This week's Hotline! includes the following articles:

• President’s Column: The value of external collaboration
• October Road to play at second Summer Nights street gathering
• VCSU announces hiring of three new coaches
• What’s happening at VCSU and around Valley City…

The VCSU Hotline! online newsletter is published every other week during the summer. Deadline to submit articles (photos encouraged) is 3 p.m. the Friday before publication.

President’s Column: The value of external collaboration

Greetings from Valley City State University!

When I interviewed for the VCSU presidency, one of the most consistent and overriding comments I heard from campus and community constituents centered on the strength of the relationship between the university and the Valley City/Barnes County community, and the importance of sustaining and enhancing this relationship. I have found this to be very true, and I am thankful for it.

I’m happy to report that the working relationships the university enjoys with Valley City and other area schools, the city and county commissions, the Valley City–Barnes County Economic Development Corporation, and other local and regional organizations, all the way up to state legislators and administrators, are robust and healthy. These strong relationships helped immensely in the legislative session, and the positive results for VCSU coming out of the session demonstrate their important value.

The direct beneficiary of these relationships and the results are our students, but the opportunity for open dialogue, sharing of ideas and strategies, and working together helps all these groups succeed. In the words of a former mentor with a naval background, “A rising tide lifts all boats!”

When permanent flood protection was discussed and planned for Valley City, phase one of the process included protection of the VCSU campus. We are so appreciative to know we are protected in the event of a major flood event in the future. This support also demonstrates the recognition of the value of our institution to Valley City.

To celebrate the permanent flood protection progress in the city, a ribbon-cutting ceremony will be held on Thursday on Main Street by the foot bridge to City Park. Lieutenant Governor Brent Sanford is scheduled to attend, and we hope that many of you will join us at the event.

On that same day, VCSU will welcome the North Dakota Legislature’s Interim Higher Education Funding Formula Review Committee to campus. We appreciate all the legislature has done for higher education and VCSU, and I look forward to sharing an update with the committee on the good things that have been happening on campus since the end of the legislative session.

It’s very gratifying to see the outstanding public support in place for VCSU. Let us all pledge to continue to work together for the betterment of our campus, students, community and state.

Go Vikings!

October Road to play at second Summer Nights street gathering

The band October Road will perform at the second Summer Nights on Central street gathering this Thursday, July 18.

Enjoy live music, fun for the kids, late-night shopping and food from a variety of vendors. Beverages will be served by the Valley City Eagles Club (wristbands required for ages 21-plus). Vendors open at 5:30 p.m., and the music runs from 6-9 p.m.

Admission is free with all ages welcome.

VCSU announces hiring of three new coaches

The Valley City State University athletic department announced the hiring of three new coaches last week.

Mark Mattson and Barbi Mattson have been hired as the new softball coaching staff. Mark was named head coach and Barbi was named associate head coach. The husband and wife coaching duo come to VCSU after seven successful seasons – including a national championship – at Angelina College (Texas). Read more at: www.vcsuvikings.com/article/3461

Also last week, Kari Bodine was named interim head golf coach at VCSU. Bodine is currently the career services coordinator at VCSU and will continue in that role along with taking over the VCSU golf programs. Read more at: www.vcsuvikings.com/article/3460

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

Monday, July 15
Payday

Tuesday, July 16
12:05 p.m. Rotary, VCSU Student Center

Wednesday, July 17
noon Kiwanis, Valley City Town & Country Club
7:15 p.m. Music at the Park presents Blind Joe, City Park

Thursday, July 18
7 a.m. Optimists, Vicky’s Viking Room
6–9 p.m. Summer Nights on Central event featuring entertainment by October Road

Friday, July 19

Saturday, July 20

Sunday, July 21

Monday, July 22
5–8 p.m. “Let’s Walk Valley City” event

Tuesday, July 23
12:05 p.m. Rotary, VCSU Student Center

Wednesday, July 24
Crazy Daze
noon Kiwanis, Valley City Town & Country Club
7:15 p.m. Music at the Park presents Old Friends, City Park

Thursday, July 25
7 a.m. Optimists, Vicky’s Viking Room
6–9 p.m. Summer Nights on Central event featuring entertainment by Slamabama

Friday, July 26

Saturday, July 27
9 a.m. Debbie Gabel Memorial Cancer Ride, starts and ends at Valley City Eagles Club

Sunday, July 28

Monday, July 29

Tuesday, July 30
12:05 p.m. Rotary, VCSU Student Center

Wednesday, July 31
Payday
noon Kiwanis, Valley City Town & Country Club
7:15 p.m. Music at the Park presents Greg Hager, with ice cream provided by Midwest Dairy, City Park

Thursday, August 1
7 a.m. Optimists, Vicky’s Viking Room

Friday, August 2

Saturday, August 3

Sunday, August 4

Go to https://www.valleycitynd.org/calendar.php to see more events happening in and around Valley City.