John Hanstad grew up in Dickinson and graduated from Dickinson High School in 2008 before earning a degree in biology from Dickinson State University (DSU) in 2013. He chose DSU not only for its programs but also to stay close to home. Playing basketball for the Blue Hawks was an added bonus to his college experience. After DSU, Hanstad attended the Arizona College of Optometry. He then returned home to work with his father-in-law, Dr. Mark Emmerich, and in 2020, he establish

Kelly Reid became a devoted Blue Hawks fan when his son, Dalton Reid (’16), was recruited onto the Dickinson State University (DSU) Football team. As Kelly Reid attended every game, he became familiar with the people who made DSU unique and even became one of the first members of the DSU Touchdown Club. Reid continues to support DSU a decade after his son became an alumnus, notably through scholarship donations. Reid watched as college students struggled to focus on their edu

The annual DSU Heritage Foundation (DSU HF) Alumni and Friends Arizona Trip, held in Mesa in February 2026, offered supporters a meaningful opportunity to connect and engage with the university. The event brought together alumni and friends from across the region for a weekend centered on relationships, shared memories, and continued support of DSU’s mission. Ty Orton, Executive Director of the DSU Heritage Foundation, reflected on the impact of the gathering, noting, “This i

Mandie Erickson brings a deep connection to Dickinson State University (DSU) and the local community to her role on the DSU Heritage Foundation Board (DSU HF). Professionally, Erickson works at Pathfinder Inspections, where she has spent the past three years. She also holds a real estate license and has worked as an agent with Continental Real Estate for ten years. Outside of work, she stays busy with her blended family. She has two children, Addison and Brody, and shares her

For over 20 years, the annual Cowboys & Candlelight event has brought alumni, donors, and the surrounding community together to build the Dickinson State University Rodeo Team. In the past, Cowboys & Candlelight hosted attendees on the DSU campus, at the Biesiot Activities Center, and at local venues. This year, the fundraising event will coincide with the grand opening celebration of the Dale Little Soldier Arena, a standout detail that has the DSU Heritage Foundation (DSU H

The DSU Heritage Foundation (DSU HF) is full of passionate and energetic staff members, including students working part-time through the university’s work-study program. Andrew Williams and Xeia Schneider are both sophomore students at Dickinson State University (DSU) and recently shared their perspectives on working at the DSU HF. Andrew Williams chose to attend DSU because of its affordability and athletic programs. Williams is majoring in biology, has completed a chemistry