Hotline // July 20, 2023

VCSU's Historic Clocktower Updated

The historic clocktower on McFarland Hall at Valley City State University was updated this week with new clock faces and updated timekeeping machinery.

“The clocktower is our most iconic feature on campus. The updates will ensure it continues to be a beautiful focal point for years to come,” President Alan LaFave said. The project was completed by PCL Construction Services, Inc. with direction from VCSU Facilities Services. The work included the removal of the old clock faces and the installation of new acrylic faces, hour hand, minute hand, and new equipment for keeping time.

The original clock was installed in 1911, 19 years after McFarland Hall was built. The clock was made by E. Howard & Company out of Boston, Mass.

VCSU has had a bell tower since McFarland Hall was built in 1892, but it has not always had a clock at the top.

The original building, known as Old Main, cost $26,220 to complete and was designed by the Hancock Brothers, architects out of Fargo. It was built by J.C. Drake from Valley City. The first day of instruction in Old Main, as it was known, was Dec. 7, 1892. It was built in the Richardsonian Romanesque style according to the National Register of Historic Places nomination submitted in 1995. The building was placed on the Register on Feb. 10, 1995.

Three years after Old Main was finished, the governor of North Dakota vetoed almost 80% of the school’s budget. The citizens of Valley City, school board members and faculty raised and donated almost twice the amount of money appropriated by the state to keep the school running smoothly.

There was still no funding for a clock at the top of the bell tower until the class of 1910 presented the school with an iconic gift. The class purchased three clock faces and timekeeping equipment and presented the gift to President George McFarland. The Valley City Times Record reported the arrival of the “massive timepiece” in the Jan. 3, 1911 edition. It was installed on Jan. 9, 1911. The building was later renamed in McFarland’s honor.

The original clock operated like a large grandfather clock, according to Becky Heise, a researcher with the Barnes County Historical Society. The clock included a pendulum and specific instructions attached to the mechanisms. According to the operating instructions, it needed to be wound once a week. The speed of the clock was regulated by a nut at the top of the pendulum and the bearings needed to be oiled once every three months “at least.”

“It was pretty high maintenance,” Heise said. Heise said she thought it was sad to see the old clock faces go, but keeping the old equipment in place is a neat connection.

Progress continues on VCSU’s Capital Campaign – Forward Together

An update from Larry Robinson, Capital Campaign Director

What an exciting time at VCSU! The recently adjourned North Dakota Legislature approved our request for a $11.5 million to convert the former College High School (McCarthy Hall) into VCSU’s School of Education and Graduate Studies. The package requires VCSU to match the funding with $2 million for the $13.5 million project. Once completed, McCarthy will be a state-of -the art learning center for our nationally-recognized School of Education. We are also making great progress with our Capital Campaign, Forward Together!

Our campaign is approaching $20 million in total cash and pledges. We are now focused on raising the $2 million to make our match for the McCarthy project. A total of $1,050,000 is already in place. We are also working to achieve the dollars necessary to complete a major indoor turf practice facility attached to the W.E. Osmon Fieldhouse.

As we move forward with our Capital Campaign, we have to thank everyone who has supported the effort. Your support speaks volumes of your passion for VCSU! You are making a big difference in the lives of our students for years to come. If you have not had the opportunity to make a pledge yet, please consider doing so today. You can help us cross the finish line!

Pledges can be made payable over a five-year time period. All donations, regardless of size, are important. Your support is a statement of your faith in the future and will play a significant role in continuing to make VCSU an outstanding choice for college bound students for many years to come! A special Donor Recognition Wall will be included in the new facility with the names of all supporters of the project.

If you are interested in contributing to this important project contact the VCSU Foundation Office at 701-845- 7203. Please consider joining our team to help complete this important campaign. This is our day and this is our time! Let’s Move Forward Together!

Education faculty attend ISTE conference

Four faculty members from the School of Education attended the ISTE Live ’23 conference in Philadelphia. The worldwide network promotes groundbreaking technologies for teaching and learning, inspiring innovative and engaging strategies for 21st century schools.

Keynote presenters focused upon Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Education and the importance of equity and inclusion for all. With more than 1,400 sessions to attend throughout the four-day event, the team focused upon assistive and adapted technologies, creativity and curation tools, and innovation in higher education.

Kiser receives June ‘Difference Maker’ award

Aleisha Kiser, print shop assistant, received the Difference Maker award for June. She was nominated by enrollment services.

Her nomination read, “Aleisha is a Difference Maker to Enrollment Services throughout the entire school year. Our office deals with last-minute changes and additions at almost every event we host and Aleisha is always willing to do a last-minute print (often just minutes before check-in opens) so all of our visitors have the very best experience on campus. Her willingness to help is always appreciated.”

Pritchert receives July ‘Difference Maker’ award

Marcia Pritchert, director for financial aid, received the “Difference Maker” award for July. She was nominated by Student Affairs/Student Housing.

Her nomination read, “With everything changing in the FAFSA process, new regulations and systems and new legislative changes affecting her work, I feel Marcia is keeping up, staying positive and is going the distance so she and Janet can provide the best service to our students and their families. To top it all off, whenever I have needed to contact her for assistance over the last couple months, even as busy as she is with overwhelming changes, she has engaged with me in an upbeat and friendly way and assisted me with kindness and respect. She embodies the purpose of this award and continues to be a Difference Maker.”

Summer Nights on Central this Thursday

The second Summer Nights on Central event will take place this Thursday, July 20 on Central Avenue in Valley City. This family-friendly series of events is focused on encouraging community engagement, and is FREE to the community.

Schedule of Events:

4:00 – 6:00 p.m. Shopping Happy Hour
Support your local businesses! Head out on the town and shop in all your favorite Valley City stores or visit somewhere new!

5:30 p.m. Vendors Open on Central Avenue
Our delicious food vendors open at 5:30 and will be ready to serve you some amazing meals!

6:00 – 9:00 p.m. Concert – Two Weeks Notice
What’s that sound? It’s the sound of a great band and lots of fun memories! Enjoy live music by Two Weeks Notice, dance, play games, and get to know your neighbors!

About Two Weeks Notice:
2 Weeks Notice has been bringing a unique fusion of country, rock, and pop music to the Midwest ever since 2012. With their unique song selection and engaging stage presence, 2 Weeks Notice will never fail to get you out of your seat and onto the dance floor.

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

Saturday, August 5

Find out what’s happening in the community on the Valley City Community Calendar: https://www.valleycitycalendar.com/

Find out what’s happening at the VCSU Center for the Arts: https://www.vcsu.edu/center-for-the-arts/fine-arts-calendar/