Hotline // April 8, 2026

Employee Recognition Dinner set for May 14

The VCSU President’s Office is excited to announce that the Employee Recognition Dinner will be held Thursday, May 14 at The Reserve at Woodland. The social will begin at 5:30 p.m. with dinner to follow at 6 p.m.

Recognitions for the 2025-2026 academic year will include retirements, years of service, Difference Maker, Staff Employee of the Quarter, degree and professional certification completion, tenure and promotion, Student Advocate, Teacher of the Year, and faculty excellence.

Those who will be recognized have been or will be contacted by the President’s Office and offered two free tickets to the dinner. All other employees can get one free ticket. Additional tickets may be purchased for $25 a person. Tickets can be picked up at the President’s Office, Business Office or Student Center Info Desk before April 30.

Heather Lewis to Perform Senior Recital on April 11

The VCSU Department of Music proudly presents a senior recital for Heather Lewis, tuba, on Saturday, April 11. Lewis will be accompanied by Dr. Ozzie Johnson on piano.

The concert will take place at 3 p.m. in the Larry J. Robinson Center for the Arts Performance Hall. The public is invited to attend and admission is free.

VCSU Hosting Recital by Norwegian Concert Pianist Oda Voltersvik

Valley City State University Music is thrilled to be featuring Norwegian concert pianist Oda Voltersvik in a piano recital at the Larry J. Robinson Center for the Arts on Sunday, April 12, at 7:30 p.m.

This program – “Grieg in Dialogue” – will present music by Edvard Grieg (1843-1907) corresponding with works by composers active within and after his lifetime, including Agathe Backer Grøndahl (1847-1907), Wilhelm Peterson Berger (1867-1942), Claude Debussy (1862-1918), and Béla Bartók (1881-1945), highlighting musical correspondences or similarities in the use of poetic moods and characters. This is Oda’s second time at VCSU in collaboration with the Grieg Society of the Dakotas.

Oda Voltersvik “(… ) an artist with the talent to make a serious name for herself” (Calum Petrie on Grieg Piano Concerto, writing for Scottish Press and Journal), has performed at international festivals and venues such as Carnegie Weill Recital Hall, Victor Borge Hall, Wigmore Hall, St Martin in the Fields, Harpa, Norwegian Opera House, Bergen International Festival and Palermo Classica International Festival. She has appeared as soloist with orchestras internationally and as solo and chamber musician for important concert societies in Europe and in the United States.

For 10 years, Voltersvik has been invited as artist-in-residence for a week at the Edvard Grieg Museum in Bergen, among other recital engagements at KODE composers homes. Her four CD recordings have received critical acclaim for their well-thought-out programme choices, technical skill and artistic expression. She won first prize of the Bradshaw & Buono International Competition in 2017 and the honourable work grant from the Norwegian Arts Council in 2021-2022.

Voltersvik received her Master in Performance Degree from the Royal College of Music London, and afterwards an Artist Diploma from Trinity Laban London with distinction from the Intercollegiate Jury. Since then, she has been managing solo projects and chamber music tours and series. Currently, Oda is continuously touring and appearing with orchestras in the United States with a visa for “Individuals with extraordinary ability in the arts”.

Levante Duo Performing on Campus on April 13

The Valley City State University Department of Music invites the community to attend a Guest Artist Recital featuring the Levante Duo on Monday, April 13, at 7 p.m. The performance will take place in the Larry J. Robinson Center for the Arts Performance Hall.

Known for their expressive musicianship and dynamic collaboration, the Levante Duo will present an evening of engaging classical guitar repertoire in an intimate recital setting. This event is free and open to the public, offering a unique opportunity for students, faculty, and community members to experience a high-quality guest performance on campus.

Kohler named ‘Staff Member of the Quarter’

Janna Kohler, director for Career Services, was recently honored as the Staff Member of the Quarter.

As Director of Career Services, Janna plays a key role in preparing students for success beyond VCSU. From résumé development and career fairs to performance evaluations and graduate career surveys, her work supports students at every stage of their academic and professional journeys.

Janna’s impact extends beyond her role in Career Services. During her term as Staff Senate President (2024–2025), she served as a clear and compassionate advocate for staff, and she continues to be a trusted resource in her role as past president. Her approachable nature and willingness to help have made her office a go‑to place for staff seeking guidance or information.

She is also deeply committed to fostering an inclusive campus, contributing her time and expertise to the Viking Pathway Program, which supports students with autism, intellectual disabilities, and other developmental disabilities.

Through her professionalism, leadership, and genuine care for others, Janna exemplifies the values of VCSU. Her contributions make a lasting difference for students and staff alike, and we are pleased to honor her with this well‑deserved recognition.

Technology Education Faculty Attend ITEEA Conference

Clayton Mannie, M.Ed, assistant professor for technology and STEM education, recently attended the ITEEA Conference in Virginia Beach, Va., held March 25-28, alongside Pete Gjovik, Ph.D., director for the Don Mugan CTE Leadership Center, and Lisa Krumwiede, M.Ed, assistant professor for technology and STEM education.

During the conference, the group accepted the STEM School of Excellence Award on behalf of the university and Mannie was honored with the ITEEA Emerging Leader Award. He was also inducted into Epsilon Pi Tau, the international honor society for professionals in technology. In addition to these recognitions, the group participated in professional learning sessions, connected with alumni and current College of DuPage students, and networked with colleagues from across the field.

VCSU Wellness Fair Scheduled for April 15

Valley City State University Student Health Services will host the annual Wellness Fair on Wednesday, April 15, from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. in the VCSU Student Center. The event is free and open to the public.

Attendees can expect exciting door prizes, hands-on activities and wellness information from more than 25 different campus, local, and state entities. Sponsored by Essentia Health, Sanford Health, and CHI Mercy Health, the VCSU Wellness Fair offers attendees the opportunity to discover resources to develop healthy habits that can have a positive impact on their physical and mental health.

“I would like to thank CHI Mercy Health, Sanford Health, and Essentia Health for sponsoring this year’s Wellness Fair again,” said Betty Tykwinski, RN, VCSU’s Director for Health and Wellness. “Their generosity and continued support of the Wellness Fair is greatly appreciated and makes it possible for us to provide some amazing door prizes.”

The ND Department of Health and Human Services will be returning this year to provide free, confidential HIV testing for students, employees and members of the community. Participants who get tested will receive a coupon for a free beverage at Viking Grounds.

Attendees can also try a variety of health screenings and fitness testing, earning them the chance at winning door prizes such as an espresso maker, pizza oven, Owala water bottles and gift cards. See the complete list of door prizes below.

VCSU employees who attend the Wellness Fair and participate in the Dakota Wellness Program will receive a voucher for a one-day event.

For more information about this event, contact Betty Tykwinski at betty.j.tykwinski@vcsu.edu or call 701-845-7305.

Find the full list of exhibitors and a prize list here.

Purchase Tickets for the 31st Annual Scholarship Auction

Tickets are on sale now for the annual VCSU Scholarship Auction happening Friday, April 17, at the Valley City Eagles Club.

This year’s theme of “Stars, Stripes & Scholarships” brings a patriotic celebration to the Eagles Club. Expect an evening filled with red‑white‑and‑blue spirit, standout auction items, and support for the students who represent the bright future of VCSU.

Auction tickets are on sale now for $70 each, which includes admission, two drink tickets, and a buffet dinner. Purchase tickets online or by contacting the VCSU Foundation office at 701‑845‑7203.

New this year, guests can purchase reserved seating to guarantee their table location for the auction. To reserve a half or full table go to https://secure.qgiv.com/for/auctionticketstables/event/2026auction/ or call the VCSU Foundation at 701-845-7203.

For more information regarding the VCSU Scholarship Auction, to purchase tickets or to donate an item, call the VCSU Foundation Office at 701-845-7203 or visit the auction website. 

Viking Sports Update

BASEBALL
Valley City State Viking baseball moved its four-game series to Madison, S.D. and changed the dates from Friday, April 3 and Saturday, April 4 to Monday, April 6 and Tuesday, April 7. On Monday, the Vikings split the doubleheader with Dakota State, winning game one 6-5 in a walk-off win and falling 3-2 in game two. Tuesday, Dakota State took game one, game two ended in a tie. This weekend the Vikings are at Bismarck State for a four-game series with the Mystics Friday and Saturday.

SOFTBALL
The Viking Softball team also moved its games from last week, twice. Instead of playing Bismarck State in Bismarck on Monday and Wednesday this week, they play Bismarck State at home on April 12, then in Bismarck on April 22. This weekend’s games with Dickinson State will now be played in Dickinson. Friday at 2 p.m. and 4 p.m., Saturday 12 p.m. and 2 p.m. Then Sunday’s games with Bismarck State will be at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Next week the Vikings are slated to play Mayville State on Wednesday, April 15 with a site to be determined.

TRACK AND FIELD
The weather also affected the Viking Track and Field team. They were to compete at the USD Early Bird in Vermillion, S.D. and at the Al Bortke Open in Bismarck. Both meets were canceled. This week, the Vikings are set to compete at the Bison Spring Invitational Saturday, April 11 and Sunday, April 12 in Fargo.

GOLF
The golf season is set to get underway later this week for Valley City State. The Vikings are scheduled to head down to Mitchell, South Dakota for the DWU Invitational Sunday, April 12 and Monday, April 13. This will be the first competition for the Viking golfers this spring.

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

March 30 – April 10
Bloom, Jora Leeseberg senior art show, Larry J. Robinson Center for the Arts Gallery

Saturday, April 11
Heather Lewis Senior Recital, Larry J. Robinson Center for the Arts

Sunday, April 12
7:30 p.m. Guest Artist Recital – Oda Voltersvik, Larry J. Robinson Center for the Arts

Monday, April 13
7 p.m. Guest Recital – Levante Duo, Larry J. Robinson Center for the Arts

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/