In an era where renewable resources are gaining increasing prominence and support from government authorities, educational institutions are stepping up to incorporate these sustainable technologies into their campuses. North Dakota State College of Science (NDSCS) has taken a proactive approach by installing solar panels and a wind tower, not only to generate clean energy but also to offer valuable learning opportunities to its students. These installations serve as practical tools for students to gain hands-on experience in installation, troubleshooting, and maintenance of renewable energy systems. Let's delve deeper into the significance and impact of these initiatives at NDSCS.

Enhancing Learning Through Renewable Energy

Ivan Maas, Chairman of the Building Systems Department at NDSCS, shares that the integration of solar panels and a wind tower has greatly enhanced the learning experience for NDSCS students. “By providing exposure to renewable energy from an installation and troubleshooting perspective, students become proficient in assisting with the setup of such equipment. This practical experience equips them with valuable skills that align with the growing demand for renewable energy professionals.”

Installation and Gifting of Solar Panels

NDSCS boasts multiple solar arrays on its campus. The first array, a 3.5KW installation, was placed on a dual-axis tracker in 2011-12. It was purchased using a Career and Technical Education (CTE) grant and installed by Enterprise Sales from Valley City, ND. Recently, this array was upgraded to IQ-7+ micro inverters from Enphase, improving its efficiency and allowing direct integration with the NDSCS power grid.

Arrays #2 and #3, each with a capacity of 1.3KW, were also purchased in 2011-12 through the CTE grant. These arrays were installed on a ground-mounted framework built for student accessibility. The DC power generated by these arrays is fed into Barnard Hall, where it is converted into AC power using a Fronius IG inverter before being integrated into the power grid. In 2020-21, NDSCS added another solar array, known as Array #4, with a capacity of 4.4KW. This installation was funded by the NDSCS Electrical Department and installed by Scott's Electric in Wahpeton, ND, under guidance from Lightspring in Bismarck, ND.

The Future Impact of Solar and Wind Technology

Maas believes that wind energy might see limited growth in the residential and light commercial sectors due to initial high costs, maintenance challenges, and grid interconnectivity issues. However, large-scale wind turbine utilization is expected to continue growing steadily. On the other hand, solar energy is predicted to experience high demand and substantial growth. Solar power's predictability and dependability, coupled with the simplicity of maintenance and absence of moving parts, make it an attractive renewable energy option. Maas mentions that solar "farms" will be installed near existing distribution resources, power plants, and wind turbine installations. Some states, like California since 2020, have even enacted laws mandating solar installations on every new home.

Both private individuals and corporations are increasingly opting for solar installations to reduce their reliance on the electrical grid and minimize their carbon footprint.

Understanding Solar Panel Output

Solar panels come in various sizes and power outputs. Small panels with outputs ranging from 15 to 50 watts are suitable for charging small devices in outdoor settings. Residential and commercial panels typically range from 250 to 500 watts each. Multiple panels can be electrically wired together to form a solar array, while large installations with multiple arrays are often referred to as solar "farms." The output of a panel depends on its voltage and current ratings, which must be matched to the specific application for proper and safe operation.

Impact on Higher Education

Maas shares his thoughts on the future collaborations between renewable energy and higher education:

“I don’t know how many campuses have solar generation capability. It will vary greatly by state and region. My guess is that a very small percentage today have renewable sources/assets and it would be very rare to have their entire electrical power needs coming from renewables (solar/wind/etc.).”

“I believe there are not many colleges teaching solar classes. Some may include discussions in renewable energy but very few (like NDSCS) feature full-fledged installation practices. The most widely known training center (nationally) for solar installations is North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP). NABCEP Certifications are very highly respected and recognized nation-wide. Regionally, several colleges in Minnesota have some instruction in solar installation since Minnesota has aspired to be more proactive on renewable energy production/consumption than other states.”

Article written by NDSCS. 

The North Dakota State College of Science has named 467 students to its spring semester 2023 President’s Honor List. The Honor List recognizes students who have achieved grade point averages of 3.5 or higher while taking at least 12 credits with letter grades. The honorees include:

ARIZONA
Gilbert: Elli Kracht, Business Management
Scottsdale: Drew Boxwell, Liberal Arts Transfer

COLORADO
Fleming: Nathan Brekel, Diesel Technology; Bodey Macisaac, Diesel Technology

IOWA
Sibley: Jochum Wollmuth, John Deere Tech

INDIANA
Salem: Porter Howey, Liberal Arts Transfer

MINNESOTA
Alexandria: Autumn Blahosky, Dental Assisting; Joseph Brezina, Land Surveying & Civil Engineering Technology; Garret Honkomp, Heating, Ventilating, Air Conditioning & Refrigeration Technology; Preston Peterson, Building Construction Technology
Andover: Brendan Beggin, Diesel Technology; Grace Massaquoi, Liberal Arts Transfer
Apple Valley: Tristin Wiggins, Liberal Arts Transfer
Avon: David Hartung, Architectural Modeling & Design Technology
Barnesville: Cole Loeks, Robotics, Automation & Mechatronics Technology; Jacob Reep, Practical Nursing; Emmy Stanton, Liberal Arts Transfer
Battle Lake: Annah Evavold, Architectural Modeling & Design Technology; Tomothy Underhill, Agriculture
Baxter: Forrest Gibson, Architectural Modeling & Design Technology
Beardsley: Ryan Geray, Building Construction Technology; Wyatt Krueger, Auto Body Repair & Refinishing Technology
Belgrade: Emma Buysse, Liberal Arts Transfer
Benson: Abbie Mitteness, Dental Hygiene; Samuel Thompson, Diesel Technology
Bluffton: Ellie Benson, Culinary Arts
Borup: Katrina Quick, Agriculture
Breckenridge: Riley Finkral, Practical Nursing; Ian Foley, Liberal Arts Transfer; Ashtyn Kaehler, Practical Nursing; Camryn Kaehler, Dental Hygiene; Sophie Larson, Occupational Therapy Assistant; Logan Mammenga, Business Management; Tristan Reff, Robotics, Automation & Mechatronics Technology; Victoria Undem, Dental Hygiene; Tanner Werner, Liberal Arts Transfer; Ryler Wiertzema, Diesel Technology
Brewster: Ethan Haberman, John Deere Tech
Brooten: Kristy Kollman, Agriculture
Burnsville: Roosevelt Cage, Liberal Arts Transfer
Campbell: Tate Freeberg, Electrical Technology; Elise Klindt, Dental Assisting
Chanhassen: Josiah Schmidt, Building Construction Technology
Chisago City: Reilly Sullivan, Liberal Arts Transfer
Circle Pines: Brayden Berg, Diesel Technology
Clarkfield: Travis Vold, John Deere Tech
Clear Lake: Megan Kardell, Registered Nursing
Clearwater: Taylor Reid, Culinary Arts
Cloquet: Nathan Blatchford, Automotive Technology
Cohasset: Mackenzie Hebeisen, Architectural Modeling & Design Technology
Corcoran: Andrew Palan, Automotive Technology
Dalton: Alexis Olson, Electrical Technology
Danvers: Torie Andrews, Liberal Arts Transfer
De Graff: Ali Gunderson, Dental Assisting
Deer Creek: Jessica Maloney, Emergency Medical Services (EMS)
Detroit Lakes: Jacob Trout, Welding Technology
East Bethel: Reed Kohler, Diesel Technology
East Grand Forks: Kaleb Bolonchuk, Welding Technology; Zachary Stocker, Caterpillar Dealer Service Technician
Elbow Lake: Alana Denoma-Olson, Liberal Arts Transfer
Elk River: Eric Ullrich, Diesel Technology
Elko New Market: Ethan Beneke, John Deere Tech
Embarrass: Shelby Nelson, Business Management
Fergus Falls: Ronald Becker, Business Management; Nathan Crellin, Electrical Technology; Thea Eklund, Liberal Arts Transfer; Eric Formo, Precision Machining Technology; Thomas Hagge, Electrical Technology; Dylan Hanstad, Automotive Technology; Ethan Hemmila, Diesel Technology; Layton Hemmila, Diesel Technology; Brandon Hinsverk, Liberal Arts Transfer; Lianna Jepson, Electrical Technology; Penny Kantrud, Liberal Arts Technology; Elias Kolle, Electrical Technology; Lucas Nelson, Welding Technology; Wesley Peyerl, Electrical Technology; Jose Rodriguez, Jr., Dental Hygiene; Eli Sorum, Agriculture; Trent Stach, Land Surveying & Civil Engineering Technology
Fertile: Matthew Sykes, Information & Communications Technology
Fisher: Ellie Schmitz, Business Management
Glenwood: Parker Holtberg, Business Management; Mark Jenniges, Land Surveying & Civil Engineering Technology; Heidi Laumeyer, Occupational Therapy Assistant; Mason McGinty, Plumbing; Ty Walsh, Electrical Technology
Glyndon: Logan Johnson, Welding Technology; Alexander Wallin, Information & Communications Technology
Graceville: Isaac Ebnet, Sr., Heating, Ventilating, Air Conditioning & Refrigeration Technology; Nickolas McDonnell, John Deere Tech
Grand Rapids: Tanner Glasrud, Building Construction Technology
Green Isle: Micah Scherer, Electrical Technology
Hallock: Grace Lamberson, Agriculture
Hampton: Kane Hanson, Electrical Technology
Hancock: Zachary Koehl, Agriculture
Hawley: Wyatt Dunham, John Deere Tech; Turner Harrison, Architectural Modeling & Design Technology; Caidin Larson, Building Construction Technology
Henning: Makena Kenyon, Agriculture
Herman: Ryan Miller, Agriculture
Hoffman: Ashton Danner, Plumbing
Holdingford: Jayden Mareck, Plumbing
Inver Grove Heights: Matthew Brummund, John Deere Tech
Kennedy: Adam Gustafson, Agriculture
Kensington: Morgan Woodle, Occupational Therapy Assistant
Kent: Jude Held, Liberal Arts Transfer
Kerkhoven: Lauren Krieger, Dental Assisting
Lake Park: Logan Ladwig, Powersports Technology; Gage Matson, Building Construction Technology
Lancaster: Courtney Fredrickson, Business Management; Cora Vagle, Liberal Arts Transfer; Gracie Whitlock, Business Management
Lindstrom: Joel Kavaloski, Land Surveying & Civil Engineering Technology
Lowry: Jakob Swalla, Plumbing
Mayer: Ashton Congdon, John Deere Tech
Menahga: Shailyn Pachel, Business Management
Montevideo: Hayley Voller, Registered Nursing
Moorhead: Josiah Bjertness, Information & Communications Technology; Michael Borth, Construction Management Technology; Samuel Case, John Deere Tech; Cynthia Grothe, Health Information; Morgan Lewis, Emergency Medical Services (EMS); Riane Mohagen, Liberal Arts Transfer; Keri Reynolds, Information & Communications Technology; Zachery Taft, Electrical Technology; Rylee Walther, Business Management
Mora: Thomas Mulford, John Deere Tech
Morris: Jacob Boots, Heating, Ventilating, Air Conditioning & Refrigeration Technology; Garner Swenson, Heating, Ventilating, Air Conditioning & Refrigeration Technology; Katelyn Wehking, Dental Hygiene
Nerstrand: Mason Pagel, Diesel Technology
Nevis: Tanner Kalla, Welding Technology; Ethan Lewis, Electrical Technology
New Ulm: Adam Schnobrich, John Deere Tech
New York Mills: Abram Carlson, Robotics, Automation & Mechatronics Technology
Newfolden: Gage Hockstedler, John Deere Tech
Pennock: Katie Krieger, Dental Hygiene
Plummer: Tristyn Ferguson, Caterpillar Dealer Service Technician
Plymouth: Cameron Felt, Diesel Technology
Puposky: Theresa Gustafson, Agriculture
Red Lake Falls: Logan Dahle, Welding Technology
Rothsay: Connor Nosal, Welding Technology; Karsyn Zilmer, Diesel Technology
Sabin: Hunter Albert, Agriculture
Saint Cloud: Charita Lewis, Liberal Arts Transfer
Saint Michael: Kaitlin Post, Registered Nursing
Saint Paul: Eva Larson, Dental Hygiene; Ian McManus, Electrical Technology
Sandstone: Jordan Kester, Emergency Medical Services (EMS)
Sauk Rapids: David Stamm, John Deere Technology
Savage: Jayson Berg, Electrical Technology
Slayton: Keigan Behnke, John Deere Tech
Staples: Libby O'Neil, Dental Hygiene
Sunburg: Hayden Larson, Agriculture
Two Harbors: Clark Nelson, Plumbing
Warren: Matthew Hanel, John Deere Technology
Warroad: Mackenzie Bergstrom, Occupational Therapy Assistant; Grace Foster, Liberal Arts Transfer
Waseca: Michael Evans, Welding Technology; Nathan Hartfiel, Welding Technology
White Bear Lake: Nicholas Distad, John Deere Tech
Willmar: Lily Reed, Welding Technology
Wolverton: Anna Betz, Business Management
Zumbro Falls: Phebe Nelson, Occupational Therapy Assistant
Zumbrota: Michael Lyon, John Deere Tech

MONTANA
Culbertson: Cody Larsen, Dental Assisting
Deer Lodge: Brodey Freeman, Electrical Technology
Kalispell: Karissa Comer, Liberal Arts Transfer
Medicine Lake: Isaac Johnson, Liberal Arts Transfer
Miles City: Garen Hendrickson, John Deere Tech
Nashua: Walker Laumeyer, Automotive Technology
Plentywood: Nicholas Soderquist, Electrical Technology
Savage: Logan Nelson, Electrical Technology
Scobey: Taylor Crohn, Powersports Technology; Colter Oie, Diesel Technology

NORTH DAKOTA
Balfour: Shayden Schiele, Agriculture
Belcourt: Amber Gagnon, Culinary Arts
Beulah: Andrea Seiler, Health Information
Bismarck: Zachary Aichele, Electrical Technology; Paris Batke, Dental Hygiene; Joseph Best, Caterpillar Dealer Service Technician; Hunter Edwards, Diesel Technology; Joshua Entzel, Electrical Technology; Josiah Frei, Automotive Technology; Alexis Harstad    , Culinary Arts; Matthew Heupel, Caterpillar Dealer Service Technician; Jordan Kellington, Diesel Technology; Michael Kent, Caterpillar Dealer Service Technician; Lucas Kivisto, Diesel Technology; Gavin Maher, Welding Technology; Gannon McGregor, Heating, Ventilating, Air Conditioning & Refrigeration Technology; Ellie Miller, Dental Hygiene; Brooke Neideffer, Dental Assisting; Dexter Seese, Welding Technology
Bottineau: Emma Aberle, Dental Hygiene
Bowman: Rhyann Heyen, Dental Hygiene
Burlington: Krysta Berard, Dental Hygiene
Butte: Carson Kostenko, Diesel Technology
Calvin: Jacob Henderson, John Deere Tech
Cando: Kole Graber, Agriculture
Carpio: Benjamin Haaland, Diesel Technology
Carrington: Alexander Hurlbut, Electrical Technology; Tate Larsen, Electrical Technology; Cole Seaburg, Caterpillar Dealer Service Technician
Casselton: Matthew Bergh, Powersports Technology; Andrew Buchholz, Heating, Ventilating, Air Conditioning & Refrigeration Technology; Brittany Hiltner, Occupational Therapy Assistant; Kobey Johnson, Dental Hygiene; Barbara Prante, Business Management; Logan Prochnow, Building Construction Technology
Cavalier: Hunter Denault, John Deere Tech
Center: Tyson Fricke, Electrical Technology
Christine: Dain Anderson, Welding Technology
Colfax: Noah Pfeiff, Welding Technology
Cooperstown: Medora Brandner, Dental Assisting; Hunter Gronneberg, Agriculture; Dylan Johnson, Building Construction Technology
Davenport: Sean Maddock, Culinary Arts
Dazey: Peter Bryn, Agriculture
Des Lacs: Julianna Amsden, Pharmacy Technician; Mikael Dickens, Caterpillar Dealer Service Technician
Devils Lake: Breydin Ehnert, Welding Technology; Bradyn Hewson, Liberal Arts Transfer
Dickinson: Jersey Binstock, Liberal Arts Transfer; Andrew Ficek, Robotics, Automation & Mechatronics Technology; Shayne Hoffman, Architectural Modeling & Design Technology; Grace Madler, Culinary Arts; Brett Massie, Heating, Ventilating, Air Conditioning & Refrigeration Technology; James Rehbein, Caterpillar Dealer Service Technician; Meghan Roller, Architectural Modeling & Design Technology; Cherokee Warnecke, Liberal Arts Transfer
Douglas: Benjamin Lindbo, John Deere Tech
Drake: Riley Hauff, Liberal Arts Transfer
Dunn Center: Jayden Hicks, Welding Technology
Elgin: Connor Ottmar, John Deere Tech
Enderlin: Melanie Brown, Registered Nursing
Esmond: Zach Jaeger, John Deere Tech
Fairmount: Caiden Bernard, Welding Technology; Jacob Seelye, Diesel Technology; Kristy Wangler, Business Management
Fargo: Brita Anderson   , Registered Nursing; Christopher Church, Robotics, Automation & Mechatronics Technology; Kelsey Cook, Associate in Science in Nursing; Nicholas Crommett, John Deere Tech; Brooklyn Erickson, Emergency Medical Services (EMS); Carissa Gozdal, Diesel Technolog; Laura Green, Liberal Arts Transfer; Emma Hagemeister, Liberal Arts Transfer; Kordell Harris, Practical Nursing; Jacob Harvey, Liberal Arts Transfer; Amanda Hiner, Liberal Arts Transfer; Tyler Hook, Welding Technology; Ava Huynh, Information & Communications Technology; Rachel Juve, Emergency Medical Services (EMS); Apelete Messan, Sr, Information & Communications Technology; Alicia Milbrandt, Practical Nursing; Robert Nies, Welding Technology; Madison Puttbrese, Information & Communications Technology;  Mason Reinhiller, Information & Communications Technology; Samuel Roehl, Electrical Technology; Justin Roggenkamp, Emergency Medical Services (EMS); Kenneth Schafer, Emergency Medical Services (EMS); Paige Schroeder, Liberal Arts Transfer; Tobias Sheets, Information & Communications Technology; Zachary Shelley, Welding Technology; Benjamin Shook, Building Construction Technology; Jason Snaza, Diesel Technology; Kaitlyn Stoppler, Emergency Medical Services (EMS); Aracely Tovar-Ruiz, Welding Technology; Abdisalan Weli, Liberal Arts Transfer; Ryan Werness, Information & Communications Technology; Regan Wiesneski, Liberal Arts Transfer; Anna Zamarripa, Emergency Medical Services (EMS)
Finley: Tucker Renfrow, Precision Machining Technology
Flasher: Landon Frederick, Electrical Technology
Geneseo: Levi Witt, Business Management
Gladstone: Emily Schmidt, Architectural Modeling & Design Technology
Glenburn: Nadia Post, Liberal Arts Transfer
Grafton: William Jiskra, Business Management; Casey Jones, Heating, Ventilating, Air Conditioning & Refrigeration Technology; Tyler Moe, Business Management
Grand Forks: Ruari Devlin, Precision Machining Technology; Hunter Moreland, Caterpillar Dealer Service Technician
Granville: Aidan McMahon, John Deere Tech
Gwinner: Alannah Beck, Liberal Arts Transfer
Hague: Logan Hulm, Agriculture
Hankinson: Savannah Falk, Pharmacy Technician; Madelyn Foertsch, Agriculture; Aaron Medenwaldt, Business Management; Jace Steffens, Electrical Technology
Hannaford: Lane Kautzman, Agriculture
Hannah: Benjamin Girodat, Automotive Technology
Hatton: Grant Mundahl, Architectural Modeling & Design Technology
Hazen: Jayden Kaelberer, Diesel Technology; Austin Martell, Diesel Technology; Austin Roth, Electrical Technology; Jarvis Welch, Electrical Technology
Hensel: Samuel Steele, Caterpillar Dealer Service Technician
Hettinger: Wendy Schaefer, Health Information
Hillsboro: Kaitlin Anderson, Dental Hygiene; Destiny Vadnie, Dental Assisting
Jamestown: Johnathon Elmer Browning, Agriculture; Shaun Easton Kurtz, Robotics, Automation & Mechatronics Technology; Colin Pete Lemieux, Welding Technology; Jacob Aaron Roberts, Precision Machining Technology; Brayden Dean Schmeichel, Construction Management Technology; Nathan B Schulte, Liberal Arts Transfer; Cameron Andrew Winstead, Building Construction Technology; Alyssa Marie Zachrison, Associate in Science in Nursing
Kindred: Edisen J Score, Precision Machining Technology
Lakota: Kalli A Wittenhagen, Business Management
LaMoure: Josiah Ronald Loegering, Diesel Technology; Monte Rinn, Electrical Technology; Rose Wendel, Liberal Arts Transfer
Larimore: Tysen Landeis, Diesel Technology
Lehr: Jacy Entzi, Occupational Therapy Assistant
Leonard: Emily Roehrich, Business Management
Lidgerwood: Dylan Frankki, Automotive Technology; Alexander Woytassek, Robotics, Automation & Mechatronics Technology
Linton: Kaden Percel-Klein, Diesel Technology
Lisbon: Emma Eskildsen, Pharmacy Technician; Troy Jorgenson, Agriculture; Angela Padayao, Dental Hygiene; Silas Reinke, Building Construction Technology; Caeden Sweet, Agriculture; Mackenna Toyne, Agriculture; Shirley Vogelsang, Dental Assisting
Maddock: Quinn Neppl, Dental Hygiene
Mandan: Kaden Alvstad, Caterpillar Dealer Service Technician; Natalie Haroldson, Dental Hygiene; Hannah Nehl, Dental Hygiene; Jordan Toman, Dental Hygiene
Manning: Shadera Burian, Welding Technology
Marion: Zachary Lahlum, Powersports Technology
Mayville: Zachary Kville, John Deere Tech
Menoken: James Agnew, Diesel Technology
Mercer: Deven Ketterling, Diesel Technology
Michigan: Emily Bina, Dental Hygiene
Milnor: Gage Sundquist, John Deere Tech
Minot: Hunter Boyd, Caterpillar Dealer Service Technician; Noah Cunningham, Land Surveying & Civil Engineering Technology; Trevor Emke, Caterpillar Dealer Service Technician; Taylor Garaas, Dental Hygiene; Layton Ludwig, Caterpillar Dealer Service Technician; Griffen New, John Deere Tech; Abigail Schaefer, Culinary Arts; Brianna Switzler, Liberal Arts Transfer; Tate Zablotney, Diesel Technology
Mooreton: Keagan Neppl, Business Management
Munich: Drew McArthur, Diesel Technology; Ashley Perry, Dental Hygiene
New England: Grace Dinius, Agriculture; Wyatt Dorner, Agriculture
New Rockford: Brooke Longnecker, Dental Hygiene; Darica Ziebart, Dental Hygiene
New Salem: Aaron Guenther, Powersports Technology; Joshua Olin, Diesel Technology; Spencer Rebel, Caterpillar Dealer Service Technician
Newburg: Lance Hunskor, Automotive Technology
Oakes: Jacob Bredeson, Precision Machining Technology; Jordan Cunningham, Heating, Ventilating, Air Conditioning & Refrigeration Technology; Barret Gelinske, Business Management; Marc Seyer, Heating, Ventilating, Air Conditioning & Refrigeration Technology
Parshall: Cosette Quillin, Culinary Arts
Petersburg: Nora Johnson, Dental Hygiene
Rolla: Alaina Demers, Health Information; Cade McCloud, Caterpillar Dealer Service Technician
Rugby: Sawyer Harmel, John Deere Tech; Carson Mattern, Electrical Technology
Sentinel Butte: Trin Schumacher, Diesel Technology
Sheldon: Jaycob Froehlich, Welding Technology
Solen: Clayton Marohl, Diesel Technology
Stanley: Justin Germundson, John Deere Tech; Kimberly Mulder, Health Information
Stirum: Calvin Bopp, Agriculture
Surrey: Steven Fred, Diesel Technology
Sykeston: Ian Lacina, Caterpillar Dealer Service Technician
Thompson: Zachary Peterson, Diesel Technology; Nicholas Schlief, Diesel Technology; Grace Stumpf, Culinary Arts
Tolley: Kristopher Vandemark, Diesel Technology
Tolna: Jada Eveland, Dental Hygiene; Nathan Gronaas, Electrical Technology
Towner: Lita Prellwitz, Diesel Technology
Underwood: Kayden Hornberger, Electrical Technology
Valley City: Alliya Anderson, Dental Hygiene
Velva: Triton Kaercher, Electrical Technology
Wahpeton: Tanner Barth, Business Management; Caleb Beto, Plumbing; Gabriella Birchem, Culinary Arts; Abby Boelke, Dental Hygiene; Takudzwa Bosha, Construction Management Technology; Eric Dehler, Welding Technology; Logan Dimmer, Robotics, Automation & Mechatronics Technology; Thomas Dion, Electrical Technology; Wyatt Dunlop, Diesel Technology; Andrew Ficek, Liberal Arts Transfer; Colton Frankl, Business Management; Gabrielle Gebro, Practical Nursing; Christa Habiger, Health Information; Carston Hamre, Sr, Agriculture; Robert Heinrich, Jr, Powersports Technology; Mark Homes, Welding Technology; Lea Kling, Liberal Arts Transfer; Gary Miller, Automotive Technology; Natalie Nett, Dental Hygiene; Jake Pfaff, Auto & Diesel Master Technician; Jacob Pollestad, Agriculture; Christian Sallade, Electrical Technology; Nathan Snell, Electrical Technology; Jessica St. Martin, Agriculture; Levi Steckler, Liberal Arts Transfer; Parker Steeves, Liberal Arts Transfer; Kylie Storo, Dental Assisting; Mason Thom, Business Management; Shea Truesdell, Diesel Technology; Kyle Weight, Architectural Modeling & Design Technology; April Wilmes, Health Information; Cassie Witte, Registered Nursing; Nathan Worrel, Liberal Arts Transfer
Walcott: Drew Gunness, Agriculture; Logan Myers, Liberal Arts Transfer
West Fargo: Platin Akoto, Practical Nursing; Bradley Bertsch, Diesel Technology; Katilyn Carlson, Liberal Arts Transfer; Jack Gorden, Liberal Arts Transfer; Heather Haarstad, Practical Nursing; Karter Hilde, Business Management; Andrew Jourdan, Culinary Arts; Samuel Martinez, Welding Technology; Kwabena Oppong, Electrical Technology; Alanna Pritchard, Liberal Arts Transfer; Gabriel Reyes, Welding Technology; Tyler Schroeder, Welding Technology; Ethan Scott, Liberal Arts Transfer; Madelyn Shell, Business Management         
Wheatland: Brendan Maasjo, Construction Management Technology
Williston: Jared Burg, Electrical Technology
Wishek: Lucien Peterson, Diesel Technology; Adam Wolff, Building Construction Technology
Wyndmere: Paige Bernard, Dental Hygiene; Erica Pajari, Agriculture; Alec Petermann, John Deere Tech; Ethan Witt, Automotive Technology
Ypsilanti: Allison Roorda, Liberal Arts Transfer

SOUTH DAKOTA
Aberdeen: Sierra Kokales, Dental Hygiene; Marlee Schweitzer, Dental Hygiene
Hartford: Loren Jacobson, Liberal Arts Transfer
Humboldt: Braden Herr, Liberal Arts Transfer
Lake City: Casie Johnson, Practical Nursing
Leola: Anna Lapka, Dental Hygiene
Madison: Colby Briggs, John Deere Tech
McLaughlin: Matthew Schaeffer, Automotive Technology
Pierre: Carson Murphy, Auto Body Repair & Refinishing Technology
Pollock: Sterling Larson, Diesel Technology
Roscoe: Holly Anderson, Dental Hygiene
Rosholt: Jesse Johnson, Practical Nursing
Strandburg: Jace Rufer, Construction Management Technology
Timber Lake: Tristen Goldade, John Deere Tech

TEXAS
League City: Avery Martin, Liberal Arts Transfer

WASHINGTON
Spokane Valley: Katelyn Strauss, Building Construction Technology

WISCONSIN
Dodgeville: Dylan Wasley, Building Construction Technology
Galesville: Collin Anderson, Plumbing; Ethan Stoner, Plumbing
Hammond: Jared Tritz, Auto & Diesel Master Technician

INTERNATIONAL
United Kingdom: Conal Parnell, Liberal Arts Transfer

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.

North Dakota State College of Science students, faculty and staff will celebrate their annual Agawasie Day event on Thursday, May 4. 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.

The NDSCS Performing Arts Department will present the Wildcat Singers and Jazz Band for their final concert of the academic year on May 2 at 7:30 p.m. The concert will be held in the Harry Stern and Ella Stern Cultural Center at the North Dakota State College of Science in Wahpeton.

The Wildcat Singers, under the direction of Bryan Poyzer, will feature a variety of music, including songs by Starship, Maren Morris, and Lindsey Buckingham. The Jazz Band, under the direction of Dr. Adam Hollingsworth, will also perform a variety of lively pieces.

The concert is free and open to the public. Freewill donations will be accepted, and a reception will be held in the lobby following the concert.

The NDSCS Concert Band and Choir will present their final concert of the season on Tuesday, April 18th at 7:30 p.m. in the Harry Stern and Ella Stern Cultural Center at the North Dakota State College of Science in Wahpeton. The concert is free and open to the public.

Under the direction of Julie Hollingsworth and Dr. Adam Hollingsworth, the NDSCS Concert Choir and Concert Band will perform a variety of pieces. Guests will enjoy the choir singing “Glow” by Eric Whitacre, along with several other pieces. The band will be playing works such as “The Planets” by Gustav Holst and “Lincolnshire Posy” by Percy Grainger.

The concert will also feature the Valley Troubadours from Valley City, ND. This all-male singing group was established in 1975 and has again added NDSCS to its Spring Tour schedule.

The NDSCS musicians will leave immediately after the concert to begin their own Spring Tour in New York City.