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Hotline

Hotline 8.2.21

Aug 2, 2021

Hotline bi-weekly newsletter

This week’s Hotline includes the following articles:

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: Off to a Great Start

outdoor portrait of President LaFave

Last month we were proud to officially launch the Forward Together campaign. Seeing this effort take flight this summer has been inspiring. I would like to share a few of the highlights that have happened since the campaign officially launched.

On July 21, we hosted numerous friends and supporters at the W.E. Osmon Fieldhouse to celebrate the official beginning of the campaign. We were thankful for the presence of many friendly faces, including Valley City Mayor Dave Carlsrud and the Director of Development for the Valley City Barnes County Development Corporation Jennifer Feist.

Their comments about our community and the campaign as an important part of our future really rang true. The Forward Together campaign is truly about moving our entire community forward through high-quality educational experiences.

We also had the chance to recognize those who have already made generous commitments to support the campaign. People like Ray Braun, who committed a $1 million for the effort, and Dacotah Bank for their $500,000. We also recognized BEK Communications for their strong support. We were happy to have Paige Bjornson of Dacotah Bank join us for the event, as well as Brett Stroh of BEK Communications.

Their willingness to provide pacesetting support is both humbling and invigorating. This effort is worthy of their support and seeing their commitment on paper is where our dreams become reality.

Our dream is to make the first-ever capital campaign for VCSU successful. That success will be a big step for our campus, and a huge step for students. Future VCSU students will have access to scholarship opportunities created by the campaign, and high-quality educational spaces and athletic facilities.

Our visionary athletic director, Jill Devries, said it best during the Campaign Kickoff event, “As we embark on this historic campaign, we seize a unique opportunity to inspire the next generation of VCSU Vikings by building championship level facilities, a strong scholarship base, state-of-the-art learning environments, and strong community and regional partnerships.”

I wholeheartedly agree. This campaign will shape our future and we are so appreciative of the generous support during this initial stage. If you would like to learn more or see what the facilities will look like once it’s complete, I encourage you to visit our website VCSU.edu/forwardtogether.

Thank you for supporting our efforts to provide for enhanced student success and educate the leaders of tomorrow.

Go Vikings!

Reserve tickets for the VCSU RedHawks game

Redhawks logo

The VCSU Alumni Association invites you to join alumni and friends at Newman Outdoor field for an F-M RedHawks game on Wednesday, August 11. The deadline to RSVP to reserve tickets is today, August 2. Call 701-845-7203 to reserve.

The Armadillo party deck is reserved for this gathering and is located down the first base line featuring barstool seating and picnic tables. The cost is $20 per person and includes the following:

• Game ticket
• All you can eat hot dogs, bratwurst, pulled pork, potato salad, potato chips, pop, water, and snacks.
• Buffet starts when the gates open and runs until one hour after first pitch.
• Plus $2 – 12oz draft beer available exclusively to our guests all game.

The social hour and buffet start at 6:00 p.m. and the game starts at 7:02 p.m.

Kyley Lauf, VCSU student and co-founder of Limitless Fashion Show

Limitless Fashion Show

VCSU senior Kyley Lauf recently wrapped up her fourth year organizing the Limitless Fashion Show – a non-profit organization that advocates for inclusion in the community. The Minot, North Dakota native modeled for a local boutique as a teenager and realized opportunities like that weren’t offered to her friends with Down Syndrome.

Read more about Kyley at https://www.vcsu.edu/kyley-lauf/

Katie Woehl named ‘Difference Maker’

Katie Woehl with Student Services staff

Katie Woehl, professor for social science and assistant VP for Academic Affairs, recently received the Difference Maker award. She was nominated by the Learning Commons/Student Services staff.

Her nomination read, “Dr. Katie Woehl serves as a resource for so many people at VCSU. Our various offices utilize her knowledge on a regular basis to help us in our work assisting students. Katie is personable, easy to work with, student- centered, and always takes the time to listen. We absolutely think Dr. Katie Woehl makes a difference on our campus.”

Congratulations, Dr. Woehl!

Shannon Jolley named Staff Member of the Quarter

Shannon with colleagues

Shannon Jolley, former director for residence life, recently received the Staff Member of the Quarter award.

“Shannon goes above and beyond to keep our residence facilities safe, clean, and happy. She is the most patient and empathetic staff member I know. She works with each student and staff member with meticulous and methodical communications to make sure every experience, project, and problem are handled with professional care. She gives 100% of her time, passion, and skills to make the residence experience inclusive and welcoming to all students. She manages her time and budget with such excellence and strategic planning that she has been able to offer increased programming and events to students this year.”

Haneishi presents at NDHSCA State Coaches Convention

portrait of Kanae Haneishi

Kanae Haneishi, professor for kinesiology and human performance, presented at the North Dakota High School Coaches Association (NDHSCA) State Coaches Convention.

The topic of her coaching seminar was “Game-Based Approach in Coaching.” The Game-Based Approach (GBA) is an innovative coaching/teaching P.E. approach that originated in Europe. It is a learner-centered approach where coaches/teachers use modified games and ask questions to increase learners’ motivation and promote problem-solving skills. Students are also encouraged to discuss their ideas and have dialogue with peers, which foster important life skills and values, such as teamwork, communication skills, inclusion, equity, integrity, and kindness. During GBA, coaches/teachers modify 1) sampling, 2) tactical complexity, 3) modification exaggeration, and 4) modification representation based on the learning outcomes (i.e., practice objectives). Four common features in GBA are; a) design and manipulation of practice games and activities, b) use of questioning, c) provision of opportunities for dialogue, and d) building a supportive socio-moral environment.

Dr. Haneishi was connected with several VCSU alumni at the convention who are currently teaching and coaching at various schools in North Dakota. It was great to witness how VCSU education has been making positive impacts all over the state and beyond.

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.

COVID-19 Vaccine Information

COVID-19 vaccine information coronavirus update

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:

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

What's happening on campus - in town

Tuesday, August 3

  • Noon Rotary Club, VCSU

Wednesday, August 4

  • noon Kiwanis, Valley City Town & Country Club
  • 7:15 p.m. VCPR Music in the Park, City Park Bandshell

Thursday, August 5

  • 7 a.m. Optimist Club, Vicky’s Viking Room
  • 11:30 a.m. Comfort Pillows for Kids, virtual hosted by Hospice of the Red River Valley
  • Noon Toastmaster Club, VCSU

Friday, August 6

  • Sheyenne RiverFest 2021 events, Valley City & Fort Ransom State Park, register at www.hellovalley.com

Saturday, August 7

  • Sheyenne RiverFest 2021 events, Valley City & Fort Ransom State Park, register at www.hellovalley.com

Sunday, August 8

  • Sheyenne RiverFest 2021 events, Valley City & Fort Ransom State Park, register at www.hellovalley.com

Tuesday, August 10

  • Noon Rotary Club, VCSU

Wednesday, August 11

  • noon Kiwanis, Valley City Town & Country Club
  • 4:00 p.m. Shakespeare in the Park, Pioneer Park Amphitheater
  • 7:15 p.m. VCPR Music in the Park, City Park Bandshell

Thursday, August 12

  • 7 a.m. Optimist Club, Vicky’s Viking Room
  • Noon Toastmaster Club, VCSU
  • 6:00 p.m. Summer Nights on Central, Central Avenue