On Friday, May 10, North Dakota State College of Science (NDSCS) will host its annual Commencement ceremony at 3 p.m. in the Ed Werre Arena, located in the Clair T. Blikre Activities Center. This year's ceremony honors approximately 657 students from the Wahpeton campus, NDSCS-Fargo location and online who are eligible to graduate.

Faculty Council President Brian Hagelstrom will lead the processional as the Stage Marshal, and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs, Dr. Lisa Karch, will preside over the event as the Master of Ceremonies.

The ceremony will include remarks from NDSCS President Dr. Rod Flanigan, who will also oversee the presentation of degrees, diplomas, and certificates. Additional remarks will be delivered by Kevin Black, representing the North Dakota State Board of Higher Education, and Katie Willprecht, the Student Senate President. In a display of the College's rich tradition and community spirit, the NDSCS Wildcat Singers will perform a musical piece during the event.

Tickets are not required to attend NDSCS Commencement. The South doors of the Clair T. Blikre Activities Center will open for guests at 1:45 p.m., closing promptly at 2:50 p.m. to ensure a timely start to the ceremony. Guests are encouraged to arrive with their entire party to secure seating, as seating is first-come, first-served – reserving seats will not be permitted.

For those who cannot attend in person, NDSCS extends our invitation to join the celebration virtually. The live stream link will be accessible on the day of the event at NDSCS.edu/Graduation. We welcome community members to join the broadcast to help celebrate the graduates’ success.

NDSCS is proud to uphold the tradition of recognizing the accomplishments of its students, and this year's graduation is set to be a memorable event for graduates, their families, and the college community alike.

Aiden Hoff, a 1st-year Construction Management Technology student at NDSCS is preparing to leave the state for an exclusive internship opportunity this summer — with Syncom Space Services (contractor for NASA)!

Aiden is a Fargo, ND native, graduating from high school in May, 2023. He has been involved with construction and construction management for 5+ years, where his hands-on experience and networking efforts in the Fargo region have not only honed his skills but have also affirmed his passion for leading in the construction industry.

Aiden chose to attend NDSCS because he liked the idea of a two-year college where he could learn things that were focused on helping him in his future career. He was happy that NDSCS in Wahpeton isn't too far from his family's home in Fargo, but is far enough that he can gain independence. After checking out some other colleges, Aiden felt that NDSCS had the best program for Construction Management, and was excited about the full college experience available to him at a smaller institution.

Aiden came to NDSCS in the Fall of 2023, and so far has had an exceptional experience as a student on the Wahpeton campus. During this academic year, Aiden has been involved on campus, participating in free student events and being part of leadership organizations like Student Senate and Construction and Design Technology (CDT) Club. Aiden also competed in the International Builders’ Show in Last Vegas this Spring, where he presented a project with his team at the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) Student Competition, and placed 5th in the nation. Read more here.

As the academic year comes to a close on May 10th, Aiden's sights are set on a new adventure. Come May 20th, he will embark on his journey to the Stennis Space Center in Mississippi. Summer internships are required in the Construction Management program at NDSCS, and Aiden’s experience is sure to be unique. This prestigious summer internship is a testament to NDSCS's quality education and Aiden's exceptional skills.

At Stennis, a hub for NASA's most critical projects, Aiden’s role will extend beyond the average intern’s, taking charge as a Construction Manager on a Naval base, overseeing subcontractors on projects essential to both the Navy and NASA.

The competition for this internship was intense. Aiden stood out among applicants with four-year degrees and even higher education, including international applicants. It was his strong work ethic, drive for knowledge, and evident leadership skills that set him apart.

This opportunity is proof that a two-year degree can open as many doors as a four-year degree – and with less financial burden. Aiden credits the Construction faculty at NDSCS for giving him the education and confidence to pursue this opportunity, noting that the small class sizes and personalized attention at NDSCS have prepared him well.

When his internship ends in August of this year, Aiden will return to NDSCS for his 2nd year as a Construction Management student. He is on course to graduate in May, 2025. After graduation, Aiden is open to what his next career move will be. He has always dreamed of owning his own Construction Management business, but is open to more opportunities and wants to see where this S3 (NASA) internship will lead.

Aiden Hoff is not just a student; he is a leader in the making. With his commitment to excellence, his value of education, and his motivation for achievement, it’s clear that he will be extremely successful — wherever life takes him after NDSCS.

North Dakota State College of Science students, faculty and staff will celebrate their annual Agawasie Day event on Thursday, May 2. Events on the College’s Wahpeton campus will begin at 1:00 p.m., with inflatables, games, music, food and numerous attractions taking place throughout the afternoon, including a street dance in the evening.

The public is invited to participate in the Agawasie Day Car Show, which will take place from 1-4 p.m. Registration for the car show is free for all participants, including students, faculty, staff and the public. Trophies will be awarded for Best in Class for each category (cars, trucks, motorcycles), and one overall Best in Show. Additional information and registration are available online at NDSCS.edu/Agawasie or by calling 701-671-2401.

In 1914, the College published its first yearbook called the Agawasie. The arrival of the annual became a day for celebration, hence the start of the annual Agawasie Day picnic. While publishing an annual yearbook was discontinued in 2004, the day for celebration still lives on as Agawasie Day and is celebrated every year right before the start of finals.

SkillsUSA has selected NDSCS graduate Cale Mouser as the official competitor for Heavy Vehicle Technology at the 2024 WorldSkills Competition. Mouser will represent the United States at the 2024 WorldSkills Competition, which will be held September 10-15, 2024 in Lyon, France.

During his time as a student at NDSCS, Mouser, originally from Tenstrike, Minn., represented the state of North Dakota at the SkillsUSA Championships in 2022 and 2023 and won a national bronze medal in 2022 and a national gold medal in 2023 in Diesel Equipment Technology.

Mouser credits his success in learning Diesel Equipment Technology to having a mentality that is driven and a mind that is open to learning. “Without my instructors and my employers not only teaching me but allowing me to work at my own pace to understand the systems, I wouldn’t have been successful.”

Mouser says what he likes best about working in the trades is the variety, complexity, and the troubleshooting that each day brings. “There is no one day that is exactly like another.”

“The 2024 WorldSkills USA team will have an amazing opportunity to represent SkillsUSA and our nation while undergoing incredibly rigorous training in their craft,” said SkillsUSA Executive Director Chelle Travis. “These team members are making a serious commitment to both their skill development and personal growth that will foster their drive, passion and life’s purpose.”

The 2024 WorldSkills Competition, the 47th annual worldwide event, will showcase dozens of trade skills from construction and building technology, manufacturing and engineering, transportation, and more. Over 1500 competitors from over 65 countries and regions will demonstrate their abilities in 62 skill competitions.

About being selected as part of the WorldSkills USA team, Mouser says, “It is impossible to put into words what an honor it is to represent the United States on a global level.”

Follow Cale Mouser and the rest of the 2024 WorldSkills USA team online at www.worldskillsusa.org.

Jack Johnson, an ambitious 2nd-year Business Management student at NDSCS is already a successful entrepreneur and business owner.

Jack, a Breckenridge, MN high school graduate has always been an active and motivated individual. During his high school years, Jack gained a wealth of experience working with Summerville Electric and Krump Construction, and had community involvement by coaching youth basketball and football teams.

Johnson's entrepreneurial journey took a significant leap forward when he secured an LLC for his venture, Johnson Auto Detailing, in May 2022, shortly before his high school graduation. Over the past two years, Johnson Auto Detailing has been his sole source of income, demonstrating the results of his dedication and hard work.

As a small business owner, Jack's responsibilities include hands-on service of vehicles, marketing, and financial oversight. His efforts have not only accumulated a social media presence of over 900 followers but have also earned his business multiple nominations for the Spark Plug Award and the Chamber of Service Award by the Wahpeton Chamber of Commerce.

Jack's vision is grand—he's not just running a business; he's laying the groundwork for what he aspires to be a business empire. After graduating from high school, and although he was already a business owner, Jack started at NDSCS to increase his knowledge of business management to continue being successful. His decision to enroll at NDSCS in the fall of 2022 was fueled by the affordability of the institution, and his trust with the College. “I know a lot of people who have gone through NDSCS including some of my older peers. They've expressed to me how they have enjoyed their experience as a whole as well as learned a lot about their degree.”

Jack values in his education at NDSCS and has taken several principles from class with him into his work at Johnson Auto Detailing. He specifically credits knowledge he gained during his Sales class, which through various roleplaying exercises, pushed him to get comfortable talking to customers, and prepared him for dealing with people in difficult situations. This class, among others, have helped Jack apply his knowledge and skills to his business. Jack appreciates that faculty at NDSCS finds fun and engaging ways to teach, which keeps the classroom exciting. Jack has been an active student in the NDSCS Business Management program, including being a National qualifier for DECA.

As Jack continues to balance his studies and his growing business, he is proof that with the right education and support, the possibilities are limitless.

After graduating from NDSCS in May with his Business Management degree, Jack plans to continue to own and operate Johnson Auto Detailing. He will use his educational background to grow in his business experience. And with his drive for success and entrepreneurial spirit, it’s clear that Jack has fantastic opportunities and remarkable success ahead of him.

Learn more about Jack at Johnsonautodetailing.net.

North Dakota State College of Science (NDSCS) proudly announces the receipt of a grant from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), totaling $307,608. This grant earmarks NDSCS as a critical player in expanding the aviation maintenance technology field through a new and robust educational program known as the North Dakota Fly High Career Pathway Program.

With a deep commitment to innovation and education, NDSCS will leverage this grant to develop a comprehensive Associate of Applied Science Degree in Aviation Maintenance Technology. This initiative not only elevates NDSCS's educational offerings but also forges vital collaborations with local and regional aviation organizations. The program is poised to bolster the workforce with skilled aviation maintenance technicians who are well-versed in the latest industry standards and technologies.

The allocated funds will serve as a cornerstone in facilitating FAA Part 147 Certifications and creating a dynamic learning environment through the establishment of dedicated lab and classroom spaces. With a satellite campus near Hector International Airport in Fargo, NDSCS is positioning itself to become a hub for aviation excellence, providing students with both theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience.

The North Dakota Fly High Career Pathway Program sets its sights beyond education, offering students a seamless transition into the workforce. By introducing students to the corporate culture of airlines and providing ample networking opportunities, NDSCS ensures its graduates are not only skilled but also highly employable in a competitive market.

This grant is part of a larger FAA initiative distributing $13.5 million across thirty-two schools nationwide, aiming to revitalize the aviation professional pipeline, particularly in the wake of the pandemic's impact on the sector. As one of the twenty schools part of the FAA’s Aviation Maintenance Technical Workers Workforce Development program, NDSCS is at the forefront of addressing the critical shortage of maintenance professionals, signaling a resurgence of growth and opportunity in the industry.

"Receiving this grant is a testament to NDSCS's dedication to advancing aviation technology education," said Dr. Rod Flanigan, NDSCS President. "Developing this program will not only benefit our students but also contribute significantly to the local and regional economy by fulfilling the demand for highly qualified aviation maintenance technicians."

Enrollment for the first cohort of aviation maintenance technicians is slated to begin by the end of this project, marking a new chapter for both NDSCS and the aviation industry at large.

For more information about NDSCS’s aviation programs and other educational offerings, visit NDSCS.edu/Academics.

North Dakota State College of Science (NDSCS) partnered with the American Welding Society (AWS) to host the annual Behind the Mask competition for high school and college students. The competition, which took place at NDSCS-Fargo on March 20^th, saw ninety-seven high school and college students from North Dakota and Minnesota compete for the top prize.

The competition is designed to challenge each student’s welding skills and to provide them with a platform to present their skills to the welding industry. Behind the Mask is judged by industry professionals who evaluate participants on safety, quality of welds, and the ability to follow AWS welding standards. Students from NDSCS-Fargo, NDSCS Wahpeton, Alexandria Technical College, Southeast Region Career and Technology Center (Wahpeton), Bismarck Career Academy, Sheyenne Valley Career and Technology Center (Valley City), North Valley Career and Technology Center (Grafton), Mandan High School, East Grand Forks, and Minot High School all competed in the event.

The competition’s generous sponsors donated all the prizes for the event, which consisted of awards for the top welders in the separate high school and college divisions. All the proceeds from this event go back into AWS scholarships ranging from $500-$2,500 that are available to high school and college students pursuing a welding career. These scholarships help up-and-coming welders pursue their craft and continue to build upon the skills they already have.

The results of the top welders in the high school division include:

GMAW (wire)

1^st – Brodin Agotness (North Valley Career and Technology Center)

2^nd – Allen Mielke (Minot)

3^rd – Chantz Delzer (Mandan)

SMAW (stick)

1^st – Clay Wagner (Mandan)

2^nd – Brayden McClure (Mandan)

3^rd – Dominic Kautzmann (Mandan)

The results of the top welders in the college division include:

GMAW (wire)

1^st – Colin Lemieux (NDSCS)

2^nd – Seth Winrod (NDSCS)

3^rd – Ben Klemen (NDSCS)

SMAW (stick)

1^st – Lucas Nelson (Alexandria Technical & Community College)

2^nd – Kaden Feldt (Alexandria Technical & Community College)

3^rd – Dominic Finken (Alexandria Technical & Community College)

“It is a privilege to host the AWS Behind the Mask welding competition at NDSCS,” said Mitchell Van Vleet, Associate Professor and Program Coordinator of NDSCS Welding. “It was a great opportunity for all the welding Instructors and the students to get together and support the future of the welding industry. Thanks to all the NDSCS Welding staff who participated in the event to make it a great experience for the students.”

The AWS Behind the Mask Competition is a great way to showcase the talents of welders, while also providing an opportunity for students to gain recognition and financial assistance. NDSCS is proud to have been a part of this exciting competition for the past 2 years.