VCSU Alumni Association Announces 2026 Homecoming Honorees
Photo, from left: Wes Anderson, Dave Bass and Curtis Olson will be recognized with awards from the VCSU Foundation and Alumni Office.
VALLEY CITY, N.D. – More than a dozen alumni and friends of Valley City State University will be recognized with awards during the VCSU Alumni Association’s 2026 Homecoming celebration, scheduled for September 18-19.
The VCSU Foundation and Alumni Office annually recognizes alumni with awards at the Alumni Honors Breakfast and the Athletics Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony.
The Alumni Honors Breakfast will be held on Saturday, September 19, at 8:30 a.m. in the VCSU Student Center. The event provides an opportunity for the Alumni Association to recognize outstanding alumni and friends of the university through its Certificate of Merit, Alumni Service, and Distinguished Alumni awards.
Tickets are $10 per person and may be reserved by contacting the VCSU Foundation and Alumni Office at 701-845-7203 or by emailing kim.hesch@vcsu.edu.
Distinguished Alumni Awards
The Distinguished Alumni Award is the highest honor bestowed by the VCSU Alumni Association. The award recognizes alumni who have achieved prominence in their chosen profession, earned national or international recognition, and are regarded as leaders in their field.
The 2026 Distinguished Alumni Award recipients are:
- Dave Bass ’77, Valley City, N.D.
- The late Curtis W. Olson ’62, Ivins, Utah
Alumni Service Award
The Alumni Service Award recognizes alumni or friends of the university who have achieved outstanding success in their careers while making significant contributions to VCSU through service, advocacy, volunteerism, financial support, or other efforts that strengthen the institution.
This year’s recipient is Wesley Anderson of Valley City.
Certificate of Merit Awards
Eight alumni will receive the Certificate of Merit Award, which recognizes alumni for professional accomplishments, service, leadership, or other noteworthy achievements.
This year’s recipients are:
- Ashleigh (Crockett) Blikre ’07, Rugby, N.D.
- Lori (Kessler) Demester ’95, New Rockford, N.D.
- Amy (Paulson) Dougherty ’92/’96, Donnelly, Minn.
- Sarah (Pedersen) Lerud ’00, Valley City, N.D.
- Clayton Mannie ’06/M.Ed. ’16, Valley City, N.D.
- Kimiko (Mandt) Milligan ’07, Fargo, N.D.
- Kadie (Anderson) Walls ’19/M.Ed. ’23, Linton, N.D.
- Manix Zepeda ’97, West Fargo, N.D.
Homecoming Events
The public is invited to attend the Alumni Honors Breakfast and join VCSU in celebrating the achievements and contributions of its distinguished alumni and friends.
The Alumni Association is sponsoring a variety of events throughout the 2026 Homecoming weekend. For a complete schedule and additional information, visit vcsualumni.org or contact the VCSU Foundation and Alumni Office at 701-845-7203.
Athletics Hall of Fame
Valley City State University will honor five individuals and one team with induction into the VCSU Athletic Hall of Fame during Homecoming weekend. The Hall of Fame ceremony will be held Friday, September 18, at the Valley City Eagles Club as part of homecoming weekend. For tickets and information, contact the VCSU Foundation and Alumni Office at 701-845-7203.
The 2026 Hall of Fame class includes former student-athletes, coaches, and teams whose accomplishments helped shape the proud tradition of Viking Athletics. Inductees into the VCSU Athletic Hall of Fame include:
- Al Olson ’84
- Andrew Warcken ’99
- Brandon Bata ’07
- Sekani Milligen ’13
- 2012–13 VCSU Men’s Basketball Team
Greg Stemen ’88 will also be inducted into the Osmon Icon Coaches Hall of Fame in recognition of his coaching accomplishments following graduation from Valley City State University.