Alumni and Friends

Janice Ann Dislevy Endowed Chair
In 2018, a $4.6 million gift bequeathed by the late Janice Dislevy become the largest single donation in Minot State’s history. Designated towards the Janice Ann Dislevy Endowed Chair, funds support faculty positions in the Minot State University Department of Business. Dislevy ’60 served on the Minot State University College of Business Dean’s Advisory Board and was a member of the MSU Old Main Society. Her final gift brought the total donated by Dislevy to approximately $5.3 million. She established the Janis Ann Dislevy Trust Endowed Scholarship in 2003 and the Janis Dislevy Endowed Chair in 2007.

Roger Looyenga Leadership College of Business Endowment 
Roger Looyenga, Bachelor of Science in Business Education ’68, established his endowment in 2010 with a gift of $100,000 to initiate a program in business leadership. Subsequent gifts have grown the endowment to nearly $500,000. In November 2019, Roger and Ann Looyenga announced a $1 million gift from Roger and Ann Looyenga to broaden the University’s academic offerings in the area of leadership. Since the initial gift, the leadership program has helped create growth opportunities for students to develop in four major areas: self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, and relationship management.

Severson Entrepreneurship Academy
In February 2010, the College of Business announced a first-of-its-kind $1 million gift from Clinton Severson ’73 and Conni Ahart to establish the Severson Entrepreneurship Academy.  In February 2016, the College of Business was proud to announce a historic gift of $2 million gift from Clint Severson and Conni Ahart to continue their support to the Severson Entrepreneurship Academy. The Severson Entrepreneurship Academy provides students with unique opportunities at Minot State and within the Minot community to become an innovative entrepreneur through hands-on business development, planning, research, and real-life experience.

Slaaten Learning Center
In October 2010, Minot State University announced the largest gift from a single donor, Dr. Doris Slaaten, to renovate the Slaaten Learning Center, enhance student development, supplement scholarships, and provide for on-going support. The renovation repurposed rooms to include a fully video-conference board room, financial trading lab, conference room for student meetings, and informal study space.

As a business student, you have many opportunities to study abroad. Working with the Minot State Office of International Programs, you can find opportunities and schools that best fit your interests. The Department of Business maintains partnerships with several universities around the globe.

Partnerships

Following the academic restructuring, a combined faculty emeriti list has been added to the Academic Affairs website.

• Undergraduate Junior, or Senior
• Minimum GPA of 2.5
• Preference given to a student involved in a University-approved service organization, Greek organization, or Student Government

Lynn William Aas is a graduate of Velva High School and the University of North Dakota. He served with distinction in World War Il and was awarded the Bronze Star and the Purple Heart for his service. Following his service, he went to work for the Internal Revenue Service as a Special Agent. He lived in Minneapolis where he met Beverly Stockstad, a registered nurse. They married in 1952. In 1960, Lynn took a job as the business manager of Medical Arts Clinic in Minot retiring in 1985.

Lynn served in the North Dakota Legislature during the 1967, 1969, 1987, and 1989 sessions. He is a longtime member of the Kiwanis Club of Minot, the Minot Chamber of Commerce, the United Way, First Lutheran Church, and the Republican Party.

Lynn Aas has been a longtime supporter of Minot State University. He was actively involved with President Gordon B. Olson in the brief change of Minot State’s name to Dakota Northwestern University. He also was instrumental with Dr. Olson to start the Nursing program at Minot State. He received the C. P. Laura award from Minot State for Distinguished Service to Education in 1983. He received the Minot State University Golden Award in 1985.

Beverly worked for the First District Health Unit as a traveling home care nurse. She was a longtime supporter of the Minot Symphony Association and was active in the Women’s Symphony League. Beverly passed away on March 31, 2003.

Lynn and Beverly had four sons: David, Paul, Daniel, and Joseph.

• Majoring in Accounting
• Undergraduate Junior, or Senior
• Minimum GPA of 3.0

The Accounting Department offered its first BS degree in 1981 with the first class graduating in 1982. The Accounting scholarship is funded by donations from accounting faculty, alumni, and friends.

• Preference given to Business Education Major
• Undergraduate Sophomore, Junior, or Senior
• Minimum GPA of 3.0
• If the recipient is a senior with one semester left, the value of the scholarship will be halved.

Adelaide and her sister Eleanor spent most of their careers in education. Adelaide initially taught at the secondary level but spent most of her professional career at Minot State University until her retirement in 1987. Dr. Johnson was recognized for her exemplary career at MSU by being designated an emeritus professor at the time of her retirement. She was recognized by the MSU Alumni Association in 2006 with their Golden Award.

Eleanor was an elementary education teacher until her retirement in 1983. She received her standard certificate from Minot State Teacher’s College, her bachelor’s degree from Iowa State Teacher’s College, and a master’s equivalent from the University of Minnesota-Duluth. She taught in several schools in North Dakota, but the last 30 years were spent in the Duluth Public School system. Eleanor passed away in 2007.

• Preference given to Energy Economics & Finance Major
• Minimum GPA of 2.0

The API Bakken Scholarship is awarded to College of Business students. Preference is given to Energy Economics and Finance students.

• Majoring in Accounting
• Upper class student (or possibly sophomore in unusual circumstances)
• Minimum GPA of 3.0
• Planning to take the CPA exam
• Citizenship values may be considered
• Not based on financial need, but on academic merit

This award is presented in the name of Baldwin and Shirley Martz, CPAs. Baldwin Martz served as Society president, in addition to serving on the Taxation, Government Accounting, Legislation, Relations with Bankers, and Nominations Committees. Shirley Martz served on the Professional Improvement & Welfare, Convention, Public Relations, Government Accounting, Accounting & Auditing, Nominations, MAP, and PD & CE committees.

Baldwin and Shirley both graduated from UND in May 1945. Baldwin became a staff accountant with E.W. Brady in Grand Forks. Shirley joined the accounting firm of Janz and Iverson in Minot. Their first year of marriage was spent in Grand Forks, with Baldwin continuing at the Brady firm, and Shirley teaching at UND as an instructor in the accounting department. At the end of 1947, they moved to Minot to become partners in the Janz & Iverson firm, which became Janz, Iverson & Martz. The senior partner, Roy Janz, died in 1951 and Baldwin became manager. Mr. Iverson left the firm in 1957, and the firm became Baldwin Martz & Associates. In 1981 Baldwin Martz & Associates merged with E.W. Brady & Co. of Grand Forks to become the present-day Brady Martz firm.

Baldwin retired from public accounting in 1985 and Shirley retired in 1989. Baldwin died in March 2000 and Shirley in 2011

• Undergraduate Freshman, Sophomore, Junior or Senior (entering Freshmen must meet athletic eligibility requirements since they have no established college GPA)
• Resident of North Dakota
• Minimum GPA of 2.5 
• Position paper on business ethics (Maximum of 3 pages)
• If the recipient is a senior with one semester left, the value of the scholarship will be halved.

Benedict Wald was born in Karlsruhe, ND, and after high school graduation, he served in the U.S. Army. Upon his discharge, he joined Gaffaney’s Office Supply in Minot as a sales representative in 1952. Ben married Theresa Mack in June 1957. Ben spent his entire working career at Gaffaney’s serving first as general manager and eventually (in partnership) purchasing the company. A consummate salesman, he helped build the business into one of the largest office supply companies in North Dakota. Theresa earned a Bachelor of College Studies degree in 1977. She was active in the Germans from Russia society while residing in Minot. She currently lives in Grand Forks and is kept involved in higher education by taking classes at UND and from the University of Mary. Ben and Terry have always been proud of their heritage. They were and are part of the cornerstone of the rich heritage of Germans from Russia who settled and remained in this area. Ben passed away in 1992

• Majoring in Accounting
• Undergraduate Senior or Outstanding Junior
• Preference given to North Dakota native 
• Minimum GPA of 3.0
• Persuing CPA certification

Brady Martz & Associates, PC proudly traces its roots back to 1927 when Edward W. Brady opened his accounting firm in Grand Forks. Baldwin Martz worked for Edward Brady for a while and then moved to Minot. Baldwin became a partner in Janz & Inverson in 1947. In 1957, Baldwin and his wife, Shirley, created Baldwin Martz & Associates. The Brady and Martz firm’s paths crossed again in 1981 when the two firms merged to create Brady Martz & Associates.

In 1987, Brady Martz acquired the Moser, Christenson office in Thief River Falls, MN. Not done with expansion yet, Brady Martz saw the opportunity to open an office in Bismarck, ND in 1989 and continued the growth of this office with the acquisition of Orser, Olsen & St. Peter in 1992.

More recently, Brady Martz was pleased to announce a merger with Reichert, Fisher of Williston and Dickinson in 2009.

Brady Martz’s long history and progressive future have established it as a premiere accounting and consulting firm in the region.

• Undergraduate Freshman, Sophomore, Junior or Senior (entering Freshmen must meet athletic eligibility requirements since they have no established college GPA)
• Full-time student
• Minimum GPA of 2.0

Bruce Walker is a 1966 graduate of Minot State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Education. Diane is a 1984 graduate of Minot State University with a degree in General Studies. They are successful realtors, developers, business owners and entrepreneurs in the Minot area and the region. Bruce has been very engaged at Minot State University serving on the Minot State University Development Foundation Board of Directors, Board of Regents and the Alumni Association. Bruce received the MSU Golden Award in 2003. Bruce and Diane are also very active in the community, serving on many volunteer boards for the betterment of the community

• Undergraduate Freshman, Sophomore, Junior or Senior (entering freshmen eligibility requires minimum ACT score of 24)
• Minimum GPA of 3.0
• Burger King Minot employee or immediate family member

Don Hummel, a 1975 Business Administration graduate, established the Burger King Scholarship. Recipients of this scholarship must be an employee of Burger King in Minot or have an immediate family member who works at Burger King in Minot. Recipient must also hold a 3.0 GPA or have an ACT score of 24. If these requirements are not met, the recipient must be a College of Business student and hold a 3.0 GPA.

• Major in Finance
• Undergraduate Junior or Senior
• Resident of North Dakota
• Minimum GPA of 3.0
• Preference given to active member of either Mu Sigma Tau Fraternity or Phi Beta Lambda

North Dakota natives Burt Traub and Gwen (Steinwand) Traub graduated from Garrison High School. Burt earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Education from Minot State in 1960 and Gwen attended Minot State in 1958 and 1959. Both remember, with a high degree of admiration, the excellent teaching skills of Minot State business faculty members, J. Bernard Busse and Doris Slaaten. While attending Minot State, Burt was a member of Mu Sigma Tau Fraternity and Gwen was a member of Sigma Sigma Sigma Sorority. After 43 years in banking, the computer industry and finance, Burt retired in 2003 to Arizona where he and Gwen currently reside.

This scholarship endowment was established in recognition of the MSU College of Business’s continuing commitment to instill in its students the principles that promote a strong work ethic, a desire to succeed and a commitment to lifelong learning.

• Undergraduate Freshman, Sophomore, Junior or Senior (entering Freshmen must meet athletic eligibility requirements since they have no established college GPA)
• Minimum GPA of 2.0
• Financial need
• Preference given to students from single parent families

Chris Lindbo currently serves on our Board of Regents. Recipients of this scholarships must be a student with financial need. Preference is given to College of Business students and students from single parent families.

• Undergraduate Freshman, Sophomore, Junior or Senior (entering Freshmen must meet athletic eligibility requirements since they have no established college GPA)
• Minimum GPA of 2.0

The College of Business at Minot State University was organized into a separate academic unit in 1927. Prior to that time (from 1913 to 1927), it existed as an academic area offering special certificates in commercial studies. In 1919, the list of certificates expanded to include typewriting and school accounting, both for students in teacher preparation programs. During the early 1920s, the curriculum was enhanced to include penmanship, spelling, shorthand, and accounting. The most significant organizational change occurred in the fall of 1984. The Division of Business was renamed and restructured as the School of Business (shortly thereafter, it was again renamed as the College of Business). The School/College of Business consisted of the following academic departments: Accounting and Business Law, Office Administration and Business Education, and Business Administration. While those departments remain to this day, two of them have modified their names slightly in the early 2000s. The Accounting and Business Law Department is now the Department of Accounting and Finance and the Office Administration and Business Education Department is now the Department of Business Information Technology. The College of Business scholarship is funded by donations from the College of Business employees, alumni, and friends.

• Minimum GPA of 2.5
• Undergraduate Freshman, Sophomore, Junior or Senior (entering Freshmen must meet athletic eligibility requirements since they have no established college GPA)
• Preference given to a student-athlete on one of MSU’s NCAA team
• If the recipient is a senior with one semester left, the value of the scholarship will be halved.

Minimum GPA of 2.5 Undergraduate Freshman, Sophomore, Junior or Senior (entering Freshmen must meet athletic eligibility requirements since they have no established college GPA) Preference given to a student-athlete on one of MSU’s NCAA team If the recipient is a senior with one semester left, the value of the scholarship will be halved.

• Undergraduate Freshman, Sophomore, Junior or Senior (entering Freshmen must meet athletic eligibility requirements since they have no established college GPA)
• Minimum GPA of 2.5 
• Preference given to a student-athlete on one of MSU’s NCAA team
• If the recipient is a senior with one semester left, the value of the scholarship will be halved.

Dave Gowan attended MSU from 1975-1979. He received a BA in Business Management with concentrations in economics, data processing, and money and banking. He played football as a running back with all-conference recognition. After graduating, he started his own business, Gowan Rain Gutters, Inc. Since May 1979, he has also been very successful with real estate. Dave received the MSU Golden Award in 2016. His wife Dolly attended MSU 1974-75 and then two years at Trinity School of Nursing. She is an RN at Trinity Medical Center working in Radiology/Oncology

• Majoring in Management
• Undergraduate Junior, Senior or Graduate student in the Masters in Management
• Priority given to students with demonstrated honesty, integrity, and charitable involvement in their community
• Minimum GPA of 2.0

Don Barber attended Minot State University and was active in the Mu Sigma Tau Fraternity and the Special Olympics program. He graduated in 1976 with a B.A. degree in Business Administration. He went on to a career in the metals industry. He was always grateful he had been raised in a part of this country where a strong work ethic prevailed. He believed in “eight hours of work for eight hours of pay.” Mr. Barber died January 12, 2000, from complications of Lou Gehrig’s disease. It was his wish his spirit continues through this scholarship.

• Undergraduate Freshman, Sophomore, Junior or Senior (entering Freshmen must meet athletic eligibility requirements since they have no established college GPA)
• Minimum GPA of 3.0
• Financial need

A longtime supporter of Minot State University, Dr. Doris Slaaten’s strong connections with the university began in 1949 when she graduated from Minot State Teacher’s College with a bachelor’s degree in English and a minor in Business. Later she graduated with a Master of Arts degree from Northwestern University and a doctoral degree from Colorado State University.

Doris taught elementary and secondary school in North Dakota and Montana before becoming a professor of Business at Minot State, where she remained for 27 years.

Among her many contributions to the university are the College of Business Slaaten Learning Center and the Northwest Arts Center. Always active as a public servant, Doris has served on several university boards including the MSU Development Foundation, the MSU Board of Regents, a member of the MSU Legacy Society, and a founding member of the advisory board of Phi Beta Lambda. She received the MSU Golden Award in 1978. A dedicated member of First Lutheran Church, she has served on many committees and was the first female council president in the church’s first 100 years.

Her civic involvement extends to several other community service organizations as well.

• Recipients must be incoming freshman in the COB.
• Preference will be given to information technology majors.

Dr. Tom and Anita Seymour Scholarship — Established by Dr. Tom Seymour
and his wife, Anita. Tom spent 31 years as an information technology professor in
the College of Business. Anita is a 1971 MSU graduate and retired from Bell
School. Tom also served with the Higher Learning Commission (1981-2016), in
the North Dakota Senate from (2002-2010) and the Minot City Council from
(2010-2016). Their son, Dan Seymour, graduated from Minot State University and
daughter Jenny Seymour, attended MSU for one year then graduating from another
university. Recipients must be incoming freshman in the COB. Preference will be
given to information technology majors.

• A minimum of two years at Minot State University
• Demonstrated community service and academic/entrepreneurial success
• Minimum GPA of 3.25
• Resident of North Dakota or graduated from a ND high school
• Intention to pursue graduate studies at a North Dakota or Minnesota Institution
• Intention to work in North Dakota following graduation
• Submit a typed essay addressing the following areas:
  • A summary of their various leadership activities, work experience, college and community extracurricular activities including any leadership roles, and their leadership philosophy
  • Plans after graduation and plans regarding future academic studies (i.e. graduate school, professional school, etc.)
  • Intent or commitment to return to ND to pursue their career or profession
• Current resume

The Edson and Margaret Larson Foundation was established through the estate of Edson Larson. Edson and Margaret were married in 1955 at the Governor’s mansion in Bismarck, N.D. Margaret’s father, Clarence Norman Brunsdale, was North Dakota’s governor at the time. They made their home in Mayville, where Edson farmed most of his life. Edson was proud of his accomplishments, serving in the armed forces, farming, and developing sharp investment skills. He was also proud to live in Mayville. He passed away in 2008. Margaret passed away on May 3, 2019

• Undergraduate Freshman, Sophomore, Junior or Senior (entering Freshmen must meet athletic eligibility requirements since they have no established college GPA)
• Minimum GPA of 3.0
• Preference given to a student-athlete on one of MSU’s NCAA team

E. JAMES MCINTYRE SCHOLARSHIP Jim McIntyre graduated from Minot State University in 1973 and began his career at Northern States Power in Minot. Jim spent nearly 40 years in the utility industry, including 17 years as a senior officer with Northern States Power and its successor company, Xcel Energy. At retirement from Xcel Energy, he was chief finance officer at its Minneapolis headquarters. He was past president and chief executive officer of Northern States Power in Wisconsin. He also served as chief executive officer of Otter Tail Corporation from September 2011 until his retirement in April 2015, while serving on its board of directors from 2005. At MSU, Jim was active in athletics and the Business Administration Club. He wrote for the Red & Green student newspaper and served as a residence hall assistant.

• Undergraduate Freshman, Sophomore, Junior or Senior (entering Freshmen must meet athletic eligibility requirements since they have no established college GPA)
• Minimum GPA of 2.5
• Preference given to resident of Minot or surrounding area (75 miles)

First Western Bank & Trust has been serving the community since 1964. They are Minot’s only locally owned, hometown bank. They are proud of our five banking facilities: The main bank on South Broadway in Minot, ND; the branch near Dakota Square Mall in Minot; the branch on North Hill in Minot next to Marketplace Foods; the branch in Eden Prairie, Minnesota; and their Advance Acceptance/All Lines Leasing Division, specializing in business lease transactions located in Eden Prairie

• Minimum GPA of 2.5
• Financial need
• Preference given to student(s) majoring in Accounting or Finance

Integrity Viking has been serving its shareholder’s investment needs since 1987. Today, their fund family offers a broad range of equity, fixed income, and municipal bond strategies. They are committed to providing consistent, high-quality investment products and services to their funds’ shareholders and the financial representatives that service them.

Integrity Viking understands that the foundation of their business depends on a high level of trust, reliability, and confidence in them as managers, as well as providing value in meeting shareholders’ financial goals. Integrity Viking understands that choosing the right mutual fund can be difficult. Investing in a single mutual fund may not always be the best choice, because a fund that meets an investor’s objectives today may not meet them tomorrow. That is why they are building a family of funds to help investors meet their financial goals

• Minimum GPA of 2.5
• Undergraduate Freshman, Sophomore, Junior or Senior (entering Freshmen must meet athletic eligibility requirements since they have no established college GPA)
• Preference given to a student-athlete on one of MSU’s NCAA teams
• If the recipient is a senior with one semester left, the value of the scholarship will be halved

Mr. Busse was a long-time staff member of Minot State serving as teacher, Chairman of the Business Department, and as the first Director of Extension. Bernard was very active and interested in athletics. He was a well-known game official throughout the region and was inducted into the North Dakota Hall of Fame which is housed at the Jamestown Civic Center.

• College of Business Student
• Minimum GPA of 2.0

JAN BARLOW SCHOLARSHIP Jan (Ennis) Barlow was born and raised in Minot, ND. She graduated from Minot Model and Minot State College in 1961 with a degree in Elementary and Business Education. Jan married Arden Barlow in 1961. Arden also graduated from Minot Model and Minot State College in 1960 with a degree in Business Administration. Jan taught for a few years at Bel Air Grade School in Minot and then moved to Valley City where she was a teacher at Valley City High School and also chair of the Business Department. She owned the Valley City credit bureau and then became an agent for State Farm Insurance for many years. Jan currently serves on the MSU Board of Regents.

Jan’s father, Harold B. Ennis, attended Minot State in the 1930s with help from an athletic scholarship. Harold received teaching certification in 1940. Jan’s daughter, Beth Hardy, graduated from the MSU College of Business in 1992. Brandon Ball is taking classes at MSU making him the fourth generation of the family who has attended Minot State.

• Must be an accounting student
• Preference given to students who are active-duty U.S. military members or to students whose parent or spouse are current active-duty military members

Established by Marina Baughman in honor of Joan Houston, her former MSU accounting instructor. Recipients must be accounting students. Preference given to students who are active-duty U.S. military members or to students whose parent or spouse are current active-duty military members.

• College of Business Student
• Recipient must be from northwest ND
• Preference given to Minot or Kenmare High School Graduates.

Joan Mattson is a graduate of Kenmare High School and Minot College of Business with an Associate Degree. Joan married Kevin Mattson in 2000. Kevin was a graduate of Minot High School and an NDSU graduate in engineering. After earning his degree, he started working in his family’s general contracting business, Mattson Construction.

Mattson Construction was the general contractor for the MSU Dome, Hartnett Hall remodels, Lura Manor, and several other projects on the campus of Minot State University. Kevin passed in 2008

Joan currently is a board member of the Grand Hotel and has been active in the Minot Area Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors, Minot Jaycees, and YWCA.

• Full time undergraduate Freshman, Sophomore, Junior or Senior (entering Freshmen must meet athletic eligibility requirements since they have no established college GPA)
• Minimum GPA of 2.0
• If the recipient is a senior with one semester left, the value of the scholarship will be halved

John Coughlin has been president of Coughlin Construction and Development since 1975. Leslie Coughlin is a 2001 graduate of Minot State University and currently serves on the MSU Board of Regents as well as the MSU Development Foundation. Together, they have been very involved in community activities, boards, and organizations.

• Undergraduate Junior or Senior
• Minimum GPA of 3.5

The Lee Badertscher Memorial Scholarship fund was established in 1986 by the family and friends of Lee Badertscher, an outstanding business law instructor, who served in Minot for 16 years.

• Majoring in Management
• Full time undergraduate Freshman, Sophomore, Junior or Senior (entering Freshmen must meet athletic eligibility requirements since they have no established college GPA)
• Minimum GPA of 3.25
• Preference is also given to a student who has/will participate in a study abroad program

Luther Hanson is the chaplain at Trinity Homes. He received a bachelor’s degree from Bemidji State University and a master’s degree from Luther Theological Seminary.

Diann (Witham) Hanson has held various employment positions. Most recently, she was a business administration instructor at MSU’s College of Business. She holds a bachelor’s degree from North Dakota State University and a master’s degree in management from Minot State University.

• Undergraduate Junior or Senior
• Minimum GPA of 2.0
• Expected to attend a Magic City Networking Event

Magic City Networking is a group of diverse Minot area business leaders who enjoy the opportunity to assist a business student with support from this scholarship fund as well as offering individual mentoring and coaching to Minot State University business students based on their businesses or experiences. This scholarship was established in 2014.

• Undergraduate Sophomore, Junior, or Senior
• Preference given to Marketing Major

Marv and Barb Semrau are Minot natives graduating from Minot High School in 1970. They attended Minot State University for one year and then transferred to North Dakota State University where they earned their degrees in 1974. Marv served as the Vice President for Advancement at Minot State University from March 1, 2007, until May 31, 2017. In 2017, Marv was granted the Board of Regents Emeritus status. Barb retired in June 2015 after 20 years in the Minot Public School system as the Assistant Registrar and Guidance Office Secretary at Central Campus. They have been active in the community with much of their volunteer time and resources are given to support youth activities and education.

• Preference given to Entrepreneurship Major

This scholarship is $4000 presented for five years by Clint Severson and Conni Ahart in memory of their friend, Mary Marley. Preference is given to an entrepreneurship student. The first year of the gift was 2013-2014 and the recipient was Jamin Heller.

• Minimum GPA of 2.0
• Financial need
• Preference given to an older than average student (age 21 or older)
• Preference given to women with children or working mother.

The Selland children (Mark, Brian, and Paula) established the Marilyn Joy Selland Scholarship Endowment in February 2018.

Marilyn was born on January 25, 1935, in Minot, was raised on a farm in the Lansford/Glenburn area, and attended rural schools prior to moving to Minot in the mid-1940s. After graduating from Minot Model High School in 1952, she met Ernie Selland and they were married on August 5, 1956, in Minot.

She received an associate degree in 1974 and returned to school and graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration in 1978 from then Minot State College. Marilyn passed in 2017.

• Undergraduate sophomore, junior or senior
• Minimum GPA of 2.0
• Financial need

Mel Hoover was born on August 1, 1928. He graduated from Minot High School, attended the US Navy Quartermaster School, and spent three years at Minot State University with a focus in Business. Following his time at MSU, Mel was employed in the auto industry for many years earning numerous prestigious awards and recognitions. Mel owned the Oldsmobile-Nissan dealership and served as president of the Minot Motor Trades board of directors and the North Dakota Auto Association.

Mel married Yvonne Falstad on July 28, 1950. They had seven children.

Spencer Hoover is a Minot native and the son of Melvin and Yvonne Hoover. He is a 1977 graduate of Minot High School, attended the University of North Dakota, and graduated from Minot State University in 1982 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Management with concentrations in Real Estate and Accounting. He has been involved in the financial industry since 1984.

• MSIS Graduate student enrolled in at least 6 credits
• Minimum GPA of 3.0

Dr. Lorraine (Lori) Willoughby currently serves as the Chair and Professor of Management Information Systems in the Business Information Technology Department, program director for the Master of Science – Information Systems, and the Assistant Dean of the Graduate School at Minot State University. Dr. Willoughby is a native of North Dakota who believes that everyone should have an opportunity to advance their education.

She holds a doctorate in Business Information Systems from Utah State University, a Master of Science – Business Education and Vocational Education from the University of North Dakota, and a Bachelor of Science in Education from the University of North Dakota. Dr. Willoughby has taught information systems courses at both the undergraduate and graduate levels.

• Undergraduate Sophomore, Junior, or Senior
• Minimum GPA of 3.5
• Completed 24 hours in residence, include Bio Statement at MSU
• Consideration given to demonstrated leadership, progress towards the applicant’s business degree, outside responsibilities, and communication skills

Ove W. Jorgensen, a retired executive vice-president of Essex International, Inc., in Fort Wayne, Ind., established the Ove Jorgensen Merit Scholarship Endowment in the spring of 1981 to be used for scholarships for Minot State University business students

• Undergraduate Freshman, Sophomore, Junior or Senior (entering freshmen eligibility based on athletic eligibility requirements which include 2 of the following: minimum ACT score of 18, high school GPA of 2.0 or higher, and/or class rank in upper half of graduating class)
• Minimum GPA of 2.5 
• Preference given to Ward County resident
• Financial need as determined by FAFSA
• If the recipient is a senior with one semester left, the value of the scholarship will be halved.

Pat graduated from MSU with a Bachelor of Science Degree with a major in Business Education and a minor in Physical Education class of ’70. He was a member of the Mu Sigma Tau Fraternity. Pat received the MSU Alumni Association Golden Award in 1985. He was a member of the MSU Board of Regents from 1995-2002. Mary Kay attended MSU. They are supporters of the Minot Catholic Schools and the Minot Family YMCA.

• Undergraduate Sophomore, Junior, or Senior
• Majoring in Accounting
• Minimum GPA of 3.5 in major and GPA of 3.0 overall
• The following factors will be used in the selection process:
  • Academic Performance
  • Demonstrated leadership potential
  • Extracurricular activities and responsibilities

Pearl Stusrud was born and raised in McVille, ND. She graduated from Minot State Teachers College with a degree in Business Education and from the University of Denver with an MBA. She was in business with her parents at a local restaurant that catered to Minot State — the Beaver Palace. Pearl taught at Minot State for over thirty years beginning as a part-time teacher in the Division of Business at Minot State. She eventually started teaching accounting full-time at Minot State and remained there until she passed in 1983. This scholarship was created in August 2006 by contributions from family and friends in memory of Pearl.

• Preference given to applicant from Minot/Velva region
• Minimum GPA of 2.5

For nearly 100 years, Peoples State Bank has served the financial needs of the region with outstanding products, quality loans, and excellent customer service. Established in 1915 to serve the community of Velva, Peoples State Bank has since grown to include Minot and the surrounding region.

• Student plans to sit for the CPA Exam within the following 12 months
• Enrolled at a state or border city college
• Does not have exam reimbursement from employer
• Based on scholastic ability plus extra-curricular activity

This award is given under the name of R.D. Koppenhaver (“Kope”). Kope was chair of the Accounting Department at the University of North Dakota for 31 years, on faculty for 39 years, and served as Society Secretary-Treasurer until 1980.

The R. D. Koppenhaver award is provided in memory of Kope by the North Dakota CPA Society Foundation. The Society is an association of over 1500 Certified Public Accountants that provide various services to the CPA profession including education, information, and legislative support.

• Preference given to Finance major
• Undergraduate Sophomore, Junior, or Senior
• Minimum GPA of 2.5
• If the recipient is a senior with one semester left, the value of the scholarship will be halved.

Dr. Richard Schlapman served Minot State University for 32 years, beginning in 1964 as a faculty member in the College of Business. He taught in many disciplines over the years; his specialty being finance. Dick enjoyed music and played the piano professionally. His undergraduate degree was in music while his graduate degrees were in business.

This scholarship was established in December 2005 in memory of Dr. Richard Schlapman.

• Preference given to a Business Education major
• Preference given to a student-athlete on one of MSU’s NCAA team
• Minimum GPA of 2.5
• Full time undergraduate Freshman, Sophomore, Junior or Senior (entering Freshmen must meet athletic eligibility requirements since they have no established college GPA)
• If the recipient is a senior with one semester left, the value of the scholarship will be halved.

The Robert and Ilze Sando Scholarship Endowment was established in January 2000. Dr. Sando, professor emeritus, was hired as a faculty member and Pioneer Hall Dorm Director in the fall of 1966 at MSU. He served MSU for 36 years as a faculty member, department chair, and was Dean of the College of Business at the time of his retirement in June 2002. He currently serves on the MSU Development Foundation. His wife, Ilze, taught English classes at the beginning of his tenure, but for most of that time worked at the MSU Bookstore.

• Full time undergraduate Freshman, Sophomore, Junior or Senior (entering Freshmen must meet athletic eligibility requirements since they have no established college GPA)
• Minimum GPA of 2.0

Robert Torgerson is a 1970 business administration graduate. Recipients of this scholarship must be regularly enrolled as a full-time College of Business students.

• To be eligible for this scholarship, students are nominated by faculty or professional advisor as a candidate for the program.  
• Minimum GPA of 3.0
• Undergraduate Freshman, Sophomore, Junior or Senior (entering Freshmen must meet athletic eligibility requirements since they have no established college GPA)

Roger Looyenga earned a Bachelor of Science degree in business and psychology from Minot State College in 1968. After graduating from university, Roger started his career with Auto-Owners as an auditor-engineer in Minnesota. It was at Auto-Owners where he met his wife, Ann.

After a year with the company, he was transferred to its corporate headquarters in Lansing, Michigan and started to work as an underwriter, while Ann worked for Auto-Owners part-time. The couple married in June of 1972. Roger retired in 2008 as CEO and as Chairman of the Board in 2009 after nearly 40 years with Auto-Owners. Roger and Ann reside in Traverse City, MI during the summer months and Oro Valley, Arizona during the winter. They have two adult children, Justin and Nathan.

In the fall of 2010, Roger and Ann created the Roger and Ann Looyenga College of Business Leadership Endowment to enable the College of Business to increase students’ knowledge and practice of leadership. From that endowment, the Looyenga Leadership Development Program was born. MSU announced in November 2019 a $1 million gift from the Looyengas to broaden offerings in the area of leadership. Along with financial contributions, Roger served as Minot State’s Commencement speaker, has been featured as a guest lecturer in the classroom on multiple occasions, and was a recipient of the MSU Golden Award in 2017.

• Undergraduate Freshman, Sophomore, Junior or Senior (entering Freshmen must meet athletic eligibility requirements since they have no established college GPA)
• Majoring in Business Education
• Minimum GPA of 2.5
• If the recipient(s) is a student attending only one semester out of an academic year, the value of the scholarship shall be halved.

Roger Mergenthal graduated from Mayville State College and began his teaching career in Cavalier, North Dakota. While there, he taught all the business classes and French classes that were offered. He also coached several sports and began graduate school while there.

After four years at Cavalier, he moved on to teach business subjects and coach at Valley City, North Dakota. In addition, he served as department chairperson. He was inducted into the Valley City Coaches Hall of Fame. He taught and coached there for four years.

Roger took a leave of absence from Valley City to become qualified to administer public high schools and vocational-technical high schools. He was selected to become the first-ever administrator of the Valley City Vocational-Technical Center, he remained in that position for 11 years.

Roger moved on from Valley City to teach at Minot State University in the fall of 1987. While at MSU, he taught various computer software classes, Business Education Methods classes, and classes leading to vocational-technical certification. He retired at the conclusion of the 2007-08 academic year. He was at the MSU, College of Business for twenty years. Roger passed in 2020.

• Recipient must demonstrate he/she is a committed or active Entrepreneurship Club member
• Preference is given to Undergraduate Rising Junior or Senior
• Minimum GPA of 3.0 GPA
• Recipient should demonstrate a well- balanced approach to studies and outside activities, including student and/or civic organizations, university athletics, and/or work
• Previous involvement in Entrepreneurship Club will be a strong factor
• An essay describing
  • (a) future goals and plans for the next 5-10 years,
  • (b) importance of college education,
  • (c) what "giving back" means to you, now and in your future career, and
  • (d) a description of your personal interest in entrepreneurship.

Severson spent 11 years working for Dow and Syva, a division of Syntex Pharmaceutical. Then in 1984, he discovered his true calling: turning small, start-up businesses into profitable companies. Severson’s latest success story is Abaxis, a medical device manufacturer specializing in point-of-care blood analyzers.

On Feb. 9, 2010, Clint Severson and Conni Ahart donated $1 million to establish the College of Business’ Severson Entrepreneurship Academy. SEA uses business courses to teach multi-disciplinary classes related to the creative process of building a business. Through SEA and the Entrepreneurship Club, students write, analyze, and evaluate business plans and grant seed money to exceptional student concepts. This provides young entrepreneurs with an authentic experience to begin their business ventures.

Severson and Ahart’s investment in MSU transcends beyond SEA; to date, Abaxis has provided 10 internships for MSU students.

Severson and Ahart live in Palo Alto, Calif. In their free time, they manage a Sonoma County vineyard, invest in real estate, travel, and hike.

• Minimum GPA of 3.25
• Full time undergraduate Freshman, Sophomore, Junior or Senior (entering Freshmen must meet athletic eligibility requirements since they have no established college GPA)
• Involvement in campus organizations such as:
  • leadership rolls
  • community activities
  • campus volunteer works

This scholarship was established by Richard (’66 business admin grad) and Stephanie Strom (’67 English education graduate). Recipients of this scholarship must be North Dakota residents, full-time MSU students with a cumulative GPA of 3.25, and have involvement in campus organizations and activities; leadership roles; community and campus volunteer work.

• Full time undergraduate Freshman, Sophomore, Junior or Senior (entering Freshmen must have High School GPA of 3.5)
• Minimum GPA of 3.25
• Preference given to financial need

Ohio native Timothy Mihalick attended Minot State University and obtained a Bachelor of Arts in business administration in 1981. During his college career, Tim played Beaver football for four years and participated in track for two. He was inducted into the MSU Athletic Hall of Fame in 1995.

In Sept. 2009, Tim was named president and chief executive officer of Investors Real Estate Trust, after serving in various capacities in his 36 years at Odell & Associates, Odell-Wentz & Associates, and IRET. After retirement from IRET in April of 2017, Tim accepted an opportunity at First Western Bank & Trust as their Business Development Officer. He was promoted to senior vice president of business development and facilities in 2019.

Throughout the years, he has been involved in numerous civic organizations dedicated to Minot’s betterment. He currently serves on the board of the Minot Family YMCA, as well as the North Dakota State Board of Higher Education; he is a past board member of Trinity Health and past chair of the MSU Board of Regents. Tim received the MSU Golden Award in 2014.

Tim and his wife, Laura (Varty), have been married for 35 years and are partners in their conviction to civic engagement. Laura is a member of the Minot Public School Board, the Taube Museum Board, president of the Great Tomato Festival and is a member emeritus of the Minot Public School Foundation. The Mihalicks have two children, Elijah, an MSU graduate in Business, and Nora, a current nursing student.

• Students who are finance majors or demonstrate an interest in finance

Wells Fargo & Company (NYSE: WFC) is a diversified financial services company with $1.5 trillion in assets and more than 264,000 team members. Founded in 1852, Wells Fargo provides banking, insurance, investments, mortgage, and consumer and commercial finance through more than 9,000 locations, more than 12,500 ATMs, online (wellsfargo.com), and mobile devices. We’re headquartered in San Francisco, but we’re decentralized so every local Wells Fargo store is a headquarters for satisfying all our customers’ financial needs and helping them succeed financially. We do business with one in three U.S. households and operate in 35 countries to support customers with their global financial needs.

At the end of 2013, Wells Fargo ranked fourth in assets among U.S. banks and was the world’s most valuable bank by market capitalization. Euromoney named Wells Fargo “Best Bank” in its 2013 Global Awards for Excellence, the first time a U.S.‐based bank has won the top award. In 2013, The Chronicle of Philanthropy ranked us as the largest corporate donor in the U.S., based on 2012 donations.

• Undergraduate Freshman, Sophomore, Junior or Senior (entering Freshmen must meet athletic eligibility requirements since they have no established college GPA)
• Minimum GPA of 2.0

This scholarship was established through the estate of Yvonne Schultz, a 1941 MSU education graduate.