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graphic with details of the Holiday Concert on December 17th

NDSCS Performing Arts Department to Host Holiday Concert on Tuesday, December 17th

12-10-2024
Get in the holiday spirit with the help of NDSCS Performing Arts on December 17th.

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NDSCS Football to Compete in Game One Bowl

Game One Bowl Graphic
11-26-2024

Wildcats Head to Cedar Falls for Postseason Showdown

WAHPETON, N.D. — November 22, 2024 — The North Dakota State College of Science (NDSCS) football team is heading to the postseason! NDSCS has been invited to participate in the Game One Bowl in Cedar Falls, Iowa, where they will face off against Iowa Central Community College on Sunday, December 8, 2024.

This is an exciting opportunity for the Wildcats, who represent an NJCAA Division III football program, as they take on Iowa Central, a strong NJCAA Division I opponent. The matchup is an opportunity to showcase the skill and hard work of NDSCS athletes on a national stage.

The team will depart for Cedar Falls on Saturday, December 7, and will attend the official Game One Bowl banquet that evening, alongside players, coaches, and supporters from Iowa Central and other community members.

“We’re incredibly proud of our Wildcats and this opportunity to showcase their skills at such a high level,” said NDSCS Head Football Coach, Eric Issendorf. “This game is a testament to their hard work, perseverance, and commitment to excellence both on and off the field.”

Athletic Director, Reggie Jackson, also commented on the opportunity, saying “We’re excited to have our team chosen to compete in the Game One Bowl! Coach Issendorf and his squad have had a great season and to have the chance to watch them compete one more time is the cherry on top.”

Fans are encouraged to cheer on the Wildcats live via streaming (details to be announced). Additional information, including ticketing and broadcast availability, will be shared in the coming weeks.

For the latest updates and to join the excitement as NDSCS prepares for the Game One Bowl, visit NDSCSwildcats.com and follow us on social media.

Game One Bowl Information

Date: Sunday, December 8, 2024
Time: 12 p.m.
Location: UNI-Dome, University of Northern Iowa | Cedar Falls, IA
Opponent: Iowa Central Community College

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NDSCS Nursing Students Win First Place at National Conference

11-07-2024
NDSCS Registered Nursing students recently achieved national recognition at the Organization for Associate Degree Nursing (OADN) Convention.

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Local students receive Gene Haas Foundation grants

group of adults standing together, holding giant check
11-04-2024

Article published by Bobbi Steffens at Wahpeton Daily News on November 4, 2024.

 

Grant dollars have an impact on local students. 

The Gene Haas Foundation has awarded a $50,000 grant to support the Precision Machining Technology department at North Dakota State College of Science. 

The funds will be used to award scholarships to current and future NDSCS Precision Machining Technology students. Local students Cort German and Christopher Comings were recipients of those scholarship dollars. 

Comings is a Wahpeton native and first year NDSCS precision manufacturing technology student. 

“I began working at ComDel Innovation in January of 2023. That is how I became interested in the precision manufacturing industry,” Comings said. “We had an open house at ComDel and I volunteered to help with it. That day I was able to see more closely the precision side of things and that sparked my interest.” 

Comings shared that his parents encouraged him to check into the program at NDSCS as they felt it would be a good fit for him. 

“They really helped encourage me, knowing that I like technical things but I also like hands-on work,” he said. 

He not only checked into the program but he was one of the first 10 students to enroll in it. This qualified Comings for a $2,500 scholarship thanks to the Gene Haas Foundation grant. 

“It was nice to get that scholarship,” Comings said. “The Gene Haas Foundation does a lot for our program, the department was recently remodeled – it is very nice. Right now we are working on the manual machining and next semester we will learn the CNC machines.” 

Academic Program Outreach Specialist Leslie Shirek relayed that the Gene Haas Foundation builds skills in the machining industry by providing scholarships for Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machining technology students. 

Students in the NDSCS Precision Machining Technology program learn about CNC programming, CNC set-up and operation, production machining, mold making, die making, toolmaking and automated manufacturing. 

Why precision manufacturing? Comings described it as a good trade to learn with lots of job opportunities, as long as you are committed to learning. 

“My instructors are really good. Right now Lincoln Thompson has been teaching a lot of the hands-on work and theory related to the class,” Comings said. “I like the technicality with it. ComDel has been good too, doing a lot to make sure I am getting what I need.” 

Comings encourages other students to check into the program if they like technology coupled with seeing the finished product.

$50,000 investment in education

Group of people holding a giant donation check from Gene Haas Foundation.
10-23-2024

Article published by Bobbi Steffens at Wahpeton Daily News on October 22, 2024. 

 

There is a growing demand for precision machinists in the workforce. 

A local college has received grant funding to help reduce costs for students in that field of study. 

The Gene Haas Foundation has awarded a $50,000 grant to support the Precision Machining Technology department at North Dakota State College of Science (NDSCS). The funds will be used to award scholarships to current and future NDSCS Precision Machining Technology students. 

According to Academic Program Outreach Specialist at NDSCS Leslie Shirek, this year's grant follows a $50,000 grant from the Gene Haas Foundation in the fall of 2023. That grant resulted in scholarships for 10 first year Precision Machining Technology students. 

The Precision Machining Technology program provides students with vital skills in CNC programming, setup and operation, production machining, mold and die making, toolmaking, and automated manufacturing. 

“Students can utilize the scholarship dollars for tuition, tools, housing, or anything else to support their education,” said Precision Machining Technology Associate Professor/Program Coordinator Steve Johnson. “We are grateful for the Gene Haas Foundation's continued support of our program and our students. They are more for precision metalworking education than any other.” 

Three representatives from Productivity Inc. visited NDSCS to present the check on behalf of the Gene Haas Foundation. The Gene Haas Foundation was established in 1999, by Gene Haas, founder and owner of Haas Automation, Inc., to support the needs of the local community. 

Seeing a growing need for skilled manufacturing employees industry wide, the Foundation expanded its mission to include support for manufacturing training programs throughout North America and beyond. 

By providing scholarship grants, sponsoring individual and team CNC competitions, and partnering with the very best CNC training programs in the world, the Foundation helps expand the availability of high-quality manufacturing technology training worldwide. 

“Students are so appreciative of the financial support the Gene Haas Foundation provides them. The first ten students entering our Machining program obtain $2,500, automatically,” Shirek said. “They don’t need to apply for the scholarship, they merely need to register for classes and show up in the fall. The scholarship dollars continue on to our second year students and that is based on their GPA.” 

This important grant from the Gene Haas Foundation marks a substantial investment in the education and training of future machinists at NDSCS. It reflects the foundation’s dedication to fostering the development of highly skilled professionals in the machining industry. 

Precision machinists work with various tools and machines to create, modify, and repair precision parts and components. Their tasks typically include: 

  • CNC machining: Operating CNC (Computer Numerical Control) machines to cut and shape materials like metal, plastic, and wood to exact specifications. 
  • Blueprint reading: Interpreting technical drawings and specifications to understand project requirements. 
  • Setup and calibration: Setting up machines, including selecting and installing tools, fixtures, and attachments, and calibrating equipment for precise operations. 
  • Quality control: Inspecting and measuring finished parts using tools like calipers, micrometers, and gauges to ensure they meet required tolerances and standards. 
  • Toolmaking: Designing and fabricating tools and fixtures used in the manufacturing process. 
  • Troubleshooting: Identifying and resolving issues with machines, tools, or processes to maintain production efficiency. 
  • Production machining: Producing high volumes of parts, often working in a production environment where precision and speed are critical. 
  • Collaboration: Working closely with engineers and other team members to refine designs and improve manufacturing processes. 

Overall, precision machinists play a crucial role in various industries, including aerospace, automotive, and manufacturing, ensuring high-quality components are produced accurately and efficiently. 

“It’s a great time to look into becoming a machinist. No problem finding a job, outstanding scholarships and low cost tuition,” Shirek said. “This past summer we had an extreme facelift to the Precision Machining Lab with updated floors, lights, electrical and more. Students will learn in a state of the art facility with an excellent student to faculty ratio and our incredible instructors.”

The Gene Haas Foundation donates millions of dollars every year to manufacturing education and the community. In 2022, the Gene Haas Foundation provided more than $27 million in grants, bringing the total since inception to more than $175 million.

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NDSCS Welcomes Highest Enrollment in 43 Years

09-24-2024
2024 Fall Enrollment Only 55 Students Short of All-Time High

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Lt. Whitney Link to be Honored as First Female Head of NDSCS Police Department

Whitney Link headshot
09-11-2024

NDSCS is proud to announce that Lieutenant Whitney Link, NDSCS Police Officer, will be honored for her role as the first female police officer to lead the NDSCS Police Department. This distinction is being awarded by her peers in regional law enforcement agencies, including the Wahpeton Police Department, Richland County Sheriff’s Office, and NDSCS Police Department. The special recognition will take place during a ceremony on National Policewomen’s Day, September 12, at 3:30 p.m. on the NDSCS campus. 

Lt. Link is a trailblazer, overseeing a police agency that serves thousands of students, faculty, staff, and visitors daily. Her department is responsible for securing campus assets and buildings, as well as assisting other local agencies on joint operations or with support as needed. 

The ceremony will highlight the importance of Lt. Link’s service and her position as a role model for women pursuing careers in law enforcement. While the percentage of women in policing remains low—just 13% nationwide—Lt. Link exemplifies the leadership and dedication that continue to inspire change. 

National Policewomen’s Day, established on September 12, 1973, serves to recognize the contributions of female officers, many of whom have historically been limited to administrative roles. Today, women like Lt. Link are leading police departments, making meaningful strides in public safety and reshaping the role of women in law enforcement. 

“We are proud to celebrate Lt. Whitney Link’s service and recognize the impact she has made on our campus and our community,” said NDSCS President Rod Flanigan, Ph.D. “Her leadership represents a powerful example to future generations of women in law enforcement.” 

The event is free and open to the public. Media are invited to attend. 

Event Details: 
What: National Policewomen's Day Ceremony honoring Lt. Whitney Link 
When: September 12, 2024, 3:30 p.m. 
Where: Red River Valley Room | NDSCS Campus 
Who: Open to the public and media