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.

The North Dakota State College of Science (NDSCS) Performing Arts Department is thrilled to announce its inaugural concert of the season, set to captivate audiences on Sunday, October 27 at 2 p.m. The event will be held in the Bremer Bank Theatre within the Harry Stern and Ella Stern Cultural Center on the NDSCS campus in Wahpeton. 

The concert will feature the musical talents of the NDSCS Concert Choir, Jazz Band, and Wildcat Singers. Bryan Poyzer, the program coordinator and choral director, promises a wonderful afternoon, stating, "Our programs always feature a wide range of musical styles. This concert will move between traditional and modern pieces." 

Adding to the excitement, Dr. Adam Hollingsworth will lead the Jazz Band, continuing the tradition of including a variety of musical genres. The Jazz Band's set will span swing, rock, country, and jazz standards, offering something for every musical taste. 

The NDSCS Performing Arts students welcome members of the community to join them for this event. The concert is open to the public and free of charge. Attendees are encouraged to make free-will donations to support the department’s ongoing mission of nurturing and showcasing emerging talent in the world of performing arts. 

Don’t miss an afternoon filled with energetic music as the NDSCS Performing Arts students take the stage on October 27. For more information and to stay updated on future events, visit NDSCS.edu/Performing-Arts.

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