Hotline // August 8, 2024
This week’s Hotline includes the following articles:
- President’s Column: Preparations for Fall 2024 semester
- VCSU Night at the FM RedHawks
- Jody Henjum receives the Difference Maker award
- Russi performs at Theatre B
- What’s happening at VCSU and around Valley City…
President's Column: Preparations for Fall 2024 semester
Greetings from Valley City State University! 
I’d like to give a few updates as work continues across campus this summer.
First, construction and renovation work has officially begun on McCarthy Hall. Slated for a July 2025 completion, this historic building will be repurposed to serve as the home for VCSU’s School of Education and Technology Education. There are also important changes in the southeast corner of campus. Work has started on the construction of a new foyer and entrance which will connect McFarland and McCarthy in a climate-controlled, updated and welcoming foyer.
Secondly, interior changes and updates are nearing completion in “The Bubble.” With added VCSU branding, refreshed painting, refinished playing surface, reconfigured seating, and the addition of a VCSU store in one of the former concession areas, the updated facility will continue to welcome thousands of patrons, students, and members of the public for years to come. Find a complete schedule of all Viking fall sports at vcsuvikings.com.
Kolstoe Hall has replaced all mattresses and McCoy Hall has had all new windows installed on the first floor. The Student Center has also been updated with new ceiling tile, painting, and reconfigured student lounge space on the first floor. Additionally, all classrooms are being cleaned and prepped for the fall semester. Just the other day I was walking through the Larry J. Robinson Center for the Arts and can describe the floors of the building as “gleaming!” We thank all our facilities and grounds workers for continuing the preparations for our Fall semester.
All these updates will welcome our new students and faculty in just a few short weeks. With more than 250 new freshmen and transfer students expected to join us this fall, we look forward to welcoming them all to the community of Valley City and VCSU!
And finally, we invite folks to take a drive by or walk through our beautiful campus before the beginning of the school year. The relative peacefulness will certainly be replaced by the hustle and bustle of students, faculty, and staff in the very near future!
Go Vikings!
VCSU Night at the FM RedHawks
The VCSU Alumni Association invites you to join alumni and friends at Newman Outdoor field on Wednesday, August 14 for an F-M RedHawks baseball game with a reserved ticket and picnic prior to the game.
Tickets are available and can be reserved by calling 701-845-7203 or stopping by the VCSU Foundation & Alumni Office.
It will also be VCSU night at the game – we will have booths set up on the concourse with giveaways, current VCSU Student, Tara Dahl, will be singing the National Anthem, there will be VCSU ads played throughout the game and we get to throw out the first pitch!
Come join the fun!
Cost: $20 per person, which includes:
• Reserved game ticket in Section A
• All-you-can-eat picnic including hot dogs and pulled pork served with potato salad, potato chips, pop and water.
Gates Open at 6:02 p.m.
Social Hour and Picnic: 6:02 p.m.
Game Time: 7:02 p.m.
Jody Henjum receives the Difference Maker award
Jody Henjum, former executive assistant, received the Difference Maker award for August. She was nominated by Financial Aid and Registrar’s Office and received the award during her retirement party on Aug. 1.
Her nomination read, “After a 24-year career at Valley City State University, Jody is retiring, leaving behind a legacy of dedication and warmth. Joining in 2000, she has enriched our institution through her work in graduate studies, academic affairs, and the President’s Office. Her reliability and exceptional work ethic have set a high standard, while her remarkable sense of humor, even on the busiest days, has been much needed and appreciated. She fostered a welcoming atmosphere where anyone with a question or in need of a quick laugh could find both support and joy. Her unwavering commitment and dedication to the school have made a lasting impact. As she retires, we celebrate her invaluable contributions and the joy she has brought to our community, knowing she will be deeply missed and has truly been a Difference Maker.”
Congratulations on your award and 24 years at VCSU, Jody!
Russi performs at Theatre B
Jenni Lou Russi, associate professor for communication arts, performed at Theatre B (Moorhead, Minn.) in a play by Carol Anne Hough, playwright for a series of educational plays, addressing social issues and outdoor science. This is the second year Russi has participated in Hough’s plays. Russi, former theatre director, was joined in the production by VCSU Theatre Alumnus Kimmie McLagen (Almost, Maine and Lysistrata) and Orion Huss, grandson of Gerry Huss who participated in many VCSU Theatre productions over several years.
What's happening at VCSU and around Valley City...
August 14
2:30 p.m. – 4 p.m. Retirement for Diane Olson, Student Center Skoal Room
6:02 p.m. VCSU Night at the F-M RedHawks
August 23-25
VCSU Welcome Weekend
August 27
VCSU Classes Begin