Each year, the DSU Heritage Foundation selects a Dickinson State University student whose college narrative can be used to motivate others to follow in their footsteps and explain to scholarship donors how their contributions make a difference. That deserving individual is the Student Impact Story speaker.
Starting this summer, senior Griffin Obrigewitch will be sharing his story, which is one of service, involvement, and the pursuit of more than just a classroom-and-book education.
“Griffin is a Service over Self leader on the DSU campus,” DSU Heritage Foundation Executive Director Ty Orton said. “He takes pride in all he does and works hard to make all things better than how he found them. He is a team player and a great example for our students.”
As the Student Impact Story speaker, Obrigewitch will present his story at the Foundation’s Donor Thank You event and appear in other promotional events and materials. He barely has time to spare but considers it an honor to represent how far students can get when they stay focused and motivated.
“The Foundation chose me to get a different perspective because I’m active in the community and I’m from Dickinson. I’ll talk about what it means to receive scholarships and the opportunities they provide,” Obrigewitch said.
A Theodore Roosevelt Honors Leadership Program Student Assistant Director majoring in biology and minoring in chemistry and leadership, Obrigewitch receives an annual TR Honors Program scholarship, another award for being in a leadership position, and yet another for running track and cross-country.
"The TRHLP program is a little more challenging,” Obrigewitch said. “It challenges our critical thinking. Part of that is Theodore Roosevelt’s impact on leadership and the area. We’re using him as a reference to our own leadership.” Obrigewitch has made the most of the opportunities the scholarships have provided. He recently led a roundtable discussion on the Experiences of a Servant Leader at the Upper Midwest Regional Honors Council Conference. He is the 2024-25 North Dakota student representative for in the Upper Midwest Honors Council.
In 2023, Obrigewitch made a Give Day video for the TR Program. This year, he will have a larger role in the annual fundraiser, as a student speaker, student ambassador, and student senator, while also continuing an athletic career.
He finished fourth in his favorite outdoor event, the 3,000-meter steeplechase, at the most recent North Star Athletic Association (NSAA) track and field meet. He also ran the 5,000 meters and a leg on the 4x800 relay team that took second place. He was fourth in the NSAA indoor 5,000 meters and seventh in the indoor 5,000 meters.
Already a dental assistant, Obrigewitch is applying to dental schools. Experiences like those that earned him the Student Impact Story speaker honor will likely ease his entry into dental school. “Griffin is a well established scholar and is known on campus for his work ethic and selflessness,” said Kierra Schneider, alumni relations and events coordinator for the DSU Heritage Foundation.
“There’s been a shift from traditional test scores and letters of recommendation to more what your resume looks like to get into graduate school,” Obrigewitch said. “Community service and getting involved shows you're more than just a student who can study and get good grades. It shows that you contribute to the good of the community and society. I like being involved. It’s been fulfilling making the most of my experience here at DSU.
By: Scooter Pursley, DSU Heritage Foundation Communication Specialist