At just seven years old, Todd Syverson looked out the window of his family's pickup while driving through Dickinson with his parents. As they passed Dickinson State College, he made a declaration that would shape the rest of his life. "That's where I'm going to college." Years later, that childhood promise became reality. What Todd couldn't have known at the time was that Dickinson State would not only launch a career spanning more than four decades in education, but also int

Over the past four decades, Wingenbach has built one of the most accomplished careers in North Dakota high school athletics. One of the winningest head football coaches in state history, he has guided teams to multiple state championships, earned numerous Coach of the Year honors and was inducted into the North Dakota High School Coaches Association Hall of Fame in 2022. Yet ask Wingenbach what he's most proud of, and the conversation quickly shifts away from trophies and tow

When Jackson Willems crossed the stage as a Dickinson State University graduate in 2025, it marked the culmination of years spent preparing for a future dedicated to serving others. This fall, the criminal justice graduate, Blue Hawk football student-athlete and Theodore Roosevelt Honors Leadership Program (TRHLP) participant will take the next step toward that goal as he begins law school at Creighton University. For Willems, the road to law school was shaped by the people w

Each year, millions of college football fans tune in to watch one of the sport's most recognizable postseason traditions, the Fiesta Bowl. Behind the scenes, Dickinson State alumnus Conor McCarvel helps create those experiences while advancing a mission that reaches far beyond game day. As Volunteer Engagement Coordinator for the Fiesta Sports Foundation, McCarvel supports nationally recognized bowl games and year-round initiatives focused on youth, sports, and education acro

Few Dickinson State alumni have built a career as multifaceted as Cebe Schneider. Since graduating in 1997, she has become a successful entrepreneur, nationally recognized cheer coach, community leader, educator and mentor. One of North Dakota's most decorated cheer coaches, Schneider has led multiple high school state championship teams and was named the 2025 National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) National Cheer Coach of the Year after helping establish Dic

Some people discover their life's calling over time. For Allisha Vogel, the path was clear from the very beginning. "From a young age, I knew the calling the Lord had put on my life was to become an attorney so I could help others," she said. That sense of purpose led Vogel to Dickinson State University, where she graduated summa cum laude in 2019 with degrees in accounting and business and a minor in leadership studies. She immersed herself in campus life as a member of the

A single decision made in 1941 has become a family legacy nearly a century in the making. When Ruth Johnsen graduated from Dickinson State Teachers College, she began a tradition that would one day include her son, grandson, granddaughter-in-law and now her great-grandson, Maddax, who joins the Blue Hawk family this fall. For the Johnsens, Dickinson State has never been just a university. It has been a place where generations have learned, grown and built a lifetime of memori

The DSU Heritage Foundation is proud to announce the 2026 Dickinson State University Alumni Honorees, recognizing a distinguished group of alumni and friends whose leadership, service and professional achievements continue to reflect the values of Dickinson State. Each year, alumni and friends are invited to nominate deserving individuals for the University's highest honors. Recipients are selected by the DSU Heritage Foundation Alumni Committee and approved by the DSU Herita

Guy and Sandy Moos are longtime friends and donors of Dickinson State University. Guy is a lifelong resident of Dickinson whose relationship with Dickinson State University (DSU) started in the 1960’s when he would attend the college basketball games. Sandy moved to Dickinson in 1979 and the two were married not long after in 1984. “The Dickinson community is so very fortunate to have DSU. The university, faculty and its students enhance the fabric of our community and feed o

The 2026 DSU Alumni & Friends Bismarck Golf Event on July 14 was a tremendous success for the DSU Heritage Foundation (DSU HF). Despite the 98-degree day the tournament was full, with team rosters comprised of alumni, friends, and Dickinson State University (DSU) supporters. Everyone gathered at the Riverwood Golf Course for golf, socializing, and dinner thanks to the outstanding hospitality provided by both Riverwood and AMVETS. "It was wonderful to reconnect with so many me

Accolades continue to grow for two Dickinson State University Heritage Foundation publications. “100 Years of DSU Football” and “An Alphabet Book for Little Blue Hawks” added three more national honors to their expanding list of awards by earning top recognition in the National Federation of Press Women (NFPW) Professional Communications Contest. The contest is one of the nation's oldest and most respected competitions honoring excellence in writing, editing and publishing. T

The summer days are flying by for the staff at Dickinson State University (DSU) as preparations to welcome new and returning students at the end of August continue. The DSU Heritage Foundation (DSU HF) staff are as busy as ever during the summer months, in the office from 7:30am-4:00pm Monday through Friday and traveling most weekends to connect with Alumni through various events. “Even if DSU is not in session, the DSU HF is still full steam ahead!” says Kierra Mathern (’22,

Dickinson Diamonds 10U Softball Team If you've been spending your summer at the ballpark, you may have noticed a familiar logo on their uniforms. The DSU Heritage Foundation is proud to sponsor local youth baseball and softball teams as part of our commitment to supporting youth sports throughout our community. Our logo represents much more than a sponsorship. It reflects our belief that today's young athletes are tomorrow's leaders. Whether children are playing baseball, sof

Bonnie (’80) and Neal (’82) Messer are both proud alumni of Dickinso n State University (DSU) and stay connected to the Blue Hawk family with the Neal & Bonnie Messer Endowed Scholarship. “We believe that scholarship recipients are already on their path to a successful future by choosing DSU to continue their education,” said the Messers, “and our hope is that in some small way we make it easier for them for them to achieve their goals.” The Messers established their scholars

For Dustin Dassinger, serving the Dickinson community has never been just a career. It has been a calling. A proud Dickinson State alumnus and the City of Dickinson's current City Administrator, Dassinger has dedicated more than 26 years to public service. He began his career with the City in 1999 as a police officer, rising through the ranks before serving 11 years as Chief of Police. Today, he leads the city as its administrator, helping shape Dickinson's future while conti

The DSU Heritage Foundation is entering an exciting new chapter as we continue to grow our team and strengthen our ability to serve Dickinson State University, our alumni, donors, and friends. Over the past several months, the Foundation has celebrated internal promotions, welcomed new staff members, and supported team members as they pursue new opportunities. Together, these changes position the organization for continued growth and an even greater impact for future generati

This year, the DSU Heritage Foundation proudly celebrates Office Manager Pam Rudolph and her remarkable 10 years of service. As one of the original staff members who helped establish the Foundation, Pam has played an integral role in its growth and success while helping create opportunities that continue to impact Dickinson State University students. Reflecting on her decade with the Foundation, Pam is especially proud of the organization's incredible growth and the differenc

Dickinson State University (DSU) Rodeo wrapped up an impressive rodeo season at the College National Finals Rodeo this June, in Casper Wyoming. The Blue Hawks qualified six student-athletes across three events at the national finals and ended the week with standout performances from student-athletes Molly Rotenberger, Brody Froelich, and Jaysee Jones. Rotenberger finished 7th in the nation in goat tying, Jones earned a 10th-place national finish in the same event, and Froelic

This year, the DSU Heritage Foundation proudly celebrates Accounting Manager Amanda Bramhall and her remarkable 10 years of service. As one of the Foundation's earliest team members, Amanda has witnessed and helped drive the incredible growth of the organization from its earliest days to the thriving foundation it is today. When Amanda reflects on her decade with the Foundation, it is often the internal milestones that stand out most. "I remember when we would run reports wit

Public service takes many forms. It can be found in classrooms, businesses, volunteer organizations, local government, nonprofit work, and in the countless ways people invest in their communities every day. 2026 DSU Kid's Day on the Farm at the newly renovated Dale & Susie Little Soldier Arena At Dickinson State University and the DSU Heritage Foundation, we are proud to be part of a community that understands the value of service. 2024 Hunter Pinke event at Dorothy Stickney