Hotline // August 29, 2024
This week’s Hotline includes the following articles:
- Summer Vikes on Central set for Sept. 12
- VCSU Co-Hosting AI Conference on Sept. 26
- VCSU Art Gallery presents visiting artist exhibition: “Hints, Allegations, and Things Left Unsaid”
- Viking sports update
- What’s happening at VCSU and around Valley City…
Summer Vikes on Central set for Sept. 12
Valley City State University is once again partnering with Summer Nights on Central to host the third annual Summer Vikes on Central on Thursday, September 12, in downtown Valley City.
The event features live music by Tripwire – a national touring cover band – along with numerous booths and activities. Summer Vikes welcomes incoming and current VCSU students to Valley City and introduces them to local businesses and community members in a fun and relaxing atmosphere.
Summer Nights on Central is a series of street dance events held each summer on Central Avenue in downtown Valley City featuring live music, late night shopping, food and beverage vendors and more. Booths and vendors open at 5:30 p.m. on Sept. 12 and live music begins at 6 p.m.
The VCSU freshmen class will join President LaFave at the VCSU footbridge before the event. From there, the VCSU Marching Band will lead the group downtown to join the community. All current VCSU students and members of the VCSU Viking Family are invited to meet at the footbridge at 5:30 p.m. for the march to downtown.
VCSU students will have a chance to dunk band director Tara Dahl and strength and conditioning coach Will Rakowski into the dunk tank this year.
Businesses are encouraged to set up a booth where they can provide information, freebies, drawings, games, giveaways or college student discounts. Those interested can sign up at https://www.valleycitytourism.com/summernights
Summer Vikes on Central is a free public event for all ages. The community is encouraged to attend and join VCSU students in the last downtown party of the summer.
VCSU Co-Hosting AI Conference on Sept. 26
Conference to examine ‘Being Human and Working in the Age of AI’
VALLEY CITY, N.D. – Researchers, industry practitioners, educators and thought leaders comprise a list of presenters scheduled Sept. 26 for the inaugural North Dakota AI Conference hosted at Valley City State University (VCSU) at the Larry J. Robinson Center for the Arts. Attendees will have the opportunity to hear about the evolving relationship between humans and AI in the context of work, society, personal development and what it will mean for all North Dakotans.
The event theme is “Being Human and Working in the Age of AI.” Presenters will explore how users can leverage the transformative power of AI while maintaining human connection across all sectors of society.
“Every day, we see the advancement in AI technologies and the expansion of its uses. AI is here and is altering how we live, work and interact with one another,” said North Dakota University System Chancellor Mark Hagerott. “It’s important for all North Dakotans to understand the implications for AI use and development, particularly how it will challenge the use of our humanity, creativity and compassion for one another. This conference will be a great opportunity to have these conversations so we can better prepare for the future ahead.”
The North Dakota AI Conference is $60 for early-bird registrants until Sept. 9, after which registration will be $80. Find more information about the speakers or register here.
Keynote speakers for the conference include the Honorable James E. Baker who is the director of the Syracuse University Institute for Security Policy and Law and professor at the Syracuse College of Law and the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs.
Dr. Eman El-Sheikh, associate vice president and professor for the Center for Cybersecurity at the University of West Florida, also will present. El-Sheikh’s talk, titled “Building an AI-enabled Future Workforce,” will focus on how AI is transforming the workforce and how academic institutions can prepare skilled professionals who recognize AI’s benefits and pitfalls and are ready to use technologies across all sectors and work roles.
Also joining the event during a “fireside chat” will be Chancellor Hagerott and Monsignor James Patrick Shea, University of Mary president. They will share the stage to focus on the conference’s theme of “Being Human and Working in the Age of AI.”
Additionally, several panels will feature presenters from multiple professional disciplines, including those in business, government, education, health science and technology.
The statewide conference is a partnership between Valley City State University, University of Mary, the Dakota Digital Academy, North Dakota University System, North Dakota Information Technology and North Dakota Department of Public Instruction.
WHAT: North Dakota AI Conference
WHEN: Sept. 26, 2024
WHERE: Larry J. Robinson Center for the Arts, Valley City State University
101 College Street SW, Valley City, North Dakota
About NDUS The North Dakota University System is a unified system of higher education governed by the State Board of Higher Education. Organized in 1990, the system includes two research universities, four regional universities and five community colleges.
The mission of the State Board of Higher Education and the Chancellor of the North Dakota University System is to unleash the potential of higher education in the state to enhance the quality of life, and the social and economic vitality of all served by its public colleges and universities.
VCSU Art Gallery presents visiting artist exhibition: “Hints, Allegations, and Things Left Unsaid”

The VCSU Larry J. Robinson Center for the Arts (CFA) Gallery announces visiting artist Ryan Stander’s solo exhibition “Hints, Allegations, and Things Left Unsaid” which opened to the public on Monday, August 19, and runs through Thursday, October 3.
Stander’s work explores the shaping of place, memory, and religion through interdisciplinary artworks incorporating printmaking, sculpture, book arts, and photography. Stander encourages viewers “to piece together meaning through loose associations, rather than explicit illustration.”
We invite the Valley City community to learn more about Stander’s artwork and process at an artist talk in the choir room of the CFA at 3:30 p.m., Wednesday, October 2. A reception will follow in the CFA Gallery and lobby until 5:30 p.m.
Viking sports update
Volleyball
No. 22 VCSU defeated (RV) Indiana Tech and No. 11 Missouri Baptist to open the season with a 2-2 record at the Keiser Viper Sports Academy Classic.
Upcoming Events
Aug. 29: Football at Minot State, 6 p.m.
Aug. 29-30: Golf at N.D. College Open, Bismarck, N.D.
Aug. 30-31: Volleyball at Siouxland Invitational, Sioux City, Iowa
What's happening at VCSU and around Valley City...
September 12
11 a.m. All Campus Convocation
5:30 p.m. Summer Vikes on Central