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Hotline

Hotline // November 20, 2024

Nov 20, 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:


City-County Health District and Valley City State University Partner to Enhance Campus Safety with Life-Saving Resources 

L to R: Betty Tykwinski, Morgan Hopewell, Erin Edinger, Meghan Velure, Katie Beyer, Mark Nelson and Sharon Bratrud

 

City-County Health District (CCHD) and Valley City State University (VCSU) are excited to announce a new initiative to improve health and safety on campus by equipping five residence halls and the University Apartment complex with Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) and Narcan OneBox kits. This partnership reflects a shared commitment to providing immediate support in emergencies, from cardiac arrest to opioid overdose incidents.

The deployment of AEDs and Narcan kits across campus housing facilities is part of an ongoing effort to foster a safe and supportive environment for VCSU students and staff. Through this collaboration, CCHD and VCSU aim to empower residents and staff with the tools they need to respond effectively to life-threatening situations, potentially saving lives.

“Ensuring the health and safety of our community is at the core of our mission, and these new resources reflect that commitment,” said Meghan Velure, RN and Prevention Specialist for City-County Health District. “We’re grateful to support Valley City State University in creating a safer campus environment where students can feel confident that help is accessible when it’s needed most.”

The addition of Narcan OneBox kits represents a proactive step in addressing the impact of opioid use in the community. Narcan, a life-saving medication that reverses the effects of opioid overdose, is now accessible in critical areas on campus to support VCSU’s response capabilities.

AEDs are portable devices designed to treat sudden cardiac arrest by delivering an electric shock to restore a regular heartbeat. Easy to use, AEDs provide clear instructions to bystanders, allowing them to act quickly and effectively before emergency responders arrive. Narcan, also known as naloxone, is a medication that rapidly reverses the effects of opioid overdose by blocking the opioid receptors in the brain. Often administered as a nasal spray, Narcan can restore normal breathing within minutes, making it an essential tool in combating the opioid crisis. Together, these devices provide immediate, life-saving support in situations where every second counts.

“At Valley City State University, our students’ well-being is paramount,” said Betty Tykwinski, RN, Director for Health and Wellness at VCSU. “This initiative demonstrates our shared dedication to safety and health. These devices provide peace of mind and can truly make a difference in emergency situations.”
The new AEDs and Narcan kits will be supported by training sessions offering guidance for both students and staff on recognizing signs of emergencies and using these devices effectively. Through this joint effort, CCHD and VCSU are working to ensure that all community members have access to the knowledge and tools they need to act quickly and confidently in times of crisis. Narcan and OneBoxes are provided at no cost through the state of North Dakota’s Behavioral Health Division and North Dakota State University’s One Program.

For more information about AEDs, Narcan, or the One Program please visit heart.org, hhs.nd.gov/opioids, or one-program.org.

Elizabeth Gazeley to perform senior voice recital

Elizabeth Gazeley, wearing a green and black dress, reaches her arm out as she sings from the stage at the Center for the Arts.

The VCSU Music Department hosts the senior recital of Valley City native Elizabeth Gazeley on Saturday, Nov. 23, at the Larry J. Robinson Center for the Arts.

Gazeley, mezzo-soprano, performs her vocal recital at 7:30 p.m. Saturday inside the main performance hall at the Center for the Arts. The recital is free and open to the public. A reception will be held in the lobby immediately after the performance.

The program includes music by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Enrique Granados, Pauline Viardot, Léo Delibes, Johann Strauss II, Ralph Vaughan Williams, and Richard Rogers. Gazeley will perform alongside classmates Isabelle Haugen (soprano) and Madilyn Klabo (mezzo-soprano). Dr. Ozzie Johnson will accompany on piano.

Gazeley is a senior music education and Spanish education major at VCSU. She currently studies voice with Dr. Stephen Cunningham. Previous instructors include Brygida Bziukiewicz-Kulig, Anthony Rohr, and Robin Allebach. During her time at the VCSU Music Department, Gazeley has been involved with Choir, Band, Jazz Band, University Singers, Percussion Ensemble, Opera Ensemble, and NAfME.

Gazeley is scheduled to student teach in the spring semester and graduate in May 2025. After graduation, she plans to pursue a master’s degree in vocal performance.

For those unable to attend in-person, the recital will also be live streamed. Visit the Valley City State University Music YouTube channel to watch the concert live.

VCSU Speech Places at Valley Forensic League competition 

L to R: Grady Hornung, Tara Dahl, Trista Weigelt, Eric Leik
L to R: Grady Hornung, Tara Dahl, Trista Weigelt, Eric Leik

Four members of the VCSU Speech Team competed in the second Valley Forensic League competition on Saturday, Nov. 16, in Moorhead, Minn. There were nine other schools competing from North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin and Nebraska.

Grady Hornung broke into finals and placed third overall in Dramatic Interpretation. Tara Dahl also broke into finals and placed fourth in Prose Interpretation. Eric Leik placed fifth in Persuasive Speaking. Trista Weigelt placed 7th in Informative Speaking.

“There was great competition at this event and we are so proud of our VCSU students who gave it their all,” Tammy Jo Taft, VCSU Speech Coach, said. “For some, it was their first collegiate speech tournament, and others their first speech event ever, so it’s great to see our students stacking up well against the competition.”

The next event VCSU Speech will attend is a national online tournament in December followed by in-person events in January and December. VCSU Speech meets at 6 p.m., Tuesday evenings in the Student Center. Everyone is welcome to attend. Students are encouraged to attend to learn more about participating.

CSSE students ranked in two prestigious programming competitions

L to R: Camden Schwarzkopf, Dr. Yang Du, Harrison Metz and Jacob Pfeifer

The Megaminds, a team of VCSU students—Camden Schwarzkopf, Harrison Metz, and Jacob Pfeifer—coached by their advisor, Dr. Yang Du, assistant professor for Computer Systems and Software Engineering, made significant strides in two prestigious programming competitions this fall.

On Oct. 18, the team competed in the Digi-Key Collegiate Computing Competition in Thief River Falls, Minn. This fast-paced event challenged 20 teams to solve 25 logical problems, 15 short coding problems, and 4 long coding problems within just 4 hours. Competing for the second time, the Megaminds advanced their ranking by two positions.

Riding on this momentum, the team next participated in the International Collegiate Programming Contest (ICPC) North Central North America Regional in Fargo on Nov. 9. The ICPC, the world’s largest and oldest annual competitive programming event, gives teams five hours to tackle 12 coding problems. There were 96 teams from north central universities like the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, Iowa State and North Dakota State. In the “Top Team by State ranking”, the Megaminds triumphed, earning the top rank in North Dakota.

These competitions showcased the students’ programming skills and highlighted their teamwork, creativity, and ability to perform under pressure. Congratulations to the Megaminds for their achievements!

Potts named ‘Difference Maker’

photo of Mark Potts receiving awardMark Potts, director for marketing and communications, recently received the “Difference Maker” award for November.

His nomination read, “Mark has an appreciation for digital accessibility and is working with Technology Services and his staff to take logical steps that will result in accessibility improvements. His demeanor and interpersonal skills contribute to positive interdepartmental teamwork which we appreciate.”

Congratulations, Mark!

Polymer Skies exhibit runs through Nov. 22 at CFA Gallery

Polymer Skies by Debbie KauffmanThe 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.

Viking sports update

FOOTBALL
Viking Football ended its season with a 28-17 loss to the University of Jamestown. The Vikings held a 17-0 lead in the first half, but the Jimmies scored 28 unanswered points to secure the comeback win. VCSU concludes its season with a 3-7 record overall and a 2-6 mark in conference play.

VOLLEYBALL
VCSU Volleyball was defeated by Bellevue in the NSAA Semifinals to conclude its 2024 season. VCSU ends its season with a 15-14 overall record and a 5-5 NSAA record. VCSU’s Sadie Hansen was named 1st Team All-Conference and NSAA Setter of the Year, and Jayden Wilson earned NSAA Assistant Coach of the Year. Macy Fridgen was named 1st Team All-Conference while Morgan Nelson earned 2nd Team All-Conference and Lexi Thorsgard was named VCSU’s Champion of Character. Read more about VCSU’s 2024 NSAA Award recipients.

MEN’S BASKETBALL
VCSU’s men went 1-1 at the Viterbo University Classic over the weekend, including an 89-71 win over former-NSAA member Viterbo. The Vikings then fell to the University of St. Francis, 89-67. Agwa Nywesh and Lamar Grayson were named NSAA Players of the Week after their performances on the week. The Viking men host Dakota Wesleyan this Saturday for a 2 p.m. game at the Bubble.

WOMEN’S BASKETBALL
Valley City State went 2-1 at the Haskell Indian Nations University Classic over the weekend including wins over Northern New Mexico College and Barclay College. VCSU is now 6-3 on the season and plays an exhibition game at Bemidji State Saturday at 12 p.m.

CROSS COUNTRY
VCSU’s Karly Just and Jasmine Barnes compete at the NAIA National Cross Country Championships Friday, Nov. 22 in Columbia, Mo. The women’s 6K begins at 11:30 a.m. Just and Barnes qualified individually with Top 5 finishes at the NSAA Cross Country Meet held at the Valley City Town & Country Club.

UPCOMING EVENTS
Nov. 22: NAIA Cross Country Championships, 11:30 a.m. (Columbia, Mo.)
Nov. 23: Women’s Basketball at Bemidji State (exhibition), 12 p.m. (Bemidji, Minn.)
Nov. 23: Men’s Basketball vs. Dakota Wesleyan, 2 p.m. (The Bubble)

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

A backdrop featuring the HiLine bridge and a white chevron with the text Valley City Community

Saturday, Nov. 23
7:30 p.m. Elizabeth Gazeley Senior Recital, Center for the Arts

Nov. 25 – Jan. 10
Grand Entry by L. Whitney, Center for the Arts Gallery

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/