Forward Together
In a monumental effort to propel VCSU into the future, we’ve launched our first-ever capital campaign. Forward Together: The Campaign for Valley City State University is our way of ensuring continued service to our students by providing them with updated campus buildings, athletic facilities, and scholarship enhancements.
$5 Million Gift
Gary Tharaldson and family have made history at VCSU by donating a generous $5 million gift to our Forward Together campaign. This historic gift will jumpstart an expansion to the W.E. Osmon Fieldhouse and bring momentum to the campaign.
Read more about the Tharaldson gift here.
Gary Tharaldson ’67, center, with members of the Forward Together Capital Campaign Task Force including Larry Robinson, right, Dick Gulmon, second from right, VCSU President Alan LaFave, second from left and Shannon Schweigert, left. Tharaldson and his family have made the largest gift in university history to support the capital campaign.
Dr. Alan LaFave
VCSU is one of the fastest-growing regional schools in the upper Midwest and we continue to have sustained enrollment growth. But that success and growth have helped us realize our current facilities are well-loved, but inadequate.
Dr. Alan LaFave, VCSU President
Tharaldson Family Athletic Center
The W.E. Osmon Fieldhouse was built in 1960 and has remained largely the same. Over the last 60 years, Viking Athletics has outgrown the facility. Our athletes have increased from 111 to nearly 300; more than 20 athletic staff have been added; and teams on campus have doubled.
Our vision for expansion includes a multi-purpose indoor facility, along with an expanded weight room, a new Hall of Fame, and other critical spaces for a growing program. Your investment in this vision honors our tradition of success and is vital to building future Viking champions.
The addition will include:
- Indoor turf practice facility
- New Center for Athletic Performance
- New athletic training room
- New locker and team rooms
- Batting cages and bullpens
- Viking Hall of Fame and Legacy Lounge
- 60 meter indoor track sprinting lanes
Dennis McCulloch
Valley City State University athletics strives to make our programs a source of pride for VCSU students, alumni and the VCSU community. We work to attract and retain high-quality student-athletes and provide them with an all-around championship experience while they are here. The Fieldhouse addition is a major step forward in giving our student-athletes the experience they deserve.
Dennis McCulloch, Director for Athletics
Scholarship Enhancements
VCSU’s ability to attract and retain students is paramount to our future success. Our record enrollments over the past several years have expanded the need for additional scholarship support.
The goals of our scholarship enhancements are:
- Keep scholarship allotment on pace with enrollment growth and inflation
- Maintain an accessible and affordable VCSU education
- Recruitment and retention of the next generation of VCSU Vikings
McCarthy Hall: The future home of the School of Education and Graduate Studies
The refurbishing of McCarthy Hall includes:
- Converting the existing McCarthy Hall into the School of Education and Graduate Studies
- Cutting-edge classrooms and technology labs
- Collaborative student workspaces
- Attractive two-story atrium entrance
- Bridge corridor from McFarland Hall
- Updated instructional technology
- Updated mechanical, HVAC, and electrical systems
- Extensive exterior renovation
Preparing a Teaching Workforce
In 1930, McCarthy Hall was built as a lab school for training teachers. During that year, 30 students were enrolled in the teacher training program. During 2021-2022, 304 VCSU students were awarded either a baccalaureate or graduate degree in education. Currently, the School of Education and Graduate Studies is spread out across campus. The project will bring the entire School of Education under one roof and will allow for better collaboration and enhanced learning experiences for students.
Read more about how VCSU is preparing tomorrow’s teachers:
- Challenging Times Producing Innovation & Inspiration: Five VCSU alumni share their thoughts on the wins, challenges and hope they see in new teachers graduating from their alma mater
- VCSU receives $600,000 teacher preparation grant to address teacher shortage: Scholarships available for paraprofessionals and substitute teachers seeking a teaching license
- VCSU lauded by National Council on Teacher Quality
Under One Roof
Technology Education
Educational Spaces
Jennifer Feist
This campaign is significant. It’s an investment in the future of VCSU and the community. The Valley City Barnes County Development Corporation has long believed that this university is an economic engine upon which we can build.”
Jennifer Feist, Director of Development, Valley City Barnes County Development Corporation
Student Center Renovation
With the opening of the Wellness Center in 2016, the Student Center swimming pool was closed. Now there is an urgent need to convert the square footage in the former swimming pool area into a large multipurpose room to be used for student activities, special events, conferences, career days, and more.
The Student Center renovation will include:
- Converting available square footage from pool closure into usable space
- Create banquet and meeting spaces for:
- New student orientation
- Career fairs and organizational meetings
- Esports competition venue
- Other student activities
- Alumni & Friends
VCSU breaks ground on Tharaldson Family Athletic Center
Jun 12, 2025 - Alumni & Friends
VCSU to Break Ground on Tharaldson Family Athletic Center
May 27, 2025 - Forward Together
VCSU announces Gary Tharaldson and family will donate largest gift in university history
May 8, 2024 - Forward Together
Farmers Union Insurance Backs VCSU Campaign
Aug 4, 2022
Join our generous donors and give to Valley City State
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