Hotline

Hotline // August 23, 2023

Aug 23, 2023

A newspaper backdrop with a white chevron and the words Hotline, The weekly newsletter of Valley City State University

This week’s Hotline includes the following articles:

President's Column: Welcome new faculty

Greetings from Valley City State University!

outdoor portrait of President LaFave The beginning of a new semester is upon us. Having new faculty, staff and especially students join us on campus is one of the most exciting parts of this work. Last week I had the privilege of meeting with all of our faculty and staff during our annual Welcome Week breakfast. There was energy in the room and everyone was excited to start the new school year.

Each year we get the chance to welcome new faculty and staff to our campus and our community. This group of faculty members are committed to student success, and I am excited to see how they will mentor the next generation of leaders. They are highly qualified and ready to engage with students. I would like to share a little bit about each of them and hope you will help me welcome them with open arms into our community.

	Cheryl Duvall is a new Assistant Professor in our Department of Business. Cheryl will be teaching Economics and Finance. She is a small business owner, mother, wife and grandma and enjoys all things rural. Cheryl earned her undergraduate degree and MBA from NDSU and was previously a program manager for the Center for Entrepreneurship.
	Staci Dreyer will be an Assistant Professor in the Department of Science. Staci graduated with a biology degree from Minnesota State University Moorhead and earned her Ph.D. from UND in 2021. She has researched medical entomology and parasitology, specifically regarding mosquito control. She loves animals and has an 11-year-old axolotl named Yoshi. She will be teaching courses including aquatic entomology and limnology.
	Lindsey Kiecker has been hired as a Special Appointment Lecturer in the Department of Science. Lindsey is a VCSU graduate with a degree in chemistry education and minor in physics. She is currently pursuing her master’s degree in chemistry at South Dakota State University. She has worked with ND EPSCoR and served as a STEM Ambassador through the ND Space Grant Consortium.
	Dr. Katrina Clements will be our new Assistant Professor in music focusing on woodwinds. Dr. Clements comes to VCSU from Phoenix, AZ. She has a Doctor of Musical Arts degree from Arizona State University where she studied with world-renowned clarinetist Robert Spring. She has a Master’s of Music from the University of Minnesota and a Bachelor’s of Music Education from the University of New Mexico.
	Taylor Long will be joining the Department of Music as an Assistant Professor focusing on percussion. Taylor was previously based in New York and is a doctoral candidate at Stony Brook University. He has a Master’s in Music from the University of Kansas and is active as a percussionist, sound artist and educator.
	Kewen Cheng will join our faculty as a new Assistant Professor in the Department of Music focusing on choral activities. Kewen is a doctoral student at NDSU and currently serving as a choral teaching assistant conducting the Concert Choir, University Chamber Singers, Madrigal Singers and cantemus. Kewen has a Master’s of Music degree from NDSU.

Please join me in welcoming our new faculty to the Valley City community. They will be busy as we start classes this week and get the semester off to a quick start.

Go Vikings!

VCSU Foundation/Booster Board ‘Trip raffle’ is back

The winner’s choice ‘Trip Raffle’ sponsored by the VCSU Foundation/Booster Board is back! Tickets are being sold for $20 with a chance to win a trip for 2. Only 1,000 tickets are being sold and proceeds go towards athletic scholarships. tripp raffle ticket with details The winner can choose between trips to Scottsdale, Los Cabos, Napa Valley or Nashville. Runner-up drawing for 9 – $100 cash prizes. The drawing will be held on September 30, 2023 at halftime of the VCSU Vikings vs. Dickinson State football game.If you are interested in purchasing a raffle ticket contact or stop by the VCSU Foundation & Alumni Office (alumni@vcsu.edu) or the VCSU Fieldhouse (deb.feuerherm@vcsu.edu).

Travel with VCSU through Europe

WWII historic photo

VCSU invites alumni and friends to join in on a nine-day trip to Europe. The trip includes a visit to the War Room in London, the Imperial War Museum, a ferry trip across the English Channel to the Beaches of Normandy, the town of Caen, Paris along with many other sites.

For more information contact Dr. Steven King at steven.king@vcsu.edu.

Summer Vikes on Central set for September 7

Summer Vikes on Central, part of the Summer Nights on Central series, will take place September 7 on Central Avenue in Valley City. Summer Nights on Central graphic

This event brings the community and VCSU together for a night of shopping, food vendors, live music, business booths, prizes, games and so much more. This 2nd annual event will feature music by 32 Below, many business booths and a handful of fun surprises! This event is open to Valley City and the surrounding area. Come to downtown Valley City for a fun September night.

Schedule of Events:

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

5:30 p.m. Campus community meets at VCSU Footbridge

VCSU participants will be led downtown by the VCSU Marching Band!

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

6:00 – 9:00 p.m. Concert – 32 Below
What’s that sound? It’s the sound of a great band and lots of fun memories. Enjoy live music by 32 Below, dance, play games and get to know your neighbors!

For more information, volunteer opportunities, and information about business booths, visit:
https://www.valleycitytourism.com/summernights

Viking sports update

VCSU Football hosts Jamestown on Thursday
The VCSU Football team opens the season Thursday night by hosting rival University of Jamestown. It is the 5th annual VCSU Ag Bowl, presented by First Community Credit Union. Come early for tailgating and a free meal at 5 p.m. Kickoff is at 7 p.m. All VCSU employees and students receive free admission to the game with their Viking I.D. Ag Bowl graphic

Volleyball splits opening weekend
The VCSU volleyball team started its season with a 1-1 record last weekend in Iowa. The Vikings defeated Briar Cliff University 3-0 and then lost to #5 Northwestern College, 3-0. VCSU is back in action this weekend at the Charger Invite in Sioux City, Iowa.

Upcoming Events
Aug. 24: Football vs. University of Jamestown, 7 p.m.
Aug. 25: Volleyball at Charger Invite (Sioux City, Iowa)
Aug. 29: Golf at Dickinson State Dual (Medora, N.D.)

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

A backdrop featuring the HiLine bridge and a white chevron with the text Valley City Community

Wednesday, August 23
5:30 p.m. VCSU Marketplace, McFarland Lawn

Thursday, August 24
7 p.m. Ag Bowl, VCSU vs. Jamestown

Thursday, September 7
11 a.m. VCSU Convocation, McFarland Lawn
4 p.m. Summer Vikes on Central, Central Avenue