Hotline // October 25, 2023

Introspection on display in Center for the Arts Gallery

The VCSU Art Department invites you to attend Kay Yturralde’s senior art exhibit, Introspection, will be in the VCSU Center for the Arts gallery from Oct. 24- Nov. 10. Yturralde will discuss her artwork on Nov. 2 at 3 p.m. in the Center for the Arts choir room. A reception will follow in the Center for the Arts lobby from 4-5 p.m. Yturralde’s artist talk will be livestreamed on the VCSU YouTube channel and the VCSU Art Department Facebook page.

Yturralde’s art explores her subconscious and emotions to process life experiences. Her artwork connects her past, her emotional wellbeing and her Latina/Latin American/ Hispanic heritage. Being a tactile learner, Yturralde engages material to create 3-D sculptures that allow her to express her thoughts and feelings.

After graduation, she will return to the American Southwest region to work as a studio artist and in community arts where she can provide creative experiences to those in her community.

Updates on the Conflict in Israel and Palestine presentation set for Oct. 26

The public is cordially invited to attend the Barnes County Historical Society Lecture Series Season 23, in conjunction with the “What in the World” group, presents: Dr. Alex Jorgensen and Professor Jacob Clauson (VCSU) Updates on the Conflict in Israel and Palestine on Thursday, Oct. 26, 7 p.m. at the Barnes County Museum located at 315 Central Ave N, Valley City, N.D.

Listen to a presentation on the geography and politics surrounding the current conflict in Israel and Gaza. This is not intended to be a political debate, rather an opportunity to learn, reflect and connect. Explore this complex subject through a multifaceted approach with VCSU Social Science faculty.

Alex Jorgensen received his Ph.D. in political science from the University of Kansas in 2015. He has taught American government, public administration, public policy, comparative politics and international relations at Missouri State University, Winona State University, and now at Valley City State University. Jorgensen has published on civic engagement, teaching and learning and morality politics.

Jacob Clauson is an assistant professor of geography at VCSU teaching a variety of geography, as well as social science methods courses. He is currently a Ph.D. Candidate at NDSU with research focusing on the agricultural and environmental history of prairie regions. Having taught secondary social studies for over a decade, he has experience presenting topics such as this to a wide variety of audiences.

All lectures are at the Barnes County Historical Society Museum and held in conjunction with Valley City State University. They are free and open to the public.

For more information contact Wes Anderson at 701-845-0966.

Ployhar Honor Band performance this Friday

The 20^th annual James D. Ployhar Honor Band will perform in the VCSU Center for the Arts Performance Hall on Friday, Oct. 27.

The 7 p.m. concert is free and open to the public. Please contact the VCSU Music Department at 701-845-7272 for additional information.

VCSU Planetarium now showing: Finding Polaris I & II

VCSU’s Planetarium presents Finding Polaris I & II on Oct. 28 at 1 p.m. The planetarium is located in the Rhoades Science Center Room 309. The show is free and open to the public.

Valley City State University is home to the only planetarium in North Dakota. Our state-of-the-art Rhoades Science Center houses a Spitz 512 planetarium with a 24-foot domed ceiling and 50 reclining seats.

Each semester, VCSU students produce a new show to be used in the Planetarium. Shows range from basic astronomy to exploring how Lewis and Clark used the night sky to aid in their exploration of North America.

For more information about the VCSU Planetarium contact Wes Anderson, 701-845-0966.

Van Gijssel recognized as Library Champion by ND Library Association

Hilde van Gijssel, Ph.D., professor for science, was awarded the Library Champion Award at the North Dakota Library Association annual conference, which took place Oct. 11-13.

Van Gijssel was recognized for her work as the Valley City Barnes County Public Library Board President and for guiding the library board through the book challenges in 2022.

Mirscov attends National Council of Arts conference

Angela Mircsov, assistant professor for art, attended the National Council of Arts Administrator Conference in St. Louis, Mo. from Sept. 27-29. The conference allows art administrators to meet from across the country and discuss the challenges coming forward in Higher Education, especially in art programs. Panels included Closing and Merging Art and Design Colleges to minimize bias through the Use of Rubrics in Hiring Processes. The main theme of the conference was reconsidering the history we receive as it is being re-formatted, re-contextualized, and re-understood and how we as educators tackle these issues in the classroom and academia at large and turn this reality into a strength.

VCSU Music presents Guest Artist Recital, Ray Kilburn

The VCSU Music Department presents Guest Artist Piano Recital, Ray Kilburn, Piano on Friday, Nov. 3. The recital will take place in the Center for the Arts Performance Hall at 7:30 p.m. The public is invited to attend this event, admission is free.

Pianist Ray Kilburn has maintained a successful performing and teaching career that has spanned the United States, Canada, Mexico, Central America, Europe, and Asia. Critics have been unanimous in praise of his outstanding technical abilities and artistic temperament. Kilburn holds four performance degrees: the BM and LM from McGill University where his primary teacher was Tom Plaunt, and the MM and DM degrees from Indiana University Jacobs School of Music, where his primary teacher was Gyorgy Sebok. Currently on faculty at Ball State University School of Music, his students have distinguished themselves through winning prizes in national and international competitions and obtaining faculty positions at colleges and universities around the world. 

Viking sports update

Football downs Dakota State, 21-14
The VCSU Football team started the second half of conference play with a 21-14 win over Dakota State on Saturday. The Vikings improve to 5-2 overall and 4-1 in conference play. VCSU is on the road at Mayville State on Saturday.

Volleyball splits Saturday matches
The VCSU Volleyball team split a pair of matches Saturday in Iowa, dropping a match to Morningside College but bouncing back with a win over Buena Vista. VCSU is now 20-6 overall (the most wins since 1998) and is 6-2 in conference play. VCSU is back home at Graichen Gym this weekend with matches against Dakota State (Friday) and Bellevue University (Saturday).

Viking Basketball season starts this week
Both the VCSU basketball teams begin their seasons this week. The Viking men host Brandon University in the season opener Thursday at 7 p.m. The Vikings and Bobcats then play again Friday at 3 p.m. VCSU’s women begin their season Friday night with a 6 p.m. game at the University of Jamestown.

Upcoming Events
Oct. 26: Men’s Basketball vs. Brandon University, 7 p.m. (Valley City)
Oct. 27: Men’s Basketball vs. Brandon University, 3 p.m. (Valley City)
Oct. 27: Volleyball vs. Dakota State, 6 p.m. (Valley City)
Oct. 27: Women’s Basketball at University of Jamestown, 6 p.m. (Jamestown, N.D.)
Oct. 28: Volleyball vs. Bellevue University, 11 a.m. (Valley City)
Oct. 28: Football at Mayville State University, 1 p.m. (Mayville, N.D.)

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 on the Valley City Community Calendar: https://www.valleycitycalendar.com/

Monday, Nov. 6
5-7 p.m. Creativity for a Cause Arin Lutiker Benefit, Valley City Eagles Club
Arin Lutiker is the child of Michelle Abshire, assistant professor of science at VCSU.