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Hotline

Hotline // October 9, 2024

Oct 9, 2024

A newspaper backdrop with a white chevron and the words Hotline, The weekly newsletter of Valley City State University

This week’s Hotline includes the following articles:


VCSU Speech Team is back after near 20-year hiatus

VCSU Speech Team members gather on steps at a recent tournament.Valley City State University (VCSU) has started a new speech team for the 2024-25 school year.

Under the guidance of assistant professor Tammy Jo Taft, the VCSU speech team was reformed this fall after a near 20-year hiatus from campus. VCSU Speech will compete in five tournaments across the region this year and is actively recruiting members for the current and upcoming year. VCSU had five students attend a recent speech tournament in Brookings, S.D., where Grady Hornung reached finals in Dramatic Interpretation and placed sixth overall.

“Competing in collegiate forensics is one of the best ways for students to build their skills as public speakers and make lifelong connections,” said Tammy Jo Taft, assistant professor in Communication Arts and coach of the VCSU team. “It’s exciting to see so many students on campus interested in participating in collegiate speech. We have a great team lined up and good momentum early in the season. I’m excited to see what the year brings.”

Collegiate speech events are conducted as part of the American Forensic Association. There are 11 different events including Informative Speaking, Impromptu Speaking, Prose Interpretation, Dramatic Duo, Extemporaneous Speaking, Persuasive Speaking, Program Oral Interpretation, After Dinner Speaking, Communication Analysis, Dramatic Interpretation and Poetry Interpretation.

Upcoming events include a nationwide online tournament, several in the region through the Valley Forensic League, and the Icebox Classic in St. Cloud, Minnesota.

For more information about the VCSU speech team, contact Tammy Jo Anderson Taft at tammyjo.taft@vcsu.edu.

Polymer Skies exhibit runs Oct. 14-Nov. 22 at CFA Gallery

Polymer Skies by Debbie Kauffman 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.

The Valley City community is invited to meet the artist at a reception on Wednesday, Oct. 23, from 2-4:30 p.m.

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.

Language and Literature hosting Spanish Day on October 16

Students participate in a group activity during 2023 Spanish Day

Valley City State University will host more than 65 area high school students for an upcoming Spanish Day on the VCSU campus.

On Wednesday, October 16, Spanish Day participants will explore the Spanish language and cultures of different Spanish-speaking countries through a variety of fun activities. VCSU Spanish Day is hosted by the Language and Literature Department.

Students attending Spanish Day will explore slang from Spanish-speaking countries, learn about their diverse cuisines, hear music from popular Hispanic artists and do imaginative craft projects. The VCSU music department will also perform a mini-concert for Spanish Day participants.

Participants can also take a VCSU campus tour and have the opportunity to learn more about VCSU and its Spanish program.

Students interested in attending Spanish Day can sign up through VCSU’s website: https://www.vcsu.edu/admissions/visit/viking-visit-day-registration/?date=spanish-day-2024

Area high school teachers looking to bring a class to Spanish Day can contact VCSU Spanish faculty Luis Betancur at luis.betancur@vcsu.edu.

VCSU to celebrate National Day on Writing

logo for The National Day on WritingThe VCSU campus will celebrate the National Day on Writing on Friday, Oct. 18 from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. in the Student Center, join the VCSU English Club, Spanish Club, and the Department of Language and Literature in a variety of writing, creative, and translation activities. Follow along on social media @ncte and @vcsulanglitdept: #WhyIWrite and #VCSUWriting.

The National Council of Teachers of English describes the purpose of this day, “To draw attention to the remarkable variety of writing Americans engage in and to help make writers from all walks of life aware of their craft, the National Council of Teachers of English has established Oct. 20 as the National Day on Writing®. It’s important for everyone to share their knowledge about writing, organize participating groups in our schools and/or communities, and transform the public’s understanding of writing and the role it plays in society today.”

 

Contact event coordinator, Emily D. Wicktor, associate professor of English, if you have questions: emily.wicktor@vcsu.edu

Final Todd Zakrajsek book discussion taking place Oct. 14

Headshots of VCSU Faculty members above event detailsVCSU faculty and staff are invited to the third and final discussion before Dr. Todd Zakrajsek’s visit to campus on Oct. 22.

The discussion “Establishing Positive Learning Environments” is focused on Chapter 7 of his book “Teaching at its Best”. It will take place on Oct. 14 from noon – 1 p.m. in the Student Center Skoal Room.

For more information about Zakrajsek’s visit, read the full story at https://www.vcsu.edu/author-and-speaker-todd-zakrajsek-to-visit-vcsu-on-oct-22/

 

Vaccination clinic on campus Oct. 17

City-County Health District will be holding a Respiratory Vaccination Clinic at VCSU on Thursday, Oct. 17 from 10:15 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. in the VCSU Student Center Skoal Room.

 

    • Vaccines that will be available: 2024-25 Influenza (flu) and COVID
    • A voucher for 3000 points will be available for employees who participate in the Dakota Wellness Program upon request.
    • Family members of students, faculty and staff are welcome to participate in this clinic as well, preregistration is recommended.

Please complete the online registration process at https://forms.office.com/g/ rF03NmA0Nx

      • You will be asked to enter your health insurance information so have that available when you register.
      • You will not be asked to schedule a time to come, this is only a preregistration process, so the staff have an idea of how much vaccine they need to bring with them. You can come anytime between 10:15 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. to get your vaccination(s).

     

Students travel to Yellowstone

Students taking Biology 376, also known as the Yellowstone Ecology Course, traveled to Yellowstone National Park with their professor, Dr. Michelle Abshire the week of  September 23-28. Macy Brahos, Callen Kruger, Trista Weigelt, Kelby Gjovik, McCoy Mohl, Hannah Houle, Zach St. Aubin, Amber Kologi, Tyler Johnson, Chase Bladow, along with Abshire and VCSU science faculty, Dr. Bob Anderson and Dr. Staci Dreyer-Larson studied the ecology of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem.

Students explored the park’s geothermal features and saw many animals including wolves, grizzly and black bear, bison, moose, and elk. Other topics included the reintroduction of wolves, trophic cascades, the impacts of climate change, and the volcanic history of the park and how it shaped what Yellowstone is today. Students will be presenting in class about their personal experiences in Yellowstone later this month.

Lovell named Staff Member of the Quarter

Chasity Lovell holding award, pictured with other staff and faculty membersChasity Lovell, coordinator for extended learning, recently received the Staff Member of the Quarter award.

Her nomination read, “Chasity has an amazing work ethic and is a huge asset to our campus community. She is the point of contact for our ever growing dual credit program. She works tirelessly to ensure our dual credit teachers are qualified to teach the courses and helps them with all the extra steps required to successfully represent VCSU in their classrooms. She also works with the enrollment services and registrar’s offices to make sure no student misses out on the opportunity to take dual credit classes from VCSU. Since she has been at VCSU our dual credit numbers have grown. This is a testament to the dedication she has to dual credit and communicating the opportunities that VCSU can offer to high school students. She is also in charge of registering continuing education students, and she spends so much time making sure classes are posted to the website, assisting students with registration questions, and she always looks for more ways we can support current teachers.  On top of all of this, last year she spent 3 months working 2 positions until I was onboarded and trained in. This resulted in many hours of overtime and dealing with simple questions that slowed her down. She handled all of this with a positive attitude and a smile. Chasity Lovell is an amazing co-worker and is more than deserving of this recognition.”

Congratulations, Chasity!

Hone receives ‘Difference Maker’ award

Shannon Hone receiving award from colleaguesShannon Hone, registrar, was award the “Difference Maker” award for October. She was nominated by the Library and Learning Center.

Her nomination read, “Shannon’s hard work and expertise make her invaluable to VCSU. Her professional approach to everything is vital to official VCSU processes: handling university data, international visas, NAIA eligibility, awarding of degrees, and more. Shannon works with professors and students on class adjustments and transcripts, via an already heavy workload. Her work requires great diligence, attention to detail, and late hours to ensure records are accurate. Despite her many commitments, Shannon also served on the library’s hiring committee and played a valuable role in interviewing candidates and ultimately helping to choose the next Director of Library Services – offering helpful feedback and ideas for the library in the process. Shannon’s impact on VCSU may go unsung, but her relentless work behind the scenes personifies a “difference maker”. She embodies someone with high intention and ethics who provides sincere effort, intelligent direction, and skillful execution.”

Congratulations, Shannon!

Mirscov attends National Council of Arts Administrator Conference

Angela Mircsov portraitAngela Mircsov, associate professor for art, attended the National Council of Arts Administrator Conference: Assemble Embracing our Collective Networks from September 25 – 27. Throughout the conference, there were ongoing discussions on how art administrators should do more than gather at meetings but assemble to spark innovation and drive change throughout their respective institutions. Mircsov was awarded the Emerging Arts Administrators Fellowship through the National Council of Arts Administrators for the academic year 2024-2025. She will be paired with a seasoned NCAA member who will serve as a mentor throughout the year. Mircsov aims to share what she has learned with the art department and other departments at VCSU.

Viking sports update

Cross Country
Karly Just led the VCSU cross country teams with a third-place finish at the Jimmie Invitational on Friday. She was just two seconds off her school-record 6K mark and earned NSAA Runner of the Week honors for the second time this season. Rigo Garcia was the top men’s finisher in the 8K with a time of 27:33.6. VCSU Cross Country travels to the Marauders Invite on Friday.

Ag Bowl graphicFootball
VCSU football fell 19-6 to No. 21 Dickinson State last weekend on the road. The Vikings return home this Saturday for the 2024 Ag Bowl, hosting the University of Jamestown in the 77th Paint Bucket matchup.

Volleyball
The VCSU volleyball team dropped a pair of conference matches to (RV) Dakota State and No. 7 Bellevue. VCSU is now 10-7 on the season and 2-3 in conference play. The Vikings compete at the NSAA/Frontier Crossover tournament on Thursday and Friday in Billings, Mont.

 

Upcoming Events
Oct. 10-11: Volleyball at NSAA/Frontier Crossover (Billings, Mont.)
Oct. 11: Cross Country at Marauders Open (Bismarck, N.D.)
Oct. 12: Football vs. Jamestown – Ag Bowl, 1 p.m. (Shelly Ellig Field)
Oct. 15: Volleyball at Dakota Wesleyan, 7 p.m. (Mitchell, S.D.)

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

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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/