2026 Northern Magazine

Structure Bookmarks	1
Document	1
Article	1
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EXECUTIVE	2
EXECUTIVE	2
EXECUTIVE	2
LEADERSHIP TEAM	2
LEADERSHIP TEAM	2
Dr. Alan D. LaFave	2
President	2
President	2
Dr. Erin Fouberg	2
Interim Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs	2
Interim Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs	2
Veronica Paulson	2
Vice President for Finance and Administration	2
Vice President for Finance and Administration	2
Dr. Debbi Bumpous	2
Vice President of Technology/CIO	2
Vice President of Technology/CIO	2
Sean Blackburn	2
Dean of Students	2
Dean of Students	2
Nate Davis	2
Athletic Director	2
Athletic Director	2
Eric Kline	2
Enrollment Management Officer	2
Enrollment Management Officer	2
Chad Hatzenbuhler	2
Director of Communications and Marketing	2
Director of Communications and Marketing	2
Zach Flakus	2
President and CEO, NSU Foundation	2
President and CEO, NSU Foundation	2
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.	2
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Contents	2
Contents	2
Contents	2
Letter from the President	2
Letter from the President	2
3	2
NSU News	2
4	2
NSU Foundation Gears Up for Sixth Annual GiveNDay	2
6	2
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125 Years of Building Teachers	2
8	2
Where Curiosity Took Root	2
12	2
Building on Legacy	2
16	2
A Return to the Stage – and to Shared Roots	2
22	2
How Donors Expand Student Success	2
26	2
Wolves Country Built Last	2
30	2
Gypsy Days 2026	2
33	2
Where Are They Now?	2
34	2
Wolf Pups	2
36	2
Achievements, Celebrations	2
37	2
and In Memoriam	2
CONTACT US	2
CONTACT US	2
CONTACT US	2
Contact the Foundation to subscribe,	2
Contact the Foundation to subscribe,	2
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give a gift or change your address.	2
NSU Foundation	2
NSU Foundation	2
620 15th Ave. SE., Aberdeen, SD 57401	2
620 15th Ave. SE., Aberdeen, SD 57401	2
nsualumni@northern.edu	2
nsualumni@northern.edu	2
605-626-2550	2
605-626-2550	2
@northernstateuniversityfoundation	2
@northernstateuniversityfoundation	2
@northernstateuniversityfoundation	2
@nsufoundation	2
@nsufoundation	2
@nsufoundation	2
@nsufoundation	2
Letter from the President	3
Letter from the President	3
Letter from the President	3
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Dear Northern State University Community,	3
Dear Northern State University Community,	3
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.	3
This issue of Northern Magazine celebrates 125 years of that belief in action.	3
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.	3
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.	3
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 Da	3
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.	3
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.	3
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This milestone isn’t just any anniversary. It’s a celebration of resilience, innovation and the unwavering belief that education changes everything.	3
Welcome home to Northern’s 125th year.	3
Dr. Alan D. LaFave, President	3
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NSU NEWS	4
NSU NEWS	4
NSU NEWS	4
Wanous, Paulson	4
Wanous, Paulson	4
Wanous, Paulson	4
Announce Retirements	4
Northern State University announced the retirements ofDr. Michael Wanous, provost and vice president for academic affairs, and Veronica Paulson, vice president for finance and administration.	4
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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.	4
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“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.”	4
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.	4
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“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.	4
A 1985 Northern graduate, Paulson said she’ll miss thepeople most: “After 35 years, you become friends and not just colleagues.”	4
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Dr. Alan LaFave Named	4
Dr. Alan LaFave Named	4
Northern’s President	4
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.	4
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.	4
“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.”	4
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.	4
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.	4
Dr. LaFave succeeds Dr. Neal Schnoor, who departed to serve as chancellor of the University of Nebraska at Kearney.	4
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.	5
Fouberg Named	5
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Interim Provost	5
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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.	5
“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.”	5
Fouberg’s contract as interim provost runs from Dec. 1, 2025, through June 21, 2026.	5
“Northern’s strength is faculty and staff who are committed to exceptional teaching and student success,” Fouberg said.	5
“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 andstrong communities.”	5
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Partnerships	5
Partnerships	5
Expand to Meet	5
Workforce Needs	5
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.	5
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.	5
These collaborations provide students with expanded educational opportunities while addressing critical workforce needs across South Dakota.	5
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Millicent Atkins	5
Millicent Atkins	5
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1901 Scholarship	5
Program Expands	5
Northern State University’s Millicent Atkins 1901Scholarship 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.	5
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“The Millicent Atkins 1901 Scholarship celebrates those who choose this meaningful work,” said Dr. Anna Schwan, dean of the Millicent Atkins School of Education.	5
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.	5
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Announces	6
Announces	6
Announces	6
Sixth Annual	6
GiveNDay	6
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.	6
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.	6
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.	6
“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.”	6
Of the 1,281 donors who participated in 2025, 328 were first-time contributors to the foundation. Alumni made 522 gifts totaling $190,000, while local supporters contributed 578 gifts for a total of $200,000.	6
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.	6
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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.	6
“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.”	6
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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.	6
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Upcoming Events	7
Upcoming Events	7
Upcoming Events	7
APRIL	7
APRIL	7
APRIL	7
1-2	7
1-2	7
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Sixth Annual GiveNDay	7
(4-6 p.m.) *Invite only	7
8	7
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Scholarship Reception	7
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(6 p.m.) *Tickets required	7
24	7
NSU’s Bourbon & Brews	7
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MAY	7
MAY	7
2	7
2	7
Softball Alu	7
mni Pre-Game Social	7
*Registration required	7
29-30	7
Wolves on the Water	7
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JUNE	7
JUNE	7
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5	7
Football Golf Tournament	7
*Registration required	7
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10	7
Sioux Falls Area Family Fun Night	7
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25	7
Omaha Area Family Fun Night	7
JULY	7
JULY	7
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16	7
Minneapolis	7
Area Family Fun Night	7
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24	7
NSU Golf Classic	7
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29	7
Fargo Area Fam	7
ily Fun Night	7
SEPTEMBER	7
SEPTEMBER	7
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21-27	7
Homecoming/Gypsy Days	7
NOVEMBER	7
NOVEMBER	7
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6	7
Northern Night	7
Sect	7
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125 Years of	9
125 Years of	9
125 Years of	9
Building Teachers	9
Building Teachers	9
For nearly 125 years, Northern State University has answered an enduring call: to educate those who educate others.	9
For nearly 125 years, Northern State University has answered an enduring call: to educate those who educate others.	9
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.	9
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Where it began	9
Where it began	9
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 constructi	9
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.	9
That legacy was tested almost immediately.	9
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.	9
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.	9
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.	9
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.	9
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.	9
It was an unlikely setting for a teachers college—but it was enough.	9
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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 th	10
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.	10
Education evolves,	10
Education evolves,	10
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so does Northern	10
The School of Education adapted to new pedagogies,	10
The School of Education adapted to new pedagogies,	10
accreditation standards, and the changing realities	10
of K–12 and higher education. Programs expanded,	10
technology reshaped instruction, and partnerships	10
strengthened ties between campus and classrooms	10
across South Dakota and beyond. Innovation became	10
not a departure from tradition, but an extension of it—an	10
acknowledgment that preparing teachers has always	10
required looking ahead.	10
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.	10
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, forward-thinking academic unit, its story mirrors Northern’s own—rooted in resilience, shaped by service, and driven by a belief that education changes lives.	10
What began with grit and determination continues as a legacy of leadership—one classroom, one teacher, and one generation at a time.	10
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.	10
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.”	11
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.	11
At the center of that work is a culture built on trust.	11
When asked what she is most proud of, Schwan doesn’t hesitate.	11
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“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.”	11
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.	11
“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.”	11
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.	11
“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.	11
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.	11
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“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.”	11
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.	11
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Leaders from the community, the university and the School of Education celebrate the	10
Leaders from the community, the university and the School of Education celebrate the	10
Leaders from the community, the university and the School of Education celebrate the	10
September 2025 ribbon cutting of the renovated Gerber Building. Launched in spring	10
2024, the project reimagined the facility into innovative, student-centered spaces that	10
reflect the evolving future of teacher preparation.	10
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NORTHERN MAGAZINE	10
NORTHERN MAGAZINE	10
NORTHERN MAGAZINE	10
“There’s a strong sense of trust	11
“There’s a strong sense of trust	11
“There’s a strong sense of trust	11
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and support here, and you	11
can feel it in how people work	11
together every day.”	11
- Dr. Anna Schwan, dean of the School of Education.	11
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NORTHERN MAGAZINE	12
NORTHERN MAGAZINE	12
NORTHERN MAGAZINE	12
Where Curiosity Took Root	13
Where Curiosity Took Root	13
Where Curiosity Took Root	13
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.	13
“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.”	13
It is a scene that would feel surprisingly familiar to Northern State University students nearly 125 years later.	13
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.	13
Cultivating from the Start	13
Cultivating from the Start	13
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.	13
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.	13
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,	13
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.	13
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 dean	13
Research, Renewal,	15
Research, Renewal,	15
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Real-World Impact	15
In recent years, the College of Arts and Sciences has continued to build on that century-old foundation with a	15
series of milestones that reflect both growth and ambition.	15
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.	15
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.	15
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.	15
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.	15
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Figure	14
The first cohort of nursing students pose with nursing faculty and staff after	14
The first cohort of nursing students pose with nursing faculty and staff after	14
The first cohort of nursing students pose with nursing faculty and staff after	14
the nursing induction ceremony in September 2025. These students received	14
their maroon coats, marking their official initiation into the nursing	14
program. The maroon coat symbolizes their first clinical coat, a symbol of	14
their entry into the profession.	14
Front Row Left to Right: Leslie Peterson, Payton Kemnitz, Makayla Kopp,	14
Front Row Left to Right: Leslie Peterson, Payton Kemnitz, Makayla Kopp,	14
Jasmine Barnes, Brittany Anderson, Brittney Frickson, Emmah Mitchell,	14
Paige Stevens, Montana Marlow, Hannah Larson, Dr Alyssa Kiesow (Dean	14
CAS). Second Row: Dr Shelby Boettner (Assistant Professor), Kailyn Poppen,	14
Brianne Mielke, Abby Schauer, Brynn Bass, Morgan Fiedler, Kamryn	14
Schwartz, Ann Sarah Paul, Lydia Meier, Allie Neu. Back Row: Amy Johnson	14
(Sim, Lab & Clinical Coordinator), Kylie Waldo (Program Assistant), Dr	14
Lyncee Monson (Assoc. Dean of Nursing), Caycee Bertsch (Advisor), Karli	14
Klein, Riley Batta, Elsa Borchert, Micaiah Bushnell, Jackson Harrison,	14
Nathaniel Wilts, Whitney Wald, Katelyn Witte, Morgan Sheldon, Dr Lori	14
Hendrickx (Professor), Ariam Tecleab, Jennifer Glynn (Lecturer), Sarah	14
Clough (Lecturer), Krystal Stuwe (Instructor). Not Pictured: Kwae Htoo.	14
Students observing a faculty member	14
Students observing a faculty member	14
Students observing a faculty member	14
conduct a science experiment in 1952.	14
Figure	15
Figure	16
Building	16
Building	16
Building	16
on Legacy	16
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.	16
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.	16
“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.”	16
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.	18
Legacy Holds Seat At The Table	18
Legacy Holds Seat At The Table	18
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	18
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.	18
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	18
	18
That sense of purpose — blending tradition with forward momentum — has defined Northern’s School of Business from the very beginning.	18
From Practical Beginnings	18
From Practical Beginnings	18
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.	18
“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.”	19
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.	19
	19
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.	19
Guided by Industry,	20
Guided by Industry,	20
	20
Grounded in Purpose	20
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.	20
	20
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.	20
Built for What’s Next	20
Built for What’s Next	20
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.	20
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.	20
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.	20
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.	20
16	16
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16	16
NORTHERN MAGAZINE	16
NORTHERN MAGAZINE	16
NORTHERN MAGAZINE	16
17	17
17	17
17	17
Figure	18
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	18
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	18
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	18
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	18
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.	18
Figure	19
Figure	19
Figure	19
After pulling wood from the Lincoln Hall Gallery, Mike McHugh said they found sections	19
After pulling wood from the Lincoln Hall Gallery, Mike McHugh said they found sections	19
After pulling wood from the Lincoln Hall Gallery, Mike McHugh said they found sections	19
stamped with the construction company that built the building in 1917 and 1918.	19
Figure	19
Figure	20
Figure	20
Figure	21
Figure	21
Figure	21
Student ambassadors from left: Zach Daggett, Louise	21
Student ambassadors from left: Zach Daggett, Louise	21
Student ambassadors from left: Zach Daggett, Louise	21
Meyer, Brooklyn Gronau, Emma Beavers, Gracie	21
Eisenbraun, Carli Kuyper and Grace Wolbrink.	21
Figure	22
A Return to	22
A Return to	22
A Return to	22
the Stage—	22
and to Shared	22
Roots	22
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.	22
22	22
22	22
22	22
NORTHERN MAGAZINE	22
NORTHERN MAGAZINE	22
NORTHERN MAGAZINE	22
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.	23
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.	23
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.	23
“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.”	23
That realization opened a door to something larger—a partnership rooted not in necessity alone, but in shared history stretching back decades.	23
A Foundation Built in 1980	23
A Foundation Built in 1980	23
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.	23
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.	23
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.”	23
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.	23
	23
	23
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.	23
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.	23
A Familiar Face, New Vision	24
A Familiar Face, New Vision	24
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.	24
“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!”	24
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.	24
What Partnership Actually Enables	24
What Partnership Actually Enables	24
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.	24
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	24
it. Perhaps most significantly, Northern had a full	24
Broadway-era orchestra, conducted by the highly	24
trained Dr. Christopher Stanichar.	24
“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.	24
“We also have a very large orchestra pit, which allowed us	24
to wield the kind of full golden-era Broadway sound that defines ‘The Sound of Music.’”	24
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	25
The results were visible in the student performers themselves. “I saw all our students grow as stage performers,” Skyles said.	25
The Moment Everything Aligned	25
The Moment Everything Aligned	25
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.”	25
“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	25
made possible.	25
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.”	25
Building Relationships That Matter	25
Building Relationships That Matter	25
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.	25
“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.	25
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.”	25
Looking Forward Together	25
Looking Forward Together	25
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.	25
“I see a bright future of continued collaboration and growth for both ACT and NSU theatre arts,” Walker said.	25
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.	25
Figure	23
From left: Laura, Tom and the mother (played by Julia Pfeifer, Brian Schultz and	23
From left: Laura, Tom and the mother (played by Julia Pfeifer, Brian Schultz and	23
From left: Laura, Tom and the mother (played by Julia Pfeifer, Brian Schultz and	23
Joy Fledderjohann) pose for a promotional photo for the February 1997 production	23
of “The Glass Menagerie.”	23
Figure	24
“I see a bright future of	24
“I see a bright future of	24
“I see a bright future of	24
continued collaboration and	24
growth for both ACT and	24
NSU theatre arts.”	24
- Jim Walker, ACT Co-Founder	24
- Jim Walker, ACT Co-Founder	24
Figure	25
Tiresias (played by Brian Schultz) leans over to speak to Kreon (played by	25
Tiresias (played by Brian Schultz) leans over to speak to Kreon (played by	25
Tiresias (played by Brian Schultz) leans over to speak to Kreon (played by	25
	25
Clay Wilhelm) during the April 1996 production of “Antigone.”	25
Figure	26
Figure	26
Figure	26
More Than	26
More Than	26
More Than	26
Scholarships	26
	26
	26
How Donors Expand	26
	26
Student Success	26
Gerianne Pfeiffer	26
Gerianne Pfeiffer	26
Arliss (Krueger) Alberts	26
Arliss (Krueger) Alberts	26
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.	26
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.	26
“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	26
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 (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 Appoi	26
Gerianne Pfeiffer Fund	26
	26
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.	26
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.	26
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.	26
Arliss (Krueger) Alberts &	27
Arliss (Krueger) Alberts &	27
	27
Arnold Krueger Endowment	27
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.	27
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	27
High School Hall of Fame in 2017 and recognized for 40 years of ministry at Bethlehem Lutheran in 2018.	27
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.	27
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.	27
DeMaris (Paulson) Nesheim	27
DeMaris (Paulson) Nesheim	27
	27
Endowment Fund	27
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.	27
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.	27
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 income-eligible students, first-generation college students and students with documented disabilities.	27
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.	27
Vincent Saulino and Biefke Vos	28
Vincent Saulino and Biefke Vos	28
	28
Women’s Scholarship	28
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	28
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.	28
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 mem	28
George A. Rahm Fund for	28
	28
Nursing and Scholarships	28
	28
For many years George has supported various scholarships including a memorial scholarship for Doland, SD, High School students honoring his parents, Norma and Joe Rahm. After experiencing two significant health scares that deeply impacted him and highlighted the critical role nurses play in patient recovery and care, George established the Norma J. Rahm Memorial Nursing Endowment at Northern. It expanded upon the Doland high school scholarships by supporting students pursuing nursing degrees at Northern. He	29
Together, these funds strengthen Nursing at Northern and help prepare graduates to serve in healthcare settings around the region. George’s gifts are making a lasting and meaningful impact.	29
For more information on opportunities to support your area of interest at Northern State, please reach out to the NSU Foundation at nsualumni@northern.edu or call	29
605-626-2550 and talk to a member of the team.	29
Figure	27
Figure	27
DeMaris Nesheim	27
DeMaris Nesheim	27
DeMaris Nesheim	27
Vincent Saulino	27
Vincent Saulino	27
Arnold Krueger	27
Arnold Krueger	27
Figure	28
From left: Monte Troske (NSU Alum, class of 1982), Larry Rahm, George	28
From left: Monte Troske (NSU Alum, class of 1982), Larry Rahm, George	28
From left: Monte Troske (NSU Alum, class of 1982), Larry Rahm, George	28
Rahm, John Twiss (NSU Alum, class of 1982) and Kim Remily (NSU Alum,	28
class of 1986) pose for a photo during the Northern State University	28
Foundation’s Bourbon & Brews event April 25, 2025.	28
Figure	29
George Rahm was recognized as the 2025 ‘Alpha Wolf’ Fan of the Year during the	29
George Rahm was recognized as the 2025 ‘Alpha Wolf’ Fan of the Year during the	29
George Rahm was recognized as the 2025 ‘Alpha Wolf’ Fan of the Year during the	29
annual Thunder Awards Ceremony held by Northern State University athletics.	29
Figure	29
Figure	30
Figure	30
Wolves Country	30
Wolves Country	30
Wolves Country	30
Built to Las	30
Built to Las	30
t	30
On a cold winter night in Aberdeen, when the Barnett Center is full and the crowd rises in a sea of	30
On a cold winter night in Aberdeen, when the Barnett Center is full and the crowd rises in a sea of	30
maroon and gold, it’s easy to believe that Northern State University athletics has always been this	30
way—loud, proud and deeply woven into the fabric of the community. But that spirit didn’t appear overnight.	30
It has been built over 125 years, rooted in the early days when athletics were part of the experience as a way	30
to build character, community and identity.	30
Even in Northern’s earliest days, sports were already about more than the final score. Early in the school’s history, during a 1913 football game in Ellendale, North Dakota, a moment unfolded that perfectly captured something essential about Northern’s athletic culture.	30
University President George W. Nash was preparing to leave Northern for a position in Washington, and Willis E. Johnson, then president of Ellendale Normal and Industrial School and a former Northern faculty member, was set to succeed him. During the game, Johnson escorted Nash across the field to the Aberdeen side. The Ellendale crowd, realizing they were about to lose their president, began to shout: “We want Johnson! We want Johnson!”	30
Without hesitation, the Aberdeen fans answered back: “We saw him first!” Ellendale quickly fired back: “We have him now!”	30
The exchange was playful and competitive—unmistakably Northern. It was a reminder that even more than a century ago, athletics were already a stage for pride, identity and community.	30
Tradition Grew with the University	31
Tradition Grew with the University	31
As Northern evolved from a teacher-training school into a comprehensive university, its athletic programs grew alongside it. Facilities improved. Schedules expanded. Competition intensified. But the purpose stayed the same: to develop students who were prepared not just to compete, but to lead.	31
Over the decades, Northern teams have filled stadiums and gyms, creating traditions that defined campus life. Generations of students, alumni, staff, faculty and fans have rallied around long established traditions like Gypsy Days and I Hate Winter.	31
There have been tailgates, whiteouts, championship celebrations and unforgettable finishes. There have been seasons that ended in banners — and seasons that ended in lessons.	31
	31
Through it all, Wolves Nation has shown up.	31
Excellence on the National Stage	31
Excellence on the National Stage	31
Northern’s impact hasn’t stopped at regional orconference boundaries.	31
	31
Since 1955, when Jim Kretchman became the university’s first All-American, the Wolves have produced 262 All-American student-athletes across 13 sports — a remarkable testament to both individual achievement and sustained program excellence.	31
	31
	31
That total includes:	31
• 56 football All-Americans	31
• 54 women’s track and field All-Americans	31
• 51 wrestling All-Americans	31
• 41 men’s track and field All-Americans	31
• 18 men’s basketball All-Americans	31
• 12 volleyball All-Americans	31
• 8 swimming All-Americans	31
• 8 women’s basketball All-Americans	31
• 7 women’s cross country All-Americans	31
• 4 baseball All-Americans	31
• 1 men’s cross country All-American	31
• 1 tennis All-American	31
• 1 soccer All-American	31
Northern student-athletes have competed on the national stage in both team and individual sports. In addition, they have moved on to professional competition in the United States and across the globe, as well as the Olympics, all while carrying the NSU name with pride.	31
Leaders Who Built the Legacy	32
Leaders Who Built the Legacy	32
Behind every great program are people who shape it.	32
Few names in college basketball are more respected than Don Meyer, who, upon his retirement after the 2009–2010 season, held the record for the most wins of any men’s basketball coach in NCAA history. His impact at Northern — and across the sport — went far beyond victories.	32
On the football field, Clark Swisher authored one of the most dominant eras in school history. In 23 seasons as head coach, his teams compiled a 153–40–4 record, outscoring opponents 5,090 to 2,271, and posting four perfect seasons without a loss or tie.	32
One of Swisher’s student-athletes was Jim Kretchman, whose Northern story is uniquely fitting: he served the university as a football player, football coach, professor of health and physical education, and athletics director — embodying the deep connection between athletics and education that has always defined the institution.	32
Another legendary figure is Curt Fredrickson, who served as head women’s basketball coach for 39 seasons. His history of winning is virtually unsurpassed with an 846–306 record, two NAIA National Championships, and numerous conference titles.	32
	32
	32
Few people have left a broader mark on Northern athletics than Bob Olson. A Northern double graduate (1977 with a bachelor’s degree and 1980 with a master’s degree), Olson helped build the Wolves into a national basketball power, compiling a 305–129 record, winning six conference titles, and guiding NSU to multiple NAIA and NCAA Division II national tournament appearances, including back-to-back NAIA runner-up finishes in 1994 and 1995. He later served 13 years as athletic director, continuing to shape the	32
	32
125 Years — And Still Moving Forward	32
From the days of Northern Normal and Industrial School to today’s modern university, athletics has remained a constant thread in Northern’s story.	32
Facilities have changed. Sports have evolved. Generations have come and gone.	32
But the heart of Northern athletics has not.	32
It is still about students who choose to challenge themselves. About teams that represent something bigger than themselves. About a community that shows up — in winter, in wind, in celebration, and in challenge.	32
And when the Wolves take the field, the court, the track, the mat or the pool today, they don’t just represent this season.	32
They represent 125 years of pride, tradition and the enduring spirit of Northern.	32
30	30
30	30
30	30
Figure	31
Jim Kretchman (left) and Clark Swisher	31
Jim Kretchman (left) and Clark Swisher	31
Jim Kretchman (left) and Clark Swisher	31
(right) with Swisher awarding Kretchman	31
with his All-American certificate.	31
31	31
31	31
31	31
Figure	32
Figure	32
Football players form an “N” by the columns in 1948.	32
Football players form an “N” by the columns in 1948.	32
Football players form an “N” by the columns in 1948.	32
32	32
32	32
32	32
Figure	33
GYPSY DAYS	33
GYPSY DAYS	33
GYPSY DAYS	33
Fall’s biggest tradition set	33
Fall’s biggest tradition set	33
Fall’s biggest tradition set	33
	33
for September 2026	33
HOMECOMING WEEK	33
HOMECOMING WEEK	33
HOMECOMING WEEK	33
Sept. 21-27, 2026	33
Sept. 21-27, 2026	33
THEME	33
THEME	33
125 Year Anniversary	33
125 Year Anniversary	33
GYPSY DAY PARADE	33
GYPSY DAY PARADE	33
Sept. 26, 2026	33
Sept. 26, 2026	33
Northern State University’s Homecoming/Gypsy Days celebration returns Sept. 21-27, 2026, with a week of festivities honoring Northern’s proud traditions.	33
Northern State University’s Homecoming/Gypsy Days celebration returns Sept. 21-27, 2026, with a week of festivities honoring Northern’s proud traditions.	33
South Dakota’s largest parade will march down Main Street at 9 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 26. Parade registration will open in summer 2026 at northern.edu/gypsy-days.	33
	33
“Gypsy Days means reconnecting with people I care about, celebrating school spirit and honoring traditions,” said 2025 Homecoming King Gunnar Larson. “This is when alumni, current students and the community come together to celebrate Northern.”	33
Northern State University invites alumni, students and the Aberdeen community to join this cherished tradition. Show your Wolves pride by wearing maroon and gold during the week-long celebration.	33
	33
For the full schedule of events, parade registration and other details, visit northern.edu/gypsy-days.	33
Figure	33
Gunnar Larson (Leeds, ND) and Renea Taylor (Malott, WA) were crowned the	33
Gunnar Larson (Leeds, ND) and Renea Taylor (Malott, WA) were crowned the	33
Gunnar Larson (Leeds, ND) and Renea Taylor (Malott, WA) were crowned the	33
2025 Northern State University Homecoming King and Queen.	33
Figure	33
Where Are They Now?	34
Where Are They Now?	34
Where Are They Now?	34
Northern State University graduates don’t just enter their professions — they are leaders in them. In this feature, we reconnect with accomplished alumni who have transformed their Northern education into remarkable careers and meaningful community contributions. Here’s where they are now and how they’re leading the pack.	34
Northern State University graduates don’t just enter their professions — they are leaders in them. In this feature, we reconnect with accomplished alumni who have transformed their Northern education into remarkable careers and meaningful community contributions. Here’s where they are now and how they’re leading the pack.	34
SHIRLEY (BROWNING)	34
SHIRLEY (BROWNING)	34
SHIRLEY (BROWNING)	34
SHIRLEY (BROWNING)	34
BOWDEN	34
Okanogan, Washington	34
Okanogan, Washington	34
Bachelor of Science in	34
Bachelor of Science in	34
	34
Elementary Education, 1963	34
Shirley (Browning) Bowden, a proud 1963 graduate of Northern, dedicated more than three decades to shaping young minds as a first-grade teacher, helping countless children learn to read. Now retired and residing in Okanogan, Washington, Shirley has remained actively involved in her passion for softball. In 2004, she was honored as Washington State High School Softball Umpire of the Year. She also played, coached and managed a 74-and-older softball team that won gold at the 2024 World Championships in St. Ge	34
Shirley (Browning) Bowden, a proud 1963 graduate of Northern, dedicated more than three decades to shaping young minds as a first-grade teacher, helping countless children learn to read. Now retired and residing in Okanogan, Washington, Shirley has remained actively involved in her passion for softball. In 2004, she was honored as Washington State High School Softball Umpire of the Year. She also played, coached and managed a 74-and-older softball team that won gold at the 2024 World Championships in St. Ge	34
In recognition of her lasting contributions to the sport and her community, a softball field in Omak, Washington, now bears her name: the Shirley Bowden Softball Field — an honor she holds dear. Shirley encourages current Northern students to “stay on track. Work hard. Be an upstanding citizen.” She remains proud of her roots at Northern and celebrates the success of its athletic teams whenever they make the news.	34
Patricia Bishop, a proud 1967 graduate of Northern State University, has led a dynamic and purpose-driven life shaped by service, entrepreneurship and a deep love for helping others. Patricia began her time at Northern as a newlywed alongside her husband Jim (1965), serving as dorm supervisors in Kramer and Jerde halls. After graduating, she taught business at both high school and college levels, eventually branching out into entrepreneurship by starting and managing several small businesses. One of her mos	34
Patricia Bishop, a proud 1967 graduate of Northern State University, has led a dynamic and purpose-driven life shaped by service, entrepreneurship and a deep love for helping others. Patricia began her time at Northern as a newlywed alongside her husband Jim (1965), serving as dorm supervisors in Kramer and Jerde halls. After graduating, she taught business at both high school and college levels, eventually branching out into entrepreneurship by starting and managing several small businesses. One of her mos	34
A passionate advocate for equine therapy, Patricia founded three nonprofit equine-assisted therapy programs, including her most cherished initiative, SPURS Therapeutic Riding Program, which continues to impact lives north of Aberdeen. She also served as a financial adviser and briefly sat on the NSU Foundation Board and the Aberdeen School Board. Now retired, Patricia remains actively involved in various nonprofits, her church and women’s ministry, all while caring for her beloved husband and staying closel	34
Figure	34
PATRICIA BISHOP	34
PATRICIA BISHOP	34
PATRICIA BISHOP	34
Sioux Falls, SD	34
Sioux Falls, SD	34
Bachelor of Science in	34
Bachelor of Science in	34
Special Education, 1967	34
Dr. Troy Brick is a 1997 graduate of Northern State University and a respected veterinarian with an extensive career in both clinical practice and academic medicine. Currently residing in Boone, Iowa, Dr. Brick serves as a production and regulatory veterinarian at Hy-Line International and holds an affiliate faculty position as an assistant professor in the Department of Veterinary Diagnostics and Production Animal Medicine at Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine.	35
Dr. Troy Brick is a 1997 graduate of Northern State University and a respected veterinarian with an extensive career in both clinical practice and academic medicine. Currently residing in Boone, Iowa, Dr. Brick serves as a production and regulatory veterinarian at Hy-Line International and holds an affiliate faculty position as an assistant professor in the Department of Veterinary Diagnostics and Production Animal Medicine at Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine.	35
Following his graduation from NSU, Troy earned his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from Iowa State University in 2002. His career has included roles as a partner in a mixed animal practice in Iowa, completing a residency in large animal internal medicine and earning a master’s degree at The Ohio State University, and serving as an associate professor at St. George’s University in Grenada, West Indies. He later held faculty positions at both The Ohio State University and Iowa State University, where he	35
He encourages current NSU students to recognize the power of their education: “NSU is a wonderful undergraduate school that will provide you with an education that can take you anywhere. You may have to work harder to plan depending on your career path, but it can be done. Never say never — you can’t predict the opportunities that may come your way.”	35
Figure	35
TROY BRICK	35
TROY BRICK	35
TROY BRICK	35
Boone, Iowa	35
Boone, Iowa	35
Bachelor of Science	35
Bachelor of Science	35
	35
in Biology, 1997	35
Figure	35
Figure	36
Figure	36
Figure	36
NORTHERN STATE UNIVERSITY	36
NORTHERN STATE UNIVERSITY	36
NORTHERN STATE UNIVERSITY	36
WOLF PUPS	36
WOLF PUPS	36
WOLF PUPS	36
WOLF PUPS	36
Meet our Wolf Pups - the future howlers, dreamers and leaders who represent the next generation of our proud pack tradition.	36
Meet our Wolf Pups - the future howlers, dreamers and leaders who represent the next generation of our proud pack tradition.	36
Ada Hanson,	36
Ada Hanson,	36
Ada Hanson,	36
	36
daughter	36
of NSU alums Olaf (2018) &	36
Taylor (2017) Hanson	36
Aniston Doyle,	36
Aniston Doyle,	36
Aniston Doyle,	36
daughter	36
of NSU Alum Logan (2018) &	36
Kacey Doyle	36
Amaria Wertz,	36
Amaria Wertz,	36
Amaria Wertz,	36
	36
daughter	36
of NSU alums Andy (2015) &	36
Dreena (2016) Wertz	36
Sect	36
Figure	36
Bennett Royer,	36
Bennett Royer,	36
Bennett Royer,	36
son of	36
NSU alums, Wade (2010) &	36
Kayley (2014) Royer	36
Figure	36
Figure	36
Cedric Paul Heim,	36
Cedric Paul Heim,	36
Cedric Paul Heim,	36
Cedric Paul Heim,	36
son	36
of NSU Alum Brandon (2022)	36
& Winter Heim	36
Conner Bauer,	36
Conner Bauer,	36
Conner Bauer,	36
son of	36
NSU alums Alex (2016) &	36
Lane (2021) Bauer	36
Figure	36
Arthur Chilson,	36
Arthur Chilson,	36
Arthur Chilson,	36
	36
son of	36
NSU alums Tanner (2018) &	36
Whitney (2018) Chilson	36
Baylor Jacobson,	36
Baylor Jacobson,	36
Baylor Jacobson,	36
son	36
of NSU Alum Jared (2014) &	36
Morgan Jacobson	36
Beau Gripentrog,	36
Beau Gripentrog,	36
Beau Gripentrog,	36
	36
son of	36
NSU alums Tyler (2017) &	36
Jessica (2016) Gripentrog	36
Figure	36
Figure	36
Figure	36
Figure	36
Figure	36
Figure	36
Coralie, Kimber,	36
Coralie, Kimber,	36
Coralie, Kimber,	36
McCabe Downes,	36
children of NSU Alum Justin	36
(2010) & Brigette Downes	36
Dak LeGrand,	36
Dak LeGrand,	36
Dak LeGrand,	36
son of NSU	36
alums Logan (2019) & Taylor	36
(2019) LeGrand	36
Dylan Norris,	36
Dylan Norris,	36
Dylan Norris,	36
daughter of	36
NSU Alum Brooke Norris (2013	36
& 2016) and Andrea Romero	36
Elliana Liu,	36
Elliana Liu,	36
Elliana Liu,	36
daughter of	36
NSU Alum Lude (2014) Zhu	36
and Yang Liu	36
Evie Leach,	36
Evie Leach,	36
Evie Leach,	36
	36
daughter of	36
NSU alums Adam (2017) &	36
Allison (2012) Leach	36
Evric Brelu-Brelu,	36
Evric Brelu-Brelu,	36
Evric Brelu-Brelu,	36
son	36
of NSU alums Andy (2018) &	36
Mikki (2018) Brelu-Brelu	36
Figure	36
Figure	36
Figure	36
Figure	36
Figure	36
Figure	36
Hudson Scott,	36
Hudson Scott,	36
Hudson Scott,	36
son of	36
NSU alums Seth (2016) &	36
Amanda (2018) Scott	36
Hazel Beyers,	36
Hazel Beyers,	36
Hazel Beyers,	36
daughter	36
of NSU Alum Brookelyn	36
(2024) & Eli Beyers	36
Isaiah & Margaret Lux,	36
Isaiah & Margaret Lux,	36
Isaiah & Margaret Lux,	36
twins of NSU alums Gregory	36
(2022) & Sarah (2021) Lux	36
Hazel Heier,	36
Hazel Heier,	36
Hazel Heier,	36
	36
daughter of	36
NSU alums Bronson (2021) &	36
Elise (2020) Heier	36
Ivy Janssen,	36
Ivy Janssen,	36
Ivy Janssen,	36
daughter	36
of NSU Alum Katie (2019) &	36
William Janssen	36
Jayden Glant,	36
Jayden Glant,	36
Jayden Glant,	36
daughter	36
of NSU Alum Emma (2022) &	36
Austin Glant	36
Figure	36
Figure	36
Figure	36
Figure	36
Figure	36
Figure	36
Katie Garner,	36
Katie Garner,	36
Katie Garner,	36
daughter of	36
NSU alums Samuel (2024) &	36
Mary (2024) Garner	36
Kyson Van Den Top,	36
Kyson Van Den Top,	36
Kyson Van Den Top,	36
son of NSU Alum Caitlin	36
(2007) & Chris Van Den Top	36
Laikyn Torrence,	36
Laikyn Torrence,	36
Laikyn Torrence,	36
daughter of NSU alums	36
Jordan Torrence (2007) &	36
Cheri Mortenson (2020)	36
Lance Anderson,	36
Lance Anderson,	36
Lance Anderson,	36
	36
son of	36
NSU Alum Mikayla (2018)	36
and Landon Anderson	36
Lawson Fahnhorst,	36
Lawson Fahnhorst,	36
Lawson Fahnhorst,	36
son of	36
NSU alums Logan (2014) &	36
Ashley (2014) Fahnhorst	36
Jett Kurtz,	36
Jett Kurtz,	36
Jett Kurtz,	36
son of NSU	36
alums Trent (2022) & Sydney	36
(2016) Kurtz	36
Sect	37
Figure	37
Lincoln Bauer,	37
Lincoln Bauer,	37
Lincoln Bauer,	37
son of	37
NSU Alum Kara (2014) &	37
Sheldon Bauer	37
Sect	37
Figure	37
Figure	37
Figure	37
Luella Miller,	37
Luella Miller,	37
Luella Miller,	37
daughter	37
of NSU Alum Abby (2016) &	37
Craig Miller	37
Mace Lambert,	37
Mace Lambert,	37
Mace Lambert,	37
son of	37
NSU alums Tracy (2004) &	37
Lindsey (2006) Lambert	37
Mackenzie Harms,	37
Mackenzie Harms,	37
Mackenzie Harms,	37
	37
daughter of NSU Alum Marissa	37
(2014) & Micah Harms	37
Maeve Schilder,	37
Maeve Schilder,	37
Maeve Schilder,	37
Maeve Schilder,	37
	37
daughter	37
of NSU alum Alexandra	37
(2015) & Taylor Schilder	37
Luciana Loeschke,	37
Luciana Loeschke,	37
Luciana Loeschke,	37
Luciana Loeschke,	37
daughter of NSU Alum Emma	37
Rezac (2022) and Joshua	37
Loeschke	37
Makenzie Letze,	37
Makenzie Letze,	37
Makenzie Letze,	37
Makenzie Letze,	37
	37
daughter	37
of NSU Alum Miranda (2014)	37
& Patrick Letze	37
Figure	37
Figure	37
Figure	37
Millie Roth,	37
Millie Roth,	37
Millie Roth,	37
Millie Roth,	37
daughter of	37
NSU alums Kolton (2022 &	37
2024) & Madison (2021 &	37
2024) Roth	37
Martin Newman,	37
Martin Newman,	37
Martin Newman,	37
Martin Newman,	37
son of	37
NSU Alum, Shannon (2017) &	37
David Newman	37
Myles Babcock,	37
Myles Babcock,	37
Myles Babcock,	37
son of	37
NSU Alum Kaylee (2018) &	37
Jesse Babcock	37
Natalie & Nellie,	37
Natalie & Nellie,	37
Natalie & Nellie,	37
twins	37
of NSU alums Luke (2018) &	37
Mackenzie (2019) Wietgrefe	37
Noah Mitchell,	37
Noah Mitchell,	37
Noah Mitchell,	37
son of	37
NSU alums Alex (2015) &	37
Rylie (2020) Mitchell	37
Roman Engle,	37
Roman Engle,	37
Roman Engle,	37
Roman Engle,	37
son of NSU	37
Alum Elizabeth (2017) &	37
Ryan Engle	37
Rhodes Dauwen,	37
Rhodes Dauwen,	37
Rhodes Dauwen,	37
Rhodes Dauwen,	37
son of	37
NSU alums Chett (2019) &	37
Teddy (2019) Dauwen	37
Paisley Thompson,	37
Paisley Thompson,	37
Paisley Thompson,	37
Paisley Thompson,	37
daughter of NSU alums	37
Garret (2022) & Kaitlyn	37
(2023) Thompson	37
Nova Haak,	37
Nova Haak,	37
Nova Haak,	37
daughter of	37
NSU Alum Kyra (2020) &	37
Logan Haak	37
Nora-Jean Hube,	37
Nora-Jean Hube,	37
Nora-Jean Hube,	37
daughter	37
of NSU Alum Brianna (2019)	37
& Nicholas Huber	37
Reed Swenson,	37
Reed Swenson,	37
Reed Swenson,	37
son of	37
NSU alum, Ryan (2013) &	37
Hayley Swenson	37
Sect	37
Figure	37
Stevie Seidel,	37
Stevie Seidel,	37
Stevie Seidel,	37
daughter of	37
NSU alums Jordan (2013) &	37
Larissa (2014) Seidel	37
Truett Loban,	37
Truett Loban,	37
Truett Loban,	37
son of NSU	37
Alum Cheyenne (2018) &	37
Matthew Loban	37
Wesley Dalchow,	37
Wesley Dalchow,	37
Wesley Dalchow,	37
son of	37
NSU Alum Brianna (2020) &	37
Nick Dalchow	37
Wesley Hahn,	37
Wesley Hahn,	37
Wesley Hahn,	37
son of NSU	37
Alum Shelly Poss-Hahn	37
(2006) and Jeff Hahn	37
Recently had a baby? Congrats from the NSU Alumni Association! Get a free “Wolf Pup Onesie” and share a photo of your Future Wolf to be featured in Northern Magazine. Onesies are size 6 months. Submissions must include the onesie. Learn more at northernstatefoundation.com.	37
Recently had a baby? Congrats from the NSU Alumni Association! Get a free “Wolf Pup Onesie” and share a photo of your Future Wolf to be featured in Northern Magazine. Onesies are size 6 months. Submissions must include the onesie. Learn more at northernstatefoundation.com.	37
ACHIEVEMENTS	37
ACHIEVEMENTS	37
ACHIEVEMENTS	37
Michael Morrisey is an emeritus professor of health economics at the University of Alabama at Birmingham and emeritus professor of Health Policy & Management at Texas A&M University. The 4th edition of his graduate textbook “Health Insurance” has just been published by ACHE Learn, the new moniker of Health Administration Press.	37
Michael Morrisey is an emeritus professor of health economics at the University of Alabama at Birmingham and emeritus professor of Health Policy & Management at Texas A&M University. The 4th edition of his graduate textbook “Health Insurance” has just been published by ACHE Learn, the new moniker of Health Administration Press.	37
1974	37
LaDonna Leibrich was named the 2025 Outstanding Librarian by the Wyoming Library Association. LaDonna has been the Sheridan High School librarian for the past 21 years. She graduated in 1980 with degrees in Library Science and Elementary Education.	37
1980	37
Dr. Paula Lantsberger graduated from NSU in 1981 with a BA in Biology, with honors. She was an editor of a published book in the occupational medicine field. The book is titled “Occupational Health Services: A Practical Approach - 3rd Edition - Tee”.	37
1981	37
Wendy Thorson has been named 2025 Phi Beta Mu Bandmaster of the Year, an honor given to exceptional band directors for their impact on music education. Wendy is currently band director for the Northwestern Area School District in Mellette.	38
1997	38
Ashley Seeklander has been named state counselor of the year by the South Dakota Counseling Association in 2025. Seeklander is a counselor in the Aberdeen Public School District and works at Lincoln Elementary. She also received the award in 2019 while working in the Groton Area School District.	38
2007	38
Lucas Lorenz has been named to the 2025 Forbes | SHOOK® Research list of top financial advisors under 40 in South Dakota— an honor awarded to rising leaders in the industry. This recognition highlights advisors who demonstrate excellence in areas such as best practices, compliance records, and assets under care.	38
2018	38
Amanda McIlravy was accepted into the DMA program in vocal performance at the University of Memphis. Amanda recently completed her MM in vocal performance at the University of Northern Iowa.	38
2021	38
Piumi Kasthuri Arachchi was accepted into the PhD program in music education at Michigan State University.	38
2024	38
Sierra Sweeney has been awarded the highly competitive Canada Graduate Scholarships – Master’s (CGS M) award. Valued at $27,000 CAD, the scholarship will support Sweeney’s graduate studies and research in Canada through funding from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR).	38
2024	38
Marie Snavely was a 2025 recipient of the ND Governor’s Award for the Arts. She received her Masters in Art Education from Northern.	38
2025	38
Zachary Daggett is a current student and has secured a competitive summer internship with Delta Air Lines. He will relocate to Delta’s corporate headquarters. There, he’ll assist with financial reporting, analysis and compliance tasks as part of the airline’s corporate accounting division.	38
2026	38
CELEBRATIONS	38
CELEBRATIONS	38
CELEBRATIONS	38
CELEBRATIONS	38
Ronald Brown Ron Brown & wife Nancy of Gardner, KS. Will celebrate their 60th anniversary on Feb. 19th, 2026. They have 4 sons (3 married) & 1 married daughter, 10 grandchildren, & 5 great-grandchildren. Ron is retired USAF & has served in Turkey, England, Germany, California Oklahoma & South Dakota.	38
Ronald Brown Ron Brown & wife Nancy of Gardner, KS. Will celebrate their 60th anniversary on Feb. 19th, 2026. They have 4 sons (3 married) & 1 married daughter, 10 grandchildren, & 5 great-grandchildren. Ron is retired USAF & has served in Turkey, England, Germany, California Oklahoma & South Dakota.	38
1962	38
Tom Butch Tom Butch celebrated his 90th birthday on Jan. 11th, 2025. Tom received his bachelors degree May 29, 1962. He then received his masters degree Aug. 9, 1974. Tom served on the “Game Day Staff/Clock Operator” At NSU for 50 years.	38
1962/1974	38
Nathan Schauer & Abby Meister NSU student-athletes Nathan Schauer and Abby Meister celebrated their wedding on May 2, 2025.	38
2025	38
	38
IN MEMORIAM	38
IN MEMORIAM	38
IN MEMORIAM	38
Leonard Garness, Sun City West, AZ, on Feb. 14, 2025.	38
Leonard Garness, Sun City West, AZ, on Feb. 14, 2025.	38
1950	38
Ronald Edwin Stocking, Burnsville, MN, on April 5, 2025.	38
1950	38
Melvin Himmerich, Ipswich, SD, on March 19, 2025.	38
1952	38
Robert Tippy, Colorado Springs, CO, on September 3, 2024.	38
1952	38
Avon L. Hauffe, Wickenburg, AZ, on Nov. 17, 2010.	38
1953	38
Helen (Harbaugh) Holsing, Cresbard, SD, on March 6, 2025.	38
1953	38
Patricia (Grover) Fors, Aberdeen, SD, on Nov. 7, 2025.	38
1953	38
Lois Sollie, Aberdeen, SD, on Feb. 27, 2025.	38
1955	38
Mary Ann (Fjelstad) Wehde, Aberdeen, SD, on Sept. 9, 2025.	38
1955	38
Milo Opp, Eureka, SD, on Jan. 3, 2025.	38
1955	38
Gerald Beutler, Eureka, SD, on Aug. 18, 2025.	38
1956	38
Susan (Gapp) Chaplin, Sturgis, SD, on Nov. 1, 2024.	38
1956	38
Gary Hepperle, Aberdeen, SD, on Dec. 31, 2024.	38
1958, 1966	38
Harold Kirchgasler, New Hartford, IA, on May 19, 2025.	38
1958	38
Louise (Ham) Clark, Aberdeen, SD, on Nov. 24, 2025.	38
1958	38
Marilyn Kay (Frey) Bunn, Elkhart, IN on Sept. 15, 2024.	38
1959	38
Robert Drew, Gettysburg, SD, on May 3, 2025.	38
1959	38
Arlene (Simon) Randall, Aberdeen, SD, on Feb. 19, 2025.	38
1960	38
Jermitt Krage, Stoughton, WI, on Aug. 23, 2025.	38
1960	38
Anita Lorene Webb (Cowhick), Aberdeen, SD, on April 11, 2025.	38
1962	38
Dr. Dean Bryson, Rapid City, SD, on Nov. 4, 2024.	38
1962	38
Eva Steen, Aberdeen, SD, on May 5, 2025.	38
1962	38
Jerauld Wright, Durham, NC, on Aug. 20, 2025.	38
1962	38
Burma (Olson) Brekke, Crosslake, MN, on Jan. 24, 2025.	38
1963/1968	38
Norm Scott, Aberdeen, SD, on April 13, 2025.	38
1963	38
James Gohn, Aberdeen, SD, on Jan. 14, 2025.	38
1964	38
Norg Sanderson, Aberdeen, SD, on June 8, 2025.	38
1964	38
Robert Nikolas, Aberdeen, SD, on April 18, 2025.	39
1964	39
Sandra (Hanson) Oliver, Aberdeen, SD, on Jan. 14, 2025.	39
1964	39
William Hild, Aberdeen, SD, on Aug. 20, 2025.	39
1964	39
Connie (Buechler) Goetz, Bowdle, SD, on March 1, 2025.	39
1965	39
Gerald Davis, Aberdeen, SD, on Nov. 18, 2025.	39
1965	39
Pamela (Thelen) Handke, Raymond, SD, on July 20, 2025.	39
1965	39
Richard Groft, Redfield, SD, Feb. 2, 2025.	39
1965	39
Elroy Lickness, Groton, SD, on Jan. 13, 2025.	39
1966	39
Richard “Dick” Kelley, Cedar Falls, IA, on Dec. 10, 2025.	39
1966	39
Dean Karlen, Aberdeen, SD, on Oct. 5, 2025.	39
1967	39
Edward Hunstad, Aberdeen, SD, on Jan. 1, 2025.	39
1967	39
Ethelmae (Konshak) Anderson, Redfield, SD, on March 4, 2025.	39
1967	39
LaVerne (Bringelson) Tarver, Aberdeen, SD, on Nov. 29, 2025.	39
1967	39
Linda (Krause) Fordham, Aberdeen, SD, on Sept. 29, 2023.	39
1967	39
Margery Houck, Gettysburg, SD, on Jan. 10, 2025.	39
1967	39
Dolores (Breunig) Charboneau, Richland, WA, on Dec. 13, 2024.	39
1968	39
Duane Schnaible, Burnsville, MN, on Feb. 8, 2025.	39
1968	39
Harold Miller, Aberdeen, SD, on Feb. 1, 2025.	39
1968	39
Ronald Schreiner, Fort Pierre, SD, on Aug. 24, 2025.	39
1968	39
Norma (Hansen) Schlekeway, Spearfish, SD, on March 9, 2025.	39
1969	39
Dennis Mutsch, Faulkton, SD, on Dec. 31, 2024.	39
1970	39
Eileen Lindgren, Billings, MT, on May 5, 2011.	39
1970	39
Lorna Scherbenske, Ashley, ND, on April 13, 2010.	39
1970	39
Nancy Lomis, Katy, TX, on Oct. 25, 2025.	39
1970	39
Thomas Hoeke, Milbank, SD, on Feb. 24, 2024.	39
1970	39
Bernard R. Tomek, Jr., Aberdeen, SD, on March 27, 2025.	39
1971	39
Doris (Maynard) Foesch, Buffalo Lake, MN, on April 21, 2024.	39
1971	39
Mary Louise Voss Zapata, Hawthorne, CA, on April 19, 2025.	39
1971	39
Terry Voeltz, Aberdeen, SD, on Aug. 5, 2025.	39
1971	39
Eugene Myers, Valentine, NE, on March 21, 2025.	39
1972	39
Richard Beck, Roscoe, SD, on Dec. 22, 2024.	39
1972	39
Sharyn (Summers) Elliot, Aberdeen, SD, on Sept. 13, 2025.	39
1972	39
Dale Petersen, Hoven, SD, on Feb. 8, 2025.	39
1973	39
Ryland L. Sorensen, Billings, MT, on July 14, 2016.	39
1973	39
John Lowary, Groton, SD, on Nov. 20, 2025.	39
1974	39
Laura (Levsen) Gehner, Rapid City, SD, on Aug. 1, 2025.	39
1974	39
David Palmquist, Little Rock, AR, on April 23, 2025.	39
1975	39
Nancy (Patterson) Dosch, Renton, WA, on Jan. 21, 2025.	39
1976	39
, Shirley (May) Zipf, Woodbury MN on Jan. 26, 2026	39
1976	39
Daniel Eschenbaum, Selby, SD, on Nov. 25, 2023.	39
1977	39
Judith (Treffry) Anderson, Aberdeen, SD, March 17, 2025.	39
1977	39
Michael Flahaven, Aberdeen, SD, April 1, 2025.	39
1977	39
Walton Steiner, Sioux Falls, SD, on April 26, 2010.	39
1977	39
Susan (White) Van Dover, Aberdeen, SD on May 18, 2025.	39
1979	39
Ethel S. Keeley, Marshalltown, IA, on July 12, 2024.	39
1979	39
Kathy (Frey) Wendt, Warner, SD, on Nov. 2, 2025.	39
1980	39
Lynn Lopes, Aberdeen, SD, on July 21, 2025.	39
1980	39
Gerald Taylor, Northville, SD, on Dec. 8, 2025.	39
1981	39
Scott A Sauer, Aberdeen, SD, on Oct. 9, 2024.	39
1981	39
Jon Jacobs, Mitchell, SD, on Nov. 2, 2024.	39
1983	39
Kathryn (Wheatley) Cormier, Aberdeen, SD, on Jan. 15, 2025.	39
1987	39
Florian Volk, Aberdeen, SD, on Dec. 22, 2025.	39
1990	39
William Freitag, Aberdeen, SD, on Dec. 7, 2025.	39
1991	39
Jeff Ochs, Indianapolis, IN, on Nov. 15, 2025.	39
1994	39
Marsha (Stoia) Luzier, Aberdeen, SD, on June 12, 2025.	39
1994	39
Patrick Schaeffer, Aberdeen, SD, on Sept. 18, 2025.	39
1996	39
Dwight R. Johnson, Rapid City, SD, on Dec. 3, 2024.	39
2001	39
J Arlt, Aberdeen, SD, on May 14, 2025.	39
2005	39
IN MEMORIAM	39
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