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Hotline // May 18, 2022

May 18, 2022

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This week’s Hotline includes the following articles:

Larry Brooks to be next Vice President for Academic Affairs

Former Vice President for Academic Affairs Margaret Dahlberg with President Alan LaFave and new Vice President for Academic Affairs Larry BrooksValley City State University has selected Larry Brooks as the new Vice President for Academic Affairs (VPAA). Brooks will begin in June to transition into the role with the current VPAA Dr. Margaret Dahlberg. Dahlberg will retire this summer after 26 years on campus. Dahlberg has had multiple roles at VCSU, including serving as interim President multiple times.

“We are grateful to Dr. Dahlberg for her dedication to VCSU during her time as a faculty member, administrator and interim President,” LaFave said. “Margaret’s leadership, dedication, integrity, and commitment to quality academic programs have benefited generations of students. We wish her the very best in retirement.”

Brooks has more than 30 years of experience in higher education. Most recently he was serving as Associate Dean for Academic and Student Affairs at Dakota College at Bottineau (DCB).

Read the full story at https://www.vcsu.edu/larry-brooks-to-be-next-vice-president-for-academic-affairs/.

Thriving Through Struggle: Reflections from 2022 Graduate Charismha Tsosie

Professor Hilde, Charisma, and Professor Kelly LaFramboise at VCSU 2022 VCSU Graduate Charisma Tsosie stands with Professor Hilde van Gijssel, left, and Professor Kelly LaFramboise, right.

As a first-generation college student, Charismha Tsosie knew surviving, let alone thriving, in college wouldn’t be easy, but her achievements are a testament that achieving a dream can be worth the struggle.

From a young age, Tsosie was committed to pursuing work in healthcare. She knew that path required a postsecondary degree. Both attending college and earning a degree were things no one else in her family, a few people she knew, had done.

Her path to Valley City State University (VCSU) started after Tsosie, originally a member of the Navajo Nation, moved to Mandaree, North Dakota, on the Fort Berthold Reservation. She committed to VCSU to run cross country and track and field, but complications arose. Something as routine as applying for Financial Aid, just a step in the process for many incoming freshmen, was a complex and convoluted process for Tsosie.

“I had no path set for me,” she said. “I had nobody I could go to who knew anything about higher education. Even now, when I talk to my parents, I have to start at the very beginning before they can actually understand what I’m asking, because they just have never experienced that before.”

Tsosie became a bridge between VCSU and her parents. She shared her parents’ confusion but did her best to understand what was needed. Then she worked to explain it to them so everyone could be on the same page. Tsosie deciphered emails, phone calls and voice mails for them.

She made it through the hoops and was ready to begin her studies in earnest. But within her first few months, Tsosie struggled to find her place. “I realized it was a big deal that I was in the minority here because I had more people looking at me, more eyes on me,” she said. When she’d return home, six hours away, the pressure she felt didn’t subside.

“I’m always representing something, somewhere—at home or at school,” she explained.

After she retired from athletics, Tsosie stayed at VCSU for her major, finding her voice and passion.

“Health Science is an all-around program that meets the prerequisites for whatever professional program you’re going into,” she explained. “It applies towards what you want it to.” It was perfect for Tsosie, who was unwavering in her interest in healthcare and her desire to help others.

Charismha hugging familyThis program’s versatility also makes it one of the most intense on campus. The Health Science major requires 54 credits, already a dozen more than most majors, and many of its credits are challenging upper-level science courses. This thorough curriculum best prepares students for whatever health-related field they’re interested in, but it’s formidable to complete.

Tsosie never flinched. “I wanted to do something that wasn’t very common where I’m from. I had that ambition,” she said.

Keep reading: https://www.vcsu.edu/thriving-through-struggle-reflections-from-2022-graduate-charismha-tsosie/

VCSU announces Faculty Excellence Awards

President Alan LaFave has announced the Valley City State University Faculty Excellence Awards for 2021–22, recognizing “exceptional dedication and commitment to students and the university by outstanding teaching, scholarly activities, or university service.”

This year’s recipients are Susan Pfeifer, Senior Faculty (associate or full professor) award; Trent Kosel, Junior Faculty (instructor or assistant professor) award; and Harmony Richman, Adjunct/Special Appointment award.

Susan Pfeifer, professor of computer systems and software engineering, has been a faculty member at VCSU since 2005. Pfeifer holds a master of science degree from University of St. Thomas. She is also holds a P.M.P. certificate and is an SAP Certified Associate. Faculty members stated, “Susan has been a tireless worker and great asset to VCSU. She has developed several curricular initiatives, this includes the BPIM program and several certificates, but the first Masters of Science at VCSU that was recently approved, is the crowning achievement. Her gentle, yet persuasive, voice has given steady direction to the department through some turbulent times. Sue embodies what an excellent faculty member is; a steadfast worker, supportive peer, engaging teacher, innovative thinker and a friend. All of these qualities contribute to the mission of the university and have positive effects on our students, faculty, and staff.”

Trent Kosel, assistant professor of mathematics, joined the VCSU faculty in 2020. Kosel holds a master of education degree from North Dakota State University. Kosel’s colleagues highlighted that his “teaching strengths include strong content knowledge, use of a variety of instructional techniques, ability to integrate technology into the learning process and frequent use of standards-based assessment. Another nomination read, “As a first-year faculty last year, Mr. Kosel ‘hit the ground running’ with all facets of math department operations. From an instructional perspective, Kosel’s student evaluations indicate strong engagement with appropriate and rigorous content. He has certainly brought a wealth of expertise from his k-12 teaching experience (e.g., standards-based assessment, individualized learning, classroom management, instructional technologies, etc.). Overall, Mr. Kosel’s contributions thus far have helped revitalize and energize the VCSU Math Department. His expertise and valuable contributions have certainly helped fulfill the mission of not only the department, but the university as a whole.”

Harmony Richman, instructor of education, has been with VCSU since 2018. Richman holds a master of education degree from Minnesota State University – Moorhead. “Harmony is a key to the success we have, for the School of Education, and most of all her students. We are so fortunate to have such a committed professional in our ranks. More importantly, our students are being given an incredible opportunity to learn from one of the best.” Another nomination for Richman read, “Harmony is innovative and passionate as an educator. She has a thirst for learning. Despite having a great background in the use of technology, she is relentless at staying current or ahead of the field. Harmony has attended technology camps and conferences at the state and national levels. She has served on state committees and welcomes professional development opportunities. She researches and experiments with technology to find engaging applications for her teacher candidates.VCSU is fortunate to have this passionate educator as a member of our faculty. Harmony has high expectations and sincerely cares that VCSU teacher education graduates are ready to make a difference for their future students.”

Susan receiving senior faculty excellence award Susan Pfeifer

Trent Kosel receiving award Trent Kosel

Harmony Richman receiving award Harmony Richman

See a photo gallery from the Faculty and Staff Awards Banquet.

New art exhibit opens May 23

The VCSU Art Gallery is happy to present the High School Art Exhibit starting May 23. The exhibit is a collection of work from area high school students and will be on display from through June 17. The gallery is open to the public Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.2022_HS Art Exhibit_social

Prairie Waters to host summer camps in June

Prairie Waters Education and Research Center will host two day camps this summer for students entering 5th through 8th grade next school year. camper holding fish

Splashin’ Around at Prairie Waters — for those entering 5th and 6th grades — will be held June 13–15, 2022. Among other activities, participants will wear waders as they walk in streams to discover what lives in the water.

Fishin’ Around the Prairie Waters — for those entering 7th and 8th grades — will be held June 20–22, 2022. Participants will explore fish habitats, including lake exploration via pontoon boat and catch fish with and without rods.

Camp fees for each camp are $95, which includes a T-shirt, lunch, and transportation from VCSU to the Prairie Waters facility in Kathryn, N.D., daily. Fishing tackle will also be provided for the Fishin’ Around camp.

Registration deadline is May 27 for both camps. Registration forms can be found online at https://www.vcsu.edu/academics/academic-centers/prairie-waters-education-research-center/summer-camps/.

An extension of Valley City State University, Prairie Waters is an environmental education center specializing in water education and water-related research. Prairie Waters connects K–12 students with water resources in a number of classroom and field experiences, provides water-sampling certification workshops for state employees, and does contract research for state agencies such as the Department of Health and North Dakota Game and Fish.

For more information, call Prairie Waters at 701-845-7570 or email bonita.roswick@vcsu.edu.

Viking Sports Update

 

Softball
athletics photoMay 16: #1 University of Mobile 11, VCSU 3
May 17: #17 Our Lady of the Lake 4, VCSU 1
The VCSU Softball team had its season come to an end Tuesday at the NAIA National Championship Opening Round in Gulf Shores, Ala. VCSU was eliminated from the national tournament with a 4-1 loss to Our Lady of the Lake. The Vikings finish the year with a 33-18 overall record. 

Track & Field
Valley City State University track and field athletes won five conference championships and had 13 All-Conference performances during the two-day North Star Athletic Association Conference Meet held Thursday and Friday in Valley City.
Read more: https://www.vcsuvikings.com/article/4434

Upcoming Events
May 25-27: Track & Field at NAIA National Meet (Gulf Shores, Ala.)

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

What's happening on campus - in town

Ongoing

MWF: 1 – 2 p.m. COVID-19 Testing, City County Health District (by appointment only, call 701-845-8518)

This Week

May 18
New Student Orientation

Save the date

June 4
7 a.m. 26th Annual Sheyenne Valley Soap Box Derby, Central Avenue

June 5-7
Girls Basketball Skills Camp(Grades 5-10)

June 8
Girls Basketball Prospect Camp (Grades 11-12)

June 9
Girls Basketball Team Camp

June 10
New Student Orientation

June 10-12
Football Team Camps: 9-Man

June 12-13
Volleyball Middle School Camp, Bubble/Graichen Gym

June 14
Volleyball Elementary Camp (Grades 4&5-GG only)
Men’s Basketball Team Camp

June 14-16
Football Team Camps: 11-Man

June 17
7 p.m. Peggy Lee Day, Myron Sommerfeld and His Music, Center for the Arts

June 18 & 19
Rally the Valley

July 10-12
Volleyball All Skills Camp (Grades 9-12), Bubble/Graichen Gym

July 12
Football Jr./Sr. Showcase Camp

July 13
Volleyball Prospects Camp, Bubble/Graichen Gym

July 13-14
Football Line of Scrimmage Camp

July 14-16
Volleyball Team Camp, Bubble/Graichen Gym

July 24
Youth Football Camp

Community Club meetings

  • Kiwanis – Wednesdays at noon, Valley City Town & Country Club
  • Optimist Club – Thursdays at 7 a.m., Vicky’s Viking Room
  • Rotary Club – Tuesdays at noon, VCSU
  • Sheyenne Valley Friends of Animals – 2nd Tuesday at 5:30 p.m., Our Saviors Lutheran Church
  • Barnes County Wildlife Federation – 2nd Wednesday of the month
  • Grief Journeys for Adults Support Group – meet virtually, call Hospice at 701-845-1781 to take part

Go to https://www.valleycitynd.org/calendar.php to see more events happening in and around Valley City.