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NDSCS Performing Arts Spring Production of Disney's The Little Mermaid has been rescheduled to Saturday and Sunday, April 6th and 7th, 2024 at the Harry Stern and Ella Stern Cultural Center on the NDSCS Wahpeton campus.

The Little Mermaid takes place in a magical kingdom beneath the sea, where a beautiful young mermaid named Ariel longs to leave her ocean home to live in the world above. But first, she’ll have to defy her father, the king of the sea, escape the clutches of an evil sea witch, and use her voice to capture the heart of a prince.

Featuring all the beloved songs from the Academy Award®-winning animated film, as well as three new songs from the Broadway show, this production is sure to delight audiences of all ages. Directed by Amy Frauenberg, with musical direction by Bryan Poyzer and choreography by Courtney Diestler, this enchanting production will bring the underwater tale to life on stage. The cast of 22 NDSCS students showcases the incredible talent and dedication of the College's performing arts community.

The public is invited to attend these performances of Disney’s The Little Mermaid — Admission is $5 for adults and $1 for students. Free admission will be offered for Military members, Law Enforcement, and NDSCS students and employees with their IDs. Join us for a journey under the sea that the whole family will treasure.

Learn more about the NDSCS Performing Arts department at NDSCS.edu/Performing-Arts.

The last week of February is a busy week for North Dakota State College of Science students, as it's the last week of classes before spring break. 

For 12 students in the construction management and architectural modeling and design technology programs, it was even busier than usual. Along with their instructor, Lara Lekang, the students traveled to Las Vegas to compete in the International Builders' Show (IBS). 

The students presented projects at the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) Student Competition while at the IBS.

NDSCS students go through an application process for this project, starting at the beginning of the school year. Their work must be submitted prior to Christmas break at the end of first semester. Once classes resume in the second semester, the students put it all together and start the presentation portion of the project. 

"These projects are a commitment for the students,” Lekang said. “They learn to understand and work through it. It really brings together all the ‘whys’ behind what they are learning in their classes.”

Lekang, a Wahpeton native, graduated from the very program she now teaches at NDSCS. For the past seven years she has been the associate professor/program coordinator in the architectural modeling and design program.

Lekang has brought with her experience from the commercial and residential industry. In the past few years, NDSCS has restructured the architectural program from drafting into 3D modeling. This was driven by the need to keep up with current industry standards. Now, having become a multi-disciplinary program, it allows students to be aware of the different avenues their careers can take.

“Giving students various construction experience builds confidence for when they enter the workforce,” Lekang said.

Students who are selected to compete get a pre-assigned project, often one that has already been fully constructed in the real world. The project expectations are quite involved. It focuses on the construction schedule, estimates, a management plan and detailed drawings. Once it is put together on paper, it is a very thick packet.

“The judges are looking for completeness,” Lekang said. “Accuracy in the students' approach to the problem, the sequence of the schedule and this leads to problem-solving and troubleshooting when things don’t go as planned.” 

Lekang had two teams compete this year and both teams placed. One team took home third place and the other fifth place.

“I am proud of the students' teamwork, efficiency, communication and all the time they put in,” Lekang said. “NDSCS students rose to the occasion.”

When not competing, the students had a chance to see all the IBS had to offer. According to the NAHB, more than 76,000 builders, remodelers, developers and other building professionals filled the Las Vegas Convention Center for the event.

Lekang also uses this event to network with industry professionals who collaborate with NDSCS. Building relationships helps the programs grow and succeed.

“It is eye-opening for students to see how it is all tied together,” Lekang said.

Article published by Bobbi Steffens at Wahpeton Daily News on March 9, 2024. 

The 6th Street Eatery, located within North Dakota State College of Science’s Hektner Student Center, kicked off its 2024 season with a full house and an ample menu.

Italian fare, welcome at any trattoria and sure to make any guest eager to mangia, is being served from 5-7 p.m. Tuesdays-Thursdays through Tuesday, Feb. 27. Buffet nights will be held in late March. Reservations are strongly encouraged, as the 6th Street Eatery regularly reaches its limit for dine-in guests.

“We’ve put a ton of work into this,” Chef Kyle Armitage said to 14 NDSCS culinary arts students just before the Thursday, Jan. 18, opening night. “First years, thank you for being here. Keep your eyes open. You’re going to see and pick up on what is going to be your field next year.”

Armitage shared his pride in the second year culinary arts students, the ones who have advanced to a place of leadership with the 2024 6th Street Eatery. Alexander Tubbs, Deer Creek, Minnesota, was the opening night chef, preparing to be the specialties chef for Tuesday, Jan. 23.

“The first night’s the craziest night. I’m excited,” Tubbs said on Jan 18. “I’m looking forward to seeing everyone’s specials and how people enjoy them. Italian food is just great to experience.”

Armitage and Chef Benjamin Whitmore are proud of how the students behind the 2024 6th Street Eatery have demonstrated their drive and focus on a vision.

“I always talk with them about the importance of tension in making some big decisions, and they’ve dealt with that tension in a really good way,” Armitage said.

Abby Schaefer, Minot, North Dakota, was the opening night hostess.

“It’s very interesting,” she said. “This is my first time being a hostess, and it’s exciting that I get to meet everyone.”

Besides specialties, the 6th Street Eatery’s menus includes entrees like chicken parmesan and beef steak tagliata, pasta dishes including cacio e peppe and sausage lasagna and specialty pizzas. There are also side dishes including butcher boards, bruschetta and a full dessert menu of treats including tiramisu, cannoli and the gelato of the week.

“This is some of the most fun that we students get to have,” Tubbs said. “We just want to serve you good food. Come out and enjoy.”

For more information, including the numbers for reservations and take out orders, visit the 6th Street Eatery’s Facebook and Instagram pages.

Article published by Frank Stanko at Wahpeton Daily News on January 22, 2024.