Welcome Week events for students to include outdoor evening events

North Dakota State College of Science fall semester classes will begin Monday, August 23 at 4 p.m. for all students in Wahpeton, Fargo and online. Students who are not yet enrolled for fall semester can still do so by contacting the Admission office at 701-671-2521.

Opening weekend events in Wahpeton will kick off on Saturday, August 21 when residence halls open for student move-in at 10 a.m. Welcome Week, an annual series of events designed to help students connect to the College community and establish positive and healthy habits, will take place from August 21-28 and will include outdoor evening activities for new and returning students.

These events will include:

• August 21, 9 - 11 p.m.: Outdoor Movie on The Oval
• August 22, 9 p.m. – 12 a.m.: Street Dance in Lot 2 north of Old Main with music provided by a D.J.
• August 23, 7 - 10 p.m.: Glow Games on The Oval with music provided by a D.J.
• August 25, 8 – 10 p.m.: Karaoke and Open Mic Night on The Oval
• August 26, 9 p.m. – 12 a.m.: Neon Street Dance in Lot 2 north of Old Main with music provided by a D.J.
• August 27, 7 – 10 p.m.: Laser Tag on The Oval with music provided by a D.J.

President John Richman announces his retirement after 35 years at NDSCS

North Dakota State College of Science (NDSCS) President Dr. John Richman announced his retirement to the College community today - effective December 17, 2021.

“After 42 years in higher education, and 35 years of that spent at NDSCS, it feels like the right time to retire. I am very thankful to have spent the majority of my career at NDSCS and could not be prouder of the mission-focused institution it is today. It is the dedicated people and their commitment to our students which makes the College a special place, and I look forward to watching NDSCS thrive into the future,” said Richman.

Richman first came to NDSCS as a student in the early 1970s. He returned in 1986 as the Head Football Coach and through the years has been an instructor in the Health, Physical Education and Recreation Department, the Director of Athletics, and Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs. Richman then served as interim President for one year and was appointed the ninth president by the State Board of Higher Education in February of 2007.

During his time at NDSCS, Richman has led the College through innovative and purposeful change, enabling NDSCS to be recognized as one of the premier two-year colleges in the U.S. Notably, he facilitated NDSCS’s high performance and strong student outcomes by implementing initiatives to expand access to Career and Technical Education to high schools, improving the College’s fiscal position through budget alignment and increasing the NDSCS Alumni Foundation’s endowment to $28 million, diversifying workforce training opportunities, creating efficient and affordable career pathways for students while simultaneously striving to meet the workforce needs of North Dakota and the region, and advancing capital improvements to enhance the learning spaces at both NDSCS locations.

North Dakota University System Chancellor Mark R. Hagerott commented on his long-lasting and impactful leadership “Dr. Richman has served NDSCS in multiple roles for decades, and as President with unparalleled energy and dedication for close to 15 years. We wish him and Marcia the very best as they embark on the next phase of life's journey."

Richman has been a dedicated collaborator and an advocate of giving back. He has served many local, regional, national organizations, including as a Trustee for the Higher Learning Commission, several years on the United Way of Richland and Wilkin, and later the Richland Wilkin Community Foundation board, the National Coalition of Certification Center (NC3) board, and being active with the Wahpeton Community and Fargo-Moorhead Economic Development Corporations.

His outstanding leadership has been recognized several times, in 2016 he was presented with the NASPA Region IV-West Presidential Excellence Award for continually demonstrating his passion and commitment to supporting students' success; he was named a Minnesota State University Moorhead (MSUM) Distinguished Alumnus in 2009; received the Associated Equipment Distributors Founders award in 2011 and the NC3 Founders award in 2016, and has been inducted into both the NDSCS and MSUM Athletic Halls of Fame.

For a full biography and photo visit: www.ndscs.edu/President

North Dakota State College of Science (NDSCS) is accepting applications for students interested in obtaining a certificate in Meat Processing, a new program, beginning Fall 2021. Students who enroll in the Meat Processing certificate program at NDSCS will have the gain skills and techniques needed for this high-demand career field.

This responsive and innovative program is a partnership between NDSCS and North Dakota State University (NDSU). Students will enroll at NDSCS and take 15 credits one semester, then spend the first 8 weeks of the following semester being trained at the NDSU Meats Laboratory and finish the semester with an internship at a small meat processing facility and/or retail stores.

“The long-term goal of this project is to increase the availability of new workers for local, retail, and small-scale meat processors by educating students through this collaborative certificate program” said Agriculture Department Chair Craig Zimprich. “Small meat processors are a vital link in the food supply and allow farmers, ranchers, and livestock producers to retain a greater portion of the live animals value locally.”

This work is supported by the Agriculture and Food Research Initiative – Education and Workforce Development program, award number 2021-67037-34169, from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, National Institute of Food and Agriculture. Additional information about the program and how to enroll can be found online at NDSCS.edu/Ag.

The North Dakota State College of Science has named 371 students to its spring semester 2021 President’s Honor List. The Honor List recognizes students who have achieved grade point averages of 3.5 or higher while taking at least 12 credits with letter grades. The honorees include:

ARIZONA:
Casa Grande: Allison Schooler, Occupational Therapy Assistant

COLORADO:
Yuma: Wyatt Lockwood, Diesel Technology

MINNESOTA:
Andover: Billie Donohue, Business Management
Ashby: Elli Johnsrud, Agriculture
Audubon: Cameron Lunde, Caterpillar Dealer Service; Joseph Peterson, HVAC/R Technology
Barnesville: Grace Hagen, Liberal Arts; Cole Loeks, Electrical Technology; Taylor Peterson, Occupational Therapy Assistant; Natalie Votava, Liberal Arts; Ryan Whiteford, Emergency Medical Services
Battle Lake: Elias Bleess, Diesel Technology
Bemidji: Brock Michalicek, Automotive Technology
Benson: Abbie Mitteness, Dental Hygiene; Allison Mitteness, Registered Nursing; Jacob Wolter, Electrical Technology
Breckenridge: Kimberly Abel, Registered Nursing; William Baity, John Deere Tech; Andrew Bouressa, HVAC/R Technology; Kayley Ceroll, Pharmacy Technician; Tracy Davis, Practical Nursing; Jeric Giwoyna, Electrical Technology; Arica Hasbargen, Registered Nursing; Riley Lorenz, Occupational Therapy Assistant; Aaron Marchand, Registered Nursing; Connor Petermann, Electrical Technology; Christopher Tolbert, Diesel Technology; Jayden Wiertzema, Liberal Arts
Brooklyn Park: Jasmine Jackson, Liberal Arts
Brownton: Alexandra Hansch, Associate Degree in Nursing
Buffalo: Christian Dupont, John Deere Tech; Eric Susa, Diesel Technology
Carlos: Spencer Yohnke, John Deere Tech
Clarissa: Chad Olson, Emergency Medical Services
Clitherall: Erika Biederman, Liberal Arts
Cold Spring: NathanThorpe, John Deere Tech
Comstock: Samuel Askegaard, Agriculture; Blake Torfin, Liberal Arts
Coon Rapids: Adrianna Winter, Culinary Arts
Crookston: Quinn Winand, Building Construction Technology
Deer Creek: Cody Dolezal, Land Surveying and Civil Engineering Technology
Dent: Andrew Moberg, Welding Technology
Detroit Lakes: Christopher Mohr, Robotics, Automation and Mechatronics Technology; Megan Sorum, Liberal Arts
Dilworth: Alec Gulseth, Electrical Technology
Duluth: John Achartz, Emergency Medical Services
Eagan: Ryan Dembsky, Emergency Medical Services
East Grand Forks: Farah Ali, Information and Communications Technology; Drew Kallock, Diesel Technology
Elbow Lake: Tanner Bennett, Agriculture; Tracey Danielson, Registered Nursing
Elizabeth: Jonathan Steinbach, Architectural Drafting and Estimating Technology
Erskine: Gracie Gunufson, Dental Assisting
Felton: Ethan John, Liberal Arts
Fergus Falls: Tyler Adam, Electrical Technology; Jaden Blondeau, Automotive Technology; Nolan Booth, Auto and Diesel Master Tech; Amanda Kuchar, Occupational Therapy Assistant; Abigail Marfell, Liberal Arts; Rena Nelson, Registered Nursing; Jacob Schroeder, Diesel Technology; Everett Schubert, John Deere Tech; Dillon Strommen, Land Surveying and Civil Engineering Technology
Fertile: Hallie Strem, Dental Hygiene
Foxhome: Gracee Albertson, Registered Nursing
Frazee: Brandon Schoon, HVAC/R Technology
Freeport: Quentin Van Beck, Robotics, Automation and Mechatronics Technology
Gaylord: Sydney Schott, Liberal Arts
Glenwood: Grant Jensen, Land Surveying and Civil Engineering Technology
Glyndon: Mason Gustafson, Electrical Technology
Granite Falls: Saraya Burgeson, Dental Hygiene
Hallock: Grace Lamberson, Culinary Arts
Halstad: Austin Carlson, Agriculture
Hancock: Gideon Joos, Agriculture
Hawley: Owen Aakre, Agriculture
Hendricks: Payton Moe, John Deere Tech
Herman: Ryanne Long, Liberal Arts
Hutchinson: Gabrielle Hahn, Practical Nursing
Lake Park: Elsa Larson, Registered Nursing
Little Falls: Meghan Kathrein, Liberal Arts
Longville: Trevor Johnson, Welding Technology
Melrose: Karter Wensmann, Electrical Technology
Minneapolis: Marcus Curry, Liberal Arts
Moorhead: Halleigh Bach, Diesel Technology; Aimee Bala, Registered Nursing; Caden Howell, Electrical Technology; Casey Kremke, Building Construction Technology; Isaac Larson, Land Surveying and Civil Engineering Technology; Arin Mayi, Information and Communications Technology; Christopher Schmitt, Robotics, Automation and Mechatronics Technology; Sarah Weik, Registered Nursing
Morris: Nevaeh Anderson, Dental Hygiene; Austin Berlinger, John Deere Tech; Brooke Kill, Occupational Therapy Assistant; Shayla Kill, Dental Assisting; Bo Massner, HVAC/R Technology
Murdock: Marc Collins, Agriculture
New York Mills: Mandi Kivi-Lex, Culinary Arts
Olivia: Trey Mertens, Automotive Technology
Osakis: Ali Dewenter, Dental Assisting
Ottertail: Megan Hoyhtya, Occupational Therapy Assistant; Oscar Lindberg, Welding Technology
Park Rapids: Ellen Hoffman, Occupational Therapy Assistant
Parkers Prairie: Jayden Gylsen, John Deere Tech; Dawson Smith, Agriculture; Lance Smith, HVAC/R Technology
Pelican Rapids: Joseph Sorum, Business Management; Emily Vo, Registered Nursing
Pennock: Katie Krieger, Dental Hygiene
Pine River: Rochester McLain, Robotics, Automation and Mechatronics Technology
Princeton: Jolene Fradette, Dental Hygiene
Ramsey: Angelique Hronoski, Liberal Arts
Raymond: Asaiah Smith, Land Surveying and Civil Engineering Technology
Red Lake Falls: Mya Seeger, Occupational Therapy Assistant
Roosevelt: Madeleine Bleess, Registered Nursing
Rothsay: Cassandra Fankhanel, Emergency Medical Services
Saint Paul: Amina Gueye, Practical Nursing
Sartell: Miah Gessell, Liberal Arts; Alex Moritz, Information and Communications Technology
Sauk Centre: Luke Dehmer, Electrical Technology
Sauk Rapids: Andrew Asp, Robotics, Automation and Mechatronics Technology
Slayton: Dalton DeYonge, John Deere Tech
Staples: Alexander Rosenthal, John Deere Tech
Thief River Falls: Nathan Hinrichs, Construction Management Technology
Vining: Kolby Becker, Agriculture
Watson: Jackson Enevoldsen, Electrical Technology
Wheaton: Gavin Jorschumb, Diesel Technology
Winona: Parker Jones, Liberal Arts
Zumbro Falls: Phebe Nelson, Occupational Therapy Assistant

MONTANA:     
Circle: Timothy Wright, Diesel Technology
Plentywood: Daniel Tompt, Diesel Technology

NORTH DAKOTA:        
Abercrombie: Kaitlyn Wagner, Dental Hygiene
Alexander: Jack Heen, Electrical Technology
Ashley: Riley Molter, Agriculture; Grant Schneider, John Deere Tech
Barney: Dominick Finnearty, Robotics, Automation and Mechatronics Technology
Belfield: Toby Wolf, Diesel Technology
Beulah: Jacob Barbot, Diesel Technology; Matthew Nelson, Electrical Technology; Bryck Schutt, John Deere Tech
Bismarck: Kirsten Cassellius, Pharmacy Technician; Macy Engel, Dental Hygiene; Brady Fried, Electrical Technology; Marshall Grant, Caterpillar Dealer Service; Emilee Hausauer-Johnson, Liberal Arts; Tyler Horner, Caterpillar Dealer Service; Vanessa Kraft, Dental Hygiene; Dalton Kral, John Deere Tech; Connor McGregor, John Deere Tech; Ellie Miller, Dental Hygiene; Sherry Mollman, Health Information; Levi Prange, Caterpillar Dealer Service; Ashton Sagaser, Dental Hygiene; Adam Skalsky, Welding Technology; Ethan Tosseth, Caterpillar Dealer Service; Austin Wetzstein, Electrical Technology; Skyler Wilkens, Diesel Technology; Lindsey Wilz, Dental Hygiene
Carson: Bayle Bertch, Agriculture; Logan Schriock, Electrical Technology
Casselton: Andrew Buchholz, Business Management; Kobey Johnson, Dental Hygiene; Sara Larson, Dental Hygiene
Cleveland: Alyssa Allen, John Deere Tech
Colfax: Carson Anderson, Liberal Arts; Zachary Wulfekuhle, Land Surveying and Civil Engineering Technology
Cooperstown: Jeremy Liljenquist, Agriculture
Crosby: Emily Koppenhaver, Culinary Arts
Crystal: Galadriel Young, Culinary Arts
Dazey: Madison Reidman, Agriculture
Denhoff: Jacob Strobel, Diesel Technology
Devils Lake: Cole Bonn, Welding Technology; Brady Lee, John Deere Tech
Dickey: Ty Alber, Agriculture
Dickinson: Kendryn Bullinger, Dental Hygiene; Bailey Decker, HVAC/R Technology; Brandon Krebs, Plumbing
Donnybrook: Andrew Johnson, Robotics, Automation and Mechatronics Technology
Drake: Christopher Helland, Diesel Technology
Durbin: Jerrin Baumgarten, Agriculture
Edgeley: Dalton Gartner, Diesel Technology; Bridger Mathern, Plumbing
Ellendale: Ethan Carruth, Diesel Technology
Enderlin: Melanie Brown, Registered Nursing
Englevale: Levi Schwab, Precision Machining Technology
Fairdale: Sara Hodek, Welding Technology
Fairmount: Kodie Green, Agriculture
Fargo: Sebastian Anderson, Caterpillar Dealer Service; Justin Bickler, Information and Communications Technology; Jacob Brown Jr., Welding Technology; Jacob Burch, Welding Technology; Tim Busta, Caterpillar Dealer Service; Danica Calderon, Associate Degree in Nursing; Andrew Carlson, Welding Technology; Raechel Christensen, Emergency Medical Services; Brendan Current, Diesel Technology; Wyatt Dronen, Welding Technology; Nicole Edwards, Occupational Therapy Assistant; Brian Erickson, Caterpillar Dealer Service; Anniston Fetzer, Plumbing; Blake Fiebiger, Culinary Arts; Nicholas Fiedler, Information and Communications Technology; Conner Flemmer, Information and Communications Technology; Jennifer Flemmer, Pharmacy Technician; Matthew Fossell, Welding Technology; Rachel Gorden, Occupational Therapy Assistant; Graham Gulsvig, Welding Technology; Broc Hoff, Construction Management Technology; Sean Huber, Information and Communications Technology; Naomi Ingebretson, Registered Nursing; Trystyn Johnson-Purdie, Welding Technology; Michael Jonasson, Business Management; Zachary Kallmeyer, Precision Machining Technology; Hassan Kargbo, Construction Management Technology; Bryce Keller, Welding Technology; James Killian, Diesel Technology; Darren Kunkel, Diesel Technology; Wyatt Lako, Welding Technology; Brett Lunde, Precision Machining Technology; Jeremy McIntyre, Electrical Technology; Aaron McWethy, Electrical Technology; Austin Merkens, John Deere Tech; Hannah Nyland, Information and Communications Technology; Brian Obegi, Registered Nursing; Logan Paulson, Emergency Medical Services; Hunter Pelzman, Diesel Technology; Vinny Phan, Information and Communications Technology; Hope Rumpf, Construction Management Technology; Shawna Scheurer, Liberal Arts; Tyler Schroeder, Welding Technology; Carson Schroeter, Electrical Technology; Lane Schuler, Architectural Drafting and Estimating Technology; Shay Schwimmer, Emergency Medical Services; Allison Thoemke, Registered Nursing; Hunter Thoreson, Robotics, Automation and Mechatronics Technology; Brighton Ulery, Liberal Arts; Brock Wigen, Information and Communications Technology
Forman: Jacy Bopp, Agriculture; Cole Chapin, Precision Machining Technology
Glen Ullin: Alyssa Berger, Culinary Arts; Jadon Sornsin-Scott, John Deere Tech
Goodrich: Nicholas Richter, Diesel Technology
Grand Forks: Bryce Moe, Construction Management Technology; Augustus Stephenson, Emergency Medical Services
Gwinner: Alexis Wimer, Business Management
Hankinson: Wyatt Wilm, Caterpillar Dealer Service
Hatton: Jacob Russell, Welding Technology
Hickson: Danielle Wilkie, Construction Management Technology
Hillsboro: Chase Fossum, Agriculture; Destiny Vadnie, Dental Hygiene
Jamestown: Blake Limesand, Electrical Technology; Thomas Schmiedeberg, Architectural Drafting and Estimating Technology
Kathryn: Ethan Velure, Auto and Diesel Master Tech
Kulm: Mckenzie Giesler, Dental Assisting
Lakota: Breanne Schmidt, Dental Hygiene
Langdon: Stacey Bimler, Pharmacy Technician; Marcus Iverson, Diesel Technology
Lidgerwood: Lily Baldwin, Liberal Arts; Georgia Krueger, Business Management; Alexander Woytassek, Electrical Technology
Lisbon: Katherine Carlson, Registered Nursing; Kacie Elijah, Liberal Arts; Gavin Reinke, Welding Technology
Mandan: Kevin Gilgallon II, Diesel Technology; Morgan Schlosser, Pharmacy Technician; Owen Tokach, Caterpillar Dealer Service
Mapleton: Alexis Beto, Business Management
Maxbass: Emily Brendsel, Dental Hygiene
McHenry: John Edland, Agriculture
McLeod: Brady Carlson, Agriculture
Michigan: Emily Bina, Dental Hygiene
Milnor: Gabrielle Sharp, Robotics, Automation and Mechatronics Technology
Minot: Kelly Eggen, Electrical Technology; Gage Fulton, Automotive Technology; Rachel Haycraft, Health Information; Tyler Jessen, Caterpillar Dealer Service; Regan McNally, Dental Hygiene; James Wilson, Robotics, Automation and Mechatronics Technology
Mohall: Rhyder Jorgenson, Powersports Technology; Adam McIntyre, John Deere Tech
Mooreton: Raegan Klosterman, Liberal Arts
Napoleon: Isaac Gross, Electrical Technology; Emily Moser, Dental Hygiene
New Salem: Parker Hanebutt, Diesel Technology
Northwood: Carter Oxton, Electrical Technology; Alex Wolfe, Diesel Technology
Oakes: Jacob Bredeson, Welding Technology
Pembina: Joseph Zaharia, Agriculture
Pisek: Ogden Wasylow, Agriculture
Ray: Hatley Nelson, John Deere Tech
Rolette: Haley Berg, Dental Assisting; Hunter Medrud, John Deere Tech
Rugby: Brady Volk, John Deere Tech
Ryder: Kasey Kolden, Powersports Technology
Saint John: Trystin Horning, Construction Management Technology
Sharon: Charlotte Dalman, HVAC/R Technology
Solen: Cody Marohl, Diesel Technology
Stanton: Kristian Roth, John Deere Tech
Thompson: Michael Syrstad, Plumbing
Underwood: Kayden Hornberger, Electrical Technology
Valley City: Alliya Anderson, Dental Hygiene; Kaitlan King, Welding Technology; Samuel Mehus, Welding Technology; Ian Nelson, Diesel Technology
Wahpeton: Bailey Adams, Business Management; Chad Alfson, Plumbing; Alyssa Amos, Associate Degree in Nursing; Erika Arenstein, Liberal Arts; Logan Arth, Information and Communications Technology; Hudson Awender, Automotive Technology; Katie Baumann, Business Management; Kyra Bellew, Dental Hygiene; Emma Beyer, Associate Degree in Nursing; Stuart Bowar, Agriculture; Caitlyn Boyer, Information and Communications Technology; Blaine Brewer, Business Management; Jenkins Cloud, Land Surveying and Civil Engineering Technology; Nicole Colon, Liberal Arts; Emily DeVries, Architectural Drafting and Estimating Technology; Amanda Edwards, Registered Nursing; Claire Hoeft, Dental Assisting; Gracie Hoeft, Registered Nursing; Payton Kahler, Associate Degree in Nursing; Brett Klefstad, Electrical Technology; Riley Leedahl, Liberal Arts; Kaylen Lewis, Pharmacy Technician; Anne Liebl, Agriculture; Logan Loll, Automotive Technology; Bret Lysne, HVAC/R Technology; Lexis McDermott-Kintyhtt, Culinary Arts; Megan McWethy, Liberal Arts; Derrick Morasko, Electrical Technology; Christian O'hara, Liberal Arts; Jake Pfaff, Automotive Technology; Erica Plummer, Occupational Therapy Assistant; Alyssa States, Liberal Arts; Alexander Vogel, Robotics, Automation and Mechatronics Technology
West Fargo: Dylan Bruner, Building Construction Technology; Mark Bush, Building Construction Technology; Kingsley Dohnwana, Information and Communications Technology; Adolphus Duo, Information and Communications Technology; Amber Hillesland, Dental Assisting; Emma Johnson, Liberal Arts; Isaac Klava, Business Management; Koltyn Klose, Practical Nursing; Kari Minor, Practical Nursing; Tanner Paler, Diesel Technology; Alex Sanders, Auto Body Repair and Refinishing; ReAnna Schaffer, Liberal Arts; Parker Stone, Diesel Technology
Williston: Seth Brunelle, Electrical Technology; Sarah Reichman, Architectural Drafting and Estimating Technology; Vernon Waters, John Deere Tech
Wyndmere: Rebekah Blazek, Business Management; Casey Buskohl, Welding Technology; Cory Hulm, Building Construction Technology

NEBRASKA:
Lincoln: Morgan Larson, Dental Hygiene
Omaha: Anthony Ignowski, Liberal Arts

OHIO:
Midvale: Brodey Parsons, Diesel Technology

OREGON: 
Sisters: Ty Horner, Liberal Arts

SOUTH DAKOTA:
Buffalo: Camden Hett, Plumbing
Faith: Jerin Halligan, Architectural Drafting and Estimating Technology
Groton: Shyla Larson, Dental Assisting
Rosholt: Kyle Braun, Powersports Technology
Sisseton: Whitney Andersen, Liberal Arts
Tea: Luke Elkins, John Deere Tech
Vienna: Katlyn Maynard, Business Management

TEXAS:
Devine: Clarissa Zamora, Practical Nursing

WISCONSIN:
Hammond: Jared Tritz, Automotive Technology
Menasha: Logan Jedwabny, Liberal Arts
Somerset: Bruce Aufderhaar, Electrical Technology

North Dakota State College of Science will hold its Commencement ceremony on Friday, May 14 at 3 p.m. in the Ed Werre Arena located in the Clair T. Blikre Activities Center in Wahpeton, N.D. Approximately 600 students from the Wahpeton campus, NDSCS-Fargo location and online are scheduled to graduate.

Faculty Senate President Dr. Anissa Hoffman will serve as the Stage Marshal, Vice President for Academic Affairs Harvey Link will preside as the Master of Ceremonies and NDSCS President John Richman will give remarks and recognitions as well as the presentation of degrees, diplomas and certificates. Nicole Colón, Student Senate President, will also share remarks, and a small group of NDSCS Performing Arts musicians will perform a musical selection.

To help minimize the risk and exposure to COVID-19, a number of guidelines will be in place. These guidelines include a requirement for all graduates and guests to wear a face covering at all times and limiting the number of attendees. Each participating graduate was allotted four guest tickets, only those with a ticket will be permitted to enter. Guests must enter the South doors of the Blikre Activities Center, doors will open at 1:45 p.m. and will close promptly at 2:50 p.m. Guests will be ushered to seats and must remain seated throughout the entire ceremony.

North Dakota State College of Science is accepting applications for students interested in obtaining a certificate in Autonomous Systems Technology (AST). This new innovative program will start enrolling students for Fall 2021. The NDSCS AST program is one of the first of its kind in the nation.

Ground-based autonomous systems typically operate without human control and are designed to increase efficiency and safety. “Graduates with an AST certificate will have the knowledge and skills to go right into a career in the various industries that are using these systems” said AST Program Coordinator and Assistant Professor Lonnie Wurst. “Various industries are starting to utilize these systems, including agriculture, transportation, manufacturing, and national defense. This technology is evolving quickly, and we anticipate our graduates will be in high-demand for many years to come."

Students are able to earn a certificate in AST while simultaneously working toward a degree or certificate in another NDSCS academic program option. Additional information about the program and how to enroll can be found online at NDSCS.edu/AST.

The North Dakota State College of Science in Wahpeton, N.D., awarded degrees, diplomas and certificates to 75 Wahpeton, Fargo, N.D., and online fall semester 2020 graduates. The graduates include:

MINNESOTA:
Belgrade: Allison Gruber, A.A., Liberal Arts
Breckenridge: Brielle Weinkauf, A.A., Liberal Arts
Brooklyn Center: Daniella Perez, A.A.S., Dental Assisting
Brownton: Alexandra Hansch, A.A.S., Practical Nursing
Donnelly: Dalton Uphoff, A.A.S., Electrical Technology
Fergus Falls: Gail Gudim, A.A.S., Practical Nursing; Jordan Owen, A.A.S., Robotics, Automation and Mechatronics Technology; Corbin Vogl, A.A.S., Automotive Technology
Glyndon: Jennifer Backes, Certificate, Health Information
Grand Rapids: Jake Skelly, Certificate, Plumbing
Hawley: Teresa Voigt, A.A.S., Practical Nursing
Herman: Benjamin Findlay, A.A.S., Agriculture
Marshall: Bethany Larsen, A.A.S., Practical Nursing
New Ulm: Benjamin Gieseke, A.A.S., Diesel Technology
Osakis: Carl Haider, A.A.S., Electrical Technology
Wheaton: Sarah Tosse-Johnson, A.A.S., Electrical Technology
Zimmerman: Mikayla Pramann, Certificate, Dental Assisting

MONTANA
Glendive: Tyra Rowsey, Certificate, Dental Assisting

NORTH DAKOTA
Beulah: Skyler Meyer, A.A.S., Diesel Technology
Bismarck: Haleigh Gensburg, A.A.S., Practical Nursing; Nathan Geurts, A.A.S., Technical Studies; Alyssa Sprecher, Certificate, Health Information; Philip Thomas, A.A.S., Practical Nursing
Carrington: Destiny Morley, A.A.S., Practical Nursing
Dazey: Jordyn Everson, Certificate, Information and Communications Technology
Enderlin: Autumn Jensen, A.A., Liberal Arts
Fargo: Kelsey Cook, A.S., Liberal Arts; Rose Cotton-Jones, A.A.S., Practical Nursing; Justin Erickson, Certificate, Health Information; Michael Hamner, A.A., Liberal Arts; Drake Jacobson, A.S., Liberal Arts; Mohammed-Najeeb Mahama, A.A.S., Emergency Medical Services; Annabelle Mauri, Certificate, Health Information; Craig Monatukwa, A.A.S., Information and Communications Technology; Zoe Moore, A.A., Liberal Arts; Reile Sailer, A.A.S., Automotive and Diesel Master Technician; Sarah Sather, A.A., Liberal Arts; Sarah Standal, A.A.S., Practical Nursing; Abby Strand, A.A.S., Practical Nursing; Brayden Weisenberger, A.A., Liberal Arts
Forman: Alexis Butler, A.A., Liberal Arts
Gwinner: McKenzie Schwab, A.A.S., Practical Nursing
Hankinson: Branden Skjoiten, A.A.S., Information and Communications Technology
Hazen: Hannah Wolff, A.A.S., Diesel Technology
Hensler: Baron van Oosting, A.A.S., Diesel Technology
Horace: Casey Holwagner, A.A.S., Construction Management Technology; Cole Sarbaum, A.A.S., Electrical Technology
Jamestown: Brooke Reed, A.A.S., Practical Nursing
Kindred: Jacquelyne Hopewell, A.A.S., Information and Communications Technology
LaMoure: Cheyenne Click, A.A.S., Practical Nursing
Milnor: David Caldwell, A.A.S., Precision Machining Technology
Minot: Zachary Swiss, A.A.S., Business Management
Mooreton: Madison Kjar, A.A., Liberal Arts
Oakes: Shelby Moe, A.A.S., Practical Nursing
Parshall: Brooke Billadeau, A.A.S., Information and Communications Technology
Reiles Acres: Alexandra Schmit, A.A.S., Practical Nursing
Stirum: Amber Gabel, A.A.S., Practical Nursing
Valley City: Shayla Steele-Shittu, A.A.S., Practical Nursing
Wahpeton: Alicia Cornelius, A.A., Liberal Arts; Brooke Kraft, A.A.S., Practical Nursing; Nyomi Parisien, A.A., Liberal Arts; Matthew Prchal, Diploma, Technical Studies; Jacob Quanbeck, A.A.S., Practical Nursing; Malloreigh Warne, A.S., Liberal Arts
West Fargo: Amanda Charette, A.A.S., Practical Nursing; Mia Pedersen, A.S., Liberal Arts; Ryan Rockwell, A.A.S., Information and Communications Technology; Landon Smith, A.A., Liberal Arts; Bethany Teets, A.A., Liberal Arts; Matthew White, A.A.S., Information and Communications Technology; Patrick White, A.A.S., Information and Communications Technology
Wyndmere: Isaac Blazek, A.S., Liberal Arts
Ypsilanti: Dalton Lacina, A.A.S., Automotive Technology

SOUTH DAKOTA
Rosholt: Logan Plath, A.A.S., Information and Communications Technology

WISCONSIN
Appleton: Madison Barker, A.A.S., Dental Assisting

A.A. = Associate in Arts
A.A.S. = Associate in Applied Science
A.S. = Associate in Science

Four students from the North Dakota State College of Science have been nominated for the 2021 All-North Dakota Academic Team, which recognizes the academic achievements of community college students.

The students, listed with their program of study and their hometown, are:

• Transfer Pathway Scholars:
  • Nicole Colón, Liberal Arts – Social Work, Wahpeton, N.D.
  • Isabel Thomas, Liberal Arts – Engineering, Orem, Utah
• Workforce Pathway Scholar:
  • Emily Blazek, Business Management, Wyndmere, N.D.
  • Adrianna Winter, Culinary Arts, Coon Rapids, Minn.

The All-North Dakota Academic Team is sponsored by Phi Theta Kappa and the Coca Cola Foundation, and is comprised of scholars from each of the community colleges in the state. Workforce Pathway Scholars plan to begin their careers immediately upon graduation, and Transfer Pathway Scholars plan to continue their education at a four-year institution after completing their studies at a community college.

The students will be recognized at an awards luncheon in Bismarck on Tuesday, March 9.

North Dakota State College of Science’s 2020 Graduate Placement Report has revealed that 97 percent of the College’s 2020 career and technical education (CTE) graduates are employed or continuing their education.

Of the 31 CTE programs, 21 reported 100 percent placement. The beginning average annual salary of a 2020 graduate is $39,480. Sixty-eight percent of the employed graduates are employed in the state of North Dakota, finding employment in 27 of the state’s 53 counties.

“NDSCS graduates are consistently in high demand,” said NDSCS President John Richman. “In spite of the challenges created by COVID-19 over the past year, we continue to see strong workforce needs in North Dakota and the region. Our graduates have the skills and experience to begin their careers in these high-demand industries.”

The NDSCS Graduate Placement Report is compiled each year by the NDSCS Student Success and Career Services office. Statistics for this year’s report were based on information gathered from 413 graduates who earned degrees, certificates and diplomas from NDSCS in terms ending in December 2019, May 2020 and August 2020. A detailed report can be found online at ndscs.edu/placement.