Hotline // October 23, 2024
This week’s Hotline includes the following articles:
- Two concerts this weekend at the CFA
- National Day on Writing celebrated on campus
- Polymer Skies exhibit runs through Nov. 22 at CFA Gallery
- VCSU hosting Tomorrow’s Teachers visit days
- Meet Brittany Evans ‘14
- Viking sports update
- What’s happening at VCSU and around Valley City…
Two concerts this weekend at the CFA
VALLEY CITY (VCSU) – Valley City State University will host a pair of concerts at the Larry J. Robinson Center for the Arts this weekend.
The upcoming events include the Ployhar Honor Band that includes 92 area high school students, and the senior recital of VCSU music student Isabelle Haugen. Both events are free and open to the public.
VCSU Upcoming Music Events
Friday, Oct. 25: Ployhar Honor Band, 7 p.m.
Sunday, Oct. 27: Isabelle Haugen Senior Recital, 2 p.m.
Ployhar Honor Band
The 21st annual Ployhar Band Festival will be held Oct. 24-25 in the Center for the Arts. Named after VCSU distinguished alumni and music hall of fame member, James D. Ployhar, this prestigious band has been selected from students across North Dakota through an audition process. The guest conductor will be Professor Jerrold Heide, director of bands at VCSU. This year’s band will be the biggest in the history of the event with 92 members. Statewide interest has also increased with almost 200 students auditioning. The two-day long festival will conclude with a grand final concert in the performance hall at 7 p.m. on Friday, October 25.
Isabelle Haugen Recital
VCSU senior Isabelle Haugen, flute, presents her Senior Recital on Sunday, Oct. 27. The concert is a culmination of her music studies at VCSU and begins at 2 p.m. at the CFA Performance Hall.
A native of Fargo, N.D., Haugen is a senior music education major studying flute with Dr. Katrina Clements and formerly Dr. Lindsey Wiehl. The program will include music by Georges-Hüe, Edgard Varèse, Eldin Burton, Charles T. Griffes, Billy Joel, and Camille Saint-Saëns. Haugen will perform alongside VCSU faculty Dr. Ozzie Johnson (piano), Ben Diers (alto saxophone), and Tedi Dimmer (clarinet).
During her time in the VCSU Music Department, Haugen has participated in the Concert Band, Concert Choir, Wind Ensemble, Jazz Ensemble, Athletic Band, University Singers, Opera Ensemble, Commercial Music Ensemble, and NAfME. She will be student teaching in the spring semester and will graduate in May 2025. After graduation, she plans to get a job teaching music in the area. Following Haugen’s recital, a reception will be held in the lobby.
For those unable to attend in-person, both concerts will also be live streamed on the Valley City State University Music Department YouTube Channel.
National Day on Writing celebrated on campus
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The language and literature department, in collaboration with the Allen Memorial Library, celebrated the National Day on Writing last Friday, Oct. 18. With the support of the English and Spanish clubs, we gathered over 100 creative and thoughtful responses to the National Council of Teachers of English prompt: Why I Write. Faculty, staff and students shared meaningful insights on how and why writing is a vital part of human expression. Participants also engaged in Spanish translation exercises and were invited to review a selection of literary and other books gathered for the event by the VCSU library staff with special emphasis on literature in translation.
A selection of Why I Write responses is on display in the 3rd floor hallway of McFarland.
Questions about the National Day on Writing can be sent to event coordinator Emily D. Wicktor, associate professor of English at emily.wicktor@vcsu.edu.
Polymer Skies exhibit runs through Nov. 22 at CFA Gallery
The VCSU Larry J. Robinson Center for the Arts Gallery announces Polymer Skies, a solo exhibition by North Dakota artist Debbie Kauffman, will be open to the public October 14 through November 22.
Polymer Skies features a collection of intricately crafted quilted pieces that reimagine traditional quilt block patterns using found and upcycled plastic materials. Each piece reflects Kauffman’s deep connection to the North Dakota landscape, allowing the artist “to give a voice to my thoughts, express my concern for the environment and illustrate the love I have for this place, I call home.”
Kauffman’s work explores the intersection of environmental issues, traditional craftsmanship, and visual storytelling. By using patchwork quilt blocks, she honors the history and tradition of quilting, while the use of repurposed post-consumer plastics highlights the overwhelming presence of plastic waste that has invaded the North Dakota landscape.
For more information about Kauffman’s artwork and process, visit www.debbiekauffman.com/polymer-skies-series.
VCSU hosting Tomorrow's Teachers visit days
Valley City State University’s award-winning education department is hosting a pair of day-long events for high school students considering a teaching career.
Tomorrow’s Teachers Visit Days are scheduled for Oct. 30 and Nov. 13 on the VCSU campus. High school students interested in elementary education or secondary education careers are invited to attend one of the visit days. They will have the opportunity to attend education classes with current university students, take a campus tour, enjoy an on-campus lunch in the Student Center, and visit with students currently enrolled in VCSU’s education programs.
“This is a great opportunity for high school students to truly experience a day in the life of education majors at VCSU,” said Allen Burgad, Dean for the VCSU School of Education. “We want students to get a realistic experience on their visit as they decide if VCSU and teaching are in their future.”
Students interested in attending one of the Tomorrow’s Teachers events are asked to pre-register at https://www.vcsu.edu/admissions/visit/tomorrows-teachers-education-visit-day/.
The Visit Day runs from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. VCSU will donate a $500 scholarship to the school district sending the highest number of students to the event.
Valley City State is a regional leader in teacher education and awards more bachelor’s degrees in education than any other university in the state. At latest count, there are 1,526 VCSU alumni working as teachers or administrators in 346 North Dakota schools.
VCSU’s McCarthy Hall is currently undergoing a $13.5 million renovation and when completed next fall it will be the new home for VCSU’s School of Education with modern classrooms, labs, and the latest technology needed to train future teachers.
For questions about Tomorrow’s Teachers Visit Days, please contact Rachel Bopp in the School of Education at rachel.n.bopp@vcsu.edu.
Meet Brittany Evans ‘14
Brittany (Lehner) Evans hasn’t slowed down since her college career came to a close in 2014. During college, the former VCSU student athlete dominated in her sports, earning Female Senior Athlete of the Year and NSA Softball Player of the Year. Evans also excelled academically, earning Outstanding Health Science Student award and graduating Magna Cum Laude.
Evans’ demanding college lifestyle prepared her for a career that takes her across the country with her family, having adventures along the way.
Name: Brittany Evans
Current residence: Sioux Falls, S.D.
Major/Minor: Health science and biology
Career: Physical therapist with Core Medical Group
Give us an update on your life currently.
I am working as a traveling physical therapist. My husband Josh Evans ’12, children Braden (5) and Easton (3) and I travel around the United States as I work in clinics to help fill needs companies have. We have been traveling for 1 year and have lived in Texas, California, Washington and Massachusetts.
What first interested you in VCSU?
Initially, I was recruited for softball and basketball. When I was on my tour the campus felt like home. I liked the small class sizes, the connection I had with coaches and opportunities in the science department.
What were some of your greatest accomplishments at VCSU?
I am very proud to be a part of the 2010-2011 basketball team that was recently inducted into the VCSU Hall of Fame, an incredible group of girls and coaches that worked hard to reach our goals.
What are some of your interests outside of work?
I love exploring different regions of the country and learning about new cultures. As a family we love to be outdoors and have spent many days over the past year hiking and enjoying warm days at the beach.
Do you have any favorite memories from your time at VCSU?
My favorite memory was the basketball DAC championship against Jamestown my freshman year. The crowd was electric, the support our team had from the community and the school was incredible. The crowd rushing the court and the feeling of taking down the Jimmies in the championship will be something I never forget!
Any advice for current VCSU students?
When a course or project seems difficult and overwhelming, remember the bigger picture and your academic goals. The challenges allow you to grow and help prepare you for your future!
Viking sports update
Volleyball
The Valley City State volleyball team went 1-1 on the week, including a sweep over Dickinson State and a loss to No. 2 Jamestown. The Vikings play at Mayville State Thursday night.
Football
VCSU Football was off last weekend and resume play at Dakota State this coming Saturday. Kickoff is slated for 4 p.m. with pregame coverage beginning at 3 p.m. on KOVC 1490 AM/96.3FM.
Upcoming Events
Oct. 24: Volleyball at Mayville, 7 p.m. (Mayville, N.D.)
Oct. 26: Women’s Basketball vs. Providence, 2 p.m. (W.E. Osmon Fieldhouse)
Oct. 26: Men’s Basketball vs. Brandon, 4 p.m. (W.E. Osmon Fieldhouse)
Oct. 26: Football at Dakota State, 4 p.m. (Madison, S.D.)
Oct. 27: Women’s Basketball vs. Providence, 12 p.m. (W.E. Osmon Fieldhouse)
Oct. 27: Men’s Basketball vs. Brandon, 2 p.m. (W.E. Osmon Fieldhouse)
Oct. 30: Volleyball vs. Dakota State, 6 p.m. (Graichen Gym)
What's happening at VCSU and around Valley City...
Saturday, Oct. 26
Sanborn Fall Events
1 – 4 p.m. Vendor Show, J & L’s Bar & Grill
1 – 5 p.m. Kid’s Halloween Costume Party, Sanborn Community Center
Sunday, Oct. 27
4 – 7 p.m. Ham dinner, Our Savior’s Lutheran Church (Sanborn)