MARCH 2025 E-NEWSLETTER
- lorihauf1
- Mar 19
- 8 min read
Updated: Apr 8
Bob Green’s Home-Court Advantage: Choosing DSU and Leaving a Legacy
For Bob Green (’71), a pivotal decision in the spring of 1967 set the stage for a lifetime of connection to Dickinson State College (now Dickinson State University). A standout basketball player at Mandan High School, Bob was heavily recruited by prestigious programs across the nation. Offers came from North Dakota State University, Phil Jackson’s University of North Dakota team, and Dale Brown’s Utah State team. Yet, Bob chose Dickinson State College, influenced by a visit from Coach LaVern Jessen. Coach Jessen assured Bob that scholarships and a work-study position would cover all his college expenses. In fact, the legendary coach hilariously offered to cover the cost of a toothbrush if Bob joined the team, sealing the deal.
Bob noted that he never received that toothbrush!
From Dickinson State to the Global Stage: The Story of Major General Giselle (Gigi) Wilz
Major General Gigi Wilz (’89)’s journey from Dickinson State University graduate to breaking glass ceilings in the National Guard is a testament to the power of dreaming big.
The Richardton native’s military career began in 1983 when she enlisted in the North Dakota Army National Guard as a senior in high school, inspired by her father, a National Guard colonel, and her brothers’ service.
Wilz retired on November 15, after more than 41 years of trailblazing achievements, Wilz leaves a legacy defined by numerous “firsts.” She was the first female Chief of Staff for the North Dakota Army National Guard, the first female Brigade Commander of the 141st Maneuver Enhancement Brigade, and the first woman in the state’s history to achieve the rank of one-star general in the Guard.
CHAPTER 2 - ECHOES OF THE PAST
Step back in time to the early years that shaped DSU football’s identity. Chapter 2 explores how major historical events like WWII, The Great Depression, and the Pandemic left their mark on the program, affecting team dynamics, resources, and the sport’s evolution.
The Great Depression (1930-1939) – Amid economic turmoil, the program as well as the university fought to survive. (Written by Dr. Jeff Wells, Vaune and Dennis Johnson Endowed Professor of History)
Wartime Football – How the V-12 Navy trainees brought discipline and dedication to the team. (Written by Dr. Debora Dragseth, Baker Boy Professor of Leadership)
Interviews with Milo Dullum, Erv Kessel, and LaVern Jessen – Legends whose contributions shaped Blue Hawk history.
The Pandemic Season – Football in an era of empty stadiums, masked sidelines, and uncertainty. (Written by Jim Dahl, KDIX Radio)
An interactive website https://www.dsuheritagefoundation.org/100years
is currently being developed to highlight key moments in DSU football history. As the site is in its early stages, we encourage you to check back often for updates and new content.
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 Boltz, Coordinator of Philanthropy for the DSU Heritage Foundation, is our team spotlight this month.
If your DSUHF experience was a playlist, what would the top song(s) be and why?
Takin’ Care of Business, because that’s what we do!
What’s your favorite spot on campus and why?
The Perch – because I love the food and it’s a great place to connect with students and other faculty and staff.
If you could invite any person to speak at DSU, who would it be and why?
Theodore Roosevelt, because he has made such an impact on North Dakota and DSU.
What’s your favorite campus tradition or event to attend?
I recently attended DSU Cheer’s first ever home competition and it was AMAZING!
What’s one thing that always brightens your day at work?
My co-workers. I feel so fortunate to work with such hard working, dedicated, loyal and caring people.
AG RENOVATION PROJECT
The DSU Heritage Foundation is raising funds to support the Ag Building Renovations. Stay tuned for more information!
Dickinson State University Cheer: Rising to Number One
At Dickinson State University (DSU), the cheer program has long been a part of the game-day experience. Today, DSU Competitive Cheer stands atop the national rankings, a testament to the dedication, hard work, and foundation laid by past generations of cheerleaders.
The story of DSU cheerleading is rich with tradition. Early squads were focused on supporting the football and basketball teams, leading chants, and engaging the crowd. However, in the late 1990s, a pivotal change occurred: the inclusion of male cheerleaders. This shift, spearheaded by cheerleaders like Jolene (Vaira) Geary and Greg Guswiler, introduced more complex stunting, pushing the program toward greater athleticism and skill.
Duane “Doc” Monlux’s Journey from Player to Coach
Coaching Tree: Maps the relationships between a head coach and their former assistants or players who later became head coaches themselves. It’s similar to a family tree but applied to coaching.
Duane “Doc” Monlux is a former Blue Hawk who has built a remarkable coaching career in collegiate baseball. His journey from DSU quarterback to a successful head baseball coach is rooted in the lessons he learned under both Hank Biesiot and Pete Stanton.
Monlux played football at DSU from 1993–1997 under Coach Biesiot, graduating in the spring of 1999. Later, he returned to DSU as an assistant football coach and head baseball coach from the fall of 2002 to the fall of 2010 before taking over the baseball program at Bellevue University, where he has been coaching since.
Dickinson State University Hosts Badlands Opera Project's 'Into the Woods' Performance
Dickinson State University (DSU) is excited to host the upcoming Badlands Opera Project (BOP) performance of Into the Woods from March 28-30 at the May Hall Dorothy Stickney Auditorium.
This performance marks the beginning of a new partnership between DSU and BOP, which is set to bring numerous performances and opportunities to the university in the future.
"We are extremely grateful to DSU for the opportunities this partnership will bring," said Kelsey K. Rogers, BOP Artistic Director. "We look forward to housing many shows and summer camps at DSU, and the increased artist opportunities the use of this space will provide us. We see this as a positive step forward not only for our organization but also for the future of the arts in the Dickinson region."
Dickinson State University Reports Spring 2025 Enrollment Census Results
Dickinson State University (DSU) announced its official enrollment numbers for the spring 2025 semester, reporting an overall enrollment of 1,410 students, up from 1,373 in spring 2024. This marks a 2.69% increase. DSU continues to celebrate the positive trends in its growing enrollment numbers, as well as its exceptional programming and student resources.
"We are excited to witness this growth in both our full-time enrollment and overall enrollment numbers," said Ty Orton, Acting President of Dickinson State University. "This achievement reflects our commitment to supporting DSU's mission of offering diverse academic opportunities and helping students achieve their higher education goal."
Partners in Mime
DICKINSON — In a move hailed as a homecoming moment, the Badlands Opera Project (BOP) has signed a long-term agreement with Dickinson State University for exclusive use of the Dorothy Stickney Auditorium.
“The first Badlands Opera Project (BOP) production was a premier of Fairy Tale Suite at Dorothy Stickney Auditorium. I'm thrilled that we're partnering with DSU to give BOP, it's artists, and the community a long-term home,” says Chandra McClelland, the Brooklyn, New York-based Human Resources Director of the non-profit.
The partnership comes a year after a controversial reorganization led by former DSU President Stephen Easton, which resulted in the termination of tenured faculty from seven programs, including music and theatre. The plan, which led to protests from students and criticism from the American Association of University Professors, dramatically reduced arts offerings at the university, leaving only 15 music courses available, primarily focused on voice and instrument lessons.
Dickinson State Claims NSAA Tournament Title with 67-62 Win Over Jamestown
Dickinson State secured the North Star Athletic Association tournament championship with a 67-62 victory over Jamestown on Tuesday night at Scott Gymnasium, earning an automatic berth in the NAIA National Tournament. The Blue Hawks will learn their first-round opponent following Thursday's NAIA Selection Show.
Dickinson State (19-10) used an efficient offensive performance and timely defensive stops to claim the conference title. The Blue Hawks shot 51.9% from the field and held off a late Jamestown rally to extend their season.
Blue Hawks Complete Weekend Sweep with Pair of Wins Over In-State Rivals
Dickinson State capitalized on early offense and strong pitching to secure a pair of victories at the Nelson Family Bubble in Jamestown, N.D.
In the opener, Dickinson State defeated Jamestown 6-2 behind a complete-game effort from Alison Eldridge. The right-hander limited Jamestown to six hits while striking out six in seven innings. Offensively, the Blue Hawks struck early, plating two runs in the first inning. Baylee Berg drove in the first run with a single up the middle before Kara Conway doubled to right field, bringing home another.
Dickinson State extended its lead in the second when Celina Wilharm doubled home Allyson Farrington. Brooke Lijewski followed with a single to center, scoring Wilharm for a 4-0 advantage. Jamestown cut into the lead in the third with a two-run double, but the Blue Hawks responded in the fourth, scoring on an error to make it 5-2. Berg provided the final run in the sixth with an RBI double to right-center. Wilharm led the offense with four hits and an RBI, while Berg added two hits and two RBIs.
Suvak Captures Title, Justin Schlecht Named Coach of the Year as Blue Hawks Place 3rd at Conference Tournament
The Blue Hawks delivered a strong performance at the Heart of America Athletic Conference tournament, with multiple athletes securing podium finishes and a team effort led by heavyweight Seth Suvak's title-winning run and highlighted by head coach Justin Schlecht winning Heart of America Conference Coach of the Year. The Blue Hawks placed 3rd securing 138.5 points.
Suvak dominated the 285-pound bracket, pinning his way through the semifinals before capturing first place with a decisive 13-3 major decision in the championship match. Teammate Juan Camacho also impressed, battling through the consolation rounds to finish fourth at heavyweight.
At 125 pounds, Jose Gonzalez placed third, showcasing resilience in the consolation rounds. After an early setback, he stormed back with key victories, including a 16-1 tech fall over fellow Blue Hawk Wyatt Engwicht and an 11-6 decision in the third-place match. Engwicht secured a seventh-place finish after a hard-fought 9-8 decision victory.
Oase Scores Career-High Points in Loss to #8 Dakota State
Dickinson State fell to No. 8 Dakota State 93-74 on Saturday at Scott Gymnasium, despite a career-high performance from Samantha Oase.
The Blue Hawks started strong, leading 15-12 after the first quarter. Oase set the tone early, dominating in the paint with efficient scoring and rebounding. Dickinson State's defense limited Dakota State's perimeter shooting, holding the Trojans to 25% from the field in the opening period.
Dakota State responded in the second quarter, outscoring Dickinson State 24-15 to take a 36-30 lead into halftime. The Blue Hawks struggled from beyond the arc, shooting just 11.1% for the game, while the Trojans took advantage of transition opportunities. Oase continued her strong play, finishing the half with 17 points.
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