Minot State University (MSU) and Dakota College at Bottineau (DCB) will continue a healthcare initiative with Trinity Health, creating increased opportunities for students to pursue nursing education and to assist with the healthcare needs of the region.

Trinity Health has committed to donating $250,000 per year for the next five years to the Minot State University Department of Nursing and $100,000 per year for five years to Dakota College at Bottineau. The $1.75 million, five-year donation will help both institutions prepare and graduate high-quality nurses.

“Both the MSU and DCB campuses are incredibly grateful to Trinity Health for their continuing support and dedication to furthering nursing education in our region,” said Minot State and DCB President Dr. Steven Shirley. “It is an exciting and important time in healthcare, and we have seen the critical role nurses play as we have all lived through the COVID pandemic. Trinity is a wonderful partner with the nursing departments at MSU and DCB, and we are so thankful for the many ways they continue assisting and enhancing our ability to educate the next generation of nursing professionals.”

This marks the third five-year partnership between MSU and Trinity Health. The funds have helped the University fund full-time positions, including two nursing faculty positions, and has ensured MSU admits up to 33 qualified nursing students into its nationally-recognized program each semester, or 66 students per year.

Along with added faculty teaching positions, the donation assists Minot State’s continued commitment to providing innovative simulation space. Advanced simulation, along with a variety of clinical experiences for student nurses at Trinity Health, are critical components of MSU’s nursing education.

The Taube Museum of Art is delighted to announce the creation of an artist in residency program.

The Taube is adapting the third floor into an artist in residency space. Previously just used for storage, this part of the building is being reinvented into a working artist studio, the first of its kind for the Minot area.

“Our vision is to bring in artists to utilize this space as a studio. We are working diligently to create an area in our facility for working artists that will connect our community more directly with the arts,” said Rachel Alfaro, executive director for the Taube. “With the addition of this studio, Taube visitors will get to visit with the artist, see them work, and enjoy classes, demos, and workshops in a more personal setting. We truly believe this will be a one-of-a-kind opportunity in our area.”

The Taube’s first working artist is Ryan Stander, Minot State University art associate professor, in December. Originally from the farmlands in Northwest Iowa, Stander’s education includes art and theology with a Master of Fine Arts from the University of North Dakota; a Master of Arts in Theology from Sioux Falls Seminary, South Dakota; and a Bachelor of Arts in Art from Northwestern College, Iowa.

As a printmaker and photographer, his work has been exhibited internationally in South Africa, China, Central and South America; nationally in New York, New Jersey, and Texas; and across the upper Midwest. At Minot State, he teaches photography, a little printmaking, and book arts. He also directs the Bachelor of Fine Arts program and co-directs the Flat Tail Press.

The Taube still has much to do before they welcome Stander, and their staff has volunteered much of their time preparing the space to the best of their ability.  However, there is much they cannot do on their own and they are looking to raise funds for electrical work, securing the staircase railing to ensure a safe pathway for guests, a sink installation, and to finish the floors and walls. Their goal is to fundraise $10,000 to help take care of these needs, which are vital to creating a workable space for all future artists.

Minot State University’s Summer Theatre revitalization project has given way to Mother Nature for the 2021 building season, however Phase Two of the project has made steady progress both at the iconic amphitheater site on the north end of campus as well as its vital funding project.

“We were glad to have warm weather so late into the year, which allowed construction to continue,” said Chad Gifford, MSU Summer Theatre artistic director. “Right now, the huge retaining walls that have been built on both sides of the theatre really show how much larger our entire complex is going to be once this is done. When the construction first started, it was a lot of building demolition and digging deep into the hill sides, so seeing those cement walls up really shows us what it's all going to look like next year.”

While the construction portion of the project moves along, so does fundraising. MSU Vice President for Advancement/MSU Development Foundation Executive Director Rick Hedberg estimates 85% of the $2.5 million project has been raised, but notes work still needs to be done.

“We are so close to finishing our fundraising for this much-needed renovation,” Hedberg said. “We have one chance to make some significant upgrades to the facility.  If we can meet our fundraising goal, this is going to be one of the premier outdoor amphitheaters in the upper Midwest.  I’m confident people are going to love the improvements.”

To bolster those efforts, MSU has partnered with Twice Blessed this season to maximize giving due to a generous grant from the St. Joseph’s Community Health Foundation. The Twice Blessed program will match donations up to $5,000. Tax deductible donations can be made HERE.

The City of Minot City Council unanimously approved the sub-recipient agreement with Dakota College at Bottineau (DBC) to rehabilitate, equip, and operate a Center for Career and Technical Education (CTE).

There has been ongoing discussion led by Mayor Sipma who appointed Lisa Olson, President of Minot City Council, to chair a committee to create a CTE Center in Minot. Through those discussions several community partners came together to advance the idea including the City of Minot, Trinity Health, Minot State University (MSU), Dakota College at Bottineau, and the Minot Area Chamber EDC. The National Disaster Resiliency (NDR) Fund is a major funding partner for the project bringing $3,400,000 to be used towards the renovation and initial equipment, technology (IT) needs and more to complete a turn-key facility.

Lisa Olson, CTE Committee Chair said, “It is exciting to see this project moving forward with such strong support from the city to leadership across the state. The skills and training provided in postsecondary CTE plays a significant role in addressing the changing workforce needs of today’s economy.” Olson added, “This project is a win for not only Minot, but the region and I want to thank all the partners who came together to get this done.”

Key aspects of the sub-recipient agreement with Dakota College at Bottineau includes Minot State University Development Foundation using $800,000 in MAGIC Fund dollars to purchase the property located at 120 Burdick Expressway, with Dakota College at Bottineau leasing the property for a minimum of ten years. Minot Area Chamber EDC sponsored the $800,000 request.

The CTE Center must operate for ten years from the date of the certificate of occupancy granted by the City of Minot in order to meet the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) standards and qualify for the NDR funds. CTE will offer one- and two-year certificate programs, customized technical training for area businesses and associate degree programs.

“DCB and MSU are most appreciative for the support from the City of Minot and look forward to the next steps in preparing to open this Center for Career and Technical Education in Fall 2023,” said Minot State and DCB President Dr. Steven Shirley. “This CTE Center will create important new educational opportunities for residents of Minot and the surrounding region, and will also help area businesses and organizations by creating a more diversified and well-prepared labor force in our community. This will be yet another important asset as Minot continues expanding and demonstrating its community resilience.”

All requirements for operation need to be in place prior to the September 30, 2023, HUD NDR deadline. The rehabilitation is scheduled for completion in 2023 ahead of deadline.

“Messiah,” an oratorio by George F. Handel, has been performed on the Minot State campus for almost a hundred years. After a year hiatus, “Messiah” returned to Ann Nicole Nelson Hall on Sunday, Dec. 5.

Director of Choral Activities and Assistant Professor of Music Emerson Eads notes the larger purpose behind the tradition on campus.

“One of the wonderful things about this tradition, that is nearly a century old here in Minot, is that it affords students the opportunity to sing with professionals, for parents to sing with their children, and for the community to come together to sing the utterly fantastic ‘Messiah,’ all for the purpose of providing a love offering to the student scholarships here at Minot State,” he said. “This year, the Heritage Singers, who have been bringing this together for some time now, have chosen the Ken (choral professor emeritus) and DeVera Bowles (voice professor) Scholarship fund.”

Handel’s piece itself also follows some traditions. Since its debut in Dublin, Ireland in 1742, the audience traditionally stands up for the performance of the final “Hallelujah” chorus. As the story goes, King George II was so impressed by the initial finale, he rose to his feet with joy. As a sign of respect, it is custom to stand whenever members of the British monarchy stand or enter a room, so the audience followed the king and rose with him. Attend the concert in Ann Nicole Nelson Hall and participate in this tradition as well.

Performances of the “Messiah” in Minot are not often cancelled. Between 1949 and 1975, only one cancellation of the “Messiah” at MSU was reported; there was a blizzard in 1967. After being forced to skip last year’s performance dur to COVID-19 restrictions, Eads reflects on the greater meanings behind tradition.

“Everyone is perhaps a bit dusty, but I think it has made us all the hungrier to really bite into these choruses that were always meant for the amateur and professional alike, which is why the ‘Messiah’ continues to be an annual event all over the world for centuries,” he said. “From community gatherings to professional ones, these choruses and arias remind us that we’re connected, not just to the 18th century audiences, but to each other.”

The 23rd Annual KMSU Auction, run by the Minot State professional communication department, was held on Thursday, Dec. 2. The auction was broadcast on local access KMSU Channel 19 for SRT and MIDCO customers and streamed in real-time on YouTube Live.

The KMSU Auction is a fundraiser for the MSU professional communication program while also contributing to a local organization each year. This year, 10% of the proceeds were donated to Prairie Grit Adaptive Sports, an organization that offers opportunities for youth and adults living with physical and mental disabilities.

Local businesses donated items and were placed into packages that were auctioned off by calling in and placing bids, with the highest bid at the end of the time period winning the package. Businesses that donated this year include the Minot Park District, Badlands Restaurant, Cultivate Solutions, Jersey Mikes, Harry’s Tire Service, Pet Supplies Plus, and many more. To find out more information on this year’s KMSU Auction, visit their WEBSITE.

The Minot Symphony Orchestra and Western Plains Opera will present Gian Carlo Menotti’s “Amahl and the Night Visitors,” on Saturday, Dec. 11 at 7:30 p.m. at Ann Nicole Nelson Hall.

Menotti was inspired by Netherland artist Hieronymus Bosch’s 1475 oil painting, “The Adoration of the Magi,” when it brought back Menotti’s own Italian childhood memories where gifts were brought to eager children not by Santa Claus, but by the three kings. Menotti wrote the opera to unfold through the eyes of a child. In this short one-act story, the poor crippled child, Amahl, and his mother open their home to three traveling wisemen on their journey to present the Christ Child with their gifts and Amahl receives a very special gift of his own.

The Minot Symphony Orchestra is a unique blend of student, community, and professional musicians from the Minot area. The music director is Maestro Efraín Amaya, associate professor of music at Minot State University, who will be joined by colleague Cheryl Nilsen, retired professor of mathematics education, as stage director. This production will include students, faculty, and alumni of Minot State University, as well as members of the Minot High School Choir, directed by Lindsay Kerzmann, and students of the Rinat Mouzafarov Dance and Ballet Theater.

The role of Amahl will be played by Minot native Megan Klebe. Klebe is a senior at Minot State University studying music education with a dual focus in voice and trumpet. Her debut with Western Plains Opera was as the dew fairy in “Hansel and Gretel” in 2019.

“I am truly honored and humbled to have the chance bring the young Amahl to life for the Minot public. I hope to get across to you Amahl's endless curiosity and wonderment along with his fierce loyalty and love for his mother with my performance,” said Klebe. “I hope you fall in love with this opera as much as I have!"

The annual Minot State Staff Senate Scholarship is accepting applications for Spring 2022. Applications are due to the Minot State financial aid office by Friday, Dec. 10 at 4 p.m. Recipients will be notified in the first week of January. The scholarship is given out each spring to a Minot State classified employee or their immediate family member who is continuing their education in order to meet future career goals. For more information, see attached APPLICATION or go to the MSU Staff Senate Scholarship WEBSITE.

Minot State University will be hosting a Graduation Celebration & Recognition event on Thursday, Dec. 9 in the Northwest Arts Center. A social will begin at 5 p.m., and a program recognizing December graduates will begin at 5:30 p.m. All are welcome to attend. Please RSVP to KEVIN HARMON.

Mark your calendars for Dec. 10 at 11 a.m. for Jim Sturm’s session on Emotional Intelligence. See the attached POSTER for more information. All staff and faculty are encouraged to attend the presentation in the Conference Center.

Mark your calendars for the annual campus holiday celebration, scheduled for Tuesday, Dec. 14 from 1-3:30 in the Student Center Conference Center. The invitation can be found HERE.

Northwest Arts Center
The gallery is located on the lower level of the Gordon B. Olson Library, with its own entrance on the south side of the library. The arts center is open Tuesday-Friday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Saturday 1-5 p.m., and by special arrangement. It is closed holidays.

• Book of Days: Reflections On Time and Water: On view from Oct. 7 until Dec. 16, artist and painter Susana Amundaraín's solo exhibition presents mixed media and acrylic paintings that have been revisited - brought back from the past and transformed through more work into the present.
• Father & Son: The Beast Within Us: On view from Nov. 18 to Dec. 16, Northwest Arts Center presents "Father & Son: The Beast Within Us." The exhibition by the father and son duo explores human and animal relations in a kaleidoscope of color. Rich textures and bright colors aid in the nearly sci-fi, dreamlike presence the combined artworks bring. ‘Father & Son: The Beast Within Us’ provides opportunity for viewers to ponder their own relationships with the natural world, animals that they come in contact with and the beast within themselves.

Flat Tail Press
Flat Tail Press is an educational printmaking studio at Minot State University. The gallery is located in the landing space on second and third floor of the Minot State Student Center, west entrance. It is open Monday-Friday, 7 a.m.-12 a.m.

• Living the Dream: Lithographs by Michael Barnes: Specializing in stone lithography, Michael Barnes is internationally recognized as a skilled and prolific printmaker. "My work addresses, in part, mortality, philosophical questions of existence, and the destructive nature and absurdities that so readily prevail for humankind," he said. "The images are concerned with the environment, social decay, and cynicism about the historical evolution of so-called 'civilization' and its effects upon our world." His works will be available to view through Feb. 28.  

Hartnett Hall Gallery
The gallery provides exhibition space for students, faculty, and community artists, and is located on the second floor on the west side of Hartnett Hall in Room 233. The Hartnett Hall Gallery is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays.

"EDHeads," Chelsie Terez Hultz, teacher education, and Dan Conn, teacher education, interviewed former MSU and NDPCD faculty member AnnMaria De Mars and MSU alumnae Kirsten Baesler, North Dakota superintendent of public instruction.

Holly Pedersen, associate professor of special education; Diane Gard, former special education graduate student; Monica Soukup, special education adjunct faculty; and Mary Huston, assistant professor of communication sciences and disorders, recently published a manuscript in the Review of Disability Studies. You can read the paper HERE.

Mark Singer, history, was recommended by the Sabbatical Committee and approved for Fall 2022: “Signs of Meaning: Performance Marks in Medieval Gospel Manuscripts.”

Amanda Duchsherer, digital communication specialist, was named Minot State University's Staff Senate's October High Five Award winner.

Annette Mennem, director of the Native American Cultural Center, was published in 7th Generation Games latest blog. She was featured for her Native American Heritage Month article titled: "We are Anishinaabe, the original people, and we are here to stay." Read the entire article HERE.

Savannah Davis was selected as the ASC Student of the Month for October. She has contributed to the Academic Support Center’s programs as an ASC POWER office assistant.

Winners of the pies for Staff Senate Special Event Thanksgiving/Gratitude Bingo were: Cheryl Coyle, Dana Dannewitz, Emily Miller, and Tricia Tessendorf.