NORTHERN STAT E UN I VERS I TY Aberdeen, South Dakota | Fall 2022 NEW MERIT-BASED SCHOLARSHIPS page 11 Scan the QR code to find out more.
Contents 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 Afairs 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 Afairs 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 2022, 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 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 TWITTERAlumniNSU FACEBOOK NSU Alumni Association EMAIL nsualumni@northern.edu p. Gypsy Days 4 p. Athletics Fall Recap 14 p. Partnership leads to scholarship funds 12 4 NSU names new Director of Athletics NSU has named a new leader to guide the next era of Wolves Athletics. 4 Northern celebrates Gypsy Days 2022 Northern’s annual homecoming celebration was held Oct. 3-9, with the theme, as voted on by students, of “Wolves on Broadway.” 5 Gallery X provides more student art exhibition space NSU art students have a new space to showcase their work. 6 Scholarships play important role in college choice for NSU student “It made it easier, and made my parents and myself more confdent in the choice…” 7 GiveNDay impact echoes across Northern State University Campus NSU students are reaping the benefts of GiveNDay 2022. 8 Northern State University will receive $1.5 million in federal grants Aberdeen is a community with a history of innovation, teeming abundant social capital, institutional and community support, and a vibrant entrepreneurial spirit. 9 Faculty win grant to expand Nora Staael Evert Human Performance Lab Northern’s current outdated equipment will be updated with more advanced technology. 10 Honors students complete research with assistance from across campus Honors students receive assistance, in a variety of disciplines and departments. 11 ‘WolfPACT unleashed’ merit-based scholarship These new changes will be awarded to frstyear, full-time, degree-seeking students. 12 Partnership leads to scholarship funds, hands-on learning for NSU students A partnership between Northern State University and Aberdeen’s One-Legged Pheasant has resulted in a new brew that is raising scholarship funds for NSU students. 14 NSU Athletics Fall Recap 16 NSU Foundation WolfPups and Leaders of the Pack Show of your little ones in their favorite NSU gear. 18 Alumni News See class notes, celebrations and memorials. ON THE COVER: Anthony Harris Jr., a junior criminal justice major from Minneapolis, Minn. NORTHERN TODAY 2 FALL 2022
NORTHERN STATE UNIVERSI TY | Letter from the President Letter from the President N ORTHERN STATE UNIVERSITY is increasingly recognized for providing high-quality, affordable, and personalized educational experiences and support through both traditional and Hy-Flex delivery options. Our amazing students continue to impress. Since 2013, 55 of 58 (95 percent) Northern Honors students’ abstracts submitted to the National Collegiate Honors Conference have been accepted. That includes multiple first and second place finishes. In addition to mentoring students’ research and creative activity, faculty recently won a South Dakota EPSCoR grant to fund an expansion of the Nora Staael Evert Human Performance Lab. Faculty also partnered with the Aberdeen Development Corporation and the Center on Rural Innovation to receive $1.5 million in federal grants, matching dollars and additional grants to support local entrepreneurship and innovation. You can learn more about these achievements in this issue. Our students, faculty, campus and community are reaping the benefits of ever stronger collaborations between Northern and the Northern State University Foundation. Foundation and donor support has enabled us to roll out an aggressive new WolfPACT unleashed scholarship model, and has funded leading edge facilities. The success of GiveNDay (April 6-7, 2022) has also provided an unprecedented scope of programmatic support. Currently, campus is completing its first comprehensive strategic enrollment management plan. Northern’s No. 1 priority is to build a growth strategy that expands student access, success and educational attainment to increase students’ socioeconomic mobility while serving the public good. Once created and approved, the plan will guide decision-making and establish priorities for all of campus. Bottom line, we want more students to receive a Northern education and experience life in Aberdeen, S.D., and to remain in the region and state to enhance workforce and economic development. Your continued patronage is vital to transforming students’ lives and growth across our region. On behalf of all at Northern, thank you for your support. We wish you a happy holiday season, and Go Wolves! Dr. Neal Schnoor NSU President NORTHERN TODAY 3 FALL 2022
News | NORTHERN STATE UNIVERSI TY Northern State University names new Director of Athletics N ORTHERN STATE has named a new leader to guide the next era of Wolves Athletics. Nate Davis has been selected as NSU Director of Athletics—one of only five people to hold that title in almost 70 years. “I am grateful to the search committee, the South Dakota Board of Regents, the NSU Foundation and all who took part in the interview process,” Davis said. “I am thankful to President Schnoor for this opportunity and appreciate his confidence in selecting me to lead Wolves Athletics. Northern State University has a tremendous history of success in athletics, and I am excited to carry that success forward and continue to build on an already outstanding foundation. Hannah, Tate and I are thrilled to join the Northern and Aberdeen communities. I look forward to meeting and building strong relationships with our fans, alumni, supporters, coaches, staff, and most importantly, our studentathletes.” Davis received his bachelor’s degree and MBA from Southwest Baptist University in Missouri. His previous work experience includes serving as Associate Athletic Director and Assistant Athletic Director for Marketing, Promotion and Licensing at Northwest Missouri State University; Assistant Athletic Director for Operations at Abilene Christian University in Texas; and Assistant Athletic Director for Operations at Southwest Baptist University. “Nate has a wide variety of experience in education and athletics and understands what it takes to build and sustain a winning athletics and academic culture,” said Dr. Neal Schnoor, NSU President. “This makes him the perfect choice to lead NSU Athletics, and we are thrilled to welcome him and his family to Northern and Aberdeen.” Davis replaces Josh Moon, who stepped down last summer after nine years to accept the same role at the NCAA Division I University of Wisconsin-Green Bay. Since then, NSU Senior Associate Athletic Director Terri Holmes served as Interim Director of Athletics. “Terri did an outstanding job leading our Athletics Department this past academic year, and we are grateful for her deep dedication, passion, and strong leadership,” Schnoor said. Davis is the fifth person to serve in the NSU Director of Athletics position since 1956. Besides Moon, past directors were Clark Swisher, Dr. James Kretchman and Bob Olson. The search was assisted by consultant Jeff Schemmel, founder and CEO of College Sports Solutions. Nate Davis and his wife, Hannah, with their son, Tate. Northern celebrates Gypsy Days 2022 N ORTHERN STATE UNIVERSITY students, faculty, alumni, and members of the community and region came together to celebrate Gypsy Days 2022. Northern’s annual homecoming celebration was held Oct. 3-9, with the theme, as voted on by students, of “Wolves on Broadway.” Festivities took place on campus all week, including a pool party, ice cream social and bonfire bash. On the athletics side, along with home events for Wolves football, soccer, swimming and volleyball, there was also a Homerun Derby hosted by the softball team at Koehler Hall of Fame Field. Homecoming royalty coronation took place Thursday evening, with Maray Larson named queen and Drew Vef lin named marshal. On Friday night, the NSU Foundation honored Distinguished Alumni and Hall of Fame inductees, including: 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. On Saturday, Gypsy Day, the morning kicked off with the annual Steps for Shep 5K Road Race/1 Miler. Then, the main event: the Gypsy Day Parade began at 9 a.m. on South Main Street, led by parade marshals Karen and the late Roger Youngman, and members of their family. Community members lined the streets to watch the parade, which included an array of f loats and area school marching bands—including Northern’s very own Marching Wolves. Parade winners included: Best Overall Float (best group participation and overall theme representation): Primrose Second Best Overall: Blank Canvas Salon Third Best Overall: Aberdeen Swim Club Northern Spirit Award (best Northern internal group participation): NSU Honors Program Thunder’s Award (best animal entry): Dirksen Organic Beef Best Overall Band: Aberdeen Central High School That afternoon, more than 7,000 Wolves fans packed Dacotah Bank Stadium for the Gypsy Day football game victory against Winona State. The NSU volleyball team played that evening in Wachs Arena against Augustana, and the soccer team finished off the weekend on Sunday at the Athletic and Recreation Fields against Southwest Minnesota State. View a photo gallery at northern.edu/about/gypsy-days. NORTHERN TODAY 4 FALL 2022
NORTHERN STATE UNIVERSI TY | News Gallery X provides more student art exhibition space on NSU campus N ORTHERN State art students have a new space to showcase their work with the opening of Gallery X in the Johnson Fine Arts Center. The gallery, located in JFAC Room 106, will primarily be used as a student gallery, and it will be a student-run space, said Northern Galleries Director Tim Rickett. Rickett said the space is all about experimentation, and Gallery X in particular is the students’ space in which to do whatever they want. “It is a professional academic gallery space that will allow the students to put on their own shows throughout the year and serve as a space for critiques, documentation and even a space for larger installation-based work,” he said. “Having another space to show work is vital for artistic opportunities for our students, and we are beyond thrilled to begin our exhibitions in the space.” Gallery X officially opened to the public Sept. 12. On display is the Gallery X Grand Opening Exhibition, which features artwork by several NSU art students, including Kai Brisk, Aunna Cloos, Emilie Crosby, Olivia Gohl, Gabby Grieme, Jaci Mollman, Abby Patton, David Romero, Hunter Russell, Esther Santiago, Kelly Stadel, Levi Stern and Tia Swiontek. Friends of the Arts/NSU also hosted its 2022-23 Season Kick-Off Social Sept. 9 in an event open to Friends of the Arts members and Northern art students. Gallery X is now the second art exhibition space in the Johnson Fine Arts Center, along with the main JFAC Art Gallery. With this new addition, Northern now has more galleries than any other South Dakota school, Rickett said. Campus art spaces also include the Avera Student Center Gallery, the President’s Gallery in Spafford Hall, Lincoln Gallery and the Beulah Williams Library Gallery. Cloos, Northern Galleries student assistant, said the new gallery provides students an opportunity to see their artwork outside the classroom. She will have two photographs on display in the Grand Opening Exhibition—it’ll be the first time she’ll see her work in a studio. “That’s really cool,” she said. “I’m excited for people to come see it.” Cloos, a junior from Big Stone City, is double majoring in business administration and graphic design. Part of the reason she chose Northern is because her sister, mom, grandma and aunt all attended as well. “It’s a family thing,” she explained. When she toured campus, the community feel at NSU also inf luenced her decision. “It just felt like home.” For more information on Gallery X and studying the arts at Northern, contact the NSU School of Fine Arts at 605-626-2497. NORTHERN TODAY 5 FALL 2022
NORTHERN TODAY 6 FALL 2022 News | NORTHERN STATE UNIVERSI TY Scholarships play important role in college choice for NSU student F OR NORTHERN State University student Elly Smith, scholarships played an important role in her decision to attend college far from home. “It made it easier, and made my parents and myself more confident in the choice that I was making, knowing that they obviously wanted me,” said Smith, a junior from Centennial, Colo. “It definitely made everyone in my family a little more comfortable with sending me out of state and helping me decide where to go.” Smith, a catcher on the NSU Wolves Softball Team, is majoring in human performance and fitness with a minor in coaching and music. She is a recipient of the NSU Softball Scholarship, and she also received a scholarship from the music department her freshman year. Originally from the Denver area, Smith said she was used to city life before coming to Northern. “When I came up to Aberdeen, the small community was definitely a cultural shock at first, but then I learned to actually love it, and I do like the small-town feel,” she said. “One of the things I love most about Northern is the fact that it’s in that small-town community, but it’s not a small campus. It’s just the right size of being big, but not too big.” Smith, who plays tuba in the NSU Wind Ensemble, also loves the fact that she was able to pursue athletics and music at Northern. “At a bigger school, it would be a lot tougher to balance both,” she said. Smith said being a member of the softball team was her primary reason for choosing Northern. “It feels good to put so much work into something and be told that you’re wanted for that,” she said. “To justify all the hard work that you’ve done.” But once she knew Northern wanted her, she asked herself: “Do I want it?” The answer was clear after her first visit—the feel of the school and the size of campus made it a place she could picture herself in. “If I hadn’t played softball, and I had known about Northern, it would still be a contender for a school that I would go to without softball,” she said. Smith said she’s grateful for donors who make scholarships like hers possible. While she’s fortunate that she’s never had to question whether she could afford college, scholarships provide an extra benefit and incentive when choosing a university. “I think it’s very important that every athlete gets the opportunity to go to school if they choose to, and more importantly feel like they were wanted, and that’s part of what that scholarship shows,” Smith said. “And I think that helps push them to do their best in school and do their best in their sport, knowing that they have that.” “One of the things “ I love most about Northern is the fact that it’s in that smalltown community, but it’s not a small campus. It’s just the right size of being big, but not too big.” ”
NORTHERN STATE UNIVERSI TY | News GiveNDay impact echoes across campus S TUDENTS across NSU’s campus are reaping the benefits of GiveNDay 2022. The annual 24-hour giving campaign, hosted by the Northern State University Foundation, seeks to raise funding for programs, schools, teams and organizations in all areas of NSU. In 2022, GiveNDay raised over $330,000 from more than 1,800 donors, and the effects of that funding are echoing across campus. GiveNDay supported over 30 different initiatives; from the four schools at NSU, to athletic teams, to clubs and organizations, the gifts shared that day have made an impact at Northern. Counseling Services offers Week of Wellness with GiveNDay gifts “GiveNDay was a huge success for Counseling Services,” said Christina Shilman, Staff Counselor of Counseling Services at Northern. The focus of Counseling Services is to promote the emotional well-being of students while helping them resolve personal difficulties. Shilman is a trained mental health therapist who provides one-on-one counseling sessions and delivers campus and community-wide outreach. Shilman added, “Last year we hosted a Mental Health Week for our students from a grant a student received from the Bush Foundation. The week was successful, and there was a large number of students appreciative of the campus-wide discussion of this important topic. We’re really excited to offer Mental Wellness Week again because donors were so generous on GiveNDay. These gifts are helping us normalize help-seeking behaviors, and provide suicide prevention trainings for students, faculty and staff.” Counseling Services hosted Mental Health Wellness Week Oct. 17-21. The schedule included programming for faculty, staff and students, included stress-relieving practices and activities, fitness classes like Zumba and yoga, as well as a live recording of Shrink Rap the Podcast. GiveNDay kicks-off new scholarship for College of Arts and Sciences Because of gifts received on GiveNDay, the College of Arts and Sciences created a new GiveNDay scholarship to a student in the school. “GiveNDay allows the College of Arts and Sciences to bolster the college’s strategic efforts, such as recruitment and marketing, as well as start initiatives, such as a new College of Arts and Sciences scholarship,” said College of Arts and Sciences Dean Dr. Alyssa Kiesow. “We are excited as a college to roll out this new scholarship and would not have been able to do so without GiveNDay monies,” Kiesow said. NSU Athletics uses GiveNDay to continue championship experiences for student-athletes GiveNDay 2022 brought in over $170,000 for Northern State Athletics, and a large portion of those funds will be used for student-athlete scholarships. Athletic Director Nate Davis sees the inf luence from GiveNDay as more than just financial, however. “The impact GiveNDay has for our student-athletes and athletic programs goes far beyond just the dollars raised during the event,” Davis said. “Our student-athletes can see firsthand the passion and commitment of members of the Northern community far and wide.” Along with financial aid for scholarships, the Wolves will also use the funds to support operating expenses for each program. “Through the individual gifts and matching challenges, we have the ability to continue operating our programs at a level that allows us to stay competitive within the NSIC, the Central Region and beyond,” said Davis. “We always want to say thank you to those who support us, but we also want to show our appreciation by achieving success at a high level both academically and athletically.” GiveNDay 2023 slated for April 5-6 Northern State looks to build on the success of GiveNDay 2022 by continuing the tradition of the 24hour giving campaign April 5-6, 2023. If you wish to get involved with GiveNDay, please reach out to the NSU Foundation at 605-626-2550. NORTHERN TODAY 7 FALL 2022 Students experience a sound bath. A way of managing anxiety and soothing the nervous system.
News| NORTHERN STATE UNIVERSI TY NSU and ADC are strategic partners working together to build a stronger “ entrepreneurial ecosystem with an intentional emphasis on tech. ” NSU receives $100,000 grant to help launch Northern Startup Center Pictured, left to right: Doug Ohmer, Michael Wanous, Heath Johnson, Michael Bockorny, Hannah Walters, Erin Fouberg, Blake Day, Pat Gallagher, Alyssa Kiesow and Veronica Paulson. N ORTHERN State University has received a $100,000 grant from the Knight Foundation’s Aberdeen Fund in the South Dakota Community Foundation to help launch the Northern Startup Center, which will support local entrepreneurship and innovation. The Knight Aberdeen Fund grant complements a Venture Challenge grant from the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) Build to Scale program, which NSU secured in partnership with the Aberdeen Development Corporation (ADC) and the Center on Rural Innovation (CORI). The Aberdeen Area Community Foundation (AACF) assisted in securing the Knight Aberdeen Fund grant. The total Startup Center project is $1.5 million, including the $750,000 Venture Challenge grant and a $750,000 local match. The Knight Aberdeen Fund grant is a part of that local match. “The support provided by the Knight Aberdeen Fund is an investment in this crucial project and Northern’s expanding role in entrepreneurship and building stronger partnerships among and across the university, downtown Aberdeen, the Aberdeen Development Corporation, the city of Aberdeen, the Aberdeen Area Community Foundation and the NSU Foundation,” said Dr. Hannah Walters, principal investigator for the EDA grant and Knight Aberdeen Fund grant. The Startup Center, now open on the NSU campus, is currently located in Beulah Williams Library and will NORTHERN TODAY 8 FALL 2022
NORTHERN STATE UNIVERSI TY | News Scan to read more. Faculty win grant to expand Nora eventually be housed in the new Staael Evert Human Performance Lab building replacing Lincoln Hall. Through this initiative, Northern expects to advance the ideas of 25 entrepreneurs and launch 10+ startups resulting in 50 new digital jobs in northeast South Dakota in the first three years. The CEO of the ADC, Michael Bockorny, stated, “NSU and ADC are strategic partners working together to build a stronger entrepreneurial ecosystem with an intentional emphasis on tech. NSU is creating the Startup Center, and the ADC has invested in new facilities to launch the Business Innovation and Technology (BIT) Center, an accelerator program. Working in concert with each other, the Northern Startup Center and the ADC BIT Center will diversify Aberdeen’s economy, enhancing the current agriculture and manufacturing reliance, and addressing the threats of automation and climate change to those industries. Economic diversification has long been a goal of the ADC, and this is a major step in the direction of this multi-year effort.” Aberdeen Area Community Foundation (AACF) Board Chair Heath Johnson said the AACF is proud to have helped facilitate this grant for such an important project for the Aberdeen area. “The project addresses many of the Knight Aberdeen Fund’s strategic priorities for Aberdeen, including supporting NSU and its connections to the community as well as promoting economic development, talent attraction and retention, and a vibrant downtown,” Johnson said. “This has exciting potential for our community.” Read more about the Startup Center and the collaboration of NSU, ADC and CORI at northern.edu/ news/northern-state-university-willreceive-15-million-federal-grantsand-matching-dollars-support. T WO Northern State University faculty members have won a South Dakota EPSCoR grant that will fund an expansion of Northern’s Nora Staael Evert Human Performance Lab—a project that will benefit NSU students, athletes and the entire region. Drs. Chelsee Shortt and Jessica Talmage won the Research and Development Innovation Grant to expand the Nora Staael Evert Human Performance Lab in the NSU Barnett Center. The $200,000 grant is made possible thanks to funds from the South Dakota Board of Regents, plus critical matching funds from the NSU Foundation, as well as in-kind graduate assistantships. The result will replace Northern’s current outdated equipment with more advanced technology. “It puts us on the map in terms of having a state-of-the-art lab,” said Shortt, Assistant Professor of Human Performance and Physical Education/ Sports Sciences Department Chair. The new equipment will include a motion capture camera system and force plates for biomechanical analysis, Biodex dynamometer for strength analysis, electrocardiogram (EKG) for cardiac analysis, updated treadmill and ergometric bicycle for metabolic testing, and a sport physiology system with GPS and heart rate monitor for on-the-field physiological analysis. A second room within the Barnett Center will be added to serve as a Biomechanics Lab, housing the new motion caption camera system and force plates, which Talmage said is the “gold standard.” “You can’t get any better than what we’re going to be getting,” said Talmage, Assistant Professor of Human Performance. All of the changes will provide handson learning for students to better prepare them for future careers in sports science or allied health graduate programs. Shortt said the field is moving to more datadriven decision-making, and the new equipment will allow Northern students to qualify for competitive graduate assistantships and programs. “We really wanted to give the students the opportunity to learn what the new technology is and how the field of sport sciences is really growing and developing,” she said. Talmage added, “It’s essentially going to open up way more doors for our students after graduation to apply for jobs.” The lab expansion will also enhance undergraduate research capabilities, as well as the health and performance of NSU students and studentathletes. “The coaches and Athletics are very supportive of us expanding our lab,” Shortt said. “I think they’re excited for the opportunities, that are coming.” So far, progress on the project includes renovation of Barnett Center 59A. The accordion door has been replaced with an actual wall separating the two spaces, and all equipment has been removed in preparation for the new equipment. The equipment for the biomechanics lab has been ordered, with hopes that it will be delivered by the end of the year. The other equipment (Biodex and Polar Sensors) is in the process of being ordered pending BOR approval. The hope is to have the expanded lab up and running by spring 2023. Once complete, the goal is for the lab to be available to individuals and athletes not just on campus, but from the community and region as well. “We’re going to be the sports science lab of the north,” Shortt said. Dr. Chelsee Shortt Assistant Professor of Human Performance and Physical Education/ Sports Sciences Department Chair Dr. Jessica Talmage Assistant Professor of Human Performance NORTHERN TODAY 9 FALL 2022
News| NORTHERN STATE UNIVERSI TY Northern State Honors Program students complete research with assistance from across campus I really “ don’t know if there is a department that doesn’t come in contact with Honors research. ” S INCE the inception of the Northern State University Honors Program, Honors students have conducted research for thesis projects covering topics ranging from education to environmental science to entrepreneurship. And the path to completing those thesis projects is a campus-wide effort—NSU Honors students receive assistance from a vast network of individuals from across the Northern campus, in a variety of disciplines and departments. “I really don’t know if there is a department that doesn’t come in contact with Honors research,” said NSU Honors Program Director Dr. Kristi Bockorny. The process for conducting Honors thesis research starts in the classroom. Students take Honors 390, Seminar II during the spring semester of their sophomore or junior year, depending on their major and/or class schedule, Bockorny said. In this class, students develop their topic and a literature review for their study, and they have the opportunity to interview faculty to see if they would be a good fit for their thesis advisor. Once this course is complete, she said, students work with their chosen thesis advisor to conduct their actual research. This is when they start to work with more individuals across campus. The thesis committee consists of the thesis advisor, a reader, and the Honors director. Students might end up with an additional reader to get extra expertise, Bockorny said, and those who conduct research with human subjects will work with the NSU Internal Review Board. “The librarians are also instrumental in helping the students find research,” she said. “Lynn (Klundt) has come into Honors 390 since I have been the Director to explain how to use the databases and where to find citation information. It is important that students feel comfortable with the library, and so by having Lynn come in, it helps make that connection for the students.” Bockorny said Honors students may also need to take Collaborative Institutional Training Initiative training to conduct research; work with IT if they need to use software to gather data; work with faculty and staff who organize outreach programs or supervise labs; or work with Undergraduate Research and apply for grants for funding. Cross-campus support led to student award This type of cross-campus support leads to success for Honors students, as evidenced by Tawnie Williams, who recently won third place in the South Dakota Governor’s Giant Vision Student Competition. On the way to winning this award, Williams received assistance from her thesis advisor, Dr. Andrew Russell, and took crucial entrepreneurship courses taught by Dr. Sal Villegas and Mike Bockorny of Aberdeen Development Corporation (ADC). She also received help from: Klundt, who taught her to code the 3D printer in the library’s Maker Space to create her prototype; digital arts professor Jason Knowles, who helped produce a video for her elevator pitch; and marketing professor Hannah Walters who, along with Mike Bockorny of ADC, hosted a practice pitch session. Honors Program has had National Success The entire Honors Program has also enjoyed success on the national level. Nationally, the Honors Program is recognized for students’ stellar undergraduate research, including: First place in the Education and Pedagogy Student Poster Competition at the National Collegiate Honors Conference in 2013 and 2017. Second place in Health Sciences and third in Education and Pedagogy Student Poster Competition at the National Collegiate Honors Conference in 2018. Second place in Education and Pedagogy and second in Environmental Sciences, Conservation and Green Technology in 2021. NSU Honors students from a variety of disciplines have been accepted to present at the National Collegiate Honors Conference since 2013, and six have placed in the top three. Under the leadership of current Director Bockorny and past Director Erin Fouberg, Northern’s overall acceptance rate at the NCHC from 2013 through 2021 is 95 percent—55 of 58 Northern students who have submitted abstracts have been accepted. To learn more about Northern’s Honors Program, visit NSU Honors Program at northern.edu/academics/ honors-program. NORTHERN TODAY 10 FALL 2022
NORTHERN STATE UNIVERSI TY | News NSU ANNOUNCES TEST- OPT I ONAL ‘WolfPACT unleashed’ merit-based scholarship N ORTHERN State has announced enhancements to its merit-based WolfPACT scholarship program, including raising the highest award amount and opening eligibility to more students. It’s called WolfPACT unleashed, and it features a new test-optional category based solely on unweighted high school GPA. That means students would not need to take the ACT or SAT to qualify for a WolfPACT under this new category. The traditional WolfPACT model, which also takes test scores into account, is still available—and in this category, the highest scholarship amount has been increased to $16,000 over four years. Full details of award amounts in both categories can be found at northern.edu/wolfpact. These new changes will be awarded to first-year, fulltime, degree-seeking students starting summer/fall 2023. Qualifying current students will remain under the traditional WolfPACT model. WolfPACT unleashed is the first of many strategic changes that will emerge through Northern’s Strategic Enrollment Management planning process, in conjunction with consulting firm EAB. “The WolfPACT unleashed merit-based scholarship is the most generous and far-reaching four-year scholarship in the region,” said NSU Vice President of Enrollment, Communications and Marketing Justin Fraase. “We’re excited about this new initiative, as well as Northern’s other outstanding offerings, including personalized experiences; wraparound student success services; and a safe, welcoming campus.” To learn more about the new scholarship initiative, visit northern.edu/wolfpact. Test High school GPA Scores ACT SAT 28-36 1300-1600 24-27 1160-1290 20-23 1030-1150 Test optional No test score or lower than 20 or 1030 3.75-4.00 $16,000 $9,000 $8,000 GPA 3.90-4.00 $8,000 High school 3.75-3.89 $6,000 3.50-3.74 $12,000 $8,000 $6,000 3.50-3.74 $5,000 3.00-3.49 $10,000 $7,000 $5,000 3.00-3.49 $4,000 For WolfPACT eligibility, visit northern.edu/wolfpact or scan the QR code. NORTHERN TODAY 11 FALL 2022
News| NORTHERN STATE UNIVERSI TY Partnership leads to scholarship funds, hands-on learning for NSU students A partnership between Northern State University and Aberdeen’s One-Legged Pheasant has resulted in a new brew that is raising scholarship funds for NSU students. But the creation of Alpha Lager has also provided an experiential learning opportunity for Northern’s science students. That includes NSU senior Kennedy Davis of Fairfax, Va., who is interning at One-Legged Pheasant. “It’s a very rewarding experience,” said Davis, a biochemistry and German major. “It’s not something you really get in the classroom or in the lab. It’s really hands-on.” This unique student learning experience is one of the best parts of the partnership, said Northern’s Dr. Jon Mitchell. “It offers the students hands-on opportunities to spend time in a real-world setting to learn about fermentation,” said Mitchell, professor of biochemistry and biotechnology at NSU. Educators strive to provide students with experiences that can give them an edge on their resumes, Mitchell said. “This is something that can differentiate them,” he said. Conversations led to opportunity The partnership started as an idea between Dr. Alyssa Kiesow, NSU College of Arts and Sciences Dean, and Dave Welling, co-owner of OneLegged Pheasant, about creating a Northern-specific brew, with proceeds going to scholarships. “Conversations and relationships are how anything starts, as the foundation that builds into potential opportunities for something cool and new,” she said. Brewing began over the summer, with sales of Alpha Lager starting at NSU home football games this fall. Fifteen percent of sales goes toward College of Arts and Sciences student scholarships, Kiesow said. NORTHERN TODAY 12 FALL 2022
NORTHERN STATE UNIVERSI TY | News Dr. Jon Mitchell, Northern State University professor of biochemistry and biotechnology, NSU senior Kennedy Davis of Fairfax, Va., and Dave Welling, co-owner of One-Legged Pheasant Partnership is a ‘win-win situation’ Alpha Lager is also available at OneLegged Pheasant, 721 S. Main St., and it could soon be available in other local businesses, Welling said. Welling said he enjoys working with Mitchell, Davis, and other NSU students. “It’s definitely a good partnership for both of us,” he said. “It’s a win-win situation.” For more information about Alpha Lager, visit oneleggedpheasant.com. To learn more about science education at Northern, visit NSU College of Arts and Sciences, northern.edu/academics/collegearts-and-sciences. Watch a video interview here. NORTHERN TODAY 13 FALL 2022
NSU Fall 2022 Recap Athletics T HE Northern State University athletic department closed out the fall 2022 season with two NSIC Tournament qualifications, a handful of NSIC All-Conference honorees from cross country, football, volleyball, and soccer, two league player of the year awards, and top-7 placings on the men’s and women’s side in the NSIC All-Sport Standings. CROSS COUNTRY Jackson Harrison SOCCER Hannah Smith CROSS COUNTRY The Northern State University men’s and women’s cross country teams recorded numerous personal bests during the 2022 season, placing seventh (men) and eighth (women) in the NSIC Championships in early November. Northern tallied average times of 27:05.37 in the men’s 8K, led by Jackson Harrison, and 24:52.86 in the women’s 6K, led by Jennifer Clark. Two Northern State men brought home all-conference honors in seventh place finisher Harrison and ninth place finisher Josh Martin. Harrison was also honored as the NSIC Outstanding Senior of the Year award winner. Harrison closed out his Northern State career with a 23rd place finish at the NCAA Central Region Championships, earning all-region honors in the process. WOMEN’S SOCCER The Northern State University women’s soccer team went 9-5-5 overall and 7-3-5 in the Northern Sun. The Wolves earned the fifth seed in the NSIC Tournament and faced Minot State in the quarterfinal round. Five Wolves were named to the NSIC All-Conference team, headlined by NSIC Newcomer of the Year Hannah Smith. Smith was also honored on the first team, alongside Lilja Davidsdottir. Northern saw three awarded second team honors includingMegan Fastenau, Alexus Townsend, andMia Zagorski. In mid-November, both Smith and Davidsdottir were honored by the College Sports Communicators as members of the 2022 Academic All-District® team. The pair moved on to the Academic AllAmerica® ballot, which will be announced in December. NORTHERN TODAY 14 FALL 2022
FOOTBALL Northern State University football went 6-5 overall and 3-3 in the NSIC North in 2022, as well as 5-1 at Dacotah Bank Stadium. The Wolves tallied an upset victory over No. 24 Minnesota State (23-22) in week three, marking just the second win over the Mavericks in program history. Gypsy Days brought a record setting crowd of 7,064 fans to watch the Wolves defeat Winona State 42-21. Four Northern State school records were broken in the fall of 2022, including single game rushing yards allowed (-78 versus MSU Moorhead), single game sacks (4.0 for Ian Marshall versus Minot State), single season sacks (14.0 for Marshall), and career field goals made (32 for Payton Eue in three seasons). Wolves football saw six student-athletes named to the NSIC All-Conference teams, including NSIC Defensive Newcomer and Defensive Player of the Year Ian Marshall. Along with his DPOY nod, Marshall was named to the North Division firstteam with kicker Eue. Four Wolves landed on the second team, including offensive linemen Jacob Howard andJacob Schloe, defensive lineman Luke Chuol, and linebacker Brennan Kutterer. The awards continued to pour in for Marshall, who was a nominee for the Harlon Hill Award, as well as the D2CCA Super Region 4 Defensive Player of the Year. All-American honors will be released in December and January. VOLLEYBALL The Northern State University volleyball team went 18-11 overall and 13-7 in the NSIC, earning the seventh seed in the NSIC Tournament, where they face No. 3 Concordia-St. Paul in the quarterfinal round. The Wolves closed out the regular season with a win over Bemidji State, the 224th victory of head coach Brent Aldridge’s career, making him the Northern State all-time wins leader. NSU tallied upset victories over No. 19 UT Tyler (3-0) and No. 4 Minnesota Duluth (3-0) in 2022. Northern State senior Sally Gaul tallied the 1,000th kill of her career early in the season and finished with 1,335, sitting her third all-time in the NSU record book. Three Wolves were named to the NSIC All-Conference teams, including first team honoree Sally Gaul and second team selections Taylor Buckley andKeri Walker. Gaul went on to receive all-region accolades from both the AVCA and D2CCA. In late November, Gaul brought home the first All-American honor of her career landing on the AVCA Honorable Mention team. FOOTBAL L Ian Marshall VOL L EYBAL L Sally Gaul NORTHERN TODAY 15 FALL 2022
Alumni | NORTHERN STATE UNIVERSI TY Give to NSU There are numerous ways you can offer philanthropic support for Northern State University. Below are just some of the ways you can partner with Northern to make an impact: The Annual Fund The Annual Fund, a powerful source of unrestricted funding, is critical to the continued success of NSU. Gifts to the Annual Fund have an immediate impact on today’s students, faculty and the university overall. NSU Wolves Club The NSU Wolves Club is the largest annual fundraising program for intercollegiate athletics. Founded in 1978, the Wolves Club is a dedicated group of fans who volunteer their time and talent to promote Northern athletics. These boosters raise annual revenue for Northern athletics. Heritage Society The Heritage Society honors a special group of individuals who have named the NSU Foundation as beneficiary through planned gifts such as trusts, insurance and bequests. Many gift options enable donors to contribute for the future benefit of Northern while taking advantage of the income and tax advantages these gifts provide. Friends of the Arts/NSU Friends of the Arts/NSU is the supporting body for the School of Fine Arts and Northern. Its support and membership ensures the highest quality of education in visual and performing arts by providing resources for scholarships and programmatic opportunities as they arise. Annual Scholarships Annual Scholarships provide critical financial support to students who meet criteria established by the donor and university. Nowhere is the tradition of giving more vital than in scholarship support, with one generation assisting the next. Legacy of Leadership Legacy of Leadership provides naming opportunities for programs, buildings or endowments to memorialize a loved one, salute a member or honor one’s entire family. To learn more about giving opportunities, contact the NSU Foundation at nsualumni@northern.edu, or visit northernstatefoundation.com. Do you know of a young, successful and impactful Northern State University alum? Nominate them for the NSU Alumni Association’s Leaders of the Pack Award! This new, annual award will go to NSU alumni under the age of 40 to celebrate the impact made in each individual’s career and personal life. Nominate yourself, or someone you know, by contacting the NSU Foundation at 605-626-2550, or nsualumni@northern.edu. NORTHERN TODAY 16 FALL 2022
If you are interested in showing off your little ones in post. Make sure to use the hashtag #NSUWolfPups to be Jaeger Becker, son of NSU alumni Maggie (Fedor) Becker (2011) and Casey (2011) NORTHERN STATE UNIVERSI TY | Alumni Nellie and James Ryckman, daughter and son of NSU friends Jordan and Allie Ryckman Thomas Kern, son of Trina and NSU employee Connor Kern their favorite NSU gear, submit your photo to nsualumni@ northern.edu or tag our account in your next social media featured in our future monthly Wolf Pups Facebook posts! Quincy Kukowski, son of friends of NSU Megan and Cole Kukowski Josephine Steiner, daughter of NSU alumna Maggie Steiner (2009) John DesCamps, son of Tyson and NSU Alumna Holly (Wall) DesCamps (2010) Clothing and Giftware Coupon code NT23 Visit bookstore.northern.edu ONLINE AND IN STORE Valid Jan. 8 through Feb. 28, 2023 bookstore.northern.edu NORTHERN TODAY 17 FALL 2022
Alumni | NORTHERN STATE UNIVERSI TY CLASS NOTES 1981 Deb (Von Eschen) Jensen was named South Dakota Region 2 Teacher of the Year by the South Dakota Department of Education in May 2022. 1984Te 2008-09 Lincoln High School Basketball team, coached by Robin Burgard, was inducted into the Lincoln High School Hall of Fame this past September. 1990Terry James retired from Dacotah Bank, afer 31 years, at the end of 2021. 1995Michelle (Senger) Azure was announced as the new assistant principal of Sonnesyn Elementary School in New Hope, Minn. 1996Josh Ellis was named the recipient of the Chadron State College Teaching Excellence Award in April 2022. 2001 Jennifer (Mohn) Weishaar was named South Dakota Region 4 Teacher of the Year by the South Dakota Department of Education in May 2022. 2012Jessica (DesLauriers) Blake was recently promoted to the Director of Laboratory at Avera McKennan Hospital and University Center. She was also selected to sit on the national expert panel for Quality Management Systems for the Clinical Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI). 2015Alyssa (Becht) Cassels was awarded Deuel School District Teacher of the Year (2021-2022), and was also named South Dakota Region 1 Teacher of the Year by the South Dakota Department of Education in May 2022. CELEBRATIONS 1948 A granite memorial bench was dedicated for Alice (Stoecker) Bakken at Storybook Land, Aberdeen, S.D., by family members on July 3, 2022, on what would have been Alice’s 94th birthday. 1953Arliss (Krueger) Alberts recently retired as an organist from Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Aberdeen, S.D. She served as the church’s organist for 43 years. 1956Marlys (Miller) Denholm celebrated her 65th Anniversary with John Denholm (1957/1971). 1979Rodney Barr celebrated his 50th Anniversary with Kathy (Hoss) Barr. 1985Gordy Hedges retired October 31, 2021, from the South Dakota Army National Guard with 25 years of service, serving the last 13 years as a chaplain assistant. He was deployed to Kuwait in 2009-2010 and most recently to Djibouti, Africa, 2020-2021. IN MEMORIAM 1946Evelyn (Amsden) Dutt, Tolstoy, S.D., on July 22, 2022. 1951 Roger Baird, Union City, Calif., on July 14, 2022. 1952Lyola (Morgen) Jensen, Poway, Calif., on Sept. 12, 2022. 1953Orinne (Lillemoe) Hagen, Webster, S.D., on Aug. 2, 2022. 1953Donald Whittlinger, Aberdeen, S.D., on Aug. 28, 2022. 1954Mary (Hustad) Isensee, Boise, Idaho, on Sept. 18, 2021. 1955Betty (Swanson) Artz, Aberdeen, S.D., on Sept. 26, 2022. Gertrude (Martin) Mangan, Aberdeen, S.D., on May 27, 2022. 1956Barbara (Mathers) Kruger, Aberdeen, S.D., on Nov. 1, 2022. Roland Stekl, Mitchell, S.D., on Oct. 25, 2022. 1957 Barbara (Wright) Meyer, Comfort, Texas, on July 26, 2022. 1958Helen (Price) Gabriel, Aberdeen, S.D., on June 28, 2022. 1958Harlan Krein, Leola, S.D., on April 23, 2022. 1959Richard Kellogg, Vermillion, S.D., on May 26, 2022. Barbara Stutenroth, Aberdeen, S.D., on Oct. 30, 2022. 1961 Lee Wolf, Aberdeen, S.D., on May 31, 2022. 1962Lyle Dirksen, Sweet Home, Ore., on May 28, 2022. Carlton Kom, Aberdeen, S.D., on Aug. 18, 2022. 1963Roger Youngman, Aberdeen, S.D., on Aug. 25, 2022. 1964Arlyn Fiedler, Bowdle, S.D., on July 19, 2022. Eleanor (Baseman) Wanner, Eureka, S.D., on Sept. 26, 2022. 1965Delores (Olsen) Conley, Aberdeen, S.D., on July 22, 2022. James Dresch, Sioux Falls, S.D., on April 30, 2022. Donna (Harris) McGee, Selby, S.D., on Sept. 22, 2022. 1966Gregory “Greg” Bakke, Webster, S.D., on Sept. 14, 2022. 1967David Moshier, Watertown, S.D., on May 31, 2022. 1968Beth (Gerber) Rietz-Walth, Aberdeen, S.D., on Oct. 26, 2022. 1969Sr. Loraine Brown, Sioux Falls, S.D., on July 21, 2022. Jerry Fix, Owatonna, Minn., on May 8, 2022. David Oyan, Sioux Falls, S.D., on May 29, 2022. Peter Pagones, Pickerel Lake, S.D., on Oct. 7, 2022. Revi Pexa, Albuquerque, N.M., on April 14, 2022. Mildred (Marlow) Ratigan, Redfeld, S.D., on May 16, 2022. Sr. Armella Stratman, Aberdeen, S.D., on June 25, 2022. 1970Joyce (Johnson) Bossert, Topeka, Kan., on March 16, 2022. Donald Fischer, Aberdeen, S.D., on Aug. 3, 2022. Allan Mathews, Missoula, Mont., on April 21, 2022. 1971 Kaye (Foley) Jurgens, Sioux Falls, S.D., on April 29, 2022. NORTHERN TODAY 18 FALL 2022
NORTHERN STATE UNIVERSI TY | Alumni Thomas Perrizo, Aberdeen, S.D., on Sept. 24, 2022. Sister Teresita Schaefbauer, Aberdeen, S.D., on May 22, 2022. 1972Randee (Elliott) Hudson, Mayville, Wis., on Aug. 16, 2022. Sandra Odegaard, Sioux Falls, S.D., on July 28, 2022. 1973Gail (Seppala) Hopfinger, Aberdeen, S.D., on Sept. 30, 2022. William “Bill” Klein, Aberdeen, S.D., on July 12, 2022. Dean Schumacher, Hosmer, S.D., on July 9, 2022. Mark Walz, Leesburg, Fla., on May 30, 2022. 1974Michael Cooper, Houston, Texas, on April 14, 2022. Gregory Finlay, Boulder City, Nev., on Aug. 12, 2022. Martin Fransen, Fargo, N.D., on Nov. 6, 2021. 1975 Jerold “Jerry” Bender, Redfeld, S.D., on Oct. 3, 2022. Susan (Bosma) Odson, Vermillion, S.D., on Aug. 1, 2022. 1976Wayne Pauli, Sioux Falls, S.D., on March 21, 2022. 1977Karen Strudle-Westbrook, Boise, Idaho, on April 9, 2022. Eddie Dean Swanson, Aberdeen, S.D., on Oct. 15, 2022. 1978Janet Vilhauer, Aberdeen, S.D., on June 9, 2022. 1979 James Haak, Minneapolis, Minn., on May 8, 2022. 1980Linda Peterson, Aberdeen, S.D., on Oct. 17, 2022. 1983 Gerianne (Drapeaux) Pfeiffer, Aberdeen, S.D., on June 21, 2022. 1984Larry Barrett, Britton, S.D., on Sept. 22, 2022. 1985Francis Bosch, Aberdeen, S.D., on June 5, 2022. 1987Jenean (Steensland) Aadland, Aberdeen, S.D., on April 29, 2022. 1991 Juanita (Sackmann) Herold, San Diego, Calif., on Oct. 13, 2022. William “Bill” Martens, Aberdeen, S.D., on Oct. 21, 2022. 1998Joleen (Pahl) Schaeffer, Minneapolis, Minn., on April 29, 2022. Ryan Thorpe, Fargo, N.D., on July 7, 2022. 2000Justin Birchem, Las Vegas, Nev., on Sept. 15, 2022. Darla (Fahlsing) Linder, Bath, S.D., on March 22, 2021. 2007Gregory Fowler, Douglasville, Ga., on June 1, 2022. 2015Jennifer Knight, Burnsville, Minn., on Oct. 26, 2022. CORRECTION: 1965Mary (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. We want to hear from you! Send us your class notes at nsualumni@northern.edu. IN MEMORIAM Roger Youngman ROGER YOUNGMAN, American High School) to a 1963 Northern Bad Aibling. graduate and 2022 NSU In 2000, Roger retired Distinguished Alumnus, from DODDS, returning passed away Thursday, stateside with Karen to Aug. 25, in Aberdeen. Aberdeen. He then served Born Nov. 1, 1941, Roger as Superintendent of grew up on the family farm Schools in Hecla from 2000 west of Hecla. He earned to 2002, and in Conde from Bachelor of Science degrees in Math 2002 to 2006. In 2006, Roger retired and Physical Sciences from Northern after 43 years in education. State Teachers College, and he The Youngmans have three sons: played football all four years while at James (Marisa) Youngman, Scott Northern. (Myrl) Youngman and Todd (Lisa) On Aug. 2, 1963, Roger married Youngman; and six grandchildren: his wife, Karen. Shortly thereafter, Riley and Jackson Youngman; he began his teaching and coaching Tyler (Audrey) Youngman, career in Bowdle, S.D. In 1969, Roger Mackenzie (Thomas) Roblee, and continued his education career Trace Youngman; and Elizabeth with the Department of Defense Youngman. Dependent Schools (DODDS), Roger and Karen have been which took his family around the staunch supporters of NSU Athletics. world—first two years in Japan from They have an endowment through 1969 to 1971, then four years in the the NSU Foundation and have Azores from 1971 to 1975. In 1975, provided scholarship money for the family moved to Wiesbaden, football, basketball and fine arts Germany, later to Nurnberg, back students. Their contributions have to Wiesbaden and finally (after his also helped with the Educational sons graduated from Wiesbaden Impact Campaign. NORTHERN TODAY 19 FALL 2022
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