1 ABERDEEN, SD | 2026 BUILDING THE FUTURE New Business and Health Innovation Center NORTHERN STATE UNIVERSITY NORTHERN MAGAZINE
2 NORTHERN MAGAZINE EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP TEAM Dr. Alan D. LaFave President Dr. Erin Fouberg Interim Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Veronica Paulson Vice President for Finance and Administration Dr. Debbi Bumpous Vice President of Technology/CIO Sean Blackburn Dean of Students Nate Davis Athletic Director Eric Kline Enrollment Management Officer Chad Hatzenbuhler Director of Communications and Marketing Zach Flakus President and CEO, NSU Foundation Northern Magazine is published annually by the Northern State University Foundation in partnership with Northern State University, 1200 S. Jay St., Aberdeen, SD 57401, for Northern alumni and friends. Contents 3 Letter from the President 4 NSU News 6 NSU Foundation Gears Up for Sixth Annual GiveNDay 8 125 Years of Building Teachers 12 Where Curiosity Took Root 16 Building on Legacy 22 A Return to the Stage – and to Shared Roots 26 How Donors Expand Student Success 30 Wolves Country Built Last 33 Gypsy Days 2026 34 Where Are They Now? 36 Wolf Pups 37 Achievements, Celebrations and In Memoriam 8 CONTACT US Contact the Foundation to subscribe, give a gift or change your address. NSU Foundation 620 15th Ave. SE., Aberdeen, SD 57401 nsualumni@northern.edu 605-626-2550 @northernstateuniversityfoundation @nsufoundation @nsufoundation 16
3 Letter from the President Dear Northern State University Community, Coming home feels exactly right. When I returned to Northern’s campus on Jan. 5 as your president, I was reminded of something I’ve always known: this place has a spirit unlike any other. Over 30 years as a student, faculty member and administrator here taught me that Northern isn’t just defined by what we teach or the degrees we award — it’s defined by the people who show up every day believing in what’s possible. This issue of Northern Magazine celebrates 125 years of that belief in action. Our story begins in 1901 with a fire that nearly ended everything before it truly started. But the people who built Northern refused to let that be the end. Their determination became our foundation, and on that foundation, generations have built something remarkable. Northern opened as a teachers college in 1901, and that founding mission continues today in the Millicent Atkins School of Education, where future educators develop the skills and heart to shape young lives across our region. Every Northern student builds on the foundation provided by the College of Arts and Sciences — developing critical thinking, scientific inquiry and the communication skills that prepare them for leadership in any field. Our new Business and Health Innovation Center represents a bridge between our past and future by preparing business and nursing graduates ready to enter the workforce, while the School of Fine Arts serves as the cultural hub of northeastern South Dakota and continues strengthening partnerships that bring our community together. And anyone who has experienced a Wolves game knows that Northern athletics represents more than competition — it represents the pride and spirit of Aberdeen and northeastern South Dakota. What you’ll read in these pages are stories of impact — faculty who mentor with purpose, students who lead with conviction and alumni whose success reflects Northern’s enduring commitment to excellence. You’ll see how our four Schools and Colleges work together to create educational experiences that transform lives and strengthen communities throughout our area. As we begin this 125th year, I’m grateful to work alongside all of you — faculty, staff, students, alumni and community partners — who make Northern what it is. Together, we’re focused on growing enrollment, supporting student success and ensuring Northern remains the pride of Aberdeen and our region. This milestone isn’t just any anniversary. It’s a celebration of resilience, innovation and the unwavering belief that education changes everything. Welcome home to Northern’s 125th year. Dr. Alan D. LaFave, President
4 NORTHERN MAGAZINE NSU NEWS Wanous, Paulson Announce Retirements Northern State University announced the retirements of Dr. Michael Wanous, provost and vice president for academic affairs, and Veronica Paulson, vice president for finance and administration. Wanous joined Northern in July 2019 and retired in December 2025. During his tenure, he launched the Bachelor of Science in Nursing program, established the Northern Edge award providing $10,000 per year for student research, and created the Northern Academy program for high school dual credit students. “It has been a privilege to serve as the chief academic officer of Northern State University,” Wanous said. “Northern is a truly special place because of the incredibly talented and dedicated faculty and staff.” Paulson joined Northern in 1990 and will retire in June 2026 after more than 35 years of service. She led the implementation of multiple financial information systems and managed transformational building projects totaling $168 million that modernized every major sector on campus. “Veronica leaves a legacy at Northern State University through her visionary leadership and financial stewardship,” said Dr. Laurie Nichols, who served as interim president during the presidential transition, a period which also included Paulson’s retirement announcement. A 1985 Northern graduate, Paulson said she’ll miss the people most: “After 35 years, you become friends and not just colleagues.” Dr. Alan LaFave Named Northern’s President The South Dakota Board of Regents announced the appointment of Dr. Alan LaFave as Northern State University’s president. Dr. LaFave assumed the presidency on Jan. 5, 2026. Dr. LaFave returns to Northern after serving seven years as president of Valley City State University in North Dakota. His appointment marks a homecoming, as Dr. LaFave spent nearly three decades at Northern, advancing from music instructor to provost and vice president for academic affairs. “I am thrilled, honored and humbled to be selected as the next president of Northern State University,” said Dr. LaFave after the announcement in November. “With over 30 years of experience on campus as both a student and employee, my ties to Northern State and the Aberdeen community run deep. This is an incredible opportunity to make a meaningful impact at my alma mater.” During his tenure at Valley City State, Dr. LaFave led significant growth initiatives and fostered strategic partnerships that strengthened the institution’s regional impact. At Northern, he previously served as dean of the School of Fine Arts, associate dean, department chair and professor of music. Dr. LaFave earned his bachelor’s degree in music education from Northern State University and his master’s and doctoral degrees from Arizona State University. Dr. LaFave succeeds Dr. Neal Schnoor, who departed to serve as chancellor of the University of Nebraska at Kearney.
5 Fouberg Named Interim Provost Dr. Erin Fouberg will serve as Northern State University’s interim provost and vice president for academic affairs while the university conducts a national search. Fouberg has served as associate vice president for academic affairs and director of graduate studies since 2019. She joined Northern in 2007 and previously served as honors program director for 10 years, in addition to various faculty positions. Before joining Northern, she was a faculty member at the University of Mary Washington in Virginia. “As associate provost, Dr. Fouberg has provided leadership to a variety of academic programs and services,” said Dr. Laurie Nichols, who served as interim president during the presidential transition. “These experiences have prepared Erin to step into the interim provost role where she will provide stability and thoughtful guidance to the Academic Division.” Fouberg’s contract as interim provost runs from Dec. 1, 2025, through June 21, 2026. “Northern’s strength is faculty and staff who are committed to exceptional teaching and student success,” Fouberg said. “I am honored to lead a team of professionals who help our students realize their talents and develop their gifts to build purpose-filled lives, rewarding careers and strong communities.” Partnerships Expand to Meet Workforce Needs Northern State University has established new collaborative agreements with Dakota State University, Huron Community Campus and South Dakota State University to expand academic pathways and address workforce demands. Partnerships include dual degrees in criminal justice and cybersecurity with DSU, expanded associate degrees and teaching cohorts with Huron Community Campus, and combined pathways in accounting analytics and athletic training with SDSU. These collaborations provide students with expanded educational opportunities while addressing critical workforce needs across South Dakota. Millicent Atkins 1901 Scholarship Program Expands Northern State University’s Millicent Atkins 1901 Scholarship Program will introduce a new tiered model beginning in Fall 2026, providing all Elementary Education and Early Childhood Education majors with at least $1,901 per year while rewarding academic excellence with enhanced awards. “The Millicent Atkins 1901 Scholarship celebrates those who choose this meaningful work,” said Dr. Anna Schwan, dean of the Millicent Atkins School of Education. Awards range from $1,901 to $5,500 per year based on GPA and ACT scores, with four-year totals ranging from $7,604 to $22,000. No separate application is required — students are automatically awarded based on qualifications.
6 NORTHERN MAGAZINE The Northern State University Foundation is gearing up for its sixth annual day of giving, GiveNDay, on April 1-2, 2026. This 24-hour fundraising challenge brings supporters of Northern together to provide funding for areas across the university, from scholarships and athletics to academic programs and student organizations. Last year’s GiveNDay was the largest to date, raising more than $476,000 from 1,281 donors who rallied around the cause of supporting current and future Wolves. Gifts came from 44 states and as far away as Yongin, Republic of Korea — 4,667 miles from Aberdeen. “The generosity of our alumni and supporters is unmatched,” said Zach Flakus, NSU Foundation president. “Every year we set out to make GiveNDay the best day we can for NSU, and the Pack always goes above and beyond to provide for our students and the campus. It is truly something so exciting to be involved with.” Of the 1,281 donors who participated in 2025, 328 were firsttime contributors to the foundation. Alumni made 522 gifts totaling $190,000, while local supporters contributed 578 gifts for a total of $200,000. Last year’s top-funded areas included nursing, general scholarships, wrestling, football and women’s basketball, with nursing leading the way at more than $52,000 raised. The funds provide critical support throughout the year, directly impacting students through scholarships, academic programs and athletic opportunities. Announces Sixth Annual GiveNDay This year’s GiveNDay will feature a new giving platform at givingday.northern.edu making it easier for supporters to participate. The day of giving will run from noon on April 1 to noon on April 2. “The best part of GiveNDay is the collective momentum created by the NSU community,” Flakus said. “Every single gift makes a tangible difference for our students, faculty and staff.” The NSU Foundation invites you to consider making a donation or becoming a challenge donor for the 2026 GiveNDay. Contact the foundation team at 605-626-2550 or nsualumni@northern.edu.
77 APRIL 1-2 Sixth Annual GiveNDay 8 Scholarship Reception (4-6 p.m.) *Invite only 24 NSU’s Bourbon & Brews (6 p.m.) *Tickets required MAY 2 Softball Alumni Pre-Game Social 29-30 Wolves on the Water *Registration required JUNE 5 Football Golf Tournament *Registration required 10 Sioux Falls Area Family Fun Night 25 Omaha Area Family Fun Night JULY 16 Minneapolis Area Family Fun Night 24 NSU Golf Classic 29 Fargo Area Family Fun Night SEPTEMBER 21-27 Homecoming/Gypsy Days NOVEMBER 6 Northern Night Upcoming Events SUPPORT Scan the code to give to the pack!
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9 For nearly 125 years, Northern State University has answered an enduring call: to educate those who educate others. From its earliest days as Northern Normal and Industrial School to today’s dynamic Millicent Atkins School of Education, this area of campus has continually adapted to meet the changing needs of students, schools and communities—building a reputation for excellence, innovation and leadership that spans generations. Where it began Northern’s story of higher education embodies the Midwestern spirit in its purest form: humble beginnings shaped by grit, resilience, and an unwavering belief in the power of education. Even the idea of establishing an institution of higher learning in northeast South Dakota faced resistance. Legislative efforts were vetoed multiple times. A bill to create a new school, the Industrial School and Institute of Technology of South Dakota, was approved in 1899, but no funds were appropriated to begin construction, so the school existed in name only for the next three years. Finally, the state legislature appropriated $28,000 to erect a building and heating plant, as well as rename the institution Northern Normal and Industrial School. Teacher preparation moved to the forefront, setting the course for what would become Northern’s enduring legacy. That legacy was tested almost immediately. By December 1901, construction on the school’s first building was nearing completion, and plans were underway to open classes the following fall. Then, on December 18, disaster struck. A fire, sparked by stoves used to dry plaster, gutted the building entirely. The contractor carried no insurance. For some, the loss seemed insurmountable—an early end to an already hard-fought dream. But those closest to the institution refused to let it fade. As flames consumed the structure, a bystander remarked to Isaac Lincoln, the school’s first business manager and a local banker, that the normal school idea was surely finished. Lincoln’s reply would echo through Northern’s history: “Hell no. We have just commenced to fight.” And fight they did. Against the odds, the building was rebuilt and completed enough to welcome students by the fall of 1902. From the very beginning, Northern proved that its foundation would not be defined by ease—but by perseverance. That perseverance was evident in the physical landscape of the early campus as well. Fred W. Smith, the institution’s first vice president, offered a vivid account of his arrival in Aberdeen in August 1902. At the time, the town numbered just 4,500 residents. President Charles Koehler hitched up his horse to transport Smith to the campus, which sat far outside the city limits. As they approached, Smith recalled seeing a single, partially finished building rising from the middle of a wheat field, surrounded by shocked grain. Four rows of newly planted trees lined the approach, all dead from lack of water and destined to be replanted the following year. The land itself was low and marshy, especially near Jay Street, home to multitudes of frogs in the spring and early summer. It was an unlikely setting for a teachers college—but it was enough. 125 Years of Building Teachers
10 NORTHERN MAGAZINE Early Northern presidents sought to expand the institution originally tasked with elementary education and industrial arts training. There was push back from other institutions and some at the state level to develop Northern into a four-year teachers college. However, in the early twenties the Board of Regents granted the institution college status, and soon after Northern became nationally recognized as one of the leading teachers colleges in the nation (selected in the top 20 state teachers colleges in the United States in 1927). According to a Columbia University report published in 1928, Northern was ranked fifth out of seventy-seven teachers colleges in the nation. From those early days, the School of Education became Northern’s heart. Generations of students arrived with a calling to teach and left prepared to lead classrooms, schools, and communities. Traditions took root—student teaching experiences across the region, close faculty mentorship, and a deep connection to the needs of rural and regional schools. Northern educators didn’t just fill classrooms; they became pillars of their communities. Education evolves, so does Northern The School of Education adapted to new pedagogies, accreditation standards, and the changing realities of K–12 and higher education. Programs expanded, technology reshaped instruction, and partnerships strengthened ties between campus and classrooms across South Dakota and beyond. Innovation became not a departure from tradition, but an extension of it—an acknowledgment that preparing teachers has always required looking ahead. Today’s School of Education reflects that balance. It honors the institution’s origins as a normal school while embracing research-informed practices, experiential learning, and leadership development. Graduates leave not only prepared to teach, but equipped to mentor, innovate and advocate for students in an ever-changing educational landscape. As Northern State University approaches the 125th anniversary of the legislation that created it, the School of Education stands as a living testament to the institution’s purpose. From a single building in a wheat field to a respected, forwardthinking academic unit, its story mirrors Northern’s own— rooted in resilience, shaped by service, and driven by a belief that education changes lives. What began with grit and determination continues as a legacy of leadership—one classroom, one teacher, and one generation at a time. From its earliest days, Northern’s School of Education has existed to meet the needs of its time. That principle has not changed—only the world around it has. Leaders from the community, the university and the School of Education celebrate the September 2025 ribbon cutting of the renovated Gerber Building. Launched in spring 2024, the project reimagined the facility into innovative, student-centered spaces that reflect the evolving future of teacher preparation.
11 Since 1901, the School of Education has responded to what schools and communities need,” said Dr. Anna Schwan, dean of the School of Education. “Today, that means preparing educators and human-service professionals who understand learning, behavior and wellness from both a scientific and human perspective, and who are ready to support people in meaningful, practical ways.” That breadth of purpose reflects the evolution of the School of Education itself. While teacher preparation remains foundational, the school now encompasses education, psychology, counseling and sports sciences—disciplines united by a shared focus on people. How they learn. How they cope. How they perform. And how they grow. At the center of that work is a culture built on trust. When asked what she is most proud of, Schwan doesn’t hesitate. “Honestly, I’m most proud of our people,” she said. “Our students care deeply about the work they’re preparing to do, and our faculty and staff show up for them in real, meaningful ways. There’s a strong sense of trust and support here, and you can feel it in how people work together every day.” As classrooms and communities continue to change, so too does the preparation of those who serve them. Technology will undoubtedly shape the future of education, but Northern’s approach remains grounded in its original philosophy: tools matter, but people matter more. “The heart of our work won’t change,” she said. “Across education, psychology, counseling, and sports sciences, we’ll focus even more on helping students understand people—how they learn, cope, perform, and grow—while using new tools to strengthen that work rather than replace it.” Looking ahead, one of the School of Education’s most critical priorities is strengthening the pipeline of future teachers and professionals. Doing so, Schwan believes, requires flexibility and access. “To strengthen the pipeline, we have to meet students where they are,” she said. “Flexible and online programming allows students to balance work, family and school while still receiving a high-quality preparation experience. That accessibility is critical for the future of the profession. As the university approaches the 125th anniversary of its founding legislation, the School of Education stands as both a cornerstone of Northern’s past and a driving force behind its future—honoring tradition while leading the way in educational innovation. “My vision is for the School of Education to be undeniably valuable,” Schwan said. “A place people choose because the work matters, the professions matter, and lives are changed because of it.” It’s a vision that honors Northern’s past while pointing confidently toward its future—one shaped, as it has always been, by those who believe in the power of education to change lives. “There’s a strong sense of trust and support here, and you can feel it in how people work together every day.” - Dr. Anna Schwan, dean of the School of Education.
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13 Where Curiosity Took Root On a fall morning in 1902, just weeks after Northern Normal and Industrial School opened its doors, a group of students boarded the 7 a.m. Milwaukee train for a day of fieldwork along the James River. “The classes in elementary science and zoology enjoyed an excursion to the James River the first of this month,” the first issue of the school’s newspaper The Exponent reported. “They went out on the 7 a.m. Milwaukee train and returned at 8 o’clock in the evening. The party was chaperoned by Mrs. Koehler and Mrs. Squire. The day was spent collecting zoological specimens and in the study of the biological features of the vicinity.” It is a scene that would feel surprisingly familiar to Northern State University students nearly 125 years later. Today, Wolves still head into the field to gather specimens, only now they return not to simple classrooms, but to state-of-the-art laboratories filled with modern equipment and technology undreamed of by those first students. The tools have changed. The questions have grown more complex. But the spirit, learning by doing, discovering by observing, remains exactly the same. Cultivating from the Start From its very first month, Northern was never meant to be only a place where future teachers memorized lessons, but rather it should be a place to cultivate historians, scientists, thinkers, writers and artists. Students prepared not just for classrooms, but for the wider world. The College of Arts and Sciences, as it is known today, would not be formally established until 1973. But in many ways, it had been taking shape since Northern’s earliest days. Evidence of that is found in a Course of Study published in 1904, just a few years after the school opened. Listed among the offerings were courses that would be recognizable in a modern Arts and Sciences curriculum: Composition and Rhetoric; Algebra; Zoology; Civil Government; Reading and Literature; General History; Geometry; Latin; Arithmetic; Chemistry; Social Science; Virgil; Cicero; Physics; Advanced Geography; and Grammar and Composition. Long before there was a College of Arts and Sciences in name, Northern was already teaching its substance. These were not simply supporting courses for future teachers; they were the building blocks of a broader education in the sciences, humanities, and social sciences. In that sense, the field trips to the James River, the early laboratories and classrooms, and the ambitious curriculum of the first decades all point to the same truth: while the College of Arts and Sciences would wait until 1973 to be formally named, its roots reach all the way back to Northern’s first years, planted by faculty and students who were already living out the idea that education should be as wide, deep and practical as life itself. Names such as Russell Brock and Richard Chuang, the first deans of Arts and Science, along with Arthur Buntin, Jeremy Rosonke, Dayton Cook and William Haigh, represent faculty whose leadership and scholarship were instrumental to the development of the College.
14 NORTHERN MAGAZINE The first cohort of nursing students pose with nursing faculty and staff after the nursing induction ceremony in September 2025. These students received their maroon coats, marking their official initiation into the nursing program. The maroon coat symbolizes their first clinical coat, a symbol of their entry into the profession. Front Row Left to Right: Leslie Peterson, Payton Kemnitz, Makayla Kopp, Jasmine Barnes, Brittany Anderson, Brittney Frickson, Emmah Mitchell, Paige Stevens, Montana Marlow, Hannah Larson, Dr Alyssa Kiesow (Dean CAS). Second Row: Dr Shelby Boettner (Assistant Professor), Kailyn Poppen, Brianne Mielke, Abby Schauer, Brynn Bass, Morgan Fiedler, Kamryn Schwartz, Ann Sarah Paul, Lydia Meier, Allie Neu. Back Row: Amy Johnson (Sim, Lab & Clinical Coordinator), Kylie Waldo (Program Assistant), Dr Lyncee Monson (Assoc. Dean of Nursing), Caycee Bertsch (Advisor), Karli Klein, Riley Batta, Elsa Borchert, Micaiah Bushnell, Jackson Harrison, Nathaniel Wilts, Whitney Wald, Katelyn Witte, Morgan Sheldon, Dr Lori Hendrickx (Professor), Ariam Tecleab, Jennifer Glynn (Lecturer), Sarah Clough (Lecturer), Krystal Stuwe (Instructor). Not Pictured: Kwae Htoo. Students observing a faculty member conduct a science experiment in 1952.
15 Research, Renewal, Real-World Impact In recent years, the College of Arts and Sciences has continued to build on that century-old foundation with a series of milestones that reflect both growth and ambition. Among the most visible was the induction of the college’s first nursing cohort an important expansion that speaks directly to regional workforce needs while reaffirming Northern’s long tradition of educating students for lives of service and impact. At the same time, faculty and students across the sciences and humanities have earned national recognition for their research, from fieldwork and laboratory studies to scholarship in history, literature, and the social sciences. Northern’s faculty are not only teachers and mentors; they are active scholars and creators. In recent years, they have published monographs, contributed to major peer-reviewed, academic journals, and produced research that reaches far beyond campus, indeed work that elevates both the reputation of the college and the opportunities available to its students. The creation of The Center for Public History and Civic Engagement marks another important chapter in that story. The center strengthens Northern’s role as a steward of regional history while creating new opportunities for students to engage in hands-on research, storytelling, and community partnerships, connecting the classroom to the broader world in ways that echo those first James River field excursions more than a century ago. Taken together, these milestones tell a larger story: a college that is not only honoring its roots but actively shaping its future. From its earliest days of specimen collecting and classical studies to today’s cutting-edge research, new academic programs and public-facing scholarship, the College of Arts and Sciences continues to live out the same enduring mission, preparing students not just for careers, but for thoughtful, informed and engaged lives.
16 NORTHERN MAGAZINE Building on Legacy On the first day of classes in spring 2026, Northern State University’s new Business and Health Innovation Center opened its doors to students and faculty, marking a transformative new chapter for the School of Business. The 44,000-square-foot facility replaces Lincoln Hall, which served for decades as the department’s home. Purpose-built for modern business education, the new center features collaborative spaces, innovative classrooms and technology designed to prepare future business leaders, entrepreneurs and professionals for a rapidly changing world. “There is so much momentum within the School of Business right now, and this beautiful academic building will create meaningful opportunities for educational growth and community connections,” said Dr. Kristi Bockorny, Dacotah Bank dean of the School of Business. “It represents a promising future, while intentionally honoring the School of Business’s history and progress.”
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18 NORTHERN MAGAZINE From left: Doug Grote, Jim McHugh and Mike McHugh stand behind the table made from wood salvaged from the Lincoln Hall Gallery. Mike McHugh, step-grandson of Isaac Lincoln, said that while it was sad to see the old building torn down, keeping Isaac Lincoln’s name associated with the new building is a nice nod to the impact Lincoln had at Northern. “I think he was a progressive and advancing enough person that he would see the benefits of having this new facility,” McHugh said. As students and faculty settled into the building that January morning, a 22-foot conference table was being carefully put into place. Built from wood salvaged from the original Lincoln Hall Gallery and crafted by the step-grandson of Isaac Lincoln, the table arrived as more than furniture. It arrived as a reminder: even in a building designed for the future, Northern’s past still has a seat at the table. Legacy Holds Seat At The Table Isaac Lincoln was more than a namesake. He was Northern’s first local secretary, serving for years in an unpaid role overseeing the construction of buildings and guiding the school through much of its first seven years. He is widely regarded as one of the fathers of what was then the Northern Normal and Industrial School. But Lincoln was also, fittingly, a businessman: a local banker and an area farmer — two pillars of the regional economy and two fields that remain connected to the School of Business today. In many ways, Lincoln embodied the very blend of entrepreneurship, finance and agricultural enterprise that still defines the region and shapes Northern’s business programs. His work in banking and farming helped fuel the growth of the community, just as his vision and persistence helped secure the future of the school itself. When a women’s dormitory was completed in 1918, it was named Lincoln Hall in his honor. More than a century later, although the original building has given way to the Business and Health Innovation Center, Lincoln’s influence remains — from Isaac Lincoln Tower and its iconic “N” to the conference table that now anchors the northeast conference room. It stands as a physical link between where Northern began and where its School of Business is headed: forward-looking, innovative and firmly rooted in a legacy of leadership and enterprise. That sense of purpose — blending tradition with forward momentum — has defined Northern’s School of Business from the very beginning. From Practical Beginnings While no formal business department existed when the Northern Normal and Industrial School opened in 1902, business courses were still among those first offered at the school. Bookkeeping was offered in 1902 in both the Latin and English courses.
19 “The express aim of this early bookkeeping course, ‘to prepare students in fundamental principles of business,’ coincided with the aim of the school generally,” read The History of Business Education at Northern State College. “The course concentrated on practical aspects of bookkeeping; such as, preparing drafts, checks, notes, etc. and prepared students for teaching as well as for work in an office.” In the fall of 1911, increased enrollment in business courses like bookkeeping, shorthand and typing made it necessary to reorganize the commercial subjects and have a regular teacher in charge. William Oates was hired as director of the business department. What started as practical instruction in commerce and industry for a young and growing region has evolved into a comprehensive, modern business program preparing students for careers that Isaac Lincoln himself could scarcely have imagined. Over the decades, the School of Business has adapted alongside changes in the economy, technology and workforce needs — expanding its offerings, sharpening its focus on experiential learning and strengthening its connections with industry and community partners. After pulling wood from the Lincoln Hall Gallery, Mike McHugh said they found sections stamped with the construction company that built the building in 1917 and 1918.
20 NORTHERN MAGAZINE Guided by Industry, Grounded in Purpose These community connections have been a strong part of the School of Business. Back in 1968, Dr. Henry Harry Jasinski, chairman of the Division of Business and Secretarial Science, established a businessman’s advisory board made up of 15 businessmen from Aberdeen and the surrounding area with the purpose of aiding the division in keeping business education relevant. More than 50 years later, that original businessman advisory committee set a precedent that still shapes the School of Business today, living on in the current advisory board of regional business leaders and industry experts who continue to help guide the curriculum and advise on emerging trends in the world of business. Built for What’s Next Today, the Business and Health Innovation Center gives those ideas the space they need to flourish. With flexible learning environments, collaborative workspaces and technology designed to mirror real-world professional settings, the new facility reflects a School of Business that is both confident in its foundation and ambitious about its future. And that future is about more than new walls and equipment. It’s about preparing graduates to lead, to innovate and to build — whether in banking, financial services, entrepreneurship, agribusiness, data analytics, marketing or fields yet to emerge. Just as Isaac Lincoln once helped lay the groundwork for a fledgling institution while building a life in banking and agriculture, today’s School of Business continues that legacy: rooted in the region, responsive to the world and always looking ahead. In that way, the 22-foot table in the conference room is more than a tribute. It is a meeting place between past and future — where the next chapter of Northern’s business story is already being written.
Student ambassadors from left: Zach Daggett, Louise Meyer, Brooklyn Gronau, Emma Beavers, Gracie Eisenbraun, Carli Kuyper and Grace Wolbrink.
22 NORTHERN MAGAZINE A Return to the Stage— and to Shared Roots On any given afternoon this fall, the Johnson Fine Arts Center (JFAC) echoed with familiar sounds: saws humming in the scene shop, performers rehearsing lines and trumpet warmup scales drifting through the halls. For longtime theater supporters in Aberdeen, it felt like something deeply familiar had returned.
23 From left: Laura, Tom and the mother (played by Julia Pfeifer, Brian Schultz and Joy Fledderjohann) pose for a promotional photo for the February 1997 production of “The Glass Menagerie.” The fall production of “The Sound of Music,” presented through a renewed collaboration between Northern State University’s School of Fine Arts and the Aberdeen Community Theatre (ACT), marked more than a successful show. With more than 4,000 attendees across five performances and packed houses, it demonstrated that live theater at Northern isn’t disappearing—it’s transforming into something stronger through partnership. The challenge was real. Northern’s School of Fine Arts had weathered significant changes in recent years. Declining enrollment led to the discontinuation of the theater major, and staffing adjustments followed. While those shifts raised questions about the future of live performance on campus, Dr. Kenneth Boulton, dean of the School of Fine Arts, saw an opportunity rather than an ending. “When it became apparent that the School of Fine Arts was destined to lose its theatre degree and associated faculty, the vocal faculty and I realized there was an opportunity to preserve a successful musical stage tradition,” Boulton said. “We could combine our existing opera program with a rich history of musical theatre. But to produce large-scale shows, we needed the contributions of our professional connections at Aberdeen Community Theatre.” That realization opened a door to something larger—a partnership rooted not in necessity alone, but in shared history stretching back decades. A Foundation Built in 1980 Why the partnership felt inevitable becomes clear when you trace ACT’s origins back to the Johnson Fine Arts Center itself. The organization quite literally could not have begun without Northern’s facilities and support. ACT Co-Founder Jim Walker, now Artistic Director Emeritus, recalls those early days vividly. As a Northern State College student, he served as technical director and designer, collaborating with faculty member Dick Norquist on productions that blended students and community members— an approach that would later define ACT’s entire mission. It was the life blood for us at the beginning of the organization,” Walker said of JFAC. “Without a home of its own, ACT was a vagabond organization, staging shows in rented, temporary or borrowed spaces. The Johnson Fine Arts Center was the most significant of these locations and, of course, the one best suited for theatrical productions.” When ACT staged its first official production—”Annie Get Your Gun”—at JFAC in the summer of 1980, that partnership was essential. From there, the organization grew rapidly, expanding from a small group of enthusiasts to several hundred members. Summer musicals became a beloved Aberdeen tradition. As ACT continued to thrive, the need for a permanent home became clear. In 1992, the organization acquired the Capitol Theatre, a historic 1926 building. After renovations, performances moved fully into the renovated space by 1995. Having its own venue allowed ACT to expand beyond summer productions and operate year-round—something that wasn’t possible when scheduling around university needs at JFAC. Yet the relationship between the organizations never faded. When Northern later renovated the Johnson Fine Arts Center, ACT returned the favor. “NSU theatre productions performed on ACT’s stage at the Capitol Theatre while JFAC was closed,” Walker recalled. That spirit of reciprocity—each institution supporting the other when needed—would define their partnership for decades to come.
“I see a bright future of continued collaboration and growth for both ACT and NSU theatre arts.” - Jim Walker, ACT Co-Founder A Familiar Face, New Vision For ACT Artistic and Managing Director Brian T. Schultz, the experience of returning to JFAC carried deep personal resonance. A Northern alumnus, Schultz was involved in numerous NSU productions between 1995 and 2000, from “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” to “Waiting for Godot.” He knew the space, understood its possibilities, and appreciated what it offered for a production of “The Sound of Music’s” scale. “Though the times are certainly different than my college days, there are elements of college students that never change,” Schultz said, reflecting on working with the student ensemble. “I appreciate watching the students’ energy and their desire to be present and to learn and to put on the best production possible. I did see more than one element of ‘backstage banter’ that’s the same today as it was in my day! And, of course, the trumpet scales—just like being in college again!” While ACT has a permanent home at the Capitol Theatre, Schultz recognized that JFAC offered something different. “The Johnson Fine Arts Center offered scale and creative flexibility that fit ‘The Sound of Music’ particularly well,” he said. Northern’s stage could accommodate large casts and sweeping scenery in ways the Capitol Theatre’s more intimate space couldn’t. What Partnership Actually Enables What makes the current collaboration uniquely powerful is what each institution brings to the production table. Michael Skyles, Northern’s instructor of voice and musical theatre, saw firsthand how the resources aligned. Northern provided expansive facilities and deep musical resources. There was space to run three simultaneous rehearsals—essential when coordinating 104 students and community members. The university supplied a choreographer, three pianists, and an assistant musical director to provide extra musical and dance practice for anyone who requested it. Perhaps most significantly, Northern had a full Broadway-era orchestra, conducted by the highly trained Dr. Christopher Stanichar. “The extra dancing and singing training paired with singing with an expansive orchestra would be very difficult for any community theatre to provide its volunteers,” Skyles said. “We also have a very large orchestra pit, which allowed us to wield the kind of full golden-era Broadway sound that defines ‘The Sound of Music.’”
25 Tiresias (played by Brian Schultz) leans over to speak to Kreon (played by Clay Wilhelm) during the April 1996 production of “Antigone.” ACT brought professional expertise, community volunteers, and operational efficiency. “While ACT is a community theatre, the company itself is professional,” Skyles explained. “A collegiate program can provide a good foundation for success, but a professionally run company requires efficiency, professionalism and audience accountability. This partnership allowed our university students to learn more of the business side of producing theater, working with Brian Schultz, who is an excellent stage director and teacher.” The results were visible in the student performers themselves. “I saw all our students grow as stage performers,” Skyles said. The Moment Everything Aligned There were many highlights during the production process, but one crystallized the partnership’s impact for Skyles. It came during the sitzprobe—the first rehearsal with the full orchestra—when his student Hannah Gasperich, who played Maria von Trapp, sang “The Hills Are Alive.” “I was struck by how good the show was going to be,” Skyles recalled. That moment, with a student performer backed by a professional-caliber orchestra in a beautifully appointed theater, represented exactly what the partnership made possible. The community responded immediately. Before opening night, ticket sales looked promising. After the first performance, word spread. By the final show, the Jewett Theatre was sold out. “To this day, people approach me and the other directors to tell us how much they enjoyed the show,” Skyles said. “I consider that to be an audience accountability success.” Building Relationships That Matter Beyond the numbers and logistics, Schultz recognized something more subtle but equally important happening. The blend of students and seasoned community performers created learning moments that extended far beyond the stage. “Those relationships can be the reason some graduates choose to stay in Aberdeen,” Schultz said. When young performers work alongside professionals, when they see how theater operates as both art and business, when they experience the community’s enthusiasm for their work—those connections can shape career decisions and life paths. For Walker, seeing “The Sound of Music” back at JFAC was a powerful full-circle moment. “Neither organization would be as strong without the other,” he reflected. “ACT started at JFAC, and our working relationship with Northern continues to enhance the arts in this region.” Looking Forward Together As ACT approaches the Capitol Theatre’s 100th anniversary in 2026 and continues its capital campaign to preserve and modernize the historic building, both organizations are planning the next chapter together. “I see a bright future of continued collaboration and growth for both ACT and NSU theatre arts,” Walker said. In a time of transition for higher education and the arts, the partnership between Northern State University and Aberdeen Community Theatre offers a compelling reminder: when institutions share space, resources, and vision, the stage doesn’t dim—it shines brighter.
26 NORTHERN MAGAZINE More Than Scholarships How Donors Expand Student Success The NSU Foundation continues to find new and creative ways to connect alumni, donors and friends with passion projects at Northern State University in Aberdeen, SD. What started as a traditional university foundation focused primarily on scholarships has evolved into a true “partnership foundation” that collaborates directly with donors to align their interests with the needs of today’s students. “The Foundation has a great working relationship with the University,” said Zach Flakus, NSU Foundation president and CEO. “Our development staff works closely with university leadership, deans and directors to understand what makes an impact on a student’s experience. Each student is unique. Scholarships may be the top priority for many, but some may be more impacted by having childcare or professional clothing for student teaching. Others may need modern lab equipment, high-end technology or experiential learning advisors. Connecting student needs with a donor’s interests is a key component to NSU’s future success and reflects the customized education that students want.” This personalized approach has led to unique gifts to NSU and has allowed donors to expand the possibilities of how they help shape and impact the next generation of leaders. Gerianne Pfeiffer Arliss (Krueger) Alberts Gerianne Pfeiffer Fund Gerianne (Drapeaux) Pfeiffer was born and raised in Aberdeen, SD. She attended the University of Minnesota and Northern State University, receiving her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Public Administration. She married Steve Pfeiffer and raised four children in Aberdeen: Sarah, John, Max and Sam. Gerianne spent years as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) and had a passion for protecting children and looking out for their best interests. Gerianne fought a courageous battle with cancer and passed away in June 2022. To honor her legacy, her family’s foundation created the Gerianne Pfeiffer Fund at Northern State University. This fund is not your typical gift to a university. Steve and the Pfeiffer family sought to create a resource that could make a meaningful and lasting impact on NSU students who are members of federally recognized tribes. The Gerianne Pfeiffer Fund provides resources tailored to help students have a better opportunity for success at NSU. The fund provides traditional support for scholarships, books and housing, but can also go beyond academic necessities by creating a living, learning center that sponsors cultural events on campus, student travel, emergency assistance, or provide other resources that help students succeed along their educational journey. Gerianne’s passion for advocacy continues through the opportunities this fund provides. Her commitment to support others is living on through the students she is helping.
27 Arnold Krueger Vincent Saulino DeMaris Nesheim Arliss (Krueger) Alberts & Arnold Krueger Endowment Established by family members to honor two extraordinary lives shaped by music, this scholarship supports music students at Northern State University who share their passion for performance, education and service. Arliss (Krueger) Alberts brought music to life through organ and piano for nearly seven decades. Her career began in 1956 at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church in Aberdeen following her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in music education from Northern State. She served Emmanuel Lutheran in Groton and Bethlehem Lutheran in Aberdeen until her retirement in 2021. Her music graced concerts, weddings, funerals and weekly worship services. She was inducted into the Aberdeen Central High School Hall of Fame in 2017 and recognized for 40 years of ministry at Bethlehem Lutheran in 2018. Arnold Krueger shared his sister’s deep love for music through strings and orchestral leadership. For nearly 50 years, he served as orchestra director and string teacher in Owatonna, Minnesota. Arnold served as president of the American String Teachers Association and received its first-ever “Teacher of the Year” award. He was first violinist with the Mankato Symphony Orchestra. The city declared “Arnold Krueger Day” in his honor. By investing in students who share their passion, the Arliss (Krueger) Alberts and Arnold Krueger Endowment helps ensure that the next generation of musicians will continue to uplift, inspire and strengthen communities — just as Arliss and Arnold did throughout their lives. DeMaris (Paulson) Nesheim Endowment Fund DeMaris Nesheim graduated from Northern State in 1963 with a degree in elementary education. To support her studies, she worked at a local telephone company and taught in a rural county school, experiences that instilled in her an understanding and appreciation for hard work from an early age. DeMaris went on to build a successful career as a franchise business owner, but her life did not come without challenges. After losing her first husband, Chuck, at age 45 and her daughter, Jodie, to cancer at just 36 years of age, DeMaris made a decision to find meaning in her life again through helping children who have not been given a fair shake in life. To continue her mission, DeMaris established the DeMaris (Paulson) Nesheim Endowment Fund at Northern. This fund provides educational opportunities and support to education students enrolled in the TRIO program, which serves incomeeligible students, first-generation college students and students with documented disabilities. DeMaris’ story, rooted in hard work, resilience and a lifelong commitment to serving others, demonstrates the profound impact one person can make by choosing to lead with purpose and compassion.
28 NORTHERN MAGAZINE Vincent Saulino and Biefke Vos Women’s Scholarship Vincent Saulino, a 1969 graduate of Northern State University, currently resides in Vancouver, Washington. He established the Vincent Saulino and Biefke Vos Women’s Scholarship Endowment with a generous gift in memory of his late wife, Biefke Vos. Biefke, a dedicated educator who at one time served as the only female superintendent in Sonoma County, California, was a passionate advocate for women’s rights and opportunities in fields traditionally dominated by men. Her commitment to education and leadership inspired many, and this scholarship aims to continue her legacy by supporting women pursuing degrees in math and science. Through the Biefke Vos Scholarship Fund, Vincent seeks to empower future female leaders in these critical areas, promoting equity and representation. “The scholarship is in memory of Biefke and her desire to help women get ahead,” he emphasizes. This endowment not only honors Biefke’s contributions but also provides vital support for students who aspire to make significant advancements in their fields. George A. Rahm Fund for Nursing and Scholarships George Rahm never attended college or pursued post-secondary education. Instead, he chose to return to the family farm near Doland, SD. However, some of his closest friends did attend college and several went to Northern State in Aberdeen. For more than 50 years George has attended NSU athletic events, fishing tournaments, golf outings and many more activities on campus. George has witnessed firsthand the strong bond between the University, students and the surrounding communities. He has met many staff members, coaches, professors and students, and developed his own personal connection to NSU. For these reasons — and many others — he felt compelled to support the next generation of students. From left: Monte Troske (NSU Alum, class of 1982), Larry Rahm, George Rahm, John Twiss (NSU Alum, class of 1982) and Kim Remily (NSU Alum, class of 1986) pose for a photo during the Northern State University Foundation’s Bourbon & Brews event April 25, 2025.
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