeed Theodore Roosevelt and his brother Elliott. All doubt vanished when DSU and TRPL colleagues uncovered a letter from Sylvia Morris to biographer Stefan Lorant who had interviewed First Lady Edith Roosevelt about the photograph. Her testimony was critical because she stood in the room with TR and Elliott on that
fateful day. TRPL researchers then visited the Stefan Lorant Collection at the Getty Archives in California to glean more from that interview with the First Lady.
The Morris Collection is the first significant physical archive – in terms of size and relevance – to come to DSU’s TR Center. It will begin to attract external researchers in the coming months, building on the Center’s reputation as a world-leading academic institution for the study of Theodore Roosevelt. Who knows what other leads researchers will find.
DSU’s Lowman Walton endowed chair of Theodore Roosevelt Studies Dr. Michael Patrick Cullinane plans to conduct research on Edmund Morris and his biography writing. Morris’s diaries are part of the collection and offer an insight into the life of a public intellectual – before and after he gained renown. Cullinane expects to discover more than a personal history. His great hope is that the collection will achieve Morris’s greatest ambition to convey the
“flow of human thought, from brain to hand to pen to ink to eye – every waver, every loop, every character trembling with expression.”
In an age of electronic messages and social media, Edmund and Sylvia Morris would be delighted to know someone is still sifting through dusty papers, crooked handwriting, and intricate doodles to catch the meaning of a semi-colon or an ironic line of text.
By: Dr. Michael Cullinane, Professor of History | Lowman Walton Endowed Chair of Theodore Roosevelt Studies, Dickinson State University
Each year, the DSU Heritage Foundation selects a Dickinson State University student whose college narrative can be used to motivate others to follow in their footsteps and explain to scholarship donors how their contributions make a difference. That deserving individual is the Student Impact Story speaker.
Beginning this summer, senior Griffin Obrigewitch has been sharing his story, which is one of service, involvement, and the pursuit of more than just a classroom-and-textbook education.
STUDENT IMPACT STORY:
GRIFFIN OBRIGEWITCH
“Griffin is a service-over-self leader on the DSU campus,” DSU Acting President and DSU Heritage Foundation Executive Director, Ty Orton said. “He takes pride in all he does and works hard to make all things better than how he found them. He is a team player and a great example for our students.”
As the Student Impact Story speaker, Obrigewitch will present his story at the Foundation’s Donor Thank You event and appear in other promotional events and materials. He barely has time to spare but considers it an honor to represent how far students can get when they stay focused and motivated.
“The Foundation chose me to get a different perspective because I’m active in the community and I’m from Dickinson. I’ll talk about what it means to receive scholarships and the opportunities they provide,” Obrigewitch said.
A Theodore Roosevelt Honors Leadership Program Student Assistant Director majoring in biology and minoring in chemistry and leadership, Obrigewitch receives an annual TR Honors Program scholarship, another award for being in a leadership position, and yet another for running track and cross-country.
“The TRHLP program is a little more challenging,” Obrigewitch said. “It challenges our critical thinking. Part of that is Theodore Roosevelt’s impact on leadership and the area. We’re using him as a reference to our own leadership.” Obrigewitch has made the most of the opportunities the scholarships have provided. He recently led a roundtable discussion on the Experiences of a Servant Leader at the Upper Midwest Regional Honors Council Conference. He is the 2024-25 North Dakota student representative for in the Upper Midwest Honors Council.
In 2023, Obrigewitch made a Give Day video for the TR Program. This year, he will have a larger role in the annual fundraiser, as a student speaker, student ambassador, and student senator, while also continuing an athletic career.
He finished fourth in his favorite outdoor event, the 3,000-meter steeplechase, at the most recent North Star Athletic Association (NSAA) track and field meet. He also ran the 5,000 meters and a leg on the 4x800 relay team that took second place. He was fourth in the NSAA indoor 5,000 meters and seventh in the indoor 5,000 meters.
Keep
Already a dental assistant, Obrigewitch is applying to dental schools. Experiences like those that earned him the Student Impact Story speaker honor will likely ease his entry into dental school. “Griffin is a well-established scholar and is known on campus for his work ethic and selflessness,” said Kierra Mathern, Alumni Relations and Events Coordinator for the DSU Heritage Foundation.
“There’s been a shift from traditional test scores and letters of recommendation to more what your resume looks like to get into graduate school,” Obrigewitch said. “Community service and getting involved shows you’re more than just a student who can study and get good grades. It shows that you contribute to the good of the community and society.
I like being involved. It’s been fulfilling making the most of my experience here at DSU.”
By: Scooter Pursley, Communication
Mari Kovash, Natalie Lile, Haylee Oberlander, Griffin Obrigewitch
BENI PAULSON CHAMPIONS
DSU’S AG AND RODEO ENHANCEMENTS
Beni Paulson is familiar with all aspects of agricultural education and rodeo. A graduate of Dickinson State University and a former college rodeo athlete, he knows the two activities work together to benefit students and the university.
That’s why Paulson is a key member of the fundraising committee that is soliciting the funds needed to complete a new ag education facility and overhaul the school’s existing rodeo arena. With $17 million in state-appropriated money already committed, including $10 million for the ag education building, fundraising for the arena is ongoing.
“I’m a big supporter because it’s a great thing for our community and it’s good for education,” Paulson said. “There is a significant amount of money coming from the state of North Dakota, most of which will go toward improving ag education, a crucial economic driver in this part of the state.”
“The arena is important for the western way of life and is a complement to the education facility,” continued Paulson, a former pro bull rider who currently assists as a volunteer with the university’s rodeo team. “Since we were redoing the indoor arena, it made sense to expand it and make it a more usable structure.”
By: Scooter Pursley, Communication Specialist | DSU Heritage Foundation
The renovation plans include new classroom space, a soils lab, a computer lab, an auditorium, and a student lounge. Additionally, the existing arena will be expanded to include a viewing deck and warm-up area.
Acting Dickinson State President Ty Orton highlighted that the facility is being made possible through a combination of state funding and the generous support of DSU donors.
He said, “This renovation ensures DSU will continue to be on the leading edge, supporting the future of agriculture and the western way of life. Ag education is the project’s top priority. We have always had a strong ag program, but we need to continue to evolve with the times and provide education in areas where there is a need. This renovation ensures our students can pursue careers in agriculture with the most up-to-date resources.”
Construction of the classroom portion of the project will begin January 1, 2025. DSU’s goal is to fundraise an additional $4.5 million for the indoor arena, in hopes that construction of the indoor arena can begin Spring of 2025. Paulson said, “The project’s ultimate purpose is to advance the agriculture program, ensuring that it continues to benefit students and the community.”
Paulson is one of many supporters of the ongoing project at DSU. He also supports expanding the facilities at the Stark County Fairgrounds. He emphasized that the two projects are not competing for public funding.
“This
project is a “win-win” situation for both Dickinson State University and surrounding areas. When the indoor arena is not being used by Dickinson State, it will be used by the private sector. The updated classrooms will be an advancement for the students, enhancing agriculture and tech for our region and state.”
– Sandi Frenzel
’22
By:
MYREN MOORE AND THE DAKOTA BROTHERHOOD’S LASTING INFLUENCE GRATEFUL HEARTS:
To say that former Dickinson State football and track athlete Myren Moore is thankful is an understatement. Moore credits and thanks everybody responsible for getting him out of Bakersfield, California to Dickinson, where he has found a home.
“I’m just so thankful. I thank God for my coaches,” Moore said. “(Bakersfield Centennial coaches) Bryan Nixon and Ryan Renz planted the seeds. Coach Dave Frickle (Bakersfield Junior College track coach) was determined to get me out of Bakersfield on a scholarship to get an education.”
“I thank God for the coaches and staff at Dickinson State. I thank God for (DSU Heritage Foundation Director) Ty Orton for seeing something in me and for being there when I need someone to speak life into me.
I thank God for the Dickinson community for supporting me and the Give Day campaigns.”
Moore grew up in Los Angeles and moved to Bakersfield as a sophomore. He played football and ran track and continued those activities at Bakersfield Junior College. After two years, he came to Dickinson State to run track primarily and play football, thanks mostly to Frickle. He ran the 200 and 400 meters in track. As a football walk-on, he
played running back.
“I had applied to two colleges already,” Moore explained. “I would sell plasma to pay for my application fees. Coach Frickle knew how expensive they were getting, so he started giving me money to pay for them. Coach Frickle passed away a few years ago, I wish he were here to see what he did for me. I wish he was here to see all the incredible things I’ve been able to accomplish because of his commitment to me.”
As a show of gratitude, Moore and fellow junior college football transfers Alex Huitzil, Jesse Carney, and Quincy Mason
established the Dakota Brotherhood scholarship to help junior college athletes make a smoother transition to Dickinson State. The scholarship was originally a five-year pledge of $500 each for four scholarships, totaling $2,000 per year. “But because of the support from our friends, family, former teammates, and coaches, we’ve doubled that,” Moore said.
“JUCO is just different,” Moore added. “It’s a different type of struggle. And I don’t care how anybody else looks at it, we knew that in order to accomplish some of the things we talked about (DSU) needed more JUCO guys as part of the program.”
At the time, DSU was struggling in the Frontier Conference. “We wanted to help turn the program around and we wanted to create a scholarship for junior college athletes. And that’s what we did! We accomplished our goals.”
After graduation in 2014, Moore held down a full-time job and coached football at DSU for four years. Then Orton presented him with an opportunity.
“I went to the Foundation in November of 2020 to buy some alumni apparel for some of my coaches back home. I had a conversation with Ty Orton just about the things I was doing with my life,” Moore explained. “I told him I was actually going home to organize a Turkey Drive. He pitched this idea to me of being a fundraiser for the DSU Heritage Foundation and just told me to think about it.
“I remember thinking that I wouldn’t be a good fit for that role. I called Nixon for advice and he told me, ‘Myren, you are the perfect person for that role. It’s because of a scholarship that you were able to go to college and get an education. It’s because of a scholarship that you got to break generational curses.’ So I met with Ty after that, accepted the job and created DSU Give Day.”
Give Day is the Foundation’s largest fundraising event. Other initiatives, like the Dakota Brotherhood scholarship, have had an impact on individuals like Moore.
“I hope it gives another person the same opportunity it gave us;
an opportunity to continue your education and athletics, but also an opportunity to create a better life for yourself, break generational curses, start a career, start a family, be a part of a great community,” Moore said. “We’ve just been extremely blessed, and we would love for others to experience that.”
Scooter Pursley, Communication Specialist | DSU Heritage Foundation
Jesse Carney, Quincy Mason, Myren Moore, Alex Huitzil
Myren with his former coach Dave Frickle
REFUELING STATION POWERED BY BEEF:
Refueling stations aren’t just for automobiles anymore.
Thanks to the foresight of the DSU Heritage Foundation, Dickinson State University (DSU), Coca-Cola Bottling Company of Dickinson, the North Dakota Beef Commission, and Dunn Burgers, Blue Hawk athletes now have a convenient refueling station just feet from where they work out.
AT THE BEN C. FRANK HUMAN PERFORMANCE CENTER
The Powered by Beef Program
“Powered by Beef is a sports nutrition program that the Beef Commission and Checkoff in North Dakota are using to influence athletes to include beef in their diets,” said ND Beef Commission Executive Director Nicole Wardner. “We’re always looking to add universities in North Dakota, and not just because we have North Dakota students in them. We have a lot of studentathletes from outside our state, and if we give them a positive message, wherever they land they can continue utilizing beef in their diets.”
Dickinson State is the latest North Dakota higher education institution to join the Powered by Beef initiative, along with Bismarck State, the University of Mary, the University of Jamestown, the University of North Dakota, and North Dakota State University.
Collaboration and Development
DSU Heritage Foundation Development Officer Kyle Smith played a crucial role in bringing everyone together to benefit all athletes at Dickinson State.
“It was one of those projects where once the vision got solidified, the shareholders were easy to bring on board,” Smith said. “Our support base is fantastic in terms of what is the next thing they can do to help studentathletes.”
It didn’t take much persuasion to get Wardner, Coca-Cola, and former Killdeer High School player, University of Wyoming Cowboy, and UND athlete Ben Murphy on board. When Murphy and his Dunn Burgers partner Weston Dvorak realized they needed help processing their beef into beef sticks, they called on Spencer Wurt and 6-in-1 Meats in New Salem.
“We had been doing something similar with different schools (Watford City and UND),” Murphy said. “Weston Dvorak was president of the North Dakota Beef Commission when they started Powered by Beef. They were looking for a local vendor and asked if we’d be interested. We knew we could provide what they wanted.”
What they wanted was a lot of beef, and the Beef Commission was there to help. Beef Checkoff funds from the ND Beef
Commission were used to purchase $10,000 worth of beef from Dunn Burgers, which in turn works with 6-in-1 Meats to process the beef into sticks. The beef is stored in a large, three-cooler bank created by Coca-Cola of Dickinson, located in the weight room of DSU’s Ben C. Frank Human Performance Center. Smith said on a given day, 180 athletes work out and hopefully refuel there.
Impact on Student-Athletes
Murphy said times have changed since his days as a college football player, and the changes are more noticeable at smaller schools like DSU.
“It’s gotten so much better than when I played. Back then, you’d get done and you’d get a protein shake,” Murphy pointed out. “Now they’re taking a holistic look at athletes and providing everything the athletes need. For example, UND players were experiencing fatigue late in their games. By putting more raw protein in the athletes’ diets, they had more energy to burn when they needed it most.”
At UND, Murphy worked primarily with the football team because that’s where his connections were. Each UND sport has its own unique program. He noted, “DSU is smaller and has a different setup in which all teams are kind of created equally and resources are shared by all. There are a lot of local athletes there. After they’re done with school, hopefully they get a job in the area and we can be the beef supplier.”
Value of the Partnership
From Wardner’s standpoint, programs like these are great uses of the Beef Checkoff.
“I really value this partnership,” she said. “The program gives more value back to the beef producers of North Dakota than what we’re investing, and those are the kinds of partnerships we want.”
She continued, “We’re estimating this small grant will have eight times the impact that it would have on its own. By finding private donations and public donations and leveraging dollars, we created a huge impact that will change the way DSU fuels and refuels all its athletics.”
Dickinson State currently has eight men’s, eight women’s, and four coed sports.
By: Scooter Pursley, Communication Specialist | DSU Heritage Foundation
HAWK HAPPENINGS
Did you get married, have a baby, meet up with classmates? Share with your Blue Hawk family! Send a high resolution photo and description of your memory to kierra.mathern@dickinsonstate.edu and for us to include in the next issue. 1 2 11 15 14 10 9 7 12
1 Gresh ’23 and Taylor (Ludwig) ’21 Jones welcomed their second boy, 2 Sarah (Dobitz) ’21 & Karson ’21 Backer were married in Dickinson on June 1st, 2024.
3
Krew ’24 and Kierra (Schneider) Mathern ’22 were married at Lake Tschida on June 15, 2024.
4 Brady ’22 and Kylee (Shepard) Steiner ’22 were married in Dickinson on July 2024.
5 Riley ’22 and Kiara (Kopplin)’22 Linder were married in Elgin on July 27, 2024.
6
Tristen ’23 & Maggie Peterson welcomed little Alan Peterson in July, 2024.
7 Alex ’22 and Maddy (Hanel) ’23 Fransen were married on June 24, 2023.
8 Bill and Shaylee (Singleton) ’18 Gaskill welcomed Wrett Andrew Gaskill on July 5, 2023.
9 Devin and Samantha (Sheesley) Cheshier ’21 were married on June 30, 2024.
10 Alec ’22 and Kaitlyn (Keithley) Lovegren ’23 were married in Kalispell, MT on July 5, 2024.
Glenice Hansen touring the Dale & Glenice Hansen Nursing Simulation Lab during our National Nursing Day Celebration. 3 4 8 6 17 13 16 5
11 Little Owen was born to Jordan Kass ’24 and Daniel Prince on July 10, 2024.
12 Jett Wayne Jepson was born to Dillan ’22 and Sadi (Dvorak) ’23 Jepson on June 24, 2024.
13
Jeffery ’09 and Sarah ’09 Chapman welcomed their 7th child in January of 2024.
14 Trey ’22 and Allison (Smith) Fischbach welcomed little Teagen Marie in June 2023 and were married on June 15, 2024.
15 Cherie Roshau ’72 introduced her granddaughter, Gabrielle, to a painting dedicated and designed for her. Cherie designed an animal after each of her 7 grandchildren and houses the paintings at the DSU Heritage Foundation.
16 DSU Sophomore, Fynn Krenz, wearing his grandfather, Roger Altenburg’s ’58 letterman jacket at a Cross Country meet.
17
ALUMNI AWARDS ALUMNI FELLOWS 2024
YOUNG HAWK (49&YOUNGER)
MATTHEW PERDUE ’16
GOLDEN HAWK (50+)
RICH ’66 & KAYLEEN ’66 WARDNER
BLUE FEATHER (NON-ALUM)
SHIRLEY DUKART
Once a Blue Hawk, Always a Blue Hawk. dsuheritagefoundation.org
SCHOOL OF APPLIED SCIENCES
STEVE MERRIGAN ’92
SCHOOL OF BUSINESS & ENTREPRENEURSHIP
TOM WYCKOFF ’87
SCHOOL OF EDUCATION
GARY WILZ ’84
SCHOOL OF PROFESSIONAL STUDIES
JAMI ARNOLD ’08
LEARN MORE
HOME COMING
2024 HALL OF FAME
DICKINSON STATE ANNOUNCES 2024 HALL OF FAME CLASS
Dickinson State Athletics announced its 2024 Blue Hawk Hall of Fame class. The class consists of seven individual athletes, one coach, and two teams who will be honored this fall.
“We are excited to honor another outstanding group of individuals into the Blue Hawk Hall of Fame,” said Athletic Director Pete Stanton. “They are all certainly deserving of this great honor. We look forward to having them back on campus on October 18th to celebrate their achievements.”
BEN BECKLER
Men’s Wrestling
Ben was a two-time All-American for Dickinson State, finishing in 4th place in 1998 at 134 pounds and taking 5th place at 141 pounds in 1999. He was named the 1999 conference Wrestler of the Year and was named to the all-conference and all-region teams all four years while also winning one conference championship.
JESSE BECKLER
Men’s Wrestling
Jesse was a four-time all-conference wrestler, earning one conference championship. He was a regional finalist twice and earned all-region honors all four years. Jesse qualified for the national tournament all four years, earning All-American honors three times. He finished 6th at 133 pounds in 1999, 8th at 141 pounds in 2000, and 6th at 141 pounds in 2001.
CORY JOHNSTON
Men’s Wrestling
Cory was a team captain all four years at Dickinson State (2005-2008), while earning all-region honors each of the four seasons. He was a regional champion in 2005, 2006, and 2008, all at 125 pounds, while finishing as the runner-up in 2007. In 2008 he earned All-American honors after finishing in 4th place nationally.
MARK JOHNSTON
Men’s Wrestling
Mark earned all-region honors all four years at Dickinson State (20042007) finishing in 4th, 3rd, 2nd, and 1st place. In 2005 (8th), 2006 (6th), and 2007 (8th) he earned All-American honors at the national tournament.
LA’SEAN PICKSTOCK
Men’s
Track &
Field
La’Sean competed in track and field from 2007-2010. He won two individual NAIA national championships in the 400 and was runner-up twice. He also won four national championships as a part of the 4x400 relay team. Pickstock was a key figure in the DSU track team, placing as national runner-up all four years he ran. He ran internationally after college for the Bahamas and competed in the indoor world championships in 2011.
ELIZABETH RODRIGUEZ Volleyball
Elizabeth competed for the Blue Hawks in 2006 and 2007 and was named a first-team All-American in 2006. She helped lead Dickinson State to multiple national tournament appearances.
NICOLE MARCOUX Softball
Nicole played for Dickinson State from 2007-2009 and was a two-time all-conference award winner for DSU softball, as well as a secondteam All-American in 2008. She helped lead the Blue Hawks to multiple national tournament appearances during her time as a Blue Hawk.
ROGER HUFFMAN Coaching
Roger, already a member of the Hall of Fame as an athlete, will now enter posthumously for the second time. Huffman was at DSU from 1963-1991 as head football coach, head track coach, and assistant basketball coach. He later served as athletic director until 1984. His teams won multiple track and cross country championships in the 1960s and 1970s and he was president of NAIA track coaches association. The track at the Biesiot Activities Center is named in his honor.
FAME INDUCTEES
2005 MEN’S WRESTLING
The 2005 team was led by AllAmericans Tyson Springer, Justin Schlecht, and Mark Johnston. They finished 8th place as a team at the national tournament. Springer was a national champion at 165 pounds.
2006 MEN’S WRESTLING
One of the most successful teams in school history, the 2006 team took 4th place at the national tournament after securing the North Region championships and setting the team scoring record along the way. Of the 12 team members competing in the region tournament, six won the championship, five took second place, and one took third. The team was undefeated in regular season duals and finished as the #2 team in the country in the final polls. Justin Schlecht, Tyson Springer, Elijah Simburger, Micah Mathieson, and Mark Johnston were All-Americans, with Schlecht winning a national title and Springer taking second place.
NAMED SCHOLARSHIPS AND ENDOWMENTS
.5 I Believe in You Endowed Scholarship
100 Years of DSU Football Endowed Scholarship
1980’s DSU Football Annual Scholarship
1980’s DSU Football Team Endowed Scholarship
2007-2013 Men’s Basketball Teams Annual Scholarship
Ag Club Annual Scholarship
Agnes Kukla Burian & Steve Burian Endowed Scholarship
Air Hawks Impact Annual Scholarship
AKA Angels of 09/Alice Pierce Softball Endowed Scholarship
AKA-Angels of ‘09 Softball Annual Scholarship
Al Knutson ’75 Football/Track Annual Scholarship
Albert Wolf Football Annual Scholarship
Alvin & Marionette Krogh Education Annual Scholarship
Alvin & Marionette Krogh Education Endowed Scholarship
Anne (Waldock) Mallberg Nursing Annual Scholarship
Anne (Waldock) Mallberg Nursing Endowed Scholarship
Arlan Hofland HPE Endowed Scholarship
Arnie & Linda Binek Annual Scholarship
Back in the Saddle Non-Trad Transfer Annual Scholarship
Badlands Big Sticks Baseball Club LLC Annual Scholarship
Badlands Music Annual Scholarship
Baker Boy Business Annual Scholarship
Baker Boy TRHLP Annual Scholarship
Ben & Marie Maus Endowed Scholarship
Ben C. Frank Baseball Annual Scholarship
Ben C. Frank Endowed Scholarship
Ben C. Frank Football Annual Scholarship
Ben C. Frank Men’s Basketball Annual Scholarship
Ben C. Frank Men’s Cross Country Annual Scholarship
Ben C. Frank Men’s Golf Annual Scholarship
Ben C. Frank Men’s Track Annual Scholarship
Ben C. Frank Men’s Wrestling Annual Scholarship
Ben C. Frank Softball Annual Scholarship
Ben C. Frank Volleyball Annual Scholarship
Ben C. Frank Women’s Basketball Annual Scholarship
Ben C. Frank Women’s Cross Country Annual Scholarship
Ben C. Frank Women’s Golf Annual Scholarship
Ben C. Frank Women’s Track Annual Scholarship
Ben C. Frank Women’s Wrestling Annual Scholarship
Bethol Knutson InFaith Annual Scholarship
Betty Ann Fridley 2009 Women’s Basketball Team Endowed Scholarship
Betty Reichert Endowed Scholarship
Bill & Shirley Andrus Annual Scholarship
Binde/King Business Endowed Scholarship
Blue Hawk Athletic Endowed Scholarship
Blue Hawk Booster Club Endowed Scholarship
Blue Hawk Lawn Care Annual Scholarship
Blue Hawk Nursing Endowed Scholarship
Blue Hawk Touchdown Club Academic Endowed Scholarship
Blue Hawk Touchdown Club Football Annual Scholarship
Blue Hawk Touchdown Club Football Impact Annual Scholarship
Bob & Alice Stranik Annual Scholarship
Bob Green Endowed Scholarship
Bob Hudson Welding Annual Scholarship
Boese Image Builders Annual Scholarship
Brad & Brenda Fong Annual Scholarship
Brady, Martz & Associates Annual Scholarship
Braun Distributing Employee Annual Scholarship
Bravera Annual Scholarship
Bravera CTE Endowed Fund
Bravera Employee/Family Member Endowed Scholarship
Bravera Employee/Family Member Annual Scholarship
Bravera Endowed Scholarship
Brent & Tina Hanson Annual Scholarship
Bruce & Cebe Schneider Annual Scholarship
C&L Enterprises Annual Scholarship-Spring Only
Carol Hintz Memorial Nursing Annual Scholarship
All gifts to support scholarships at Dickinson State University are managed and distributed by the DSU Heritage Foundation and will adhere to the intent assigned by the donor.
Carolyn F. Perdue Endowed Scholarship
Carolyn F. Perdue Nursing Endowed Scholarship
Champions Arena Annual Scholarship
Charles & Hazel Scott Education Endowed Scholarship
Charles A. Johnson & Kenneth C. Johnson Memorial Endowed Scholarship
Charles D. Finck Memorial Endowed Scholarship
CHI St. Alexius Nursing Endowed Fund
CHI-St Alexius Health Nursing Annual Scholarship
Choice Bank #PeopleFirst Annual Scholarship
Chris & Rhonda Fitterer Endowed Scholarship
Cindy Reid Memorial Annual Scholarship
Cleon Diers Annual Scholarship
Clifford Keithley Endowed Scholarship
Coach Guy Fridley Softball Annual Scholarship
Conrad Wrestling Annual Scholarship
Cornerstone Traditions Annual Scholarship
Cornerstone Traditions Esports Annual Scholarship
Cowboys & Candlelight Annual Scholarship
Dakota Brotherhood Transfer Annual Scholarship
Dakota Community Bank Annual Scholarship
Dakota Community Bank Endowed Scholarship
Dakota Community Bank TRHLP Annual Scholarship
Jorgenson Family Rodeo Endowed Scholarship
Dale & Glenice Hansen Endowed Scholarship
Dalton James Memorial Endowed Scholarship
Dan & Carla Porter Endowed Scholarship
Dan Stanton Clinic Memorial Annual Scholarship
Dan Stanton Memorial Annual Scholarship
Dan Stanton Memorial Endowed Scholarship
Darrel & Joanne Quale Ranch Athletic Endowed Scholarship
Darrel & Joanne Quale Ranch Endowed Scholarship
Darrel & Joanne Quale Ranch Nursing Annual Scholarship
Darrel & Joanne Quale Ranch Nursing Endowed Scholarship
Darwin & Harriet Whelan Education Endowed Scholarship
Deb & Ken Nelson Social Science Annual Scholarship - J/S
Deborah (Mallberg) Aldridge Nursing Annual Scholarship
Deborah (Mallberg) Aldridge Nursing Endowed Scholarship
Del Gab Memorial Annual Scholarship
Dennis & Vaune Johnson TRHLP Endowed Chair
Denver Kitzan Cheer Annual Scholarship
Department of Arts & Letters Music Annual Scholarship
Department of Arts & Letters Participation Annual Scholarship
Department of Psychology Annual Scholarship
Dept of Agriculture & Technical Studies Annual Scholarship
Dick Keller Annual Scholarship
Dickinson Rotary Club DHS Student Annual Scholarship
Dickinson Rotary Club International Student Annual Scholarship
Dickinson Rotary Club Nursing Annual Scholarship
Dickinson Rotary Club Nursing Endowed Scholarship
Dickinson Rotary Club Rodeo Annual Scholarship
Dickinson Rotary Club Trinity HS Student Annual Scholarship
Dickinson Roughrider Commission Annual Scholarship
Digital Engagement Specialist Esports Annual Scholarship
Don Seidl Memorial Endowed Scholarship
Don Seidl Memorial TRHLP Endowed Scholarship
Donald & Merry Johnston & Joy Johnston-Madison Annual Scholarship
Dorothy (Reckard) & Oliver Light Memorial Endowed Scholarship
Dorothy Sanders Fox Annual Scholarship
Dorothy Sanders Fox Endowed Scholarship
Dorothy Stickney Fine & Performing Arts Endowed Scholarship
Douglas Hyke Memorial Endowed Scholarship
Douglas J. Jaeger Memorial Men’s Basketball Endowed Scholarship
Dr. Albert Watrel Annual Scholarship
Dr. Thomas & Rhonda Mitzel Endowed Scholarship
Dr. William Stankard Endowed Psychology Research Scholarship
DSU “Spirit” Annual Scholarship
DSU Generational Annual Scholarship
DSU Heritage Foundation Board Scholarship-Student Assistant Directors
DSU Rodeo Hall of Fame Endowed Scholarship
DSU Shooting Sports Annual Scholarship
Duffy & Dahl Grandparents Memorial Annual Scholarship
E.D. & Bessie Culver Endowed Scholarship
Eagles Club of Dickinson Annual Scholarship
Early Entry Annual Scholarship
Easton Family Endowed Scholarship
ED & Bessie Culver Athletic Endowed Scholarship
Ed & Toni King Endowed Scholarship
Edgewood Hawks Point Nursing Annual Scholarship
Edson & Margaret Larson TRHLP Annual Scholarship
Edward & Rozella Schwartz Endowed Scholarship
Eldin L.R. Johnson Land & Livestock Annual Scholarship
Eldin L.R. Johnson Land & Livestock Endowed Scholarship
Engle Kesting Foundation Endowed Scholarship
Erv & Marilyn Kessel Endowed Scholarship
Eschenko Family Clubs & Organizations Endowed Scholarship
Fisher Industries Annual Scholarship
Fisher Industries Arts & Letters Annual Scholarship
Fisher Industries Endowed Scholarship
Fisher Industries Rodeo Annual Scholarship
Fisher Industries TRHLP Annual Scholarship
Fisher Industries Welding Annual Scholarship
Frank & Louis Pearson Music Endowed Scholarship
Fred & Betty Fridley 2009 Women’s Basketball Team Annual Scholarship
Fundraker Baseball Athletic Annual Scholarship
Fundraker Cheer Athletic Annual Scholarship
Fundraker Cross Country/Track Athletic Annual Scholarship
Fundraker Football Athletic Annual Scholarship
Fundraker Golf Athletic Annual Scholarship
Fundraker Men’s Basketball Athletic Annual Scholarship
Fundraker Men’s Wrestling Athletic Annual Scholarship
Fundraker Softball Athletic Annual Scholarship
Fundraker Volleyball Athletic Annual Scholarship
Fundraker Women’s Basketball Athletic Annual Scholarship
Fundraker Women’s Wrestling Athletic Annual Scholarship
Gate City Bank-Ken Ganzer Memorial Annual Scholarship
Gene & Sheila Fisher Annual Scholarship
Gene Fitterer Annual Scholarship
George & Ina Ferebee Nursing Annual Scholarship
George & Ina Ferebee Education Annual Scholarship
George & Kayleen Nodland Annual Scholarship
George & Kayleen Nodland Endowed Scholarship
George & Murtle Dynes TR Honors/Leadership Endowed Scholarship
George & Myrtle Dynes Elementary Education Endowed Scholarship
Georgia Gutensohn Endowed Scholarship
Georgia Raasch Nursing Endowed Scholarship
Go Grace Go Endowed Scholarship
Go Grace Go Softball Annual Scholarship-Spring Only
Gordon Thomas & Siri Cole TRHLP Annual Scholarship
Graduate Student Annual Scholarship
Hank & Susan Biesiot Baseball Annual Scholarship
Hank & Susan Biesiot Football Annual Scholarship
Hank Biesiot Legacy Annual Scholarship
Harold & Helen Hanson Agriculture Endowed Scholarship
Harold Edward & Eva Ruth Webb Murphy Family Endowed Scholarship
Harold Hammeren Football Annual Scholarship
Hawk Talk Annual Scholarship
Hawks Are UP Student Senate Annual Scholarship
Henry “Hank” Biesiot Football Endowed Scholarship
Hilary Hartman Memorial Endowed Scholarship
Homecoming Pep Rally Annual Scholarship
Howard Sharpe Memorial Annual Scholarship
Irene Schafer Endowed Scholarship
Ironworks Welding Inc Welding Annual Scholarship
Irving S Raab Agriculture Endowed Scholarship
Jack & Velma Olin Endowed Scholarship
James & Darlene Schwartz Endowed Scholarship
James & Jasmine Hayden Annual Scholarship
James & Leslie Odermann Family Endowed Scholarship
James A Foss Cross Country Endowed Scholarship
Janae’s Way at DSU Women’s Basketball Endowed Scholarship
Jean Guenther Band/Marching Band Annual Scholarship
Jean Guenther Choir Annual Scholarship
Jean Guenther Endowed Scholarship
Jean Guenther Music Annual Scholarship
Jean Guenther Music/Art Annual Scholarship
Jeff & Barb Kuhn Annual Scholarship
Jeff & Debora Dragseth Annual Scholarship
Jerome’s Distributing Inc TRHLP Annual Scholarship
Jerome’s Distributing Inc. Ag/Rodeo Annual Scholarship
Jesperson Family Endowed Scholarship
Jessen Family Endowed Scholarship
Jim & Sonja Ozbun Endowed Scholarship
Jim Parke Memorial Annual Scholarship
Jody Dolechek Memorial Volleyball Annual Scholarship
Jody Dolechek Memorial Women’s Basketball Annual Scholarship
John & Alice Travers Memorial Endowed Scholarship
John & Alyce Travers Admissions Annual Scholarship
John & Alyce Travers Annual Scholarship
John & Alyce Travers TRHLP Annual Scholarship
John & Rosalie Wosepka Endowed Scholarship
John & Susanna Dasovick Annual Scholarship
John Charging Memorial Football Annual Scholarship
John P. & Leone V. Krank Agriculture Endowed Scholarship
Jorgenson Family Endowed Scholarship
Joseph & Dorothy E. (Basaraba) Zilkowski Annual Scholarship
Joseph & Dorothy E. (Basaraba) Zilkowski Endowed Scholarship
Joseph & Rose Frenzel Endowed Scholarship
Joyce Marshik Annual Scholarship
Keep Me Well Annual Scholarship
Ken & Kelly Kussy Annual Scholarship
Killdeer Mountain Manufacturing Endowed Scholarship
Killdeer Mountain Manufacturing TRHLP Annual Scholarship
Knute & Blinda Hagen Endowed Scholarship
Knute & Blinda Hagen Annual Scholarship
Kuntz Builders Annual Scholarship
Larry & Caroline Ziegler Endowed Scholarship
Larry & Judi Schnell Annual Scholarship
Larry & Judi Schnell Endowed Scholarship
Larry & Ruth Stang Endowed Scholarship
Larson Foundation Career Pathways Admissions Annual Scholarship
Larson Foundation Career Pathways Agriculture Annual Scholarship
Larson Foundation Career Pathways Diesel Tech/Welding Annual Scholarship
Larson Foundation Career Pathways Education Annual Scholarship
Larson Foundation Career Pathways HPE Annual Scholarship
Larson Foundation Career Pathways Nursing Annual Scholarship
Larson Foundation Career Pathways SOBE Annual Scholarship
Larson Foundation Career Pathways Social Science/Criminal Justice Annual Scholarship
Larson Foundation Career Pathways Welding Annual Scholarship
Lavern Jessen Family Endowed Scholarship
Leadership Dickinson Annual Scholarship
Lebsock Family Annual Scholarship
Leroy “Bud” Perry Agriculture Endowed Scholarship
Les & Dawn Olson Endowed Scholarship
Les Fleury Memorial Annual Scholarship
Les Fleury Memorial Endowed Scholarship
Louise Anderson Memorial Endowed Scholarship
Lowman Walton Endowed Scholarship Fund
Lowman-Walton Scholarship Fund - Rodeo Women’s
Lowman-Walton Scholarship Fund - Women’s Basketball
Lowman-Walton Scholarship Fund - Women’s Track
Lucille Law Nursing Endowed Scholarship
Luella (Hollenbeck) May & Dotti May Endowed Scholarship
Marlys Dolezal Memorial Music Annual Scholarship
Mary Dolyniuk Rodakowski Annual Scholarship
Matthias & Gertrude Schneider Annual Scholarship
McCoy Family Annual Scholarship
McElvaney Family Endowed Scholarship
Merit Endowed Scholarship
Mike & Sherryl Lefor Endowed Scholarship
Mike Armstrong & Family Academic Annual Scholarship
Mike Armstrong & Family Wrestling Annual Scholarship
Mike Armstrong & Family Wrestling Endowed Scholarship
Mike Carlson Cross Country/Track Annual Scholarship
Mike Carlson Cross Country/Track Endowed Scholarship
Miles Bollinger Memorial Endowed Scholarship
Myren Moore Give Day Annual Scholarship
Myron & Lola Freeman Natural Science Endowed Scholarship
Nathaniel Easton Unsung Hero Scholarship
Neal & Bonnie Messer Annual Scholarship
Nelson Family Service to Others Annual Scholarship
Nelson Family Service to Others Endowed Scholarship
Norman A. Smith Annual Scholarship
O’Donnell/Harper Performance Annual Scholarship
Orton Family Endowed Scholarship
Osmund & Mary Jane Baggenstoss Endowed Scholarship
Para to Teacher Annual Scholarship
Parke Family Endowed Scholarship
Pat & Bev Altringer Building Baseball Annual Scholarship
Pat & Bev Altringer Building Football Annual Scholarship
Pat & Bev Altringer Building Men’s Basketball Annual Scholarship
Pat & Bev Altringer Building Men’s Cross Country Annual Scholarship
Pat & Bev Altringer Building Men’s Golf Annual Scholarship
Pat & Bev Altringer Building Men’s Track Annual Scholarship
Pat & Bev Altringer Building Men’s Wrestling Annual Scholarship
Pat & Bev Altringer Building Softball Annual Scholarship
Pat & Bev Altringer Building Volleyball Annual Scholarship
Pat & Bev Altringer Building Women’s Basketball Annual Scholarship
Pat & Bev Altringer Building Women’s Cross Country Annual Scholarship
Pat & Bev Altringer Building Women’s Golf Annual Scholarship
Pat & Bev Altringer Building Women’s Track Annual Scholarship
Pat & Bev Altringer Building Women’s Wrestling Annual Scholarship
Pat & Bev Altringer Endowed Scholarship
Pat Fisher Memorial Golf Annual Scholarship
Pat Fisher Memorial Golf Endowed Scholarship
Patricia Ann (Herhusky) Kostelecky Annual Scholarship
Pay It Forward Endowed Scholarship
PEO Annual Scholarship
Perdue Family Endowed Scholarship
Pete Fredericks Annual Scholarship - Bareback
Pete Fredericks Annual Scholarship - Saddlebronc
Pete Fredericks Annual Scholarship -Steer Wrestler
Peterson Family Annual Scholarship
Peterson Family Endowed Scholarship
Physical Science Annual Scholarship
Quality Quick Print Competitive Cheer Annual Scholarship
Quality Quick Print Endowed Scholarship
Quality Quick Print Football Annual Scholarship
Quality Quick Print TRHLP Annual Scholarship
Quality Quick Print TRHLP Endowed Scholarship
Rase Family Agriculture Endowed Scholarship
Red Rock Ford Rodeo Annual Scholarship
Regina Roth Endowed Scholarship
Richard & Marlys Dolezal Memorial Endowed Scholarship
Richard Dolezal Memorial Athletic Annual Scholarship
Richard Weber Endowed Scholarship
Robert & Betty Jo Todd Annual Scholarship
Robert & Betty Jo Todd Endowed Scholarship
Robert Waldal Memorial Men’s Basketball Endowed Scholarship
Roger & Jean Huffman Track/CC Endowed Scholarship
Roger Dial Memorial SPSC #398 Endowed Scholarship J/S
Roger Kilwein Annual Scholarship
Ron & Judy Bock Endowed Scholarship
Roughrider Electric Endowed Scholarship
Russell Graham Memorial Annual Scholarship
Sam Milanovich Men’s Basketball Endowed Scholarship
Sandi Frenzel Rodeo Annual Scholarship
Sandi Frenzel Rodeo Endowed Scholarship
Sanford Health TRHLP Annual Scholarship
Sax Motor Co Business & Entrepreneur Annual Scholarship
Senster & Florence Anderson Memorial Endowed Scholarship
Shayne Flinders Annual Scholarship
Sheila Fisher Annual Scholarship
Sheila Fisher Endowed Scholarship
Shirley Dukart Nursing Annual Scholarship
Sideline Cheer/Buster Annual Scholarship
Slope Area Retired Teacher Association (SARTA) Annual Scholarship
SPSC #398 Roger Dial Memorial Endowed Scholarship
St John Lutheran Community Bridging Nursing Annual Scholarship
St John Lutheran DSU Community Bridging Music Annual Scholarship
Staff Senate Annual Scholarship
Stanton Strong Annual Scholarship
Stanton Women’s Wrestling Annual Scholarship
Stark Development Corporation Annual Scholarship
Steffes LLC Endowed Scholarship
Steffes LLC TRHLP Annual Scholarship
Steve “Butch” & Patti Goodall Ag Annual Scholarship
Steve “Butch” & Patti Goodall Arts & Letters Annual Scholarship
Steve “Butch” & Patti Goodall Athletic Annual Scholarship
Steve “Butch” & Patti Goodall Natural Science Annual Scholarship
Steve “Butch” & Patti Goodall Nursing Annual Scholarship
Steve “Butch” & Patti Goodall TRHLP Annual Scholarship
Steve “Butch” & Patti Goodall TRHLP Endowed Scholarship
Steve & Agnes Kukla Burian Endowed Scholarship
Steve & Bridget Schwindt Nursing Annual Scholarship
Steve & Marivern Easton Annual Scholaship
Stevenson Funeral Home Athletic Annual Scholarship
Stevenson Strong Annual Scholarship
Stevenson Strong Endowed Scholarship
Strike Out Cancer Baseball Annual Scholarship
Strike Out Cancer Softball Annual Scholarship
Student Ambassador Annual Scholarship
Susanna Remias Reinhiller Endowed Scholarship
Terrald & Carol Bang Rodeo Endowed Scholarship
The Fisher Group TRHLP Annual Scholarship
Thomas & Rhonda Mitzel Endowed Scholarship
Todd & Lana Syverson Football Annual Scholarship
Todd & Patti Jo Hall Annual Scholarship
Todd & Patti Jo Hall Endowed Scholarship
Tom & Marie Arnold TRHLP Endowed Scholarship
Tom & Tina Dosch Annual Scholarship
Tom Jensen Memorial Athletic Annual Scholarship
Tony Wald Men’s Basketball Endowed Scholarship
Tony Wald Men’s Basketball Annual Scholarship
Town & Country Liquor Annual Scholarship
Triple R Memorial Endowed Scholarship
Ty The Knot Annual Scholarship
Tyler & Lauren Roemmich Annual Scholarship
Tyler Plummer Annual Scholarship
Wanita Beck Beal Education Endowed Scholarship
Werremeyer/Lundberg Math/Science Endowed Scholarship
Western Cooperative Credit Union Endowed Scholarship
Willard & Linda Schnell Annual Scholarship
Willard & Linda Schnell Endowed Scholarship
William & Shelley Flaget Endowed Scholarship
Willis Johnson in Memory of Inez Johnson Annual Scholarship
Winn Construction TRHLP Annual Scholarship
Winn Construction TRHLP Endowed Scholarship
Winnie Stump Delong Blue Hawk Speech Annual Scholarship
Wolverine Services Welding Annual Scholarship
Woodrow Silvo Monica Jr Business Annual Scholarship
Woodrow Silvo Monica Jr Education Annual Scholarship
Woodrow Silvo Monica Jr Endowed Scholarship
Woodrow Silvo Monica Jr Esports Annual Scholarship
Woodrow Silvo Monica Jr Natural Science Annual Scholarship
Woodrow Silvo Monica Jr Social Science Annual Scholarship
Wyoming Casing Athletic Annual Scholarship
Yuletyme Admissions Annual Scholarship
Yuletyme Esports Annual Scholarship
Yuletyme Participation Ag Club Annual Scholarship
Yuletyme Participation Arts & Letters Annual Scholarship
Yuletyme Participation Baseball Annual Scholarship
Yuletyme Participation Cheer Annual Scholarship
Yuletyme Participation Football Annual Scholarship
Yuletyme Participation FPBL Annual Scholarship
Yuletyme Participation Golf Annual Scholarship
Yuletyme Participation Men’s Wrestling Annual Scholarship
Yuletyme Participation Nursing Annual Scholarship
Yuletyme Participation Softball Annual Scholarship
Yuletyme Participation Women’s Basketball Annual Scholarship
Yuletyme Women’s Wrestling Annual Scholarship
Zared & Katie Lefor Annual Scholarship
Turbo Drive Annual Scholarship
Turbo Drive Endowed Scholarship
GIFT OF COMMODITIES TO DICKINSON STATE UNIVERSITY
SEP 5-7 Theodore Roosevelt Symposium
OCT 18-19 DSU Homecoming
NOV 12 DSU Give Day
DEC 14 Yuletyme
FEB 17-18 AZ Alumni/Friends Events
FUTURE GENERATIONS FUTURE GENERATIONS
MAR 21-22 Athletic Alumni Weekend
MAY 16 Grad Fest BBQ
Investing in Future Generations
BE LIKE BEN
“I like to see kids have an opportunity to better themselves. In some situations, all that kid needs is a little push to become who they are. Without that little shove, they may never take that first step.”
1964 1995 2
Graduated from Dickinson State College. Gave his very first scholarship to Duane Monlux. Supports student athletes by giving TWO scholarships to each sport annually.
“Through the years, I’ve received thank you letters from students who received a scholarship from me saying they would not have had the opportunity to be a student/student athlete without the support of that scholarship. That means something.”
- Ben Frank
