91看片网

Juried Student Art Exhibit Open at 91看片网

The 91看片网 Larry J. Robinson Center for the Arts Gallery presents the annual Juried Student Art Exhibit, featuring a diverse range of artwork created by 91看片网 students this academic year.

The exhibit is open from April 27 to May 16 and can be view during regular gallery hours at the 91看片网 Center for the Arts: Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, May 16.

Awards will be juried by Jess Christy, Executive Director of the North Dakota Council on the Arts, and announced at a reception in the CFA Lobby, on Friday, May 1, from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.

A virtual exhibit will also be available on the .

91看片网 Concert Choir to Perform May 1

The 91看片网 Concert Choir will present a spring concert on Friday, May 1, at 7 p.m. in the Larry J. Robinson Center for the Arts Performance Hall.

Featured soloists for the evening include Exavian Westbrook, Jaycee Richter, Abby Hill, Clarissa Zander, and Matthew Johnson.

The community is invited to attend this free event and enjoy an evening of choral music performed by 91看片网 students.

100+ Students Featured at May 5 Scholar Symposium

91看片网 will host its annual Scholar Symposium on Tuesday, May 5, at the Larry J. Robinson Center for the Arts. The event begins at 10 a.m. and concludes around 3:30 p.m.

A record 100+ 91看片网 undergraduate students will showcase their research, writing or other creative projects developed over the past academic year. Eight different departments are represented at the symposium, revealing a wide range of research and scholarship 91看片网鈥檚 students produced individually and collaboratively in 16 unique courses and special university research programs.

Due to the record number of participants, this year鈥檚 Scholar Symposium has four different sessions, including advanced student research presentations at 2 p.m. These will feature students involved in university research programs EPSCoR (Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research) and SOAR (Student Opportunities for Academic Research).

The entire event schedule is below.

Schedule Of Showcases

10 a.m. Welcome from 91看片网 Interim President Allen Burgad
10-11 a.m.

• Department of Art
• Department of Communication Arts
• Department of Language and Literature
• Department of Science
• Department of Social Science

11 a.m. – 12 p.m.

• Department of Art
• Department of Computer Systems and Software Engineering
• Department of Kinesiology and Human Performance
• Department of Language and Literature
• Department of Social Science

1-2 p.m.

• Department of Business
• Department of Computer Systems and Software Engineering
• Department of Kinesiology and Human Performance
• Department of Language and Literature
• Department of Science
• Department of Social Science

CFA 177
2-3:30 p.m.

• EPSCoR and SOAR Advanced Student Research Presentations

Registration Open for IgniteND Conference June 2-3 at 91看片网

91看片网 and the AI Institute for Teaching and Learning are partnering with NDIT-EduTech to hold the 2026 IgniteND conference June 2-3 on the 91看片网 campus.

IgniteND is an exciting two-day conference designed primarily for K-12 teachers, education administrators and technology leaders. The conference offers practical strategies, professional credentials, and hands-on experiences to spark innovation in education and lifelong learning across North Dakota, with artificial intelligence (AI) as this year鈥檚 central focus.

Conference attendees will explore practical strategies and hands-on learning in artificial intelligence, computer science, cybersecurity, student data, and essential digital skills. Expert-led sessions, collaborative discussions, and statewide partnerships will equip educators to implement new ideas and technology practices in their classrooms, schools, and districts.

Attendees can also earn professional development credit hours, awarded through 91看片网 Distance and Continuing Education.

Early-bird registration is currently open for just $50 after a stipend supplied by the 91看片网 AI Institute for Teaching and Learning. Learn more and register at

IgniteND Featured Presentations

Keynote: 鈥淔acing the AI Challenge鈥�

Dr. Mark Hagerott will deliver the keynote presentation 鈥撎�鈥淔acing the AI Challenge鈥� 鈥撎齱here he explores how AI reshapes attention, creativity, and decision-making and what that means for the future of education. You鈥檒l leave with clear questions to drive AI discussions in your classroom, practical strategies to integrate tools with students, and concrete insights into how learning is changing with these technologies.

鈥淭he Engagement Drop-off鈥�

In 鈥淭he Engagement Drop-off,鈥� Dieumerci 鈥淒M鈥� Christel shows how AI can help teachers discover what interests their students and create stronger classroom connections. You鈥檒l get to see a live demo of an AI-powered classroom game and pick up practical ways to connect with students. Dieumerci grew up in North Dakota, where a teacher鈥檚 encouragement made a big difference in his life. Now, he creates tools to support educators everywhere.

Dr. Chuck Gardner

What would it take to bring hands-on cybersecurity training to every student in North Dakota?

Dr. Gardner鈥檚 keynote goes beyond theory. It introduces a proven, working model already delivering virtual labs, competitions, and real-world cybersecurity experiences to students, regardless of location. From infrastructure to access to funding, this session focuses on what it takes to make it happen.

Prairie Waters Hosting Outdoor Youth Summer Camps

91看片网鈥檚 Prairie Waters Education and Research Center is hosting three separate 2026 summer camps that provide opportunities for students to learn more about water ecosystems and have fun doing it.

Splashin鈥� Around at Prairie Waters, Fishin鈥� Around the Prairie Waters and STEM Explorers: Water Research Institute all provide different opportunities for students in grades 5-12 to interact with water ecosystems in a variety of fun activities.

Registration for the summer camps is currently open. Students are encouraged to register early as camps fill up fast. Learn more or complete online registration at

STEM Explorers: Water Research Institute | June 9 鈥� 11, 2026

This camp runs from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. each day and is designed for students who have completed grades 9 鈥� 12. Camp sessions will vary daily, and students can sign up for one, two or all three days. There is no cost to register and 91看片网 offers up to $75 in mileage reimbursement available to each participant.

• June 9 – Water Quality Day: Students will travel to local lakes/streams to collect water samples and then bring them back to 91看片网 to test the water quality.
• June 10 – Macroinvertebrate Day: Students will travel to a local stream to collect aquatic insects and sample mussels.听 Students will identify the macroinvertebrates at 91看片网 and learn about their use in assessing water quality.
• June 11 – Fish Day: Students will sample fish in a local stream.听 They will learn about fish stomach contents and how to age fish at 91看片网.

Splashin鈥� Around at Prairie Waters | July 20 鈥� 22, 2026

This camp is designed for kids entering 5th and 6th grades. Activities include:

• Wading in streams
• Find out what lives in our waters with a water hunt
• Learn about stream health and do water testing
• Other fun outdoor activities

There is a $95.00 registration fee that includes lunch, snacks, a t-shirt and transportation from 91看片网 鈥� the bus leaves campus at 8 a.m. and returns at 5 p.m. each day. Financial assistance with the registration fee is available by contacting Ellen Fehr at prairie.waters@vcsu.edu.

Fishin鈥� Around the Prairie Waters | July 27 鈥� 29, 2026

This camp is designed for kids entering 7th and 8th grades. Activities include:

• Exploring fish habitats
• Canoeing the Sheyenne River
• Boat fishing
• Catching fish without fishing rods
• Other fun outdoor activities

There is a $95.00 registration fee that includes lunch, snacks, a t-shirt and transportation from 91看片网 鈥� the bus leaves campus at 8 a.m. and returns at 5 p.m. each day. Financial assistance with the registration fee is available by contacting Ellen Fehr at prairie.waters@vcsu.edu.

91看片网's Monilaws and Jones Place Top 10 at DECA Nationals

Photo, from left: Katie Jones and Sarah Monilaws show off their Top 10 medals.

91看片网 students Sarah Monilaws and Katie Jones were named finalists and placed Top 10 at the national collegiate DECA competition held in Louisville, Kentucky, April 18-21.

Monilaws, a senior from Absaraka, N.D., and Jones, a freshman from Valley City, competed as a team in the Event Planning category during the Collegiate DECA International Career Development Conference (ICDC). The pair was named finalists after the preliminary round and then earned Top 10 honors at the Grand Awards Ceremony following the final round of competition.

For the preliminary round, Monilaws and Jones competed in a role play that asked them to plan a 鈥淪tar Wars鈥� re-watch party for a screen advertising company to celebrate the 50^th听anniversary. They had one hour to prepare before a 15-minute presentation detailing the event鈥檚 activities, marketing, budget, amenities and more.

Their performance in the preliminary round qualified Jones and Monilaws for finals, where they participated in another role play to plan a chamber of commerce networking event. They again had one hour to plan a marketing and communications strategic plan, build a brand for the event, detail advertising methods, and plan other aspects of the event.

This was the third year Monilaws has competed at DECA Nationals and her first time earning Top 10 honors. It was the first year at collegiate DECA Nationals for Jones, who has previously competed at high school nationals.

鈥淚 had never been called as a finalist before at nationals, so hearing our names at the preliminary award ceremony was a surreal moment that I鈥檒l never forget,鈥� said Monilaws, who has previously competed as an individual at nationals. 鈥淕oing into the Grand Awards Ceremony I was confident in our competition, and I knew we were capable of being Top 10, but when we heard our names called as top performers I still couldn鈥檛 believe it.鈥�

Monilaws and Jones qualified for DECA nationals after taking first place at the 2026 State Career Development Conference in February.

For more information about 91看片网 DECA or to inquire about joining the club, contact advisor Wesley Wright at wesley.wright.1@vcsu.edu.

Photo, from left: Katie Jones, advisor Wesley Wright, and Sarah Monilaws.

Fisheries and Wildlife Students Assist in Prescribed Burn

Trista Montgomery, M.S., assistant professor for science, and students in the Fisheries and Wildlife Science program assisted a local community member with a prescribed burn on their native prairie planting over the weekend. Janet King, a sophomore, played a key role in starting the only Prescribed Burn Association (PBA) on the eastern side of the state and is already an experienced crew member. Zach Edwards, a senior, is ready to graduate and begin his career as a conservation professional.

91看片网 Partners with Williston State College

Photo, from left: Minot State University President Dr. Steven Shirley, 91看片网 Interim President Dr. Allen Burgad, Superintendent of the Williston Basin School District 7 Dr. Jason Germundson and Williston State College President Dr. Bernell Hirning.

91看片网 and Williston State Formalize Co-Matriculation Model

91看片网 has partnered with Williston State College鈥檚 Degree Bridge program, creating additional opportunities for students to earn a bachelor鈥檚 degree without leaving the Williston community.

The Degree Bridge program is designed as a co-matriculation model, allowing students to begin at WSC while simultaneously working toward a bachelor鈥檚 degree through a partner university. With aligned coursework, coordinated advising, and shared resources, students can complete both their associate and bachelor鈥檚 degrees in a streamlined and cost-effective way鈥攁ll while remaining in their home community.

91看片网 is offering a focused pathway in education, allowing students to earn a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education while staying in Williston.

鈥淭his expansion represents a major step forward in how we serve students in northwest North Dakota,鈥� said听Dr. Bernell Hirning, President of Williston State College. 鈥淒egree Bridge was designed to remove barriers. By bringing more university partners to our campus, we鈥檙e creating real access鈥攁llowing students to stay here, remain connected to their community, and still achieve their long-term academic and career goals.鈥�

The partnership with 91看片网 was announced during a press conference on Monday, April 20, in Williston. WSC also announced a partnership with Minot State and had previously announced agreements with other NDUS institutions.

91看片网鈥檚 elementary education program prepares future educators to teach grades 1鈥�8 and emphasizes real-world classroom experience. Students can further customize their degree through endorsements in early childhood education, kindergarten, special education, and teaching English language learners, as well as certificates in middle school education, reading, and STEM education.

鈥淭his effort reflects a shared responsibility to develop highly skilled educators for the future,鈥� said听Dr. Allen Burgad, interim president of 91看片网. 鈥淏y aligning our programs, we鈥檙e helping students move confidently into teaching careers while addressing the increasing demand for qualified teachers.鈥�

Students typically complete their first two years at WSC before transitioning into upper-level coursework through their partner institution, often while continuing to live and learn in Williston. This approach allows students to maintain their support systems, reduce relocation costs, and remain engaged in the region they are preparing to serve.

Viking Sports Update

BASEBALL
The 91看片网 Baseball team wrapped up the regular season last week with听2-3 record. Two of the three losses were by one run. The听听in a non-conference game at Charlie Brown Field. Then in the final series of the season, they would听split听with Dickinson State. On Friday, the听听On Saturday, 91看片网 and Dickinson State split again.听听With the four-game split, the Vikings earned the second听see听in the Frontier Conference tournament. They will play the winner of the Dickinson State/Bismarck State game Thursday, April 30th听at 7:00 p.m. MT/8:00 p.m. CT in Dickinson.听

SOFTBALL
The Vikings softball team had听a great week听on the diamond, going 4-2 and earning the third seed in the upcoming tournament. On Wednesday,听听Then听over the weekend, the Vikings took three of four from second place Providence.听, then听听After the Vikings did their part, they had to wait to see where they would be seeded. Thanks to Mayville State, the Vikings got the third seed. They will open the Frontier Conference Softball Tournament at 5:30 MT/6:30 CT versus Bellevue in Dickinson on Thursday, April 30th.听

TRACK AND FIELD
The Track and Field teams at 91看片网 wrapped up their season with a busy week. Tuesday, hosting the Viking Twilight Meet that saw the Vikings Men finish first with five first place finishes, 14 top 3 finishes and 14 personal bests. The Women took third with one first place finish, four top 3 finishes and 13 personal bests. On Wednesday, Frida Barrera ran at the Gary Wilson Invitational on the campus of the University of Minnesota. The听freshman听set the school record in the 1500 Meters with a time of 4:46.55. She broke the record that had stood for 32 years by .28 seconds. To wrap up the week, a few athletes competed at the Al Cassell Classic at the University of Jamestown. Brock Norton won the 400 Meter Hurdles with a personal best time of 1:04.97. Andrew Winczewski, Kyle Cotton, and Delaney Cottom all set personal bests. The Vikings will now compete in the Frontier Conference Championships which will be in听Dickinson听May 2nd听and 3rd.听听

GOLF
The Golf teams are in Phoenix, Arizona for the Frontier Conference Championships.听After day one, the Vikings are in eighth place as a team on the men鈥檚 side.听Owen Haase is the top听Men鈥檚 player so far听sitting in a tie for 14th听early on Day 2. Sydney Carlson is leading听the Women for 91看片网. She is tied for 15th听so far听midway through day 2.听

What's happening at 91看片网 and around Valley City...

May 1
7 p.m. Choir concert, Larry J. Robinson Center for the Arts Performance Hall

May 2
8:30 a.m. Crocus Hike, meet at Rosebud Visitor Center to drive to Clausen Springs Recreation Area trailhead. Find more information about this hike and other events hosted by the Sheyenne River Valley Chapter North Country Trail Association at

May 4
6 p.m. SOAR Banquet, Student Center Skoal Room

May 5
10 a.m. 91看片网 Scholar Symposium, Larry J. Robinson Center for the Arts
7:30 p.m. Woodwind & Brass Ensemble Concert, Larry J. Robinson Center for the Arts

Find out what’s happening at 91看片网: /news-events/

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