JULY 2025 E-NEWSLETTER
- lorihauf1
- Jul 28
- 7 min read
Planting Opportunity: Blue Hawk Lawn Care Gives Back
Lico Sifuentes ’08 and Jordan Sifuentes ’14 created their business, Blue Hawk Lawn Care, to give back to their alma mater. Lico spent his time at DSU as a football player, while his cousin, Jordan, served on the DSU Student Senate as President. “As scholarship recipients ourselves, we know the importance of scholarships. We wanted to give students the same kind of help that we were fortunate to receive,” said Jordan.
The primary purpose of the Blue Hawk Lawn Care Annual Scholarship is to lessen some of the financial burden on students, enabling them to focus on being their best and carry that momentum into their careers and communities.
Full Circle-How Dog Mushing Guided Kevin Hansen's '13 Life After DSU
For many student-athletes, life after college can feel daunting. When there’s no practice to wake up for and no crowds cheering you on, what comes next? For Kevin Hansen, a Dickinson State wrestling alumnus, the answer came from his roots: dog mushing.
Hansen, an Inupiaq Alaskan Native, was born and raised in Kotzebue, a remote town 33 miles above the Arctic Circle. With no roads in or out, Kotzebue is accessible only by plane, snowmobile, boat, or dog team. His parents have run a small kennel since the early 1980s, and Hansen began racing sled dogs as a child. In elementary school, he started out in three-dog, three-mile sprint races. As he grew older, he moved into junior races up to 12 miles long, running teams of eight dogs at speeds of 16 to 20 miles per hour.
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.
CHAPTER 7 -The Coaches: The Architects of Success Meet the minds behind the
Blue Hawk tradition.
In Chapter 7 of 100 Years of DSU Football, the authors pull back the curtain on the individuals who have shaped Dickinson State University’s football legacy with vision, grit, and heart. This chapter honors the coaches who laid the foundation, elevated the program, and inspired generations of athletes and fans.
Meet Bob Lasater, whose daily mantra to his players, “Go reckless, stay loose, enjoy life,” fostered a culture of passion and bold play. Explore the enduring impact of Coach Hank Biesiot, a name synonymous with DSU football. In an emotional tribute, read Duane Monlux’s heartfelt letter to the coach who changed lives far beyond the scoreboard.
The Dickinson State Coaching Tree: Lou Dobitz - Built on Patience, Perseverance and Power Football
Lou Dobitz, a 1992 graduate of Dickinson State University, is a proud branch of the storied Blue Hawk coaching tree. Having played five seasons under Hall of Fame Coach Hank Biesiot, Dobitz now carries the values of discipline, patience, and grit into his role as a junior high head football coach—where he's been leading young athletes for the past six years after 24 years coaching high school football.
For Dobitz, the most memorable lesson from Coach Biesiot wasn’t drawn on a whiteboard or shouted across a practice field. It was a mindset: “Patience—good things don’t happen immediately. Just practice and persevere.” That steady approach continues to guide Dobitz today, as he teaches his athletes the importance of commitment over time.
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.
Chloe Gunderson, Graduate Assistant - Blue Hawk Scholarship Fund for the DSU Heritage Foundation, is our team spotlight this month.
If your DSUHF experience was a playlist, what would the top song be and why?
“Good Life” by OneRepublic. Because even in the busiest moments, I find myself stopping to realize how lucky I am to be here. This role has pushed me to grow, connect, and makes me feel like I’m part of something bigger.
What’s your favorite spot on campus and why?
The Biesiot Activities Center is where some of my most important moments and memories have taken place! Through track meets, practices, and the relationships that have been built through it all, the BAC has played a significant role in who I am today!
If you could invite any person to speak at DSU, who would it be and why?
Brené Brown. Her work on vulnerability, leadership, and courage is something I think would really resonate with our students, staff, and community. She has a way of making big ideas feel personal and practical, and I think hearing her speak at DSU would be impactful for all!
What’s your favorite campus tradition or event to attend?
Football tailgates are my absolute favorite. The energy is electric, the food is always amazing, and I love seeing the community come together to cheer on the Blue Hawks!
What’s one thing that always brightens your day at work?
The people—without a doubt. The foundation feels like one big family, and the sense of community and friendship makes every day better.
Celebrate 701 Day: A Nod to North Dakota's One-of-a-Kind Charm
Every July 1st, North Dakotans come together to celebrate 701 Day — a statewide tribute to the only area code our entire state shares. It’s a fun, meaningful reminder of what makes North Dakota so special: close-knit communities, friendly faces, and a shared sense of pride in where we come from. Fewer digits. More heart.
At Dickinson State University (DSU), we’re proud to call 701 home. For us, 701 Day is more than just a number — it’s a reflection of our identity in this resilient, hardworking, and deeply rooted state. It marks the start of summer festivities and leads perfectly into the Independence Day spirit that fills our skies and neighborhoods just days later.
Victor Hugo Stickney Inducted as NDCHF Great Westerner
The Theodore Roosevelt Center (TRC) and Dickinson State University (DSU) are pleased to announce we will be displaying an award given posthumously to Dr. Victor Hugo Stickney, a contemporary and friend of Theodore Roosevelt, and pivotal figure in the history and development of Dickinson and DSU.
On Saturday, June 14, the North Dakota Cowboy Hall of Fame (NDCHF) held its annual Induction Ceremony at Tjaden Terrance in Medora. Seven honorees were inducted in six categories: Pre-1940s Ranching, Modern Era Ranching, Pre-1970s Rodeo, Modern Era Rodeo, Western Art and Entertainment, and Great Westerner. This year’s Great Westerner award was given to Dr. Victor Hugo Stickney (1855-1927) of Dickinson.
DSU Agriculture Program Grows with New Facilities and Expanded Opportunities
Big changes are underway for Dickinson State University’s (DSU) agriculture program, with ongoing renovations to the agricultural educational wing and the expansion of the indoor rodeo arena. These updates are part of a broader commitment to strengthen agricultural education and provide students with cutting-edge resources to prepare for diverse careers in the industry.
Dr. Chip Poland, professor of agriculture and chair of the Department of Agriculture and Technical Studies, shared insights into DSU’s offerings and what these upgrades mean for the future of the program.
Blue Hawks Finish No. 22 in Final NAIA Learfield Directors' Cup Standings
Dickinson State University wrapped up the 2024–25 athletic year ranked No. 22 nationally in the final NAIA Learfield Directors' Cup standings, released Tuesday by the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics (NACDA).
The Blue Hawks totaled 493.00 points, placing DSU ahead of all other North Star Athletic Association (NSAA) members. Bellevue University, the next-highest NSAA institution, finished 51st with 347.00 points, while Dakota State placed 85th with 224.00 points. Fellow NSAA member Jamestown was 106th (151.50 points).
Dickinson State Rodeo Heads to the College National Finals Rodeo
The Dickinson State University (DSU) Blue Hawks Rodeo Team is set to compete on the national stage at the College National Finals Rodeo (CNFR), held in Casper, Wyoming, from June 16–20. The CNFR brings together the best collegiate rodeo athletes from across the country, and DSU is proud to be represented by a talented and determined group of student-athletes.
Below is the competition schedule for DSU, for more information on the CNFR visit https://cnfr.com/
Dickinson State Football Welcomes Khalil Paden as New Wide Receivers Coach
Dickinson State University is proud to announce the addition of Khalil Paden as the new Wide Receivers Coach for the Blue Hawk football program. Paden brings a wealth of experience as both a player and a coach, with over six years of professional football experience and nearly a decade of coaching at the high school and collegiate levels, including three seasons at the NCAA Division I level. His expertise at the wide receiver position and track record of player development makes him a valuable addition to the Blue Hawks' offensive staff.
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DSU Heritage Foundation
230 8th Ave W Dickinson, ND 58601
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