News

NDSCS students earn national ranking at SkillsUSA Championships

3 men in red SkillsUSA jackets standing side by side
07-01-2024

North Dakota State College of Science (NDSCS) students recently earned top awards at the National SkillsUSA Championships held during the National Leadership and Skills Conference (NLSC) in Atlanta, Georgia. Three NDSCS students earned the national spotlight for their achievements. 

Jacob Bredeson of Oakes, N.D. earned a gold medal in the CNC 2-Axis Turning category. Bredeson’s skills were evaluated on his ability to plan and program jobs for CNC turning centers and provide instructions for operators to execute. He had to program and generate code, troubleshoot errors, interpret prints, measure parts, and more. 

Jacob Roberts of Jamestown, N.D. earned a silver medal in the CNC Programmer category. Roberts was evaluated on his skills in planning and programming jobs for 2-Axis CNC and 3-Axis CNC machines, including programming and generating code, troubleshooting programming errors, interpret prints, measure parts, and demonstrate his knowledge of CNC machine configuration, setup, and operation. 

Gavin Stanislaw of Bayport, Minn. earned a silver medal in the Motorcycle Service Tech category. During his competition, Stanislaw performed tasks similar to those encountered in a dealership’s service department, including scheduled maintenance tasks, electrical diagnostics, precision measurement, powertrain systems, and more. 

Additional NDSCS students earned placement within the top 10 in the nation, including:

  • Emily Schmidt of Gladstone, N.D. earned 5th place in Architectural Drafting.
  • Dylan Hanstad of Fergus Falls, Minn. earned 6th place in the Automotive Services Tech category.
  • Tori Hanson of Underwood, Minn. earned 7th place in Welding Sculpture.
  • Dylan Johnson of Sibley, N.D. earned 10th place in Carpentry.
  • Benjamin Klemen of Argusville, N.D. earned 10th place in Welding. 

The SkillsUSA Championship is one of the largest hands-on workforce events in the world and is known for competitions showcasing the best career and technical education students in the nation. More than 6,000 state champions compete in over 100 skilled and leadership events during the SkillsUSA Championships.

 

See ND state SkillsUSA winners at NDSCS.edu/SkillsUSA

North Dakota State College of Science Names Gach Gach as Interim Head Men’s Basketball Coach

Gach Gach headshot
06-24-2024

North Dakota State College of Science (NDSCS) is proud to announce the appointment of Gach Gach as the Interim Head Men’s Basketball Coach, following the departure of Stu Engen, who has taken a position joining the coaching staff at Idaho State University. 

A 2017 graduate of NDSCS, Gach Gach (pronounced GOTCH GOTCH) brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record of success. During his time as a player for the Wildcats, Gach was instrumental in leading the team to a remarkable 59-9 overall record, securing two Mon-Dak Conference Championships, two Region XIII Championships, a District Championship, and a National Tournament appearance. Gach’s individual contributions were recognized with numerous Conference and Regional honors. 

Following his tenure at NDSCS, Gach transferred to West Texas A&M where he continued to excel, helping his team to a 66-8 record and leading them to back-to-back Elite Eight and Final Four appearances. His stellar performance earned him Lone Star Conference honors. Over his four-year college career, Gach amassed an outstanding overall record of 125-17. 

An Austin, Minnesota native, Gach earned his bachelor’s degree from West Texas A&M University, and returned to NDSCS in 2022 as an Assistant Men’s Basketball Coach. 

Gach Gach shared his excitement about this new chapter: “As an NDSCS alum, I’m really excited at this opportunity to lead the Men’s Basketball program along with my fellow coaches. We are eager for the fall to get our team together to start the new season. I’m honored to have been given this responsibility.” 

The Head Men’s Basketball Coach position will remain interim until a new Athletic Director is hired, and the ultimate decision regarding the permanent head coach will be made by them. 

NDSCS President Rod Flanigan expressed his confidence in Gach’s leadership during this transitional period: “During this transition time, we are steadied by having the entire coaching staff’s expertise and guidance to keep our successful program on track and continue our quest for a National Championship. Although the final head coaching decision will be made by the new Athletic Director, we are confident in the leadership of Gach and his staff.” 

Stu Engen's departure marks the end of an era for NDSCS Athletics. Engen, who was named the Head Men’s Basketball Coach and Director of Athletics on May 30, 2012, transformed the Wildcats into a basketball powerhouse. Under his leadership, the team achieved a record of 323-60, won seven Region XIII titles, and secured seven Mon-Dak Conference championships, among numerous other accolades. Engen's legacy will continue to inspire future generations of Wildcats. 

The search is currently underway for a new Athletic Director. 

More information about the NDSCS Basketball Program can be found here: NDSCSWildcats.com/Sports/MBKB 

For More Information or to Schedule Interviews: 
Lee Schwartz, Director of Marketing | 701-306-4497 | Lee.Schwartz@ndscs.edu 
Gach Gach, Interim Head Men’s Basketball Coach | 507-279-7025 | Gach.Gach@ndscs.edu 

NDSCS Welcomes Area First Responders to First Responders & Their Families Appreciation Day at Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks Game

First responders and their families day at F-M RedHawks July 21
06-18-2024

North Dakota State College of Science (NDSCS), area leader in First Responder Education, is proud to announce its sponsorship of the Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks' First Responders & Their Families Appreciation Day, taking place on Sunday, July 21st at 1:00 p.m. at Newman Outdoor Field in Fargo, ND. This special game aims to honor, thank and celebrate the dedication and bravery of our local first responders. 

NDSCS has made 500 free tickets available to first responders and their friends/families. They will be available on a first-come, first-served basis, and distributed largely through the company/city email networks where they serve. Those getting tickets will not be able to pick out their exact seats but will be assigned great seats in Sections A & B for that game. 

There will also be many giveaways during the game, emergency vehicles parked outside the stadium, and one rural first responder will throw out the game’s ceremonial first pitch. 

"NDSCS is deeply committed to supporting our community and recognizing the extraordinary efforts of our first responders," said Ron Lawler, NDSCS EMS Department Chair. "We are thrilled to partner with the Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks to host this special event, celebrating those who work tirelessly to keep us safe—and also honoring the friends and families who support them daily."

Tickets for the First Responders Night are available now. (Most first responders will be notified via email through their workplace.) 

NDSCS encourages everyone to come out and show their support for these everyday heroes. Join us at Newman Outdoor Field on July 21st for an unforgettable afternoon of baseball and community spirit as we honor our local first responders and those closest to them. 

First Responders Ticket Link: https://mo1.glitnirticketing.com/moticket/web/logingroup1.php 
Enter code: NDSCS

North Dakota State College of Science Announces Departure of Athletic Director/Head Men’s Basketball Coach Stu Engen

Stu Engen headshot
06-16-2024

After over a decade of exemplary leadership and dedication, Stu Engen, the Head Men’s Basketball Coach and Athletic Director at North Dakota State College of Science (NDSCS), is set to embark on a new journey. Engen will be joining Idaho State University as an Assistant Coach, where he will work under Head Coach Ryan Looney in the NCAA Division I Big Sky Conference. Looney and Engen share a rich history, with Looney having previously served as Engen’s assistant at both the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse and Minnesota State University Moorhead. 

Engen was named the Head Men’s Basketball Coach and the Director of Athletics at North Dakota State College of Science on May 30, 2012. The Wildcats have won at least 25 games in all of Engen's seasons, including a school-record 31 wins in 2016-17 & 2023-2024. 

During his tenure at NDSCS, Engen transformed the Wildcats into a basketball powerhouse, amassing a remarkable record of 323-60. Under his leadership, the Wildcats clinched seven Region XIII titles and seven Mon-Dak Conference championships. In 2016, the team made a memorable run to the NJCAA National Tournament. His achievements have earned him numerous accolades, including multiple Coach of the Year honors across various conferences and regions. 

NDSCS Career Highlights:

  • 2024 Mon-Dak Conference Coach of the Year
  • 2024 Region XIII Coach of the Year
  • 2023 Mon-Dak Conference Coach of the Year
  • 2023 Region XIII Coach of the Year
  • 2022 Mon-Dak Conference Coach of the Year
  • 2018 Athletic Hall of Fame Inductee, Upper Iowa University
  • 2018 Mon-Dak Conference Coach of the Year
  • 2018 Region XIII Coach of the Year
  • 2017 Mon-Dak Conference Coach of the Year
  • 2017 Region XIII Coach of the Year
  • 2016 District 11 Coach of the Year
  • 2016 Mon-Dak Conference Coach of the Year
  • 2016 Region XIII Coach of the Year
  • 2015 Region XIII Coach of the Year
  • 2014 Region XIII Coach of the Year
  • 2013 Mon-Dak Conference Coach of the Year 

NDSCS President Rod Flanigan is appreciative of the impact Engen made on the entire NDSCS Athletics program, “Stu Engen's departure marks the end of a significant era for NDSCS athletics. His contributions have left an indelible mark on the college, and his legacy will continue to inspire future generations of Wildcats. We wish Stu and his family all the best.” 

Throughout his career, Engen has not only focused on team success but also on the development of individual players. Under his mentorship, eight players earned Region XIII Player of the Year honors, 10 became NJCAA All-Americans, and 10 signed with NCAA Division I programs. Engen's influence extends beyond NDSCS, with former assistants now leading collegiate programs and former players pursuing professional careers. 

The search to replace Engen’s dual roles will begin immediately. We will release more information about the search details when they become available.

Four Hankinson High School Students Earn College Certificates

group of students standing together holding diplomas
06-05-2024

Hankinson High School proudly announces that four of its students have achieved a significant milestone by earning a college certificate while still in high school. These remarkable young women were honored at the school's Academic Recognition Program on May 8th, where their outstanding achievements were celebrated.

 

The students took advantage of the dual credit opportunities offered by North Dakota State College of Science (NDSCS), allowing them to complete the Liberal Arts General Education Transfer Certificate this spring. This program, championed by Career and Development Counselor Danielle Luebke, provides students with a valuable credential that can be transferred to any institution within the North Dakota University System (NDUS) or the state's five tribal colleges. Ms. Luebke's dedication to advocating for her students and guiding them in their post-graduation paths has been instrumental in their success.

 

The Liberal Arts General Education Transfer Certificate is designed for high school students aiming to earn college credits that are transferable within the NDUS. Based on the General Education Transfer Agreement (GERTA), this certificate ensures a smooth transition for students continuing their education at NDSCS or other institutions. The students who earned this prestigious certificate are Kylee Falk, Ashlynn Foertsch, Hannah Lingen, and Rylee Steffens. Their accomplishments are a testament to their hard work and dedication, and they serve as an inspiration to their peers.

 

Missy DeHaan, Director of Dual Credit at NDSCS, was excited for the Hankinson graduates, sharing, “Earning a college credential while in high school is quite an achievement. It demonstrates not only the academic excellence but also strong dedication, time management skills, and a clear vision for their future. The energy, enthusiasm and persistence in their educational goals are powerful indicators of their potential for success beyond high school. Congratulations!”

NDSCS Partners with Local Coffee Shops to Support Community Organizations

Coffee sleeve and stickers laying next to computer
05-30-2024

North Dakota State College of Science (NDSCS) is excited about a new partnership with area coffee shops to support local organizations. This initiative aims to enhance connections while raising funds for community causes within the Wahpeton and Fargo areas.

Participating coffee shops include Dakota Coffee Co. in Wahpeton and Thunder Coffee in Fargo. Lee Schwartz, Director of Marketing at NDSCS, brought the partners together. “We’re always looking for ways to give back…we really wanted to do something bigger than advertising. We met with Skylar (Thunder Coffee) and Victoria (Dakota Coffee), and they generously agreed to distribute the sleeves and stickers to help support the communities we all call home. It might not bring them unprecedented funding, but with over 35,000 pieces being shared, it certainly will raise awareness for the missions of these great nonprofits.”

Customers are encouraged to enjoy their favorite brews and scan the QR code on their coffee cup or sleeve to contribute to the enrichment of their community. The selected organizations, Richland Wilkin Kinship and Farm in the Dell of the Red River Valley, encompass a range of causes, including mentorship, empowerment, education and more. 

“At Farm in the Dell, we are so grateful to be a part of initiatives in the community, working alongside local leaders like NDSCS and Thunder Coffee. It is a wonderful thing when organizations can find alignment and lift each other up - in this case providing real-world experience for individuals looking to develop and grow,” shared Anna Sather, Executive Director of Farm in the Dell, about this partnership. 

Marie Miller, Assistant Director for Richland-Wilkin Kinship is excited about the partnership, sharing, “We greatly appreciate NDSCS and Dakota Coffee Co. for partnering with Richland-Wilkin Kinship over the years in efforts to amplify youth mentoring in our community. Partnerships like this help us recruit ordinary people, to do ordinary things, making an extraordinary difference in the lives of local youth.”

For more information about the organizations receiving funds, visit their websites at:
RWKinship.org and Farminthedellrrv.org.