The DSU HF Announces the 2026 Alumni Honorees

The DSU Heritage Foundation is proud to announce the 2026 Dickinson State University Alumni Honorees, recognizing a distinguished group of alumni and friends whose leadership, service and professional achievements continue to reflect the values of Dickinson State.

Each year, alumni and friends are invited to nominate deserving individuals for the University's highest honors. Recipients are selected by the DSU Heritage Foundation Alumni Committee and approved by the DSU Heritage Foundation Board of Directors. The 2026 honorees include three Alumni Fellows, representing each of Dickinson State's academic schools, along with the University's highest Alumni Awards: the Young Hawk Award, recognizing an outstanding alumnus or alumna age 49 and younger; the Golden Hawk Award, honoring an exceptional alumnus or alumna age 50 and older; and the Blue Feather Award, presented to an individual who is not a Dickinson State alumnus but has demonstrated extraordinary dedication and service to the University.

Alumni Fellows

Alumni Fellows are recognized for their outstanding professional accomplishments and dedication to their fields. Each year, one alumnus or alumna is selected to represent each of Dickinson State's three academic schools, celebrating excellence across the University's diverse areas of study.

School of Applied Sciences Alumni Fellow: Dr. Maria “Duffy” Meyer ‘01

Dr. Maria “Duffy” Meyer is a 2001 Dickinson State graduate with a bachelor's degree in biology and earned a second bachelor's degree in Spanish in 2002. After attending several colleges and studying abroad in Mexico and Japan, she chose Dickinson State, where supportive faculty and a welcoming campus community helped shape her path to a successful career in dentistry. Today, Dr. Meyer is a respected dentist and community leader recognized as a Bismarck Tribune 40 Under 40 honoree, one of Prairie Business' Top 25 Women in Business, and a Fellow of the International College of Dentists. She is a passionate advocate for public health and access to dental care, serving on numerous boards while leading outreach efforts that expand access to oral health services across North Dakota. Dr. Meyer credits her family, mentors, colleagues, and the faculty who believed in her at Dickinson State for helping her discover her purpose and achieve professional success.

School of Business & Entrepreneurship Alumni Fellow: Kathy Torske ‘00

Kathy (Olson) Torske is a 2000 Dickinson State graduate who earned bachelor's degrees in accounting and business administration with a banking and finance concentration, graduating summa cum laude. A certified public accountant and Certified Fiduciary & Investment Risk Specialist, Torske has built an accomplished career in banking and wealth management, serving as president and chief executive officer of Bravera Wealth since 2011. She was recognized as a 2025 Prairie Business Leaders & Legacies honoree and a 2019 BankBeat Rising Star in Banking. Beyond her professional success, Torske has demonstrated a strong commitment to community leadership through service with the North Dakota Bankers Association, local church leadership, and numerous civic organizations. She credits her work ethic, supportive mentors, family, and Dickinson State education for helping her build a successful career while remaining proud to represent DSU throughout her professional journey.

School of Education Alumni Fellow: Guy Fridley

Guy Fridley has dedicated his career to education, leadership, and student success. After earning his degree from Dickinson State University in 2001, he began a distinguished career as a coach and educator. At DSU, Fridley served as head softball and women's basketball coach, leading the Blue Hawks to four consecutive conference softball championships, multiple NAIA National Tournament appearances, and a national semifinal finish. He also coached the women's basketball team to conference championships and an NAIA National Tournament berth. In 2009, Fridley transitioned to K-12 education, serving as secondary principal and athletic director at South Heart High School before joining Dickinson High School in 2012 as assistant principal and activities director. For more than a decade, he has provided leadership while creating meaningful opportunities for students through academics, athletics, and activities. Following a proud family tradition of service, Fridley has continued his family's legacy of investing in the Dickinson community through education, athletics and mentorship. His leadership has positively impacted generations of students and families across western North Dakota.

Alumni Awards

Dickinson State presents three distinguished alumni awards. The Young Hawk Award recognizes an outstanding alumnus or alumna age 49 or younger, the Golden Hawk Award honors an exceptional alumnus or alumna age 50 or older, and the Blue Feather Award recognizes a non-alumnus whose service and dedication have made a lasting impact on Dickinson State.

Young Hawk: Emily Klym ‘12

Emily Klym is a 2012 Dickinson State graduate who earned bachelor's degrees in accounting and business administration, along with a minor in leadership studies. A graduate of the Theodore Roosevelt Honors Leadership Program, she credits her Dickinson State experience with shaping her leadership philosophy and preparing her for a successful career in accounting and finance. Klym is a certified public accountant and serves as chief financial officer for the Theodore Roosevelt Medora Foundation. Recognized as a 2025 Prairie Business 40 Under 40 honoree, she is also president of the North Dakota CPA Society and actively mentors future accounting professionals. Committed to servant leadership and community service, Klym volunteers with several organizations while balancing her career with raising her three children with her husband, Steve. She credits her family, mentors, and Dickinson State education for helping her achieve professional success and give back to others.

Golden Hawk: Steve “Butch” Goodall ‘66

Steve “Butch” Goodall is a 1966 graduate of Dickinson State Teachers College, where he earned a bachelor's degree in secondary education with majors and minors that reflected his passion for teaching and lifelong learning. After working his way through college while supporting a young family, Goodall built a successful career in the oil industry, holding positions in Texas, Alaska, and Colorado. Throughout his life, he and his wife, Patti, have remained deeply committed to Dickinson State, creating scholarship opportunities that help students pursue their educational goals. A charter member of the Touchdown Club and a dedicated supporter of numerous university initiatives, Goodall has also played an instrumental role in helping the DSU Heritage Foundation establish numerous endowments and named scholarships since the Foundation's founding in October 2015, creating opportunities for deserving students. His generosity, volunteer leadership, and advocacy continue to strengthen Dickinson State and create opportunities that will benefit Blue Hawks for generations to come.

Blue Feather: Guy & Sandra Moos

Guy and Sandra Moos have been steadfast champions of Dickinson State and the Dickinson community for decades. Guy, a lifelong Dickinson resident, first connected with Dickinson State by attending Blue Hawk basketball games in the 1960s, while Sandra has called Dickinson home since 1979. Together, they have made a lasting impact through their generosity, volunteerism, and belief in higher education. Through Baker Boy, they established the Baker Boy Theodore Roosevelt Honors Leadership Program Annual Scholarship, helping develop the next generation of leaders. They have also been dedicated supporters of Dickinson State, regularly participating in campus events and initiatives that enrich the University and its students. Their commitment to student success, community engagement, and the future of Dickinson State continues to inspire others and strengthen opportunities for generations of Blue Hawks.

The 2026 Alumni Honorees will be formally recognized during the Alumni Honors Banquet on Thursday, Oct. 1, at the All In Events Center as part of Dickinson State University's Homecoming celebration. The banquet begins at 4:30 p.m., and alumni, friends and community members are invited to attend. Tickets are available at dsualum.org/e/2026-dsu-homecoming-for-alumni-friends.

The DSU Heritage Foundation congratulates this year's honorees and invites you to learn more about the remarkable individuals whose accomplishments, leadership and service continue to make Dickinson State proud.