AUGUST 2025 E-NEWSLETTER
- lorihauf1
- 6 days ago
- 8 min read
Donor Spotlight: Zared '07 and Katie Lefor
Zared Lefor ’07 and his family exemplify Dickinson State University’s (DSU) ability to connect generations of Blue Hawks. The Lefors' commitment to education and community is evident in their daily lives, as well as in the impact of the Zared and Katie Lefor Annual Scholarship.
Zared was born and raised in Dickinson and majored in Business Administration with a minor in Management while competing as a golfer for DSU. One of his favorite DSU memories is helping to bring a conference title back to DSU in golf, and he regularly reminisces with his former advisor and professor, Scott Hanson. After graduating in 2007, Zared entered the insurance industry, where he has now accumulated over 20 years of experience and currently works for Choice Insurance. Zared and Katie Lefor have been married for 15 years and are parents to Emma (12), Emerson (10), and Easton (6).
Alumni Spotlight: Jacey Wilson '21
Jacey Wilson was born and raised in Mandan, North Dakota. She came to Dickinson State University to pursue a bachelor’s degree in business and accounting with a minor in Leadership Studies and to run for the Blue Hawks on the Cross Country and Track and Field teams. Now, several years later, Jacey owns two State Farm locations, with her main office in Watford City and a second in Dickinson.
A big inspiration for Jacey was watching her father start his own business in Mandan. “I saw the flexibility in owning a business, but I also loved the idea that I could lead my own team to success,” she says. “My business is built around creating a healthy work-life balance for my team, and I intend on keeping it that way for years to come.”
Books will be available for pickup at the DSU Heritage Foundation House starting in August.
Questions? Call Kierra at 701-483-2486.
100 Years of DSU Football Legacy Book – $100
100 Years of Football: Children's ABC Book – $40
Set of 3 Mini Custom Generational DSU Football Helmets – $150
SNEAK PEEK...
Get ready for an exciting glimpse into 100 Years of DSU Football, a highly anticipated book set for release in Fall 2025. This comprehensive look at Dickinson State University’s football legacy will explore the program’s rich history—legendary coaches, standout players, intense rivalries, and unforgettable games. For the past century, DSU football has been more than just a sport; it has been a proud tradition of our community. Each of the chapter's highlights are listed below.
THIS MONTH'S SNEAK PEEK...
CHAPTER 8 -UNSUNG HEROES
Chapter 8 of DSU Football Centennial Book Honors the Unsung Heroes
In the upcoming commemorative book celebrating 100 years of Dickinson State University football, Chapter 8: Unsung Heroes of the Gridiron, spotlights the often-overlooked individuals whose behind-the-scenes work has shaped the heart of Blue Hawk football.
This chapter pays tribute to the ardent supporters who make game days memorable. From the unwavering presence of Susan Biesiot, wife of legendary coach Hank Biesiot, to the cherished memories of the “Old Guard” who never missed a game, these stories are a salute to loyalty and love for the game.
Highlights include:
The voices of the Blue Hawks, celebrating Rod Kleinjan and Jim Dahl’s decades of dedicated announcing and storytelling;
Booster Club President Erickson, a driving force behind championing DSU athletics;
Steve Perdue’s visionary endowment campaign, ensuring a legacy for the next century;
Barb and Mike Oppegard, who feed players like family;
Cheerleaders past and present, who are the spirit behind the game;
A whimsical look at Buster the Blue Hawk, as seen through the eyes of mascot Daniel Suazo Amaya.
“Football at DSU has always been about more than just the scoreboard,” said co-author Debora Dragseth. “This chapter honors the people whose love, labor, and spirit have been the foundation of our football family.”
THE DICKINSON STATE COACHING TREE: TONY BIESIOT-FAMILY TRADITION
Tony Biesiot—a 2000 graduate of Dickinson State University and son of Coach Hank Biesiot—spent five seasons in Blue Hawk blue and gray. Though he’s no longer on the sidelines, his experiences on the gridiron continue to shape his leadership today as Superintendent of the Darby School District in Montana.
Tony’s journey through the coaching ranks included roles on both sides of the ball—from coaching linebackers at Chadron State College to working with the offensive line at Sacramento State, and later coaching football and baseball at Minot State and handling defensive line duties at Minnesota Duluth and Lead-Deadwood High School.
But no matter the location, one foundational principle stayed with him—something he learned firsthand from his father and coach: treat everyone with respect.
Welcome to our "Meet Our Team" section, where you can get to know the talented professionals who make the DSU Heritage Foundation successful. To make things a bit more fun, we came up with some unique questions to ask each team member, giving you a glimpse into their personalities. Sarah Griffis, Content Writer for the DSU Heritage Foundation, is our team spotlight this month. Full Bio >>
If your DSUHF experience was a playlist, what would the top song be and why?
My DSU HF experience has only just begun, but from my two months so far, I have learned just how fast-paced and optimistic everyone at the HF is, so the top song on my DSU HF playlist would be Around and Around by The Happy Fits.
What’s your favorite spot on campus and why?
My favorite spot on campus is a tie between the bench under the trees at the top of the campus loop and the track at the BAC. The bench under the trees reminds me of my hometown in Western Montana, and the smell of the track at the BAC always throws me back into what felt like endless workouts as a student-athlete on the Women's Cross-Country team.
If you could invite any person to speak at DSU, who would it be and why?
I would invite Kathrine Switzer, who was the first woman officially registered to run the Boston Marathon. There have been many groundbreaking students and staff at DSU, perhaps not on a nationally recognized level like Katherine, but who have made a significant impact in the community and the world in their unique ways. DSU continually creates opportunities for more groundbreakers to achieve their milestones.
What’s your favorite campus tradition or event to attend?
I always enjoy the theatre performances and outdoor picnics on campus, but nothing beats a really good track meet. I also appreciate when the DSU Cheerleading team runs around campus during the first home game to cover the sidewalks in Blue Hawk names and sayings; it lights up campus every year.
What’s one thing that always brightens your day at work?
I always know it is going to be a good day at DSU when I need to visit another department, as I'll get the chance to catch up on the projects that foster growth at DSU. In the summer, especially, each of us can get sucked into our work in our own offices and forget that we are all working towards the same goal, so it is nice to pick my head up now and then and see the hard work and creativity happening across campus.
Dickinson State University Appoints Kayla Noah as Vice President of Student Affairs
Dickinson State University (DSU) is pleased to announce the appointment of Kayla Noah as Vice President of Student Affairs. Noah has served as the Dean of Students since 2021 and brings over a decade of progressive experience in higher education leadership, student advocacy, and academic support.
In her new role, Noah will lead DSU’s newly integrated Division of Student Affairs, overseeing Campus Life, Campus Safety and Security, Financial Aid, Health and Counseling Services, DSU Williston and Bismarck, and the Student Opportunity and Resource (SOAR) Center. This holistic, student-centered model aims to unify essential support services to better meet the evolving needs of DSU’s diverse student population.
Shaping Tomorrow's Leaders Today: Inside the Theodore Roosevelt Honors Leadership Programs at DSU
At Dickinson State University (DSU), leadership is more than a goal. It’s a mindset. Students in the Theodore Roosevelt Honors Leadership Program (TRHLP) are passionate about growing as leaders and making an impact on campus and beyond.
This unique program is for on-campus students who want to challenge themselves academically and personally. Along the way, they earn a Leadership Studies minor, a framed certificate, and a medallion to wear at commencement. But the real reward is the confidence, purpose, and experience they gain.
DSU Young Entrepreneurs Bring Blue Hawk Spirit to "Brand a Stand" with Heart and Lemonade
The city of Dickinson’s annual “Brand a Stand” competition brought a refreshing mix of business savvy and Blue Hawk pride this year, thanks to a brother-sister duo who turned their love for community and creativity into a sweet success.
Beckett and Harper Crossingham were inspired by Dickinson State University to launch the Blue Hawk Snack Shack, a spirited lemonade stand built on school pride and entrepreneurial drive.
“I wanted to try something cool for the Brand a Stand event,” Beckett said. “Selling lemonade for the Blue Hawks sounded awesome.”
Blue Hawks Name Joe Schmidt as New Head Rodeo Coach
Dickinson State University (DSU) Athletics is proud to announce the hiring of Joe Schmidt as the next Head Rodeo Coach for the Blue Hawks. Schmidt brings an impressive record of success both in and out of the arena, with over 45 Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) wins to his name.
As a college rodeo athlete, Schmidt was a four-time College National Finals Rodeo (CNFR) participant and a two-time Great Plains Region Champion Calf Roper. His wealth of competitive experience and dedication to the sport will be instrumental in continuing the growth and success of the DSU Rodeo program.
Dickinson State Named NAIA Gold Level Champions of Character Five-Star Institution
Dickinson State University has been recognized as a Gold Level Champions of Character Five-Star Institution by the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA), highlighting the university's continued commitment to integrity, leadership, and academic and athletic excellence.
The Champions of Character program honors institutions that exemplify the NAIA's core values through character training, conduct in competition, academic focus, character recognition, and character promotion.
Institutions also earn points based on high student-athlete grade point averages and minimal to no ejections during competition throughout the academic year. The Gold Level distinction is the highest awarded by the NAIA.
DSU Welcomes Coach Dr. Thomas Schwartz as Head Cross Country Coach and Kinesiology Professor
Dickinson State University (DSU) is proud to announce the hiring of Dr. Thomas Schwartz, Ph.D., as the new Head Coach of the Blue Hawk Cross Country team and Assistant Professor of Kinesiology within the School of Professional Studies. Start date is August 1, 2025.
Dr. Schwartz joins DSU with a distinguished background in both competitive coaching and academic instruction. A nationally respected endurance coach and scholar, Schwartz has coached five national champions, multiple U.S. Olympic Trials qualifiers, and numerous age-group world record holders. He holds the highest international credential available for endurance coaching—World Athletics Level 5 Elite Endurance Coach—and is certified through USA Track & Field at Levels I, II, and III. He also serves as a USATF Instructor.
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