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NOVEMBER 25, 2009
VOLUME 3 s ISSUE 1
W H AT ’ S N E W AT W I L L I S T O N S T AT E C O L L E G E A N D T H E W S C F O U N D AT I O N

ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT Molander with daughter

Sarah, 4, returned to the
INDUSTRY OUTLOOK
3,000-acre Crosby farm

TOP 10 TECH JOBS

Banking,
recently to help harvest

A big-time success, wheat and dry peas.

*# of Projected Job Opportunities by 2016

Molander tips hat #1

#2
RN
Nurses Aid/LPN
2876
2064

the American State Way. American State Bank

to WSC beginnings
By Julie Kendrick
#3
#4
#5
#6
Trucking
Office Support 1718
Sales
Carpenter
2020

1607
905

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cott Molander has worn many hats in his life: #7 Welder 768

Full Page
farm kid, athlete, WSC basketball forward. But
#8 Engin./Equip. Operator 749
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the hats he wears today are all from Hat World,

10.33 x 10.33
the company he co-founded. It accelerated him from #9 Electrician 662
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humble beginnings to become a national success. #10 Hairstylist/Cosmetologist 657

In 1995, Molander and his partner were managers 3000 2500 2000 1500 1000 500 0
at Indianapolis Foot Locker stores. Their idea was *Combines jobs from new openings and turnover from
to create a retail shop that sold just sports caps. The retiring workers, requiring less than a 4-yr degree.
business was an immediate success, selling more Information obtained from ND Careers by Education, 2009
than 6,000 hats in its first eight weeks. The rest, as
they say, is history.
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WHAT’S INSIDE!
Hat World, a multi-million
multi-million PAGE 2
The WSC Foundation

Banking your way.

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dollar company, now has 900 gives thanks
“At WSC, the teachers gave you close attention.
locations, and Scott Molander They really cared about you getting a good educa- PAGE 3
proudly wears the hat of tion and succeeding. Even more than learning facts, The new $6M Career
and Tech Center
774-4100 | www.asbt.com | FDIC
No one banks like you do, so we have services, expertise and locations to Member I learned how to problem-solve.”
“Successful Entrepreneur.”
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give you exactly what you need—when you need it. PAGE 6Popular prof
On the basketball court, Molander encountered an dons a bayonet
A knowledgeable, friendly staff, electronic and telephone banking attentive and demanding coach in Terry Olson, who
Hat World, a multi-million dollar company, now has “taught me a lot about hard work and intensity. He PAGE 9
services, drive-up windows, ATMs, and so much more are all yours, 900 locations, and Scott Molander proudly wears Fanfare over new
showed me how much it took to play at one level,
backed by 100+ years of solid shelter and growth for personal and the hat of “Successful Entrepreneur.” and then demanded that I move up another level.” Hall of Fame
business finances. Seeing parallels in his own career, Molander added, PAGE 11
After two years at Williston State College, Molander Tragic accident
Give us a call, stop by or see us online. We’ll be happy to help. earned a basketball scholarship and graduated from “It’s like that in business, where as soon as you clear begs for community
Dickinson State University. He looks back fondly a hurdle, you encounter the next hurdle.” support
on his time at WSC, treasuring memories of classes
with professors Bervig, Newirth and Solberg.
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— ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT Cont’d on Page 4
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N O V E M B E R 2 5 , 2 0 0 9 N O V E M B E R 2 5 , 2 0 0 9

Volleyball girls lose a coach,

FROM THE WSC FOUNDATION
but gain a friend By Todd Svanoe

Major changes are cause for thanksgiving
W e would like to welcome you to the new and
improved, bi-monthly issue of the Teton
Thunder where we’ll keep you updated on the many
changes, new buildings and added educational
opportunities available at Williston State College.
Considering that the college has received funding for
a dormitory, math/science building, and career and
tech center all during a national recession, we are
humbled at our good fortune on this Thanksgiving.
Under the new vision and leadership of President
TERRY OLSON Dr. Ray Nadolny, this 2009 year has truly been a
major turning point in the history of Williston State
Executive Director of the WSC Foundation College, with a bright future on the horizon.
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W hen she leaves as Williston State’s Volleyball
coach this year, Lindsey Graue will go out on
I came to Williston State, and now, as a sopho-
more, she’s helping me get recruited to a four-year
top – of her conference, that is – and maybe on top school.”
In our recent annual report we were able to thank
by name more than 1,000 of you who have made
Williston State College a source of educational
of her players’ lists of Facebook friends, as well.
Graue’s parting words to her players: “Don’t forget
Graue struck a delicate balance between coach and me. If you ever need anything, I’ll be there for you.”
training, steady employment, new leadership, and
comrade while taking the Lady Tetons to a confer- Her words to Williston: “I’m going to miss you.
athletic entertainment for nearly 50 years!
ence championship in October. “We had lots of The fans were awesome, and there were amazing
doubts as a team at the beginning of the season,” people in the athletic department who supported
We believe we’re heading into another golden
explained sophomore Ashley Senst. me 100 percent.”
era, when high schools throughout the region will
be talking about Williston State. We give thanks
“But she split us into teams and sent us on a scaven- That certainly included her best supporter, fiancé,
to those of you who are joining us as Foundation
ger hunt to build our teamwork. She supported us and Williston State College’s former men’s basket-
members and “Making a Promise” to provide for
on and off the court.” By the end of the season the ball assistant Eric Peterson whom she will join as
future generations, and for those whose support
will help us to meet each year’s new challenges.
team was clicking, even sponsoring a breast cancer
benefit together.
he has accepted an assistant coaching job at Min-
nesota State University Morehead. Surrounding Coach Graue from the left, Katie Hansen
(now head volleyball coach at Surrey High in Minot);
Many have found the recession a great time to fur-
“What I’ll remember is how hard she pushed us and sophomore Chelsea Hicks from Williston, and Chelsea
ther their education and increase their earning power “If you ever need anything,

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how she stuck with us. She was very competitive Hanson from Enderlin, North Dakota.
ALUMNI CENTRAL This Thanksgiving is a perfect time to look back with until the employment picture in their fields improve.
and very friendly,” said Senst. “She was the reason I’ll be there for you.”
gratitude at the major financial and land gifts of men Do your neighbor, relative or co-worker a favor by
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and women like Otto and Alma Boss, Charles Ball, telling them about the new opportunities here.
“As WSC Alum and Olaf and Bertina Nelson whose legacies live on
Dr. Sarah Solberg
to bless future generations of Williston State College
students.
And in the meantime, enjoy family and friends for a
blessed Thanksgiving!
Tragic accident calls for BUY ONE T-SHIRT
GET ONE
makes new strides for
One look at the list of 60 scholarships community
— Terry Olson community support 50%
women’s health with members have made available (see www.wsc.nod- Off
ak.edu/financial/scholarships/scholpg1.htm) tells a
WSC Foundation, read more stories at www.
R ecruited to the Teton Women’s Basket-
Quality Sporting Goods & Apparel

ALL SEASONS
wscfoundation.com or visit us at 18th Street East, ball Team from the Bahamas, Lenishka
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Custom Embroidery, Screenprinting, Trophies
her Ob/Gyn practice wonderful story. Williston, ND 58802. Phone: 701-572-9275 McDonald (Nishka) was a dedicated student
Dr. Wayne Anderson
in Williston, joining who loved Williston State. But on October 18th
her basketball dreams were dashed. Through a

    
   tragic basketball injury, Nishka lost circulation 209 1st Ave. West • Williston, ND
Mercy Medical Center
    
Sport About
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in her leg leading to an amputation. Multiple 701-577-1837
Drs. Wayne Anderson surgeries at Minot and Mayo Clinic have gone




 
1/430% to 75% Off
and Brett Vibeto
beyond the family’s insurance coverage and All Sales Shoes
modest income, and family members lack the
as alumni who have  

 
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CYAN MAGENTA

CYAN MAGENTA
Dr. Sarah Solberg Original Price
made Williston home, Williston State College and the WSC Foundation

we are again inspired ! 

  

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call on the community to help lighten the load of
Nishka and her family, to provide funds for both
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their visits and necessary medical care. Join us in

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making a bright gesture of Williston friendship
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Sportwear Toddler and Youth
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Visit Williston
  
    

 
State College, www.wscnodak.edu,   

1410 University Avenue 
ND  58801-4464.
         
 


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accomplishing.”
Williston, Phone: 701-774-4200.
Lenishka McDonald Fund
Tax deductible donations will be accepted at
Clothing

    PO Box 1286
Dr. Brett Vibeto Williston, ND 58802-1286 Williston State College or the WSC Foundation. 20% Off
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— SPORTS SPOTLIGHT Cont’d from Page 9

“She said that no matter where she’s been, the one

place she’s always held near and dear to heart is
Williston,” Berg reported.
Attendees feasted on prime rib and shrimp, prepared
by WSC staff, and wiped away tears while watching
video clips of their glory days. Then they got down to
the serious business at hand – launching what many
have considered a long-overdue Athletic Hall of Fame
to honor the remarkable accomplishments of the top
achievers throughout the school’s history.
“Athletes often focus on what’s coming up next – their next school and
their next team – instead of savoring the special qualities of where they are
right now,” Roise observed.
Lori (Carriere) Klabunde, women’s basketball 1981-
1983; Julie (Hendrickson) Kresl, women’s basketball
1982-84; Fred Fridley, men’s basketball 1992-94 and
Hunter Berg, men’s basketball 1995-97.
Coaches who earned induction included Phil Rabon,
who coached baseball as well as men’s and women’s
basketball teams from 1965 to 1992; Penny Slagle,
who headed up a successful women’s basketball
program from 1978 to 1992; and Terry Olson, who
led the men’s basketball program from 1982 to 2007.
This was not a ceremony for the time-conscious, Berg
chuckled. With so many inductees giving grateful,
enthusiastic and occasionally long-winded speech-
es, the evening went two hours longer than he
school has wanted to do for a number of years,” said
Berg. “Most colleges do have an athletic hall of fame
and it’s about time we get on board.”
“I’m very proud and amazed at what
the inductees were able to accomplish.
And I’m just as excited in looking to
the annual selection of new inductees,”
Hunter Berg observed.
“It was an emotional night,” said Berg. “The high-
light videos really brought us back in time. I guess
CAMPUS EXPANSION
Ground breaks for $6M Career
Dual credit is a boon for students
and Tech Center from 14 high schools
O ptimism has brimmed for “work training” in
the region since visitors and dignitaries from
all over North Dakota gathered on the Williston
State College campus in October to break ground
and launch the state-of-the-art Great Northwest
CareerDevelopmentCenter.Respondingtoachanging
labor market, the state legislature designated most
of the $6M from the permanent oil tax trust fund to
increase work opportunity in the area.
The building, to be located east of the college between
the Crighton and Art Wood Buildings, is a dream come
true and has been in the works for years, according to
David Richter, coordinator for the Great Northwest
Education Cooperative and workforce dean at WSC.
By Julie Kendrick and Todd Svanoe DID YOU KNOW?
Top 5 Reasons
Students Choose
Williston State College
IVN (Interactive Video Network) to area high schools and Students and alumni report five
colleges, but due to the expense of training in technology,
the college needed this collaborative with state and local
top reasons they came to WSC:
RIÀFLDOV LQFOXGLQJ KLJK VFKRRO VXSHULQWHQGHQWV DQG WKH 1 Personalized learning opportunities
Western Energy Corridor to provide additional regional
2 Small student-teacher ratios
leadership, said WSC President Dr. Ray Nadolny.
Interactive TV will be installed throughout the 60,000 3 Highly qualified faculty
square-foot facility so coursework can be broadcast to
training sites throughout the region.
4 Friendly atmosphere
Junior and senior high school students will be able to
5 A place “Where People Make the
complete as “dual credit” the equivalent of one year of Difference” on a daily basis
college coursework. “This came together as something
the area high school superintendents wanted and need-
SOURCE: WILLISTON STATE COLLEGE VP OF ACADEMIC AFFAIRS

expected, concluding at midnight. “Next year, we all wish we could go back to those moments
“When the Legislative process began, everyone worked ed,” Richter said.
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our maximum number of inductees is four, so
we’ll get home a lot sooner,” Berg promised.
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sometimes, and so we got to do it for a few minutes
their tails off to put this Fourteen area high schools are involved in the coop-
anyway.” “It was an unbelievable turnout, better than
together,” he said. erative, including Williston, Alexander, Divide County,

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But for others, it made up for lost time and
was one of those evenings you wished would
never end. “The Hall of Fame is something the
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my highest hopes,” concluded Berg. “But then, “Students there will prepare Grenora, Trenton, Ray, Tioga, Powers Lake, Stanley,
as Jean Roise said when she talked about the
Williston for occupations in diesel Burke Central, New Town, Parshall and Watford City.
incredible support she got when she played here,
State College technology, graphic design
‘That’s Williston!’”
currently offers Classes are expected to begin in the new building by
51 academic and multimedia, architecture the fall of 2010 with four new teachers, instructing with
courses through and drafting, and building online and interactive television, modules and traveling
trades including carpentry, outreach programs.

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welding, plumbing, electrical, Clearly excited about this important addition to cam-
“I’m very proud and amazed at what the inductees and green energy careers.” pus, Richter said the architecture itself will also be in-
were able to accomplish. And I’m just as excited in spiring. “It will be a great-looking building. Its technol-
looking to the annual selection of new inductees,” RJ\ ZLOO EH VWDWHRIWKHDUW DQG LWV HGXFDWLRQ ÀUVW UDWH
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Hunter Berg observed. “High schools in the area are very supportive of this Programs will address the needs of the area workforce,
project and provided a lot of help,” he added. “We could and may bring new businesses to Williston.”
Teams inducted included the 1967 volleyball team, not have gotten the funding for this project or made it
the first University of North Dakota-Williston squad successful if not for great cooperation and support that Richter noted WSC had originally requested $5.2
to qualify for a national tourney. They were joined we’ve received from area million in funding, with the North Dakota
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by the 1976-77 women’s basketball team, a national superintendents.”
tournament team, along with the 1978-79 women’s — CAMPUS EXPANSION Cont’d on Page 4
basketball team, which finished third at the NJCAA
tournament. On the men’s side, the 1998-99 men’s
basketball team earned the honor as the first men’s
Coaches Penny Slagle, Phil Rabon and Terry Olson were the first Hall of Fame coaches
team to make the final 16 National Tournament.
inducted. Rabon (left) talks with Olson (right) at the Phil Rabon Field, which was
Other individual inductees included Diana dedicated before a baseball game here on September 18.
(Anderson) Farrenkopf, women’s basketball 1975-77;
Shelly (Hughes) Feeney, women’s basketball 1978-80; Writing, editing and design by Storycraft Communications, www.storycraftbiz.com
Architectural rending of Career & Tech Center
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— ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT Cont’d from Page 1
Scott Molander
Even with his move to Indianapolis and extraordi-
nary achievements there, Molander’s North Dakota
roots run deep. He visits home frequently to help out
on the 3,000-acre family farm in Crosby, which is run
in partnership with brother-in-law Lynn Torgerson.
“Indianapolis is a big town,” he said, “and I’m really
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not a big town guy.” Molander was back this fall to
help with the harvest. “I love the crisp weather in
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North Dakota!” he exclaimed.
He and his wife, Carolyn, have two daughters,
Maggie, age 8, and Sarah, age 4. Molander says he’s
content now with his life, in which he is able split time
among work, farm and family. Asked if he planned
another entrepreneurial venture, he observed, “Never
say never, but I’ve got a really good life right now,
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with good balance.”
When volunteering at business competitions, he is
asked for advice from budding entrepreneurs. His
answer: “Whatever you do, you’ve got to have
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passion, because that’s what will get you through
the tough days. The money will come, but you need
passion first.”
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As he looks ahead, Molander tries to consider, now
and then, what people might say about him at his
funeral, and to live with that thought in mind. He
hopes that his eulogy goes something along the lines
of, “He was a good man and a good son, sibling,
husband, father, friend, teammate, boss,
businessman and farmer.” However,
he adds, an honest eulogy would
have to include mentioning, “He
was slow on the basketball
court and could not jump.”
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— CAMPUS EXPANSION Cont’d from Page 3
State Legislature allowing for up to $6
million in funding for the entire project
during the last legislative session via
Senate Bill 2003. With $5 million coming
from the state’s Permanent Oil Tax Trust
Fund, Richter said that funding came from
several sources, including some local
and federal, with the bulk of the money
“mostly in hand.”
$UHD OHDGHUV ZKR ÀUVW VDZ WKH QHHG IRU
the building approached State Represen-
tative Bob Skarpol of Tioga, who began
the drive to seek funds from the Legisla-
ture, said Richter. Richter credits Skarpol
Junior and senior high
school students will be
able to complete as “dual
credit” the equivalent of
one year of college course-
work. “This came together
as something the area high
school superintendents
wanted and needed,”
Richter said.
with spearheading the effort, helped by
Williston legislators Representatives Pat
Hatlestad and Gary Sukut, Representative
David Rust of Tioga, and State Senator
Stan Lyson. Superintendent Murray Klein of Alexander
is the lead administrator for the overall project. Richter
FAST FACT!
While 84% of the state’s top job opportunities require only
a 2-year degree, 80% of the state’s post-secondary students
are enrolled at 4-year colleges, according to the North Dakota
Workforce Development Division.
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SPORTS SPOTLIGHT
Hall of Famers cheered for buzzer
beaters and super serves
A t a packed Elks Club, videos rolled and devout
fans cheered, recounting memories of the 14
Williston State College athletes inducted into the
new Athletic Hall of Fame. Alumni from around the
nation reunited with former teammates, giving high
fives and beaming with pride while discussing their
buzzer beaters and super serves.
Eight players, four teams and three coaches,
representing the finest athletic achievements Williston
State College has known, were lauded and applaud-
ed past midnight by more than 200 former players,
fans, residents and boosters – hallowed on Hallow-
een night – establishing a hall that many considered
long overdue.
“For almost 45 years, our college’s athletics program
has accomplished great things. I had no idea the
number of sports we have competed in or the amount
of success we have had,” said current men’s basketball
coach and WSC athletic director Hunter Berg, one of
many former stars to speak. “This Athletic Hall of
Fame project has been a fun one for me.”
also noted that Williston State College Foundation
Director Terry Olson was involved from the start.
One outstanding group of players that Berg called “probably our best-ever women’s team” showed plenty of Teton
spirit even 30 years after their playing days. Eleven of the 12 members of the women’s 78-79 basketball team traveled
Source: The Bismarck Tribune, 2/28/09 to the ceremony, from as far away as Arizona and Tennessee. — Hunter Berg, Athletic Director
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By Tom Kvamme and Julie Kendrick
Basketball stand-out Lori Klabunde,
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RN, today is a physician’s assistant “Fast Fred” Fridley, now a coach and
for The Bone & Joint Center
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teacher at University of Mary in Bismarck,
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in Bismarck. was one of 14 Hall of Famers honored.
Berg noted that they just had a col-
lege reunion recently, but still made Teton alumni show fruits of highest
the special effort to travel back team GPA. See this related story
to North Dakota. “That team is www.wscfoundation.com under
pretty unique in how committed to they are to getting “Alumni Central,”1990’s graduates.
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back together with each other,” he said.
One especially moving speech came from former
standout basketball player Jean Roise, said Berg “Many consider Jean to be the greatest woman who
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in an interview. Roise played women’s basketball has ever played here,” Berg said. She observed that
at Williston State from 1978 through 1980. From many junior college athletes often focus on what’s
WSC, Roise went on to Kansas State, playing coming up next – their next school and their next
Division I basketball and traveling all over the team – instead of savoring the special qualities of
country. Berg said he wished that all WSC athletes where they are right now. Roise insisted that Williston
CYAN MAGENTA
could have heard her speech. was her greatest place to play basketball, ever.
— SPORTS SPOTLIGHT Cont’d on Page 10
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When the Teton
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N O V E M B E R 2 5 , 2 0 0 9 F O R M O R E S T O R I E S , V I S I T W W W. W S C F O U N D AT I O N . C O M O R C A L L U S AT 7 0 1 - 5 7 2 - 9 2 7 5

storm hits
Can’t imagine juggling COACHING STAFF UPDATE By Tom Kvamme

work and school? Flaco brings fit and flair as

Take these popular courses online!
Williston State now offers online courses in:
s !LGEBRA s #ALCULUS s %CONOMICS
new Tetons men’s assistant
s "IOLOGY s -ANAGEMENT s +EYBOARDING
s !CCOUNTING s #HEMISTRY s 3PEECH E verything was turning up roses for the new Tetons
men’s basketball coaching assistant Robb Flaco in
Floco dramatically turned two of Arizona’s high
school basketball doormats into contenders within a

Williston Herald
s (ISTORY s .UTRITION sunny Arizona. So why did he feel compelled to leave three-year period, and tripled the win production of
s )NTRODUCTION TO #OMPUTERS s 0SYCHOLOGY  3OCIOLOGY those warm climates and transfer to the frigid north? the Scottsdale Community College Artichokes. The
the
1/4
s #OLLEGE #OMPOSITION s #ONCEPTS OF &ITNESS  7ELLNESS His family was the first to ask. “My family called from best thing about their veggie mascot, he said, was that
“In the coming years, jobs requiring at Arizona in October, and I told them it had snowed it was green and gold, he laughed. “So I’m halfway
least an associate degree are projected already. They think I’m crazy, but we love it here.” there for Williston State attire!”
to grow twice as fast as jobs requiring

sports department has it covered!

no college experience. We will not fill “My wife Sonia is from a small mining town in Ari- Flaco is cut out for WSC’s two-year program, he said.
those jobs — or keep those jobs on our zona, and when I told her that there was a chance to “I was a junior college kid, too. Those two years made
shores — without the training live in a community of 20,000, she was excited to live me a different young man. You get bigger, stronger,
offered by community colleges.” a small-town life and strengthen our values as a fam- faster. If you work hard, you can create opportunities
— President Obama, July 14, ily.” Flaco left a post as a high school administrator in for yourself,” he asserted. I like coaching toward that
2009, USA Today Phoenix, and began at Williston State at the beginning academic, emotional and athletic growth.”
of the school year. “
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Flaco and Berg find their different coaching styles
Just being around Robb for a couple months, you complementary, he said. “I’m a Type-A guy, very pro-
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Mr. Floco enjoys a trip to the zoo with
see his passion for coaching basketball,” said Tetons active. Hunter is straightforward, and person of great Rachael, 10, and Roman, 3.
Head Coach Hunter Berg. He has a good knowledge character. I told him, I’m a real go-getter; I’m here to

A
fter the new buildings are built and the big machines drive away, it will of the game, and works very well with our players.” assist you. If he’s successful, we’re successful. I think
be time for finishing touches. 90% of our funds are tied to scholarships. we’re a good match.”
Berg concurred. “He’s very vocal and I’m more
We need your help to assure that visiting students like what they see! reserved and quiet at times. He’s a good injection
of energy into practices and games, and does an
TWO WAYS YOU CAN HELP: “I’m aware of the academic and the maturity levels excellent job of planning and scheduling.”
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1 Add Some Beauty 2 Become a Member of these students. I like being there as a coach for that Flaco’s wife Sonia, and children Rachael, age 10,
and Roman, age 3, have found a fit too at home and
Provide finishing touches to our By simply joining the WSC Foundation academic, emotional and athletic growth.” school. “We’ve fallen in love with Williston, the people
campus renovation. A donation of: team, you help give students a “Regional and with what the community has to offer,” he said.
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Center, offering Affordable Education, on a
U $100 buys a Tree
Vibrant Campus, with Excellent Faculty.”
U $1,000 adds designer tables,

Jeff Clarke, CPA

Only $50 (individual), $100 (family), or
chairs, and other Furnishings

Brandon Hauge, CPA

$250 (business), can make a difference!
U $2,000 Landscapes building
entrances with shrubs & flowers
Howard Kavon, CPA
WILLISTON FIRE &
Margot Carrier
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CYAN MAGENTA
U $10K creates an attractive Patio

Janet Tangedal
Be a part of rebuilding the great
Gathering Space and benches
U $15K provides Williston warmth
Brady Martz Mandy Giem
SAFET Y, INC .
Williston Fire
24 Hour Mobile Sales & Service
tradition of Williston State College

Amanda Eickoff
around a Fireplace in preparation for our

Safety Signs & Equipment • Amerex & Ansul Equipment

U $20K gives a new high-use

1/8 Steve Oyloe, CPA, Partner 1/8

50th Anniversary in 2011!
Conference Table and Chairs

Doug Kleven - Owner

U $25-35K builds an Outdoor Recreational Area

701-572-3299
Send your tax-deductible gift to the
U $50K enlivens the entrance with a momentous

701-572-8957
Williston State College Foundation or

soyloe@rfcpa.com • www.bradymartz.com
Sculpted Statue or other public art that captures

3420 2nd Ave. West

stop by at 501 18th Street East,

501 E. Broadway, Suite 101 • PO Box 760 • Williston, ND

the history and culture of our community and

Cell 701-770-1012 Williston, ND 58801

Williston, ND 58802-1286.

Fax 701-572-4729
honors the name of a loved one!

wfs@willistonnd.net
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FACULTY FOCUS By Julie Kendrick
Historian Stenberg lives and dresses the part
W hen it comes to teaching history, many profes-
sors talk the talk. A few even walk the walk.
But Richard Stenberg, history professor at Williston
State College, actually dresses the part.
Stenberg, a long-time History / Political Science
faculty member, has become a favorite teacher by
dressing in the period garb of his subject -- wheth-
er a Civil War soldier dressed in wool and carry-
ing a bayonet, or a fur trader on the Mississippi,
complete with animals pelts. For Stenberg,
it’s just a “passion for history,” one that
he hopes to pass on to students. “By
wearing period dress, I embody living
history,” he said. “I can get students
thinking about all sorts of things, like
-- could you put all you’d need for
two years in a haversack? It creates a
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new dynamic in the classroom.”
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Stenberg does his best to conduct
what he calls “repair work”
on his field of study, which
he feels is often presented
in a dry, uninteresting
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CYAN MAGENTA
“I took three of his classes even though I didn’t need that many.
He makes history come alive!” — Riley Evitt, WSC Alumnus, ‘08
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6 7
“Sometimes the love of history
is strangled right out of people,
so I do my best to restore it.”
way. “When I was a student in college,” Stenberg
noted, “whenever I would tell someone that I was
a history and political science major, they would
wrinkle their noses in distaste.”
For many students, a class with Professor Sten-
berg marks the first time they ever enjoy a
history course. Often, the professor’s work
plants a seed that leads to a lifelong inter-
est in the past, especially in North Dakota’s
unique contributions to the American experi-
ence. This was certainly the case with Mike
Liudahl, who received his associates’ degree
from Williston State College in 1995.
“I was one of Professor Stenberg’s very
first students, way back in the fall of
N O V E M B E R 2 5 , 2 0 0 9
1994,” Liudahl reported. “I have to say, he kept the
attention of students much more effectively than any
history teacher I saw, even when I transferred to what
was a supposedly more prestigious school.”
Another former student, Riley Evitt, agrees. Evitt,
who received his Associate’s Degree in 2008, said, “I
took three of Professor Stenberg’s history classes, even
though I didn’t need that many. I took more than were
required because I liked them so much. He makes
history come alive, and he’s so passionate about it.
Another thing I appreciated was that he presents all
sides of a controversial subject. I always recommend
his classes to other friends at Williston State.”
His passion for educating others about the past
doesn’t stop at the classroom door, however. For
the past 15 summers, he has worked as a ranger at
the Fort Union Trading Post National Historic Site.
During some shifts, he wears the traditional ranger
hat and uniform, leading school groups and interact-
ing with the public. Frequently, he dons period dress
and works as an interpretative ranger, stationed in
the reconstructed mid-19th century fur trading fort.
F O R M O R E O N W I L L I S T O N S TAT E C O L L E G E , V I S I T W W W. W S C N O D A K . E D U O R C A L L 7 0 1 - 7 7 4 - 4 2 0 0
— HISTORIAN STENBERG Cont’d from Page 6
“It’s history come alive,” Stenberg enthused, adding,
“In the trade house, you can see beaver, muskrat and
buffalo skins, and the things those skins were traded
for, like metal fish hooks, glass beads and blankets.
It’s fun to help people understand that these thriving
forts were really the Walmarts of their day.”
“I just came from delivering a lecture
about the American Revolution, and
it was so exciting! We could almost
smell the scent of gunpowder!”
The professor’s family life is a busy one, too. He and
his wife, Mary, have three daughters, ages 8, 4 and 3.
The story of their relationship shows that history can
be just as interesting as fiction. After meeting on a
blind date arranged by a mutual friend, they realized
that they had been in close but parallel paths their
whole lives. “Our grandmothers lived next door to
each other,” Stenberg marveled, “and our parents
went to high school together. Our dads even played
football together. We were surprised we had never
crossed paths before, but glad when we finally did.”
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Stenberg, who attended Williston State College
himself as an undergraduate, insisted that a love of
history has a practical aspect for Williston State
College students, too. “Our bread and butter as a
college has always been the liberal arts, so we’re not
just a tech school. We’ve always done these classes.
And no matter what field they go into, students
always need to be able to read, to write and to
give a speech,” Stenberg commented, noting that
liberal arts classes are the perfect preparation for the
development of those skills.
For Stenberg, the effort to bring history alive is a
daily pursuit and a lifelong passion. “People have
talked to me about considering a job in adminis-
tration, but I love the classroom,” he observed. “I
almost feel guilty about getting paid to do history,
since it’s really my first love. My personal motto
is ‘make history become part of your future.’ I
encourage my students to read history and to look
into their own backgrounds, because if you lose
the connection with your own past, that’s kind of
rough.” In an exuberant tone, he continued, “I just
came from delivering a lecture about the American
Richard Stenberg
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Revolution, and it was so exciting! We could almost
smell the scent of gunpowder!”
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Highway 2, North Williston
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Local (701)572-2135
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