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. 

North Dakota State College of Science (NDSCS) is proud to announce record enrollment numbers for the Spring 2024 semester. According to the official census taken on the 20th instructional day of classes, NDSCS reports a total enrollment of 3,200 students, with an impressive 30,358.50 registered credits. This milestone reaffirms NDSCS's commitment to providing quality education and opportunities for its students.

“NDSCS has achieved record enrollment numbers this year, a milestone that speaks volumes about the vibrant community and culture we have fostered here,” said President Rod Flanigan, Ph.D. “I want to thank every member of our faculty and staff for playing an integral role in making NDSCS a place that students embrace. Together, we are not just growing in numbers; we are expanding our capacity to impact lives, inspire learners, and shape the future.”

The enrollment figures for Spring 2024 break down as follows:

• 1,338 full-time students
• 1,862 part-time students

The census data also reveals the geographic origins of NDSCS students:

• 76.19 percent of students are from 49 counties in North Dakota.
• 18.59 percent of students come from Minnesota.

The success of NDSCS underscores its reputation as a leading institution for higher education and career development. NDSCS continues to expand its academic programs and support services, ensuring that students receive a strong foundation for their future careers. The College's commitment to excellence has resulted in this significant achievement in enrollment.

For more information about North Dakota State College of Science and its programs, please visit www.NDSCS.edu

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. Dave Chase, a representative from Productivity Inc., visited NDSCS to present the check on behalf of the Gene Haas Foundation.

This substantial grant follows a $36,000 grant NDSCS received from the Gene Haas Foundation in the fall of 2022, which resulted in scholarships for 11 Precision Machining Technology students.

The purpose of the Gene Haas Foundation is to build skills in the machining industry by providing scholarships for CNC Machine Technology students and NIMS Credentials. In 2022, the Gene Haas Foundation provided more than $27 million in grants to high school and post-secondary programs in the United States. The Gene Haas Foundation was founded in 1999 by Gene Haas, the owner of Haas Automation, Inc., America’s leading builder of CNC (Computer Numerical Control) machine tools.

The Precision Machining Technology program at NDSCS equips students with essential skills in CNC programming, CNC set-up and operation, production machining, mold making, die making, toolmaking and automated manufacturing. Additional information about the NDSCS Precision Machining Technology program can be found online at NDSCS.edu/Machining.

This significant grant from the Gene Haas Foundation represents a major investment in the education and training of future machinists at NDSCS. It is a testament to the foundation's commitment to supporting the development of highly skilled professionals in the machining industry.

For more information about the Gene Haas Foundation, please visit https://ghaasfoundation.org.

Photo Caption: NDSCS Precision Machining Technology students, faculty and administrators were on hand when Dave Chase, Productivity, Inc. Machine Tool Sales Representative, visited the department to present a check for $50,000.

The Beta Mu Rho chapter of Phi Kappa Theta at North Dakota State College of Science is proud to announce that four students have been named to the 2024 North Dakota Academic All-State Team, which recognizes the academic achievements of community college students.

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

• Transfer Pathway Scholars:
  • Rose Wendel, Agriculture, LaMoure, N.D.
  • Kyra Bellew, Dental Hygiene, Wahpeton, N.D.
• Workforce Pathway Scholars:
  • Brayden Schmeichel, Construction Management Technology, Jamestown, N.D.
  • Katie Willprecht, Nursing, Lidgerwood, N.D.

The Academic All-State team is sponsored by Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, and Coca Cola. Students named to the North Dakota Academic All-State Team will be considered for nomination as the state’s New Century Scholar as well as membership on the All-USA Academic Team.

The students will be recognized at the North Dakota Academic All-State Team banquet hosted by North Dakota State College of Science on Wednesday, March 20th.