North Dakota State College of Science (NDSCS) students recently earned top awards at the National SkillsUSA Championships held during the National Leadership and Skills Conference (NLSC) in Atlanta, Georgia. Four NDSCS students earned the national spotlight for their achievements.

Zachary Lahlum of Marion, N.D. earned a gold medal in the Power Equipment Technology category. In Power Equipment Technology, Lahlum’s skills were tested in all areas of technology including: repair and maintenance of chainsaws and other handheld power equipment; understanding related theories; interpreting electrical and hydraulic schematics; and customer service skills. About his time competing in SkillsUSA, Lahlum noted, “I have made many great friends through SkillsUSA, but more importantly, I have been able to network with industry professionals. I enjoyed competing because everything is relevant and useful for my future career.”

Cale Mouser of Tenstrike, Minn. also earned a gold medal award in the Diesel Equipment Technology category. Mouser cycled through 14 stations testing and troubleshooting engines, electrical and electronics systems, powertrain systems and more during this competition. He demonstrated numerous shop skills, and also performed a job interview and completed a written test. Involvement with SkillsUSA has clearly left an impression on Mouser, as he reports, “SkillsUSA is dedicated to preparing the leaders of the world’s work force through hands-on involvement, industry partnerships, and access to up-and-coming technology. Through involvement in this organization, students are not only taught industry specific skills, but how to think critically and efficiently. It is through the skilled hands of thinkers that technology advances, and SkillsUSA is a crucial member in creating the industry of tomorrow.”

Shayne Hoffman of New Hradec, N.D. won a bronze medal in the Architectural Drafting category. Hoffman, an Architectural Modeling & Design Technology student at NDSCS, used his drafting skills and Autodesk Revit computer software to design a residential addition to an existing home located in Florida. The competition included a written test, hand sketch, and drawings. Hoffman reflected on his experience by saying, "Through SkillsUSA I was able to see my progression year after year, which has helped me for my future career by improving my technical skills through the competition and my soft skills through networking with the many industry contacts who attend.”

Ruari Devlin of Grand Forks, N.D. also won a bronze medal at the National SkillsUSA competition with his award in the CNC Programmer category. Devlin was evaluated, in part, on his ability to independently plan and program jobs for various types of CNC machines and provide instructions for operators to execute.

The SkillsUSA Championship is one of the largest hands-on workforce events in the world, and is known for competitions showcasing the best career and technical education students in the nation. This year, nearly 6,200 contestants from across the country competed in 110 separate events.

Article written by NDSCS and submitted to external news outlets. 

North Dakota State College of Science will hold its Commencement ceremony on Friday, May 12 at 3 p.m. in the Ed Werre Arena located in the Clair T. Blikre Activities Center in Wahpeton, N.D. Approximately 620 students from the Wahpeton campus, NDSCS-Fargo location and online are scheduled to graduate.

Faculty Senate President Michael Redding will serve as the Stage Marshal, and Vice President for Academic Affairs and Chief Academic Officer, Dr. Lisa Karch will preside as the Master of Ceremonies. NDSCS President Dr. Rod Flanigan looks forward to celebrating his first commencement at NDSCS, and will give remarks and recognitions as well as the presentation of degrees, diplomas and certificates. Additional remarks will be provided by Dr. Mark Hagerott, NDUS Chancellor, and Amanda Edwards, Student Senate President. The NDSCS Wildcat Singers will also perform a musical selection.

This is a free event, and there are no tickets required. The South doors of the Clair T. Blikre Activities Center will open for guests at 1:45 p.m. and will close at 2:50 p.m. Seating is on a first-come, first served basis, and arriving with all parties in your group is recommended – reserving seats will not be permitted.

A seating section will be arranged at Commencement for those attending the 100th Anniversary Celebration of the NDSCS Electrical Technology program and Friends of Barnard Hall.

For guests that are unable to attend in person, the entire ceremony will be live-streamed. The link will be available on Friday, May 12 at NDSCS.edu/Graduation.