Hotline // February 12, 2025

The Forge, Student Magazine at VCSU, Wins Highest Honor in REALM Contest

Valley City State University’s student literary magazine, The Forge, has been recognized as a REALM First Class magazine by the National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE).

The distinction was awarded after NCTE reviewed Issue 21 of The Forge, produced by VCSU student editors Sierra Crocker, Abigail Dreher, Beth Mehus and LilyBeth Townsend, and advised by Dr. J. Gregory Brister. The Forge is annually produced by students taking English 213: Literary Publications.

“The Forge is honored to be the first campus publication in North Dakota to receive this award,” stated Brister, professor of English 213: Literary Publications. “It recognizes the dedication of our student editors and the vibrancy and vitality of the literary, artistic, and scholarly work of the VCSU community.”

First Class is the highest honor in the Recognizing Excellence in Art and Literary Magazines (REALM) contest run by the NCTE. 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 46 states and five countries nominated 422 student magazines to be reviewed for the 2024 contest. Magazines from middle school, high school, and higher education were included. The Forge is one of 125 magazines to receive REALM First Class.

For more information about the REALM Program, please visit the NCTE website.

The Forge is now accepting submissions from VCSU students, faculty and staff for its 2025 magazine.

VCSU sets enrollment record with 1,854 students

Valley City State University announced a 6 percent growth in enrollment Tuesday, setting another campus record with 1,854 students enrolled during the spring semester.

That shatters the previous spring enrollment record of 1,747 students set in 2024 and even breaks the overall enrollment record of 1,806 students set last fall. VCSU added 66 new full-time students during the spring semester, including 15 freshmen and 51 transfer students.

The record enrollment was fueled by growth in all major areas this spring:

• The number of full-time students is up 5 percent over last spring and is the second-highest number ever during the spring semester.
• The graduate programs saw a 23 percent increase in enrollment, growing to 146 students seeking a master’s degree.
• Overall undergraduate enrollment is up 5 percent.
• The number of part-time students increased by 7 percent.
• The university’s full-time equivalency grew by 7 percent to a record FTE of 1,223 students.

“We are thrilled to see growth in so many different areas of our university,” said VCSU president Alan LaFave. “Students have always been our top priority, and the continued growth and improved retention validates that we continue to put students first.”

“Students attending VCSU find a friendly campus that truly cares about their success,” LaFave continued. “To meet the changing needs of higher education, we continue to transform and adapt our course offerings, our degree options and the delivery modes by which students take their courses. Paired with our extremely affordable tuition rates, a VCSU education is a great fit for many types of students.”

The current in-state tuition for VCSU undergrads is just $6,619 for a 30-credit year. North Dakota students who receive a full Federal Pell Grant will have their entire yearly tuition covered. The VCSU Foundation has also played a major role in making an education affordable, awarding nearly $2 million in scholarships this past year.

“In an increasingly cost-conscious society, Valley City State provides great value with a high-quality education at an affordable price. Students and their families continue to recognize the value of a VCSU degree,” said vice president for academic affairs Larry Brooks. “More than 70 percent of our students come from North Dakota, and we understand the important role we play in meeting workforce needs for our state.”

In 2010, VCSU’s spring enrollment was 1,034 total students. In the 15 years since, Valley City State has seen steady growth. The number of full-time students has grown by 30 percent and the overall campus headcount has grown 79 percent since 2010.

For more information about VCSU and its academic programs, visit www.vcsu.edu.

VCSU Foundation participates in Giving Hearts Day Feb. 13

Generous donors can once again donate to the VCSU Foundation on Giving Hearts Day.

For the ninth consecutive year, the VCSU Foundation is participating in the region-wide day of giving on February 13 to benefit non-profits.

Donations to the VCSU Foundation can be given Feb. 13 online or scheduled ahead of time.

Give a Donation Online

Donations can also be dropped off at the Foundation Office prior to Feb. 13.

A donation of $10 or more will be matched up to the first $5,000, allowing your gift to do more. The $5,000 matching gift is provided by Ludvigson, Braun & Co. – Matt Pedersen. Checks delivered to the VCSU Foundation Office must be dated Feb. 13 and reference Giving Hearts Day in the memo section.

In 2024, 260 donors gave $34,530 to the VCSU Foundation on Giving Hearts Day. These dollars help VCSU students through scholarship support in addition to supporting alumni gatherings, award programs, Homecoming activities and the alumni magazine The Bulletin.

As part of a continual improvement program at Fargo, North Dakota-based Dakota Medical Foundation (DMF) started Giving Hearts Day in 2008 as a simple but unique fundraising concept: Around Valentine’s Day, ask people to show affection to not only people they love but charities, too.

In the decade-plus since, the event has gone on to become one of the longest-running and most successful giving days in the country, providing a platform for North Dakota and northwest Minnesota charities to raise $195 million.

Music Department hosting recital by guest pianist Helber Fernandes Ribeiro

The Valley City State University music department is hosting concert pianist Helber Fernandes Ribeiro for a free public recital on Thursday, Feb. 13. The show begins at 7 p.m. inside the performance hall at VCSU’s Larry J. Robinson Center for the Arts.

Ribeiro captivates audiences with his nuanced interpretations and expressive artistry. A native of Brazil, Helber holds a Doctor of Arts in Piano Performance from the University of Northern Colorado, where he developed a distinctive style that combines technical brilliance with emotional depth.

Helber has showcased his talent on prominent stages, including Carnegie Hall and Sala São Paulo. His commitment to celebrating underrepresented composers is evident in his pioneering recordings of Brazilian piano works, such as those by Manoel Faulhaber and Alfredo Bevilacqua, in partnership with the Instituto Piano Brasileiro (Brazilian Piano Institute).

An award-winning pianist, Helber has earned first-place prizes at international competitions, including the Charleston International Music Competition and the Couperin International Music Competition. His performances reflect a deep understanding of the repertoire, shaped by his collaborations with leading artists and educators worldwide.

Helber bridges cultural divides through music, blending his Brazilian heritage with the universal language of the piano. Whether delivering solo recitals or collaborating in chamber ensembles, he invites listeners on a journey of discovery, artistry, and emotion.

Helber’s program features Brazilian composers Faulhaber and Bevilacqua alongside masterworks by Chopin and Debussy. This recital promises to be a spellbinding evening of artistry and discovery, where Ribeiro’s dynamic programming bridges cultures and invites listeners on a journey through both familiar and unexplored musical landscapes.

VCSU announces new major in Data Analytics and Visualization

Valley City State University (VCSU) has developed a new major to meet growing workforce demands in the business industry.

VCSU will start offering a degree in Data Analytics and Visualization during Fall 2025. This degree prepares students for a career analyzing complex data, extracting insights from the data, and presenting data in a clear and compelling way.

The profession has a fast-growing job market with more than 19,000 job postings in the past year. The advertised median salary is more than $100,000 for jobs in this field.

The Data Analytics and Visualization major is offered through VCSU’s Computer Systems and Software Engineering (CSSE) department. The degree can be earned on campus or online. Students will study elements of statistics, computer science, business and design to learn the skills needed to handle data-intensive tasks in various industries.

“This new major meets a growing need in many businesses,” said Sue Pfeifer, chair of the CSSE department. “Students will take classes from a variety of departments on campus but will ultimately be equipped with a degree that can land a high-paying job in numerous industries such as healthcare, finance, technology, marketing, government or education.”

At its core, the degree focuses on understanding data and presenting the information gathered from data in a clear and concise manner. Students will develop skills in data analysis, statistics, programming, critical thinking and communication. They will also learn data visualization techniques using software such as Tableau or Microsoft Power BI.

“Students who are interested in problem-solving and creativity make a good fit for this major,” said Pfeifer. “They should be detail-oriented, paying attention to the accuracy of data. Students should also be interested in technology and exploring new software.”

Potential career paths include jobs as a data analyst, a business intelligence analyst or a visualization specialist.

“We are always looking for programs or classes that help meet current workforce needs,” said Larry Brooks, Vice President for Academic Affairs at VCSU. “Students who complete this degree should be in high demand by various industries after graduation.”

For more information about the Data Analytics and Visualization major, visit the program’s website.

VCSU Music hosting 23rd annual ND Intercollegiate Band

Valley City State University hosts the 2025 North Dakota Intercollegiate Band on February 22, bringing together 87 college students from across the state.

Eight different North Dakota institutions are represented in the band, which is directed by Dr. Mary K. Schneider, Professor of Conducting and Director of Bands at Eastern Michigan University.

The two-day event begins Friday, Feb. 21, and concludes with a free public concert at 3 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 22. The concert is held at the Larry J. Robinson Center for the Arts Performance Hall.

“We are excited and honored to host the 2025 North Dakota Intercollegiate Band event for the first time since the opening of the Larry J. Robinson Center for the Arts,” said VCSU assistant professor of music Mr. Jerrold Heide. “This event brings our North Dakota institutions together through music in VCSU’s incredible performance spaces, and we look forward to celebrating the talent and passion of our collegiate musicians from across the state.”

Concerts selections are “Fanfare Politeia” by Kimberly Archer, “Danzon No.2” by Arturo Marquez, “This Night” by David Biedenbender, and “Bullets and Bayonets” by John Philip Sous.

The guest ensemble Lake Agassiz Wind Symphony will also perform during the concert. The symphony is directed by Dr. Warren Olfert, retired director of bands from NDSU.

Valley City State University has 18 students participating in the ND Intercollegiate Band, which is in its 23^rd year of performances. Other students attending are from Bismarck State College, Dickinson State University, Minot State University, North Dakota State University, University of North Dakota, University of Jamestown and University of Mary.

Peterson receives ‘Difference Maker’ award for February

KaSaundra Peterson, executive assistant, received the Difference Maker award for February. She was nominated by the Marketing & Communications Department.

Her nomination read, “Since starting her position this summer, KaSaundra has been a welcome addition to VCSU and does her job with purpose and attention to detail. When working with KaSaundra you can always expect a quick and accurate response. She played a large role in organizing the logistics behind hosting the first ever NDUS AI Conference on the VCSU campus this fall, and she has been a major help in gathering information and helping prepare VCSU’s budget presentations to the state legislature this winter. She has been very helpful for the Marketing & Communication office in several other areas, and we appreciate the work she does with our office and the rest of campus.”

Congratulations, KaSaundra!

Alumni spotlight

Shelby Hartman

Current residence: Mandan, N.D.

Degree earned from VCSU: Elementary Education

What is your current employment?
5th grade teacher, Bismarck Public Schools
Member of my school’s leadership team
MTSS B Committee Co-Lead
Student Ambassadors Co-Advisor

What first interested you in VCSU and how did you decide to attend?
I always knew I wanted to go to the BEST “teacher college” so it was never a question of where to go! I toured VCSU with my family on a Viking Visit Day and felt that home-like feeling I knew I would need to succeed. Mrs. Cindy Zahn was beyond welcoming as my advisor on that day and she connected my family so well to the whole experience being I was the first one in my family to attend college.

What clubs or activities were you involved in during your time at VCSU?
During my time at VCSU, I was a Viking Ambassador. I enjoyed connecting with prospective new students and sharing all the wonderful qualities of campus with them and their families.

What are some of your accomplishments since completing your degree?
I graduated from UND in December 2023 with a Masters Degree in Educational Administration. Currently I am taking a course to become a student-teacher supervising teacher.

What are your interests outside of work?
Outside of work, I enjoy spending time on my family’s ranch where we have many animals! My brother rides bucking bulls professionally, so I also like to road-trip to rodeos to watch his success. Any country music concert I can attend, I do! I enjoy reading, as I set a “books read” goal each year and typically beat it. In the summer months, when I’m not teaching summer school, I enjoy lounging in my family’s pool, soaking up the sunshine!

What is your fondest memory of your college years?
My fondest memory of my college years connects to all the valuable friendships I made. I am still in contact with many friends from my college years. We dedicate time almost monthly to meet up and connect. I also still communicate with many of my professors from VCSU. They’re always willing to help with any professional career questions I may have. Mrs. Cindy Zahn has become a “2nd mom” to me and I enjoy spending time with her a couple times a year, no matter the distance we have to travel!

Do you have any advice for current VCSU students?
My advice for current VCSU students would be to enjoy every moment! It certainly goes by faster than you think. Even the stressful moments will be ones you look back on someday and smile (or even laugh) at! Once a Viking, Always a Viking!

Viking sports update

Women’s Basketball
VCSU’s women went 1-1 in conference contests over the weekend including a 77-74 comeback victory over (RV)Jamestown. The Vikings also fell to Dickinson State on Senior Day, during which VCSU recognized seniors Ashlyn Diemert and Elyse Hebrink. The Viking women are now 13-11 overall and 5-7 in conference play.

Men’s Basketball
VCSU rallied back from a 17-point deficit and Lamar Grayson scored the go-ahead bucket with 6.5 seconds on the clock to complete a late comeback win over Dickinson State Saturday. VCSU’s men also fell to Jamestown to finish the weekend with a 1-1 record. VCSU recognized eight seniors on Saturday for Senior Day. VCSU’s men are now 12-12 on the season and 3-9 in the North Star.

Track and field
Valley City State set three new school records at the NDSU Open and Multi Saturday at NDSU. After breaking the 3000-meter and 1-mile school records, Karly Just was named NSAA Indoor Track Athlete of the Week. VCSU competes at the Indoor NSAA Championships on Sunday at 10 a.m. in Brookings, S.D.

Baseball
The Vikings went 1-3 against Graceland University over the weekend, including a 13-12 walkoff win on Hunter Logan’s RBI single after scoring four runs in the bottom of the ninth inning. VCSU’s weekend series against Randall University and Lyon College have been canceled due to the forecast.

Softball
VCSU Softball opened its season with a 2-2 record after competing Friday and Saturday at the University of Jamestown Dome. The Vikings picked up wins over Montana State University Billings on Friday and Dakota Wesleyan University on Saturday.

Upcoming Events:
Jan. 14: Basketball at Bellevue University, 5:30/7:30 p.m. (Bellevue, Neb.)
Jan. 14-15: Softball at Dordt University Dome (Sioux Center, Iowa)
Jan. 15: Basketball at Dakota State, 3/5 p.m. (Madison, S.D.)
Jan. 16: Track and Field at Indoor NSAA Championships, 10 a.m. (Brookings, S.D.)

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

February 13
Giving Hearts Day
7 p.m. Helber Fernandes Ribeiro recital, CFA Performance Hall

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/