This week’s Hotline! includes the following articles:

• VCSU President’s Column: Heartfelt recognition and tradition
• Pipeline discussion at Vault tonight
• Medora Christmas concert coming to Vangstad Dec. 13
• Gjovik presents at technology teacher education conference
• Ziniel attends NCA conference
• Viking sports update
• What’s happening at VCSU and around Valley City…

VCSU President’s Column

by Tisa Mason, Ed.D., CAE
President, Valley City State University

Heartfelt recognition and tradition

Over the last few days I’ve had the privilege of taking part in two heartfelt recognition celebrations—what a great way to enter the formal season of gratitude!

The first was a surprise celebration of Tom Glandt’s efforts as a volunteer for the university via the presentation of the VCSU Foundation’s first Difference Maker Award. The Difference Maker Award was adopted by the foundation to recognize friends of the university who have made significant contributions through dedicated service, promotion, financial support and/or other efforts. Tom has been a dedicated VCSU volunteer for more than a decade and a key contributor the annual spring Scholarship Auction.

To recognize Tom, we gathered at Dacotah Bank with family members, treats, and a beautiful recognition plaque featuring a photograph of our iconic clock tower. What delight as Tom rounded the corner to find all of us hovered in a reception area—I just love being part of such a joyous surprise! His family was beaming with pride as we took the opportunity to thank Tom for his dedication, and I smiled for hours.

In Fargo last week, we presented Ruth Langemo Steen, class of ’45, with a VCSU Certificate of Merit. The Certificate of Merit Award was adopted by the Alumni Association to recognize alumni for accomplishments, service and other noteworthy honors. Ruth was instrumental in promoting and organizing competitive sports for girls. She started the Girls Athletic Association in Minnesota, where she is often called the “First Woman of Sports.” As I learned about Ruth’s life accomplishments, I was in awe of her pioneering spirit and relentless focus on making a difference.

The room was filled with alumni and generations of Langemo family members. Over the nearly two years since my arrival, I have had the honor to meet several members of the Langemo family, who all share a culture of kindness and service. I loved meeting Ruth and learning more about the impact she has made on generations of young women.

And later this week, one of my very favorite events—hosting our students who cannot get home for the holidays for a delicious home-cooked, traditional Thanksgiving meal, all donated by the faculty and staff. Tammy Peterson, our food service director, even comes in on her holiday day off to cook the turkey and run the kitchen. Organized by Kari Stricklin, Student Center director, this annual event bridges the gap between hometown family and university family. Last year more than 40 students came to dinner!

As we approach Thanksgiving, I am reminded of the words of Jim Kouzes and Barry Posner: “Courage. Encourage. Two words, same origin. Heart. You gotta have heart. Miles and miles and miles of it. There’s no bravery or boldness without heart. There’s no spirit or support without heart. There’s no sacrifice or soul without heart. Nothing great ever gets done without heart.”

Heart—a characteristic that clearly defines VCSU—and another reason it’s a great day to be a Viking!

Pipeline discussion at Vault tonight

A conversation on the Dakota Access Pipeline controversy will be held tonight, Monday, Nov. 21, at 7 p.m. at The Vault (223 Central Ave. N.) in Valley City. The event, open to the public free of charge, is sponsored by the “What in the World Is Going On?” group.
 
Topics will include pipeline routes, water protectors (protestors), permits, treaties, the connection between the landscape and Native American religion, media blackouts and transparency, as well as a report from people who have spent time at the Standing Rock Camp.

A moderator will introduce each topic, and members of the audience will be encouraged to respond with information and opinions of their own.

Medora Christmas concert coming to Vangstad Dec. 13

“A Magical Medora Christmas” variety show will be presented at Vangstad Auditorium on Tuesday, Dec. 13, at 7:30 p.m.

The family-friendly Christmas show will feature the musical talents of Emily Walter, Jared Mason and Job Christenson, as well as the comedy and magic of Bill Sorensen. Musical accompaniment will come from Roger Rettig on steel and acoustic guitar.

The event is open to the public; tickets, which cost $23 plus fees, are available online at medora.com and at the Eagles Nest Bookstore in Valley City. Tickets will also be available at the door.

Gjovik presents at technology teacher education conference

Pete Gjovik—associate professor, chair of the Department of Technology and co-director of the Don Mugan CTE Leadership Center—presented at the 103rd Mississippi Valley Technology Teacher Education Conference (MVTTEC) held in Chicago, Ill., on Nov. 10–11.

Gjovik spoke on “Proven Strategies for Utilizing the Engineering Design Problem Solving Methodology within a Distance Education Classroom.” Addressed were the history and early issues of the online program, strategies that worked for VCSU while delivering standards-driven and engineering design-based content and associated applied activities in nontraditional/online classrooms, how the online program addressed engineering design, and formative and summative assessment measures utilized for program evaluation and future direction.

Also of interest was a presentation by Mary Annette Rose of Ball State University, who addressed the question “To what extent are technology and engineering teacher preparation programs preparing elementary preservice teachers to deliver technology and engineering experiences in elementary classrooms?”

She provided a preliminary report on research she and colleagues conducted in 2015–16. Options at VCSU and seven other universities were highlighted, along with recommendations. The research has been accepted for publication in the Journal of Technology Education.

According to the research, North Dakota and Pennsylvania are the only two states that met the recommended criteria for having credentials in place for STEM with documented integrated technology and engineering concepts available in elementary teacher preparation programs.

The 12-credit elementary STEM certificate/endorsement available through the VCSU Department of Technology met the criteria. The VCSU certificate was also noted as the only completely online solution.

Ziniel attends NCA conference

Jonna Ziniel, assistant professor of communication, attended the National Communication Association (NCA) conference Nov. 10–13 in Philadelphia, Pa. She attended several sessions on teaching, learning and service learning at the conference, which was themed “Communication’s Civic Callings.”

Viking sports update

Men’s Basketball
Monday: Augustana College 80, VCSU 64 (exhibition)
Friday: VCSU 86, Emmaus Bible College 72
Saturday: VCSU 65, Moody Bible Institute 56
The Viking men’s basketball team capped its week with a 2-0 record at the Big Four Tournament, hosted by Moody Bible Institute in Chicago. Austin Dunbar was named tournament MVP, and Rashad Satahoo was named to the all-tournament team. VCSU is now 6-4 overall.

Volleyball
VCSU sophomore Clarissa Olson has been named the to the North Star Athletic Association volleyball all-conference first team. The only Viking name all-conference, she was one of 14 NSAA players to earn first-team honors.

Football
Eleven Viking football players were named to the NSAA all-conference team announced on Friday. Defensively, VCSU had four players earn first-team honors: linebacker Nicholas McBeain and defensive backs Andre Peppers and Jawuan Pugh. Tight end Tayler Lentz and offensive lineman Avery Lock were named to the first team on offense. Quarterback Kurtis Walls, receiver Colby Lum and offensive lineman PJ Peterson were named to the second team offense. Linebacker Ben Bruenjes, defensive back Travon Smith and defensive lineman Harvey McMahon were named to the second team defense. Honorable mention honors went to defensive linemen Sam Cooke and Dalton Locke, running back Jacob Duilio and wide receiver Jake Peterson.

VCSU senior Nicholas McBeain and freshman Harrison Hammel both earned Dacotah Bank/North Star Athletic Association Football Player of the Week honors, announced Nov. 14 by the conference office. McBeain was named the NSAA Defensive Player of the Week, while Hammel was named the Special Teams Player of the Week following their roles in VCSU's 17-13 upset of No. 14 Southeastern University on Nov. 10.

Upcoming Events
Nov. 22: Men’s Basketball @ Minot State, 7 p.m. (exhibition)
Nov. 23: Women’s Basketball @ MSU-Moorhead, 6 p.m. (exhibition)
Nov. 25: Women’s and Men’s Basketball vs. Crown College, 5:30/7:30 p.m.

What’s happening at VCSU and around Valley City…

Monday, November 21
7 p.m. Dakota Access Pipeline conversation, The Vault, Valley City

Tuesday, November 22
12:05–1:05 p.m. Rotary Club meeting, VFW
7 p.m. Viking men’s basketball at Minot State University, Minot, N.D.

Wednesday, November 23
noon–1 p.m. Kiwanis meeting, Valley City Town & Country Club
7 p.m. Viking women’s basketball @ Minnesota State University Moorhead, Moorhead, Minn.

Thursday, November 24
Thanksgiving
No VCSU classes; offices closed

Friday, November 25
No VCSU classes
5:30 & 7:30 p.m. Viking women’s and men’s basketball vs. Crown College, W.E. Osmon Fieldhouse

Saturday, November 26
5 p.m. Mercy Health Foundation Festival of Trees with concert by Tigerlily (at 8:30 p.m.), Valley City Eagles Club

Sunday, November 27

Monday, November 28

Tuesday, November 29
12:05–1:05 p.m. Rotary Club meeting, VFW

Wednesday, November 30
Payday
noon–1 p.m. Kiwanis meeting, Valley City Town & Country Club

Thursday, December 1
7 a.m. Optimists Club meeting, Vickie’s Viking Room
Thursday night shopping in Valley City
6 p.m. Parade of Lights
7:30 p.m. Christmas at St. Catherine’s concert, St. Catherine’s Church, Valley City

Friday, December 2
5:30 and 7:30 p.m. Viking women’s and men’s basketball @ Mayville State University, Mayville, N.D.
7:30 p.m. VCSU instrumental music concert, Vangstad Auditorium

Saturday, December 3
3 p.m. Community School of the Arts ensembles concert, Nazarene Church, Valley City
5:30 and 7:30 p.m. Viking women’s and men’s basketball @ Presentation College, Aberdeen, S.D.

Sunday, December 4