Hotline // September 18, 2024
This week’s Hotline includes the following articles:
- Hansen earns NAIA Dr. LeRoy Walker Champions of Character Award
- Alumni invited back for homecoming Sept. 20-22
- VCSU inducting 3 into Music Hall of Fame
- VCSU Alumni Association Homecoming 2024 Honorees Named
- Planetarium show this Saturday, Sept. 21
- JAS Quintet performing jazz concert Sept. 25 at VCSU
- Flu clinic coming to VCSU on Sept. 25
- Thornhill and Gallais named Difference Makers
- VanHorn presents at CSTAND conference
- van Gijssel and Zaun present at EMGS
- Russi presents at NDALL
- Viking sports update
- What’s happening at VCSU and around Valley City…
Hansen earns NAIA Dr. LeRoy Walker Champions of Character Award
Valley City State’s Sadie Hansen has been selected as the national winner of the NAIA Dr. LeRoy Walker Champions of Character Award, the NAIA office announced Monday.
The prestigious Dr. LeRoy Walker Champions of Character Award recognizes one male athlete and one female athlete who best demonstrate the NAIA Champions of Character values of respect, integrity, responsibility, sportsmanship, and servant leadership in their daily lives.
Hansen competes in both volleyball and track & field at VCSU. She will be honored during the 2025 NAIA National Convention in San Diego, where she will receive her award at the annual NAIA Awards Banquet.
“Her passion, determination, empathy, positivity, communication skills, and leadership skills combine to make her a person every athlete on her teams, every student in her classes, every coach in her two sports, and every teacher in her classes holds as a model for who we should all aspire to be,” said Dave Bass, VCSU’s Faculty Athletic Representative.
Alumni invited back for homecoming Sept. 20-22
The Valley City State University (VCSU) Foundation and Alumni Association is excited to welcome alumni back to VCSU for homecoming next week, Sept. 20-22.
“As we prepare to celebrate homecoming, we’re thrilled to welcome back our alumni, family and friends to VCSU. It’s always a special time to reconnect, share stories, and witness the growth and exciting developments happening on campus,” said Cory Anderson, Executive Director for University Advancement. “Involvement is key to the vibrancy of our community, and we can’t wait to create more memories together.”
“Homecoming is one of my favorite traditions at VCSU. During homecoming, we welcome our alumni home. The weekend is filled with lots of opportunities for alumni to reconnect with their VCSU family including classmates, faculty and staff of the university,” said Kim Svenningsen Hesch, Assistant Director for Advancement & Alumni Relations.
The 42nd Annual Bill Osmon Fun Run will kick off the week at 4 p.m. at Lokken Stadium.
On Wednesday, Sept. 18 volleyball will play Dickinson in Graichen Gym at 7 p.m. The team will play again on Thursday, September 19, taking on the University of Jamestown at 7 p.m. at the Bubble.
Alumni are invited back to participate in a full day of events on Friday, September 20 with an ice cream social at 1:30 p.m. in the Student Center. A campus tour starts at 2 p.m., leaving from the Student Center, and the bookstore will be open from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. The Homecoming Parade, in conjunction with Valley City High School, will start at 4 p.m. on Central Avenue. The Hall of Fame Social will begin at 5 p.m. at the Valley City Eagles Club. Alumni and friends are invited to socialize with the inductees and others before the banquet and ceremony that will begin at 6 p.m. The night will end with an All Alumni Social starting at 8 p.m. at the Valley City Eagles Club.
On Saturday, Sept. 21, the Alumni Honors Breakfast will start at 9 a.m. in the Student Center. Tickets for breakfast will be $15 and available to purchase at the door.
This year, a VCSU Baseball Alumni Game will start at 11 a.m. at Charlie Brown Field. Tailgating at Lokken Stadium will begin at 1 p.m. Following the tailgating, the VCSU Football team will face Dakota State University with kickoff starting at 4 p.m.
The Postgame and All-Alumni Social will take place after the football game at the Valley City Eagles Club at 7 p.m. The College Student and Alumni Dance will follow, starting at 9 p.m.
For more information about VCSU Homecoming 2024 activities, contact the VCSU Foundation and Alumni Office or find the full schedule at https://www.vcsu.edu/homecoming/.
VCSU inducting three into Music Hall of Fame
From left: Bill Wieland, John Monilaws and Tricia Lebahn are being inducted into the VCSU Music Hall of Fame.
VALLEY CITY – Valley City State University will induct three standout alumni into the VCSU Music Hall of Fame at an upcoming ceremony during Homecoming weekend.
William “Bill” Wieland ’86, John Monilaws ’87 and Tricia Lebahn ’98 will join the Music Hall of Fame on Sept 20, receiving the VCSU honor that recognizes their standout careers as music educators.
The VCSU Music Hall of Fame induction ceremony is Friday, Sept. 20, at the Valley City Eagles Club. The luncheon begins at 11:30 a.m. Tickets are $15 and can be purchased by calling the VCSU Alumni Office at 701-845-7203.
The VCSU Music Hall of Fame recognizes and celebrates VCSU alumni and past professors whose music careers and community service exemplify the highest achievement and professional distinction.
VCSU Alumni Association Homecoming 2024 Honorees Named
PHOTO: From left: Joe Deutsch, Joan Heckaman* and Chet Pollert* (*Photos provided by the North Dakota Legislative Assembly)
VALLEY CITY (VCSU) – The Valley City State University Alumni Association announced today that Dr. Joe Deutsch has been selected as the 63rd recipient of the VCSU Distinguished Alumni Award.
Deutsch and seven other VCSU alumni will be honored with awards during the annual VCSU Alumni Association Homecoming Honors Breakfast scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 21 in Valley City.
The Honors Breakfast provides the VCSU Alumni Association with an opportunity to present fellow alumni with Certificate of Merit awards, Alumni Service awards and the Distinguished Alumni Award.
The Distinguished Alumni Award recognizes Valley City State University alumni/alumnae who have achieved prominence in their chosen field of endeavor. Dr. Deutsch graduated from Valley City State University in 1999 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Physical Education. He is currently a Professor of Physical Education and Coaching at North Dakota State University, a position he has held for the last 20 years.
Starting as a K-12 PE teacher and coach, he got involved with NDSHAPE, serving as the treasurer. Twenty-five years later, he has served at every level of SHAPE America, from NDSHAPE to Central District SHAPE and even the SHAPE America board of directors. Joe was just elected President-Elect of SHAPE America. That is the highest office anyone can serve in the profession and means he will have served as President at every level of the profession.
“We are proud of the accomplishments Dr. Deutsch has obtained during his career. He has been a leader in the classroom, through SHAPE America and in his community. Each fall Dr. Deutsch returns to campus to talk to our seniors on the various levels of the profession. He truly is a Distinguished Alumni of VCSU,” said Kim Svenningsen-Hesch, Assistant Director for university Advancement and Alumni Relations.
Five alumni will be honored Sept. 21 with the Certificate of Merit award, which recognizes alumni for accomplishments, service or other noteworthy honors. This year’s recipients include Bill Engel, Torrington, Wyoming; Ryan Hanson, Devils Lake; Michael McNeff, Rugby; Anna Schwan, Groton, S.D.; and Kyle Vareberg, Tahlequah, Okla.
A pair of alumni will receive the Alumni Service Award, which was established in 2012 by the VCSU Alumni Association to recognize alumni or university friends who have attained exceptional achievement in their careers and have made significant contributions to the University through dedicated service, promotion, financial support or other efforts. Joan Heckaman, Dickinson, and Chet Pollert, Carrington, will receive the award this year.
The All-Alumni Honors Breakfast will be held at the VCSU Student Center beginning at 9 a.m. on Sept. 21. The public is invited to attend. Tickets are $15 each and may be reserved by calling the VCSU Alumni Office at 701-845-7203.
VCSU will also hold other awards events during Homecoming, including new inductions into its Music Hall of Fame and Athletics Hall of Fame.
Tricia Lebahn, John Monilaws and William Wieland are being inducted in the VCSU Music Hall of Fame during a luncheon on Friday, Sept. 20.
The VCSU Athletic Hall of Fame will also hold its induction on Sept. 20, adding five individuals and one team into its history: Erin (Maitland) Draper, Cara (Miller) Gylywoychuk, Brent Miller, Darin Walters, Amanda (Brown) Dechant and the 2010-11 women’s basketball team.
The Valley City State University Alumni Association is sponsoring a number of additional events to celebrate Homecoming 2024. For a complete schedule and more information visit vcsualumni.org or call the VCSU Foundation and Alumni Office at 701-845-7203.
Planetarium show this Saturday, Sept. 21
VCSU’s Planetarium presents The Zodiac and All About Stars!, a double feature planetarium show, on Sept. 21 at 1 p.m. The planetarium is located in the Rhoades Science Center Room 309. The show is free and open to the public.
Valley City State University is home to the only planetarium in North Dakota. Rhoades Science Center houses a Spitz 512 planetarium with a 24-foot domed ceiling and 50 reclining seats.
Each semester, VCSU students produce a new show to be used in the Planetarium. Shows range from basic astronomy to exploring how Lewis and Clark used the night sky to aid in their exploration of North America.
For more information about the VCSU Planetarium contact Wes Anderson, 701-845-0966.
JAS Quintet performing jazz concert Sept. 25 at VCSU
Valley City State University will host one of South Dakota’s premier jazz ensembles for a free concert September 25th at the Larry J. Robinson Center for the Arts.
JAS Quintet will perform at the CFA Performance Hall on VCSU’s campus. The concert begins at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 25, and will feature a mix of old and new, including many original compositions and arrangements by members of the band. Admission is free.
“JAS Quintet has proven themselves one of the top jazz ensembles in the region,” said VCSU president Alan LaFave. “We’re excited to bring this talented group of performers and educators to our community and showcase their music in our first-class performance venue on campus.”
Formed in 2012 and based in Sioux Falls, S.D., JAS Quintet performs at concerts and festivals throughout the region. The group features the classic jazz quintet instrumentation of trumpet, saxophone, piano, bass and drums. Concert attendees can expect to hear familiar tunes along with a few new jazz classics.
More information about JAS Quintet can be found on their website: http://www.jasquintet.com/
Listen to JAS Quintet on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/4pCi3aiC9uOfOVPnMyKZlF?si=C4qaoYX9So6axj-ofypEAg
Listen to JAS Quintet on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@jasquintet
Flu clinic coming to VCSU on Sept. 25
City-County Health District will be holding a Respiratory Vaccination Clinic at VCSU on Wednesday, Sept. 25 from 10:15 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. in the Skoal Room.
- Vaccines that will be available: 2024-25 Influenza (flu) and COVID
- A voucher for 3000 points will be available for employees who participate in the Dakota Wellness Program upon request.
- Family members of students, faculty and staff are welcome to participate in this clinic as well, preregistration is recommended.
Please complete the online registration process at https://forms.office.com/g/ rF03NmA0Nx
- You will be asked to enter your health insurance information so have that available when you register.
- You will not be asked to schedule a time to come, this is only a preregistration process, so the staff have an idea of how much vaccine they need to bring with them. You can come anytime between 10:15 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. to get your vaccination(s).
Thornhill and Gallais receive ‘Difference Maker’ award

Jonathon Thornhill, assistant baseball coach, and Kathleen Gallais, assistant athletic trainer, recently received Difference Maker awards for September.
Jonathan’s nomination read, “Jonathon is the assistant baseball coach. He loves coming to work every day, and he is always a joy to work with. He works extremely hard on the upkeep and improvement of the baseball field, administrative duties, and the on-field improvement of our baseball players. The truly special thing about Jonathon is how much he cares about both his fellow staff members that he works with and the players that he coaches. He truly wants the relationships to be real and caring ones. This is so special because people in the coaching industry typically see relationships as more transactional. Jonathon is the opposite of that, and he is one of the few real coaches that genuinely cares about everyone that he works with and coaches. This past month, while the head baseball coach was out of town for the first half of August, Jonathon not only took care of his duties, but also took care of many of the head coach’s duties. He did all of this work while taking the time to still talk frequently with our student-athletes and ensure their personal growth.”

Kathleen’s nomination read, “Kathleen is a valuable asset to our department. She takes pride in her job and consistently goes above and beyond for her coaches and colleagues, and as an athletic trainer for all our athletes at VCSU. Kat cares for her athletes to the highest level. The kindness and compassion she gives to her athletes is outstanding. Kathleen has impacted so many of our student-athletes in such a positive way. Her knowledge and personality allow her to build relationships with everyone she works with, and she truly cares about everyone she sees, whether it’s VCSU athletes or athletes from an opposing team. She has been such a blessing to the Volleyball program; she is a difference maker!”
A well-deserved honor for two individuals who make a positive impact on our student athletes and coaching staff!
VanHorn presents at CSTAND conference

van Gijssel and Zaun present at EMGS
Hilde van Gijssel, Ph.D., professor for science, and Peyton Zaun, a student majoring in Health Science and Chemistry, attended the 55th annual meeting of the Environmental Mutagenesis and Genomics Society (EMGS) in Palm Springs, Calif. The mission of the EMGS is to understand and mitigate the impact of environmental exposures on the genome to protect human health.

Zaun received a travel award and presented a poster of the work he did in the toxicology research lab under the supervision of van Gijssel and Nicholas Galt, Ph.D, professor for science, and the summer work he did in the lab of Jiha Kim, associate professor of biological sciences, at NDSU. The research is supported by the ND EPSCoR ND-ACES project.
Russi presents at NDALL
Jenni Lou Russi, M.F.A, associate professor for communication arts, presented the opening keynote address at the North Dakota Association of Lifelong Learners’ Fall Conference “Unlocking Opportunities for All” on Sept. 16 in Bismarck. Russi was asked to combine standup comedy with content for the presentation: “Unlocking the Superhero in Our Ghosts”, providing communication tools for students who ghost.
Viking sports update
Volleyball
Valley City State defeated No. 15 Morningside University on the road last Friday. The Vikings are now 8-4 on the season and are receiving votes in the latest NAIA Top 25 Coaches’ Poll released Wednesday. VCSU hosts Dickinson State for its conference opener Wednesday night in Graichen Gym, and then faces No. 3 Jamestown Thursday at The Bubble.
Cross Country
VCSU’s cross country teams opened the season at the 9th Annual MSUM Twilight on Friday night. Karly Just was VCSU’s top finisher with 5K time of 18:44.2 and placed 10th in a field of 85 runners. Just was the top finisher outside of NCAA Division I runners from the University of North Dakota.
Golf
The Valley City State golf teams competed at the UJ Fall Invite on Sunday and Monday, highlighted by Sydney Carlson’s 3rd place finish. She fired a school-record low round 75 on Monday, and totaled seven birdies at the tournament. The Vikings compete at the NSAA Fall Championships Sept. 22-23 at CrossRoads GC in Carrington.
NSAA Recognition
Valley City State had three student-athletes named NSAA Players of the Week for their outstanding athletic performances. Sadie Hansen was named NSAA Setter of the Week for the fourth time this season, while Sydney Carlson earned NSAA Golfer of the Week and Karly Just was named NSAA Cross Country Runner of the Week. It is the first career conference accolade for both Carlson and Just.
Upcoming Events
Sept. 18: Volleyball vs. Dickinson, 7 p.m. (Graichen Gym)
Sept. 19: Volleyball vs. No. 3 Jamestown, 7 p.m. (The Bubble)
Sept. 21: Football vs. Dakota State, 1 p.m. tailgate, 4 p.m. kickoff (Lokken Stadium)
Sept. 21: Cross Country at Dickinson State (Medora, N.D.)
Sept. 22: Baseball scrimmage vs. NDSCS (Charlie Brown Field)
Sept. 22-23: Golf at NSAA Championships, 10 a.m. (Carrington, N.D.)
Sept. 25: Volleyball vs. Mayville State, 7 p.m., Faculty/Staff Night (The Bubble)
What's happening at VCSU and around Valley City...
Aug. 19-Oct. 3
Visiting artist exhibition: “Hints, Allegations, and Things Left Unsaid”, VCSU Art Gallery
September 20-22
VCSU Homecoming Week
Find the full schedule at https://www.vcsu.edu/homecoming/
September 25
7 p.m. JAS Quintet, Larry J. Robinson Center for the Arts
September 26
2024 North Dakota AI Conference, Larry J. Robinson Center for the Arts