The DSU Heritage Foundation Announces the 2025 Alumni Fellow and Award Recipients

DICKINSON, N.D. – The DSU Heritage Foundation proudly announces its 2025 Alumni Honorees, recognized for exceptional contributions in their fields. Recipients will be celebrated on October 9 at the Alumni Honors Banquet during DSU Homecoming week.

“Each of these honorees represents the very best of Dickinson State University,” said Ty Orton, DSU Heritage Foundation Executive Director. “Their leadership, service, and commitment reflect the values of Blue Hawks everywhere, and we are proud to celebrate the impact they continue to make on our campus and in their communities.”

“This celebration is about more than recognition—it’s about honoring the Blue Hawk spirit that lives on through the lives and work of our alumni,” added Kierra Mathern, Director of Alumni Relations. “We are excited to gather together and share their inspiring stories with the DSU family.”

The honorees will be recognized at a banquet on Oct. 9 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the All In Event Center. Tickets are $35. Purchase HERE: 2025 DSU Homecoming - 100 Years of Football - Dickinson State University Alumni or contact Kierra Mathern at (701) 483-2486.

This year’s alumni honorees are:

Thomas Sease ’19 – School of Professional Studies Fellow

Bismarck native Thomas Sease studied psychology at DSU, where he also competed in football and track and earned top honors including Outstanding Graduate of the Year. Inspired by the supportive DSU community, he pursued graduate studies at Texas Christian University, completing both a master’s and Ph.D. in Experimental Psychology by 2023.

Today, Sease is an accomplished researcher and educator, authoring more than 30 publications and presenting at over 50 academic conferences. His work focuses on substance use, trauma, and mental health, with an emphasis on individuals in the legal system. Recognized with major research awards and funding, Sease continues to advance his field while also pursuing creative writing in his free time. He credits his success to mentors, coaches, friends, and family who guided him throughout his journey.

Giselle Marie “Gigi” Wilz ’90 – School of Applied Sciences Fellow

Richardton native Gigi Wilz transferred to DSU in 1985, where she balanced academics, athletics, and service in the North Dakota National Guard. After earning her degree in education in 1990, she was deployed to support Operation Desert Storm, an experience that inspired her to pursue a full-time military career. Rising through the ranks, she became Chief of Staff for the ND National Guard, leading thousands of soldiers and overseeing an $80 million budget.

In 2015, Wilz made history as the first female Army officer in the ND National Guard promoted to Brigadier General, later taking on national assignments. She credits her family values and mentors for her success and is passionate about coaching the next generation of leaders. Beyond service, she enjoys travel, cycling, and outdoor activities. Her career stands as a model of leadership, resilience, and dedication to something greater than herself.

Sarah Crossingham ’11 – School of Education

Originally from Montana, Sarah Crossingham transferred to DSU in 2008, where she thrived in the Composite Social Science and Secondary Education program. Active on campus, she served in student leadership roles, joined honor societies, and was named Outstanding Senior in Teacher Education. After graduating cum laude, she began teaching and coaching in North Dakota before returning to Dickinson to join the DSU faculty.

Now an Assistant Professor of Education and leader of the Blue Hawk Theatre Guild, Crossingham has been recognized as the 2017 ND History Teacher of the Year and DSU’s 2025 Innovative Faculty Member of the Year. She remains active in both education and community life while raising her family in Dickinson. She credits her family, mentors, and students for shaping her teaching philosophy and commitment to innovation, collaboration, and service.

Tracey Hoff – School of Business and Entrepreneurship

Richardton native Tracey Hoff attended DSU from 1991 to 1993, where business courses in the Agricultural Sales and Service program provided the foundation for his career. Those experiences, along with professional relationships built at DSU, prepared him for entrepreneurial success in real estate.

Hoff has since built a thriving company while remaining dedicated to his community, reflecting the values of trust and service central to his life. He credits his family, instructors, and community for their unwavering support, and he remains grateful to DSU for shaping both his professional path and personal growth.

Brady Wilz ’19 – Young Hawk Award

A Bismarck native, Brady Wilz came to Dickinson State University in 2014 to pursue education and football, continuing a proud family tradition. At DSU, he earned a degree in Business Education, completed the Theodore Roosevelt Honors Leadership Program, and played on three playoff-qualifying Blue Hawk football teams while being recognized as an NAIA Scholar Athlete. He also stood out academically, earning honors such as Student Teaching with Distinction and presenting on diversity at the National Collegiate Honors Conference.

Wilz’s career has been marked by both teaching and leadership. He earned a master’s in K–12 School Administration, coached football and wrestling, and in 2024 was appointed Principal of Killdeer High School. He credits family, faith, and his late father for inspiring his perseverance. To this day, Wilz stays closely connected to DSU while devoting his free time to hunting, fishing, summers at Lake Tschida, and raising his young family.

Dave Michaelson ’82 – Golden Hawk Award

Raised in Velva, North Dakota, Dave Michaelson enrolled at DSU in 1977, drawn by Coach Hank Biesiot’s honest recruiting style. A starting offensive lineman, he graduated in 1982 and began a 40-year career with Dickinson Public Schools. During that time, he taught, coached, and mentored thousands of students, guiding football, wrestling, track, and basketball teams to countless victories, state titles, and championships. He also served as Assistant Athletic Director and long-time Close Up advisor, fostering civic engagement among students.

Michaelson’s influence reached beyond the classroom and field, serving on state and national coaches’ associations while staying active with DSU’s booster organizations. His career has earned him induction into multiple halls of fame, including the NDHSCA and NHSACA. Now retired, he continues to work with students and enjoys hunting, traveling, and time with his grandchildren. He credits his family, faith, and mentors for shaping his lifelong commitment to education and community.

Mike Parke – Blue Feather Award

After moving to Dickinson as a teenager, Mike Parke quickly embraced the community, graduating from Dickinson High in 1969 and attending DSU before being drafted into the U.S. Army. His time in Korea sparked a passion for helping others and led to a career in finance, eventually finding his calling in trust management. Parke built a respected career in banking and investment management, where he still works alongside his son and longtime colleague.

Parke has been deeply involved in Dickinson and DSU, supporting athletics, serving on boards, and volunteering in civic and church organizations. He has earned honors such as Entrepreneur of the Year and an honorary Letterman distinction. For Parke, receiving the Blue Feather Award reflects his lifelong bond with Dickinson and DSU, communities he still supports wholeheartedly.