Hotline

Hotline // April 19, 2023

Apr 19, 2023

Hotline Weekly Newsletter graphic

This week’s Hotline includes the following articles:

President's Column: Campus comes alive in spring semester

Greetings from Valley City State University!

The busyness of the schedule always seems to increase at the end of the semester. This year is no different. Part of this is due to snow closures and rescheduling, but these end-of-semester activities seem to dominate the calendar each year. There is no shortage of opportunities to engage and participate at VCSU! Some highlights I’d like to bring to your attention include end-of-the-semester concerts, art shows, the annual scholarship auction, and athletic events.

Art Shows

Senior art students are required to present a senior art show as a culminating and capstone event for their undergraduate experience. Last week, we were treated to a fine display and use of digital design by Bailey Nelson. Bailey is a multi-talented student and athlete, and her senior show was displayed in the Center for the Arts gallery through April 14. Jared Grommesh, another talented art senior, has his show on display beginning April 17. Bailey Nelson's mock tea brand

Music Concerts

Next week includes a VCSU Music Faculty Recital on Tuesday, April 25, an Opera Ensemble performance on Wednesday, April 26, and the final instrumental concert of the year is on April 27. Each of these events will be in the Center for the Arts Performance Hall at 7:30 p.m. and are free and open to the public. If you haven’t had an opportunity to hear and see the amazing work of these students, I invite you to attend. The students appreciate the support, and their quality of performance is strong.

Annual Scholarship Auction

Mark your calendars for April 28 to help VCSU celebrate our 28th Annual Auction, “A Night at the Track” at the Valley City Eagles Club. The social hour will begin at 5 p.m. The silent auction, available through the Handbid app, will start on Monday, April 24 at 1 p.m. and will end on Friday, April 28 at 8:30 p.m. The app can be downloaded from the App Store or Google Play Store. After downloading, participants can follow the prompts to create an account, then choose “VCSU Scholarship Auction 2023” from the list. Users can monitor their winning and losing bids from the dashboard, receive notifications when they have been outbid, and checkout within the app at the end of the night. Participants need not be present to win.

The buffet dinner will be served at 6 p.m. with live auction to follow at 7 p.m. This is an opportunity to bid on great items while contributing to scholarships and offering some financial relief for future and current VCSU students. This fun-filled evening and celebration is so very helpful for our students. All proceeds from the event go directly to V-500 and Century Club scholarships. For more information regarding the VCSU Scholarship Auction, to purchase tickets or to donate an item, call the VCSU Foundation Office at 701-845-7203.

Viking Athletics

Despite the unseasonably cold weather, spring sports continue to find creative opportunities for competition. The baseball, softball, track and field and golf teams have had to travel for each of their spring contests thus far. Time will tell if we will be able to schedule some home events before the end of the semester.

Finally, I’d like to mention I attended my first NAIA (National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics) convention March 31 – April 3 in New Orleans, La. Valley City State University is an institutional member of NAIA. It was a tremendous experience and opportunity to interact with presidents, athletic directors, faculty athletic representatives, and student leaders. The sessions were informative and interesting. Mr. Dave Bass serves as our faculty athletic representative and serves as the FARA representative on the National Council for Student-Athletes. In 2017 he was named the Wally Schwartz faculty athletics representative of the year by the NAIA. The high level of respect and admiration for Dave was readily apparent in every circle at the convention. We are very fortunate to have him in our conference and at VCSU. It was an honor to represent our campus at this national convention.

Go Vikings!

Drawn In on display at VCSU Art Gallery

The VCSU Art Department presents Drawn In by Jared Grommesh, senior digital design major. The exhibition is open through Friday, April 28. A virtual artist talk will take place via livestream April 26 from 3-4 p.m. View the livestream at the VCSU Art Department YouTube or Facebook page. A reception will follow the artist talk in the Center for the Arts lobby from 4-5 p.m. Drawn In event graphic

Grommesh has always had an interest in music and arts. He enjoys making interactive, attention-drawing designs through illustrations that give a distinct feel and tone to his work. While at VCSU, Grommesh has worked with many people and would like to thank his friends and faculty for their support.

Graduate Studies visits dual credit students across the region

VCSU Graduate Studies staff and President Alan LaFave have been busy traveling around the region to visit with and deliver t-shirts to a total of 522 students completing their dual credit coursework through VCSU. This program provides an opportunity for students to get a jump start on their undergraduate degree. Fifty-one of the students have completed at least 24 credits, earning them a College Studies Certificate.

A noteable accomplishment in recent news was the recognition of Hadlee Mathias, a senior at Valley City High School who completed 41 credits of high school dual credit coursework, the most completed thus far from the VCSU dual credit program, which equates to approximately three completed semesters of college coursework. Hadlee will continue her education at VCSU to become a teacher.

VCSU Green Dot to host Denim Day event April 26

All members of the VCSU community (faculty, staff, and students) are encouraged to wear denim on Wednesday, April 26 in recognition of Denim Day. You can also visit with the VCSU Green Dot team from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. in the Student Center for more information. Donations of gently used denim items can be taken to the collection box in the Student Center all week from April 24 – 28. VCSU Green Dot members

2022-23 SOAR funding recipients

The Student Opportunities for Academic Research (SOAR) program supports undergraduate research or creative professional projects conducted with a VCSU faculty member of their choosing. There are two rounds of application periods, which occur in the fall and spring every year. The program provides $1,000 to students for their project work with an additional budget of $250 for materials and expenses. This opportunity is a meaningful experience than can strengthen a resume, job application or grad school application!

The SOAR advisory committee would like to congratulate the recipients of SOAR funding for the 2022-23 academic year:

Alexa Walby with Dr. Gregory Brister: “A Psychoanalytical Analysis of Joker”
MaKenzee Stone with Dr. Steven King: “The United States’ Cadet Nurse Corps: World War II the Women Behind the War”
Sierra Crocker with Dr. Emily Wicktor: “Tracing Morality in Literature: The Use of Chinese-Western Moral Theory in a Critical Analysis of Oscar Wilde’s The Picture of Dorian Gray”

These recipients will be recognized at the annual SOAR Banquet on Monday, April 24 at 6 p.m. in the VCSU Student Center Skoal Room.

VCSU Auction Committee presents 'A Night at the Track'

The 28th annual VCSU Scholarship Auction will be held on Friday, April 28 at the Valley City Eagles Club. The theme for this year’s auction is A Night at the Track. The cost to attend is $60 per person and includes admission to the event, buffet dinner and two drink tickets.

The social hour will begin at 5 p.m. A buffet dinner will be served from 6–8 p.m. The live auction will kick off at 7 p.m. This is your chance to bid on some great deals while contributing to a great cause. A Night at the Track

The silent auction will once again be available through the Handbid app. It will start on Monday, April 24 at 1 p.m. and will end on Friday, April 28 at 8:30 p.m. The app can be downloaded from the App Store or Google Play Store. After downloading, participants can follow the prompts to create an account, then choose “VCSU Scholarship Auction 2023” from the list. Users can monitor their winning and losing bids from the dashboard, receive notifications when they have been outbid and checkout within the app at the end of the night. Participants need not be present to win or need a ticket to the event in order to participate.

Scholarships are vital to VCSU’s success and all proceeds from the auction go directly to V-500 and Century Club scholarships. The goal is to raise $115,000 this year for scholarships.

How can you help in the success of the auction?

Donate a purchased item or handmade item for the live or silent auction
Donate a bottle of wine valued at $20 or more for the Mystery Wine Table
Purchase a ticket
Attend!

To purchase tickets, stop by or call the VCSU Foundation Office at 701-845-7203.

Employee Recognition Dinner on May 11

The President’s Office is pleased to announce that the VCSU Employee Recognition Dinner will be held Thursday, May 11, at the VCSU Cafeteria in the Student Center. The social will begin at 5:30 p.m. with meal to follow at 6 p.m.

Recognitions for the 2022–2023 academic year will include retirements, years of service, Difference Maker, Staff Employee of the Quarter, degree and professional certification completion, tenure and promotion, Student Advocate, Teacher of the Year and faculty excellence.

Those who will be recognized will be contacted by the President’s Office and offered two free tickets to the dinner. All other employees will be offered one free ticket. Additional tickets may be purchased for $25/person. Tickets can be picked up at the President’s Office, Business Office or Student Center Info Desk before April 26.

The following will be recognized that evening:

The “Difference Maker” Award 2022-23

Cory Anderson
Tony Wendel
Terry Jones
Nicholas Galt
Jacob Frey
Mitchell Silkman
Taryn Ceglowski
Sarah Wangrud
Kenneth Jimenez
Angela Mircsov

Employee of the Quarter Award 2022-23

Haley Jenrich
Julie Christ
Kay Johnson
Brandon Bouma

Completion of Degrees & Professional Certification 2022-23

Tammy Jo Anderson Taft
Taryn Ceglowski
Ann Dorman

Faculty Awarded Promotion

Amber Ussatis Aberle
Greg Brister
Kenneth Jimenez
Tammy Katuin

Student Advocate
Announcement coming soon

Teacher of the Year
Announcement coming soon

Years of Service
5 Years

Jerilyn Beckman
William Blunck
Brandon Bouma
Jason Dockter
Debra Dramstad
Erin Heide
Jerrold Heide
Carolyn Holen
Tammy Katuin
Alan LaFave
Chasity Lovell
Tim Michaelson
Angela Mircsov
Danica Tarabanovic

10 Years

Kari Bodine
Anna Bratsch
Emily Fenster
Nicole Kneeland – Sodexo
Jennifer M. Larson
Mark Potts
Bonita Roswick
Brenda Tyre

15 Years

Paula Larson
Leslie Kalmbach
Loree Morehouse
Jonna Reule
Jamie Wirth

25 Years

Diane Olson

Faculty Excellence Awards

Adjunct Faculty Award of Excellence
Announcement coming soon

Special Appointment Faculty Award of Excellence
Announcement coming soon

Junior Faculty Award of Excellence
Announcement coming soon

Retirements

Andre DeLorme (1996-2023)

Reule attends Central States Communication Association conference

Jonna Reule, Ph.D., associate professor for communication arts, attended the Central States Communication Association’s annual conference in St. Louis, Mo. March 29 – April 2. Jonna Reule at conference

She presented on two panels at the conference including communication apprehension. During the conference, Reule was able to connect with Kyle Vareberg, an English and communications alum from VCSU. She also visited with faculty from Williston State College and Laramie Community College about articulation agreements with their programs.

North Country Trail chapter hosting virtual program

The three North Country Trail Association Chapters in North Dakota will be hosting a virtual program to help more people learn more about volunteering on the trail on Sunday, April 23 at 7 p.m. The public is invited to bring a friend to learn more about volunteering. The following topics will be covered:

• What is the North Country Trail and where does it go in North Dakota?

• What do volunteers do on the North Country Trail?

• How do the Chapters build & maintain the NCT in North Dakota?

• What resources exist to help volunteers do their work safely?

• What volunteer opportunities are there along the North Country Trail in North Dakota?

Join the virtual program at https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81192792240?pwd=allwZkJLaDhvT0VCV3dSMlVSMjhoQT09
Meeting ID: 811 9279 2240
Passcode: 671274

One tap mobile: +13017158592,,81192792240#,,,,*671274# US (Washington DC)
Dial by your location: +1 301 715 8592 US (Washington DC)

Viking Sports Update

Softball
April 16: Presentation College 9, VCSU 8; VCSU 10, PC 0
April 17: VCSU 11, PC 1; VCSU 2, PC 1
April 18: VCSU 12, Mayville State 9; VCSU 7, Mayville 2
The Viking Softball team put together a 5-1 record this past week, including a doubleheader sweep Tuesday against Mayville State. The Vikings are now 18-19 overall and sit second in the conference standings with a 12-5 conference record. softball player receiving high fives

Baseball
April 13: Waldorf 25, VCSU 20; Waldorf 17, VCSU 4
April 15: VCSU 12, Waldorf 1; Waldorf 6, VCSU 3
Viking Baseball went 1-3 during a four-game series at Waldorf University this past week. The Vikings are now 11-25 overall and 7-13 in conference play.

Track & Field
VCSU freshman Jaiden Peraza qualified for the national championships in the high jump on Sunday as the Viking track and field teams competed at the Blue Hawk Games in Dickinson. Read more: https://vcsuvikings.com/news/2023/4/17/mens-track-and-field-peraza-qualifies-for-outdoor-nationals.aspx

Golf
Valley City State’s Hayley Shanks took a runner-up finish on Tuesday after the VCSU golf teams competed at the Dickinson State Spring Invite. The 36-hole tournament was played Monday and Tuesday at the par-72 Golf Club at Red Rocks in Rapid City, S.D.

Upcoming Events
April 23: Track & Field at University of Mary, 11 a.m. (Bismarck, N.D.)
April 23: Baseball at Dakota State University, 2/5 p.m. (Madison, S.D.)
April 23: Softball vs. Waldorf University, Time TBA (Location TBA)
April 24: Baseball at Dakota State University, 12/3 p.m. (Madison, S.D.)
April 24: Softball vs. Waldorf University, Time TBA (Location TBA)
April 25-26: VCSU Golf Invite at Lakeview Golf Course, 9 a.m. (Mitchell, S.D.)

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

What's happening on campus - in town

Friday, April 21
Viking Visit Day

Monday, April 24
6 p.m. SOAR Banquet, VCSU Student Center Skoal Room

Tuesday, April 25
VCSU Faculty Recital

Wednesday, April 26
Drawn In, senior art show by Jared Grommesh, VCSU Art Gallery
3 p.m. Virtual artist talk at VCSU Art Department YouTube
4 p.m. Reception, Center for the Arts lobby
Denim Day
7:30 p.m Opera Ensemble, Center for the Arts Performance Hall

Thursday, April 27
7:30 p.m. Instrumental Recital, Center for the Arts Performance Hall

Friday, April 28
5 p.m.VCSU Scholarship Auction, Valley City Eagles Club

Tuesday, May 2
Scholar Symposium

Thursday, May 4
Juried Art Exhibition

Thursday, May 11
5:30 p.m. Employee Recognition Dinner, VCSU Student Center Cafeteria

Friday, May 12
Senior Awards Ceremony

Saturday, May 13
10 a.m. VCSU Spring Commencement, W.E. Osmon Field House