Hotline // June 25, 2025

VCSU breaks ground on Tharaldson Family Athletic Center

A decades old dream is about to become reality for Valley City State University.

More than 250 people were on hand Thursday to celebrate groundbreaking for the Tharaldson Family Athletic Center, showing their enthusiasm for the project and appreciation for the private donors who helped make it possible.

“We truly are transforming our campus,” said VCSU President Alan LaFave. “This groundbreaking event marks that culmination of many years of planning and fundraising, underscoring our university’s dedication to providing first-rate athletic and competition opportunities. This will change how our student-athletes train, develop and compete.”

An expansion to the athletic facility has been envisioned for decades with numerous variations mocked up over the years. About four years ago, that vision became a tangible dream with the official kickoff of the Forward Together Capital Campaign. On Thursday, that dream became a reality as the first shovels of dirt were removed from the ground to start the construction process.

“This moment has been decades in the making,” said Cory Anderson, executive director for university advancement. “It was a dream of Mr. Bill Osmon from way back when, and to see it finally come to fruition is something I think a lot of us still pinch ourselves about. This is more than about turf and walls. It’s about legacy. It’s about Viking Pride. And it’s a win for every Viking past, present and future.”

The primary building will be 69,000 square feet and house a multi-purpose indoor turf practice facility, a new weight room and training room, and several new locker rooms and team rooms. A total of 55,000 square feet is for the turfed practice area, while the remaining 14,000 feet houses the other features. The building also includes a mezzanine level with an additional 14,000 square feet.

The primary building is a custom tension fabric building from Legacy Building Solutions. ICON Architectural Group is the project architect. The new building measures 230 feet by 300 feet and is 73 feet high at the tallest point. It will be large enough to play fastpitch softball and will also include 60-meter sprinting lanes.

Additionally, a mechanical room and garages currently attached to the W.E. Osmon Fieldhouse will be remodeled and connected to the new building, allowing pass-through access from the W.E. Osmon Fieldhouse into the Tharaldson Family Athletic Center.

The primary phase of construction is estimated to cost about $11 million. The secondary phase, which includes finishing out some of the interior rooms, comes with an estimated price tag of about $2 million. The project is being funded primarily by private donations, which includes the lead donation of $5 million by the Gary Tharaldson family. Tharaldson is a 1967 graduate of Valley City State and was on hand for Thursday’s groundbreaking.

Speakers at Thursday’s event included Cory Anderson, Executive Director for University Advancement; Alan LaFave, President of VCSU; Larry Robinson, chair of the Forward Together Capital Campaign; Gary Tharaldson, lead donor; and Dennis McCulloch, VCSU athletic director and head football coach.

McCulloch highlighted the opportunity the facility provides for student-athletes to compete and grow year-round, along with the “wow factor” that the new building will provide in recruiting talented student-athletes.

“It’s a great opportunity for us,” said McCulloch. “Great facilities will attract kids here, they will come and look. But it will still be the great people we have on campus that will get them to sign and be here. We have a great community and great people, and we truly appreciate this opportunity.”

Students named to Spring 2025 honor rolls

Valley City State University has released its President’s Honor Roll, Dean’s Honor Roll and Honor Roll for the spring 2025 semester.

The President’s Honor Roll recognizes students who completed 12 semester hours or more of VCSU classes for which grade points are earned with a 4.0 grade point average.

Click here to view the President’s Honor Roll.

The Dean’s Honor Roll recognizes students who completed 12 semester hours or more of VCSU classes for which grade points are earned with a grade point average of at least 3.50.

Click here to view the Dean’s Honor Roll.

The Honor Roll recognizes students who completed 6 to 11 semester hours of Valley City State University classes for which grade points are earned with a grade point average of at least 3.50.

Click here to view the Honor Roll.

Valley City State University is fully accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, VCSU is one of 11 institutions in the North Dakota University System (NDUS).

VCSU Foundation Recognizes Donors

The Valley City State University Foundation recognized donors who hit new levels of giving this year during a Donor Recognition Luncheon, held June 16 on campus.

Donors who reached new levels of lifetime giving at $25,000 or above were recognized during the ceremony.

“VCSU has so many great supporters, whether it is local businesses, alumni or community members,” said Kim Hesch, Assistant Director for Advancement and Alumni Relations. “It’s always a pleasure when we can recognize our donors in person and thank them for their support of VCSU and our students.”

VCSU Foundation donors who reached new levels of giving this year are listed below.

Clock Tower II Level ($2,000,000 – $2,999,999)

• Richard and Karen Monson
• Gary and Connie Tharaldson

Platinum Level ($250,000 – $499,999)

• FEI, Inc.
• First Community Credit Union

Diamond Level ($100,000 – $249,999)

• Ellen Kienitz
• Tisa and Bill Mason

Gold Level ($50,000 – $99,999)

• BIFROST CJMJJ Charitable Trust
• Steven and Mary Fike
• Kim and Wade Hesch
• J.T. and Maryellen Homan
• Leevers Foods
• Missouri River Energy Services
• Puklich Chevrolet GMC
• Mark and Carole Richman
• Gerald and Judy Ringdahl
• Harvey and Diane Schilling
• Gerald and Cindy Urlaub

Regents Level ($25,000 – $49,999)

• Cory and Kristine Anderson
• Handy Hardware
• Dan and Patty Klein
• Myron Loberg
• Patricia Moug
• Valley City Kiwanis Club

Platinum Level Donors in Attendance June 16

From left: Jeff Nathan, Foundation Board Chair; Matt Klabo and Nikka Swenson representing FEI, Inc.; Trish Lueck and Amanda Rowh representing First Community Credit Union; President Alan LaFave

Gold Level Donors in Attendance June 16

Seated, from left: Brian Ringdahl, Kathy Marquette and Steve Ringdahl representing Gerald and Judy Ringdahl. Standing, from left: Jeff Nathan, Foundation Board Chair; Tony Lam and Lisa Rush representing Leevers Foods; Wade and Kim Hesch; President Alan LaFave; Carole and Mark Richman

Regents Level Donors in Attendance June 16

Seated, from left: Patty Klein, Megan Zarbano representing Handy Hardware; Kristine Anderson. Standing, from left: Jeff Nathan, Foundation Board Chair; Dan Klein representing Valley City Kiwanis Club; Cory Anderson; President Alan LaFave

VCSU Student Affairs hosting "Lunch Talks" for Parents

Valley City State University Student Affairs is hosting a series of summer “Lunch Talks” for parents and family members of current and future students.

Various directors within the Student Affairs office will host individual online sessions to engage and inform family members about their designated area on campus. Parents are encouraged to attend as many sessions as they wish. This is a fantastic opportunity to ask questions, gain insights, and connect with the Student Affairs staff.

These informative discussions will happen from 12:00 to 12:30 p.m. Central Time on the following dates:

June 18: Jocelyn Santana, Director for Multicultural Affairs

July 15: Erin Heide, Director for Enrollment Services

July 17: Janna Kohler, Director for Career Services

July 23: Erin Edinger, Director for Residence Life

July 30: Marcia Pritchert, Director for Financial Aid

Aug. 12: Betty Tykwinski, Director for Health and Wellness

Aug. 14: Kelsie Carter, Mental Health Counselor

How To Join

1. These meetings will be held through Microsoft Teams and will work best on a laptop. If you do not have Microsoft Teams on your computer, it will prompt you to open it in a web browser. If you do not have access to a computer, you are able to use your phone, but you will need to download the free Microsoft Teams app before the meeting.
2. At meeting time/date, click on the link you want to join, and it will open up in a new tab. Click on “join Microsoft teams meeting”

Frey receives ‘Difference Maker’ award

Jacob Frey, admissions specialist, was selected as the Difference Maker for June. He was nominated by Enrollment Services.

His nomination read, “Jacob is the front-facing person in our office and works with every single student that comes across our radar. He is always professional and makes sure each student feels like their questions have been answered. He helps every employee in the office, including the student workers, and we are all grateful for his dedication to the office and VCSU.”

Johnson attends North Dakota Music Teachers Association State Conference

Oswald Johnson, assistant professor for music, attended the North Dakota Music Teachers Association (NDMTA) 2025 State Conference at Minot State University from June 4-6. NDMTA is the North Dakota State Affiliate of Music Teachers National Association (MTNA), whose mission is to advance the value of music study and music making to society and to support the professionalism of music teachers.

Johnson serves on the State Board as the Competitions Chair. Some highlights for him included seeing the world premiere of the piano concertino by commissioned composer Efraín Amaya (played by pianist Dianna Anderson and members of the Minot Symphony Orchestra), getting to see all the engaging and brilliant sessions by featured clinician Dr. Sara Ernst and the featured concert performed by woodwind quintet SubZero Winds. Throughout the conference, Johnson was able to establish new connections and strengthen existing ties within the North Dakota piano community and is hoping to find, foster and encourage untapped piano-teaching potential in Valley City in order to bolster the Community School of the Arts.

Meet Emma Marsing

Hometown: Green River, Wyo.

Expected graduation year: May 2026

Major, minor, certificates: Communications Major with a concentration in Digital Media Management and a Minor in Psychology.

Favorite spot to study: My house!

Why did you choose VCSU? I chose VCSU because of the various concentrations it had for Communication Majors. I was able to find a program that aligned perfectly with my career goals and allowed me to be engaged and excited about what I was learning!

What have been some of your favorite classes and why? Thus far I would say that my favorite classes have been Media Writing, Communication and AI and Communication and Interviewing. I would say that I loved these classes due to the professors and the work that was done within the classes. Since I enjoyed learning from the professors and the assignments they gave, it did not feel like “work” to me.

How do you hope to use your degree after graduation? After I graduate I am hoping to pursue a career path in Social Media Management or Public Relations.

Do you have any advice for those thinking about pursuing a degree in Communications? This is my second time around in college and I can confidently say this department is ready to help anyone succeed with whatever they may need. The professors will always be in your corner ready to get you the knowledge you need to succeed. If there is even a slight chance that you are looking into Communications, I highly suggest that you enroll because it really is one of the best programs!

Viking Sports Update

Viking Golf Scramble – Valley City State University hosted its annual Viking Golf Scramble on Friday, June 13 at Bjornson Park Golf Course in Valley City, N.D. A total of 17 teams and 68 golfers were in attendance.

Shelly Ellig Field – VCSU Athletics is excited to announce the Shelly Ellig Field turf replacement is underway. The existing turf saw its first season in 2011 where Viking Football has played 68 home games along with over 1,000 practices. Viking Softball has also played numerous games and practices over the years.

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/