Hotline // May 1, 2024

Spring Choral Concert this Friday

The VCSU Department of Music Presents Spring Choral Concert this Friday, May 3 in the Center for the Arts. The concert, which starts at 7:30 p.m., will feature performances by Concert Choir and University Singers, led by Kewen Cheng, conductor and several student conductors.

University Singers will perform music by Orban, Ticheli, Shaw and Whitacre. Concert Choir will perform The Notebooks of Leonardo da Vinci, arranged by Jocelyn Hagen.

The concert is open to the public and admission is free. A livestream of the performance can be found on the VCSU Music Department’s YouTube page.

The Forge Open Mic Night set for May 8

The Forge, VCSU’s literary and arts journal, will be holding its annual open mic event for all contributors included in the 2024 issue on Wednesday, May 8, from 5:30-7:30 p.m. in the Robinson Center for the Arts lobby.

The campus and community are invited to attend this celebration of VCSU’s talented writers and artists. Copies of the publication will also be available that evening.

VCSU Hosts 2024 Scholar Symposium

55+ undergraduate students showcase research, writing and creative projects

Valley City State University (VCSU) hosted the Scholar Symposium Tuesday, April 30, in the Robinson Center for the Arts.

The Symposium included 55+ undergraduate students presenting their research, writing and other creative projects to a wider audience. The projects represent five departments across campus and reveal a wide-range of scholarship VCSU students produce. The presentations were done individually and in groups across 16 unique courses or special university programs.

“Our students have participated in a wide-variety of research and scholarship this year. It is exciting to hear them speak about their discoveries and projects,” Vice President for Academic Affairs Larry Brooks said. “VCSU is proud to offer a comprehensive educational experience for students that includes the opportunity to dive into a research topic and present that information to a wider audience. This type of activity results in real-world skills and a depth of knowledge that can empower a student to change the world.”

Recipients of the 2023-2024 Student Opportunities for Academic Research (SOAR) Award also formally presented their advanced research projects during the event, followed by faculty presentations about recent discipline-specific research or creative projects.

Students, faculty, staff and the community attended the event. The opening statements began at 11 a.m. followed by a student showcase, an Artificial Intelligence presentation by NDUS Chancellor Mark Hagerott at noon, more student showcases at 1 p.m. and SOAR and faculty presentations at 2 p.m..

For more information about the Scholar Symposium or to schedule an interview please contact Tammy Jo Taft by emailing tammyjo.taft@vcsu.edu or calling (701) 845-7227.

Auction raises more than $125,000 to support student scholarships

Event continues to be largest fundraising event for VCSU Foundation

The Valley City State University (VCSU) Foundation has announced more than $125,000 was given by generous donors to support students at the recent Scholarship Auction.
More than 370 people attended the event and donations were made in-person, online and through donating items or time for the event.

“This is our largest annual event, and we are so grateful for the number of alumni, community members, faculty and staff that come out to support scholarships for students,” Cory Anderson, executive director of university advancement, said. “This event brings our community together for a night to celebrate everything it means to be a part of VCSU.”

Proceeds from the scholarship auction support scholarships for students attending VCSU.
“The support our alumni and friends provide for our students is exceptional,” President Alan LaFave said. “It is humbling and rewarding to be a part of this amazing community that prioritizes student success and helping the next generation. We are grateful for the participation and support of all who attended, donated, and bid on items this year.”

To learn more about how to support VCSU through the Foundation visit www.vcsualumni.org or call 701-845-7203. There are multiple options for supporting students including through the V-500 Scholarship Program, becoming a member of the Century Club or donating to the Annual Fund.

For more information about the Scholarship Auction or to schedule an interview please contact Kim Hesch, assistant director for advancement, by emailing kim.hesch@vcsu.edu or calling (701) 845-7203.

Senior Spotlight: Hope Ishizaka

In 2020, Hope Ishizaka, the oldest of five, boarded a plane in Honolulu, HI with her dad and flew across the Pacific Ocean to her new home at Valley City State University. Although she was supposed to visit campus before school started, the global pandemic upended that plan and the first step she took in North Dakota was when she officially moved to the Midwest. That trip was the beginning of a successful college career filled with numerous activities, enjoyable courses, and the start of a bright future.

Hometown: Mililani, HI
High School: Mililani High School
Area of Study at VCSU: Communication with a Journalism and Media Concentration and a Marketing minor
Student Organizations and Activities: Student Senate, Social Justice Council, Video Production Student Worker, Marketing and Communication Student Worker

What did you enjoy about growing up in Hawaii?
I loved it. It’s such a family. My whole family is very family and community oriented. I think that’s the biggest thing that I love, just being so close with my family and my community. Going to the beach is probably our favorite thing to do. We would just pack up the car really quick and head out to the beach. We are also very sports oriented. All of my brothers and I played soccer, ran cross country and track. We would go to school, go to practice, and come home and spend time together.

How did you find VCSU and choose to become a Viking?
I was originally recruited to run cross country and track. I was a mid-distance runner here and did a bit of everything. I loved it and it was a lot of fun. I ran my first two years here but had to leave the team due to injuries and some other things that didn’t work out. But I stayed here at VCSU because I loved the campus and supportive friends and professors. I decided that I was enjoying what I was building here and should stay to finish out my college career.

What was it like moving across the world and finding a home here?
I didn’t really know what I was getting myself into. I didn’t get to see campus except for pictures online so I didn’t really know what campus was fully going to be like until I actually moved here. It was a little nerve wracking at first. Cross country and football athletes were the only people on campus because I came in the beginning of August for summer training. I had my teammates and they helped me move in and made sure I was taken care of. My first interactions on campus were with my coach and with Nurse Betty Tykwinski. She definitely made me feel secure. She met with my dad and I and said if anything would happen, she would be there to take care of me. Seeing that family aspect and how people were going to take care of students made me feel really secure in my decision. I thought, “Yes I’m moving across the Pacific Ocean and across the country, but I know there are a lot of people here willing to step up and help out to make sure I’m taken care of.”

What parallels do you see between the islands and VCSU?
Hawaii is known as the Aloha State and everyone can agree we are very family oriented. That’s really similar to VCSU. It’s how people make sure we are all helping and if you need anything, everyone is willing to help. When I moved in to my apartment Kari Stricklin and Betty stepped up and helped me get settled. It’s just a tight knit community that makes it a nice place to live.

What differences were the most noticeable?
The biggest thing is I’m surrounded by land, not by water. I think the biggest difference is not the environment, but how cold and windy and far apart a lot of cities are. I guess I didn’t realize how spread out everything is here. But I also appreciate that because it allowed me to drive and explore the country that I wouldn’t probably have even seen if I hadn’t moved up here.

What was your favorite class at VCSU?
I think one of the biggest takeaways from my classes would have to be my gender communication class. It really opened my eyes. We studied how organizational communication works with gender communication and how they’re all connected in some way or another. We focused on how to communicate properly within certain organizations, or certain businesses. It really just opened my eyes to see how far we’ve come as a society, and how much more we need to continue growing.

What would you say to students considering VCSU even though they are from outside of North Dakota?
VCSU is a unique experience and a unique place. Yes, it’s small, but that tight knit community is going to turn into family. I think of all my friends I have met because I am here. All my professors and staff genuinely care about your wellbeing. If you are looking for a place like that, I think you should consider VCSU. That tight knit community goes such a long way. In the past four years I’ve made so many great connections with so many great people because that family aspect is so huge here.

VCSU Business Department and YPN partner for "Speed Networking" event

The Department of Business, in conjunction with the Young Professional Network (YPN) organization and local professionals, conducted a “Speed Networking” event last week for VCSU business students to learn how to improve their professional networking skills.

Approximately 30 business students participated and networked with Valley City leaders, including Mayor Dave Carlsrud and other local business leaders. The Department of Business is committed to preparing students for success as they step into the next phase of their lives.

Hopewell receives ‘Difference Maker’ award

Morgan Hopewell, facilities services, was recently selected as the “Difference Maker” for May. Hopewell was nominated by the Administrative Assistants group.

Her nomination read, “Morgan has adapted well to VCSU and has been outstanding in her new position. She has been very helpful and quick to respond to emails and requests, which makes working with her very easy. She has a welcoming personality and is always willing to help others. She goes above and beyond to make sure the job gets done. Morgan answers a wide range of questions about building needs and scheduling, and we’re never left wondering what’s next. She went above & beyond in helping with the Math Competition and that was a big reason the day was a success! We are very lucky to have Morgan Hopewell on the VCSU Team!”

Congratulations, Morgan!

VCSU Juried Art Exhibition now showing

The Student Juried Art Exhibition is now on display in the Robinson Center for the Arts Gallery through May 10.

This exhibition displays the talent of student works featuring a variety of mediums including paintings, drawings, photography, digital work and sculptures. Juror for the show is Anna Jacobson, Director of Education and Exhibition at the Jamestown Art Center.

The reception will take place on May 1 from 3 p.m – 4 p.m with an award ceremony at 3:30 pm. The award ceremony will be recorded and posted on the VCSU Art Department’s YouTube channel and Facebook page for those who cannot attend.

Viking sports update

Softball
Viking Softball (25-20, 17-6 NSAA) has earned the No. 2 seed for the North Star Athletic Association postseason tournament, which begins Friday in Dickinson. The Vikings will play No. 7 seed Viterbo University in the opening round. The winner of the double-elimination tournament moves on to the NAIA Opening Round.
NSAA Tournament Live Coverage: https://vcsuvikings.com/coverage

Baseball
The VCSU baseball team (19-31, 11-13 NSAA) is the No. 3 seed for postseason play, which starts Friday in Dickinson. The Vikings played No. 6 seed Dickinson State in the opening round of the double-elimination tournament. The tournament champion advances to the NAIA postseason.
NSAA Tournament Live Coverage: https://vcsuvikings.com/coverage

Golf
Valley City State’s Kathleen Vetter and Sydney Carlson each earned Honorable Mention All-Conference honors Tuesday after concluding play at the NSAA Championships, played at The Golf Club at Cedar Creek in Onalaska, Wis.
Full story: https://vcsuvikings.com/news/2024/4/30/mens-golf-carlson-and-vetter-earn-honorable-mention-all-conference.aspx

Track & Field
VCSU freshman Karina Olson set a new school record in the 100 hurdles, and Jaiden Peraza hit the national qualifying “A” standard in high jump as Viking track and field athletes competed at the U-Mary Classic on Thursday.
Read more: https://vcsuvikings.com/news/2024/4/26/womens-track-and-field-olson-breaks-100-hurdles-school-record.aspx

Upcoming Events
May 3: Track & Field at NDSU Tuneup Meet (Fargo, N.D.)
May 3: Baseball vs. Dickinson State, 3:30 p.m. CT (NSAA Tournament – Dickinson, N.D.)
May 3: Softball vs. Viterbo University, 4:00 p.m. CT (NSAA Tournament – Dickinson, N.D.)

What's happening at VCSU and around Valley City...

Find out what’s happening at VCSU: https://www.vcsu.edu/news-events/

Find out what’s happening in the community: https://www.valleycitycalendar.com/