Rose Wendel, a Liberal Arts Agriculture Transfer student at North Dakota State College of Science (NDSCS), has been named a 2024 Coca-Cola Academic Team Bronze Scholar and will receive a $1,000 scholarship.
The Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation sponsors the Coca-Cola Academic Team program by recognizing 50 Gold, 50 Silver, and 50 Bronze Scholars with nearly $200,000 in scholarships annually. Each scholar also receives a commemorative medallion.
“The Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation has a long history of providing financial assistance to outstanding students at community colleges,” said Jane Hale Hopkins, President of the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation. “We are proud to partner with Phi Theta Kappa to make it possible for more deserving students to achieve their educational goals and support tomorrow’s global community leaders.”
Students are nominated for the academic team by their college administrators. Selection is based on academic achievement, leadership, and engagement in college and community service. “Rose Wendell is an excellent nominee,” said Jeff Hart, NDSCS Phi Theta Kappa advisor, “She is an outstanding student, was a member of NDSCS’s Wildcat Volleyball team that participated in the national tournament, and is active in the NDSCS Music and Theater programs.”
Rose and other Coca-Cola Academic Team members will be recognized in both local and statewide ceremonies. They will also be recognized internationally during Phi Theta Kappa’s annual convention on April 4-6.
“We thank the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation for recognizing these student leaders and for investing in their futures,” said Dr. Lynn Tincher-Ladner, President and CEO of Phi Theta Kappa. “Scholarships like these are integral to the success of these students in reaching their educational and career goals.”
North Dakota State College of Science (NDSCS) is proud to announce the expansion of its Agriculture department with the introduction of new AAS degrees in Precision Agronomy and Precision Agriculture Technician.
These programs are crafted to meet the growing demand for skilled professionals in the agricultural industry and to support the CHS Foundation mission of developing a new generation of ag leaders. CHS and the CHS Foundation recently awarded $96,000 to NDSCS to help reach these goals. That grant will help NDSCS purchase and implement a variety of GPS receivers and field displays; purchase and install John Deere AutoTrac and ActiveYield; and purchase and implement a planter row unit test table.
“The CHS partnership is invaluable to the Precision Agriculture Technician program at NDSCS. The high-tech equipment provided by this grant will provide innovative, real-world training. NDSCS students will now be even better prepared to take on the challenges ahead in their ag careers,” shared Craig Zimprich, Program Director at NDSCS Agriculture.
The new Precision Agriculture Technician program is meticulously designed to train students in the latest technological advances in agriculture equipment. It prepares students for careers where they will sell, troubleshoot, and repair precision equipment, a critical need identified by major precision equipment dealers. The program offers extensive hands-on experience, including a paid internship and the opportunity to operate state-of-the-art machinery at the NDSCS Kosel Family Land Lab.
“Training in precision agriculture and experience with precision agriculture equipment are essential skills for today’s graduates,” says Megan Wolle, president, CHS Foundation. “Through this partnership, NDSCS students will be ready to tackle new precision ag challenges and pursue careers in the agriculture industry.”
NDSCS's commitment to diversity and inclusion is integral to its vision, fostering a respectful and supportive environment that celebrates individual differences and promotes cultural appreciation. Chandra Langseth, a program instructor on the CHS Dakota Plains Ag producer board, exemplifies this commitment, enhancing program development and workforce diversity in collaboration with CHS.
“We are fortunate to have Chandra lead our Precision Agriculture program. She is very talented and provides valuable insight coupled with practical knowledge for the students here at NDSCS,” shared Zimprich.
The college's innovative strategies include interdisciplinary teaching, leveraging expertise from NDSCS's diesel and manufacturing faculty to ensure that graduates possess comprehensive technical skills. The program's success is already anticipated, with the North Dakota Legislature allocating approximately $20 million for facility enhancements to advance precision agriculture education at NDSCS.
The program's SMART goals are ambitious and well-defined, focusing on equipping students with practical skills in data management, equipment calibration, and troubleshooting. The long-term impact is clear: NDSCS aims to be a national leader in precision agriculture training, providing students with the knowledge and practical experience needed for immediate career success.
NDSCS's strategic partnerships and collaborations with industry leaders, including CHS Foundation, ensure that the curriculum remains cutting-edge and relevant. The program is set to be sustainable, with funding strategies involving the reinvestment of proceeds from the NDSCS Kosel Family Agriculture Land Lab and ongoing support from industry partners.
The college plans to promote the program through various channels, including opportunities for high school students and active engagement with FFA organizations in North Dakota, Minnesota, and throughout our region.
Learn more at NDSCS.edu/Ag.
In a grand gesture that underscores a legacy of commitment and generosity, the Yaggie family has contributed a $1 million donation to the North Dakota State College of Science (NDSCS) Foundation. This significant contribution will fund the renovation of the NDSCS Agriculture Center, which will be renamed the “Yaggie Family Agriculture Center” in honor of the family’s longstanding involvement in agriculture and the community.
Robert (Bob), Donald (Don) and Richard Yaggie, along with Jeri Yaggie (in memory and honor of her late husband, David) have made this generous contribution to NDSCS that will benefit our entire region.
This transformative donation comes as a tribute to the family’s deep roots in agriculture and education, with multiple generations of Yaggies having attended NDSCS. “The Yaggie family's gift is a testament to their belief in the future of agriculture and the importance of education in our community,” said Dr. Rod Flanigan, President of NDSCS.
The renovated Yaggie Family Agriculture Center will not only serve as a tribute to the family’s contributions but will also be a cornerstone for future agricultural education and innovation at NDSCS.
NDSCS Director of Facilities, David Cooper, shares details of the renovations made possible by this gift, “These are exciting times for NDSCS, as the Tech Center remodel is in the Architectural design and engineering phases. This will not only create a visible presence for the NDSCS Precision Agriculture program, it will also help the different programs within Precision Ag to grow, providing the latest in today’s student environment and combining hands-on learning with today’s technology. This remodel includes the renovation of all classrooms, shops, and offices to include the relocation of the John Deere Diesel program to make room for Precision Ag equipment training programs. We are working closely with our technology partners to insure all of the spaces provide the best learning environment possible for our students.”
From Otto Yaggie's homestead beginnings to Leo’s visionary expansion into the Red River Valley and the establishment of the Minn-Dak Beet Growers, the Yaggie family has been pivotal in fostering agricultural innovation. Today, the Yaggie farms continue to thrive with a collaborative spirit across four generations. Donald--along with his sons Kevin, Mike, and Jeff—farm in the Breckenridge area, as well as, Thief River Falls, Minnesota. Also, part of the family legacy are Robert (1960 NDSCS alum) and his son, Bruce, Richard and his son, Allen, David (a 1965 NDSCS Alum) who passed away in 2019 and his son, Mark, who passed in 2017. All farm near Breckenridge.
The Yaggie family's involvement extends beyond their farms. They have been active in various community and agricultural organizations, including: the International Flying Farmers; St. Mary’s School and Church; and CHI Hospital--showcasing their commitment to enriching the community and supporting future generations.
“We are deeply grateful for the Yaggie family’s generosity,” said Kim Nelson, Executive Director of the NDSCS Foundation. “This donation will allow us to advance our agricultural programs and continue to serve as a leader in educating the next generation of agricultural professionals.”
In addition to their support of the Yaggie Family Agriculture Center, the family also supports NDSCS through their involvement on the NDSCS Foundation Board, NDSCS Catbackers, the NDSCS Ag Advisory Committee and promoting NDSCS to the entire surrounding community.
(photo caption: left to right — Jeri, Donald, Richard and Robert Yaggie)
