Hotline 5.10.21
This week’s Hotline includes the following articles:
- President’s Column: Greetings from Valley City State University!
- VCSU to host spring commencement on May 15
- Senior awards program to be held May 12
- COVID-19 Vaccine Information
- COVID-19 Testing update
- Put Care19 Alert app to work for you
- Coronavirus update
- Viking sports update
- What’s happening at VCSU and around Valley City…
The VCSU Hotline online newsletter is published bi-weekly during the summer. Deadline to submit articles (photos encouraged) is 3 p.m. Friday. Please submit articles to jerilyn.beckman@vcsu.edu.
President's Column

Greetings from Valley City State University!
Public service is often a thankless job. Now that the 2021 legislative session is complete, let’s all take the time to thank those who represent us and make decisions that will help shape the success and future of our communities and state.
Our latest issue of The Bulletin featured two VCSU alumni who have been serving in leadership roles this past session. The following article shares a few details on each of these and I hope you enjoy reading about their recollections of time spent in Valley City and at VCSU.
Two Valley City State University alumni are holding leadership positions in the current session of the North Dakota Legislature. Joan (Leichtman) Heckaman ’67 is the Senate Minority Leader while Chet Pollert ’77 is the House Majority Leader. The two both credit their years at Valley City State University for helping prepare them for the many demands of their respective positions.
Pollert has served in the House of Representatives since 1999 while Heckaman has served in the North Dakota Senate since 2006. They have both held roles on different legislative committees during their tenure.
Heckaman has served on the Administrative Rules Committee; Budget Section; Information Technology Committee; and Legislative Management. Pollert has served on the Budget Section; Legislative Management; and Human Services.
Rep. Pollert noted that his experience as a small business owner helped him prepare for the legislature. Going back home after each session, he could see first-hand how his decisions impacted the constituents in his district. As House Majority Leader, Pollert noted that one of the biggest challenges is creating a consensus within the caucus and having a vision everyone can share for a common goal. Another big challenge is balancing your time between work, family and being a legislator. Pollert is also quick to point out the tremendous learning experience that the legislature provides.
At VCSU, Pollert remembers his time in the Sigma Nu Fraternity and living in Robertson Hall. He made many life-long friends at Valley City State and was appreciative of the one-on-one relationships with faculty and the low student-to-faculty ratios. Pollert stresses the benefits of a college education, encouraging everyone to consider attending a higher education institution. “The experience helps you mature, and you soon realize that your successes and failures are your own,” he said. “You learn independence.”
At VCSU, Pollert majored in business administration and minored in economics and political science. He and his wife Jo have three grown children. They recently sold their business in New Rockford – G&R Grain &Feed – and currently reside in Carrington, N.D. Chet and Jo are members of Trinity Lutheran Church.
Senator Heckaman has many memories of her days at Valley City State. She recalls basketball games at the “Bubble”, ping pong in the game room, Homecoming festivities and having professors who enjoyed teaching. As a kid, she attended a one-room rural school but her fears of going to college soon disappeared when she found the faculty and staff so helpful at Valley City State. She was a member of the Viking Marching Band, under Dr. Loren Waa, and the Atheneum Society. Heckaman is a firm believer that alumni need to be ambassadors for their alma mater, and she encourages others to tell the story of their experiences at their university and why their alma mater is so special. In her words, “VCSU is such a “close knit” school and alumni are often recognized wearing VCSU clothing.” She is proud of having attended VCSU and takes her responsibility as an alumna seriously.
Sen. Heckaman is a retired educator, graduating from Valley City State with one of the university’s signature teaching degrees. She is the first woman to serve as Senate Minority Leader in the state of North Dakota. Joan and her husband Dewey currently reside in New Rockford, N.D. She has been recognized as the North Dakota Early Childhood Advocate (2013); North Dakota Career and Technical Education Legislator of the Year (2015); and the North Dakota Autism Spectrum Legislator of the Year (2015). Sen. Heckaman is quick to point out the great working relationship she has with Senate Majority Leader Rich Wardner of Dickinson, and House Majority Leader Chet Pollert. Joan and Dewey are members of First Lutheran Church. They have four grown children and 10 grandchildren.
Larry Robinson, a former longtime State Senator representing District 24, and Executive Director of University Advancement at VCSU, believes Rep. Pollert and Sen. Heckaman have served their districts with distinction. “To be elevated to a leadership position by your caucus speaks volumes of the respect you have earned from your peers,” Robinson said. “During my time in the legislature, I have enjoyed working with both of them. They are professionals and passionate about their district and our state.”
Go Vikings!
VCSU to host spring commencement on May 15
Valley City State University will hold a spring commencement ceremony on Saturday May 15, to honor its graduating class during the 2021 spring semester. VCSU will recognize 318 graduates – 278 will receive bachelor’s degrees and 36 will receive master’s degrees.
All graduates recognized at the Virtual Commencement Ceremonies in May 2020 and December 2020 have been invited back to participate in the face-to-face ceremony. Face coverings will be required for all attendees.
The in-person ceremony will also be livestreamed on VCSU’s YouTube channel: www.youtube.com/vcsuvikings
Well wishes may be sent to the Class of 2021 on VCSU’s Kudoboard at https://vcsu.kudoboard.com/boards/kcnn9HJO/classof2021. Find or share commencement related content on social media by using #2021Vikings.
Senior awards program to be held May 12
The annual Senior Awards program will be livestreamed via Microsoft Teams on Wednesday, May 12 at 7 p.m. All faculty and staff are invited to attend. During the program, each academic department will recognize their outstanding seniors with award presentations. Seniors graduating with honors will also be recognized.
Join the live event on Wednesday at https://bit.ly/3tkWpOz.
COVID-19 Vaccine Information
Everyone 16 years of age and older is now eligible to get a COVID-19 vaccination. VCSU health officials encourage everyone to get a COVID-19 vaccine as soon as possible. Widespread vaccination is a critical tool to help stop the pandemic.
City County Health District is hosting many vaccine clinics offering all brands of the COVID-19 vaccines. Register for your COVID Vaccine today! If the scheduled dates and times of vaccine clinics do not work for you, call CCHD at 701-845-8518 to schedule an appointment.
Not sure if you want to vaccinate? Click on these links for more information:
Key Things to Know about COVID-19 Vaccines
Myths and Facts About COVID-19 Vaccines
Be a Viking Hero – Vaccinate!
COVID-19 testing update
Beginning Monday, May 3, City County Health District will provide COVID-19 Testing at their office on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 1-2 p.m. Rapid and conventional tests will be available. The last testing event at the W.E. Osmon Fieldhouse was on Friday, April 30.
Additional options for testing on campus include:
- Health Services will provide rapid and conventional testing by appointment for:
- Students who are symptomatic or need testing for release from quarantine.
- Health Services and Athletic Trainers will provide rapid and conventional testing for asymptomatic athletes when required prior to competitions.
- Employees can continue to be tested by their healthcare provider or City County Health Department.
- Students can also test at City County Health or at a clinic/testing event of their choice.
Care19 Alert App

VCSU students and employees are strongly encouraged to download a free smartphone app, Care19 Alert, to help stop the spread of COVID-19 by notifying users of possible COVID-19 exposure while protecting their privacy with technology developed by Apple and Google.
Coronavirus Update
Stay informed about campus coronavirus information with the following resources. Click each link to learn more.
Vikings sports update
Softball
May 6: VCSU 14, Presentation College 6; VCSU 5, Dakota State 0
May 7: Dickinson State 3, VCSU 0
May 8: VCSU 4, Waldorf 0; Dickinson State 4, VCSU 3
The VCSU softball team finished as runner-up at the NSAA Softball Tournament this past weekend in Bellevue, Neb. The Vikings now have a 35-7 overall record and will find out on Tuesday if they’ve earned an at-large bid to the NAIA National Tournament Opening Round.
Baseball
May 5: VCSU 18, Minnesota-Morris 3
May 7: VCSU 22, Waldorf University 12
May 8: Mayville State 10, VCSU 4
May 9: Dickinson State 9, VCSU 8
The Valley City State baseball team went 1-2 at the NSAA Baseball Tournament this weekend. The Vikings finish the season with a 23-26 overall record.
Track & Field
The Valley City State track and field team closed out the regular season with 11 Top 5 finishes Thursday at the Dickinson State Last Chance Meet. It was VCSU’s final meet before the NSAA Conference Championships this week in Forest City, Iowa. Peyton Halverson and Clay Kummer each had second-place finishes to lead the Vikings on Thursday. Read more at http://www.vcsuvikings.com/article/4067
Upcoming Events
May 13-14: NSAA Outdoor Track & Field Championships (Forest City, Iowa)
What's happening at VCSU and around Valley City...
Monday, May 10
noon VC Lions Club Officers meeting, VC Eagles Club
7 p.m. VCHS Flying High Jazzin’ Concert, Hi-Liner Activity Center
Tuesday, May 11
6:30 p.m. VFW meeting, VC Eagles Club
Wednesday, May 12
10 a.m. VCBC Public Library activity virtual story on YouTube with Weather Wheel Kit. Call 845-3821 for kit.
6 p.m. Barnes County Wildlife Federation meeting, VC Eagles Club
7 p.m. Disabled American Veterans meeting, VC Eagles Club
Thursday, May 13
Viking Track & Field @ NSAA Conference Championships, Forest City, Iowa
5:30 VCSU Employee Recognition Dinner, Valley City Eagles Club
Saturday, May 15
Armed Forces Day
10 a.m. VCSU Spring Commencement, W.E. Osmon Fieldhouse
noon to 4 pm. Our Savior’s Lutheran Church of Sanborn rummage and bake sale
5:30 p.m. Jamestown Speedway season opener
2nd annual Valley City Bar Golf event
Sunday, May 16
2 p.m. Express Wrestling banquet, Valley City Eagles Club
Monday, May 17
Summer hours begin at VCSU
6:30 p.m. Community Heartsaver CPR/AED and First Aid class, CHI Mercy Health Education Center
Wednesday, May 19
10 a.m. VCBC Public Library virtual story hour on YouTube. Call 845-3821 for kit.
Thursday, May 20
5:30 p.m. VCBC Public Library virtual Library Board meeting. For zoom link email support@vcbclibrary.org
7:30 p.m. Valley City Eagles Aerie Auxiliary meeting, Valley City Eagles Club
Friday, May 21
5:30 p.m. 26th Annual VCSU Scholarship Auction, Valley City Eagles Club
Monday, May 31
Memorial Day
Go to https://www.valleycitynd.org/calendar.php to see more events happening in and around Valley City.