Hotline // December 17, 2025
This week’s Hotline includes the following articles:
- Winter Commencement Postponed to 10 a.m. Friday
- VCSU Planetarium Announces Major Upgrade
- Macy Fridgen, winter commencement student speaker
- VCSU parade float gets new look
- Returning Student Scholarship deadline approaching
- Viking Sports Update
- What’s happening at VCSU and around Valley City…
Winter Commencement Postponed to 10 a.m. Friday
STORY UPDATED DEC. 17 AT 9:00 A.M.
Valley City State University has postponed its Winter Commencement Exercises until 10 a.m. Friday, Dec. 19, due to the threat of severe winter weather and dangerous travel conditions on Thursday.
More than 120 graduates will be recognized during the ceremony, which takes place inside VCSU’s historic Vangstad Auditorium. It was originally scheduled for 3:30 p.m. on Thursday.
Winter weather is expected to impact the region Thursday morning and early afternoon, leading to potentially hazardous travel conditions. Valley City and the surrounding region are currently in a Winter Storm Watch with a chance of blizzard conditions developing mid-day Thursday.
“We want families to get here safely for this milestone day,” said Mark Potts, director for public relations. “Travel conditions are expected to be at their worst Thursday morning and early afternoon, so this postponement gives families more flexibility to travel safely and attend commencement in person.”
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.
VCSU Planetarium Announces Major Upgrade
Photo: The 1973 Spitz projector is shown darkened in the foreground while a video from the new Warped Media projector plays on the VCSU planetarium dome.
The Valley City State University Planetarium received a major upgrade in November, adding a new full-dome projection system that greatly improves the quality of future presentations.
The Planetarium recently installed a Warped Media system, which includes a 1K laser projector and the ability to warp an image or video to fit the entire planetarium dome. The new system debuts to the public with a free show on Saturday, Dec. 20.
“This is the first truly major upgrade in 20 years for our planetarium,” said Wes Anderson, VCSU planetarium director. “The new projection system greatly improves the offerings we can provide to visitors, offering a fun, immersive experience. It works in tandem to our original Spitz machine and come with 22 professionally created presentations and shows.”
The public is invited to experience the new system firsthand with a free show at 1 p.m. on Dec. 20. Teather Sundstrom, professor in the science department, will present “Solar Quest” and “The Sun” which are two new videos on the Warped Media system.
“Sitting under the dome watching these videos can feel like stepping into a different world,” said Sundstrom. “This Warped Media system is truly remarkable.”
Along with the 22 new shows, VCSU can also buy or rent hundreds of professionally produced shows that are featured in planetariums across the world. Anderson said the planetarium will also continue to use its 1973 Spitz machine in conjunction with the new system.
The VCSU Planetarium offers free public shows once per month. School classes and youth groups can also schedule free showings by emailing Teather Sundstrom, teather.sundstrom@vcsu.edu. Private parties can schedule planetarium shows for a small fee.
The VCSU Planetarium is located in the Rhoades Science Center, 3rd Floor #309. Elevator access is available at the west entrance to Rhoades Science Center.
About The Shows
Solar Quest: Discover NASA’s Solar Dynamics Observatory and explore the science behind our planet’s invisible shield and the mission that helps us understand it.
The Sun: Explore the secrets of our Sun and discover how it measures up against countless stars scattered across the cosmos.
Macy Fridgen, winter commencement student speaker
Macy Fridgen, graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Human Resources with a concentration in Management, will deliver the student address at winter commencement. A transfer student-athlete from Bismarck, N.D., Fridgen has excelled during her time at VCSU. As she prepares to move back to her hometown, she reflects on the skills and friendships she’s built over the last two and a half years.
What motivated you to choose Human Resources as your major?
I chose Human Resources as my major because I love to work with people. A large portion of HR is learning how to understand people, their values and their motivations. Understanding these helps businesses push employees to be their best. I want to help create workplaces where people feel supported, appreciated and able to succeed.
How has your coursework shaped your understanding of HR?
Most of my coursework focuses on people and communication. Learning how to communicate effectively across multiple platforms is a valuable skill in today’s world. Working with people is part of almost any job, so learning how to collaborate with individuals of all backgrounds and personalities has been very beneficial.
Which class or project has been the most impactful for you, and why?
The class that stands out to me as the most impactful is Foundations of Leadership. We’ve studied different leadership strategies and practices and learned how to apply them in real-world situations, which has helped me better understand my own leadership style and how to lead effectively.
What skills have you developed during your studies that you think will be most valuable in your career?
I have worked hard to develop my communication and people skills and I’ve learned how valuable they are in any professional setting. Since almost every job involves working with others, I’m excited to apply these strengths in my career after college and continue to improve them.
I was a member of the VCSU Women’s Volleyball team for two and a half years after transferring in as a sophomore. My time on the team helped me rediscover my love for the sport and gave me friendships and memories that I know will last long after college.
How do you balance academics with extracurricular activities or social life?
For me, I needed to learn that building connections could be just as important as academics or extracurriculars. The people you meet and the relationships you form are often what you remember most. I made it a priority to stay on top of my schoolwork so I could fully enjoy my social experiences and my sport.
How has college changed you personally or academically since your first year?
College has changed me personally by helping me build friendships and relationships that have shaped my time at VCSU. I’m grateful for the teammates and classmates who have supported me along the way. Academically and professionally, college has also given me the chance to build valuable connections through work experiences and coursework, which have helped me grow more confident and prepared for my future.
What’s your favorite memory from college so far?
My favorite memory from college so far was our volleyball team trip to Florida my junior year. It was my first season as a Viking, and it gave me the chance to have fun with my teammates and coaches outside of the gym and really get to know them beyond volleyball.
If you could give one piece of advice to incoming freshmen or a transfer, what would it be?
My advice would be to meet as many new people as possible. It’s intimidating coming into a new place without knowing many people, if any. But everyone is in the same boat and looking for new friends, so be the person who starts the conversation.
Where do you see yourself after graduation and how has your time at VCSU prepared you for the future?
After graduation, I will be moving back to Bismarck. I’m actively exploring career opportunities and feel well-prepared thanks to the support and guidance I’ve received from VCSU faculty.
VCSU parade float gets new look
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After nearly two years of planning and hard work, Valley City State University’s parade float has a new look, thanks to a partnership between Staff Senate, Student Senate, and the craftsmanship of VCSU staff member Ryan Boll. The project began when the aging float was deemed in need of significant upgrades. “The old float was looking tired,” said Erin Edinger, Staff Senate President. “We wanted to make sure VCSU was represented well in the community.”
Staff Senate initially explored options for improvement, but the vision expanded when Student Senate stepped in, making the float upgrade part of their 2025 campus gift. With funding secured, the team decided to start from scratch. Ryan Boll volunteered his time—more than 60 hours—to design and build a brand-new ship. Boll not only constructed the float but also gave it its identity, naming the vessel “D. Feuerherm” after Deb Feuerherm, VCSU alum and employee for 31 years.
The new ship made it’s maiden voyage at the VCSU Homecoming Parade in September.
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.
Viking Sports Update
MEN’S BASKETBALL
The Valley City State Men were on the road at Montana Western and Montana Tech on Saturday and Sunday respectively. Despite second half comebacks in both games, the Vikings could not pull out any wins. Rally falls short for Vikings at Montana Western. Vikings give #4 Montana Tech a battle in loss. Valley City State is back home on Saturday as they take on Dakota Wesleyan. Gametime is set for 2 p.m. at The Bubble.
WOMEN’S BASKETBALL
The VCSU Women wrapped up their pre-Christmas schedule with a couple of road games with Montana Western and Montana Tech. Vikings open Montana trip with tough loss at Western. Fast start leads Montana Tech over Vikings. Valley City State is off until after the new year when they host Montana State-Northern and the University of Providence on January 2 and 3 respectively.
MEN’S AND WOMEN’S TRACK AND FIELD
The indoor season for the Valley City State Men’s and Women’s track team continue on December 11 when the Vikings were in Fargo for the North Dakota State Alumni Classic. It was another good day for Frida Barrera who set the school record in the 800m. That makes two records in back-to-back meets for the freshman from Clara City, Minn. Vikings have ten top five finishes, Barrera sets another school record. The track teams will now have a month off before its next competition. They will be at the Bison Team Cup in Fargo on January 17.
VOLLEYBALL
Senior JayCee Richter received another post season honor. The Linton, N.D native was named to the AVCA North Region First Team. Richter named to AVCA 1st Team All-North Region. Richter was the 2025 Defender of the Year in the Frontier Conference.
BCT GIRLS BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT
Congratulations to the LaMoure/Litchville-Marion Loboes for their 51-46 win over defending tournament champion Valley City in the title game on the 80th Barnes County Girls Basketball Tournament. Maple River defeated Northern Cass 57-44 in the third-place game, Enderlin took home 5th place with a 38-35 win over Wyndmere-Lidgerwood. South Border won the 7th place game 47-15 over Warwick. Addie Robbins of LaMoure/Litchville-Marion won the free throw contest with a perfect 25 for 25. South Border won the Sportsmanship Trophy.
The following players made the all-tournament team:
Olivia Olson – Northern Cass
Abigail Killoran – Maple River
Maddy Frieze – Valley City
Skye Nielson – Valley City
Dacota Potratz – Valley City
Norah DelaBarre – LaMoure/Litchville-Marion
Addy Smith – LaMoure/Litchville-Marion
Onika Lesko -LaMoure/Litchville-Marion
Violet Richman – Maple River
Katie Burchill – Valley City
The Boys BCT is January 6, 8, 10.
What's happening at VCSU and around Valley City...
December 19
10 a.m. VCSU Commencement, Vangstad Auditorium
December 20
3 p.m. Medora Musical, Larry J. Robinson 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/