SUMMER 2012 TetonThunder WILLISTON STATE COLLEGE FOUNDATION: BRINGING COMMUNITIES & COLLEGE TOGETHER
50th Anniversary celebration June 29, 30 & July 1 Alumni Profile Laurie Forsberg
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CAMPUS NEWS WELCOME 2 DEPARTMENT UPDATES 3 ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT lAURIE FORSBERG 4 18 CAMPUS UPDATES REC CENTER 6 APARTMENT COMPLEX 7 KAISER HOUSE 8 SCIENCE ADDITION 9 CAMPUS EVENTS SBHE MEETING 10 50TH ANNIVERSARY 11 BEHIND THE SCENES SECURITY 12 RETIRED FACULTY/STAFF 13 lINDA THARP 14 BILL STILLWELL 15 TetonThunder WSC TETONS CONTRIBUTING WRITERS TINY TETONS 17 MARY STENBERG FUNDRAISERS 18 KIM WEISMANN BASEBALL WRAP-UP 20 JACOB OLSON STUDENTS SPOTLIGHT KYLA ANTHONY JUSTIN JACOBS 22 LEAH HESS DEREK MCKEIL RUBYANN STIEGELMEIER 23 STUDENTS ACTIVITIES CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHY CRYSTAL BRADLEY JAPAN 24 WSC MARKETING DEPARTMENT
MERCY HOSPITAL KIM WEISMANN editor MATT NELSON WSC Foundation 501 18th Street East, Williston, ND 58801 DESIGNER [email protected] | 701.572.9275 JENNY WOLF TETONTHUNDER | SUMMER 2012 | 1 welcome terry olson
Greetings from Williston State College Foundation.
50 years. Wow! Our celebration of 50 years of excellence begins Friday, June 29, with an athletic banquet. Festivities will continue on Saturday, June 30, with Hometown Williston events on campus, WSC open house and tours, faculty tea, and an evening BBQ and dance. The celebration will conclude with the President’s Brunch on Sunday, July 1. What an exciting time. We hope you will join us.
Our community and campus continue to change at an accelerated pace. The effects have been positive for WSC growth, and the revived campus has become a bright spot for our region.
Construction of a new apartment building will begin this summer, helping to address housing needs for a number of entities, including WSC employees.
I would like to say thanks to our 50th Anniversary Celebration committee members: Coke Aafedt, Hunter Berg, Gary Bickel, Jack Colby, Leah Hess, Crystal Hotchkiss, David Njos, Helen Overbo, Phil Rabon, Kayla Retzer, Penny Slagle, Tara Weltikol, and Jenny Wolf. Special thanks go to committee Chair Diane Hagen. Diane has displayed a tremendous amount of enthusiasm for and dedication to our 50th Anniversary Celebration event. She and the committee have spent many hours planning a very special time. Diane has also researched and written about the College’s history leading up to this event. Her weekly articles have been fun to read and call to mind the good times so many have shared at UND-W/ Williston State College.
Here is to another 50 years of excellence! Till next time – go Tetons!
Terry Olson Executive Director
2 | TETONTHUNDER | SUMMER 2012 campus news
instructional update
GRUNENWALD
ANDERSON
TOP (L-R): Friends and family of the nursing graduates wait for the ceremony to start. WSC Nursing graduates participate in the lamp lighting tradition during the Pinning Ceremony. MIDDLE (L-R): Pipers Jesse and Wyatt Dunford lead the processional during graduation. On-stage PETERSON dignitaries crack up during student speaker, Luke Lordemann’s speech. BOTTOM: WSC Concert Williston State College is Choir performs. pleased to announce that both Beau Anderson and Steven Grunenwald have been granted tenure.
Beau Anderson has been an Instructor of Agriculture at athletic update WSC for six years. In addition to his outstanding talents Summer 2012 looks like a busy one for Teton Athletics. in education, Anderson WSC Athletic Director Hunter Berg reports that hockey has worked extensively in recruiting is going strong. The volleyball team, who hosted developing relationships their 4th Annual Fun Run/Walk on April 28, are already between the college and our gearing up for the new season this fall. And preparations community. are being made for the inaugural season of Teton Softball next spring. Steven Grunenwald has been an Instructor of Arts and The WSC 50th Anniversary Celebration will begin June 29 Humanities at WSC for six with the Teton Athletics 50-Year Reunion Banquet, which years. In addition to his skills will celebrate the history of Teton Athletics, including as an educator, Grunenwald announcement of all-decade teams, inductions into the has worked tirelessly to serve hall of fame for 2012, and presentation of special awards. many roles on campus and To reserve your spot at the Reunion banquet, download has proven to be an excellent the reservation form from the Teton Athletics website or advisor and role model to email Rita Ann Deichert at [email protected]. WSC students.
Closing out the summer, the 2nd Annual Donn Skadeland WSC is also happy to Memorial Golf Tournament will be held August 25. For announce that Grunenwald more information about the tournament and Teton DONN SKADELAND and Matt Peterson, who Athletics, check out the Teton Athletics website (www. MEMORIAL GOLF TOURNAMENT teaches economics and wsctetons.com). to be held at The Links of North Dakota, Red Mike Resort computer science, have both been promoted to the rank of Saturday, August 25, 2012 - 10am Shotgun Start Assistant Professor. $125 per person (includes cart)
TOURNAMENT HIGHLIGHTS TETONTHUNDER | SUMMER 2012 | 3 4 person Texas Scramble format Form your own team (California handicap system will be used) Includes Team Buyout and Giant Skins Game Free lunch on the course Hole prize on every hole Hole-in-one contests
Sponsored by Teton Booster Club To enter call Hunter Berg at 774.4256 or 770.3911 alumni spotlight laurie forsberg
by Mary Stenberg
Williston attorney Laurie Forsberg is a firm believer in training for the profession early: “Growing up the Williston State College’s motto, “Where the people youngest of six children, all close in age, was probably make the difference.” the best training for becoming an attorney.”
A native of Kramer, ND, located about 15 miles Coming from a small community and school (her grade southwest of Bottineau (“avid goose hunters will school class in Kramer had only 5 students, and she know where it is,” she says), Forsberg graduated from attended high-school in nearby Upham, joining a larger Williston State College back when it was still known class of 23), Forsberg knew she wanted to continue as University of North Dakota-Williston. her education, but wasn’t sure jumping right in to a university was the best idea. Fortunately Rabon and Her first exposure to Williston was through high- Slagle came calling, and she chose UND-W. Her time school sports – coming to town for basketball camps at Williston prepared her extremely well for attending and regional basketball tournaments. Forsberg a larger college. “I loved the smaller classes here, decided to attend UND-W because of Phil Rabon and the interaction that you were able to have with all of Penny Slagle, who recruited her to play basketball. the instructors,” explains Forsberg. She stresses the high quality of instructors she had at UND-W. “The She wore the Teton uniform for a short time. “I played instructors were very knowledgeable, excellent at basketball – or tried to – until I blew my knee out,” communication, always available to answer questions, she recalls. “I then wound up taking on the duties of and challenged you to increase your knowledge,” and student manager.” she admits, “I am sure that we challenged them at times as well.” Forsberg injured her knee during her first year here, spending her first college Thanksgiving in the Forsberg also says that she truly enjoyed the close hospital. But it wasn’t all bad for her. She laughs, “I relationships that developed at the college. “It really do remember it was decent food!” was a community atmosphere. You knew everyone at the college, and the people from the community Her time with the team was during Coach Penny welcomed you with open arms.” When Forsberg was Slagle’s first year coaching. “She was not much older a student here, the college was an integral part of the than we were,” Forsberg remembers. “When we were community, as it continues to be today. “The college freshmen, the women took third place in the nation. wasn’t and isn’t just for the students – it belongs to I had the enjoyment of being able to watch – the everyone. And it’s not just for Williston – it’s a college teams were phenomenal. Penny did a great job, we for the region.” had super students and athletes – and education was always emphasized, even more than athletics.”
One of her fondest memories of her time at the college was traveling with the women’s basketball team to Hawaii. “We went with the team that included Laura (Webb) Wilt and Tammy Lyson, going over Christmas. We worked really hard to raise the money to travel to Hawaii.” All of the trips they took made for wonderful memories, says Forsberg, even the shorter ones. “Squeezing 14 or more people into the green Teton vans made for interesting card games, conversation, entertainment, and a whole bunch of laughter,” she says, “and it’s fun to get together to reminisce and hear the different things each of us remembers about our Teton days.”
Education was always a priority in her family when she was growing up. Her father, who passed away when Forsberg was a child, strongly believed in the importance of education. His parents hadn’t allowed him to go to high school because he was always going to be a farmer, and he wanted more for his children. “Mom also reminded me several times how appreciative she was for the attorney that helped her in her time of need, after dad died,” recalls Forsberg. This was something that played a large role in her decision to go to law school, and in a way, she began
4 | TETONTHUNDER | SUMMER 2012 RIGHT: 1979-1980 Teton Team Photo. Forsberg is second from left in the top row.
After receiving an associate’s degree from UND-W, Forsberg Forsberg has also served on the boards of United Way, the went on to UND in Grand Forks, where she earned her friendship program currently known as Mentors and Friends undergraduate degree in accounting. Then it was on to UND for Youth, and the Gloria Dei Lutheran Church council. Law School. After graduating from law school, Forsberg For the past 15 years, she has served on the board of returned to Williston, joining the McKennett law firm, directors for Legal Services of North Dakota, which provides eventually becoming a partner. She’s been there 25 years and legal services to low-income, disadvantaged, and elderly specializes in estate planning, probate, real estate law, and individuals throughout the state of North Dakota. business entities. “Each of us is strongly influenced by our family, teachers, and communities,” Forsberg says. “I am fortunate to have been raised by a wonderful family who believed strongly in “It truly is a education, to have been taught by excellent teachers and to live in wonderful communities to obtain that education, as place where well as to live and work.” the people She is happy with the path her life has taken, especially her time at UND-W. “I could not have chosen a better place to start my college education,” she maintains. “Coming from a make the very small grade school and high school, this was the perfect fit. The education I received was second to none and it was difference.” an easy transition to UND. I would recommend WSC to anyone thinking of attending college.” WSC has remained an important part of her adult life. She was a board member of the Teton Booster Club and she Forsberg is excited about the growth of WSC and the served on the Williston State College Foundation, each for 10 expansion of the campus. “I love the new buildings going up years. And living in Williston also gives her the opportunity to and the positive atmosphere,” she says. “I think the future is run into many former classmates and instructors. unlimited for the college. It truly is a place where the people make the difference.”
TETONTHUNDER | SUMMER 2012 | 5 campus updates rec center by kyla anthony
The goal is to have the pool, teaching pool, states, “This facility will offer The region will see another change this walls up by November indoor 200-meter track, advanced quality of life for summer as the new recreation center 1, and the opening turf field, four basketball the entire northwest North date is scheduled to be and volleyball courts, Dakota region.” in Williston moves from the planning December 1, 2013. four indoor tennis courts, stage to actual construction. two racquetball courts, This will be the premier The cost of the new golf simulator, meeting recreational center in the 240,000-square-foot rooms, senior center, region, and one of the top Groups involved in the notes Krueger, “This center is projected to be youth center, and weight- in the nation. For more project include the Williston partnership has allowed us $67 million. This will be training area. With all information, check out www. Parks and Recreation District, to move forward with this paid off by revenue bonds of these features Parks willistonparks.com. Williston State College, and amazing facility for our over a period of up to 20 and Recreation hopes the building committee college students, families years. 50% of the parks to help prevent child formed especially for of our community, and district sales tax collection obesity and start more this project. The building region.” is paying for construction. family programs. Krueger committee is composed of student representatives from WSC President Raymond The new recreation center Williston High School and Nadolny brought the idea will be located on WSC WSC, community members, of a new recreation center campus, east of Rabon “This facility will and employees of WSC and forward to the State Board Field. It will span from the Parks and Recreation. of Higher Education. He trailers all the way to East offer advanced also offered the land for it. Dakota Parkway. “The public deserves the The State Board of Higher credit,” maintains Darin Education gave permission The new center will quality of life Krueger, director of the to build on WSC campus. provide 14 full-time Williston Parks and Recreation positions and over 1000 for the entire District, because the project Work on the new hours per week for was made possible by the recreation center is part time staff. Due to northwest North vote to increase sales tax. currently on schedule. its location, Parks and Additionally, “this project The schematic design is Recreation hopes to have Dakota region.” would never have gotten finished and architects college students fill some off the ground without are currently working on of those positions. the partnerships between the development design. Williston Park District, WSC, Parks and RecreationW ILLISTTheON facility CO willM MincludeUN ITY RECREATION CENTER and North Dakota State hopes to start moving dirt a water park, surfing Board of Higher Education,” late July or early August. simulator, competitive
View from the South
6 | TESTONCHTHUNDEREMATIC | SUMMDESIEGR N2012 MARCH 20, 2012 campus updates apartment complex by MATT NELSON
Construction season is in with their contribution coming swing in North Dakota, and out of the state taxes they Williston State College is would pay anyway. Anyone What you can do to contribute: doing its part to ease the who contributes any amount region’s housing crisis. In the of money to this fund will • Visit the ND Housing Finance Agency website: coming months, we’ll see a receive a certificate to file wwww.NDHousingIncentiveFund.org new three-floor apartment with their North Dakota • Click on Contribute to the Fund building go up on the south State Income Tax forms, • Go to Contributor Form side of campus. The plan allowing them to claim a • Fill out the form. Under Name of the Project your is to break ground on the credit against their income $10 million building by tax liability for the amount Contribution is Intended to Support, write in either mid-summer and get the they contributed. In other WSC Apartment Complex or Williston. apartments occupied by words, when you file next next spring, according to year’s taxes, you will get back Print out the form and senD it, along with your Keith Olson, Small Business any money you contribute contribution, to: Development Center Director. to this project. Anyone who Partners with WSC on this contributes more than their North Dakota Housing Finance Agency project include the Williston total tax can simply carry the 2624 Vermont Ave School District, the City of credit forward up to ten years. PO Box 1535 Williston, Bethel Lutheran So someone who normally Bismarck, ND 58502-1535 Home, the Department of pays $1,000 in state taxes Transportation, North Dakota per year could contribute To get credit for your contribution: State Highway Patrol, and $2,000 now, get $1,000 of North Dakota Game and that back next spring, and • You will receive a certificate from the ND Housing Finance Agency. Fish Department. The new get the other $1,000 back building will provide 74 the next year. “There is no • Use the certificate when filing your 2012 North Dakota State Tax apartments, with 54 reserved down side,” notes Jolene Return to receive dollar-for-dollar credit for your contribution. for low- to moderate-income Kline, Director of Planning • If your contribution was more than your total ND State tax liability tenants and all of them and Housing Development for 2012, carry over the difference to next year. available to employees of at the ND Housing Finance • If your contribution, combined your tax payments, exceeds your WSC and its partners. The Agency, “it is a way for a liability, you will receive a refund. goal is to provide affordable taxpayer to direct how their housing to employees who tax dollars are spent, as the For more information, go to What Contributors Need to provide essential services. contributor can specify a Know from the Contribute to the Fund page. The building, designed by project, a community, or a JLG Architects, will also region where they want their You can also contribute via electronic transfer or bill pay; just be sure to include retail space on the tax dollars to be used to send in your completed form first. main floor and underground create affordable housing.” parking. The apartments, Any North Dakota taxpayers If you make estimated quarterly payments to the State of ND, you can according to Olson, “will who want to learn more about reduce those payments to account for your contribution. be really nice…similar to the HIF should visit www. downtown Grand Forks.” NDHousingIncentiveFund. org, which provides more Of the $10 million needed information as well as a link to to fund the building, $1 contribute directly to the fund. million will come through the North Dakota Housing Finance Agency. The Housing Incentive Fund (HIF) allows individual taxpayers to contribute to housing projects in their own region,
TETONTHUNDER | SPRING 2012 | 7 campus updates kaiser house
CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: Exterior of Kaiser House provides a welcoming experience for visiting Williston State students, alumni and guests. College is pleased to The Kaiser House boasts many unique areas excellent announce another for entertaining and networking. addition to campus.
Earlier this summer a few legislative committees met The Kaiser House, located for meetings and used the Kaiser Home. across University Avenue from the college, will now house the President’s office as well as the WSC Foundation. The house was purchased by the WSC Foundation from Marv Kaiser at a reduction with a partial gift. Kaiser also provided significant furnishings and accessories as a gift.
In addition to the two offices and their support staff, the house will provide a space for social gatherings and entertaining. In fact, the Kaiser House was already used this spring for the State Board of Higher Education dinner (see page 10 for photos and an account of the event).
8 | TETONTHUNDER | SUMMER 2012 campus updates science addition
TOP: Scenic views of Rabon field can be enjoyed from the top floor of the science addition.
MIDDLE: An almost-completed view of the science addition’s exterior.
BOTTOM: A quick look at the Biology Lab, one of the four new labs that will be available to students this fall.
FEATURES: Four new science labs, Look student area and 5 faculty offices for the COMPLETION DATE: July 2012 grand NAMING OPPORTUNITIES: Donations are still being opening accepted for the science addition, including: $150,000 for a science lab this Fall $600,000 for the entire wing
TETONTHUNDER | SUMMER 2012 | 9 campus events sbhe meeting by jacob olson
As we all know, the current I spoke first, relaying my stressed how essential it is gathering, while exiting by an evening of visiting and trappings of the oil boom experience as a Williston to support the North Dakota chancellor William Goetz socializing. in Williston often warrant native and student watching University Systems in not was given a small farewell. discussion. And that’s just the oil industry change only their education, but also It was the first time the State what Williston State College our hometown practically their ability to retain students On behalf of the school, Board of Higher Education decided to engage in – a overnight, and the benefits it within the state. Foundation Executive had been to visit Williston discussion. In April, WSC has had on the school. Director Terry Olson State College in three years. invited the State Board The college’s new chancellor presented the speakers with It gives a hopeful glance to of Higher Education and Mr. Grimshaw spoke of Dr. Shirvani, whose duties gifts of statuette oil well the crowded and seemingly roughly fifty other guests the changes in our region, officially commence July 1, pumps, which was followed overrun town we’ve called to the Kaiser House for predominantly the impact on was also introduced at the home for so many years. a conversation regarding the hospital, including the the school’s position in the increasing number of births Williston basin. (roughly 60 to 70 per month) and the intrinsic pressures this Among the members type of development imposes and speakers were on a community, specifically in Matt Grimshaw, CEO of the medical field. Mercy Medical Center, Bob Skarphol, as a state Mr. Eckstrom was introduced representative from District by Mr. Skarphol, and 2, Jack Eckstrom, Vice discussed the impact the President of Whiting Oil, boom has had within the Brad Bekkedahl, Williston industry, particularly in his City Commissioner and own company, which is myself, as a student currently looking to fill over representative. 200 job positions. He also
FAR LEFT: Jack Eckstrom, VP of Whiting Oil, shares a few thoughts on how oil companies and the North Dakota University System can work together.
TOP RIGHT: WSC President, Dr. Raymond Nadolny, looks on as Representative Bob Skarphol speaks to the State Board of Higher Education.
MIDDLE RIGHT: A bird’s eye view of the State Board of Higher Education listening intently to Williston City Commissioner Brad Bekkedahl’s presentation.
10 | TETONTHUNDER | SUMMER 2012 campus events 50th anniversary
EVENTS
Friday, June 29 11a Old Gym Dedication of Donn Skadeland Gym
5p - 10p The Well Athletic Banquet and Awards Ceremony
10p - 12a The Well Social - Athletic Banquet Continued Dear Friends of WSC,
saturday, June 30 You are invited to the 50th Anniversary Celebration of UND-W/Williston State College. 12p - 3p WSC Campus Open House/Self-Guided Tours The activities start at 5pm on Friday, June 12p - 3p WSC Campus Decades Mixer 29th with the athletic banquet and awards presentation. Saturday, the fun continues with 2p - 4p Kaiser House Faculty Tea hosted by faculty wives an open house, tours and faculty coffee during the day and a BBQ, beer garden and concert that 5:30p - 7p WSC Campus BBQ evening. The weekend concludes with Sunday 7p - 12a WSC Campus Beer Garden brunch at 10:30am hosted by WSC President Dr. Raymond Nadolny. 8p - 12a WSC Campus Concert The registration fee (for events on Saturday sunday, July 1 and Sunday) is $50 for a single person, $75 for a couple and $100 for a family. The athletic 10:30a WSC Campus President’s Brunch banquet is not included in the registration fee; tickets are $25 for adults and $10 for kids.
The WSC bookstore will be open: To register for the celebration, reserve hotel rooms or reserve a room in Frontier Hall, (new Friday, June 29th, 8a - 5p residence hall) go to www.visitwilliston.com.
Saturday, June 30th, 12p - 5p Please contact Diane Hagen at 701.580.1031 if you have questions or need more information. Information is also available on our Facebook page at: facebook.com/ willistonstatecollegefoundation.
TETONTHUNDER | SUMMER 2012 | 11 behind the scenes security
by JENNY WOLF
Spend any time college, much of which is drawn back to school by Technology Center and the gym and the Teton Lounge being used to improve the the automotive program at Crighton building. are open on weekends.” In on campus safety of the WSC campus. what was then University of addition to changes in the at Williston WSC President Raymond North Dakota-Williston. He Blackhawk Security still campus, he notices changes State College Nadolny reports, “The came to campus in 1992 provides night-time security in the students as well, “Kids these days, and impact funding allowed as a student and stayed on for WSC, and Whitecloud are about the same, but us to provide daytime as an employee, beginning went through security they’re more outgoing these you’re likely to security and increase video to work even before he training with Greg Thiel, days. They are all pretty see a familiar surveillance all around graduated. He started out owner of Blackhawk Security. good, and friendly.” He face in a new campus.” changing oil and doing especially appreciates that uniform. WSC various maintenance and When asked what keeps him many of the students really After getting the impact custodial jobs around at Williston State College take pride in the campus and has filled the money, the school offered campus, and he has after all these years, and help to keep it up. new daytime the daytime security continued taking on various with all the changes in security position to Whitecloud, responsibilities with campus Williston, he explains, “It’s Whitecloud and his wife position with a lifetime resident of services ever since. a good stable job with Carolyn have been married Williston and a member of benefits. It’s a good place 26 years. They love staff veteran the WSC staff since 1993. In a typical day, Whitecloud to work. I worked in the oil spending time with their two Darryl “Whitey” Whitecloud describes the says he walks through field before, and it was so daughters, Kass and Carole, Whitecloud. new job, which he began all of the buildings on unstable. I like the stability of and three grandkids, Joycee in April, as exciting. “When campus multiple times and the college.” Ruth, Jett, and Huntley. they first offered me the patrols the parking lots Recently, the North job, I thought, ‘Man, that’s and the exterior of campus He has also noticed many Dakota legislature held a going to be a lot of new buildings in WSC’s new changes over the years. “It special session in which stuff,’” Whitecloud recalls, John Deere Gator utility used to be we locked up they addressed relief “but it’s been a lot of fun. vehicle. He also provides at 5:00pm, and there was for areas impacted by It’s a good job.” a visible presence at any nothing on the weekends,” western North Dakota’s locations experiencing remembers Whitecloud. oil and gas industry. The Whitecloud graduated extra traffic, like the “The campus is more open legislature provided $2 from Williston High School Motor Vehicle office in the now, there are more events million in funding for the in 1967, and he was later Western Star Career and in the evenings, and the
CLOCKWISE FROM TOP RIGHT: A look at the new John Deere Gator that Whitecloud will be using to patrol WSC’s campus throughout the year.
A view from above shows Whitecloud making his rounds.
Whitecloud poses in his security gear with the new John Deere Gator.
12 | TETONTHUNDER | SUMMER 2012 behind the scenes retired faculty/staff
by teton thunder staff
On April 19, a group of retired WSC faculty and staff got together to have breakfast and check out all the changes happening on campus. While coffee and rolls were served at the Teton Grill, a number of speakers, including Phil Rabon, Hunter Berg, Terry Olson, and Diane Hagen, spoke about the state of the college, including the construction of new buildings, changes in the athletics programs, and the upcoming 50th Anniversary Celebration.
After breakfast they took a walking tour of new facilities on campus, including Frontier Hall, the new baseball locker room, the newly-remodeled library, and the science addition currently under construction. A bus tour then surveyed the areas on campus where upcoming projects are planned, including the new apartment building, recreation center, and softball field.
Phil Rabon was pleased with the turnout. “All of the comments were very positive,” Rabon reports. “They like getting together, and they were especially impressed with the new science facility.” Rabon hopes to make this an annual tradition.
Among the retired faculty attending the event was Al “Uncle Al” Bervig, who taught economics at WSC from 1970-2000. Bervig, who still attends the occasional Teton basketball game, takes great pride in WSC and its students. He finds it especially fulfilling to see some of his former students now working at WSC. When he worked at WSC, Bervig remembers, “I felt like I had the greatest job in the world. I loved every minute of it.” Right now, he thinks, “the school is under great leadership, and WSC is going through some wonderful changes that’ve been needed for a long time.”
Roy Simonson, who taught carpentry at WSC from 1976-1989 and also served as advisor of Rodeo Club, attended the event as well. Simonson also taught high school in Richey, MT, and Trenton, but he says, “I really enjoyed teaching at WSC and the type of student that comes with college. They’re a bit more mature and motivated to be there.” Some of the best memories he has from WSC are the relationships he built with his fellow faculty over the years. “We were really more like family than co-workers. There was always some event or get-together, from sledding to barn dances and hay rides,” he recalls. “Also, TOP: Diane Hagen gives an update on the 50th there’s just something incredibly special about a former student coming up to you to Anniversary celebration. thank you for what you’ve done,” adds Simonson, “that still happens to me today, and it still brings me great joy.” Of the campus today, he says, “It’s beyond words. It’s pretty BOTTOM LEFT: Terry Olson talks about WSC’s amazing, and I’m blown away. Students don’t know how good they have it today.” Master Plan. Both Simonson and Bervig, along with many other retired faculty and staff at the event, RIGHT TOP: The group stops to enjoy the view from are planning to attend the 50th Anniversary Celebration this summer. the second floor of the science addition.
RIGHT BOTTOM: Breakfast in the Teton Grill.
TETONTHUNDER | SUMMER 2012 | 13 behind the scenes linda tharp
LEFT: Tharp addresses the crowd at the Nursing Pinning Ceremony in May.
by leah hess
Linda Tharp, Coordinator within the College. Tharp has Tharp notes, “One of the offering the Practical Nursing working without her computer, of the Practical Nursing enjoyed her 21 years working most rewarding things for me program; with the legislative and she trains her students program, is an excellent for Williston State, and is seeing my former students change, WSC was finally able how to use technology in reflection of the quality says, “One thing I’m really giving care. It makes me to offer the RN program on the classroom, just as it is faculty the College has to impressed with here at WSC extremely proud of them, and campus as well. being used in the field today. offer. Tharp earned both is how willing everyone is to I become even more content Students do their clinicals with her Associate of Science work with each other to help with my career choice.” Currently, WSC runs the iPod Touches in their pockets and Bachelor degree in achieve goals.” nursing program at two sites: for reference, and the nursing Nursing from Dickinson State WSC’s program has changed Williston and Minot. Each program has invested in University. She went on to In addition to enjoying significantly in the time since year, the Williston site accepts high-fidelity simulators, which receive her Master’s degree her work as the Nursing Tharp arrived. In the early up to 20 Practical Nursing are a significant asset to the in Nursing from the University Coordinator for WSC, Tharp 2000s, WSC spearheaded students and 16 Associate program. Next year, Tharp says of North Dakota. After has an immense appreciation Practical Nursing in the Degree in Nursing students; students will have the option working for a home health for nursing. As long as people region, offering distance the Minot site accepts up to to purchase their books as education at sites in Minot, 18 Practical Nursing students e-books. Devils Lake, Grafton, and 16 Associate Degree “This is such an Langdon, Bismarck, in Nursing students. Tharp Tharp credits her success to Bottineau, Rugby, and New is excited to see so much the support of her husband enjoyable place Town. Tharp coordinated all interest at both the sites, “I and wonderful family. Her of this distance education have found that nursing is a husband, Cecil Tharp, is an activity, which kept her very satisfying career choice Area Manager for Key Energy. to work because plenty busy. In 2004, the because there are so many Together, they have three sons legislature passed changes to different avenues nursing can residing in Bozeman, Williston, it’s like a family,” the 2-year Practical Nursing lead you.” and Bismarck, along with 7 requirement, making it an grandchildren. When she 11-month requirement, and Looking to the future, Tharp isn’t busy working, she enjoys agency in Dickinson, Mercy are sick and need care, there the 4-year Registered Nursing is excited to see the evolution hunting, fishing, camping, and Medical in Williston, and the will be a need for nurses. This requirement changed to a of technological changes in cooking with her family. Northwest Human Service is apparent both in North 2-year program. This change nursing. When she started Center in Williston, she found Dakota and nationally. In allowed for the creation of at WSC, she and a coworker a home at WSC in 1991. North Dakota alone, 40% of the Dakota Nursing Program, shared a computer and only LPNs and 50% of RNs will collaborative effort between used it when they needed “Thi