Hotline 7.6.21
This week’s Hotline includes the following articles:
- President’s Column
- Get to know Dr. Kiersten Baughman
- Russi participates in Valdez Theatre Conference
- JE Dunn to host fundraiser for American Heart Association
- Let’s Walk Valley City to be held July 19
- Sheyenne Riverfest set for Aug. 6-8
- COVID-19 Vaccine Information
- Coronavirus update
- What’s happening at VCSU and around Valley City…
The VCSU Hotline online newsletter is published bi-weekly during the summer. The deadline to submit articles (photos encouraged) is 3 p.m. Friday. Please submit articles to jerilyn.beckman@vcsu.edu.
President's Column: Campus updates, student success, and welcoming new students

Greetings from Valley City State University,
Excellent progress continues to be made on the Center for the Arts and we are on track toward completion within the budget. With plans to open in late December, the facility will serve as a hub of arts activities, classes, and performances for the community and region.
Student success continues to be our top priority and a contributing factor in that success is in the environments our students learn and work in daily.
In the past two months we’ve had the opportunity to share the construction progress with alums, donors, community members, faculty, staff, and students. The innovative design, creative use of materials, and construction techniques all combine to provide a state-of-the-art facility that is both functional and aesthetically beautiful.
Our art and music programs are primed to grow, with dedicated spaces that enhance creativity that include: classrooms, labs, performance halls, rehearsal halls, gallery space, recording studios, faculty studios, and practice space. Most of the windows have been installed, exterior finishes are nearly complete, and finish work is well underway on the interior.
Every detail imagined has been considered, including important acoustical design, traffic flow, opportunities for growth and expansion, and equipping it for student success. Through quality space, instruction, and programming, this growth will soon be seen in our campus and community. More students result in an even bigger economic impact to our community.
Student orientations provide the jumpstart to student success. During these events, students meet with faculty, advisors, academic support staff, residence life, and come away from the day with a schedule in hand for fall semester classes and more complete understanding of the vast array of academic and leadership opportunities available.
Thus far, we have hosted five orientation days and have three remaining for the rest of the summer. Our numbers are tracking well, but more importantly, our future Vikings have engaged with faculty, staff, and other students to find their place on campus, and pave the way for future success.
We hope you enjoyed the 4th of July celebrations with family and friends!
Go Vikings!
Get to know Dr. Kiersten Baughman

“Vikings are some of the most enjoyable students I’ve had the pleasure of working with across my years in higher education! I love the small class sizes, getting to know students as individuals in addition to their academic and career interests, and I always enjoy catching up with our talented and diverse student-athletes at home competitions.” Read more about Dr. Kiersten Baughman.
Russi participates in Valdez Theatre Conference

Jenni Lou Russi, associate professor for communication arts, participated in the 29th Annual Valdez Theatre Conference in Valdez, Alaska as an actor and director June 19 – 27. She was selected to direct three new scripts, including Will Brumley’s Pulling Leather, a “queer rodeo fantasia”. Russi was cast as the lead actor for two scripts, including sports journalist Sean Keeley’s Stand and Clap, a play in which she portrayed a Hall-of-Fame basketball coach who plays a key role in a court of public opinion, involving her assistant coach who is accused of sexual assault.
Originally named the Edward Albee Theatre Conference, this annual event focuses on new works by playwrights, with a focus on the written text rather than production elements. Celebrating nearly 30 years of concentrated work for writers in theatre, this year’s event was both in-person and virtual due to COVID-19 safety practices. A limited number of playwrights, directors, and actors were invited to the in-person conference supported by Prince William Sound College. Additional playwrights and respondents (professional playwrights from around the country and the U.K.) participated in Zoom during all events.
Russi’s professional work includes stand-up comedy, acting, directing, and design.
Photo Attached: Jenni Lou Russi (far right) portrays Coach Adrian Schilling in Stand and Clap
Let's Walk Valley City to be held July 19
Let’s Walk Valley City will take place Monday, July 19 from 5-8 p.m. This annual event is free and all ages are welcome to walk, bike, blade or run. There will be over 25 booths with games, live music, art, food and prize drawings.
Participants should begin by registering at the City Park water fountain or the VCSU campus (corner of 4th Ave SW and Viking Drive). For more information check out barnesonthemove.org or call 845-8518.
JE Dunn to host fundraiser for American Heart Association
JE Dunn will be hosting a lunch on July 21 to raise funds for the American Heart Association. The event will take place at the VCSU Gazebo at 11:30 a.m. Burgers, brats, hotdogs, sides and drinks will be served. Cash donations and freewill offerings will be donated to the American Heart Association.
Parking is available in the north lot by the walking trail.
Sheyenne Riverfest set for Aug. 6-8
The 2021 Sheyenne Riverfest is set for Aug. 6-8 in Valley City and Fort Ransom State Park.
The annual event includes a variety of river-related activities on or near the Sheyenne River. Organizers are hoping to set a world record for canoe and kayak launches on the Sheyenne River during this year’s Riverfest.
Raffle tickets to win a kayak or other prizes are available to purchase at local sponsors and the Rosebud Visitor Center in Valley City.
Activities on Saturday, Aug. 7, include the canoe and kayak launch, pontoon rides, fishing activities and more. For more information and the complete schedule of events visit the Riverfest website.
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:
- Safety of COVID-19 Vaccines
- Key Things to Know about COVID-19 Vaccines
- Myths and Facts About COVID-19 Vaccines
Be a Viking Hero – Vaccinate!
Coronavirus Update
Stay informed about campus coronavirus information with the following resources. Click each link to learn more.
What's happening at VCSU and around Valley City
Tuesday, July 6
- 6:30 p.m. BBQ Bootcamp, Chautauqua Park
- Noon Rotary Club, VCSU
Wednesday, July 7
- noon Kiwanis, Valley City Town & Country Club
- 7:15 p.m. Music in the Park, City Park Bandshell
Thursday, July 8
- 7 a.m. Optimist Club, Vicky’s Viking Room
- Noon Toastmaster Club, VCSU
Sunday, July 11
- 4 p.m. Spoken Word event, Pioneer Park Amphitheatre
- 2 p.m. VCFD vs. VCPD Softball Game, Tharaldson Field
Tuesday, July 13
- Noon Rotary Club, VCSU
Wednesday, July 14
- Noon Kiwanis, Valley City Town & Country Club
- 7:15 p.m. Music in the Park, City Park Bandshell
Thursday, July 15
- 7 a.m. Optimist Club, Vicky’s Viking Room
- Noon Toastmaster Club, VCSU
- 9 p.m. Movie in the Park, City Park
Friday, July 16
- VCTA Jr Open Tennis Tournament
Monday, July 19
- 5-8 p.m. Let’s Walk Valley City, start at City Park or VCSU campus
Go to https://www.valleycitynd.org/calendar.php to see more events happening in and around Valley City.