DSU Heritage Foundation Welcomes Christopher Kistler '26 as Development Officer for Blue Hawk Touchdown Club and Athletics

After six years as a Blue Hawk student-athlete, student employee, and member of the DSU community, Christopher Kistler is beginning a new chapter at Dickinson State University. The 2026 graduate has joined the DSU Heritage Foundation as Development Officer for the Blue Hawk Touchdown Club and Athletics.

For Kistler, joining the Foundation is more than the start of a new career. It is an opportunity to give back to a university that helped shape his life and future. A native of Worden, Montana, Kistler first arrived at Dickinson State University in the fall of 2020 on football and track scholarships. What began as a connection through his older brother quickly grew into something much more. "DSU became much more than just a place to go to school and play sports," Kistler said. "It became a place where I grew up, built lifelong relationships, and found a community that truly felt like home."

As a member of the DSU Class of 2026, Kistler credits the university with providing experiences and relationships that will last a lifetime. He says some of the people he met during his time at DSU will stand beside him on his wedding day, and he has witnessed firsthand the incredible support that Dickinson and the surrounding community provide to Blue Hawk students and student-athletes. "There is not enough I can do to fully give back what DSU has given me," he said. "Working in a place that supports students and student-athletes who are just like I was is a small step toward doing that."

Kistler's path to the Foundation began during the summer of 2025 when he joined the organization as a work-study student. The experience sparked an interest in fundraising and development, and when the opportunity to focus on athletics became available, he knew it was the right fit. "Anyone who has ever been around me knows how passionate I am about sports, especially football," Kistler said. "When I saw a position that focused on athletics, it immediately stood out to me." In his new role, Kistler will work closely with alumni, donors, former student-athletes, and supporters of Blue Hawk Athletics. While fundraising is an important component of the position, he is equally excited about building relationships and hearing the stories of those who helped shape DSU's athletic tradition.

"The thing I am looking forward to most is meeting former players and hearing their stories from when they were in school, playing on Saturdays at the BAC and Whitney Stadium, and being part of the Blue Hawk tradition," he said.

Having benefited from donor support as a student-athlete himself, Kistler understands the impact philanthropy can have on students' lives. "Finding the money to pay for college can be stressful, and the generosity of donors helps take some of that stress off students so they can enjoy the game they love and have a better college experience," he said. Kistler hopes to help current student-athletes recognize the network of support surrounding them. "I want to show student-athletes how much people care," he said. "Donors, alumni, former players, and supporters do so much to help students succeed. I want them to feel that support while they are competing, in the classroom, and as they move forward into their futures."

Christopher, his parents (Dan & Lisa Kistler), and his girlfriend, Ameerah.

As he begins his professional career, Kistler is focused on learning and growth. He acknowledges that fundraising is a new field for him, but he embraces the challenge with the same mindset that guided him throughout his athletic and academic journey.

"One lesson DSU taught me is that failing is part of everything you do," he said. "You are going to fail and make mistakes, but what matters is continuing to learn from them. If you try something and fail, that is still better than not trying at all." That willingness to explore new opportunities has been a defining theme throughout his life. During his six years at DSU, Kistler changed majors several times while discovering his passions and career goals. Along the way, he considered careers in medicine, education, coaching, and athletic administration before ultimately finding his place with the Foundation.

Now, as he begins this new chapter, Kistler has a simple message for the Blue Hawk community:

"Thank you for supporting this university, its students, and its student-athletes," he said. "I have seen firsthand how much that support matters, and I know there are so many students who are able to have a better experience because of the people who care about DSU. I am excited to meet more of you, hear your stories, and help keep the Blue Hawk tradition moving forward."

Please join the DSU Heritage Foundation in welcoming Christopher Kistler to the team.