Hotline // December 10, 2025

Winter Commencement Scheduled for Dec. 18

Valley City State University’s 11th Winter Commencement Exercises take place at 3:30 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 18, inside historic Vangstad Auditorium.

VCSU president Alan LaFave will preside over the ceremony where 15 students are set to be recognized for completion of master’s degrees and 106 students for undergraduate degrees.

Macy Fridgen has been selected to deliver the undergraduate student reflection. The faculty reflection will be presented by Dr. Nicholas Galt, and Curtis Biller will offer remarks on behalf of the State Board of Higher Education (SBHE).

For those unable to attend the in-person ceremony, a live video stream will be available on the VCSU YouTube channel.

Watch the 2025 Winter Commencement Ceremony

Visit the VCSU Commencement website

Student Speaker

A native of Bismarck, N.D., Macy Fridgen is graduating summa cum laude, earning a Bachelor of Science in business administration with a concentration in human resources & management. She also earned a minor in human resources and a certificate in business management. Fridgen transferred to VCSU as a sophomore and has been active with the Viking Volleyball team, earning All-Conference each of the past two seasons and Honorable Mention All-American in 2024. Fridgen is actively exploring career opportunities that will take her back to the Bismarck area.

Faculty Speaker

Galt joined the VCSU Department of Science in 2016. He is an associate professor of science and teaches General Biology, Human Anatomy and Physiology, Medical Terminology and Genetics. A native of Carrington, N.D., Galt recently received the VCSU Senior Faculty Excellence Award, which is voted on by faculty, and the Student Senate Teacher of the Year award, selected by VCSU Student Senate. He is also head coach of the VCSU Shooting Sports Team and advisor for both the Trap Club and Pre-Professional Club. Through his passion for teaching and involvement, Dr. Galt consistently serves as a mentor, educator, and leader both in and out of the classroom. Galt resides in Valley City with his wife Jessica and their two children, Ava and Kade.

Dr. Nicholas Galt, left, and student Macy Fridgen will speak at commencement.

Dr. Allen Burgad appointed interim President for VCSU

The State Board of Higher Education (SBHE) today appointed Dr. Allen Burgad as interim President of Valley City State University beginning Jan. 1, 2026. Current President Alan LaFave is leaving VCSU to lead his alma mater, Northern State University in Aberdeen, S.D. His final day at VCSU will be Dec. 31, 2025.

SBHE Chair Kevin Black said, “We extend our gratitude to President LaFave for his seven years of dedicated leadership at VCSU, a period marked by steady growth and advancements in teaching and technology. Dr. Burgad brings both deep institutional knowledge and broad experience in education, which ensures a seamless transition in leadership. Known for its nationally recognized teacher education program, VCSU remains committed to serving students, faculty and staff while continuing to meet the evolving workforce needs of the state.”

Under SBHE policy, the SBHE selects an interim president based on recommendations from NDUS Commissioner Brent Sanford, who issued a Request for Letters of Interest from individuals wishing to be considered for the VCSU interim presidency. It is expected that this interim appointment will continue until the permanent president is hired, likely in late spring 2026.

Burgad has been VCSU’s dean of the Department of Education since June 2021 and has more than 35 years of experience in education. Previously, he served as an administrator in multiple North Dakota schools including West Fargo, Stanley, Northern Cass, Napoleon and Powder River County District in Montana. Prior to joining VCSU, he was the assistant superintendent for eight years at West Fargo, one of the largest school districts in the state of North Dakota. 

“As a member of the VCSU community, I am honored and humbled to embrace this opportunity and will do my utmost to serve the institution, its people and our community with dedication and care in this interim role,” Burgad said.

Last month, the North Dakota University System (NDUS) announced the selection of co-chairs to lead the Valley City State University (VCSU) Presidential Search Committee. SBHE Vice Chair D.J. Campbell and VCSU Vice President for Business Affairs Erica Buchholz will serve as co-chairs of the search process.

The Presidential Search Committee will include representatives from faculty, staff, students, alumni, and community members. The committee’s work will begin immediately with the goal of recommending finalists to the SBHE in the coming months.

About Valley City State University

Valley City State University, a member of the North Dakota University System, is a student-focused institution committed to academic excellence and innovation. Founded in 1890 and located in Valley City, North Dakota, VCSU offers more than 65 undergraduate programs and graduate degrees. Known for its nationally recognized teacher education program and small class sizes, VCSU prepares students for success through hands-on experiences and strong faculty support. Learn more at www.vcsu.edu.

About NDUS
The North Dakota University System is a unified system of higher education governed by the State Board of Higher Education. Organized in 1990, the system includes two research universities, four regional universities and five community colleges. The mission of the State Board of Higher Education and the Commissioner of the North Dakota University System is to unleash the potential of higher education in the state to enhance the quality of life, and the social and economic vitality of all served by its public colleges and universities. Learn more at www.ndus.edu. 

VCSU hosts 80+ educators for Personalized Learning Workshop

Valley City State University hosted more than 80 area educators this week for a Personalized Learning Workshop, focusing on the “Demonstration of Learning & the Continuum of Learning.”

The event was held December 3 on the VCSU campus and facilitated through the North Dakota Network for Personalized Learning (NDPLN).

The workshop was focused on making learning visible – how students show what they know, how scales support progress, and how educators can design demonstrations of learning that matter. Educators worked within their content areas throughout the day, applying strategies and developing clear, meaningful next steps for classroom and system implementation.

The North Dakota Department of Public Instruction (NDDPI) recently selected VCSU to serve as the intermediary for the North Dakota Network for Personalized Learning, a statewide initiative to advance innovation, student engagement, and personalized learning across K–12 and higher education.

The NDPLN connects educators, district leaders, and partners from across the state to co-design strategies, share best practices, and scale innovative approaches that reflect the diverse strengths and needs of North Dakota learners.

Personalized Learning, also referred to as Personalized, Competency Based Learning or Mastery Learning, focuses on a learners’ individual strengths, needs, and interests. Personalized learning practices allow for access to instruction, supports, and differentiated ways for learners to demonstrate what they know and can do, ensuring each learner graduates choice ready to positively impact the world.

NDUS shines the spotlight on VCSU AI Institute

Gierke receives ‘Difference Maker’ award

Janet Gierke, assistant director for financial aid, received the December “Difference Maker” award. She was nominated by the business office and human resources and payroll staff.

Her nomination read, “Janet has been an incredible resource and support to our team. Her experience and willingness to assist with questions, processes and explanations makes a significant difference. Even with her busy schedule, Janet consistently takes time to help others succeed and understand the “why” behind what we do. Her dedication and generosity truly embody what it means to be a Difference Maker at VCSU and we are grateful for her contributions.”

Returning Student Scholarship deadline approaching

Students returning to VCSU next year are encouraged to apply for our Returning Student Scholarships. The application process is now open and takes less than 10 minutes to complete. Please help spread the word to students about this easy-to-complete scholarship opportunity.

Students must be enrolled full-time at VCSU to be eligible for scholarships and be taking a minimum of 3 on-campus credits during the semester. Scholarship values and number of scholarships available each year can vary due to current investment rates. To apply or see a list of the individual scholarship programs available to returning students, visit the following link: https://vcsu.academicworks.com/.

VCSU’s scholarships are made possible through generous donations from alumni and friends.

"The Sketchbook Project" Opens at VCSU Arts Gallery

Valley City State University’s Center for the Arts Gallery is honored to host The Sketchbook Project, the world’s largest collection of artist sketchbooks, from December 1 through January 16.

The exhibit is available for public viewing during regular gallery hours at the Larry J. Robinson Center for the Arts, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and by appointment. Visitors are encouraged to hold the books and flip through the pages to immerse themselves in these intimate works.

Started in 2006 in Atlanta, Georgia, by founders Steven Peterman and Shane Zucker, The Sketchbook Project began as a grassroots effort to connect artists and communities through the intimate medium of sketchbooks. In 2009, the project moved to its permanent home at the Brooklyn Art Library in New York City, where it grew into a global phenomenon.

Over the years, the collection amassed 28,000 sketchbooks created by thousands of artists representing nearly 100 countries. Each five-by-seven-inch, paper-bound book holds unique contributions—ranging from love letters and diary entries to graphic novels and intricately detailed masterpieces. Since its inception, the project has offered an unparalleled glimpse into the creative process and personal narratives of artists worldwide.

When the nonprofit closed in 2023, the collection was divided among four institutions to ensure its preservation and accessibility: The Mini Time Machine Museum of Miniatures, Tucson, Arizona; Stove Works, Chattanooga, Tennessee; Wonder’neath Art Society, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada; and the Taube Museum of Art, Minot, N.D.

The Taube Museum now curates this diverse representation of artistry in countless ways, making it available for communities to experience. Unlike most exhibitions, this exhibit invites touch. Visitors are encouraged to hold the books, flip through their pages, feel the textures, and immerse themselves in the thoughts, feelings, and life stories that artists have poured into these intimate works.

Viking Sports Update

MEN’S BASKETBALL
It was a tough weekend for the Viking men’s basketball team. They hit the road for games at Bellevue and Dakota State. The Vikings fought hard both games but could not come up with any wins. Vikings drop conference road game to (RV) Bellevue. Vikings second half comeback falls short at Dakota State. Valley City State will be back on the road this weekend. The Vikings will be at Montana Western on Saturday and Montana Tech on Sunday.

WOMEN’S BASKETBALL
Valley City State dropped a couple of heartbreaking games to Bellevue and Dakota State last weekend. Vikings fall at Bellevue on a buzzer beater. Vikings come up short against #4 Dakota State. The Viking women will be on the road at Montana Western Saturday and Montana Tech on Sunday.

TRACK AND FIELD
The Viking men and women track and field team competed in their first indoor meet of the season last Saturday at the Mike Thorson Open in Bismarck at the University of Mary. It was a good weekend for the Vikings with 30 top eight finishes and a school record set. Barrera sets school mark, Champagnie wins triple jump in first indoor meet. VCSU is back in competition on Thursday when they head to Fargo for the Dakota Alumni Classic indoor meet. It will be at the Shelly Ellig Indoor Track and Field Facility on the campus of North Dakota State University.

BARNES COUNTY TOURNAMENT
The first day of the Barnes County Girls Basketball tournament was taken down by Mother Nature. Winter weather forced the cancelation of the opening day of the tournament. The tournament resumes on Thursday, December 11 with games beginning at 3 p.m. The tournament will conclude on Friday, December 12.

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

December 11
10 a.m. Open Door Center Merry & Bright Choir Performance, LJR Center for the Arts

7 p.m. VC Community Band Concert, LJR Center for the Arts

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/