Hotline // June 17, 2026
This week’s Hotline includes the following articles:
- VCSU Episode of The College Tour Streaming on Prime Video
- Construction Progress Continues on Tharaldson Family Athletic Center
- Students named to Spring 2026 Honor Rolls
- VCSU Collaborates with NDUS Institutions to Host Course Design Workshop
- VCSU Foundation Recognizes Donors at Luncheon
- VCSU Adds New Certificates in ASL, Game Design, and more
- Tree Planted at VCSU in Honor of Larry Robinson
- VCSU student scholars honored at Annual SOAR banquet
- Havard named ‘Difference Maker’
- Clauson Attends Agricultural History Society Annual Meeting
- Mirscov participates in ND State Parks Art Residency Program
- Viking Sports Update
- What’s happening at VCSU and around Valley City…
VCSU Episode of The College Tour Streaming on Prime Video
Valley City State University is now streaming on Prime Video.
VCSU’s episode of The College Tour – a national TV series that filmed on campus in September – officially premiered Tuesday, June 16, on Amazon Prime Video.
The College Tour showcases VCSU and its campus by telling the real stories of 10 students and recent alumni who are featured in the episode, which is part of Season 16 of the show. VCSU is the first North Dakota school to appear on The College Tour.
“Our students were outstanding in sharing their personal VCSU stories,” said Mark Potts, director for public relations at VCSU. “The episode does an excellent job of exploring campus and the community through the eyes of these 10 students, and we’re excited for it to premiere in front of a larger audience on Prime Video.”
VCSU Students/Alumni Featured on The College Tour
Hanna Wieland – Dazey, N.D.
Ethan Walsvik – Chaffee, N.D.
Emma Heyen – Colfax, N.D.
Anna Palmer – Hebron, N.D.
Carter Johnson – Fargo, N.D.
Macy Fridgen – Bismarck, N.D.
Mattilyn Nathan – West Fargo, N.D.
Grant Larson – Leeds, N.D.
Abby Hill – Gwinner, N.D.
Tedi Dimmer – West Fargo, N.D.
The College Tour is an Amazon Prime TV series brought to life by some of Hollywood’s most renowned producers. Created and hosted by Alex Boylan, a former winner of The Amazing Race, the series was inspired by his niece’s journey to find the perfect college. The College Tour is available to stream for free on The College Tour app and website, which reaches over 60,000 high school counselors nationwide. The episode is also available on VCSU’s YouTube channel.
Construction Progress Continues on Tharaldson Family Athletic Center
Photo: The south end of the W.E. Osmon Fieldhouse gym is shown as construction continues for VCSU’s athletic facility expansion. The large mechanical systems behind each basket have been removed, and the old boiler room and south garages are undergoing renovation.
Major Milestones Happening in Coming Months
Construction continues to move steadily forward on Valley City State University’s Tharaldson Family Athletic Center – a $13 million expansion to the current athletic facilities.
Several major construction milestones are scheduled throughout the summer and fall as the project advances towards completion. The project consists of three integrated components:
- The Ship, which is the new indoor athletic training and competition facility and the centerpiece of the project
- The Connection Building that links The Ship to the south end of the existing W.E. Osmon Fieldhouse
- Renovations to the existing W.E. Osmon Fieldhouse
Substantial completion of the project is currently expected in November 2026. Much of the recent work has been on the Connection Building and inside the Fieldhouse, although the public will start to notice more exterior work this summer. The new building will begin to be enclosed in July, and the turf is scheduled for installation in October.
“The progress taking place every week is exciting to see,” said Cory Anderson, Executive Director for University Advancement and the VCSU Foundation. “What was once a vision on paper is now becoming a reality. Each month brings visible progress as The Ship, the Connection Building, and the renovated Fieldhouse come together into a unified athletic complex. This project represents an investment not only in our student-athletes, but in the future of Valley City State University and the entire region.”
The Tharaldson Family Athletic Center will provide year-round opportunities for athletic training, recreation, wellness, and community engagement while strengthening VCSU’s ability to recruit and retain students and student-athletes.
The project remains a centerpiece of the university’s Finish the Voyage Campaign, which continues to seek philanthropic support to bring the facility across the finish line and fully realize its transformational impact on campus.
For additional project information or to learn more about supporting the Finish the Voyage Campaign, contact the VCSU Foundation at 701-845-7203 or visit www.vcsualumni.org.
Tharaldson Family Athletic Center – Current and Future Work Schedule
June
Crews are focusing on completing the Connection Building’s roof replacement, enclosing the structure, doing interior drywall work, and constructing the new entrance vestibule that will serve as the primary connection between facilities. Within The Ship, underground electrical infrastructure, interior grading, and foundation work continue. Inside the W.E. Osmon Fieldhouse, the large mechanical systems behind each basketball hoop have been removed, while the old boiler room and south garages are being renovated.
July
Visitors will see dramatic changes to the project as exterior walls begin enclosing The Ship. As side and end walls rise, the scale and presence of the facility will become increasingly visible from across campus and throughout the Valley City community. Interior painting, ceiling installation, and restroom construction will be underway in the Connection Building. Mechanical upgrades and office improvements will continue in the W.E. Osmon Fieldhouse and basketball court repairs will begin.
August
Restroom fixtures, flooring, and mechanical systems will be installed in the Connection Building, while insulation and interior liner systems will transform The Ship from a construction shell into a finished athletic venue. Renovations to the existing Fieldhouse will continue as building systems move toward completion.
September
HVAC, lighting, sports netting and athletic infrastructure will be installed within The Ship, and final interior finishes should be completed throughout the Connection Building.
October
The installation of the 85-yard indoor turf surface begins. Final grading, lighting, signage, and athletic systems will be completed as the facility transforms into a year-round training and competition venue for Viking student-athletes and the broader campus community.
November
Construction is expected to reach substantial completion in November, followed by final inspections, punch-list work, equipment installation, and occupancy preparations. Planning for grand opening and dedication activities will begin as the facility nears completion.
About the Tharaldson Family Athletic Center
- $13+ million project investment
- 55,000+ square feet of indoor turf and athletic training space
- 85-yard indoor turf practice field
- 60-meter sprint lanes and field event training areas
- Batting cages and bullpens
- Softball game field
- Locker rooms and team rooms
- Connection to the W.E. Osmon Fieldhouse
- Year-round training and recreation opportunities
- Expected substantial completion: November 2026
Photo: The old boiler room (pictured) and south garages at the W.E. Osmon Fieldhouse are undergoing renovation and will connect to the new Tharaldson Family Athletic Center.
Photo: A view from the basketball court shows the old southeast garage and how it connects into the new facility.
Photo: The large mechanical systems located at the north end (pictured) and south end of the W.E. Osmon Fieldhouse gym have been removed.
Photo: The exterior of the Tharaldson Family Athletic Center, showing The Ship and the Connection Building. The Ship will start being enclosed in July.
Students named to Spring 2026 Honor Rolls
Valley City State University has released its President’s Honor Roll, Dean’s Honor Roll and Honor Roll for Spring 2026 semester. The President’s Honor Roll recognizes students who completed 12 semester hours or more of VCSU classes for which grade points are earned with a 4.0 grade point average.
View the President’s Honor Roll.
The Dean’s Honor Roll recognizes students who completed 12 semester hours or more of VCSU classes for which grade points are earned with a grade point average of at least 3.50.
The Honor Roll recognizes students who completed 6 to 11 semester hours of Valley City State University classes for
which grade points are earned with a grade point average of at least 3.50.
Valley City State University is fully accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, VCSU is one of 11 institutions in
the North Dakota University System (NDUS).
VCSU Collaborates with NDUS Institutions to Host Course Design Workshop
Valley City State University, in collaboration with several North Dakota University System institutions, is bringing faculty and instructional staff together this summer for a four-part virtual workshop series focused on enhancing online course design.
Hosted by the VCSU AI Institute for Teaching and Learning, the series introduces participants to the High-Impact Design for Online Courses (HIDOC) model while demonstrating how artificial intelligence tools can accelerate and strengthen course development.
The workshop emphasizes hands-on application, with participants working directly on their own courses throughout the sessions. By following structured HIDOC design steps and utilizing guided AI prompts, faculty will make measurable progress improving course alignment, clarity and overall learning effectiveness for online students.
VCSU is partnering with Bismarck State College, Williston State College, Lake Region State College, the University of North Dakota and Mayville State University to offer this timely professional development opportunity. The VCSU AI Institute is covering the majority of the cost, with partner institutions also contributing to support workshop delivery.
As of June 4, about 100 participants have signed up for the workshop.
Workshop Presenters
The series will be led by two nationally recognized experts in online learning with more than 45 years of combined experience:
Penny Ralston-Berg, M.S.
An award-winning instructional designer with more than 25 years of experience, Ralston-Berg currently serves as Senior Instructional Designer for Penn State World Campus at The Pennsylvania State University.
Bethany Simunich, Ph.D.
Simunich is Vice President of Innovation and Research at Quality Matters, a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing quality online learning. Over her 20-plus-year career, she has held roles in faculty instruction, instructional design, faculty development, research and higher education administration.
VCSU Foundation Recognizes Donors at Luncheon
The Valley City State University Foundation held its annual Donor Recognition Luncheon on Monday, June 8, bringing together numerous donors and thanking them for their contributions to VCSU.
The Foundation also provided special recognition for 19 donors who achieved new lifetime giving levels of $25,000 or above over the past year.
“Whether it is local businesses, alumni or community members, we have so many generous supporters,” said Kim Hesch, Assistant Director for Advancement and Alumni Relations. “It’s always a pleasure when we can thank them for their support of VCSU and our students.”
VCSU Foundation donors who reached new levels of giving this year are listed below.
Clock Tower III Level ($3,000,000 – $3,999,999)
- Richard and Karen Monson
Clock Tower II Level ($2,000,000 – $2,999,999):
- DuWayne Bott
Platinum Level ($250,000 – $499,999)
- Joseph Stickler and Diana Skroch
- Jerry and Marie Topp
Diamond Level ($100,000 – $249,999)
- Dave and Patty Bass
- Dee Jensen
- Paul and Patricia Sandness
Gold Level ($50,000 – $99,999)
- Coleen and Rick Asche
- Pete and Amy Kvien
- Bill and Michele Trader
- Kyler and Lauren Harder
- Alan and Kari LaFave
Regents Level ($25,000 – $49,999)
- Richard and Milly Hanson
- Dennis McCulloch
- Allen and Lee Ann Burgad
- Jerry and Sue Estenson
- John and Diane Peyerl
- Charles and Lynann Solberg
- Karsten and Stephanie Melgaard
Platinum Level Donors in Attendance: Joe Stickler
Diamond Level Donors in Attendance: Dee Jensen and Dave Bass
Gold Level Donors in Attendance: Coleen and Rich Asche
Regents Level Donors in Attendance: Dennis McCulloch and Allen Burgad
VCSU Adds New Certificates in ASL, Game Design, and more
Valley City State University has announced the offering of several new academic certificates for the 2026-27 school year, including certificates in American Sign Language (ASL) and Game Design.
The new certificate in ASL is a collaborative partnership with Lake Region State College, offering students specialized knowledge and skills to communicate with the Deaf community. VCSU has also added new certificates in: Game Design and Development, Graphic Design, Photography, AI in Education, Vocal Pedagogy, and Learner Centered Instruction.
An academic certificate is a formal credential verifying students have successfully completed a specific course of study or training program. VCSU’s academic certificates are typically 12-18 credits and are great add-ons for current students or practical skill builders for professionals already in the workforce.
VCSU currently offers more than 40 combined certificates through its undergraduate and graduate programs.
Undergraduate Certificates List
New Certificates in 2026-27
American Sign Language
This certificate is a collaborative partnership between VCSU and LRSC to offer a 15-credit certificate program awarded by VCSU. Students complete eight credits through VCSU and seven credits through LRSC. Completion of the ASL Certificate offers students in future education and leadership positions specialized knowledge and skills to communicate with Deaf people and learn about Deaf culture.
“As students graduate and apply for jobs, having an ASL certificate – showing you have this extra language skill – is really wonderful to have in your back pocket,” said Lindsey Solberg, VCSU’s ASL instructor. “If you apply for a teaching position where they have deaf students, this may give you a benefit to getting the job. If you’re working in a clinic as a physical therapist or nurse in larger metropolitan areas, the possibility of a deaf patient is higher and having ASL skill is another feather in your cap. It shows that you’re willing to learn more, to try more and that you’re comfortable with more communities of people.”
Game Design and Development
The Game Design and Development Certificate is an 18-credit course of study that blends computing, user experience, and digital art through hands-on activities. Students learn industry-standard game development while building practical skills in programming, artificial intelligence, 3D graphics, animation, and human-computer interaction—preparing them for careers not just in games, but also in VR/AR, filmmaking, industrial design, and serious games for education, training, healthcare, and behavior change.
Graphic Design
VCSU’s certificate in graphic design is offered through the Art department and includes 15 credits related to graphic design, digital media and two-dimensional design. This is a useful credential for marketing and communication students, among others.
Photography
VCSU offers a 16-credit certificate in photography through the Art department. Whether it’s for hobby, a personal business, or building skill for your profession, the photography certificate will take students from beginner through advanced skills in photography.
AI in Education
VCSU’s AI in Education certificate can be completed as either an undergraduate or graduate program. It is a 12-credit course of study focusing on practical and responsible ways of using artificial intelligence in education, including personalized learning, teaching efficiency and student AI literacy. This is a useful credential for current and future educators.
Vocal Pedagogy
This 13-credit undergraduate certificate is recommended for all intended and current voice instructors as well as leaders of community ensembles who seek the opportunity to enhance their musical and teaching skills for the betterment of their voice students and performers.
Learner-Centered Instruction
The graduate certificate program is designed to help educators in any discipline become skilled in equitable teaching and leadership. Courses include subjects such as learner centered systems, personalized learning, and designing for deeper learning.
For more information or to apply to VCSU, visit https://www.vcsu.edu/admissions/apply/
Tree Planted at VCSU in Honor of Larry Robinson
Friends, family, and former colleagues of Larry Robinson gathered Wednesday morning to plant a tree in his honor on the Valley City State University campus.
A 1971 graduate of Valley City State, Robinson began his career at VCSU in 1975 and retired in 2024 after nearly 50 years of dedicated service to the university’s mission. He also served 32 years as a Senator in the North Dakota State Legislature. Robinson passed away in September 2025.
Through donations from the District 24 Democrats and the VCSU Foundation staff, a 12-foot Accolade Elm was purchased and planted in his memory in front of McFarland Hall.
The Accolade Elm – a fast-growing hybrid resistant to Dutch Elm disease – replaces the iconic American Elm that previously stood in front of McFarland Hall but was damaged in a major storm last summer and had to be removed.
The tree planted in Robinson’s honor is one of several new trees that have been planted on the VCSU campus recently to replace those lost in the storm last June.
Photo: Family of Larry Robinson attended the tree planting ceremony, including wife Mary Lee, grandson Jax, and son James.
VCSU student scholars honored at Annual SOAR banquet
17 undergraduate VCSU students were lauded at the annual Student Opportunities for Academic Research (SOAR) banquet celebrating student scholarship last month. Students were recognized for their selection and work as SOAR recipients. They were also celebrated for academic achievements beyond the classroom.
SOAR is a program to help undergraduate students partner with faculty and staff to complete research, scholarship or engage in creative activities.
Four SOAR project recipients were honored at the banquet including Vincent Frank, Emmitt Maher, Tucker Johnson and Noah Paulson. Projects ranged from music melody research to AI research and development. Students that completed research on neutrinos, DNA and walleye. Students were also honored for academic achievements outside of the classroom. This included participating in national DECA competitions, speech competitions and speaking at statewide conferences.
SOAR Projects
Vincent Frank , Mentor: Tim Hawkins and Stephen Cunningham
Emmitt Maher, Mentor: Steven King
Tucker Johnson, Mentor: Bob Anderson
Noah Paulson, Mentor: Yang Du
Department of Business
DECA
Katie Jones and Sarah Monilaws, Mentor: Wesley Wright
Department of Music
Grady Hornung , Mentor: Stephen Cunningham
Department of Communication
Competitive Speech
Grady Hornung and Anastasia Weber, Mentor: Tammy Jo Taft
Sarah Monilaws and Hanna Weiland, Mentor: Tammy Jo Taft
Department of Science
Mackenzie Rist, Brooklyn Botz and Jaycee Richter, Mentor: Hilde van Gijssel
Brooke Anderson, Mentor: Nicholas Galt
Collin Peck
Arie Bratrud , Mentor: David DeMuth
Ethan Walsvik, Mentor: Casey Williams
Havard named ‘Difference Maker’
Amber Havard, student records specialist, recently received the Difference Maker award for June. She was nominated by the Enrollment Services Office.
Amber’s nomination read, “Amber treats every student or family member who approaches the desk with kindness and professionalism. She is actively interested in helping them solve problems quickly and efficiently. She manages the dual credit registrations with organization and ease, always communicating to make sure no detail is missed. Amber is a deserving recipient of the VCSU Difference Maker Award.”
Congratulations, Amber!
Clauson Attends Agricultural History Society Annual Meeting
Jacob Clauson, assistant professor for social science, attended the Agricultural History Society Annual Meeting in Atlanta, Ga., June 4–6. The 2026 conference theme, “Alternative Agricultures,” brought together scholars from across the United States and beyond to discuss new research on agricultural, rural, food, and environmental history. Conference sessions explored topics including urban agriculture, cooperative movements, food systems, agricultural policy, environmental change, and the experiences of historically marginalized farming communities.
During the conference, Clauson presented a paper titled “Barn Built Tractors: Vernacular Engineering on the Northern Great Plains, 1960-1980” as part of a panel examining forgotten pathways to innovation within Agricultural History. His presentation shared research from his ongoing scholarly work on rural communities and agricultural change on the Northern Great Plains.
Clauson said, “The Agricultural History Society conference provided an excellent opportunity to engage with scholars working on a wide range of agricultural and rural history topics. I received valuable feedback on my research, was able to gain new insights I will bring back to my classroom and students, and made connections with historians and other actors in agriculture whose work and expertise will help inform my future research and teaching. The conference also highlighted the importance of examining alternative agricultural systems and the diverse experiences of rural communities throughout history.”
Mirscov participates in ND State Parks Art Residency Program
Angela Mircsov, associate professor for art, participated in the North Dakota State Parks Art Residency Program at Fort Ransom State Park June 2-8. This opportunity was a partnership between the North Dakota Council on the Arts and the North Dakota Parks and Recreation Department to allow artists to create and give back to the local community.
During the stay, Mircsov investigated different design compositions in the landscape around Fort Ransom State Park. She worked in acrylic and watercolor to create the final piece, which would be donated at the end of her stay. She organized and led a workshop on landscape painting, in which campers and a few Valley City State University colleagues participated. In the evening, she gave an artist talk about her time at the park and how nature has influenced her works.
The art piece will be finished and donated to Fort Ransom State Park at the end of June. The piece will be hung at Fort Ransom State Park Visitor Center where people can engage with the arts before and after visiting the park.
Viking Sports Update
THE VIKING SCRAMBLE
The Viking Golf Scramble will tee-off on Friday June 19 at the Valley City Town and Country Club. The Viking Golf Scramble is an annual tournament that raises money for the VCSU Viking Booster Club and student-athlete scholarships. The tournament is a 4-person scramble, with two groups per hole (8-somes). The event includes a lunch on the course. Every hole will feature a contest including a Hole-In-One prize.
Two Flights will be available at registration.
What's happening at VCSU and around Valley City...
June 18
Summer Nights on Central, downtown Valley City
June 19
New Student Orientation
June 20
Community Days, downtown Valley City
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/