NORTHERN STAT E UN I VERS I TY Aberdeen, South Dakota | Spring 2022 LINCOLN HALL replacement NEAL H. SCHNOOR investiture
NORTHERN TODAY 2 SPRING 2022 EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP TEAM Dr. Neal Schnoor, President Ms. Veronica Paulson, Vice President for Finance and Administration Dr. Michael Wanous, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Mr. Justin Fraase, Vice President of Enrollment, Communications and Marketing Dr. Debbi Bumpous, Vice President for Technology/CIO Mr. Nate Davis, Athletic Director, University Athletics Mr. Sean Blackburn, Dean of Student Affairs Mr. Zach Flakus, President and CEO, NSU Foundation DESIGNED AND PRODUCED BY NORTHERN STATE UNIVERSITY COMMUNICATIONS AND MARKETING FOR THE NORTHERN STATE UNIVERSITY FOUNDATION WRITTEN BY Elissa Dickey Ashley Gauer ABOUT NORTHERN STATE UNIVERSITY Northern State University is a premier residential, regional, liberal arts institution characterized by outstanding instruction, extraordinary community relations and unparalleled co-curricular opportunities. In August 2021, NSU was again named by U.S. News and World Report as one of the best regional undergraduate public schools in the Midwest. For more information, visit our website at northern.edu. Northern Today is published biannually by Northern State University, 1200 S. Jay St., Aberdeen, SD 57401, for Northern alumni and friends. Recipients receive the publication after completion of a degree or by requesting a subscription. SUBSCRIBE | GIVE A GIFT CHANGE YOUR ADDRESS CONTACT US TWITTER AlumniNSU FACEBOOK NSU Alumni Association EMAIL nsualumni@northern.edu 4 GiveNDay Northern State University GiveNDay surpasses goal. 4 ‘Frankenstein in Love’ Northern State University Theatre presented ‘Frankenstein in Love’. 5 Gypsy Days Celebration Returns to Aberdeen “It was a fitting return and perfect weather for a fantastic experience for students, alumni and our community,” said NSU President Dr. Neal Schnoor. 6 NSU alumna wins prestigious Milken Educator Award Northern State University alumna Nichole Bowman was presented with a prestigious national teaching award. 7 NSU alumna says accessibility at Northern helped lead to her success “Northern was the first time in my life that I was actually able to get accessibility for my classes.” 8 NSU School of Business NSU Business and Innovation Center receives legislative, governor approval. 9 Partnership formed NSU, Aberdeen Development Corporation partner with Center On Rural Innovation. 10 Investiture Ceremony held for NSU President Hundreds gathered on the Northern State University campus on April 8. 12 Northern State University ushers in new era of Wolves Athletics Dacotah Bank Stadium and Koehler Hall of Fame Softball Field 13 NSU’s biggest fan Nate Thompson holds fundraiser with local business to raise scholarship funds. 14 NSU Athletics Winter-Spring Recap 16 Hall of Fame and Distinguished Alumni Banquet The NSU Foundation will honor six Northern alumni at the 2022 NSU Hall of Fame and Distinguished Alumni Banquet. 18 Alumni News See class notes, celebrations and memorials. Contents ON THE COVER President Neal H. Schnoor PRINT VERSION CORRECTION p. Gypsy Days 5 p. Investiture Ceremony 10 p. Milken Educator Award 6 Mary (Duenwald) Keller was incorrectly included in the “In Memoriam” section of the print version of the Spring 2022 Northern Today. We retract that listing and apologize for the error.
NORTHERN TODAY 3 SPRING 2022 am truly honored and humbled for the privilege to serve as President of Northern State University. Our campus thrives in a community and region that supports its university like none other. In turn, we are committed to building sustainable collaborative public and private partnerships to advance academic, cultural, health, recreational, and economic opportunities that serve the public good and produce value for NSU, Aberdeen and the region. One example includes Northern’s partnership with the Aberdeen Development Corporation and Center for Rural Innovation to introduce a digital ecosystem and entrepreneurship space in Aberdeen, which will spread across all of northeast South Dakota. In this issue of Northern Today, you’ll read about our recent Investiture Ceremony, as well as other exciting events and achievements by our campus community. That includes our Lincoln Hall project, which is moving forward thanks to the support of our Governor and Legislature. Also included is the inaugural softball game at Koehler Hall of Fame Field, the final component of the Educational Impact Campaign, which was made possible by generous gifts from our donors. In the past 10 years, donors have invested over 150 million dollars to transform our campus facilities and enhance scholarships and programming, and we are truly grateful. Moving forward, Northern is implementing a new approach to strategic planning, with a focus on expanding student access and success, enhancing campus culture for students and employees, building collaborative public and private partnerships, and pursuing philanthropic support for student scholarships and programming. A fifth academic priority is emerging around expanding experiential learning—including summative research and scholarly projects, internships, and field experiences. Northern is truly in a period of forward momentum and engagement, and I appreciate the hard work and dedication of faculty, staff, students, alumni and community members as we strive for greater success. GO WOLVES! Dr. Neal Schnoor NSU President Letter from the President NORTHERN STATE UNIVERSI TY | Letter from the President I
NORTHERN TODAY 4 SPRING 2022 News | NORTHERN STATE UNIVERSI TY HE NORTHERN STATE University Theatre Program presented its spring 2022 production, “Frankenstein in Love,” Feb. 17-20 in the Johnson Fine Arts Center Black Box Theater. “Frankenstein in Love,” written by renowned horror master Clive Barker, reimagines the immortal tale of a monster stitched together from human parts by the maniacal Dr. Frankenstein. Amid a coup in a South American banana republic, the patchwork man known as “El Coco” (the Bogeyman) has led an uprising against a corrupt regime that allowed the mad scientist to carry out his twisted experiments. When El Coco meets the disfigured survivor Veronique, romantic f lames ignite as these creations swear deadly vengeance for Frankenstein’s unnatural crimes against their f lesh. Prior to the performances, Director Kane Anderson said he was drawn to the script for its unique challenge. “Theatre is an art of limitless possibilities. As a genre, horror looms large on the big screen, but seldom gets the chance to frighten and titillate live audiences. With ‘Frankenstein in Love,’ we wade fearlessly into the dark and the grotesque.” Anderson teased: “I suspect you haven’t seen anything like this on stage in Aberdeen before.” While the show included many actors recognizable to Northern Theatre audiences, newer faces appeared as well. Madisen Radabaugh, a freshman from New London, Minn., majoring in Theatre, played Veronique, the love interest to El Coco. She appeared in last semester’s “Dirty Rotten Scoundrels.” “Frankenstein in Love” also featured a community member joining the cast as a guest artist. Jason Honerman, a former Northern student and current artist at Shrunken Head Tattoos, played Cockatoo, a revolutionary and follower of El Coco. Northern Theatre’s artistic staff included Dr. Kane Anderson, Assistant Professor of Acting and Directing; Noah J. Files, Assistant Professor of Theatre Design; and Brian Omland, Production Manager for the School of Fine Arts. Omland’s lighting design for “Frankenstein in Love” served as his senior project. NSU THEATRE PRESENTS ‘Frankenstein in Love’ T Northern State University GiveNDay surpasses goal NORTHERN STATE University’s second annual GiveNDay surpassed its goal, with 1,817 donors raising $330,000 for the university and its students. GiveNDay, coordinated by the NSU Foundation, took place April 6-7, 2022. Also known as #OneDayOnePack, the 24-hour challenge is designed to inspire all supporters of Northern to come together to provide essential funding across the university. Northern sought donations from students, staff, faculty, alumni, friends and community members. The support from Wolves Nation was strong, with 2,233 total gifts from donors in 47 states and seven countries—including 584 first-time donors. Here are more 2022 GiveNDay statistics: To learn more about giving to Northern State University, contact the NSU Foundation at 605-626-2550 or nsualumni@northern.edu. AVERAGE GIFT AMOUNT ALUMNI FACULTY AND STAFF STUDENTS PARENTS FRIENDS EARLIEST GRAD YEAR DONATED LATEST GRAD YEAR DONATED $181.62 per donor 691 (38% of total donors) 127 (7% of total donors) 88 (4.8% of total donors) 199 (11% of total donors) 712 (39.2% of total donors) 1948 2021
NORTHERN TODAY 5 SPRING 2022 NORTHERN STATE UNIVERSI TY | News Gypsy Days 2022 Schedule Northern State University will celebrate Gypsy Day on Saturday, Oct. 8, with the 2022 Gypsy Day Parade beginning at 9 a.m. on Main Street in Aberdeen. Below is a listing of alumni events throughout the week: Thursday, Oct. 6 NSU Foundation Annual Meeting and Community Social, 4 p.m. Kessler’s Champions Club Room, Barnett Center Friday, Oct. 7 All School Reunion and 50-Year Club Social, 8 p.m. Kessler’s Champions Club Room, Barnett Center Friday, Oct. 7 Hall of Fame and Distinguished Alumni Banquet, 5 p.m. Kessler’s Champions Club Room, Barnett Center Saturday, Oct. 8 Alumni and Friends Tailgate, noon Dacotah Bank Stadium Parking Lot For more information, visit the Gypsy Days webpage or contact the Student Affairs office at 605-626-3007. FTER TWO YEARS without a true homecoming celebration for Northern State University—due to weather and the pandemic—the campus community and all of northeast South Dakota was ready to paint the town maroon and gold for Gypsy Days 2021. And the celebration didn’t disappoint, with festivities including the 105th annual parade and the first homecoming football game ever held in the new Dacotah Bank Stadium. “It was a fitting return and perfect weather for a fantastic experience for students, alumni and our community,” said NSU President Dr. Neal Schnoor. Students held numerous fun activities throughout the week of Sept. 27, culminating with coronation and the Bonfire Bash. This year’s Royalty were Queen Ashley Bruzek and Marshal Garret Thompson. Saturday, Oct. 2 was a beautiful morning for the Gypsy Day Parade, with hundreds of people lining Aberdeen’s Main Street to enjoy the spectacle of f loats by campus groups, community organizations and area businesses. On the athletic side, the NSU volleyball, soccer, swimming and football teams were in action, with Wolves fans packing Dacotah Bank Stadium for Saturday’s football game. Sold-out Crowd at Stadium NSU Director of Athletic Development and Revenue Generation Laci Hettick said Northern couldn’t have asked for a better Gypsy Day celebration this year. “We were expecting a lot of support for the weekend’s events and that’s just what we saw. People were excited to celebrate, especially after the past two years of not being able to celebrate as we typically have in the past,” said Hettick, also a Northern alum. “It was an absolutely gorgeous weekend that was perfect for meeting up with friends, attending the parade, tailgating and cheering on the Wolves athletic teams. We saw a sold-out crowd at Dacotah Bank Stadium, which was the perfect way for many alumni and NSU fans to experience the new facility for the first time.” In fact, there was even more excitement this year than in years past, Hettick said. Gypsy Days Celebration returns to Aberdeen A “There definitely was a greater air of celebration this year, partly because we hadn’t been able to gather to celebrate in a few years, and also due to the excitement around our new facilities,” she said. “It was amazing to see a sold-out crowd at Dacotah Bank Stadium on an absolutely gorgeous day, right on the campus of Northern State University.” NSU has Great Community, Facilities Hettick said she heard a friend and fellow alum comment that in the past, you chose Northern for the great people and sense of community, not necessarily because of the facilities or amenities. The campus improvements over the past few years have changed that. “Now, looking at the new Harvey Jewett Regional Science Center, the new residence halls, practice facilities, soccer field, softball field and football stadium, NSU students and the community have both,” Hettick said. “As alumni, we are proud to see our university grow, adapt, and change with the current times.”
NORTHERN TODAY 6 SPRING 2022 News | NORTHERN STATE UNIVERSI TY OR NORTHERN STATE University alumna Nichole Bowman, a school assembly brought the surprise of a lifetime when she was presented with a prestigious national teaching award. Bowman, who teaches math at T.F. Riggs High School in Pierre, is one of only about 60 teachers nationwide to win the annual Milken Educator Award, which carries a monetary prize of $25,000 and is called the “Oscar of teaching.” Bowman said receiving the award in a surprise presentation by Gov. Kristi Noem was an overwhelming experience. “It was all so great. I did feel like that day was all about me…which was/ is weird, I’m not one who likes the spotlight much,” she said. “I do what I need to get done, without needing praise. The outcomes are good enough for me, but my school and community definitely made the entire day special!” Bowman graduated from Northern in 2007 with a B.S.Ed. in Mathematics. She was very involved with the music department, and she also met her husband, Brooks Bowman, a music education major, at Northern. “Aberdeen and Northern will always have a part of our hearts, because we started our little family there,” she said. They now have three children: Gracie, 16; Bryce, 14; and Kameryn, 11. Bowman also has sisters who attended Northern, who now work in education as well. Originally from Armour, S.D., Bowman initially toured Northern because she knew NSU music professors there from area band festivals and loved the experiences they provided. “Once I toured, I fell in love with the smaller campus and the feel of the education and music department,” she said. Now in her 15th year of teaching, Bowman taught in Rapid City and Kimball prior to T.F. Riggs High School in Pierre, where she teaches grades 9-12 Pre-Algebra, Geometry and Algebra II. She said she became a teacher because she was good at helping other people learn math, and she loved school. “I figured I’d be happy with my life going to school every day,” she said. “Now, I want to be a teacher to help the students. Life is funny in the way perspectives change.” Bowman’s favorite part of teaching is finding ways to help students understand themselves. “To see the impact of all the work I’ve put in to make them each start F NSU alumna wins prestigious Milken Educator Award The entire assembly, including South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem and Secretary of Education Tiffany Sanderson, gives an enthusiastic thumbs up for Milken Educator Award recipient Nichole Bowman. South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem welcomes and congratulates Milken Educator Award recipient Nichole Bowman at a recent assembly. Veteran Milken Educators Carla Diede (S.D. ’17, left) and Amanda Christensen (S.D. ’16) welcome Nichole Bowman to the family. Photographs courtesy of The Milken Family Foundation
NORTHERN TODAY 7 SPRING 2022 NORTHERN STATE UNIVERSI TY | News or Northern State University alumna Hannah Rose Higdon, moving away from family, friends and the close-knit Northern community to a larger graduate school was a challenging adjustment. “I was really struggling with being able to navigate and do things by myself because I realized how much I was actually depending on other people,” said Higdon, a 2019 NSU grad with degrees in political science, communication studies and history. For instance, Higdon, who is deaf, said she had been relying on her roommate when someone knocked on the door, when the oven beeped or when the fire alarm went off. But in graduate school she was on her own, with the pandemic making it even more difficult because masks prevented Higdon from reading lips. She realized she needed more help—and she got it, thanks to her dog, Poppy. Higdon trained Poppy, her four-year-old Maltese-Yorkie, to be her service dog. Now, Poppy has successfully assisted Higdon both at home and various locations in public. When Higdon first researched service dogs, she found they were very expensive: $10,000- $15,000. After talking to a friend who trains service dogs and also to her audiologist, Higdon decided to train Poppy. She started by incorporating treats as rewards. “Poppy is very food motivated,” Higdon said. In May 2021, Higdon graduated from Indiana State University with her master’s degree in communications. She now lives in Louisville, Ky., where she works as director of marketing for RosieUp, a change management organization. Today, Poppy does mostly at-home services because Higdon had bilateral cochlear implant surgery last year, allowing her to hear exceptionally well when she’s out in public. At home, however, Higdon removes the hearing device, so Poppy still assists her there. Originally from Dupree, S.D., Higdon was diagnosed as hard of hearing at age 5 and had hearing aids since age 6. At age 20, she became profoundly deaf, but she said she navigated well using American Sign Language and reading lips. Though she struggled in graduate school, Higdon said her time at Northern thankfully gave her the confidence to ask for what she needed to succeed. “Northern was the first time in my life that I was actually able to get accessibility for my classes,” she said. Higdon received classroom accommodations through the Disability Services Office such as note-takers and video captions. “Those things might seem small, but for someone who has not had access like that, it was a game-changer,” she said. “I graduated Northern with a 4.0 GPA. Once I had those tools, I was able to contribute to my success.” NSU alumna says accessibility at Northern helped lead to her success F believing in themselves as learners,” she said. “The change is always so great from beginning to end of school year in growth of selves, and I’m so proud to be a small part of helping them each find that change!” On her path to success, Bowman said Northern’s education and math departments were extraordinary. “The math professors were always around to help, and encouraged it, and never stopped believing and pushing me to be better,” she said. “I had hiccups throughout my four years at NSU, and they never let me believe that they thought I wouldn’t overcome those hiccups. It’s as if they knew I could accomplish more than I thought I could. The education department really built me up as a future teacher. They also pushed me to the uncomfortable point of learning, proving how powerful those moments are in your own education.” Her advice for other current or future teachers: “Teaching is hard. The first five years especially. Be willing to keep an open mind, use all good and constructive criticisms to learn from, and always be willing to change.” She also advised them to learn from their colleagues. “We teachers are so good at what we do… and always have something cool to share; be open and willing to listen and to share!” Bowman said. “We all have strengths. Always use your strengths, adjust from your weaknesses, and everything you do will continue to get better. Remember, it needs to be ALWAYS about the benefit of the student. That doesn’t mean they deserve all your time, all of the time, but they deserve the time you do spend to be deliberately for the benefit of them as a learner.” Legacy Award children of alumni may qualify to pay in-state tuition for their undergraduate degree. Visit Campus: Contact NSU Admissions at 1-800-678-5330 or admissions@northern.edu to learn and set up a campus visit! northern.edu/visit. Apply: northern.edu/apply Save money on your child’s education through the NSU
NORTHERN TODAY 8 SPRING 2022 News | NORTHERN STATE UNIVERSI TY ORTHERN STATE UNIVERSITY’S Lincoln Hall Project is one step closer to reality, with approval from the South Dakota Legislature and Gov. Kristi Noem. The project will replace Lincoln and Briscoe halls with a state-of-the art facility housing the Northern School of Business and an Innovation and Entrepreneurship Center. New nursing classrooms and an expanded simulation lab will increase annual cohort capacity for South Dakota State University’s Accelerated Nursing program, delivered on NSU’s campus for nearly a decade. Noem voiced support for the project in her December budget address and funding through the state’s federal American Rescue Plan Act. In March, Senate Bill 44 received full legislative approval and was signed by the governor. Now, final federal approval is needed for Northern to begin the project. “Northern is grateful for the support of our legislators and governor, and the hard work of countless individuals to move this important campus facility forward,” said Dr. Neal Schnoor, NSU president. “It will create optimal learning environments for business and nursing students, N NSU Business and Innovation Center receives legislative, governor approval Northern is grateful for the support of our legislators and governor, and the hard work of countless individuals to move this important campus facility forward. “ ”
NORTHERN TODAY 9 SPRING 2022 NORTHERN STATE UNIVERSI TY | News “ PARTNERSHIP involving Northern State University, the Aberdeen Development Corporation and the Center on Rural Innovation (CORI) aims to bring new technology—and new jobs—to northeast South Dakota. CORI is a nonprofit organization that partners with rural leaders across the country to build digital economies in rural America. CORI recently announced the first round of American Connection Communities, including Aberdeen, which will benefit from its Rural Innovation Initiative. “CORI engaged Aberdeen and Northern in this process, identifying strategies to create more and new digital jobs and tech startups in the Aberdeen area,” said Dr. Hannah Walters, NSU Assistant Professor of Marketing. Walters also indicated that key elements of that strategy are new and updated curriculum, creating space for tech entrepreneurs to launch their ideas, education to prepare tech workers, and connecting entrepreneurs and workers to grow businesses, the economy, and career opportunities in Aberdeen and the region. “Aberdeen has two strong assets in place,” Walters said, “a strong entrepreneurial spirit and long history of entrepreneurial success and broadband availability with additional access planned.” She added, “Our strategy is focused on preparing students for the future of work and serving the community at large.” Mike Bockorny, Chief Executive Officer of the Aberdeen Development Corporation, said the Innovation Center will be a regional resource intended to benefit all in northeast South Dakota. “This will be accomplished by a focused marketing effort, engaging partners and professors,” he said. “The ultimate goal is to have ideas turn into businesses. These businesses then create great paying jobs, which in turn helps everyone.” Bockorny said officials are in the process of applying for two additional grants for the project that would help kick the project off in a big way. “We have been searching for an avenue to diversify the Aberdeen economy by opening a door to a new category of industry,” he said. “With the help of CORI, we now have a plan on how to introduce a digital ecosystem and entrepreneurship into Aberdeen, which will spread across all of northeast South Dakota. We are excited about what this will mean for the future economy in our region!” NSU, Aberdeen Development Corporation partner with Center On Rural Innovation A feature modern integrated social learning spaces, and drive future-oriented collaborations with the community to enhance regional economic development.” The facility will also feature f lexible entrepreneurial spaces to foster collaborative efforts. Northern is already partnering with the Aberdeen Development Corporation and the Center for Rural Innovation on an initiative aiming to create new digital jobs and tech startups in the Aberdeen area. The building is also expected to house Northern’s Admissions Office, and it will create a welcoming front door to campus for students, families and visitors. If authorized, the NSU Business and Innovation Center would tentatively open in fall 2024. The ultimate goal is to have ideas turn into businesses. ”
NORTHERN TODAY 10 SPRING 2022 News | NORTHERN STATE UNIVERSI TY President Neal Schnoor conducted the NSU Wind Ensemble during his Investiture Ceremony. Chancellor Douglas Kristensen of the University of Nebraska at Kearney delivered the keynote address at the ceremony. President Schnoor threw out the first pitch at NSU Softball and Baseball President’s Games as part of Investiture Week events.
NORTHERN TODAY 11 SPRING 2022 NORTHERN STATE UNIVERSI TY | News Investiture Ceremony held for President Schnoor UNDREDS gathered on the Northern State University campus on April 8, to celebrate the Investiture Ceremony of Dr. Neal Schnoor, Northern’s 18th president. The ceremony was held in the Johnson Fine Arts Center Jewett Theater, attended by NSU students, faculty and staff; local, state, and national officials; representatives of the South Dakota Board of Regents; and family and friends of Schnoor. Schnoor expressed gratitude for those who planned the ceremony, and recognized all those who attended. He thanked everyone for a remarkable nine months since he arrived. “Northern, Aberdeen and its supporters across the region and state are once again choosing to move forward toward growth by capitalizing on historic strengths, imagining new possibilities, and nurturing a culture that embraces and leads change,” Schnoor said. “Please accept my sincere appreciation for attending today, and go Wolves.” Schnoor started as NSU president in July 2021, bringing to Northern over 10 years of collaborative cabinet-level and dean experience at the University of California State-Long Beach, University of Nebraska at Kearney and Wayne State College in Nebraska. The celebration of Schnoor’s investiture included numerous Investiture Week events, including President’s Games for Wolves Softball and Baseball, where Schnoor threw out the first pitch. At the main Investiture Ceremony on April 8, faculty and staff led the procession into the Jewett Theater, and Schnoor conducted the NSU Wind Ensemble during the National Anthem. The keynote address was delivered by Chancellor Douglas Kristensen of the University of Nebraska at Kearney. “Congratulations on investing in a quality person to lead this institution,” Kristensen said to the Northern community. “Schnoor is a calm, focused leader,” he said. “He is well-suited to tackle the rigors of leading an institution.” Board of Regents Executive Director Dr. Brian Maher said on behalf of the BOR, the regents look forward to working together with Schnoor. “Since his arrival, we have seen him demonstrate first-hand that he values what we value,” Maher said, “a close-knit culture, an engaged sense of community and a strong work ethic.” Dr. Laurie Nichols, president of Black Hills State University and a former interim president of NSU, welcomed Schnoor to South Dakota public higher education. “I know I speak for many colleagues when I say that we think you are the right fit, at the right time,” Nichols said. H Northern, Aberdeen and its supporters across the region and state are once again choosing to move forward toward growth… “ ”
NORTHERN TODAY 12 SPRING 2022 News | NORTHERN STATE UNIVERSI TY ORTHERN STATE University has officially entered a new era of NSU Athletics with the opening of the on-campus Regional Sports Complex, with inaugural games played in both Dacotah Bank Stadium and Koehler Hall of Fame Softball Field. Last fall, the first athletic competition in the complex was the Wolves Football home opener on Sept. 11, 2021. Planning for this inaugural event involved a team of more than 100 individuals, including those working security in the stadium and tailgating areas, as well as attendants in spaces such as the Kids Zone. A capacity crowd filled the stadium to cheer on the Wolves. Then this spring, NSU Athletics and Northern softball held the inaugural game at Koehler Hall of Fame Field on March 29. A variety of celebratory events were scheduled, and the field’s namesake, Jim Koehler, was honored along with his family - including throwing out the ceremonial first pitch. During the doubleheader, fans packed the stands - including NSU students, staff, and community members - to cheer on the Wolves. Both inaugural games were historic events for Northern, the community and the entire region. “This is a momentous occasion for Northern, Wolves athletics and the community of Aberdeen,” NSU President Dr. Neal Schnoor said. “We’re incredibly grateful for the supportive partnerships and generosity that campus has received from the community, region and state. We look forward as we set the stage for a new era of on-campus and community engagement.” NSU Foundation President and CEO Zach Flakus said Northern is taking Wolves Athletics to the next level. “We truly want this facility to be a regional asset, and we expect it to be used for events including high school sports, band competitions and community concerts.” Dacotah Bank Stadium – The Facility Thanks to the generous lead gift of Dacotah Bank, headquartered in Northern State University ushers in new era of Wolves Athletics N Aberdeen, Dacotah Bank Stadium, home of Thares Field, is the premier football stadium in the NSIC and the region. This multi-purpose facility includes many premium student-athlete and fan amenities, including the impressive Kessler’s Champions Club event space and locker rooms. The Champions Club and locker rooms are connected to the Barnett Center, making the Barnett Center and new Regional Sports Complex one contiguous sports complex.
NORTHERN TODAY 13 SPRING 2022 NORTHERN STATE UNIVERSI TY | News ATE THOMPSON definitely considers himself Northern State University’s number one fan. He likes the people of Northern, and especially NSU Athletics, including football, basketball and soccer. “A lot of coaches like me,” Thompson said. Thompson’s love of Northern and the NSU Wolves spurred him to start the Nate Thompson Scholarship for studentathletes. Recently, he held a successful fundraiser for his scholarship fund, in partnership with local business Lager’s Inn. Thompson and Lager’s owner Lowell Punt sold commemorative NSU mugs, with proceeds going toward the scholarship. Punt said he was asked about the idea by NSU Director of Athletic Development and Revenue Generation Laci Hettick. “Laci asked about us being involved in the GiveNDay this year and wondered if we would like to have Nate’s Scholarship as the focus of it,” he said. “We have done a Lager’s Mug promotion in March in the past and thought it would be fun to make it a community effort and something Nate would be involved in.” And it was a success: The sale ended April 9, and Punt said 500 mugs were sold, raising over $5,000. He thanked everyone for supporting Nate and his scholarship. “The response was amazing and shows just how much the Aberdeen community loves Nate Thompson,” he said. Thompson’s scholarship was established in 2008, Hettick said, and each year since 2009, a $500 scholarship has been awarded to a senior athlete in their last year of eligibility at Northern. “It has benefited athletes in a variety of sports over the years,” she said. “Since it is a named scholarship, Nate is invited to the NSU Foundation’s annual scholarship luncheon where attendees are able to sit with the recipients of their scholarship and have lunch. Nate enjoys this each year!” Thompson is proud of his scholarship and a proud supporter of NSU. He’s also proud of Lager’s, where he has worked for 17 years. “People treat me nice here,” he said. Punt said Nate is a fun person to be around. “He believes everyone should be nice to people, and that’s just the kind of person he is,” he said. “It is amazing the number of people he knows, the names he remembers and from all different activities he knows them from. If you go somewhere with Nate, you can’t be in a hurry. He has lots of hands to shake and people to say hello to.” NSU’s No. 1 fan holds fundraiser with local business to raise scholarship funds N Koehler Hall of Fame Field – The Facility Koehler Hall of Fame Field is the preeminent softball stadium in the Upper Midwest and one of the finest NCAA Division II facilities in the entire country. Named in honor of a generous lead gift from NSU alumnus Jim Koehler, the field consists of an all-synthetic turf field, in-ground dugouts, bullpens and batting cages, chair back seating, multiple berms surrounding the stadium, and a media/suite area directly behind home plate. Sports Complex Timeline The Regional Sports Complex was the final project of the Educational Impact Campaign, which also included a new South Dakota School for the Blind and Visually Impaired, and the Athletic and Recreation Fields project. Below is a timeline of the campaign: 2017: The collaborative NSUSDSBVI Educational Impact Campaign kicked off in November. 2018: Jerde Hall was razed in July to make room for the new SDSBVI. The Athletic and Recreation Fields opened in August, with the pavilion opening shortly thereafter. The project provided a new competition field for Wolves Soccer, new practice field for Wolves Football, and recreation space for NSU Intramurals and SDSBVI students. 2020: SDSBVI opened its brand new school in January. Located at the former site of Jerde Hall, the two-story facility includes bigger classrooms and modern technology. 2021: The Regional Sports Complex opened in September with the inaugural football game at Dacotah Bank Stadium. 2022: In March, the inaugural game was held at Koehler Hall of Fame Softball Field, also part of the Regional Sports Complex.
NORTHERN TODAY 14 SPRING 2022 HE NORTHERN State University Athletic Department wrapped up the 2021-22 regular season with successes from the winter and spring teams. Wolves studentathletes participated in the annual Day of Champions in late April and the fifth annual Thunder Awards honored achievements in the department. Thunder Award winners are as follows: T Northern finished the dual season with a 4-4 record under first-year head coach Kaden Huntrods, and placed sixth at the NSIC Championships with 221 points. The 200 free relay team of Mia Fursedonne, Marialuisa Avila, Delaney Ryken and Connor Doran broke the school record with a time of 1:37.55 at the NSIC Championships. Fanny Legros broke the freshman school record in the 1650 free with a time of 18:05.67 at the NSIC Championships. All-Conference performers for the Wolves included Maddie Gonzales (2nd in the 200 back), Haley Osborne (3rd in the 200 free), and Lauren Forsyth (3rd in the 200 f ly). Northern State went 20-12 overall and 13-9 in the NSIC, falling in the quarterfinal round of the NSIC/Sanford Health Basketball Tournament. The Wolves upset No. 13 Upper Iowa 9081 over the annual I Hate Winter Weekend. Transfer Sam Masten led the team averaging 15.6 points per game with a 48.4 field goal percentage, closely followed by Jordan Belka notching 14.3 points and 6.9 rebounds per contest. True freshman Jacksen Moni added 14.2 points and 5.5 boards per game as well. The trio of Masten, Belka and Moni were named to the NSIC All-Conference second team for the Wolves. The Northern women went 13-15 overall and 9-12 in the NSIC. The Wolves upset Augustana in the opening round of the NSIC/Sanford Health Tournament, 76-66, and fell to No. 13 St. Cloud State in the quarterfinals. Kailee Oliverson led the team, averaging 15.6 points and 7.3 rebounds per contest. Lexi Roe became a member of the Wolves 1,000 point club, finishing her career with 1,110 points. Oliverson earned NSIC All-Conference first team honors, while Rianna Fillipi was named to the league’s second team. Male Performance of the Year Cole Huss Female Performance of the Year Megan Fastenau Male Newcomer of the Year Jacksen Moni Female Newcomer of the Year Megan Fastenau Coach of the Year Rocky Burkett Team of the Year Wolves Soccer Upset of the Year Volleyball vs. #10 Concordia-St. Paul Comeback of the Year Peyton Ellingson NSU Inspiration Award Wolves Wrestling Pride in the Pack Award Terri Holmes Professor of the Year Gus Foote Corporate Champion of the Year The Zoo Bar/Lagers Inn Fan of the Year Kyle Schwan The Clark Swisher and Hildred Wolfe awards stayed within the family, won by Tanner and Tava Berg for their career accomplishments. NSU Athletics Winter-Spring Recap WOMEN ’ S BASKETBAL L Kailee Oliverson MEN ’ S BASKETBAL L Jacksen Moni SWIMMI NG Haley Osborne WOMEN’S BASKETBALL MEN’S BASKETBALL SWIMMING
NORTHERN TODAY 15 SPRING 2022 The Northern State baseball team went 15-26 overall and 10-18 in the NSIC in spring 2022. The Wolves battled through numerous schedule changes and cancellations throughout the spring. Isaiah Chevalier closed out the season hitting a team best .298 with 31 hits and 11 RBI. The Wolves’ second baseman was also named to the NSIC All-Defensive team, holding a 1.000 fielding percentage with 62 putouts and 77 assists. Max Otto led the Wolves pitching staff with a 2.69 ERA, 6-3 record, four complete games and 57 strikeouts in 67.0 innings of work. The Wolves saw numerous school records broken in both the indoor and outdoor seasons in 2021-22. Northern took sixth (men) and eighth (women) from the NSIC Indoor Championships and fourth (men) and 11th (women) from the NSIC Outdoor Championships. All-Conference recipients for the Wolves in the indoor season included Tanner Berg (shot put/weight throw), Shanice Burrell (60m hurdles), Jackson Harrison (5000m), Kealy Hill (pole vault) and Glen Quayle (pole vault). Berg and Quayle were crowned the NSIC Champions in the weight throw and pole vault. Tanner Berg (weight throw), Shanice Burrell (60m hurdles), and Glen Quayle (pole vault) qualified for the NCAA Indoor Championships, with Berg and Quayle notching All-American awards for the second and 12th place finishes. Indoor school record performances included Shona Juliana (triple jump/long jump), Jennifer Clark (800m), Jackson Harrison (3000m / 5000m), Tanner Berg (weight throw), Glen Quayle (pole vault), Mary Franssen (1000m) and Shanice Burrell (60m hurdles). All-Conference recipients for the Wolves in the outdoor season included Kealy Hill (pole vault), Rachel Guthmiller (javelin), Luke Schroeder (110m hurdles/400m hurdles), Glen Quayle (pole vault), Tanner Berg (shot put/hammer throw) and Jackson Willis (decathlon). Guthmiller, Berg and Schroeder won NSIC Championships in the javelin, hammer throw and 400m hurdles. Outdoor school record performances prior to the NSIC Championships included Tanner Berg (hammer); Glen Quayle (pole vault); Shona Juliana (long jump); distance medley relay (Megan Pickering, Jennifer Clark, Mary Franssen and Isabel Kinzer); men’s 4x100m relay (Seth Martens, Luke Schroeder, Isaac Olson and Joel Matehs); and Jackson Harrison (5000m). Tanner Berg will compete in the hammer at the NCAA Outdoor Championships over Memorial Day weekend. TRACK AND F I E LD Tanner Berg WREST L I NG Cole Huss TRACK AND F I E LD Shanice Burrell Northern State opened its first season from Koehler Hall of Fame Field and under the direction of first-year head coach Ashley Schilling. The Wolves went 12-38 overall and 4-24 in the NSIC. Megan Anderson broke both the single season and career strikeout records, notching 218 strikeouts in 2022 and the 476th of her career as a junior. Liv Richardson led the Wolves offense in her first season on the field, notching a .385 average with 60 hits, 13 doubles, nine homeruns, 38 RBI and 24 runs scored. She was honored on the NSIC All-Conference second team. SOFTBALL TRACK AND FIELD Northern tallied a 10-3 overall record and 6-3 NSIC record in dual competition. The Wolves added top-25 victories over No. 15 Upper Iowa (23-15), No. 17 Minnesota State (30-13), and No. 20 UMary (19-13). NSU finished third in the league standings and fourth as a team at the NCAA Super Region V Tournament. Wyatt Turnquist and Kolton Roth were named to the NSIC All-Conference first and second team. The Wolves qualified three for the NCAA Championships including Wyatt Turnquist (149), Treyton Cacek (184) and Cole Huss (197). Cole Huss recorded the first NCAA All-American honor of his career, taking fourth at the NCAA Championships. Huss went 4-2 at the championships with upset wins over the second, seventh and eighth seeded wrestlers in his weight class. WRESTLING BASEBALL BASEBAL L Max Otto SOFTBAL L Liv Richardson
NORTHERN TODAY 16 SPRING 2022 Lester Clarke Former Dean of the NSU School of Education, Vice President of Academics and interim president Charles (Chuck) Welke Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education and Master of Science in Secondary Education HE NORTHERN STATE University Foundation will honor six alumni and friends of Northern at the 2022 NSU Hall of Fame and Distinguished Alumni Banquet. The event will take place at 5 p.m. Friday, Oct. 7, in the Kessler’s Champions Club Room in the Barnett Center. Lifetime Achievement Award: Lester Clarke Kretchman Coaching Award: Charles (Chuck) B. Welke Distinguished Alumnus: Roger Youngman Hall of Fame inductees: Doyle Everson, Adam Kampsen and Rachel (Krogman) Rieger Lester Clarke is receiving the NSU Lifetime Achievement Award. Clarke was born in 1921 and grew up in Wessington Springs, S.D. He received his B.S. in Teacher Education and Animal Husbandry from SDSU in 1943. Clarke was called to active duty in the U.S. Navy in 1943 and spent two years in the South Pacific and Pearl Harbor. Upon his return to the United States, he married his wife, the late Charlotte (Wilson) Clarke, in 1945. Clarke left active duty in 1946, but spent nine years in the Reserves. He worked at Sisseton High School from 1946 to 1957, including eight years as teacher and four years as principal. In 1959, Clarke received his doctorate from the University of Wyoming. His career with Northern began in 1959. Clarke was the face of the NSU School of Education for over 30 years, serving as professor, department chair and Dean of the School of Education. Clarke also served as NSU Vice President of Academics, and interim NSU President twice. Clarke retired in 1984 but continued as a teacher and member of the graduate faculty until 1992. Clarke was also International Liaison, part of the first U.S. group allowed into China, an Educational Trip to FUDAN University, in 1979. The Clarkes housed international students, including Liane Dzau Shishnia, the first Chinese student at NSU. He also served as Superintendent of the South Dakota School for the Blind and Visually Impaired. Longtime friends and supporters of Northern, the Clarkes have generously given many gifts to support the NSU Foundation. They were original President Club members and also created numerous endowments. Lifetime Achievement Award Kretchman Coaching Award Charles (Chuck) Welke is the Kretchman Coaching Award recipient. The late Welke earned a B.S. in Secondary Education in 1975 and M.S. in Secondary Education in 1999, both from Northern. Welke worked at Harrold High School (19751977) and Warner High School (1977-2010), teaching social science, health and physical education. He served as Warner’s athletic director for 15 years, and was middle and high school principal for five years. In his 29 years as a head boys’ basketball coach, Welke’s record was 439 wins and 185 losses. This included numerous Conference, District and Region titles and nine appearances at the State B Basketball tournament. He also coached the Warner girls’ basketball team for four years, with a record of 48 wins and 31 losses. Welke’s awards and honors include: 1993 S.D. High School Basketball Coach of the Year; 2008 S.D. Basketball Coaches Association Hall of Fame; 2009 Region 2 Athletic Director of the Year; 2010 S.D. High School Coaches Association Hall of Fame; and 2014 S.D. High School Activities Association Distinguished Service Award. Welke and his wife, Ellen, have three children, Chuck, Joel and Amber, all of whom played basketball for the Warner Monarchs with Welke as coach. They also have eight grandchildren: Jada, Jasmine, William, Jackson, Preston, Jamison, Brielle and Evan. Welke retired in 2010, and served as a South Dakota Senator from 2013 to 2014. In 2021, he passed away unexpectedly of cardiac arrest. Welke was passionate about his family, students and community. He strongly believed in serving others. His final act of service was to donate his corneas to Dakota Lions Sight and Health, resulting in two people regaining their sight. T NSU Hall of Fame and Distinguished Alumni Banquet set for Oct. 7
NORTHERN TODAY 17 SPRING 2022 Roger Youngman Bachelor of Science in math and physical science Doyle Everson Bachelor of Science in Education Adam Kampsen Bachelor of Science in Physiology Rachel (Krogman) Rieger Bachelor of Science in Education and Master of Science in Education Rachel (Krogman) Rieger graduated from NSU with a Bachelor of Science in Education in 2015, and a Master of Science in Education in 2018. She lives in Aberdeen, where she works as a teacher at Holgate Middle School, but is transitioning to a position at Huff Construction in June. She and her husband, Jeff, have one son, Mason. Rieger played basketball for the Wolves 2010-2015, ending with 1,440 career points (7th all-time) and 980 career rebounds (3rd all-time). She is the school record-holder averaging 8.8 rebounds per game in her career. She is a single season school recordholder with 356 rebounds; a two-time NSIC AllConference; CoSIDA Academic All-American; and NSU Hildred Wolfe Award winner. Distinguished Alumnus Roger Youngman, NSU Distinguished Alumnus, graduated with a B.S. in math and physical science from Northern State Teacher’s College in 1963. He received an M.A. in math from Central Michigan in 1968, with three sequential summers at the National Science Institute. He is a founding member of the International Chapter of the National Association of Secondary School Principals (Military Schools, Germany, 1980). He served as ICONASSP President in 1983 and 1984. His community involvement includes: Lutheran Church, Bowdle; Protestant Church Military Communities, Japan, Azores and Germany; and basketball official, high school and military leagues, Japan, Azores, Germany. Youngman retired from the Department of Defense in 2000, and retired from the Conde School District in 2006. He lives in Aberdeen with his wife, Karen Kay (Dinger) Youngman. They have three children: James (Marisa), Scott (Myrl) and Todd (Lisa); and six grandchildren: Tyler, Mackenzie, Trace, Riley, Jackson and Elizabeth. Hall Of Fame Inductees Doyle Everson earned a Bachelor of Science in Education from Northern in 1987. He in lives in Rapid City, working for Knecht Home Center. Everson and his wife, Margaret, together have six children, Erica, Francis, Donnie, Christopher, Harold and Jeremy; and 14 grandchildren. Everson had over 100 career wins, a 30-win season and was a two-time National qualifier. In 1985, he won second place in the NAIA National Championships; the Wolves finished third as a team that year. He is also a four-time NAIA National Qualifier and a 1987 NSFC Conference Champion. Everson holds the school record for most career points (600). He is a member of the S.D. Wrestling Coaches Association Hall of Fame (2013) and Mitchell High School Hall of Fame (2009). In 1992, he coached the Miller High School Wrestling Team to a third place state tournament finish. He has volunteered as a South Dakota High School Activities Association Wrestling official for 30 years. At Mitchell High School, he was a three-time State Champion and one-time Runner-up, as well as a High School AllAmerican with a 109-4 record. Adam Kampsen graduated in 2008 with a B.S. in Physiology. Kampsen played baseball for the Wolves from 2005 to 2008, ending with a career .391 batting average, .731 slugging percentage and 45 homeruns. He was a two-time NSIC Batting Champion, the 2008 NSIC Player of the Year, three-time NSIC All-Conference honoree, two-time ABCA All-Region selection, two-time NSIC Preseason Player of the Year, a 2008 ABCA All-America third team member, and the 2008 Top Slugger in the Country. Kampsen is the Northern State school record holder for single season onbase percentage (.544), and slugging percentage (.968), achieving both in the 2008 season. In addition, he ranks top-10 in career at-bats, batting average, slugging percentage, hits, doubles, triples, homeruns, runs batted in, stolen bases, runs scored, and walks. In his career, he has been named President’s Club Winner (top salesman) three times. He now works as a Medical Device Rep for Medtronic in Louisville, Ky. He and his wife, Erica, have two children: Jones and Lenny.
NORTHERN TODAY 18 SPRING 2022 CLASS NOTES 1978 Duane R. Niles Jr. was chosen as a 2022 inductee into the South Dakota Bandmasters Association Hall of Fame. 1986 Lucinda Weigel, CPA, was selected to represent Virginia on the Taxpayer Advocacy Panel (TAP), a federal advisory committee that provides taxpayer input to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Weigel’s appointment to the national panel is for a three-year term. 1988 Lisa (Friske) Brandt was named Teacher of the Year (2020-21) for the Castlewood School District. 2007 Nichole (Wentz) Bowman was awarded a Milken Educator Award in March. 1995/2010 Julie (Heezen) Marshall was named South Dakota Middle School Principal of the Year by the South Dakota Association of Secondary Principals (SDASSP). 1999/2004 Carl Pierson published a new book, “The Other Side of Glory,” which was released in November 2021. 1973 Terry Person and his wife, Kathryn (Amundson) ‘73, celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on Dec. 18, 2021. 1991 Stacey (Ducheneaux) Nelson and her husband, Wayne Nelson, celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary on Aug. 17, 2021. 1969/1972 Dave Ohleen and Barb (Monzel) Ohleen (M.S. 1995 and 2001) celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on Nov. 24, 2021. 1940 Irene (Gange) Kalt, Aberdeen, S.D., on Jan. 7, 2022. 1943 Marvin Dombrowe, Aberdeen, S.D., on Feb. 5, 2022. 1945 Millie (Gerber) Lockington, Aberdeen, S.D., on Dec. 28, 2021. 1947 Melva (Newman) Olson, Redfield, S.D., on Dec. 31, 2021. 1948 Alice (Stoecker) Bakken, Sioux Falls, S.D., on Dec. 15, 2021. 1949 Earl Grandpre, Aberdeen, S.D., on Feb. 27, 2022. 1952 Willis Mehlhaff, Aberdeen, S.D., on Nov. 17, 2021. 1953 Robert Jones, Eureka, S.D., on Jan. 27, 2022. 1954 Marian (Prunty) Grode, Bristol, S.D., on Nov. 18, 2021. 1958 Carroll Nehls, Groton, S.D., on Nov. 27, 2021. Leo Himmerich, Watertown, S.D., on Dec. 17, 2021. 1959 Janet (O’Keefe) Auble, Bismarck, N.D., on March 22, 2022. Donald Dennert, Tucson, Ariz., on Jan. 24, 2022. CELEBRATIONS Ralph Johnson, Aberdeen, S.D., on April 12, 2022. 1960 James Anderson, Rapid City, on Jan. 4, 2022. Robert Geditz, Ipswich, S.D., on Nov. 28, 2021. Terry Pexa, Sioux Falls, S.D., on Jan. 12, 2022. James Smith, Morgan Hill, Calif., on Jan. 10, 2022. 1962 Duane Wanner, Eureka, S.D., on Feb. 10, 2022. 1963 Robert “Bob” Putnam, Sioux Falls, S.D., on April 6, 2022. 1965 Gerold Beck, Sioux Falls, S.D., on Jan. 25, 2022. Ruth (Hanson) Tobin, Bristol, S.D., on Feb. 1, 2022. 1966 Lloyd Duncan, Caldwell, Idaho, on Jan. 9, 2022. Stanley Sauer, Billings, Mont., on Nov. 1, 2021. 1967 Jeanne (Holland) Westby, Aberdeen, S.D., on Feb. 20, 2022. 1968 Sandy (Wilcox) Misslitz, Warner, S.D., on Oct. 24, 2021. 1969 Joel Bindenagel, Aberdeen, S.D., on Jan. 29, 2022. Rosalie Brosz, Fishers, Ind., on Oct. 22, 2021. E. Elizabeth (Kramlich) Swanson, Friday, June 11, 2021. 1970 Dennis Luckey, Omaha, Neb., on Dec. 12, 2021. Larry Moen, Sisseton, S.D., on Jan. 22, 2022. James Soyer, Sioux Falls, S.D., on Oct. 15, 2021. 1971 Arlene (Torguson) Anderson, Aberdeen, S.D., on Dec. 6, 2021. Judine (Whaley) Drayer, Albuquerque, N.M., on Oct. 15, 2021. Shirley (Funk) Hoff, Eureka, S.D., on Feb. 18, 2022. IN MEMORIAM IN MEMORIAM Alumni | NORTHERN STATE UNIVERSI TY The South Dakota State Amateur Basketball Association celebrated the 75th Anniversary Tournament in Presho, S.D., on Feb. 26 and 27. Pictured are Northern State University alumni who participated in the game. Back row (left to right): Keith Gall (‘91), Keith Kusler (‘77), Jeff Wepking (‘76), Scott Kusler (‘82), Kevin King (‘84). Front row (left to right): Dennis Smith (‘71), Larry Brown (‘83) and Keith Moore (‘90). CELEBRATIONS
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