Hotline // January 24, 2024

Spring Music Faculty Showcase set for Jan. 26

Valley City State University is delighted to announce its upcoming Spring Music Faculty Showcase, featuring the talents of music faculty members. The showcase is scheduled for Friday, Jan. 26 at 7:30 p.m. in the Center for the Arts on the VCSU campus.

The showcase promises a diverse blend of compositions performed by Dr. Katrina Clements (clarinet), Dr. Ozzie Johnson (piano), Dr. Stephen Cunningham (bass-baritone), Professor Taylor Long (prepared vibraphone), with a special appearance from VCSU President, Dr. Alan LaFave (clarinet). The repertoire for the evening features music by composers such as Felix Mendelssohn, W.A. Mozart, Amanda Harberg, Hugo Morales Murguia, and Sergei Rachmaninoff.

President Alan LaFave, will appear alongside our new woodwind professor, Dr. Katrina Clements, on Felix Mendelssohn’s Konzertstück no. 2. Originally from Albuquerque, New Mexico, Clements joins us from the greater Phoenix Metro Area where she taught since completing the Doctor of Musical Arts degree at Arizona State University. As a proponent of creative collaborations across art disciplines, her current work focuses on commissioning and performing new pieces for clarinet and multimedia that include visuals to create deeper sensory experiences for audiences. In addition to the Mendelssohn, Clements will also perform the lyrical Sonata for clarinet and piano by Amanda Harberg with VCSU piano faculty, Dr. Ozzie Johnson.

New percussion professor Taylor Long, also joined the VCSU music faculty in the fall of 2023. He will be performing Lū by Hugo Morales Murguia for prepared vibraphone. Originally from Portland, Oregon, Long lived in New York for the previous five years, where he completed doctoral coursework in percussion performance at Stony Brook University and served as a percussion teaching fellow at Bard College Conservatory. Also a member of VCSU’s Audio Production faculty, Long frequently incorporates elements of technology and electronics in his live performances.

Dr. Stephen Cunningham, in his second year as VCSU’s vocal professor, will be performing Mozart’s Rivolgete a lui lo sguardo, an aria planned for the opera Così fan tutte. It was replaced by another aria in the opera but remains one of the great standalone opera buffo arias for the bass voice. Dr. Ozzie Johnson, also in his second year at VCSU, will be adding three solo selections by Sergei Rachmaninoff to close out the recital.

“We are thrilled to present this event, showcasing the talent within our faculty. The Spring Music Faculty Showcase is an opportunity for the community to witness the creativity and collaboration going on in the CFA (Center for the Arts),” said Dr. Ken Jimenez, chair of the music department at VCSU.

Attendees can expect a diverse selection of musical genres, showcasing the versatility and expertise of the VCSU music faculty. The recital is free and open to the public. For more information on upcoming performances, please visit https://www.vcsu.edu/center-for-the-arts/fine-arts-calendar/.

The Forge recognized as Superior magazine for Excellence in Art and Literary Magazines (REALM) Contest

The Forge, VCSU’s literary publication, has been recognized as a Superior magazine by the National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE).

This year, schools in 46 states and five countries nominated 375 student magazines. Magazines from middle school, high school, and higher education were welcomed for the 2023 contest.

“I’d like to thank the student editors and the faculty judges from the departments of art and language and literature, as well as Student Senate and Viking Print Services for their contributions that made this award possible for The Forge,” said J. Gregory Brister, professor for language & literature.

The REALM program publicly recognizes excellent literary magazines produced by students with the support of their teachers. REALM is designed to encourage all schools to develop literary magazines that celebrate the art and craft of writing. Schools in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, US territories, Canada, and American schools abroad are eligible to nominate magazines.

For more information about the REALM Program, please visit: https://ncte.org/awards/program-to-recognize-in-student-literary-magazines/.

Dutton and da Vinha publish chapter on foreign policy doctrine

Anthony Dutton, professor for history, and Luis da Vinha, former VCSU political science professor,  published “In Search of the Elusive Trump Doctrine” with Springer. Appearing in The Perils of Populism: the End of the American Century?, the chapter examines the foreign policy doctrine that the Trump administration attempted to express in its closing days.

Dutton and da Vinha consider the nature and utility of foreign policy doctrines and whether the Trump administration’s foreign policy maintained sufficient coherency and consistency to represent a doctrine. This is the pair’s second published chapter in the past year, and follows a book published in 2021 with Peter Lang. Dr. da Vinha has just accepted a lectureship position in Politics and International Relations at De Montfort University in Leicester, England.

Nathan receives Difference Maker award

Brittany Nathan, assistant director for residence life, received the Difference Maker award for January.

Her nomination read, “Brittany is a great role model for the RAs (resident assistants) on campus! She doesn’t hesitate to stop and visit with a student or RA if they have a question. She is patient and kind. Brittany works hard to make sure the students have a good living environment where lifelong memories can be made.”

Congratulations, Brittany!

Leap Into College With Free App Month and Win a Mini Fridge

Valley City State University (VCSU) announced today that all VCSU applications will be FREE from Jan. 15 to Feb. 15.

Any student who applies for undergraduate admission by Feb. 15, and is admitted before Feb. 28, will be entered to win a custom mini fridge on Feb. 29. Students who visit for the first time between Jan. 15 to Feb. 15, will also be entered to win. This means students who apply, are admitted and tour for the first time will be entered in the drawing twice! The application fee is waived by using the code VIKINGS when submitting the application online.

“Applying early for college gives students more time to make the decision that is right for them,” Director of Enrollment Services Erin Heide said. “Whether you’re starting college for the first time, transferring from another school, or earning an additional degree, the application process is quick and simple.”

Students who have submitted an application and been admitted to VCSU are also automatically offered various scholarship packages to assist with the financial cost.

“The application process is easy and I hope all students thinking about attending college submit an application to VCSU. We are one of the most affordable four-year schools in the upper Midwest and have been ranked as the top regional public school in the region by U.S. News and World Report,” Heide said. “This is a great opportunity for students to visit our campus and meet with faculty in an area of study they might be interested in pursuing. We encourage everyone to take advantage of this opportunity.”

• Applying for admission to VCSU is a simple process and begins online at vcsu.edu/apply. Use the promotion code VIKINGS to ensure the application fee is waived.
• Scheduling a visit to VCSU can be done at vcsu.edu/visit.
• Find a program to study by visiting the VCSU program listing.

The drawing will take place Feb. 29 and the winner will be notified by email and direct message.

For more information about applying or visiting VCSU, contact Erin Heide at Erin.Heide@vcsu.edu, or call (701) 845-7101 or text (701) 404-8354.

VCSU Career and Internship Expo Planned for Feb. 27

Employers Encouraged to Register by Jan. 18

Valley City State University (VCSU) will host a Career and Internship Expo from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 27, in the Memorial Student Union.

Employers interested in promoting career opportunities are encouraged to register for the event by Jan. 18 by emailing Janna Kohler at janna.kohler@vcsu.edu.

Students are encouraged to attend the event and discover employment and internship opportunities available with multiple local businesses and non-profit organizations.

“This event is one of the best ways we can connect our student population with the business community in Valley City and Barnes County,” said Janna Kohler, Director for Career Services. “We love to bring opportunities like this to campus for our students to see what great career offerings are in our region.”

In 2021 to 2022, 99% of non-education major graduates responding to a career survey said they were already employed or were continuing their education after graduation. Of education graduates, 100% responding reported they were employed or continuing their education. 70% of those graduates were employed in North Dakota.

“Our graduates are career-ready and our placement data supports that fact,” Vice President for Academic Affairs Larry Brooks said. “A diploma from VCSU helps our students enter the career of their choosing, often prior to graduation.”

The event focuses on opportunities for internships, seasonal, part-time and full-time work in the area. Students will be able to take a professional headshot and offer their resume to potential employers.

For more information about this event contact Janna Kohler at janna.kohler@vcsu.edu or call 701-845-7534.  To arrange an interview about VCSU, please contact Tammy Jo Anderson Taft by emailing TammyJo.Taft@vcsu.edu, or calling 701-845-7227.

Biennial Faculty Staff Exhibition on display in Center for the Arts

The Biennial Faculty Staff Exhibition is now up in the Center for the Arts Gallery through Feb. 9. The exhibition showcases work made by faculty and staff across VCSU. Works include ceramics, drawings, quilts, photography, paper quilling, stained glass, jewelry and more.

The reception will take place Jan. 31 from 3:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. A make up date is set for Feb. 7 from 3:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Viking Sports Update

Track & Field
MOORHEAD, MINN. – Cameron Champagnie and Jaiden Peraza both won individual events and the Valley City State track and field teams produced seven Top 2 finishes Saturday at the Cobber Indoor Open. Competing for the first time in over a month, the Vikings turned in a strong performance at the meet hosted by Concordia College in Moorhead. Champagnie – a freshman from Colorado Springs, Colo. – leaped to a collegiate-best mark in the triple jump, recording a top distance of 13.80 meters (45 feet, 3.5 inches) to win the men’s competition. Peraza won the men’s high jump competition as he cleared 1.97 meters for his second high jump victory of the season. Read more: https://vcsuvikings.com/news/2024/1/22/mens-track-and-field-champagnie-peraza-win-events-at-cobber-open.aspx

Women’s Basketball
The Viking women’s basketball team went on the road and defeated Dickinson State on Jan. 19, 85-64. Ashlyn Diemert (29 points) and Hailey Roberts (22) combined for 51 points in the victory. VCSU is now 8-10 overall and 2-2 in conference play.

Men’s Basketball
VCSU Men’s Basketball dropped a road game in overtime at Dickinson State, falling 80-74 on Jan. 19. The Vikings are now 9-9 overall and 1-3 in conference play.

Upcoming Events
Jan. 26: WBB/MBB at Viterbo University, 5:30/7:30 p.m. (LaCrosse, Wis.)
Jan. 26-27: Track & Field at UND Indoor Open (Grand Forks, N.D.)
Jan. 27: WBB/MBB at Waldorf University, 3:00/5:00 p.m. (Forest City, Iowa)
Jan. 31: WBB/MBB vs. Dickinson State, 5:30/7:30 p.m. (Valley City)

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/