Bismarck State College News

Bismarck State College News http://www.bismarckstate.edu en-us Fri, 10 May 2013 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bismarckstate.edu/syndicate/rssnews.png RSS 2.0 http://www.bismarckstate.edu/news/ Hess partnership gives BSC students real work experience in the Bakken http://www.bismarckstate.edu/news/detail.asp?newsID=301 The following article was first posted on the Hess Corporation's intranet, where the company's 12,000 employees learned more about the partnership between Hess and BSC. All article and photo credits, Hess Corporation.

Kim Reiss has two grown children and decades of work experience, but until recently she wasn't trained for the oil and gas industry job she really wanted. Thanks to a job shadowing partnership between Hess and Bismarck State College (BSC) in North Dakota, Reiss spent 85 hours at oil fields around the North Dakota Bakken formation putting college studies to practical use and getting a taste of her new career.

Reiss, a dispatcher for an oilfield services company in North Dakota, is fulfilling a longtime dream to work in energy production. In the near future, she hopes to trade her current position for one as a lease operator, traveling from location to location for a company like Hess to monitor, troubleshoot and ensure the safe operation of wells.

Her goal is finally in sight, and she credits Hess and the job shadowing it provided for helping her reach it. "It was an awesome experience," said Reiss, one of two BSC students who participated in the newly launched partnership.

The other participant, Kelcie Beckman, was also enthusiastic, noting, "Everyone was so welcoming and very knowledgeable and helped me take a large step closer to my goals."

Hess employees at Minot and the company's Killdeer, N.D., field office worked with professors at BSC to coordinate the new job shadow program. It's designed to give students working on their associate's degrees in Petroleum Production Technology a taste of the real world by pairing them with seasoned employees who work in their areas of interest.

Petroleum Production Technology is a relatively new course created in part because of the growth of the energy industry in North Dakota. It provides an overview of issues in the petroleum industry, including safety; mechanical, electrical, instrumentation and control; print reading; troubleshooting and chemical technology associated with various petroleum operations.

Kelcie Beckman

Both Beckman, who enrolled in the program shortly after high school, and Reiss, an adult learner eager for new opportunities, complete their studies this month.

Like most students who enroll in Petroleum Production Technology, they did most of their coursework online. "There is no way I could have traveled to Bismarck to attend class and still work full-time," Reiss explained. She and Beckman completed their studies while living in Dickinson, about 100 miles west of Bismarck.

Because they didn't have the opportunity to interact with students and professors on campus, spending time with seasoned professionals in the oil field is especially important, said Chere Allard, an assistant professor at BSC's National Energy Center of Excellence. BSC requires students preparing for careers as technicians or operators to have job-related training and hands-on experience.

"These students didn't get to spend time in our on-campus labs, so job shadowing is an important way to enhance their educational experience. It reinforces what they've learned and gives them a better understanding of things like production processes and equipment operation," she said.
Allard described Julie Vetter, Training Supervisor for Hess in North Dakota, as instrumental in helping to get the partnership between BSC and Hess off the ground. "It has been a great relationship," Allard said.

But the students aren't the only ones benefitting from it, said Eric Lefor, Production Supervisor in the Killdeer office. "It's a good way for us to get to know a little more about potential employees. And if they actually apply here and get a job with us after graduation, then they'll have a good start on the training process," said Lefor, who worked closely with Vetter to firm up the program.

As Cody Dukart, Operations Superintendent, South of River, explained, "It's just another way for us to Grow Our Own Timber. We get the kids familiar with our company and get the Hess name out among the people who will be looking to start careers."

In addition to Lefor, Vetter credited Dukart and Joey Kitchens, Maintenance Superintendent, South of River, for helping to make the program a success and expose the students to a broad range of activities.

"They all realized the importance of building a pipeline of talent with a local college to help support our continued growth," she said. "Their commitment to this program, as well as our new field internships, will help differentiate us from our competitors."

Before starting the job shadow program, Beckman and Reiss attended safety orientations. Beckman said that was impressive because it underscored a critical lesson she learned in school: That on the oil field, nothing is more important than safety. "That's what they taught us -- and Hess proved it," she said.

]]> Fri, 10 May 2013 00:00:00 GMT Registration for BSC adult enrichment classes underway http://www.bismarckstate.edu/news/detail.asp?newsID=300
BSC offers non-credit courses in creative arts, computers and technology, healthy living, home and garden, money matters, and recreation and leisure. Registration is available at BSCenrichment.com.

A special feature this session is a stage combat class taught by University of Nebraska theater professor, Ian Borden. Designed for the aspiring actor or seasoned veteran, participants will learn basic hand-to-hand combat and work with small weaponry. Enrollees must be 18 years old and sign a release form.

Registration deadline for Stage Combat is May 30 with a maximum class size of 16. The class meets Monday through Thursday from 5-6 p.m. June 3 to July 11 in BSC's Sidney J. Lee Auditorium.

Borden comes to Bismarck as guest director for Capitol Shakespeare's outdoor theater production of "The Tempest" July 24-28 on the state capitol grounds. An actor, director, scholar and certified teacher of stage combat with the Society of American Fight Directors, Borden regularly performs and directs outside Nebraska. Fight direction credits extend from theaters in Canada to the Bahamas. He has a doctorate in theater studies from Florida State University and Master of Fine Arts in acting and directing.

Other Enrichment courses include a hiking primer, ultra-light backpacking, introduction to golf, a golf clinic, tree basics, vegetable gardening, low-fat meals, blogging and podcasting for beginners, getting more from your Kindle Fire, metalsmithing, digital scrapbooking, photography, Tai Chi, getting published, investing, iPad skills, how to downsize, and more.

For more information, contact Continuing Education, Training and Innovation at 701-224-5600 or 877-846-9387 or email bsc.ceti@bismarckstate.edu.

About Bismarck State College
Bismarck State College, an innovative community college in Bismarck, N.D., offers high quality education, workforce training, and enrichment programs reaching local and global communities.]]> Sat, 27 Apr 2013 00:00:00 GMT Lee Gurke named American Association of Community Colleges Alumni of the Year http://www.bismarckstate.edu/news/detail.asp?newsID=290
A Bismarck native, Gurke graduated from BSC in 1966 and enlisted in the Navy where he was initially trained as an electronics technician.

During his 26 year naval career, Gurke earned a bachelor's degree in engineering physics from the University of Kansas, a master's in systems management from the University of Southern California, and a master's (equivalent) in nuclear engineering from the U.S. Navy Nuclear Propulsion School. He also holds an FAA commercial pilot license and flight instructor certifications.

During his military career, he served at sea and ashore in numerous capacities, including chief engineer of the nuclear powered aircraft carrier U.S.S. Enterprise, which is the world's largest integrated nuclear reactor complex. He was also commanding officer of the guided missile destroyer U.S.S. Buchanan and of the Aegis cruiser U.S.S. Normandy.

He ended his Navy career as Deputy Commander and Chief of Staff for the Commander, Naval Surface Force, U.S. Atlantic Fleet, where he was responsible for a fleet of 130 warships and over 50,000 personnel.

Since leaving the military, Gurke has worked on issues related to naval and missile defense programs in the Washington, D.C., government operations office of the Boeing Company. Before that, he was president of CAE Electronics Inc. (now L-3 Marine Systems), the U.S. subsidiary company of CAE of Canada.

Gurke is a strong supporter of BSC. He was instrumental in securing $900,000 from the Department of Defense allowing BSC's energy programs to accommodate military students online, and has contributed his expertise to the development of BSC's nuclear curriculum. He also supports the BSC Foundation.

He and his wife, Sharon, who also is a retired Navy Captain, reside in Alexandria, Va. They have two daughters, Marion and Leigh.

Gurke was nominated for the award by BSC President Larry C. Skogen.

Learn more about the American Association of Community Colleges.
]]> Thu, 25 Apr 2013 00:00:00 GMT BSC energy students qualify for national troubleshooting competition http://www.bismarckstate.edu/news/detail.asp?newsID=291
Sophomores Jon Reis of Bismarck, Jared Reinisch of Mandan, and Courtney Hausauer of Mercer earned a place at the second annual National Simulation Troubleshooting "Shootout" May 11 at Kilgore College in Kilgore, Texas. This marks the second consecutive year that BSC process technology students have qualified.

"It's a chance for them to fine tune troubleshooting and math skills and build relationships with other students," said Kyren Miller, BSC National Energy Center of Excellence (NECE) associate professor who coached the team.

The qualifying round on April 9 set the BSC team against students from 17 process technology colleges across the country. All students took a written test proctored at their various colleges. Teams evaluated problem scenarios using their knowledge of process troubleshooting methods and tools. The national test will use computerized scenarios.

"We have a great opportunity to represent BSC," said Courtney Hausauer, whose preparation has given her an edge in classes. "It looks great when we go on interviews, and I've already had people ask me about it. Hopefully, we can go further."

The scenario exercises are part of an open source curriculum under development by a consortium that requested funding from the NSF Advanced Technical Education granting program. The consortium is engaged in year two of the three-year grant titled "Developing Students' Troubleshooting Skills in Energy Programs."

BSC is one of the seven colleges involved in the Process Troubleshooting Skills in Energy (PTSE) consortium along with several process industry companies. Through the NSF-ATE grant, a set of troubleshooting learning materials is underway, including equipment and process system modules, evaluation instruments, hands-on activities and other resources. College instructors will pilot test these materials in their classrooms.

BSC's consortium representative is Dan Schmidt, a NECE program manager. Other participating colleges are Northern Oklahoma College, Tonkawa, Okla.; South Central Louisiana Technical College, Morgan City, La.; ITI Technical College, Baton Rouge, La.; Kilgore College, Kilgore, Texas; Kenai Peninsula College, Anchorage, Alaska; and University of Alaska, Anchorage and Fairbanks campuses.

About Big Al's Big Band
Big Al's Big Band is an 18-piece group originally known as the BSC Tuesday Night Jazz Ensemble. Erv Ely, longtime BSC director of bands, founded it in 1982. After Ely retired in 1996, band member Al Bertsch took over. Originals still playing are current director Rex Waddingham on trumpet, Mark Learn, saxophone, and Steve Vogelpohl, trombone. The group plays tunes made famous by Glenn Miller, Count Basie, Duke Ellington, Benny Goodman, Gene Kruppa, Louis Prima and many others.

About Bismarck State College
Bismarck State College, an innovative community college in Bismarck, N.D., offers high quality education, workforce training, and enrichment programs reaching local and global communities.]]> Tue, 23 Apr 2013 00:00:00 GMT Former chancellor is honored BSC alumnus; Youth minister named Rising Star http://www.bismarckstate.edu/news/detail.asp?newsID=281
Alumni association directors selected Goetz, class of 1964, for his extraordinary professional achievements in higher education, public service in state government, and sustained leadership throughout his distinguished career.

BSC honors him May 9 at a dinner with friends, colleagues and associates in the Bavendick Stateroom of the National Energy Center of Excellence and during commencement May 10. For dinner reservations, call 224-5692 or 1-800-272-2586.

The dinner also acknowledges Sam Coleman, '99, recipient of the Alumni Association's 2013 Rising Star Award, for his exceptional career as an artist and dedication to youth ministry. The award recognizes alumni age 40 and under who have shown outstanding achievement in a career, public or volunteer service, or a position of distinction.

During his five-years as NDUS chancellor (2007-12), Goetz initiated and nurtured better communication and cooperation between the state's 11 campuses and its presidents. His office developed a dialogue with the state's tribal colleges that led to solutions in course credit and student transfer. Goetz brokered a new strategic plan for the NDUS and initiated a Community College Awareness Project funded by the Legislature. Under his tenure, two-year colleges began to align with four-year universities to provide remedial education on their campuses.

His role as chancellor came after a 30-year career at Dickinson State University and 10 years as chief of staff for two North Dakota governors. Goetz taught in DSU's School of Business and Management from 1967-1997. He also held appointments as the business school's chief academic officer, executive vice president of the DSU Foundation, and briefly director of continuing education his last two years.

Goetz helped establish Business Challenge at DSU and fostered other initiatives to link students with business leaders. His work in business education earned him the North Dakota Educator of the Year award. He began to explore this work further as an appointed member of the North Dakota Education Roundtable during Gov. Ed Schafer's administration.

He left DSU to accept the job offer as chief of staff for Schafer in 1997. Gov. John Hoeven asked him to stay in the same capacity. Goetz also served 20 years in the state Legislature and was assistant majority leader in both chambers. He was assigned to several finance committees where he also applied himself to water and energy issues.

BSC's Rising Star recipient has a lifelong passion for creating art. He channels another purpose for his life's work into people as director of youth ministries at Charity Lutheran Church in Bismarck.

Coleman tried on a couple career ideas, including paramedic in Michigan and health education with art classes at BSC, before deciding to enroll at The Atelier painting school in Minneapolis. While earning his certificate there, he attended Magdalen College nights and weekends. His seminary study culminated in a bachelor's degree in biblical studies and ordination as a licensed minister.

Coleman returned to Bismarck to begin his career as a professional artist, entering art shows and earning People's Choice, Governor's Choice and Juror's awards at the 2008 Bismarck Art & Galleries exhibit. Nine years ago, he decided to volunteer at Charity Lutheran, which led to the job he has now advising and designing faith-based activities for young people. He will transition to third pastor in June.

He continues to paint, teach art workshops and prepare for a one-man show in November. As an avid photographer, Coleman has developed his skills into a business with his wife. S� Photography in Mandan specializes in outdoor and family photography.

The May 9th event begins with a social followed by dinner and a program. Guests are welcome to bring cards or letters or mail them with the reservation and payment. Contact Rita.Nodland@bismarckstate.edu.

About Bismarck State College
Bismarck State College, an innovative community college in Bismarck, N.D., offers high quality education, workforce training, and enrichment programs reaching local and global communities.]]> Tue, 09 Apr 2013 00:00:00 GMT BSC choirs perform Thursday at U-Mary http://www.bismarckstate.edu/news/detail.asp?newsID=282
BSC Choral Director Andrew Miller has arranged for guest conductor Dr. P. Bradley Logan to rehearse the ensembles and direct several pieces. Logan was Miller's choral director and mentor at Bemidji State University, where Miller earned his degree.

"The space has brilliant acoustics and is a way for the BSC Music program to honor our articulation agreement with the U-Mary Music program," Miller said about the location. "This is also a special experience for me and my students. Dr. Logan is an exceptional conductor and clinician."

The program includes four original compositions by Miller arranged for the BSC Concert Choir, Women's Ensemble, and Chamber Singers, all directed by Miller, and the Men's Ensemble, directed by Dawn Hagerott, assistant professor of music.

Selections range from the familiar "Shall We Gather at the River" by Robert Lowry to the traditional church canon, spirituals, and songs from Gaelic and Scottish folk. A number of student soloists are performing along with several guest soloists.

Logan is active in the American Choral Director's Association. His career as a guest conductor and lecturer has taken him across the country. He conducted the Bemidji Choir at the Third International Festival of Choirs in Siena, Italy, in 2001, as well as at the Rothenburg Choral Festival in Germany in 2005. His collegiate choirs have performed for several state music conventions and tour every three years to Europe.

A reception with refreshments follows the chapel concert inside the Benedictine Center. Find it by staying left of the U-Mary parking lots until you can go no further. The center has a tall stone steeple with three bells.

About Bismarck State College
Bismarck State College, an innovative community college in Bismarck, N.D., offers high quality education, workforce training, and enrichment programs reaching local and global communities.]]> Sun, 07 Apr 2013 00:00:00 GMT Community raku underway at BSC http://www.bismarckstate.edu/news/detail.asp?newsID=279
Interested persons must pick up clay to make a pot or small sculpture by April 19 and return the object no later than April 22 for bisque firing.

Held during ArtsQuest, community raku is a signature event of BSC's month-long celebration of the arts. Participants are invited to come during the firing days to glaze their pots and watch them transform. Unglazed pots will be provided for those who prefer not to make their own.

Everyone is welcome to watch and learn about the raku process. Firing hours are 2 to 6 p.m. Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday, and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday. For more information about ArtsQuest, visit bismarckstate.edu/artsquest.

About Bismarck State College
Bismarck State College, an innovative community college in Bismarck, N.D., offers high quality education, workforce training, and enrichment programs reaching local and global communities.]]> Sun, 24 Mar 2013 00:00:00 GMT Women's Leadership conference brings insight, opportunity and action to professional women http://www.bismarckstate.edu/news/detail.asp?newsID=275 Keynote speaker Jerry Balistreri will show participants how to use non-verbal communication to inspire others through his program, Projecting Confidence Through Body Language.

Jerry Balistreri is a professional educator, administrator, and trainer who has been researching non-verbal communication for more than thirty years. Participants will have a chance to engage in fun learning experiences that leave them with concrete knowledge of how to read body language and use that knowledge to get ahead.

In addition to Balistreri, speaker Robin Thorstenson will address the complexities and opportunities of being part of a multi-generational workforce, and Dot Frank will provide insight into action-based customer service using lessons from Sam Parker's book Smile and Move.

The Women's Leadership Express Conference focuses on enriching your life through learning, personal development and professional growth opportunities that will empower you in your personal and professional life. Coordinated by Bismarck State College Continuing Education, Training & Innovation, the conference is sponsored by American Bank Center, Best Western Seven Seas Convention Center, Bismarck Ramada, the Bismarck Tribune, Capital Credit Union, Capitol Trophy, Cloverdale Foods, Cornerstone Bank, Expressway Inn & Suites, Inspire Magazine, Neset Consulting Service and Starion Financial.

Pre-registration is available online. For more information, call 701-224-5600 or 877-846-9387.
]]> Fri, 22 Mar 2013 00:00:00 GMT Conversations at BSC focuses on North Dakota's legislative history http://www.bismarckstate.edu/news/detail.asp?newsID=274
Bismarck State College hosts the fifth conversation in its 2012-13 series at 3 p.m. in the Bavendick Stateroom of BSC's National Energy Center of Excellence.

BSC President Larry C. Skogen and humanities scholar Clay Jenkinson will trace the history of the state Legislature, discussing which sessions have been the most dramatic, productive, controversial and consequential.

At a time of unprecedented change in North Dakota's landscape and culture, the conversation will explore how the North Dakota Legislature has handled other difficult or volatile periods.

The series' concluding conversation on "Great Conversations in History" takes place May 5. Visit the Conversations at BSC at bsctalk.com or contact BSC Continuing Education, Training & Innovation at 224-5600 for more information.

About CWA/NETT
CWA/NETT Academy was formed in 2000 as the Communication Workers of America's National Education and Training Trust to provide training opportunities to CWA members and their families, and to military veterans and those on active duty in the military through arrangements with the U.S. Department of Labor. CWA/NETT has established partnerships with manufacturers, workforce systems, and distributors of telecommunications and IT equipment, including Cisco Systems, for the purpose of developing training on the newest technologies for members. The academy also has partnered with Stanly Community College in Albemarle, N.C., an accredited institution, to administer academy courses.

About Bismarck State College
Bismarck State College, an innovative community college in Bismarck, N.D., offers high quality education, workforce training, and enrichment programs reaching local and global communities.]]> Mon, 10 Dec 2012 00:00:00 GMT BSC employees honored for years of service http://www.bismarckstate.edu/news/detail.asp?newsID=248
Honored for 40 years of service and contributions to BSC were James Wright, associate professor of management, and Linda Fossum, payroll accountant.

Fossum started as Business Office receptionist, then bookkeeper and moved to payroll in 1980. When BSC linked to the university system in 1984, she was one of the first employees to get a computer. Fossum worked at North Dakota State University with the HR management module during the changeover to PeopleSoft. She holds a Staff Achievement Award and has served two terms on Staff Senate.

Wright, a recipient of the Faculty Award for Excellence, has chaired the Business program since 1975 and taught every class in the Management curriculum. He has led Faculty Senate twice as president and served on nearly every campus planning and governance committee. Wright was BSC's representative on the State Council of College Faculties for several years and has been a lead advisor in the student advising process.

35 YEARS
Pat Gross, audiovisual and IVN coordinator, heads the Audio Visual Department. Gross started the IVN network in 1991 with 11 North Dakota sites, one of only two states at that time. It is now a statewide network. Gross has adapted BSC's interactive technology into 107 Smart Rooms across campus. He has served three terms on Staff Senate, one as president.

Dr. Jane Schulz, associate VP for institutional effectiveness and strategic planning, has led several initiatives. As librarian, she developed the ND Vocational Curriculum Library at BSC. As director of institutional research and planning, she coordinated accreditation efforts. As instructional dean/assistant VP for academic affairs, Schulz helped create 15 new academic programs. She chairs the BSC Operations Council and is project director for the Title III grant.

Debbie Van Berkom, executive assistant to the president, has kept three full and two interim BSC presidents organized. She was alumni coordinator for nine years and coordinated Learning First. Van Berkom received the Staff Achievement Award and served on Staff Senate and the Foundation board. She is currently a member of the Embracing Diversity Committee.

30 YEARS
Mary Eisenbraun, Student Finance operations manager, moved from Business Office secretary into managing office accounting before heading Student Finance. Very active in the PeopleSoft changeover, she is Student Finance User group chair for the North Dakota University System.

Pam Ogaard, computer science/math lecturer, teaches College Algebra, Discrete Math and Into to Computers online. As a full-time associate professor at BSC, she taught most of the computer science courses and chaired the math and computer science department for several years.

Eunice Smith, business and office technology lecturer, has taught business English online since 2008 when she retired as associate professor of business education. Smith coordinated the cooperative education internships for three BSC programs and presented business workshops off-campus.

Lyle Warner, adjunct economics lecturer, retired from BSC in 2009 after 27 years of teaching agribusiness as associate professor of Agriculture, Technology and Natural Resources. He chaired for Ag program for 12 years and now teaches macro and microeconomics online.

25 YEARS - Dr. Drake Carter, provost and vice president for academic affairs; and Keith Schelske, buildings supervisor.

20 YEARS - Holly Burch, associate professor, NECE; Carla Hixson, associate vice president for continuing education, training and innovation and director of BSC's Office of Innovation; Dr. AnnMarie Kajencki, professor of English; Michael Kern, associate professor of mathematics; Keith Landeis, associate professor of electrical lineworker; Daniel Rogers, associate professor of theatre and BSC Theatre director; Ivan Tschider, associate professor of economics.

15 YEARS - Lisa Aamodt, adjunct accounting lecturer; Carol Flaa, system administrator and computer support manager; Lee Friese, associate professor of automotive technology and Transportation and Construction Department chair; Michael Holman, associate professor of electronics/telecommunications; Cathy Janikowski, medical laboratory technology coordinator;
Sheryl Omlid, assistant professor of speech; Russell Riehl, speech lecturer; Dennis Rohr, adjunct criminal justice lecturer; Jeff Skibicki, associate professor of mathematics; Michael Wardzinski, adjunct criminal justice lecturer; and Eva Wentz, cook.

10 YEARS - Chris Abbott, desktop support specialist; Darrell Anderson, automotive collision support specialist; David Bosch, energy technology lecturer; Toni Cottingham, sociology lecturer; Ben Ehrmantraut, physical education lecturer; Linda Ell, cook; James Hale, electric power technology lecturer; Brian Hushagen, associate professor of visual art; James Jefferson, automotive technology support specialist; Hutch Johnson, meteorology lecturer; Michael Jordan, energy technology lecturer; Andrene Krein, academic advisor; Dan Landeis, assistant professor, NECE; Romi Leingang, criminal justice lecturer; Jeanne Masseth, TrainND manager in CETI; Rita Nodland, alumni coordinator; Jordan Privratsky, electric power technology lecturer; Marlene Seaworth, student support services manager; Karen Selensky, CETI program manager and conference manager; Richard Sparks, energy technology programs lecturer; and Wendy Tschida, adjunct computer science lecturer.

FIVE YEARS - Kirsten Arthaud, registration assistant; Bobbi Bingeman, assistant professor of agriculture, technology and natural resources; Roger Buechler, adjunct clinical nursing lecturer; Jacklyne Carlson, assistant professor of chemistry; Craig Dolbeare, assistant professor of mechanical maintenance technology; Wade Forster, biology lecturer; Jenny Gisinger, research associate; Daniel Gross, automotive technology support specialist; Susan Hartley, administrative assistant in CETI; Elwood Hines, Mail Center coordinator; Kari Knudson, vice president, NECE; Pamela Krueger, adjunct English lecturer; David Lewellyn, assistant professor of visual art; Debra Magstadt, pharmacology lecturer; Joan Mapel, assistant professor, NECE; Thomas Marple, assistant professor of graphic design and communications; Heather Price, resident supervisor - Swensen and Mystic halls/Student Activities Association; Jeanette Rehberg, adjunct music lecturer; Darcy Roberts, admissions associate; Derri Scarlett, English lecturer; Marjorie Schirado, business and office technology lecturer; Mary Sennert, advisor, NECE; Dr. Larry Skogen, president of Bismarck State College; Danny Stoppler, mail center associate; Jeremy Wehri, library custodian; Chris Beckler Yellow Bird, distance learning and military affairs assistant; and Alison Zarr, CETI program coordinator.

About Bismarck State College
Bismarck State College, an innovative community college in Bismarck, N.D., offers high quality education, workforce training, and enrichment programs reaching local and global communities.]]> Sun, 09 Dec 2012 00:00:00 GMT BSC CETI earns LERN award http://www.bismarckstate.edu/news/detail.asp?newsID=243
BSC CETI was recognized for its business and marketing plan and was selected from a field of more than 100 entries from four countries.

The award letter noted, "The more programs plan, the more they succeed. The more programs write down those plans, the more they succeed. And when they attach numbers to those plans, like Bismarck State did, they set an example for other programs. A good business and marketing plan not only says where you are going, but how to get there."

The plan was submitted by Carla Hixson, associate vice president for Continuing Education, Training & Innovation at BSC and Lori Heinsohn, director of Continuing Education, Training & Innovation at BSC.

LERN's criteria for selection included leading-edge lifelong learning efforts, originality, innovation, appropriateness and adaptability as a model for other programs, replicability and measurable outcomes.

Julie Coates, vice president of information services for LERN, said this year's award nominees were among the highest quality ever submitted.

For more information about the LERN Awards or about LERN services, visit lern.org.

About Bismarck State College
Bismarck State College, an innovative community college in Bismarck, N.D., offers high quality education, workforce training, and enrichment programs reaching local and global communities.]]> Wed, 05 Dec 2012 00:00:00 GMT Conversations at BSC features Charles Dickens program http://www.bismarckstate.edu/news/detail.asp?newsID=247
Charles Dickens did two lecture tours of America in 1842 and 1867. The first trip resulted in a sarcastic travelogue, "American Notes for General Circulation," criticizing American culture, materialism and the practice of slavery. In the second trip, he began to think more highly of America and tried to set things right with the American people.

Humanities scholar Clay Jenkinson and historian Larry C. Skogen, BSC president, will talk about the genius of Charles Dickens and his complicated relationship with the New World. Questions and comments from the audience will complete the conversation.

Dickens was appalled by American manners and skeptical of the experiment in democracy. He was also annoyed by what he viewed as Americans' gregariousness and crude habits, as he expressed in "American Notes."

His first trip also inspired the 1843-44 novel, "The Life and Adventures of Martin Chuzzlewit," a story about a man's struggle to survive on the ruthless American frontier. Over the next couple of years, Dickens published two Christmas stories, including the classic "A Christmas Carol."

At one point, Dickens was the most popular writer in the English-speaking world. His lectures in America were so widely attended that ticket scalpers started gathering outside his events. Biographer J.B. Priestly wrote that during the tour, Dickens "had the greatest welcome that probably any visitor to America has ever had."

More Conversations at BSC programs are scheduled Jan. 27, March 24 and May 5. Visit the Conversations at BSC website at bsctalk.com or contact BSC Continuing Education, Training & Innovation at 224-5600 for more information.

About Bismarck State College
Bismarck State College, an innovative community college in Bismarck, N.D., offers high quality education, workforce training, and enrichment programs reaching local and global communities.]]> Sat, 24 Nov 2012 00:00:00 GMT BSC Jazz Ensemble swings out Nov. 27 http://www.bismarckstate.edu/news/detail.asp?newsID=237
Director John Darling leads the ensemble in Scott Stanton's swinging "In the Groove" and the funky "Slingshot" by Jeff Jarvis, as well as the "Big Sloppy Joe" shuffle by Rich Woolworth.

Trombonist Luke Hushagen solos on Johnny Mandel's ballad, "A Time for Love," while the saxophone section stands out in Sammy Nestico's "Winners Circle." The "Super Mario Medley" arrangement by Eric Dannewitz features many of the familiar themes from the beloved video game.

The concert is free to the public.

About Bismarck State College
Bismarck State College, an innovative community college in Bismarck, N.D., offers high quality education, workforce training, and enrichment programs reaching local and global communities.]]> Sun, 18 Nov 2012 00:00:00 GMT BSC hosts 11 schools for ChoirFest Nov. 17 http://www.bismarckstate.edu/news/detail.asp?newsID=235
The educational music experience with guest section leaders and guest conductor starts Friday, Nov. 16, with all-day rehearsals and culminates in a grand festival concert a 3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 17, in Belle Mehus City Auditorium. General admission is $10 and $5 for students and seniors.

Added feature to this year's program are performances by five high school choirs selected by audition and two outstanding high school soloists.

"It is important that these choirs get performance opportunities outside their hometowns and witness other high school choirs perform," said Andrew Miller, ChoirFest coordinator and assistant professor of music. "It is also beneficial for audiences to see characteristics and accomplishments of other high school programs in our state."

With more than 360 singers on stage, conductor Miller has begun calling the festival chorus "Choir Mountain." Ten tiers of risers will extend from the bottom of the auditorium's orchestra pit to the back of the stage.

"It will be a powerful spectacle," he said.

The BSC Concert Choir, Chamber Singers and men's and women's ensembles perform, as well as Jubilat� of the Center Dakota Children's Choir and a new vocal group founded by Miller. Inspirar� is comprised of professionally trained singers and educators from the Bismarck-Mandan area.

Performing high school choirs with their directors are Bismarck High School (Mike Seil), Mott/Regent High School (Paul Peltier), Harvey Public School (Heidi Olson), Beulah High School (Phillip Voeller), Hettinger High School (Ryan Whipple). Each will perform two choral works.

Other schools with ChoirFest participants are Zeeland Public School (Trudy Fraase Wolf), Hebron Public School (Laurie Dahlen), New England Public School (Conway Heupel), Strasburg Public School (Jeff Ingerson), Northstar Public School - Cando (Lori Kurtti), and New Salem-Almont Public School (Rex Waddingham).

The concert program opens with Miller's arrangement of "The Circle of Life" from Disney's "The Lion King" featuring BSC bass soloist Payton Morris. High school choirs perform followed by the BSC choral groups. The Women's Ensemble features student soloists Samantha Holly and Jenna Lyon and is accompanied by the Bismarck-Mandan Symphony String Quartet and percussionist Travis Reiger.

Eight community members comprise Inspirar�, whose selections contain vocal solos by Miller, Natasha Bach and Dawn Hagerott. Hagerott is BSC assistant professor of music and directs the BSC Men's Ensemble and Jubilat�.

Guest conductor Matthew Goinz of Tucson, Ariz., leads off the Festival Chorus finale with "Musick's Empire," a composition that tracks the history of music. Miller steps in to conduct Moses Hogan's "Elijah Rock," one of the world's most epic African American spirituals.

Help students earn marketable certificates and degrees, and focus on creating stackable credentials and awarding credit for prior learning
Deliver flexible and innovative education and training, and redesign basic skills curricula
Offer enhanced student support services and career navigation to achieve stronger employment and retention outcomes

"Together we can expand and enhance programs offered and done well at each of our campuses and reach more students without duplicating services," said BSC President Dr. Larry C. Skogen.

About Bismarck State College
Bismarck State College, an innovative community college in Bismarck, N.D., offers high quality education, workforce training, and enrichment programs reaching local and global communities.]]> Sat, 10 Nov 2012 00:00:00 GMT BSC Wind Ensemble performs Nov. 14 http://www.bismarckstate.edu/news/detail.asp?newsID=232
Conductor John Darling, associate professor of music, leads the ensemble in a program of traditional and contemporary band repertoire of varying mood and style.

The concert begins with the rhythmic "Fanfare for the Third Planet" by Richard Saucedo, then the five movements from "Tchaikovsky Suite" transcribed by James Barnes. The "October Farewell" by Justin Williams is a lyrical memorial with theme inflections from Appalachia.

Other works are the simple, chorale-like piece "Dusk" by Steven Bryan, the mixed-meter "Concert Dance and Intermezzo" by Claude Smith, and "The Blue and the Gray Civil War Suite" by Clare Grundman in commemoration of the 150th anniversary of the war. The program closes with the movie theme from "1941" by John Williams.

The concert is presented at no charge.

About Bismarck State College
Bismarck State College, an innovative community college in Bismarck, N.D., offers high quality education, workforce training, and enrichment programs reaching local and global communities.]]> Mon, 29 Oct 2012 00:00:00 GMT 100% of BSC nursing students pass exams for second year in a row http://www.bismarckstate.edu/news/detail.asp?newsID=229
The practical nursing graduates achieved a 96 percent pass rate this year after seven years at 100 percent.

Passing National Council of Licensure Examination or NCLEX-RN, is similar to law students passing the bar or an accountant earning a CPA, and is the same registered nurse licensure test taken by four-year nursing graduates.

"It's a real point of pride for us to have two programs that demonstrate above average national standards when it comes to professional licensure," says Suzie McShane, assistant professor of nursing and Dakota Nursing program coordinator.

Passing the NCLEX-RN and the NCLEX-PN means the students are now professional nurses. Most of the ADN graduates will enter the workforce, but most of the first year practical nursing students will continue their education in the ADN program at BSC.

According to McShane, graduates in nursing and other healthcare fields are in very high demand due to the population increase in North Dakota.

The Dakota Nursing program at BSC is a two-step program that begins with an 11-month practical nursing certificate, and continues on to a nine-month associate of applied science degree (AD) in nursing.

In addition to nursing, BSC offers an array of allied health programs including surgical technology, EMT technology, medical laboratory technology and phlebotomy. Click here for more information.
]]> Thu, 25 Oct 2012 00:00:00 GMT JFK is Conversations at BSC topic Nov. 4 http://www.bismarckstate.edu/news/detail.asp?newsID=227 Bismarck State College holds its second Conversations at BSC dialogue on "JFK: The Man, the Myth, and the Assassination" Sunday, Nov. 4, at 3 p.m. Sidney J. Lee Auditorium.

BSC President Larry C. Skogen and humanities scholar Clay Jenkinson will begin discussion of the life of President John F. Kennedy in preparation for a symposium in fall 2013. BSC, the Dakota Institute, and the State Historical Society of North Dakota are planning the three-day conference on the 35th president's promise and achievement in the 50th year after his assassination.

Skogen and Jenkinson will review the principle achievements of the Kennedy administration, Vice President Lyndon Johnson's efforts to achieve Kennedy's legislative agenda, and the legacy of the fourth presidential assassination in American history.

Context will include the premise that Kennedy's martyred death on Nov. 22, 1963, after just 1,000 days in office, has largely resulted in the American people projecting on him their idealism, the promise of the 1960s and realization of Camelot.

More programs are scheduled Dec. 16, Jan. 27, March 24 and May 5. Visit the Conversations at BSC website, or contact BSC Continuing Education, Training & Innovation at 224-5600 for more information.

About Bismarck State College
Bismarck State College, an innovative community college in Bismarck, N.D., offers high quality education, workforce training, and enrichment programs reaching local and global communities.]]> Wed, 17 Oct 2012 00:00:00 GMT Irish women dance for joy in BSC play http://www.bismarckstate.edu/news/detail.asp?newsID=224
In this tribute to the spirit and valor of the past, Friel tells the story of five unmarried sisters eking out their livelihood in a small village in Ireland in 1936. We meet them in August during the festival of Lughnasa, which in Celtic folklore celebrates the pagan god of the harvest with revelry and dancing.

That summer, the sisters acquire their first radio. Music, new and old, opens the world to them and unleashes wild dancing, a liberation from personal and religious repression.

"It is now one of the great scenes in dramatic literature - this wild eruption of joy and celebration," said director Dan Rogers, BSC associate professor of theatre/speech. "The political revolution in Ireland is won by then, but the social and religious culture allows no room for heretical pagan beliefs or practices."

So lies the tension in this contemporary memory play told from the point of view of narrator Michael Evans. The young man recounts the summer of 1936 in his aunts' cottage, when he was a child of 7 surrounded by love.

"Dancing at Lughnasa" depicts late summer days, when love briefly seems possible for three of the Mundy sisters. The family is complete when their frail elder brother Jack returns damaged after decades of missionary work in Africa. But poverty and financial instability continue to rule their existence, as small events portend a bitter future, and unharvested desires become a lesson in reaping what one sows.

The cast features Brandon Wetch of Bismarck as narrator Michael Evans. Portraying the five aunts are Shelby Johnson of Mandan as Kate, a conservative schoolteacher, mother figure and only breadwinner; Allison DeKrey, Bismarck, as Maggie, the chief housekeeper and family joker; Kayla Hill, Bismarck, as Christina, the youngest sister whose past holds a child; Jaime House, Bismarck, as Rose, who is developmentally disabled; and Tiara Maxon, McLaughlin, S.D., as Agnes, the quiet and contemplative knitter and assistant housekeeper.

Zachary S. Watson of Bismarck plays Gerry Evans, Christina's charming yet unreliable suitor. He comes and goes, his freedom as a traveling salesman in sharp contrast to the stagnant lives of the Mundy sisters. John Clemo, a Bismarck resident with decades of theater credits in local shows and productions across the United States, portrays Father Jack Mundy.

Assisting Rogers is designer and technical director Dean Bellin, assistant professor of technical theatre; stage manager Sierra White Bull; choreographer Debi Rogers, and costume designer Michelle Renner.

"Dancing at Lughnasa" won the Tony Award, New York Drama Critics' Circle Award, and Olivier Award in England for best play. The play also won two Tonys and two Drama Desk awards for best direction, scenic design and featured actress in a play. The Broadway and London National Theatre productions in 1991 and 1992 were nominated for nine additional awards that included best choreography, costuming and supporting actress.

Reserved seat tickets are $10 or $3 with BSC I.D. and can be purchased at the Schafer Hall box office weekdays, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., or by calling 224-5511.

Visit Conversations at BSC at bsctalk.com or contact BSC Continuing Education, Training & Innovation at 224-5600 for more information.
]]> Thu, 27 Sep 2012 00:00:00 GMT New officers elected to BSC alumni board http://www.bismarckstate.edu/news/detail.asp?newsID=221
Hunke, '08, works in the North Dakota Department of Transportation executive office as office manager and executive assistant.

Vice president is Angie (Binstock) Milakovic, '97, BSC assistant professor of geographic information systems.

Past president Ryan Caya, '99 and '06, is now chairman of the board. He teaches at BSC as an associate professor in the National Energy Center of Excellence.

New board members are Rosella Grant, '71, retired faculty and assistant principal at Richholt and Northridge elementary schools; Chad Kincaid, '00, auditor, North Dakota Department of Transportation Audit Services; Anne Polasky, '94, graphic designer at the Bismarck Tribune; and Shelly Wanek, '05, employment coordinator at Basin Electric Power Cooperative.

Returning board members are Dr. Steve Chuppe, '81; Barry Coleman, '86; Greg Ellwein, '81; Deb (Guy) Igoe, '70; Cheryl (Sloan) Miller, '68; Larry Oswald, '90; Damian Schlinger, '97; and Michael J. Thomas, '04.

Rita Nodland, '76 and '05, serves as alumni coordinator for the BSC Alumni Association.

About Bismarck State College
Bismarck State College, an innovative community college in Bismarck, N.D., offers high quality education, workforce training, and enrichment programs reaching local and global communities.]]> Wed, 26 Sep 2012 00:00:00 GMT BSC accreditation extended http://www.bismarckstate.edu/news/detail.asp?newsID=217
The notification is the result of seven years of continuous quality improvement activities on campus, culminating in a check-up Oct. 12-14, 2011, by representatives of the commission's Academic Quality Improvement Program (AQIP). BSC was evaluated as well for its ongoing ability to meet criteria for accreditation.

The team reviewed current and completed action projects and future plans with President Larry C. Skogen, his cabinet, directors of academic records, admissions and the library, department chairs and program managers, assessment committee, AQIP coordinating team, faculty and staff senates and students.

The Higher Learning Commission AQIP team conducts Quality Checkup site visits at institutions during the fifth and sixth year in every seven-year cycle of AQIP participation.

# # #

The Higher Learning Commission (HLC) is an independent corporation and one of two commission members of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCA), which is one of six regional institutional accreditors in the United States. The Higher Learning Commission accredits degree-granting, post-secondary educational institutions in the North Central region.

]]> Fri, 21 Sep 2012 00:00:00 GMT BSC shows enrollment decline, future growth expected http://www.bismarckstate.edu/news/detail.asp?newsID=216
The decline was not unexpected according to BSC President Larry C. Skogen. In 2011, BSC saw a historic spike in enrollment numbers -- increasing 5 percent from 2010. Such a dramatic increase often is hard to sustain, he said.

Spikes and dips aside, BSC's enrollment has increased steadily for more than a decade. Since 2002, enrollment has increased 30 percent, making BSC the third largest institution of higher learning in North Dakota, after University of North Dakota and North Dakota State University.

"While our national footprint has expanded through our online programs, our primary student population comes from the surrounding area and the area is certainly growing," Skogen said. "I have no doubt that BSC will continue to do the same."

Skogen noted, for example, that students enrolled in BSC's energy programs grew due to the ongoing need for a skilled workforce to support the growing energy industry in North Dakota.

Of the total students enrolled this fall, 2,416 are full time and 1,693 are part-time students. Part-time student enrollment declined 3.9 percent, and full time declined 8.2 percent.

Two key factors are affecting enrollment: lack of housing for students - both on campus and in the community, and the robust job market.

"We certainly want all students to choose education over immediate job gratification, but like everyone else in North Dakota, BSC is being affected by our economy," Skogen said. "While we continue to communicate the benefits of education to prospective students, we have a bit more control over our student housing situation."

The college is conducting a housing feasibility study, and early indicators point toward the construction of a residence hall directly east of Lidstrom Hall on the north side of Edwards Avenue. The site is within the student life area of campus identified in the BSC master plan first drafted in 1978.

Bed capacity at BSC is 307, which serves only 15 percent of on-campus students - the lowest percentage in the state university system. The housing is fully occupied and the waiting list at BSC for the past four years has ranged from 20-120 students.

The college will begin the process for approval of new student housing with the State Board of Higher Education at its November meeting, and with the Legislature during the upcoming 2013 session.
]]> Wed, 19 Sep 2012 00:00:00 GMT BSC receives military friendly designation http://www.bismarckstate.edu/news/detail.asp?newsID=215
The college was chosen for delivering the best experience for military students to ensure their academic success.

BSC received the rating after a data-driven survey of 12,000 Veterans Administration-approved schools that placed BSC in the top 15 percent of all colleges, universities and trade schools in the country. Because competition was keen, the evaluators raised the criteria this year to a higher benchmark.

"It's rewarding to see BSC be recognized once again by G.I. Jobs as a Military Friendly School," said Lane Huber, BSC military affairs officer. "This recognition is a testament to all those at BSC that make education a reality for veterans, service members, and their dependents."

BSC has earned the Military Friendly School designation four years running beginning in 2010.

About Bismarck State College
Bismarck State College, an innovative community college in Bismarck, N.D., offers high quality education, workforce training, and enrichment programs reaching local and global communities. For more information, visit bismarckstate.edu.

The BSC National Energy Center of Excellence is home to many nationally-recognized energy industry degree and training programs. Students have the opportunity to complete programs on-campus or online. At BSC, one-fourth of students are enrolled in energy programs. For more information, visit bismarckstate.edu/energy.]]> Thu, 06 Sep 2012 00:00:00 GMT Toolbox program helps BSC students and honors late program chair http://www.bismarckstate.edu/news/detail.asp?newsID=210
The Toolbox Program helps students entering Automotive Technology by providing toolboxes to use while attending school, decreasing start-up costs for students by up to $4,000.

The program was initiated by Gunsch and was one of many program improvements he worked on during his 34 years at BSC. Funded through the BSC Foundation, the program will provide program funds to purchase the toolboxes for incoming students while they attend BSC. At the end of their program, students will be able to purchase the toolboxes at discounts from various vendors. The Automotive Technology program has 34 students enrolled this year.

"Dean was very dedicated to the program and to students. So much of what he did over the years can't be seen, so we wanted this program, the last of his many contributions, to have his name on it," says Lee Friese, department chair and associate professor of automotive technology.

You can donate to the Dean D. Gunsch Toolbox Program through the BSC Foundation via mail, telephone or online.

BSC Foundation
PO Box 5587
Bismarck, ND 58506-5587
(800) 272-2586 or (701) 224-5700
bismarckstate.edu/foundation/giving

About Bismarck State College
Bismarck State College, an innovative community college in Bismarck, N.D., offers high quality education, workforce training, and enrichment programs reaching local and global communities.

About the Bismarck State College Foundation
The Foundation assists the college in performing its mission by receiving and administering private gifts, bequests and donations to benefit BSC's students and to enhance the quality of teaching and learning at the college. For more information, visit bismarckstate.edu/foundation.]]> Wed, 05 Sep 2012 00:00:00 GMT Job fair scheduled on BSC campus Sept. 6 http://www.bismarckstate.edu/news/detail.asp?newsID=209
Bismarck State College and North Dakota Job Service host the job fair from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Bismarck Public Schools Career Academy on the BSC campus.

Information on full-time and part-time positions will be available from 50 area businesses in such fields as banking, engineering, health, social services, energy, process plant, service industry, retail/sales, food processing and light manufacturing.

Jay Meier, BSC director of counseling and advising, said the event has grown from a part-time event for mostly students to a full-blown job fair collaboration with Job Service. It was named River Cities Job Fair last year.

Theatre Arts program - Summer theater collaboration with Capitol Shakespeare
Chemistry program - National Chemistry Week (Oct. 21-27, 2012), campus activities and supplies
Counseling and Advising Services - "Coffee and Careers: Fishing for Opportunity" student workshop and information seminars on careers, multiple dates in 2012-13
English program - BSC Visiting Writers Series 2012-13
English program/Figments of Imagination - "Oil's Impact," a collaborative campus and community art exhibit, writing and multimedia event in December 2012.
NECE Summer Academy - Students engage in various energy-related lab experiments, visit energy companies and learn about energy careers over several days.
Summer Ag Academy - Opportunity for students to experience campus, go into the field and get hands-on experience in agronomy.
Simulations labs and training equipment for Nursing and Paramedics - The ND Department of Commerce and Bremer Bank matched this grant.

The BSC Foundation Programs Committee also approved a total of $12,727 to fund professional development applications from faculty and staff including tuition reimbursement toward advanced degrees, as well as conference and workshop fees.

About Bismarck State College
Bismarck State College, an innovative community college in Bismarck, N.D., offers high quality education, workforce training, and enrichment programs reaching local and global communities. For more information, visit bismarckstate.edu.

About the BSC Foundation
The Foundation, established for the sole purpose of assisting the college in performing its mission, receives and administers private gifts, bequests and donations to benefit BSC's students and to enhance the quality of teaching and learning at the college. Gifts to the Foundation support programs and activities not funded through traditional sources. For more information, visit bismarckstate.edu/foundation. ]]> Mon, 25 Jun 2012 00:00:00 GMT BSC President's Run set for July 13 http://www.bismarckstate.edu/news/detail.asp?newsID=193
Motorcycles and cars are welcome to join BSC President Larry C. Skogen and friends of the late Don "Speedy" Russell at 9:30 a.m. for the trip to Theodore Roosevelt National Park. Participants leave from the BSC Jack Science Center parking lot.

Don Russell was a car enthusiast, business and community leader and President's Run supporter and driver. This year's event is being held in his memory.

Afternoon activities include a ride through the park's South Unit and a tour of the Whiting Petroleum Natural Gas Processing Plant southwest of Belfield. The group stops in Dickinson for a water break at Hedahl's and lunch in Medora.

For more information, call 701-224-5700 or email amy.brown.1@bismarkstate.edu.

About SkillsUSA
SkillsUSA is a partnership of students, teachers and industry working together to ensure America has a skilled workforce. Its mission is to help members become world-class workers, leaders and responsible American citizens. The organization has 13,000 chapters in 54 state and territorial associations. SkillsUSA - North Dakota is supported by the state Department of Career and Technical Education.

About Bismarck State College
Bismarck State College, an innovative community college in Bismarck, N.D., offers high quality education, workforce training, and enrichment programs reaching local and global communities.]]> Mon, 21 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT BSC offers summer camps for kids http://www.bismarckstate.edu/news/detail.asp?newsID=191
"Cooking up a Story" is a weeklong, course into the imagination. Writers will write, try different writing prompts, and benefit from one-on-one writing conferences. Participants also will share favorite cooking stories while trying new writing "recipes" with Candace Brannan, Northern Plains Writing Project teacher.

The Young Writers Institute runs June 4-7 from 9 a.m. to noon for ages 8 to 12 and 1 to 4 p.m. for ages 13 to 17 in the BSC National Energy Center of Excellence, Room 119.

Scrubs Camp for ages 9 to 12 takes place Monday, June 11, from 1 to 4 p.m. in the BSC Allied Health Building in downtown Bismarck. Campers will hear about the role of the nurse and learn about the body through various activities and games. Instructors are members of the BSC Student Nurses Organization.

To register online, go to bscenrichment.com. For more information, call BSC Continuing Education, Training and Innovation at 224-2600.

About Bismarck State College
Bismarck State College, an innovative community college in Bismarck, N.D., offers high quality education, workforce training, and enrichment programs reaching local and global communities.]]> Thu, 10 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT Nick Kjos retires from BSC http://www.bismarckstate.edu/news/detail.asp?newsID=189
Kjos is an associate professor and teaches theory classes in digital electronics and telecommunications and the accompanying labs. This year, he completed curriculum writing for new lesson plans and labs after the program expanded from the BSC Technical Center to the Bismarck Public Schools Career Academy on campus.

"It's a wonderful job. I have really enjoyed my stay at BSC," said Kjos, a full-time associate professor. "I'm leaving a lot of good friends, some wonderful memories, and, hopefully, some students who learned something from me."

Kjos started at BSC in 1993 after working in the oil industry as an instrument supervisor for a seismograph company that made underground maps for oil formations. During his teaching career, he taught computer hardware before electronics and was on the Computer Use Steering Committee for 17 years. He also was active as administrator and judge for the Skills USA contest held at BSC.

About the BSC National Alumni Association
Since 1983, the BSC National Alumni Association has provided the college's growing family of alumni with services and benefits. The association's goals are to keep 18,000 alumni connected to BSC and to enhance and develop BSC through lifelong involvement. For more information, visit bismarckstate.edu/alumni.

About Bismarck State College
Bismarck State College, an innovative community college in Bismarck, N.D., offers high quality education, workforce training, and enrichment programs reaching local and global communities.]]> Mon, 30 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMT BSC student directors showcase plays http://www.bismarckstate.edu/news/detail.asp?newsID=188
Sponsored by the BSC Drama Club, the series is a presentation of six one-act plays for adult audiences. Show times are 3:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. both days.

Selected theater students take responsibility for directing all aspects of their chosen plays including actor auditions, costumes, stage sets, lighting, sound and publicity.

Productions and their directors are:

"Crazy Eights" by David Lindsay-Abaire, directed by Mercer Sage
"Feeding Time at the Human House" by David Wiener, directed by Brandon Wetch
"Waiting" by Ethan Coen, directed by Ashley Clooten
"The Best Daddy" by Shel Silverstein, directed by Marete Snortland-Banks
"A Little Lunch" by Christina Halvorson, directed by Cassie Ash
"This is a Play" by Daniel MacIvor, directed by Shaina Hovrud

Admission is free for this last event of BSC's 2012 ArtsQuest. Performances are in the Sidney J. Lee Auditorium Studio Theatre. Enter through the Leach Music Center hallway to access the auditorium stage.

About Bismarck State College
Bismarck State College, an innovative community college in Bismarck, N.D., offers high quality education, workforce training, and enrichment programs reaching local and global communities. For more information visit www.bismarckstate.edu.
]]> Thu, 26 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMT Adults 50+ invited to OLLI@UND open house May 3 http://www.bismarckstate.edu/news/detail.asp?newsID=177
BSC, in partnership with UND, hosts the open house from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. in Room 103 of the National Energy Center of Excellence on campus. OLLI@UND in Bismarck summer course information and registration will be available.

OLLI@UND is a membership organization for those 50 and better who want to experience cultural and social growth through learning and sharing ideas, opinions and talents.

Activities and classes begin May 29. Topics include presidential contenders, photo shooting, the Civil War's eastern theater, women's heart disease, migration of prairie birds, and Scotland. Field trips are scheduled to Cross Ranch, Double Ditch Indian Village State Historic Site, Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center, and the Black Leg Ranch. An architectural walking tour of downtown Bismarck is offered, as is a bus tour to Folklorama in Winnipeg. Lauren Donovan, author of "Prairie Churches," will be the featured speaker. Programs are purely for enjoyment without tests, grades or need for prior college experience.

For information, call BSC Continuing Education, Training and Innovation at (701) 224-5600. For a complete list of summer 2012 courses, instructor profiles, and events, go to olli.und.edu/bismarck.

About Bismarck State College
Bismarck State College, an innovative community college in Bismarck, N.D., offers high quality education, workforce training, and enrichment programs reaching local and global communities.]]> Thu, 26 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMT ArtsQuest Campus Crawl set for May 1 http://www.bismarckstate.edu/news/detail.asp?newsID=178
Held across central campus, the showcase runs from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in Werner Hall, Leach Music Center and outside the library. Activities include music, tie-dye, raku, literary readings, student art sale, and tissue flower crafts.

A free lunch begins at 11:30 a.m. in the Student Union and will be served while supplies last. Crawlers can make colorful tissue flowers between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. in the lobby.

"The ArtsQuest Campus Crawl gives the campus and community a chance to come together," said Barb Jirges, ArtsQuest coordinator and visual arts instructor. "We've added more to our signature outdoor events of raku and tie-dye. It is a day to celebrate the arts."

Werner Hall 105 is headquarters for the student art sale and the display by the Art and Chemistry programs.

The BSC Library is host to three activities. Raku will be fired west of the library from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., while students will read from Figments of Imagination literary journal starting at noon outside on the library courtyard. BSC's popular tie-dye takes place from noon to 3 p.m. between the library and Werner Hall.

Visitors can hear student soloists perform between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. in the Leach Music Center 177 in Schafer Hall.

About Bismarck State College
Bismarck State College, an innovative community college in Bismarck, N.D., offers high quality education, workforce training, and enrichment programs reaching local and global communities. ]]> Wed, 25 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMT BSC Jazz Ensemble hosts Big Al's Big Band http://www.bismarckstate.edu/news/detail.asp?newsID=176
John Darling directs the Jazz Ensemble in an eight-piece set of tunes by Benny Carter, Fats Waller, Chick Corea, George Gershwin and others. Featured vocalists are Alexandra Kottre and Stephen Gefroh, and pianist Nicholas Hornbacher in "Cross Currents" by Ellen Rowe.

The BSC Saxophone Ensemble lets loose in "La Fiesta" in a composition and arrangement by Corea and Paul Liversage.

Big Al's Big Band takes over the second half with a sampling of music from the swing era. Vocalists Rebecca Warren and Dennis "Louie" Huber are featured on such songs as "Miss Otis Regrets" and "What a Wonderful World." The bands combine for a finale of Benny Goodman/Lionel Hampton's "Flying Home" and the Herbie Hancock standard, "Chameleon."

A reception follows the concert. The public is welcome at no charge during ArtsQuest, BSC's month-long celebration of the arts.

About Big Al's Big Band
Big Al's Big Band is an 18-piece group originally known as the BSC Tuesday Night Jazz Ensemble founded in 1982 by Erv Ely, longtime BSC director of bands. After Ely retired in 1996, Al Bertsch took over the band. Original members still playing are current director Rex Waddingham , Mark Learn, saxophone, and Steve Vogelpohl, trombone.

About Bismarck State College
Bismarck State College, an innovative community college in Bismarck, N.D., offers high quality education, workforce training, and enrichment programs reaching local and global communities. ]]> Tue, 24 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMT Glassblower Jon Offutt headlines visual arts week at BSC http://www.bismarckstate.edu/news/detail.asp?newsID=174
Offutt demonstrates his technique from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday in the Bismarck Public Schools Career Academy on campus. His portable glassblowing studio will be set up at Door G behind the academy on the east side. Access from inside is through Room 110. Parking is available across the street or in the BSC Student Union parking lot.

Students in the Graphic Design and Communications program hold their 42nd annual spring showcase today through Thursday at Kirkwood Mall. Fifty-five freshmen and sophomores are displaying skills they learned this year in publication design and layout, logo and brand identity, studio photography and portraiture. Judging by industry professionals took place Monday night. Student portfolios will be displayed May 4 in a public event in the academy's collaboration rooms.

The Juried Student Art Exhibition is on display through May 15 in the library's Gannon Gallery and Elsa Forde Gallery, Schafer Hall. A reception for the students is set from 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday in the BSC Library. Juror is artist and educator Jenna Jacobson of Bismarck.

Offutt was named Fargo's favorite artist in 2005 and 2009 in a High Plains Reader survey. Active in arts advocacy, he has held leadership positions in several arts organizations and artist initiatives. Offutt taught at Moorhead State University and conducts tours and residencies in glassblowing. His exhibited work is collected across the country and has received high awards at the Plains Art Museum and the O'Rourke Art Museum in Fargo-Moorhead. Offutt has an MFA from the Southern Illinois University College of Art and Design. He owns operates House of Mulciber glass studio in Fargo.

About Bismarck State College
Bismarck State College, an innovative community college in Bismarck, N.D., offers high quality education, workforce training, and enrichment programs reaching local and global communities.

The BSC National Energy Center of Excellence is home to many nationally-recognized energy industry degree and training programs. Students have the opportunity to complete programs on campus or online. At BSC, one-fourth of the students are enrolled in energy programs. For more information, visit bismarckstate.edu/energy.]]> Wed, 18 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMT BSC students dominate college computing symposium http://www.bismarckstate.edu/news/detail.asp?newsID=173
Held at the University of Northern Iowa in Cedar Falls, Iowa, April 13-14, the symposium brings approximately 250 of the "best and the brightest" undergraduate students from a five-state region together to learn about their field and compete in three contests - robotics, programming and research paper/presentation.

Led by Karen Arlien, associate professor of computer science, the BSC students attending the symposium were Austin Nodland and Alex Wollan from Bismarck; Ryan Holte, Washburn; Michael Rameden, Ray; Ben Thorson, Newcastle, Wyo.; and Darren Eck, Stockton, Calif.

In the programming contest, two BSC teams competed against 55 other teams to solve a set of programming problems utilizing math and computer language skills within a three-hour time limit. Named for computer science concepts, team "Class Brick Implements Throwable { }" (Thorson, Wollan and Eck), took first place in the programming contest, completing five of the seven available problems in the least amount of time.

The other BSC programming team, "The Dangling Pointers" (Holte, Rameden and Nodland), placed 35th after completing three of the seven problems.

"We were all really excited. We come in as the underdog every year, and really feel that," Arlien said. "Our goal is always to solve one problem - many teams we compete against don't solve any."

The robotics competition included several months of preparation for competitor Nodland and his coach, BSC alumnus Lucas Pippenger.

According to Arlien, Pippenger was instrumental in starting BSC's involvement in robotics. He served as captain of the first BSC robotics team last year, and created, and teaches, a two-week unit on robotics for computer science I and II students each semester.

"There were 20 teams in the competition and ours was the fastest of the two that finished the course. It's that challenging," Arlien says.

The winning teams received $500.

About Midwest Instruction and Computing Symposium
The Midwest Instruction and Computing Symposium (MICS) is a regional conference dedicated to providing an educational experience to higher education participants across the five-state region of Iowa, Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wisconsin. The conference focuses on integrating computer-based technology into teaching and learning processes of all disciplines, along with incorporating the study of this technology into the curriculum. Conference activities include technical paper sessions, programming and robotics contests, a keynote address, and a Career Fair for student participants.

About Bismarck State College
Bismarck State College, an innovative community college in Bismarck, N.D., offers high quality education, workforce training, and enrichment programs reaching local and global communities.]]> Wed, 18 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMT Six Appeal featured in BSC vocal concert Saturday at the Belle http://www.bismarckstate.edu/news/detail.asp?newsID=170
The event with all-male singers begins with an all-day vocal clinic Friday and concludes Saturday with a concert at 2 p.m. in Belle Mehus Auditorium. A public reception follows the concert at Bismarck State College in the Student Union Missouri Room.

Tickets can be purchased in advance at Eckroth Music or at the door. General admission is $5.

Six Appeal and the BSC Men's Ensemble will work with high school students from Mandan High School and Standing Rock High School, who were selected by their choral directors. They will also receive coaching from Dawn Hagerott, BSC assistant professor of music, Men's Ensemble director, and festival organizer.

"Through the use of contemporary literature, they will reach these young men in the style of music which is popular and familiar to them, " Hagerott said. "It is like meeting them on their own turf."

She said the literature will not be easy and will challenge high school students to develop tight harmonic a cappella singing in four- to eight-part harmonies.

Six Appeal repertoire spans decades of music. The six vocal specialists blend effortlessly between pop, rock, jazz, hip-hop, timeless classics, traditional a cappella music, and catchy original tunes. Their featured performance includes some numbers with students, who will join Six Appeal in "Brown-eyed Girl," "Low Rider," "Harder to Breathe," and "500 Miles."

Together since 2006, Six Appeal includes Bismarck natives Jordan Roll, Matt Beachey and Reuben Hushagen, who met while performing with Central Dakota Children's Choir. They and the other three Six Appeal members live and work in Minneapolis. Hushagen is a 2009 BSC graduate and earned the outstanding vocal music and outstanding theater student awards. The group became established while members were attending Concordia College in Moorhead, Minn. By senior year, they were touring the Midwest, performing and giving clinics for high schools, and now tour the country.

On March 10, Six Appeal won the Pacific Northwest region's Harmony Sweepstakes A Cappella Festival and advanced to the finals, which will be held May 12 in San Rafael, Calif. The eight-region festival is the premier showcase for vocal harmony music in the country. Six Appeal also won the Audience Favorite award, best original arrangement and best original song categories.

About Bismarck State College
Bismarck State College, an innovative community college in Bismarck, N.D., offers high quality education, workforce training, and enrichment programs reaching local and global communities.
]]> Thu, 12 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMT BSC chamber groups perform Thursday http://www.bismarckstate.edu/news/detail.asp?newsID=166
Performing are the Woodwind Ensemble, Brass Ensemble, and Saxophone Ensemble against a backdrop of student art from "Figments of Imagination" literary journal.

The program contains a variety of musical styles and eras from the classical composers Verdi, Bizet and Wagner to contemporary works by Scott Joplin and Dave Brubeck. Among the classical selections are works from "Aida," "Rigoletto," Lohengrin" and "Carmen," and an English madrigal suite. The three ensembles will combine for a finale of "Just a Closer Walk."

Chamber ensemble directors are John Darling, Saxophone Ensemble; Jeanette Reyberg, Woodwind Ensemble; and Brianna Fuzesy, Brass Ensemble.

The concert is presented at no charge during ArtsQuest 2012, BSC's month-long celebration of the arts.

Read North Dakota is dedicated to celebrating and promoting literature created in and about North Dakota. Partners include the State Historical Society of North Dakota, the North Dakota Humanities Council, the North Dakota Council on the Arts, Prairie Public Broadcasting, and the North Dakota Library Association.

ArtsQuest 2012 is a month-long campus celebration of music, art, theater, literature and film, sponsored by the BSC Arts and Communications Department. ArtsQuest highlights the talent of BSC students and brings performances and presentations by guest artists to campus. All ArtsQuest events are open to the public. For more information, go to www.bismarckstate.edu/artsquest.]]> Mon, 26 Mar 2012 00:00:00 GMT CBS' Byron Pitts coming to BSC April 9 http://www.bismarckstate.edu/news/detail.asp?newsID=160
The CBS News chief national correspondent and "60 Minutes" contributing correspondent will speak Monday, April 9, at Bismarck State College about overcoming obstacles and thriving in a global society.

"A Conversation with Byron Pitts" takes place at 7 p.m. in BSC's Sidney J. Lee Auditorium in Schafer Hall. A reception and book signing follows the free presentation sponsored by the BSC Embracing Diversity Committee.

Pitts has risen to the top echelons of news reporting. He has received two national Emmy awards, six regional Emmy awards, four Associated Press awards, and a National Association of Black Journalists award. But what he will be talking about is how his life could easily have been something much less. His memoir, "Step Out on Nothing: How Family and Faith Helped Me Conquer Life's Challenges" (2009), shows how key people emerged from nowhere to set him straight.

Raised by a single mother in a working class neighborhood of Baltimore, Pitts was illiterate until age 12 and had a persistent stutter. He wanted to play football, but his mother insisted he earn B grades or better in order to play. With that focus, Pitts learned to read and went on to graduate from Ohio Wesleyan University in 1982 with a bachelor's degree in journalism and speech communication. He overcame his odds and disability in part through encouragement and support from his college roommate and a professor.

Pitts began his broadcast career in 1983 as weekend sports anchor for WNCT-TV in Greenville, N.C. A year later, he started reporting for a station in Virginia, moving into the larger markets in Orlando, Tampa, Boston and Atlanta. Pitts joined CBS News in 1996. He was named CBS News correspondent in 1998, reporting in the Miami and Atlanta bureaus before moving to New York City in 2001. He has been a national correspondent since 2006 and was named to his current positions in 2009, realizing a life-long goal to be a "60 Minutes" contributing correspondent.

One of his national Emmy awards derived from his work as a lead reporter during the 9/11 attacks. He was later tapped to be a war correspondent, reporting on the invasion of Iraq, war in Afghanistan and military buildup in Kuwait. Pitts also played an integral role reporting Hurricane Katrina, the Elian Gonzalez story, mudslides in Central America, and the Florida presidential election recount.

About Bismarck State College
Bismarck State College, an innovative community college in Bismarck, N.D., offers high quality education, workforce training, and enrichment programs reaching local and global communities.

About University of Mary
The University of Mary was founded in 1959 by the Benedictine Sisters of the Annunciation and is the state's only private, Catholic university. Programs are offered at 18 sites in six states, through the University of Mary Centers for Accelerated and Distance Education, as well as the new campus in Rome, Italy. Mary offers undergraduate degrees in 53 majors, eight master's degrees, and a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree, as well as 16 varsity sports to its students. For more information, visit www.umary.edu.]]> Tue, 28 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT Visiting scientist speaks at BSC March 8 http://www.bismarckstate.edu/news/detail.asp?newsID=155
Loren Wold will present "Where You Live Can Make You Sick: Environmental Influences on Health and Disease" at 7 p.m. in the BSC National Energy Center of Excellence Basin Electric Auditorium (304).

Wold has found a growing body of evidence that environment interacts with a person's genetic makeup to influence disease progression. He will present evidence from epidemiological and scientific research that correlates air pollutants (including those generated by agriculture) with cardiovascular, respiratory and neurological diseases.

Originally from Bismarck, Wold has published more than 50 articles and two book chapters on this topic in work funded by the National Institutes of Health and American Heart Association. He has spoken throughout the U.S. and in Italy, Brazil and China. Wold is executive editor of the journal, Life Sciences, and on the editorial board of numerous journals.

Wold earned his doctorate at the University of North Dakota and his undergraduate degree at Boston University. He is assistant professor at Ohio State University College of Medicine and principal investigator at the Center for Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Research at Nationwide Children's Hospital in Columbus, Ohio.

His Visiting Scientists Series presentation is sponsored in partnership with Bismarck State College, Bismarck Public Schools, University of Mary, St. Mary's Central High School, Gateway to Science, Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, U.S. Geological Survey, and North Dakota Society of Professional Engineers. For more information, call 701-258-1975 or visit www.gatewaytoscience.org.

About the BSC National Alumni Association
Since 1983, the BSC National Alumni Association has provided services and benefits to a growing family of alumni. The association's goal is to keep 18,000+ alumni connected to BSC and to enhance and develop BSC through lifelong involvement. For more information, visit bismarckstate.edu/alumni.

About Bismarck State College
Bismarck State College, an innovative community college in Bismarck, N.D., offers high quality education, workforce training, and enrichment programs reaching local and global communities.]]> Wed, 15 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT BSC professor receives $25,000 fellowship http://www.bismarckstate.edu/news/detail.asp?newsID=146
The fellowship, valued at $25,000, helps BSC faculty and staff further their education, conduct research or pursue other professional development.

Bauer plans to use the fellowship to complete a master's degree in journalism education from the University of Missouri - Columbia. The online program will allow her to remain full time at BSC, where she has taught since 2000.

Bauer took a couple master-level classes before applying for the fellowship and plans to graduate in spring 2014. She also will use the fellowship to pay for a Backpack Journalism Workshop in Washington, D.C. next spring. The skills she learns about writing a story in the field and uploading it on portable technology will benefit her students.

"This fellowship is going to be a tremendous help to my teaching and advising at BSC and life in general," Bauer said. "Gone is the pressure of knowing I won't have to take a class a semester or worry about making payments. I don't have to put myself on hold anymore."

Advisor to the BSC Mystician, Bauer teaches media writing, reporting and editing, English Usage and Media and Social Change. She serves on the ArtsQuest and Campus Read committees, acts as co-advisor for Phi Theta Kappa, and is part of the BSC Excellence Through Leadership program this year. Her undergraduate degree in English education was earned at the University of Mary.

Bauer says she is overwhelmed to be a recipient of the Jack Fellowship.

"So many who applied are my peers - people I admire and look up to," she said. "It's a privilege to be at BSC and be offered the opportunity for this education."

The late Tom and Peg Jack, lead contributors to BSC's Jack Science Center, endowed the Jack Fellowship in 1999. A committee appointed by the BSC Foundation selects the recipients.

About Bismarck State College
Bismarck State College, an innovative community college in Bismarck, N.D., offers high quality education, workforce training, and enrichment programs reaching local and global communities.]]> Fri, 02 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT University of Mary and BSC enter articulated program agreement http://www.bismarckstate.edu/news/detail.asp?newsID=125
The degree programs included in the agreement are Athletic Training, Exercise Science, Physical Education, Respiratory Therapy, Sport and Leisure Management, Music, Music with Emphasis in Sacred Music, Music Education, Political Philosophy, Management, and the Computer Support Specialist program, which will transfer to the University of Mary's Information Technology Management program.

While transferring from BSC to a four-year institution is a smooth process, BSC President Dr. Larry C. Skogen said the articulation agreement with University of Mary ensures that general education and specific program classes that students take at BSC are wholly integrated with University of Mary's programs.

"This agreement is in alignment with our philosophy of collaborating with four-year institutions to better serve our students and communities," Dr. Skogen said.

BSC has become a hub of higher education in the Bismarck-Mandan area. The University of North Dakota, Minot State University, and Dickinson State University are already on BSC's campus.

"The University of Mary also will be opening a transfer office on our campus to better serve transferring students," Skogen said.

Currently, nearly 35 percent of BSC's students or just over 1,500 are enrolled in liberal arts/transfer programs and another 59 are in the computer support specialist program. As of fall 2011, 324 students are attending the University of Mary from BSC.

"This extension of the collaboration between BSC and the University of Mary is an important step in providing educational support for the burgeoning Bismarck-Mandan and North Dakota economies," asserts U-Mary President Father James Shea. "Facilitating the entry of BSC students into high-demand programs at the University of Mary will help meet the educational needs of the growing area population and the professional needs of the industries and businesses associated with the area's booming economy."
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About Bismarck State College
Bismarck State College, an innovative community college in Bismarck, N.D., offers high quality education, workforce training, and enrichment programs reaching local and global communities.

About University of Mary
The University of Mary was founded in 1959 by the Benedictine Sisters of the Annunciation and is the state's only private, Catholic university. Programs are offered at 18 sites in six states, through the University of Mary Centers for Accelerated and Distance Education, as well as the new campus in Rome, Italy. Mary offers undergraduate degrees in 53 majors, eight master's degrees, and a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree, as well as 16 varsity sports to its students. For more information, visit www.umary.edu.]]> Tue, 29 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT BSC play takes on reality TV in 'The Dead Guy' http://www.bismarckstate.edu/news/detail.asp?newsID=127
Performances of the edgy adult alternative play are scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday and 2:30 p.m. Sunday in Sidney J. Lee Auditorium.

Written by Emmy Award-nominated playwright Eric Coble, "The Dead Guy" is a satire on U.S. reality television. The play mixes on-stage acting, previously recorded segments, special effects and live filming on a set that resembles a recording studio.

The story wraps around hard-luck Eldon Phelps, whose quest for the silver bullet to success irresistibly leads him into a Faustian deal. He signs up to spend $1 million in seven days and have a camera crew follow him around for a week. They broadcast his adventures to a national audience, which assumes deadly voting rights.

In the first scene, Eldon meets producer Gina Yaweth at a bar in Leadville. She sells Eldon on her reality show, and he does what he wants amid a montage of live filming and previous footage flowed by Dougie, the lone cameraman. Along the way, we meet Roberta and Virgil Phelps, Eldon's family, his ex-girlfriend Christy, the religious young nurse Leon, and two good-time gals he meets on a trip to Disneyland.

A reviewer for the L.A. Splash says, "Coble's skillfully woven comedy is a humorous and thoughtful critique on society's obsession with other people's realities." Variety magazine adds, "Inspired and ruthless, Eric Coble has preempted the network vultures with 'The Dead Guy.' "

BSC Theatre director Dan Rogers produces the show in collaboration with guest director Amber Rae Bernhardt, executive director of Dakota Stage Ltd., Bismarck's community theater. Bernhardt is a BSC graduate who performed in the BSC production of "Damn Yankees." She has a BFA degree in theater directing and performance from North Dakota State University. Bernhardt worked many years in arts management in Chicago, where she co-founded Backe Productions, as well as Theatre B in Fargo, N.D. Technical director is Dean Bellin, BSC assistant professor of technical theatre.

The nine-member cast stars Derek Pich as Eldon Phelps with Shaina Hovrud as Gina, the slippery TV producer. Both are from Mandan. Alex Johnson of Hazelton plays the cameraman, Dougie. Ashley Clooten of Bismarck is Christy Moline, Eldon's reluctant ex-girlfriend. Dakota Stein and Paul Murphy of Bismarck portray Roberta and Virgil Phelps. O'Shay Neal of Bismarck appears as the nurse Leon, and the good time women are played by Shaylee Meyer, Bismarck, and Amanda Pitzer of Mandan.

Reserved seat tickets are $10 or $3 with BSC I.D. and can be purchased at the Schafer Hall box office weekdays, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., or by calling 224-5511.
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About Bismarck State College
Bismarck State College, an innovative community college in Bismarck, N.D., offers high quality education, workforce training, and enrichment programs reaching local and global communities.]]> Sat, 26 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT Roles change, new hire made in BSC's new College Relations Department http://www.bismarckstate.edu/news/detail.asp?newsID=124
Marnie Piehl was hired as the public relations and communications manager, replacing long-time Communications Director Jordis Conrad who retired in June. Piehl most recently was the PR director at Odney and has experience in higher education, healthcare and the software industry.

The rest of the College Relations staff are Patrick Bjork, website manager; Crystal Forster, graphic designer; and Vicki Voskuil, public information specialist.

The College Relations Department provides a strategic approach to the writing, design, public relations, marketing and advertising needs of Bismarck State College.
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About Bismarck State College
Bismarck State College, an innovative community college in Bismarck, N.D., offers high quality education, workforce training, and enrichment programs reaching local and global communities.]]> Fri, 25 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT Local artists and writers interpret summer flood http://www.bismarckstate.edu/news/detail.asp?newsID=126
"FLOODED: What the Current Didn't Wash Away" is a special evening event highlighting the personal experiences of BSC faculty, staff and friends and the devastating Missouri River flooding through stories, art and photography.

"The flooding of 2011 affected everyone in North Dakota - if not directly, through experience of friends and family," said Jennifer Weisgerber, adjunct instructor. "Taking the time to process these emotional stories can be healing not only to those who produce the art, but also to those who view it."

"FLOODED" is hosted by Figments of Imagination, BSC's annual literary arts publication, which is created by students for students. Featuring a variety of writing pieces, as well as photos, fine art and multimedia, Figments celebrates its 20th anniversary in 2012.

The "FLOODED" event starts with a gallery opening at 7:30 p.m. followed by a reading at 8 p.m. The event is free and open to the public.

For more information, contact Jennifer Weisgerber at Jennifer.Weisgerber@bismarckstate.edu or visit the "FLOODED" Facebook page at http://tiny.cc/425z2.]]> Fri, 25 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT Energy management degree ranked seventh most affordable in U.S. http://www.bismarckstate.edu/news/detail.asp?newsID=123
The Get Educated Official List of Best Buys ranks the top 35 regionally accredited and most affordable online bachelor degrees in management in the United States. BSC is the only institution in North or South Dakota to receive a ranking.

Based on costs from Spring 2011, BSC's Energy Management degree received an A- in the rating scale and a number seven ranking for its overall degree cost of $29,194.

Richard Northrup, assistant professor and developer for the BSC BAS program believes the program is quickly becoming the premier energy management on-line program.

"The BAS is training the present and future managers needed in the energy field. I am proud to be a part of the program. Although I instruct many of the classes, I continue to marvel at how much I learn from the students. The various parts of the business they work in and their perspectives of the industry give me, and their fellow students, insight into how diverse the energy business really is."

The program currently has more than 200 students located all over America and different parts of the world.

"BSC's National Energy Center of Excellence is proud to offer the Bachelor of Applied Science in Energy Management, where students receive a quality education for a great value," said Tammy Heupel, coordinator, BAS in Energy Management.

The Get Educated online university rankings were objectively calculated by comparing tuition and distance education fees at 61 regionally accredited or regional candidate colleges that offer 158 distance bachelor degrees in the formal major area of business management.

GetEducated.com is a consumer group that publishes online college rankings and online university ratings along the dimensions that matter most to online students themselves: affordability and credibility. For more information, go to www.GetEducated.com.
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About Bismarck State College
Bismarck State College, an innovative community college in Bismarck, N.D., offers high quality education, workforce training, and enrichment programs reaching local and global communities.]]> Wed, 23 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT BSC chamber groups perform Tuesday http://www.bismarckstate.edu/news/detail.asp?newsID=122
Performing are the Guitar Ensemble, Woodwind Ensemble, Brass Ensemble, String Ensemble, Percussion Ensemble, and Saxophone Ensemble.

The program contains a variety of musical styles and eras from classical to contemporary and gospel, as well as two pieces associated with the Christmas holidays. Among the classical selections are Purcell's Sonata in G major, Mussorgsky's Pictures at an Exhibition - "Promenade," Mozart's Quartet No. 14 in G major, and Gounod's "Funeral March of a Marionette."

Lighter pieces include the "Sailors' Hornpipe," "Gospel Fever," "Mr. Hipp," and "Stinkin' Garbage," a finale performed by the Percussion Ensemble.

Chamber ensemble directors are John Darling and Jeanette Reyberg, woodwinds; Rob Peske, percussion; Brianna Fuzesy, brass; Doug Klein, guitar; and Everaldo Flores, strings.

The origins of chamber music can be traced to the classical period where music was written for a small group of instruments that could fit in a palace chamber. In the modern and broader context, chamber music includes any art music played by a small number of performers with one performer to a part, and generally has no formal conductor.
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About Bismarck State College
Bismarck State College, an innovative community college in Bismarck, N.D., offers high quality education, workforce training, and enrichment programs reaching local and global communities.]]> Thu, 17 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT BSC ChoirFest draws top singers from area high schools http://www.bismarckstate.edu/news/detail.asp?newsID=121
After workshops and rehearsals with the professional vocal ensemble From Age to Age, the 84 high school students will combine with more than 50 BSC singers for a concert at 2 p.m. Saturday in Cathedral of the Holy Spirit, Bismarck.

"This is more than double last year's high school participation," said conductor Andrew Miller, BSC vocal director.

The concert features an original choral work by Walton published composer, Arden Skoglund. Miller commissioned "Something of You" for the 134-voice mass choir assembled for this year's ChoirFest. Also premiering is Miller's composition, "Echo," which combines choir and electronic synthesizer and is based on a poem by Christina Rossetti. Other selections are "In Flanders Fields," a WWI memoriam song, and the gospel tune, "A City Called Heaven."

General admission tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for seniors and students. They can be purchased at the door.

Area schools attending with their choral directors are Bismarck Century, Bismarck St. Mary's, Mandan, New Salem-Almont, Hazen, Hebron, Beulah, Strasburg, Zeeland, and Elgin-New Leipzig. Choir directors selected students for the two-day education event based on musical ability, interest in music, and commitment to their high school chorus.

BSC students performing during ChoirFest are members of the Concert Choir, Women's Chamber Chorus and the Chamber Singers, all directed by Miller; and the Men's Chamber Chorus directed by Dawn Hagerott, assistant professor of music.

Miller is founder and artistic director of From Age to Age, a Minnesota-based group gaining national attention. The ensemble has toured across the upper-Midwest, performed and provided clinics at American Choral Directors Association conventions, done workshops for collegiate and high school choirs, and performed on Minnesota Public Radio (MPR) and other nationally syndicated radio stations. Founded in 2007, From Age to Age is featured on MPR's "A Taste for the Holidays" Vol. II CD, and has collaborated with numerous other vocal ensembles. Watch From Age to Age in performance on YouTube.

Miller received his master's degree in choral conducting from Minnesota State University-Mankato in 2010. He is director of choral activities and assistant professor of music at BSC, where he teaches aural skills, choral conducting and music appreciation. His compositions are published through Santa Barbara Music Publishing Company and Hope Publishing Company.

ChoirFest provides a two-day music education and concert event for talented high school juniors and seniors. Students receive mentoring from BSC choir members during their experience and coaching from professional experts.
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About Bismarck State College
Bismarck State College, an innovative community college in Bismarck, N.D., offers high quality education, workforce training, and enrichment programs reaching local and global communities. ]]> Wed, 16 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT McKay hired as Great Plains Energy Corridor director http://www.bismarckstate.edu/news/detail.asp?newsID=120
McKay is responsible for promoting North Dakota's energy industry through education and outreach, as well as facilitating collaboration among the various segments of the industry. This federally funded position is housed in the Bismarck State College National Energy Center of Excellence.

A former Peace Corps volunteer, McKay has worked in the energy industry for more than six years, most recently at Basin Electric Power Cooperative in Bismarck.

For more information about the Great Plains Energy Corridor and its mission, visit www.energynd.com.
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About Bismarck State College
Bismarck State College, an innovative community college in Bismarck, N.D., offers high quality education, workforce training, and enrichment programs reaching local and global communities.]]> Sun, 13 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT New GIS courses offered in response to industry needs http://www.bismarckstate.edu/news/detail.asp?newsID=119
Focused on current workers, the training at BSC's National Energy Center of Excellence involves three courses that range from basic to advanced levels using ArcGIS software.

"These new GIS classes are a great example of BSC's nimble response to industry needs," said Larry C. Skogen, BSC president. "The classes allow us to be a partner in advancing the industries that drive our region's economy."

Esri-certified instructor Aaron Norby works at the Bismarck office of Kadrmas Lee & Jackson, an engineering company that has offered GIS training to KLJ employees and the public in the past. Norby is a member of the BSC Geographic Information Systems program advisory committee. He also has taught GIS and Esri-certified professional courses at Austin Community College in Texas.

Norby said the training works well with business intelligence computer techniques used in identifying and analyzing business data. GIS has many other applications including natural resources, engineering, oil pipelines, coal and insurance industries, airport design, precision farming, real estate, county and state agency work, homeland security, and more.

"Employers like to see Esri certification," Norby said.

Desktop I: Getting Started with GIS (16 hours) provides foundational training for using a GIS. Desktop II: Tools and Functionality (24 hours) emphasizes ArcMap and ArcCatalog skill building. Desktop III: GIS Workflows and Analysis (16 hours) develops skills in how and when to apply ArcGIS tools to create efficient workflow. Students receive a certificate at the end of each course.

Classes are scheduled monthly and begin with Desktop II: Tools and Functionality Nov. 14-16. Desktop I: Getting Started with GIS is Dec. 1-2. Desktop III class takes place Dec. 15-16. Registration is limited to 16 participants. A spring schedule begins Jan. 25.

BSC Continuing Education, Training & Innovation coordinates the GIS training through its Business Training - Technical/Industrial services. Find the registration form and more information on the BSC website.
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About Bismarck State College
Bismarck State College, an innovative community college in Bismarck, N.D., offers high quality education, workforce training, and enrichment programs reaching local and global communities.]]> Wed, 09 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT Local pianists present Monster Concert Nov. 12 at BSC http://www.bismarckstate.edu/news/detail.asp?newsID=117
More than 50 musicians will perform together in a series of individual and duet pieces on four acoustic pianos. BSC Choral Director Andrew Miller emcees the program of selections ranging from elementary to advanced levels.

Performers include students from eight area piano studios, parents and teachers. Participating studios are operated by Mary Schneider, Amy Koivula, Gwen Marsh, Arlene Gray, Jessica Just, David Poffenberger, Joan Otterness, all of Bismarck, and Renee Foss of Garrison.

Gray and Schneider coordinate the Monster Concert, proceeds from which are being donated to local flood relief. The Monster Concert exists to broaden piano performance experience for local piano students.

Admission is $5 for adults and students with pre-school and BSC students with I.D. admitted free.

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About Bismarck State College
Bismarck State College, an innovative community college in Bismarck, N.D., offers high quality education, workforce training, and enrichment programs reaching local and global communities. ]]> Tue, 08 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT BSC Wind Ensemble performs concert Nov. 14 http://www.bismarckstate.edu/news/detail.asp?newsID=118
A program that takes inspiration from key events in America's history follows a musical journey from the Civil War to 9/11 and pays tribute to the armed forces and American culture.

The band performs "Americans Lost", a work of four movements written in the months after 9/11 by Christopher Tucker. Mood turns lighter with three selections from "Suite of Old American Dances" by Robert Bennett and then a dramatic setting of "God of Our Fathers, " a George Warren piece known as the "National Hymn."

Director John Darling conducts the ensemble in his own arrangement of "Armed Forces Medley," as well as Henry Fillmore's patriotic "Americans We March" and Jerry Bilik's " American Civil War Fantasy" to recognize the 150th anniversary of the Battle of Fort Sumter.

The concert is presented free of charge.

For more information about BSC's music programs, go to Academics.
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About Bismarck State College
Bismarck State College, an innovative community college in Bismarck, N.D., offers high quality education, workforce training, and enrichment programs reaching local and global communities. ]]> Tue, 08 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT BSC to host Bismarck-Mandan Veteran's Day observance http://www.bismarckstate.edu/news/detail.asp?newsID=116
Coordinated this year by the legionnaires of Lloyd Spetz Post No. 1 of the American Legion, the annual Veteran's Day observance is usually held at the North Dakota Heritage Center but was relocated this year due to construction.

American Legion Commander Howard Burns will serve as the Master of Ceremonies for the event. Miss North Dakota Teen 2010 Ariana Walker will sing the national anthem; Public Service Commissioner Brian P. Kalk will provide the keynote; and Pastor David J. Swonger of the House of Prayer Lutheran Church will give the invocation and the benediction.

Present will be the color guards from VFW Gilbert N. Nelson Post No. 1326, American Legion Lloyd Spetz Post No. 1, AMVETS Post No. 9 and AMVETS Post No. 9 Auxiliary; DAV Chapter 3 and the combined American Legion Gilbert S. Furness Post No. 40 & VFW Post 707 of Mandan.

In addition to the program, the Salvation Army will be recreating the role they played in World War I in France by serving coffee and donuts before and after the ceremony.

Following the ceremony, the Bismarck VFW will serve a free meal to veterans and their spouses at the VFW, 1326 East Broadway, Bismarck. The public can attend with a free will donation to the Veterans of Foreign Wars Helping Hand Fund.

Also on Veteran's Day, AMVETS Post No. 9, 2402 Railroad Ave., Bismarck, will hold a Veteran's Day program and free lunch at 12:30 p.m.

On Thursday, Nov. 10, from 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Schwan Buick GMC Cadillac, Capital RV Center and Clear Channel Radio are hosting a pre-Veterans day meal to honor area veterans. The lunch will be held at the Bismarck-Mandan Elks Lodge #1199, 900 S. Washington Street. Tickets are available at Schwan Buick GMC Cadillac or Capital RV Center until Nov. 8. Each ticket is good for a veteran and a guest.

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About Bismarck State College
Bismarck State College, an innovative community college in Bismarck, N.D., offers high quality education, workforce training, and enrichment programs reaching local and global communities.]]> Fri, 04 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT Scotland tour information meeting set Nov. 8 http://www.bismarckstate.edu/news/detail.asp?newsID=114
"Discovering Scotland" will be presented by tour host, Dr. Amy Juhala, BSC associate professor of English, who holds a doctorate in Scottish history from the University of Edinburgh.

Tour dates are March 9-16 with an itinerary that includes the Scottish countryside, Stirling Castle, Iona Abbey, Oban Distillery, Ben Cruachan Power Plant, and Edinburgh, Scotland's inspiring capitol of historic buildings and home to the Scottish Parliament.

For more information, contact Juhala at 701-224-5760 or Amy.Juhala@bismarckstate.edu.
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About Bismarck State College
Bismarck State College, an innovative community college in Bismarck, N.D., offers high quality education, workforce training, and enrichment programs reaching local and global communities.]]> Wed, 02 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT BSC hosts Tribal Nations Explore College event with UTTC http://www.bismarckstate.edu/news/detail.asp?newsID=107
Bismarck State College hosts students in the morning at the National Energy Center of Excellence. United Tribes Technical College welcomes them in the afternoon at James Henry Community Center.

BSC President Larry C. Skogen and UTTC President David Gipp address students at 9 a.m. in NECE Room 304. Information sessions follow about the application process, scholarships and financial aid, academic success in college, student housing and campus life.

BSC, UTTC and University of Mary students will share their college experience during a panel presentation. The morning ends with a bus tour of BSC.

Motivational speaker Ramona Klein speaks to students at 1 p.m. at UTTC. A college fair with representatives from North Dakota University System and tribal colleges runs from 1:45 to 3 p.m. with concurrent tours of the campus.

Tribal Nations Explore College day is funded by a North Dakota College Access Network grant administered by the Bank of North Dakota.]]> Wed, 02 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT BSC play reading linked to national theater event http://www.bismarckstate.edu/news/detail.asp?newsID=115
The event is presented in collaboration with the Tectonic Theatre Project of New York and is free and open to the public.

The production will incorporate a live-streamed video introduction from the Tectonic Theatre Project in New York as well as a question and answer session via Twitter with the playwrights to close the event.

The short plays that make up "Standing on Ceremony" were written by nine different writers including Pulitzer Prize-winner Doug Wright; writer Jose Rivera, nominated for an Oscar for his screenplay for the film "The Motorcycle Diaries;" and Moises Kaufman who directed the film adaptation of "The Laramie Project."

At BSC, the plays will be read by a combination of students and faculty.

Same-sex unions and marriages are illegal in North Dakota.

For more information about "Standing on Ceremony," visit www.standingonceremony.net.

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About Bismarck State College
Bismarck State College, an innovative community college in Bismarck, N.D., offers high quality education, workforce training, and enrichment programs reaching local and global communities.]]> Tue, 01 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT Campus Read presents Dashiell Hammett event http://www.bismarckstate.edu/news/detail.asp?newsID=112
BSC's annual fall Campus Read encourages students, faculty and staff to read one book. This fall's choice is "The Maltese Falcon" by Dashiell Hammett.

This event will be live streamed on the BSC website.

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About Bismarck State College
Bismarck State College, an innovative community college in Bismarck, N.D., offers high quality education, workforce training, and enrichment programs reaching local and global communities.]]> Mon, 31 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMT Baroque concert provided by BSC Music program http://www.bismarckstate.edu/news/detail.asp?newsID=113
Music begins at noon Thursday, Nov. 3, in the Leach Music Center Room 177 and will finish at 12:50 p.m. The public is invited and encouraged to attend.

Faculty and students will perform a variety of instrumental and vocal music from the Baroque period of 1600 to 1750. Composers from this era include J.S. Bach, Handel, Vivaldi, Telemann, Scarlatti, and Purcell, to name a few.
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About Bismarck State College
Bismarck State College, an innovative community college in Bismarck, N.D., offers high quality education, workforce training, and enrichment programs reaching local and global communities.]]> Mon, 31 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMT BSC diversity group hosts documentary filmmaker Patrick Mureithi http://www.bismarckstate.edu/news/detail.asp?newsID=109 Two days of events on Rwanda presented as part of Embracing Diversity initiative

Patrick Mureithi, award winning documentary filmmaker and a native of Kenya, will be on the Bismarck State College campus Nov. 1 at 7:30 p.m. to present his documentary, "ICYIZERE:hope," a film about survivors and perpetrators of the 1994 genocide in Rwanda that killed nearly 1 million citizens of that country.

In order to provide context for Mureithi's documentary and talk, the BSC Embracing Diversity Committee will host three showings of the Oscar-nominated film, "Hotel Rwanda," at 10 a.m., 1 and 3:30 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 31.

All events will be held in the Basin Electric Auditorium in the National Energy Center of Excellence at BSC and are free and open to the public.

"ICYIZERE:hope" documents a gathering of 10 survivors and 10 perpetrators of the 1994 genocide in Rwanda as they learn about post-traumatic stress and build trust. The film has been shown in several African countries, as well as at film festivals around the world and universities across the United States.

Mureithi is the artist-in-residence at Drury University in Springfield, Mo.

"Hotel Rwanda" is set in 1994 amidst the genocide of the Rwandan people by the Hutu militia. It tells the story of Paul Rusesabagina, a hotel manager in Kigali who took in more than 1,000 refugees at great risk to himself and his family. The film is rated PG-13 and runs two hours.

About Bismarck State College
Bismarck State College, an innovative community college in Bismarck, N.D., offers high quality education, workforce training, and enrichment programs reaching local and global communities.]]> Sun, 30 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMT 'Hotel Rwanda' previews Oct. 31 http://www.bismarckstate.edu/news/detail.asp?newsID=105
The Oscar-nominated film is set during one of the worst atrocities in African history. This film takes place amidst the attempted genocide of the Rwandan people in 1994 by the Hutu militia.

Paul Rusesabagina was a hotel manager in Kigali who took in more than 1,000 refugees at his elegant hotel to save their lives at great risk to himself and his family. This film finally brings this horrifying incident to light as it was barely a blip on the radar of the general public even though nearly 1 million Rwandans were killed.

The film is rated PG-13 and runs two hours. ]]> Sun, 30 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMT BSC National Alumni Association elects new officers, adds members http://www.bismarckstate.edu/news/detail.asp?newsID=110
The Bismarck State College National Alumni Association members elected Ryan Caya, '99 and '06, president and Sommer Hunke '09, vice president at the annual meeting.

Caya is an associate professor in BSC's National Energy Center of Excellence. Hunke is an administrative assistant with the ND Department of Transportation, Construction Services Division.

Past president Mary Klecker-Green '95, is now chairman of the board. She is the supervisor of public and member communications at Basin Electric Power Cooperative.

New board members are Greg Ellwein '81, Gate City Bank Downtown and Gateway manager; Damian Schlinger '97, Medcenter One Walk-In Clinic manager; and Michael J. Thomas '04, insurance agent, Kramer Agency.

About Bismarck State College
Bismarck State College, an innovative community college in Bismarck, N.D., offers high quality education, workforce training, and enrichment programs reaching local and global communities. For more information, visit www.bismarckstate.edu. ]]> Thu, 27 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMT Bismarck State College Board of Trustees elects officers, adds members http://www.bismarckstate.edu/news/detail.asp?newsID=111
John Weeda was elected president of the Bismarck State College Foundation Board of Trustees for 2011-12 at the Foundation's annual meeting. Weeda, a trustee since 2002, is plant manager at Great River Energy. Brian Kroshus will serve as vice president. A trustee since 2003, Kroshus is the publisher of The Bismarck Tribune.

Dave Clark, BSC executive vice president, is secretary-treasurer. He has been a trustee since 1990.

Bill Townsend is now chairperson of the board. Townsend, president of Dakota Awards, has been a trustee since 1999.

In addition to the officer elections, the Board of Trustees welcomed three new trustees, granted two trustees emeritus status and gained three new representatives.

The new trustees include Janeanne Bischke, president and owner of CrossCountry Courier; Jim Poolman, president of Jim Poolman Consulting, Inc.; and Dave Sauer, senior vice president of administration at Basin Electric Power Cooperative.

Former U.S. Senator Byron Dorgan and Marv Erdmann were named trustees emeriti.

New representatives on the board are Michelle Lindblom, BSC associate professor of art as BSC faculty representative; Jay Meier, BSC director of counseling and advising services as BSC staff representative; and Mary Klecker-Green, supervisor of public and member communications for Basin Electric Power Cooperative.

Two trustees were selected as committee chairs, Michael Schmitz, Finance Committee; and Paul Sandness, Programs Committee.

About Bismarck State College
Bismarck State College, an innovative community college in Bismarck, N.D., offers high quality education, workforce training, and enrichment programs reaching local and global communities. For more information, visit www.bismarckstate.edu.]]> Thu, 27 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMT BSC receives federal Department of Education grant http://www.bismarckstate.edu/news/detail.asp?newsID=108
The college will use the funds to develop a data management and integration project over the five years of the grant. Funding of up to $400,000 per year is expected to begin this month.

Mike Kubisiak, BSC institutional research analyst, said campus discussion over several years has revealed frustration over fragmented data stored in many locations and departments. The Title III grant will help BSC focus on improving academic quality, management and fiscal stability.

"The entire BSC team is excited about what the grant means for our campus," said Dr. Larry C. Skogen, BSC president. "It will help us focus on student assessment, improve our data-informed decision-making process, and, ultimately, increase student success. In the final analysis, BSC students are the winners with this grant. This is the first Title III grant for BSC, and was awarded in part due to the support of North Dakota's congressional delegation."

The project has three objectives:

Identify and centralize BSC campus data to assist in strategic planning and decision-making
Identify and develop data to assess student success by tracking the student life cycle and program outcomes
Train BSC employees to use collaborative technologies to access data and contribute to data-informed decision making.

The $1.9 million grant includes an endowment of $322,091 that will be matched through funds raised by the BSC Foundation. The endowment strengthens BSC's ability to sustain the project.]]> Thu, 20 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMT Explore BSC set for Oct. 25 http://www.bismarckstate.edu/news/detail.asp?newsID=97
The showcase of 27 career cluster programs includes presentations and demonstrations by faculty and staff, campus tours and a free lunch. Students will eat while attending "Lunch and Learn" sessions on information vital to entering freshmen.

Activities begin at 9:30 a.m. in the BSC Aquatic and Wellness Center and extend until 1:30 p.m. The closing session in the National Energy Center of Excellence includes a drawing for a $1,000 scholarship from the BSC Foundation.

Prospective students will tour academic areas to learn about two programs of their choice in a technical vocation or liberal arts or pre-professional transfer. Vans will take interested students to BSC's Mandan campuses to learn about the Lineworker and Mechanical Maintenance Technology programs.

Visitors will have access to application materials and information about the admissions process, on-campus housing, scholarships and financial aid.

Attendance at Explore BSC requires pre-registration. For more information and to register online, visit bismarckstate.edu/future/openhouse.]]> Mon, 17 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMT 'The Heiress' graces BSC stage http://www.bismarckstate.edu/news/detail.asp?newsID=106
Performances are Oct. 19-22 at 7:30 p.m. and Oct. 23 at 2:30 p.m. in Sidney J. Lee Auditorium on the BSC campus. To reserve tickets, call the box office at 224-5511.

Set in the 1850s, the play tells the story of a young American heiress, her stern Victorian father and a romantic suitor. It explores the changes in pre-Civil War America, women's freedom, and the relationships between men and women.

"It has been fun to see this extraordinary cast adapt to the various Victorian restrictions of a more formal language, movement, etiquette, and, of course, the infamous corset," says Dan Rogers, director and associate professor of theatre at BSC.

Though set in Victorian times, Rogers considers "The Heiress" one of America's first and finest women's liberation plays.

The cast includes Lacey Schouweiler, John Clemo, Marete Snortland-Banks, Charley Conner, Kristen Solberg, Brandon Wetch, and Micki Leer, all of Bismarck; Brittany Kuhn, Mandan; and Taylor Hougum-Carr, Hazen.

This is the third year that the Theatre Arts program has collaborated with BSC's advanced design students to develop the play's look and feel. The image chosen for "The Heiress" poster, program and advertising was designed by Danielle Hendrickson.

The 2011-12 BSC Theatre season includes "Standing on Ceremony: The Gay Marriage Plays," a joint project with the New York-based Tectonic Theater Project Nov. 7; "The Dead Guy", Dec. 7-11; "Titanic, the Musical," a collaboration with the University of Mary March 7-11, and the Festival of Short Plays May 2-3.

For more information about the BSC Theatre Arts program, visit the BSC website, or contact Dan Rogers at 701-224-5530 or Daniel.Rogers@bismarckstate.edu.]]> Sun, 16 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMT Diversity University Series begins Oct. 17 http://www.bismarckstate.edu/news/detail.asp?newsID=101
October 17 - "Celebrating Our Diverse Faith Traditions" - A discussion of various faiths represented within our community featuring Reverend Jacob Kincaid (First Presbyterian Church), Dr. Nadim Koleilat (Muslim Faith), and Joy Wezelman (Jewish Faith).

October 24 - "New Americans - Opportunities and Challenges" - A discussion about challenges faced by refugees working to establish a home in North Dakota featuring Tracy Kuchan, Lutheran Social Services, New American Services Resettlement Coordinator.

November 7 - "Celebrating Our Diverse Faith Traditions" - A continuing discussion of various faith traditions represented within our community facilitated by Marv Mutzenberger, BSC Associate Professor of Sociology.
]]> Sat, 15 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMT BSC Health Fair set for Oct. 18 http://www.bismarckstate.edu/news/detail.asp?newsID=102
The fair will again feature a variety of useful activities including free massages, blood pressure checks, cholesterol/blood sugar screenings, and flu shots.

Multiple vendors also will be providing health related information including Capital Chiropractic, the BSC Aquatics & Wellness Center, The Bismarck Tobacco Free Coalition, Go Bismarck Mandan!, Custer Family Planning, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Parks & Recreation, and more.

The BSC Health Fair is sponsored by The BSC Operations Council, Gateway Pharmacy, and the Mystic Advising & Counseling Center.]]> Thu, 13 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMT Ed2Go Online Classes begin Oct. 19 http://www.bismarckstate.edu/news/detail.asp?newsID=103
If you're looking to gain new skills quickly, these six-week online courses are a great solution. Learn from the comfort of your home where you can study at your convenience and then apply your new skills almost immediately.

The next session of non-credit online classes begins Wednesday, October 19th. To enroll in a course, simply visit our Online Instruction Center, search for the course you want to take, and enroll by October 19th.]]> Thu, 13 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMT BSC building named in memory of employee http://www.bismarckstate.edu/news/detail.asp?newsID=100
The new maintenance building funded by the state Legislature will be named the Robert A. Kuntz Physical Plant Building to honor his memory.

Bob Kuntz worked at BSC for 24 years and had long advocated for a new physical plant building. During those years, Kuntz left a huge footprint across campus with completion of numerous new construction and remodeling projects and moving the campus toward energy efficiency.

The day after Kuntz's death, BSC President Larry C. Skogen was reflecting on how much Kuntz had done for BSC and the tragedy of not living to see the new physical plant building.

"It struck me then that the proper response to Bob's passing was that we should name the new building in honor of him. Everyone readily agreed," Skogen said.

The new physical plant building will replace an old white storage building behind the BSC armory. Originally situated off-campus, the white building had been a dormitory to house WWII-era German prisoners and interned Japanese Americans at Fort Abraham Lincoln, now United Tribes Technical College. Kuntz was examining it with staff from the State Historical Society of North Dakota on his last day at BSC. He was stricken that night.]]> Tue, 27 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMT Sacagawea is topic of Conversations at BSC http://www.bismarckstate.edu/news/detail.asp?newsID=99
Held on selected Sunday afternoons, the first of six conversations begins at 3 p.m. Oct. 9 in Schafer Hall's Sidney J. Lee Auditorium.

Each program in the series starts with a presentation by nationally recognized humanities scholar, Clay Jenkinson, followed by discussion with BSC President Larry C. Skogen, a history specialist. Comments and questions from the audience complete the conversation.

The paradox of Sacagawea is that so little is known about her. No one knows when she was born or precisely when and where she died. The Shoshone and Hidatsa make various claims on her. There is even controversy about what she contributed to the Lewis and Clark Expedition.

Using the University of Nebraska edition of the Lewis and Clark journals to establish her historically, Jenkinson and Skogen will discuss ways in which Sacagawea is a construction of a non-Indian culture seeking Indian heroines, guides, diplomats and accommodation.

More programs are scheduled Dec. 18, Jan. 22, Feb. 26, March 25 and April 22. Visit the Conversations at BSC website at bsctalk.com or contact BSC Continuing Education, Training & Innovation at 224-5600 for more information.]]> Mon, 26 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMT BSC fall enrollment reaches record http://www.bismarckstate.edu/news/detail.asp?newsID=98
This is the sixth consecutive year of a record-breaking increase. Total enrollment marks a 5 percent increase over the 4,177 students enrolled in 2010.

Dr. Drake Carter, provost and vice president for academic affairs, said, "The enrollment report indicates an increase in part-time and dual enrollment students. We have worked closely with our local school districts to better serve the high school students wanting college credit. Other reasons for our increasing enrollment continue to be the strength of BSC's academic programs and growth of the Bismarck-Mandan area and western North Dakota."

BSC's enrollment has been steadily increasing and represents more than a decade of advancing student numbers.]]> Thu, 22 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMT BSC hosts information meeting on spring tour http://www.bismarckstate.edu/news/detail.asp?newsID=96
Tour leader Michelle Lindblom, associate professor of art, will present details during the meeting, answer questions, and take reservations.

The 10-day trip includes guided tours of Rome, Pompeii, Delphi and Athens and sightseeing in the Sorrento region and Mount Vesuvius. Also available are two optional excursions: a train trip to Florence and a three-day cruise and tour extension to the Greek islands of Mykonos, Rhodes, Patmos, and Santorini.

Travelers depart Bismarck May 23 and return June 1. Students can earn three college credits in art, English or humanities.

For more information, contact Lindblom at 224-5520, Michelle.Lindblom@bismarckstate.edu.]]> Tue, 20 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMT Visiting writer Tommy Zurhellen reads at BSC http://www.bismarckstate.edu/news/detail.asp?newsID=93
The reading begins at 7:30 p.m. in the Student Union Prairie Room, lower level, followed by a book signing.

"Nazareth, North Dakota" is an imaginative retelling of the Messiah story with 1980s western North Dakota set in a thin overlay to the action. A quirky, modern adventure, the book spans three decades and is peopled with corrupt sheriffs, hardworking townspeople, revival preachers, mysterious old men, meddlesome bikers, even an escaped circus elephant.

One reviewer wrote: "It takes a lot of skill to rewrite a famous story well, retaining enough elements to keep the story familiar, while burying recognizable threads to such a degree that the end product feels fresh and creative. Tommy Zurhellen has that skill."

Zurhellen also writes short stories. He is associate professor of English at Marist College, Poughkeepsie, N.Y., where he teaches creative writing. He serves as director of the Marist Summer Writing Institute and the Writer-in-Residence program. Zurhellen grew up in New York City and earned his MFA in fiction writing from the University of Alabama. His works have appeared in literary magazines such as Quarterly West, Carolina Quarterly, Passages North, South Dakota Review, The MacGuffin, and elsewhere.

Zurhellen's appearance is part of the BSC Visiting Writers Series sponsored by the English program of the Arts and Communication Department and funded in part by a grant from the BSC Foundation.]]> Sat, 17 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMT Six Appeal male vocal group performs Sept. 20 http://www.bismarckstate.edu/news/detail.asp?newsID=95
The six men sing contemporary arrangements of such songs as "Harder to Breathe" and "Circle of Life."

Together since 2006, Six Appeal includes Bismarck natives Jordan Roll, Matt Beachey and Reuben Hushagen, who met while performing with Central Dakota Children's Choir. They and the other three Six Appeal members live and work in Minneapolis.

Hushagen is a 2009 BSC graduate and earned the outstanding vocal music and outstanding theatre student awards. The group has made many recordings and competed in the national "Sing Off" competition.

The BSC Men's Ensemble will perform a few songs with them. Admission is $5 for students and $10 for adults at the door.]]> Tue, 13 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMT BSC music faculty recital set for Sunday http://www.bismarckstate.edu/news/detail.asp?newsID=94
The recital features a variety of instrumental and vocal music, including an aria by Mozart from his very early opera "Il re pastore," and a new composition by Choral Director Andrew Miller titled "Prayer to Saint Michael."

The recital begins with a trumpet piece by Herbert Clark. There are two piano pieces: an etude from Chopin and a movement from "Estampes" by Debussy. Clarinets are featured in a fiery movement from a clarinet sonata by Saint-Saens and a couple of jazzy clarinet movements by Paquito D'Rivrea.

A Brahms violin sonata and an early saxophone piece from Jean Batiste Singelee round out the recital. A reception with refreshments follows the program. Admission is free.]]> Mon, 12 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMT Scotland trip info meeting set for Sept. 12 http://www.bismarckstate.edu/news/detail.asp?newsID=92
An informational meeting for the public and BSC is set for 7 p.m. Monday, Sept. 12, in the BSC Library, Room 123.

Tour leaders are sisters Amy Juhala and Traci Juhala, both educated at Edinburgh University. Amy, BSC associate professor of English, lived in Edinburgh five years while pursuing her doctorate in Scottish history. Traci spent a year there completing a master's degree in Scandinavian studies. She is head of children's services at Bismarck Public Library.

The trip is open to BSC students, BSC employees, and residents of all ages from Bismarck-Mandan and surrounding communities. Students can earn arts and humanities credit.

Travelers will see the Scottish countryside, castles, picturesque villages, Iona Abbey, Oban Distillery, and Ben Cruachan Power Station inside a mountain. Walking tours with the leaders are planned in Edinburgh with generous time to explore on your own. For more information, contact Amy Juhala at 701-224-5760, Amy.Juhala@bismarckstate.edu.]]> Thu, 01 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMT BSC hosts talks with educational representatives from Ghana http://www.bismarckstate.edu/news/detail.asp?newsID=91
Three college representatives arrived Aug. 29 on their first U.S. visit to discuss how BSC can help train technicians for work in Ghana's emerging oil industry. Takoradi Polytechnic has interest in BSC's nationally recognized portfolio of energy programs.

Takoradi Polytechnic is located along the coast in Sekondi-Takoradi, the twin-city capitol of Ghana's western region. The area has proximity to the developing oil fields and is known as an industrial and commercial center.

In a press conference Aug. 31, BSC President Larry Skogen said the potential partnership is in keeping with BSC's mission to offer quality education and workforce training to local and global communities.

Others speaking at the press conference were Brig. Gen. Al Dohrmann, NDNG deputy adjutant general; and Rev. Prof. Daniel Nyarko, rector (president) of Takoradi Polytechnic. Accompanying Nyarko were his wife, Betty Nyarko, and Matthew Gyan, dean of Takoradi Polytechnic School of Engineering.

BSC has been working for sometime to help the North Dakota National Guard in its mission in Ghana. The North Dakota National Guard has built ties to Ghana through its State Partnership Program. The program reflects an evolving international affairs mission that links U.S. states with foreign nations to promote and enhance bilateral relations.

In 2009, President Skogen and Kari Knudson, vice president, National Energy Center of Excellence, traveled to Ghana to begin talks with educational institutions and representatives of the energy industry in support of the National Guard's mission. The visit by Takoradi Polytechnic officials is the result of those efforts.

Activities during the visit included tours of the BSC campus and National Energy Center of Excellence and meetings with energy-related companies and organizations. The Ghana contingent also toured Medora and other points of interest in western North Dakota.]]> Wed, 31 Aug 2011 00:00:00 GMT Print exhibit opens BSC gallery season http://www.bismarckstate.edu/news/detail.asp?newsID=90
The "Touched and Untouched" exhibit contains works by 16 University of North Dakota alumni, faculty, and other artists and educators from around the state. Among them is Michelle Lindblom, BSC associate professor of visual art and a UND alumna.

Sponsors of the "Touched and Untouched" invitational print exchange and exhibit asked artists to create an edition of their prints. They were dispersed to each of the other artists and added to the UND art collection.

Prints range in media from traditional lithography to photo silkscreen. Some artists incorporated other mediums. Others used digital technology to embellish their prints.

Showing work are UND faculty members, Brian Paulsen and Kim Fink; UND alumni Linda Olson, Linda Whitney, Eric Johnson, Anna Jacobson, Sue Morrissey, Ryan Stander, Jessica Christy, and Rebecca Sefcovic Uglem; and artists Kent Kapplinger, Sue Fink, Laura Youngbird, Heidi Goldberg, and Punchgut Studio.

The UND Alumni Association, UND Department of Art and Design, and UND Meyers Foundations provided support for the show.]]> Wed, 17 Aug 2011 00:00:00 GMT Symposium on 'September 11 Ten Years Later' to explore Midwest experience http://www.bismarckstate.edu/news/detail.asp?newsID=86

Planes didn't devastate the Midwest on September 11, 2001, but terrorists changed the lives of North Dakotans forever.

Bismarck State College, The Dakota Institute of Lewis & Clark Fort Mandan Foundation and other partners have joined to host "September 11 Ten Years Later: Impact on the Heartland" Sept. 9-11.

Moderated by Dakota Institute director Clay Jenkinson, the two-day, regional symposium takes place at BSC and will examine from a humanities perspective what happened that day and how it affected America's heartland. National figures from the military, media, law, literary and education fields have been asked to speak from their perspectives. To register, visit ImpactOnTheHeartland.org.

A commemorative observance is planned for Sunday morning, Sept. 11, at Double Ditch Indian Village State Historic Site, seven miles north of Bismarck on Highway 1804, between 7:30 and 9:30 a.m. A car caravan leaves BSC at 7 a.m.

Personal stories of 100 individuals talking about how 9/11 affected their lives are being filmed for a documentary that will run throughout the symposium. BSC videographer Dusty Anderson is capturing these personal stories at a series of events around the state this summer.

Among the notable voices adding to the Midwest reflection:

Peter Bergen, renowned print and broadcast journalist, produced his first television interview with Osama bin Laden in 1997. He is CNN's national security analyst and a research fellow at New York University's Center on Law & Security. Bergen wrote "Holy War, Inc.: Inside the Secret World of Osama bin Laden" and "The Osama bin Laden I Know: An Oral History of Al Qaeda's Leader."

Lt. Col. Dean Eckmann, North Dakota Air National Guard's 119th Fighter Wing ("Happy Hooligans"), was one of the first pilots who flew over the Pentagon after the attack on Sept. 11, 2001.

Lorry Fenner was a staff member on the 9/11 Commission. She is currently director of the Conflict Records Research Center and a senior research fellow under the Institute for National Strategic Studies at the National Defense University.

Chuck Roberts, broadcast news journalist, reported on 9/11 for CNN's "Headline News" at its world headquarters in Atlanta. Roberts is the longest-serving anchor among CNN networks and led coverage for all national elections from CNN's sign-on in 1982 to his retirement in 2010.

Gen. Charles Wald, a North Dakotan and North Dakota State University graduate, was commander of U.S. Air Force units serving in the Middle East the day of the attacks. He is now director and senior advisor to the aerospace and defense industries for Deloitte LLP, and a specialist in counter terrorism, weapons procurement and deployment, and national, energy and international security policy.

Manochehr Dorraj is professor of international affairs and Middle Eastern studies, Texas Christian University, Fort Worth. He is an expert on economics and American-Muslim relations.

Chris Bailey, attorney at law, is permanent faculty of intelligence and ethics at National Intelligence University, Defense Intelligence Agency, Washington, D.C.

Thomas Frank, author of "What's the Matter with Kansas? How Conservatives Won the Heart of America," explores the relationship between politics and culture. He is a journalist and columnist with Harper's magazine and former columnist for the Wall Street Journal.

Maj. Gen. David Sprynczynatyk, North Dakota adjutant general, commands 4,500 Army and Air National Guard service members and is state director of emergency services, including the Division of Homeland Security.

Jenette Nelson is an educator and mother of Ann Nicole Nelson of Stanley, N.D., an employee of Cantor Fitzgerald who perished in the north tower of the World Trade Center.

Martin Loken serves as Canada's consul general in Minneapolis. He is Canada's senior representative in the Upper Midwest and leads a team specializing in trade negotiations.

Gerard Jacobs, expert in the psychological impact of disasters, is director of the Disaster Mental Health Institute and professor of international affairs at the University of South Dakota, Vermillion.

Timothy Purdon, U.S. attorney for North Dakota, works for the U.S. Department of Justice on issues related to border security between the U.S. and Canada.

Geoffrey Wawro, war commentator and blogger for The Huffington Post, is author of "Quicksand: America's Pursuit of Power in the Middle East" and professor of military history at University of North Texas, Denton.

Julia Ernst, attorney at law, is a constitutional law expert and assistant professor of law at the University of North Dakota School of Law.

John Hursey, Transportation Security Administration (TSA) federal security director at Bismarck Airport, is North Dakota's senior federal transportation security official.

Representatives from the Canadian and Jordanian embassies and others will discuss the stress on international relations caused by the attack. A panel of North Dakota's former and current state and federal leaders, including U.S. Sen. John Hoeven and Lt. Gov. Drew Wrigley, will outline their activities and perspectives on 9/11. Another segment will feature individuals sharing personal experiences.

Other program highlights are an evening with Peter Bergen, a concert, a photography exhibit, open mike sessions, and live reports from the crash sites in New York City, Washington and Pennsylvania.

Bergen speaks about his work and latest book, "The Longest War: The Enduring Conflict Between America and Al-Qaeda," in a public program Friday, Sept. 9, at 7:30 p.m. in BSC's Sidney J. Lee Auditorium. Admission is free with registration or $10 per person at the door.

The Bismarck-Mandan Symphony Orchestra performs Mozart's Requiem Mass in D minor and other works at 7:30 p.m. Sept. 10 at Belle Mehus City Auditorium, downtown Bismarck. Joining the symphony are the Bismarck-Mandan Civic Chorus and four guest soloists: baritone Edward Huls, tenor Kevin Courtemanche, mezzo-soprano Eunjoo Lee and soprano Jane Thorngren. BSC has a block of reserved seats. For those not holding symphony season tickets, the cost of the concert is $29 with tickets available at the symposium registration link at ImpactOnTheHeartland.org.

Photographs by international photojournalist and film producer Andrea Booher are on display, as well as the front pages of more than two dozen newspapers with 9/11 headlines collected by John Irby, Bismarck Tribune editor. Booher spent 10 weeks at Ground Zero in the aftermath of the World Trade Center attack. She was one of two photographers with unlimited access. Her photos were published worldwide in major magazines, newspapers and documentaries.

Pre-register online or on-site during the symposium starting at 7:15 a.m. in Schafer Hall. The fee is $50 for both presentation days, which includes box lunches and light continental breakfasts Friday and Saturday. More information is available at ImpactOnTheHeartland.org or by calling BSC at 701-224-5600.

Major funding is provided by Whiting Petroleum Corporation.]]> Tue, 16 Aug 2011 00:00:00 GMT BSC professor will stitch National 9/11 Flag http://www.bismarckstate.edu/news/detail.asp?newsID=89
Designated an official stitcher, Arso is among a handful of North Dakotans chosen from nominations by the New York Says Thank You Foundation to sew a restorative patch to the 9/11 flag. The foundation is touring the 9/11 flag nationwide in commemoration of the 10th anniversary of the World Trade Center attacks.

Hanging tattered from a building at Ground Zero, the 30-foot flag was removed by a construction worker and stuffed in a bag for seven years until tornado survivors in Greensburg, Kans., stitched it back together in 2008.

FDNY firefighters will assist Arso and other nominees sew fabric onto the 9/11 flag using sections from an American flag flown in North Dakota that is destined for retirement. The ceremony starts at 10 a.m. Stitching by the public follows until 1 p.m.

"I'm really honored and proud to be selected to do this for the state and the country," said Arso, a 20-year veteran of the U.S. Air Force and North Dakota Army National Guard with service in Operation Desert Storm.

Arso chairs the BSC Career and Technology Department and is professor of electronics-telecommunications technology. He arrived in North Dakota via the Minot Air Force Base and began his 37-year career at BSC in 1974. His nomination came from his daughter, Teri Arso, for his military and teaching accomplishments.

She wrote: "He was born in New York and . . . For the past 30 years, he has shared his knowledge with the students at Bismarck State College in an effort to stitch together productive individuals with careers that help them build constructive lives and be good citizens."

Nominees were sought from civic organizations and the public for people considered local service heroes. The mission of the New York Says Thank You Foundation is to honor the generosity extended to New York by Americans across the country in the days and months following the Sept. 11, 2011 terrorist attacks.

The National 9/11 Flag is destined to become part of the permanent collection of the National September 11 Memorial Museum at Ground Zero.]]> Wed, 10 Aug 2011 00:00:00 GMT OLLI@UND class preview set for Aug. 18 at BSC http://www.bismarckstate.edu/news/detail.asp?newsID=88
BSC and the University of North Dakota host the event from 4 to 6 p.m. in Room 101 of the National Energy Center of Excellence on BSC's south campus. Fall course information and registration will be available for classes that start Sept. 6.

OLLI@UND is a membership organization for people age 50 and over who want to experience cultural and social growth through learning and sharing ideas, opinions and talents. Programs are purely for enjoyment without tests, grades or need for prior college experience.

Bismarck classes include "Understanding Jazz," "Reading Poetry," "Understanding Opera," "From Leeches to Microchips, Reading to Our Grandchildren," "Everyone Has a Story," "America's Presidential Campaigns," and "Mineral Ownership in North Dakota stories." Day trips and author talks are planned.

For information, call BSC Continuing Education, Training and Innovation at 224-5600. For a complete list of fall 2011 courses, instructor profiles, events and day trips, visit the OLLI@UND link.]]> Mon, 08 Aug 2011 00:00:00 GMT BSC seeks personal stories for 9/11 symposium http://www.bismarckstate.edu/news/detail.asp?newsID=82
Plans include the project "100 Stories: Perspectives from the Heartland" - a video montage of North Dakotans sharing how they felt that day.

Individuals can submit stories immediately by filling out the submission form on the BSC website. Visit bismarckstate.edu and click the home page banner ("Impact on the Heartland") or go to impactontheheartland.org.

The planning committee will select 100 stories based on content, appropriateness and relevance to the project goal. Individuals with selected stories will be filmed for a documentary. The first filming was July 24 in Medora. Portions of the documentary will play throughout the symposium. Participants must be age 18 or over.

BSC collaborates with The Dakota Institute of Lewis & Clark Fort Mandan Foundation and other partners to lead "September 11 Ten Years Later: Impact on the Heartland," a humanities-based exploration of what happened then and since in the lives of North Dakotans and others in the Midwest.

Online registration for the symposium closes Sept. 5. The fee is $50 for both presentation days, which includes box lunches and light continental breakfasts Friday and Saturday. On Sunday, Sept. 11, the symposium culminates with a memorial ceremony at Double Ditch Indian Village Historic Site north of Bismarck.]]> Thu, 28 Jul 2011 00:00:00 GMT Artwork entries sought from BSC alumni http://www.bismarckstate.edu/news/detail.asp?newsID=84
Held in the BSC Library's Gannon Gallery and the Elsa Forde Gallery in Schafer Hall, the exhibit will include all media: drawing, painting, photography, mixed media, sculpture, ceramics, digital and more. Deadline for entries is Aug. 31.

For more information, contact Gallery Coordinator Andrea Fagerstrom (Andrea.Fagerstrom@bismarckstate.edu) or Alumni Coordinator Rita Nodland (Rita Nodland@bismarckstate.edu).]]> Wed, 27 Jul 2011 00:00:00 GMT Public comment requested on BSC http://www.bismarckstate.edu/news/detail.asp?newsID=85
BSC will undergo a comprehensive evaluation visit Sept. 21-23 by a team representing The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges. Institutional accreditation evaluates the college as a whole for its ongoing ability to meet criteria for accreditation.

The commission has accredited BSC since 1966 and is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. To submit comments, visit the website: ncahlc.org/wrapped/thirdparty.php, or write:

Public Comment on Bismarck State College
The Higher Learning Commission
230 S. LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500
Chicago, Ill. 60604

Comments must address substantive matters related to the quality of BSC or its academic programs. Comments must be in writing and signed and cannot be treated as confidential.]]> Wed, 27 Jul 2011 00:00:00 GMT BSC receives career and technical education awards http://www.bismarckstate.edu/news/detail.asp?newsID=87
BSC has earned the Director's Award of Excellence in the Trade, Industry and Technical Education category for its Power Plant Technology and Process Plant Technology programs.

The recognition is for teaching an all-around curriculum that addresses industry structure, skills, equipment and safety; and for continually adapting curriculum, lab equipment and online tools. Some lab devices are one-of-a-kind. BSC also is recognized for increasing by 60 percent female enrollment in a male-dominated industry.

Kristina Wells, BSC assistant professor of business and office technology, is named NDACTE New Educator of the Year - Business and Office Technology. The award is given to an outstanding educator with five or fewer years of service.

The state Department of Career and Technical Education will present the awards at 1 p.m. in the Best Western Ramkota Hotel Ballroom. A reception for recipients is planned Tuesday, Aug. 9, from 4:30 to 7 p.m.

Within the past five years, BSC has received other Director's Award of Excellence recognition for its Business and Office Technology program (2009), Information Technology (2007), and the Bismarck Technical Center (2006).]]> Tue, 26 Jul 2011 00:00:00 GMT Programs to meet needs of growth industries http://www.bismarckstate.edu/news/detail.asp?newsID=75
Drake Carter, BSC provost and vice president for academic affairs, said the college is excited about the potential for these programs to address needs of different segments of the North Dakota economy.

"Petroleum Production Technology will help provide vital technicians for the developing oilfields of western North Dakota, while the Sustainable Construction Technology program will give residential construction companies needed training in developing green construction techniques to provide longer-lasting and more energy-efficient housing," Carter said.

Petroleum Production Technology builds on the curriculum of BSC's Process Plant Technology program. Offered online, the program will emphasize production operations, safety, and environmental aspects of the petroleum industry. The program is designed to provide students with a broad background to operate and maintain the equipment used in the operations of the oil and gas industry. Positions for employment would include operator positions at production field locations.

The Sustainable Construction Technology program will provide students with a broad background in green construction techniques, with emphasis on residential construction. Course work for the on-campus program includes participation in practical problems in construction planning, scheduling and management. Students will be prepared for entry-level jobs in residential construction management with an emphasis on green building.

Completion of either program leads to a program certificate or an Associate in Applied Science (AAS) degree.

Another BSC program in development is Petroleum Engineering Technology. The on-campus program will provide students a broad background in geology, geophysics, drilling and related topics. Graduates will be prepared for entry-level, highly technical positions that support and work closely with petroleum engineers, geophysicists, and business managers. Completion leads to an AAS degree. A start date has not yet been confirmed.

For information, contact BSC Admissions at 224-5429.
]]> Mon, 11 Jul 2011 00:00:00 GMT Transition into Energy Management program easy for Salt Lake CC students http://www.bismarckstate.edu/news/detail.asp?newsID=78
Signers of the agreement are BSC officials Dr. Drake Carter, provost and vice president for academic affairs, and Kari Knudson, vice president, National Energy Center of Excellence, and Dr. Christopher Picard, provost of academic affairs at Salt Lake Community College (SLCC) in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Graduates of SLCC's two-year program in Energy Management would feed directly into the BAS program.

"This articulation agreement allows students to transition seamlessly from their technical program at SLCC into our BAS in Energy Management," said Carter. "Graduates of the BAS are set to move into managerial positions on the next rung of the career ladder."

BSC's online bachelor's degree program, begun in 2008, was created in response to requests from BSC industry partners and students and graduates of BSC's energy related two-year programs. Nearly 200 students from around the U.S. are currently enrolled in the BAS program. Thirty-seven students received the BAS degree at BSC's commencement this spring.]]> Sun, 10 Jul 2011 00:00:00 GMT Capitol Shakespeare performs 'Romeo and Juliet' July 20-24 http://www.bismarckstate.edu/news/detail.asp?newsID=83
This enduring story of young love ends in pathos and tragedy wrought by their feuding families, Capulet and Montague, in the city of Verona. A passion, a murder - both seal the fortunes of the lovers.

So sets the stage for William Shakespeare's play of romance that alternates comedy and tragedy to heighten tension and advance themes of light and darkness, love and hate, fate and chance, and time.

Performances begin at 6:30 p.m. south of the Heritage Center off Boulevard Avenue. The venue offers food concessions, pre-show entertainment and sections for lawn chairs and blankets. There is no admission charge. Donations are welcomed.

The large cast directed by Artistic Director Erin Drevlow is composed of local and professional actors ranging in age from 17 to 61, several of which are BSC students. All are from Bismarck-Mandan except Jerica Massey of Bowman, who plays Lady Capulet, Juliet's mother.

"Romance and reality must go hand in hand for love to work," Drevlow says. "I think the casting of actors in all age ranges and training levels has helped achieve that balance. We have the wisdom of age and the brash energy and emotional roller coaster of teen-agers on the same stage."

Brandon Wetch and Hannah Andring portray the star-crossed lovers, Romeo and Juliet. Austin Flemmer and Joel Drevlow play Mercutio and Benvolio, Romeo's friends, who challenge Tybalt, the Capulet rival played by Derek Pich. Cory Wardner is the compassionate Friar Lawrence and Emmalee Riegler acts as Juliet's nurse and conspirer with Romeo.

Tim Rosen and Brittany Kuhn are Lord and Lady Montague with BSC Theatre director Dan Rogers as Lord Capulet. Greg Frank portrays Paris, Juliet's other suitor and kinsman to Escalus, prince of Verona, played by John Clemo. Other cast members are Adam Frank as the apothecary, Derek Harper as Friar John, Ashley Clooten, Alex Johnson, Charley Conner, Tyler Sander, Kristen Solberg and Lexi Hagler. Technical director is Alex Johnson and Joanne Drevlow is scenic designer and painter.

On Saturday, July 23, Capitol Shakespeare presents another Children's Renaissance Faire from 3-6 p.m. Festivities are opened and closed by the King, who knights deserving subjects. Activities include jousting, fencing, Bocce ball, music, dancing, a coat of arms contest, mask making, scenes from "Othello" by Shade Tree Players, and more.

Capitol Shakespeare is the vision of the late Crystal Reid Austin and theater and business people committed to the bard and presenting his work to area audiences. Crowds have grown each year with productions of "Twelfth Night," "The Merchant of Venice" and "The Taming of the Shrew."]]> Fri, 08 Jul 2011 00:00:00 GMT BSC hosts author Judy Price Cook http://www.bismarckstate.edu/news/detail.asp?newsID=81
Cook will be speaking earlier to BSC English and history classes as a presenter for the association's Alumni in the Classroom program. Her book will be available for purchase and signing.

"If This Land Could Talk" is a compilation of meticulous research, personal experiences and stories passed down through her family, who homesteaded and farmed in North Dakota's Kidder County. The story begins around 1900 with introductions of Cook's grandparents arriving in North Dakota, followed by descriptions of their daily lives, challenges, joys and intrigues.

With anecdotes, dialogue and the context of historical events, she brings her four grandparents and parents to life in a book that could be "a model for writing family histories," wrote a reviewer with ForeWord Clarion Review in Michigan. Cook also recounts how growing up on the same land during the 1950s shaped her life.

Cook lives near Los Angeles and is also a graduate of the University of North Dakota, Grand Forks. For more information, visit her website at judyrcook.com.]]> Thu, 07 Jul 2011 00:00:00 GMT Bikers, drivers invited to ride with BSC president http://www.bismarckstate.edu/news/detail.asp?newsID=80
A $100 donation per motorcycle or car is asked to support Bismarck State College Foundation scholarships.

Led by Dr. Larry C. Skogen, Bismarck State College president, the group leaves the Jack Science Center parking lot at 9 a.m. First stop is Carrington for lunch at Hedahls Parts Plus, arranged by Dick Hedahl, a BSC Foundation trustee.

Then it's off to The Ronald Reagan Minuteman Missile State Historic Site near Cooperstown for a tour before returning to Bismarck. Skogen was assigned to a missile site during his service in the U.S. Air Force.

For more information, contact the BSC Foundation at 701-224-5702 or gina.buchholtz@bismarckstate.edu.]]> Tue, 05 Jul 2011 00:00:00 GMT Renewable Energy Action Summit canceled http://www.bismarckstate.edu/news/detail.asp?newsID=79
The organizers, which also include the Great Plains Energy Corridor and the North Dakota Alliance for Renewable Energy, expect that the Renewable Energy Action Summit will be held again in spring 2012.

The same organizers will host the annual Great Plains Energy Expo, currently scheduled for Nov. 15-16 at Bismarck State College.
]]> Thu, 09 Jun 2011 00:00:00 GMT National CRD training program set for campus June 5-10 http://www.bismarckstate.edu/news/detail.asp?newsID=77
Program sponsor is the Council for Resource Development, the premier professional association for community college fundraisers.

BSC staff members who have planned the training program are Julie Erickson, director of resource development; Janet Dixon, grant development coordinator; Rita Nodland, alumni coordinator; Amy Brown, administrative assistant for College Advancement, as well as the rest of the BSC College Advancement Team.

Participants are development professionals representing two-year colleges from 16 states. Speakers are coming from Idaho, Oregon, Ohio, South Carolina and Washington, D.C. BSC's advancement team and other BSC employees will also be presenting sessions.

Programming includes an overview of fundamentals and advanced training that emphasizes skill development in private fundraising, grantsmanship, and alumni relationship building. The second week focuses on public funding sources.

Participants and presenters will stay in Lidstrom Hall for the week.
Julie Erickson said the planning team decided to go forward with holding the training even though the CRD leadership asked if they wanted to cancel because of the complications of the community fighting the flooding Missouri River.

"We've been working on this for one and one-half years, and for some participants, this will be their first trip to North Dakota," Erickson said. "We decided we didn't want to cancel, but we did tell them they may have some volunteer opportunities."

Rita Nodland said some participants wrote that they are concerned about the community of Bismarck-Mandan, because they have witnessed natural disasters. "They are not concerned about their own safety coming here, they expressed concern for the community," Nodland said.

Details can be found on this site: http://info.bismarckstate.edu/crd2011/]]> Fri, 03 Jun 2011 00:00:00 GMT Retirement begins for four BSC employees http://www.bismarckstate.edu/news/detail.asp?newsID=76
The last day for faculty was BSC's spring commencement in mid-May. Conrad will leave June 30 after 37 years of service.

Conrad, Sitte and Warnke share memories of 30 plus years of sweeping change at BSC. All were hired when BSC was still attached to the Bismarck School District before governance was transferred to the State Board of Higher Education in 1984.

Sitte, associate professor of political science, began in 1967 - the year ground was broken for the library, the third building on campus. He first taught U.S. history, later adding political science, sociology, ethics and philosophy. Sitte chaired the Social Science, Humanities & Education Department three times during his 44 years at the college. His extensive involvement in BSC governance includes the strategic planning teams of two BSC presidents, president of All Campus Senate, dean of instructional services, chair of the Dual Credit Committee and first faculty chair of the Academic Standards Committee.

News has always been Conrad's focus. Hired in 1974, she had dual duty as public information officer for the school district and BSC and taught journalism at the college. After four years, she went full time at BSC, where she taught seven more years and advised The Mystician. Conrad assumed her public information officer position full time in 1985 and was named director of communications in 2000. Besides media relations, she edited BSC Connections, newsletters and the BSC catalog and chaired several professional organizations.

Warnke, associate professor of English and a BSC graduate, came to BSC in 1983 as adjunct English faculty. By 1987, she was full time and an active change agent on numerous campus and state education committees, including the State Council of College Faculties. She later helped found initiatives for ArtsQuest and Campus Read and became a guiding organizer and BSC representative for two state Arts and Humanities Summits. Warnke taught 28 years, focusing on literacy and writing. She also taught American literature and journalism and advised The Mystician.

Tonolli, associate professor of mathematics, had a 21-year teaching career at BSC. First hired in 1989, she went full time in 1998, continuing to teach pre-requisite algebra courses, trigonometry and math for elementary school teachers. Her service includes BSC's Assessment, Academic Standards and Faculty Development committees, leadership roles in state mathematical associations, and an editorial panel member for the American Mathematical Association's journal.]]> Thu, 02 Jun 2011 00:00:00 GMT Mental skills training is new online summer course http://www.bismarckstate.edu/news/detail.asp?newsID=73 Mental Skills Training for Performance Excellence is a new Bismarck State College online summer course designed to help individuals improve their personal performance, whether they are athletes, coaches, performers or presenters. The four-week psychology course begins June 6 and covers inner drive, emotion and mental control, interactive skills, and potential pitfalls.

Using specific mental training tools, students will learn how to develop mental toughness and resilience when practicing, competing, presenting or performing in athletics, on stage, in the classroom, in business, and in life.

The two-credit class would be helpful to athletes or performers wanting to improve their own performance, to coaches desiring to improve their athletes or team, and to other individuals who want to improve their performance in life, said Nita Wirtz, BSC assistant professor of psychology and course instructor.

Other summer session courses are scheduled in English, Spanish, intermediate and college algebra, history, philosophy, sociology, psychology, human services, criminal justice, biology, computer science, geographic information systems, and more.

For a list of online and on-campus summer session classes, click on CampusConnection at bismarckstate.edu
]]> Mon, 16 May 2011 00:00:00 GMT Six BSC employees receive excellence awards http://www.bismarckstate.edu/news/detail.asp?newsID=71
Faculty recipients were Dr. John Darling, associate professor of music, for his comprehensive approach to teaching and exceptional leadership in collaborations with area music educators and groups; and Ryan Pitcher, associate professor of Spanish, for his uncommon ability to inspire students and assist their learning process.

Chosen from the part-time faculty was English lecturer Jane Greer for her enthusiasm for teaching, research expertise, and professional achievements as a poet, author and publisher.

Staff recipients were custodian Bob Canter for meticulous attention to his work, assistance to BSC employees and visitors in the National Energy Center of Excellence, and leadership to improve the workplace; and Robin Thorstenson, Continuing Education, Training & Innovation program manager, for her superior ability to organize and manage events and training classes, ability to improve program content and participation, and her care in mentoring CETI certified trainers.

Susan Stockert, asset management associate, received the Part-time Staff Award for Excellence for working beyond her regular duties to take on responsibilities of a co-worker on leave. Stockert rearranged her schedule, worked more hours and underwent special training, while also assisting supervisors with other special projects.

The BSC Foundation programs manager coordinates the nomination and selection process, which involves representatives from the BSC Foundation Programs Committee, student Board of Governors, faculty, staff and the North Dakota University System office. Full-time employees received a $1,000 cash gift from the BSC Foundation. Part-time employees received a $250 cash gift.]]> Wed, 11 May 2011 00:00:00 GMT Symposium to explore effects of 9/11 on the Heartland http://www.bismarckstate.edu/news/detail.asp?newsID=72 Bismarck State College, the Bismarck Tribune, and the Dakota Institute of the Lewis and Clark Fort Mandan Foundation invite North Dakota residents to participate in "September 11 Ten Years Later: Impact on the Heartland," a symposium scheduled Sept. 8-11 at BSC.

The symposium will examine the effects of the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks on the United States. Topics of the symposium will relate to the effects on the Heartland of America from a humanities perspective.

BSC President Larry C. Skogen, Clay Jenkinson, director of the Dakota Institute of the Lewis and Clark Fort Mandan Foundation and a distinguished scholar at BSC, and Brian Kroshus, Bismarck Tribune publisher, announced plans for the symposium at a news conference May 11 at BSC. Dakota Media Access is also a local media partner.

Nationally known speakers will include:

Chuck Roberts, retired broadcast news journalist, who reported on 9/11 for Headline News, CNN.

General Charles Wald, now retired, was Commander of the United States Air Force units serving in the Middle East in 2001.

Major Dean Eckmann, North Dakota Air National Guard's 119th Fighter Wing (Happy Hooligans), was one of the first pilots who flew over the Pentagon after the attack on Sept. 11, 2001.

Dr. Lorry Fenner, who was a staff member on the 9/11 Commission. She is currently Director of the Conflict Records Research Center and Senior Research Fellow under the Institute for National Strategic Studies at the National Defense University.

Chris Bailey, attorney at law, is also Permanent Faculty - Intelligence & Ethics, National Defense Intelligence College (NDIC), Defense Intelligence Agency.

Professor Manochehr Dorraj, Professor of International Affairs and Middle Eastern Studies, Texas Christian University.

There will also be foreign representatives, including from the Jordanian Embassy, to discuss the stresses on international relations caused by the attack.

A panel discussion by North Dakota's former and current congressional and state leaders will highlight their activities on 9/11 and their perspectives on the impact of the attack.

A documentary film with personal stories of 100 citizens about the effect of 9/11 on their lives will be part of the program. A BSC videographer will capture these personal stories at a series of events around the state this summer.

Other opportunities for the symposium will be a special performance of Mozart's Requiem by the Bismarck-Mandan Symphony Orchestra, and a commemorative event at Double Ditch Indian Village Historic Site.

Information is available at www.impactontheheartland.org or by calling BSC at 701-224-5600.
]]> Wed, 11 May 2011 00:00:00 GMT Technology training offered at Bismarck conference http://www.bismarckstate.edu/news/detail.asp?newsID=70
Early bird registration on or before May 13 will save attendees $25 off the one or two-day fees. Visit the Bismarck State College Continuing Education, Training and Innovation website to register online at bismarckstate.edu/ceti/conferences.

The conference offers ways to learn about new applications and innovative teaching techniques from other educational professionals. Besides the one-hour workshops in 26 topic areas, participants can register for eight hands-on sessions in theme areas such as Activ board techniques, Internet tools to enhance teaching, and K-8 resources.

Hands-on training includes two-hour sessions in ActivExpressions, SMART Table and ActivInspire; Vlogging 101, Web-based learning, Photoshop retouching, and online video making and cartooning to create a "wow" learning experience for students.

The one-hour workshops offer art studio courses in online environments, Google tools, free Web tools, 21st century curriculum, Blio Reader for PCs, EduTech's Digital Citizenship, interactive math lessons, tech tools for administrators, managing cultural diversity in the classroom, and more.

Keynote presentations will explore the topics of change and finding a life passion. The Tuesday afternoon general session is about the growing problem of bullying in today's schools presented by Teresa Carrigan of the Bismarck Police Youth Bureau. Wednesday's networking lunch includes a demonstration of how to install the new PowerTeacher App on the iPad.

BSC's College Continuing Education, Training and Innovation coordinates the conference. Early bird registration by May 13 is $109 for one day (includes lunch) and $160 for two days. Two-day attendance is required to earn one graduate credit. Regular TNT registration closes June 2.

Register by credit card at bismarckstate.edu/ceti/conferences. For more information, call 701-224-5600 or 877-846-9387.]]> Tue, 10 May 2011 00:00:00 GMT North Dakota treasures is topic of BSC series http://www.bismarckstate.edu/news/detail.asp?newsID=68
Award-winning scholar Clay Jenkinson and BSC President Larry Skogen will take listeners on an armchair tour of the state's most interesting and intriguing treasures. Dialogue begins at 3 p.m. in Sidney J. Lee Auditorium with audience comments and questions completing the conversation.

The program marks the third year that BSC has presented this series of conversations to enrich the community's understanding of our common humanity. The series has been presented with grant support from the North Dakota Humanities Council.]]> Thu, 05 May 2011 00:00:00 GMT Attorney General Wayne Stenehjem to speak at commencement http://www.bismarckstate.edu/news/detail.asp?newsID=69
The class of 2011 is comprised of 1,079 students who will receive 1,170 associate degrees, diplomas, certificates and bachelor's degrees.

Stenehjem also will be recognized during the ceremony as the BSC National Alumni Association's Alumnus of the Year. A 1972 graduate of BSC, Stenehjem is being honored for dedication to his position, the state of North Dakota and to community safety. He will receive the award at a dinner on May 12.

BSC President Larry C. Skogen will present the degrees, and BSC Provost Drake Carter will preside over the ceremony.

Student speaker for the ceremony will be Jim Gefroh, who will receive an AA degree. He plans to transfer to the University of North Dakota, where he will pursue a career in broadcasting with a minor in music.

During the ceremony the college will recognize Don Bigwood, retired associate professor of mathematics, with the honorary status of professor emeritus. This status is granted to faculty members who have remained academically active in their retirement. Bigwood has continued to teach mathematics at BSC since his retirement in 2000.

The ceremony will be streamed live and videotaped for later viewing online. From May 17 through June 17, the ceremony can be viewed on BSC's website. The ceremony will be broadcast later on Dakota Media Access, Channel 12. It will also be available for download on BSC's iTunes site.]]> Thu, 05 May 2011 00:00:00 GMT Wayne Stenehjem selected Alumnus of the Year http://www.bismarckstate.edu/news/detail.asp?newsID=62
Trustees selected Stenehjem, Class of 1972, for exceptional dedication to his position, the state of North Dakota, and to community safety.

BSC will honor him at a dinner for friends, family and associates Thursday, May 12, and during BSC commencement at 2:30 p.m. Friday, May 13, in the Bismarck Civic Center. For dinner reservations, call 224-5692 or 1-800-272-2586.

The dinner also acknowledges Preston Schmidt, recipient of the Alumni Association's 2011 Rising Star Award, which recognizes young alumni of exceptional achievement. Schmidt graduated in 2007 and is being honored for his career and volunteer achievements.

Elected in 2000, Stenehjem is the longest serving attorney general in state history. He has made drug enforcement a priority, worked to curb domestic violence, and protected consumers with the state's Do Not Call List and online Identity Theft resource program.

Stenehjem's focus on eliminating the use and manufacture of methamphetamine has resulted in dramatic reduction in these activities throughout North Dakota. He also tackled alcohol abuse with his 24/7 Sobriety program for repeat DUI offenders. Other initiatives include the Prescription Drug Abuse awareness campaign and Prescription Drug Take Back program to collect unused addictive drugs.

A North Dakota legislator by age 23, Stenehjem entered politics while still in law school at the University of North Dakota. In private law practice, he specialized in domestic and sexual abuse cases and carried that advocacy into the AG's office. As a legislator, he led the House and Senate as sponsor or co-sponsor of every bill enacted on domestic violence. His resume is stuffed with legislative, legal and civic work and board service that derives from his passion for helping people, he says.

Stenehjem is recipient of the Love Without Fear Award from the Abused Adult Resource Center. Other recognitions are Friend of Psychology Award from the N.D. Psychological Association, State Bar Association of North Dakota Legislative Service Award, and Outstanding Legislator Award (one of 10 in the U.S.) from the Association of Government Employees.

Preston Schmidt has combined the rigors of engineering with award-winning fiddling to launch dual careers in the music business. A talent for leadership has further boosted his opportunities to learn from record producing pros and to make a difference in the international community.

Schmidt, formerly of Mandan, is a freelance audio recording engineer/producer in Nashville, Tenn., where he has an internship with Carl Jackson, Grammy Award-winning producer, singer and songwriter. He recently began his first professional recording job for Brand New Strings, a band nominated for multiple awards in 2010 by the International Bluegrass Music Association. Schmidt also plays with Midnight from Memphis, a band that performed and taught bluegrass workshops in Australia last summer. Among his accolades are fiddle championships in North Dakota, Minnesota, Montana and Wyoming.

The May 12 event begins with a 6 p.m. social followed by dinner and program at 6:30 p.m. in the BSC Student Union Missouri Room. Tickets are $25 per person with reservations due May 6.

Make checks payable to the BSC Alumni Association and mail to BSC Alumni Association, P.O. Box 5587, Bismarck, N.D. 58506-5587. Guests are welcome to bring cards or letters or mail them with the reservation and payment.]]> Wed, 04 May 2011 00:00:00 GMT BSC Theatre showcases playwright's work http://www.bismarckstate.edu/news/detail.asp?newsID=67
Performances during the two-day festival begin at 3:30 and 7:30 p.m. daily in Sidney J. Lee Auditorium. They are free to the public during ArtsQuest, BSC's month-long festival of the arts.

Fotis won the 2011 John Cauble Playwriting Award at the regional Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival (ACTF) in Ames, Iowa, where BSC students participated last January. He is a national ACTF finalist with two of his short plays, which will have their premiere at BSC.

BSC is producing four Fotis plays - "Oedipus: The Prequel" directed by Tim Rosin, "Insomniacs in Heat" directed by Alex Johnson, "58 & 59" directed by Brittany Kuhn, and "Nights on the Couch" directed by Derek Harper.

Fotis, a doctoral theater student at the University of Missouri, Columbia, is founder of MU Improv and founder and executive director of Shantz Theatre in Chicago. He has been performing and teaching improvisation for more than 10 years. His plays have received several other awards and have been performed by three New York City troupes. Fotis is head writer for two critically acclaimed sketch shows and author of two solo performance pieces.]]> Mon, 02 May 2011 00:00:00 GMT BSC offers Kids on Campus July 25-28 http://www.bismarckstate.edu/news/detail.asp?newsID=74
The daily schedule is 8:30 a.m. to 3:45 p.m., and students will choose four different topics for each day of the program.

Kids on Campus will give children a chance to try out interests and activities they might not have in school, said Karen Selensky, conference manager with BSC's Continuing Education, Training and Innovation.

"We decided to format the week similar to a mini-conference for kids and give them the opportunity to explore several areas of interest and end the week with a featured speaker, author Brenda Ehrmantraut," Selensky said. "Brenda will teach the students about brainstorming ideas, the writing process and how to design a comic book to take home."

Classes include Crazy Kid Art, Digital Photography, Computer Mix A Lot, Building Geometrically, History on the Go, and Cooking Up a Story. All classes take place in BSC's National Energy Center of Excellence.

Registration deadline is July 20. Register and find details on BSC's website or call 224-5600.

]]> Mon, 02 May 2011 00:00:00 GMT BSC choirs welcome spring with songs of the river http://www.bismarckstate.edu/news/detail.asp?newsID=66
The " 'Cross the Wide Missouri" program meanders through "Deep River" and "Shenandoah" via the Concert Choir and a solo performance of "Old Man River" by Christensen. The choir also sings a composition by Andrew Miller, BSC's choral director - "If Music Be the Food of Love" accompanied by violinist Everaldo Martinez, BSC strings instructor.

"This program reflects the down-home nostalgia every North Dakotan feels as we spring into summer," Miller says.

Dr. Mark Christensen, professor of English at Bemidji State University, Bemidji, Minn., has sung professionally for 40 years. A member of many choral ensembles, he has given recitals and played roles in operas and plays. In July, he will sing the role of Bartolo in "The Marriage of Figaro."

The evening also features selections by the BSC Chamber Singers, Women's Ensemble and Men's Ensemble. The 16-member Men's Ensemble, directed by Dawn Hagerott, performs four pieces including "Prayer of the Children" and "Loch Lomond" featuring soloists James Gefroh, Matt Manders and Jeremiah McFarlen.

Members of the Women's Ensemble perform "When I Think of You" by Laura Farnell, Hebrew love songs, a Chinese folk tune, and an arrangement by Miller of Sting's "Fields of Gold."

Accompanist is Diane Eichhorst, BSC keyboard instructor. The concert is presented at no charge during ArtsQuest, BSC's month-long celebration of the arts.]]> Thu, 28 Apr 2011 00:00:00 GMT BSC Jazz Ensemble hosts Big Al's Big Band http://www.bismarckstate.edu/news/detail.asp?newsID=65
The 21-piece Jazz Ensemble stomps off with Gerry Mulligan's "Walkin' Shoes." Featured in the eight-piece set are soloists Devin Hopfauf on baritone saxophone in Ellington's "Prelude to a Kiss," and trombonist Luke Hushagen in "Dream of the Return." Dr. John Darling also directs the ensemble in Gershwin's "I Got Rhythm" and tunes that showcase various sections of the ensemble.

Big Al's Big Band takes over the second half of the concert with a sampling of music from the swing era to present. Directed by Rex Waddingham, Big Al's Big Band is a 16-piece group founded in 1982 by Erv Ely, then BSC band director. Saxophonist Al Bertsch took over the band in 1996.

Big Al's plays a five-piece set, including arrangements of "Why Don't You Do Me Right" and "Big Schwing Face." Rebecca Warren adds a vocal to "Georgia on My Mind." The Jazz Ensemble combines with Big Al's Big Band for a finale of "Tricky Sticks" by Gregory Yasinitsky and the Beatles' "Hey Jude" by Lennon and McCartney.

A reception follows the concert. The public is welcome at no charge during ArtsQuest, BSC's month-long celebration of the arts.]]> Tue, 26 Apr 2011 00:00:00 GMT Chamber groups perform April 26 and April 28 http://www.bismarckstate.edu/news/detail.asp?newsID=64
On Tuesday, the Brass Ensemble, String Ensemble and Woodwind Ensemble perform against a backdrop of student art selected from "Figments of Imagination" literary and arts journal.

Their program includes folk songs and ballet music from the Brass Ensemble and show tunes from the Woodwind Ensemble. The String Ensemble plays works by Vivaldi and Mozart. The Brass and Woodwind ensembles combine for the first time and offer selections from the Beatles songbook.

Thursday's concert showcases the Guitar Ensemble and the Percussion Ensemble. The Guitar Ensemble perrforms two classical selections by J.S. Bach and a trio by Hayden. Other selections are "Blue Monk," and a rock and roll version of "Rondeau" by J. J. Mouret arranged by Doug Klein, music lecturer.

The Guitar Ensemble and Percussion Ensemble close the concert with a version of the rock classic "Frankenstein," recorded by Edgar Winter. The first piece, "Hoo-Daiko," is a Japanese taiko drum piece honoring victims of the tsunami in Japan. "Let the Big Dawg Eat" features Travis Reiger on drum set.

Students are prepared by the following chamber ensemble directors: Jeanette Reyberg, winds; Rob Peske, percussion; Brianna Fuzesy, brass; Doug Klein, guitar; and Everaldo Martinez, strings.

The concerts are presented at no charge during ArtsQuest, BSC's month-long celebration of the arts.]]> Mon, 25 Apr 2011 00:00:00 GMT BSC students win in state business skills competition http://www.bismarckstate.edu/news/detail.asp?newsID=63
Among those students, three first place winners and three second place winners qualified to compete in the national competition in Orlando, Fla., in June.

Susan Westbrook of Bismarck received an individual first place award in the Computer Applications contest. She also took home a third place in Word Processing.

The team of Jennifer Shelstad and Richard Sagmiller won the Desktop Publishing competition. Both students are from Mandan. Another BSC team, Jerica Jesz of McClusky and Miranda Nelson of Bismarck, took the second place spot in Desktop Publishing.

Joshua Taghon of Bismarck qualified for nationals with second place individual awards in Computer Applications and Word Processing.

Third place awards went to Nathan Leier of Hague in Computer Applications and Sports Marketing and Management, and Christina Zastawniak of Beulah in Database Design and Applications. Zastawniak and Stacey Gerhardt of Flasher teamed for third place in Desktop Publishing, giving BSC a sweep in that category.

State winners represent enrollment in Graphic Arts and Communications, Computer Information Systems and Business and Office Technology programs.

Phi Beta Lambda is a professional organization for college students interested in pursuing business-related careers. Its mission is to bring business and education together through innovative leadership and career development.]]> Thu, 21 Apr 2011 00:00:00 GMT Illustrator Von Glitschka presents for BSC ArtsQuest http://www.bismarckstate.edu/news/detail.asp?newsID=61
Glitschka speaks on "Creating 5ive-Alarm Concepts" and the need to find inspiration for new ideas outside the industry. His presentation begins at 7 p.m. in the National Energy Center of Excellence auditorium #304. BSC ArtsQuest offers his public program at no charge.

A designer's work demands producing original ideas on a daily basis, says Glitschka, who will demonstrate the importance of designers being great thinkers.

As an illustrative designer, Glitschka's work reflects the symbiotic relationship between design and illustration. His exuberant graphics have won numerous design and illustration awards and appeared in publications such as Communication Arts, Print, HOW, Society of Illustrators, Graphis, American Illustration, and the "LogoLounge" 2, 3, 4, and 5 books.

Glitschka is principal of Glitschka Studios, a multi-disciplinary creative firm, and has worked in the communication arts industry for more than 23 years. The studio is employed by advertising agencies, design firms, in-house corporate art departments and other media businesses. Among its clients are Microsoft, Adobe, Pepsi, General Motors, Hasbro, Merck, Disney, Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, Lifetime Television and major league baseball.]]> Thu, 14 Apr 2011 00:00:00 GMT Author Warren St. John appears at ArtsQuest April 19 http://www.bismarckstate.edu/news/detail.asp?newsID=59
St. John has written two acclaimed books, one chosen for BSC's fall Campus Read, when students faculty and staff read his non-fiction book: "Outcasts United: an American Town, a Refugee Team, and One Woman's Quest to Make a Difference."

The presentation includes discussion of the book's story, its real life people and the social experiment St. John calls "a laboratory in getting along." St. John will focus on life lessons, social change, and how the fresh perspective of newcomers and volunteerism can build bridges across social chasms.

"Outcasts United" recounts what happened when three disparate elements - a resistant small Georgia town, a soccer team of resettled refugee boys, and its Jordanian-born female coach, Luma Mufleh - came together in a kind of social experiment. Theirs is a story of resilience, the power of one person to make a difference, and the daunting challenge of creating community in an environment where people seem to have little in common.

The boys, who called themselves The Fugees, came from the Congo, Burundi, Sudan, Liberia, Bosnia, Afghanistan and Iraq, among other countries. They are boys whose families were selected by the United Nations Refugee Agency for resettlement in Clarkston. Most arrived with nothing but their clothes and owing thousands of dollars to a government agency for the cost of their one-way plane ticket to America. As the refugees arrived and changed Clarkston, long-time residents developed resentment and opposition mobilized.

St. John's research for "Outcasts United" led to the acclaimed series of front-page New York Times stories about the Fugees team and the struggle of Clarkston, Ga., to adapt to its new identity. St. John has appeared on NBC's "The Today Show," National Public Radio, MSNBC, CNN and other outlets to discuss his reporting for the book.

Besides the New York Times, St. John has written for The New Yorker, Wired, Slate and The New York Observer. His other best-selling book is "Rammer Jammer Yellow Hammer: a Road Trip into the Heart of Fan Mania" (2004).

St. John's appearance concludes events connected to BSC's annual fall Campus Read, when students, faculty and staff read one book. Fugees coach, Luma Mufleh, spoke at BSC Nov. 9 on the topic, "Changing the World One Game at a Time."]]> Wed, 13 Apr 2011 00:00:00 GMT BSC Wind Ensemble plays music from around the world http://www.bismarckstate.edu/news/detail.asp?newsID=60
Dr. John Darling conducts the ensemble in selections evoking the music of Scotland, Mexico, England, Czech Republic, Balkan Peninsula and the United States.

The program begins at 7:30 p.m. in Sidney J. Lee Auditorium and features student soloist Luke Hushagen in "The Bluebells of Scotland," a theme and variations piece for trombone and band.

The concert begins with "Gandalf, The Wizard" from Symphony No. 1 - "The Lord of the Rings" by Johan de Meij in an out-of-this-world salute to Middle Earth. "Colonel Bogey" from "The Bridge on the River Kwai" by Kenneth J. Alford provides a classic British march inspired by a whistle across a golf course. A stop by Mexico yields "Granada" by Agustin Lara, one of Mexico's seminal songwriters.

Music of the Balkans and Czech Republic is featured in "Balkanya, Three Balkanese Dances," by Jan Van der Roost, and "Danse Bohemien" by Randal D. Standridge. Frank Ticheli's classic "Shenandoah" offers natural and timeless images in musical form.

The concert is offered free of charge during ArtsQuest, BSC's month-long celebration of the arts.]]> Wed, 13 Apr 2011 00:00:00 GMT Collage Concert set for April 14 http://www.bismarckstate.edu/news/detail.asp?newsID=55 The Collage Concert at Bismarck State College features student ensembles and soloists in a distinctive performance Tuesday, April 14, at 7:30 p.m. in Sidney J. Lee Auditorium.

Performed in two seamless acts, the concert moves from one musical selection to another without interruption or applause. Visual art professors Michelle Lindblom and Brian Hushagen will interpret the music on canvas as it occurs.

BSC vocal and instrumental chamber groups perform a variety of musical styles with musicians positioned throughout the auditorium. Student soloists audition for the spots and select and prepare their own music.

Performing instrumental selections are the Brass Ensemble directed by Brianne Fuzesy, the Woodwind Ensemble directed by Jeanette Rehberg, the Percussion Ensemble directed by Rob Peske, the Guitar Ensemble directed by Doug Klein, and the String Ensemble directed by Everaldo Martinez.

Vocal groups include the Men's Ensemble directed by Dawn Hagerott, and Women's Ensemble directed by Andrew Miller. Dean Bellin, BSC technical theater instructor, provides the lighting effects.

Selected students will read their own short stories and poems chosen from winning entries in the annual "Figments of the Imagination" contest.

BSC presents this ArtsQuest event at no charge. Early arrival is recommended because there is no late seating break.]]> Fri, 08 Apr 2011 00:00:00 GMT ArtsQuest hosts professional artists http://www.bismarckstate.edu/news/detail.asp?newsID=56
Mid-month holds a blitz of activities with authors David Pelzer April 12 and New York Times feature writer Warren St. John April 19.

BSC's popular Collage Concert of music, art and student readings takes place April 14. The BSC Wind Ensemble performs April 18 and graphic art students showcase their work April 18-21 at Kirkwood Mall. For details, see the ArtsQuest schedule.

Headlining this year's array of talent is Chris Brubeck's Triple Play, a dynamic ensemble that performs everything from jazz to folk and blues to classics. BSC hosts Brubeck and his Triple Play partners, Peter "Madcat" Ruth and Joel Brown, for a concert Saturday, April 16, starting at 7:30 p.m. in Sidney J. Lee Auditorium. Admission requires a free ticket available at the BSC Bookstore or Eckroth Music.

Chris Brubeck first distinguished himself as a jazz musician performing and recording with his father, the legendary Dave Brubeck. In the past few decades, he has earned international acclaim as composer, musician and recording artist. He has toured the world, performed to acclaim on its greatest stages and created genre-bending symphonic works, including two commissioned and performed by the Boston Pops.

Brubeck's current group, Triple Play, combines a roster of virtuoso instrumentation and vocals that relentlessly propels audiences to their feet. Brubeck plays four instruments: fretless bass, trombone, piano and guitar. Brown shines on acoustic, classical and slide guitar. Ruth adds harmonica, jaw harp, ukulele, kalimba, hi hat and tambourine.

Triple Play conducts a group master class Saturday, April 16, from 1 to 3 p.m. in the BSC Leach Music Center 177. For information, contact Dr. John Darling, 224-5444 or John.Darling@bismarckstate.edu.

Warren St. John has written for The New Yorker, Slate, Wired and The New York Observer, in addition to his work at the New York Times. He is author of "Rammer Jammer Yellow Hammer: A Road Trip into the Heart of Fan Mania" (2004). His latest book, "Outcasts United: An American Town, a Refugee Team, and One Woman's Quest to Make a Difference" (2009) was released to rave reviews. The book was BSC's Campus Read selection last fall.

St. John will discuss how a real life soccer team of refugees and its female coach transform themselves and a resistant Georgia town into a community. His talk about life lessons and social change begins at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 19, in Sidney J. Lee Auditorium.

ArtsQuest features the graphic arts Wednesday, April 20, with a presentation by illustrative designer Von Glitschka on "Creating 5ive-Alarm Concepts" at 7 p.m. in the National Energy Center of Excellence 304. Glitschka has earned numerous awards and is principal of Glitschka Studios, a multi-disciplinary creative firm in Salem, Ore.

A series of concerts featuring BSC's music students are scheduled in late April and early May, along with a student art exhibit and reception, outdoor raku firing, readings from the student "Figments of Imagination" literary/art journal, and a festival of short plays.

ArtsQuest began in 1998 as a project of the Arts and Communication Department. For more information, contact ArtsQuest coordinator Barbara Jirges at 224-5601.]]> Fri, 08 Apr 2011 00:00:00 GMT Chris Brubeck's Triple Play performs for BSC ArtsQuest http://www.bismarckstate.edu/news/detail.asp?newsID=58
Members of Triple Play hold a group master class Saturday, April 16, from 1 to 3 p.m. in the BSC Leach Music Center 177. For information, contact Dr. John Darling, 224-5444 or John.Darling@bismarckstate.edu.

Triple Play combines an eclectic mix of acoustic music that blends elements of jazz, blues, rock, funk and the classics to create a delicious sound that's hard to define. The group stretches musical boundaries, while adding a dash of humor to their extraordinary musicianship. Triple Play also delights audiences with odd tempos such as 7/8 time in "Unsquare Dance" and "Polly," written and performed in two keys.

Chris is one of four sons of legendary jazz artist Dave Brubeck, who inspired them all to make a career of music. Chris not only plays his dad's signature piano instrument, but commands trombone, bass and guitar and sings. As a composer, he has created an impressive body of symphonic work the past decade, while maintaining a demanding touring and recording schedule with his two bands, the Brubeck Brothers Quartet and Triple Play.

Triple Play members, Peter "Madcat" Ruth and Joel Brown, are also virtuoso solo musicians with many national and international credits. Ruth holds title as one of the best harmonica players in the world and handles percussion for Triple Play on jaw harp, tambourine, hi hat cymbal, kalimba and ukulele. Guitarist Joel Brown has a long recital and recording portfolio. He was soloist with the Boston Pops and has performed in the Czech Republic, London and on U.S. and British media.

Brubeck and Ruth began their career recording and touring with Dave Brubeck. Chris was 15 at the time. The two also played together in the progressive rock band, Sky King. Afterwards, Chris paired with folk singer Bill Crofut and Brown on guitar. When Crofut died in 1999, Ruth rejoined Brubeck and Brown to form Triple Play.

The meaning of Triple Play's name is set in the song, "Triple Play Blues," a cut on their "Watching the World" album, Brubeck told The Patriot-News in Harrisburg, Pa. The lyric goes: "When the stars align, it's three of a kind. It's as rare as a triple play." Brubeck also said the group name is a "play" on the fact he performs three instruments during a concert.

Highlights of Brubeck's compositional achievements include "Convergence: Concerto for Orchestra," commissioned and performed by the Boston Pops, and the exciting "Interplay for 3 Violins and Orchestra," a performance of which was broadcast on PBS. For the 2006 Monterey Jazz Festival, Brubeck (who first performed there in 1958) composed the semi-operatic theater work, "Cannery Row Suite," based on John Steinbeck's novel about the drifters and workers of old Monterey. He also has written three musicals and hundreds of songs.

Brubeck said his father was one of the early pioneers of the concept that jazz musicians could be integrated with symphony orchestras, something Dave Brubeck learned from French composer Darius Milhaud. Chris did many performances with orchestras during the 10 consecutive years he played with Dave's group. Chris also has shared the stage with B.B. King, Bob McFerrin, Gerry Mulligan, Dawn Upshaw, Muddy Waters, Willie Nelson and Bob Dylan, to name a few.

View more ArtsQuest information]]> Fri, 08 Apr 2011 00:00:00 GMT Visiting Scientists Series hosts program on food sufficiency http://www.bismarckstate.edu/news/detail.asp?newsID=54 The Visiting Scientists Series at Bismarck State College takes a look at the science of food sustainability in a free public presentation by Annie Carlson at 7 p.m. Thursday, April 14, in the National Energy Center of Excellence auditorium 304.

"Feeding Ourselves First - the Importance of Bioregional Food Sufficiency" explores how local communities and individuals can prepare for what may become a crisis in food availability some day.

Carlson makes the point that agriculture is the state's leading industry and North Dakota leads the nation in food production. But does North Dakota's claim of 'We feed the world' hold impact when 95 percent of grocery products are imported into the state? With rising oil prices, how long will it take large food corporations to decide shipping products to North Dakota is too expensive?

"We may feed the world, but we're not feeding ourselves," Carlson says, "but we can."

Carlson is executive director of Foundation for Agriculture and Rural Resources Management and Sustainability (FARRMS) and operates Morning Joy Farms south of Cleveland, N.D. She graduated from North Dakota State University with double majors in biology and science education. After graduating, she taught physical science at Wachter Middle School for five years and human biology as a BSC adjunct instructor. She then worked as a corporate trainer for Coventry Health Care.

This presentation is sponsored by the Visiting Scientists Series, which includes representatives from Bismarck State College, Bismarck Public Schools, Gateway to Science, Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, St. Mary's Central High School, U.S. Geological Survey, University of Mary, and North Dakota Society of Professional Engineers.]]> Thu, 07 Apr 2011 00:00:00 GMT 'Blood Brothers' musical set for BSC stage April 6-10 http://www.bismarckstate.edu/news/detail.asp?newsID=53 Bismarck State College presents one of London's most successful musicals with "Blood Brothers," a story of economic turmoil and tragedy for an abandoned wife and her twin sons.

Performances are April 6-10 at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday and 2:30 p.m. Sunday in Sidney J. Auditorium.

Playwright and composer Willy Russell tells the powerful story of poverty, class struggle and deceit in 1960s Liverpool through a narrator, a Mephistophelean puppeteer breeding fear and superstition. Life becomes a game and fate a curse in this contemporary nature versus nurture plot.

A culture of despair permeates the former port and factory city where 50 percent unemployment, broken neighborhoods and relocations have fractured people's lives. Mrs. Johnstone takes a domestic job with a wealthy family only to find out she's pregnant by her deserting husband. When her fraternal twin boys are born, she keeps one to raise and asks her childless employer to take the other with tragic results.

"I see 'Blood Brothers' as a cautionary tale in the spirit of Grimm's fairytales with delightful young characters and an ominous dark undertow," said Dan Rogers, BSC Theatre director. "People act but they cannot know the full consequences of their actions."

The play covers a 20-year span between the late 1950s and 1970s. During that time, thriving Liverpool actually devolved into a pit of poverty when people were shuffled from inner city slums to new public housing in the suburbs, which, in turn, became centers of isolation, poverty, crime and depression.

BSC's cast features Shaina Hovrud (Mandan) as the mother, Mrs. Johnstone, and Gentry Lee (West Fargo) and Dillon Leland (Sidney, Mont.) as twins Mickey and Sammy, respectively. Members of the wealthy Lyons family are portrayed by Ashley Clooten, Clayton Perala and James Gefroh (Bismarck). Adam Frank and Greg Frank (Bismarck) are double cast as the Narrator with Derek Harper (Mandan) as the policeman. Chorus and ensemble players are Tim Rosin and Marete Snortland-Banks (Bismarck), Brittany Kuhn (Mandan), and Cassie Ash (Beulah).

Rogers is assisted by technical director and designer Dean Bellin, assistant professor of technical theatre; orchestra director Dr. John Darling, associate professor of music; Andrew Miller, vocal music director and music instructor; choreographer Carly Schaub, Northern Plains Dance; and student assistant director Megan Presser (Turtle Lake/Mercer).

Ongoing since 1988 in London's West End, "Blood Brothers" received six Tony Award nominations and the Tony Award for Best Book of a Musical in 1993. It had a two-year run on Broadway with the original London cast and such iconic singers as Petula Clark, Carole King and Helen Reddy in the lead role of Mrs. Johnstone. In England "Blood Brothers" earned the Laurence Olivier Award for musical of the year, actress of the year and outstanding performance of the year by an actor in a musical.

" 'Blood Brothers' has had a long and successful run, and it's about time it came to North Dakota," Rogers said. "Only 'Les Miserables' has dwelled longer in London's theatre district."

General admission and reserved seat tickets are $10 for adults and $3 for students with BSC I.D. To reserve seats, call the box office at 224-5511 beginning March 28.]]> Fri, 25 Mar 2011 00:00:00 GMT Women's leadership conference offered at BSC http://www.bismarckstate.edu/news/detail.asp?newsID=52 The second annual Women's Leadership Express conference at Bismarck State College broadens women's concept of their value as leaders.

BSC's Continuing Education, Training & Innovation division offers this information and networking conference Tuesday, April 5. Sessions are 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the National Energy Center of Excellence on campus.

Jody Urquhart leads two keynote sessions on "The Nerve to Serve: Say Hello to Humor and Good-bye to Burnout!" and "Follow Me, I'm Right Behind You! How to Lead and Influence Others." She will show how humor helps maintain control, balance and perspective and the power of influence.

Urquhart's book, "All Work and No Say," helps individuals gain more meaning and satisfaction from their work. She also writes a syndicated column on "Joy of Work," published in more than 40 magazine and trade journals.

During breakout sessions, Carol Cashman, BSC associate professor of speech, will discuss ways to spell the fear of public speaking and make a speech interesting and memorable. Irene Tschider will show concepts and tips for dressing for success. Cindy Solberg will use Microsoft Excel to demonstrate the best way to present information.

Pre-register online by accessing forms at http://info.bismarckstate.edu/conference/express/.]]> Tue, 22 Mar 2011 00:00:00 GMT Limited enrollment programs have fall openings http://www.bismarckstate.edu/news/detail.asp?newsID=50 Several limited enrollment technical programs at BSC have openings for the fall semester. Applying early can help to ensure a place in the programs.

Openings are available in Automotive Collision; Carpentry; Electronics/Telecommunications Technology; Graphic Design and Communications; Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC); Instrumentation and Control Technology; Mechanical Maintenance Technology, Process Plant Technology, and the new Renewable Generation Technology program.

Fall semester begins Aug. 23. Those interested in limited enrollment programs should call 224-2475. All potential students should apply for admission soon by calling 224-5429 or 800-445-5073 or go to wheresyourbeyond.com]]> Fri, 18 Mar 2011 00:00:00 GMT NECE hosts open house April 12 http://www.bismarckstate.edu/news/detail.asp?newsID=51
Admissions and Financial Aid representatives also will be available to discuss admission requirements, student loans, grants and scholarships. Two $500 BSC scholarships, BSC Bookstore gift certificates and NECE clothing will be given away.

A tour of the residence halls, Student Union, and the Aquatic and Wellness Center will be available at 5 p.m.

Prospective students, parents, and high school counselors and instructors are welcome. Pre-registration is requested. Call 224-2445 or register at this website: bismarckstate.edu/openhouse]]> Fri, 18 Mar 2011 00:00:00 GMT Conversations at BSC explores North Dakota as a nuclear power http://www.bismarckstate.edu/news/detail.asp?newsID=49 Bismarck State College continues its Conversations at BSC humanities series with how North Dakota became tied to the frontline of the Cold War against the Soviet Union.

Scholar Clay Jenkinson and Bismarck State College President Larry C. Skogen will dialogue at 3 p.m. Sunday, March 13, in BSC's Sidney J. Lee Auditorium, Schafer Hall.

Their program, "Third Largest Nuclear Power: North Dakota and the Cold War," explores the atomic age and how the state's two Strategic Air Command bases could have made North Dakota the third most powerful nation, if it had seceded from the U.S. in the 1970s.

From 1963 to 1998, North Dakota housed 300 nuclear intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBM), classified numbers of nuclear bombs, and air-launched cruise missiles to be delivered from U.S. Air Force bases near Minot and Grand Forks. These defense bases were created after WWII to enforce the U.S. policy of "containment" to thwart potential Soviet aggression beyond its borders. As a deterrent, the U.S. expanded its nuclear technology that destroyed Nagasaki and Hiroshima and ended WWII.

The only unit trained to deliver such destruction was the 509th Bomb Group in Roswell, N.M., who flew the atomic payload to Japan. From this unit, the Strategic Air Command evolved, the most powerful military organization in human history, and armed North Dakota.

Jenkinson has conducted in-depth research on Robert Oppenheimer, lead bomb developer in New Mexico. Skogen served as a missile launch officer in the 509th Strategic Missile Squadron (successor of the 509th Bomb Group) and as an operations officer in the ICBM squadron in Wyoming.

The 2010-11 Conversations at BSC humanities series concludes May 15. Visit the Conversations at BSC website at bsctalk.com or contact BSC Continuing Education, Training and Innovation at 224-5600 for more information.]]> Tue, 08 Mar 2011 00:00:00 GMT BSC faculty art exhibit on display http://www.bismarckstate.edu/news/detail.asp?newsID=45 The eighth annual exhibit by Bismarck State College visual art and graphic design faculty is on display in Gannon Gallery.

A public reception for the artists is scheduled from 4 to 6 p.m. Wednesday, March 9, in the BSC Library.

Media includes acrylic paintings and monotypes by Michelle Lindblom, associate professor of visual art and Arts and Communications Department chair; ceramics and drawings by Brian Hushagen, associate professor of visual art; jewelry by Barb Jirges, visual art instructor; and mixed media, sculpture and woodcut prints by David Lewellyn, visual art lecturer.

Thomas Marple, assistant professor in the Graphic Design and Communications program, shows oil paintings. Gallery coordinator Andrea Fagerstrom displays screen prints.

The exhibit runs through March 26.]]> Thu, 03 Mar 2011 00:00:00 GMT BookTalk concludes with 'The Book of Dead Birds' http://www.bismarckstate.edu/news/detail.asp?newsID=46 The BookTalk discussion series at Bismarck State College concludes Sunday, March 6, with "The Book of Dead Birds" by Gayle Brandeis.

Suzanne Kramer-Brenna, adjunct English instructor, leads the discussion from 1 to 3 p.m. in the BSC Library. The book continues exploration of the series theme, "What Divides Us."

"The Book of Dead Birds" captures a young woman's struggle to come to terms with her mother's terrible past, while searching for her own place in the world. This moving mother-daughter story of migration, survival and reconciliation resonates across cultures and through generations.

The story also references a recent ecological tragedy at the Salton Sea in southern California where more than 14,000 endangered brown pelicans died.

Author, teacher and activist, Brandeis holds an MFA in creative writing/fiction from Antioch University. She has taught at universities, libraries, community centers and writing conferences around the country. "The Book of Dead Birds" won the Barbara Kingsolver Bellwether Prize, an award in support of literature of social responsibility.

BookTalk discussions are open to all. For more information, call 224-5450 or visit the "Read it! Read It!" blog at bismarckstate.edu/library. BookTalk is funded by the BSC Library and a grant from the BSC Foundation. ]]> Thu, 03 Mar 2011 00:00:00 GMT Chemistry instructor receives $25,000 fellowship http://www.bismarckstate.edu/news/detail.asp?newsID=47 JoDe Knutson-Person, assistant professor of chemistry at Bismarck State College, is recipient of the Jack Fellowship Award for 2011 from the Bismarck State College Foundation.

The fellowship, valued at $25,000, helps BSC faculty and staff further their education, conduct research or pursue other professional development.

Knutson-Person plans to use the fellowship to complete a Master of Science degree in science education from Montana State University in Bozeman. She has taken online and on-campus courses during spring, summer and fall semesters and will graduate in June 2011.

Lead coordinator for the Regional Science Olympiad at BSC, Knutson-Person teaches Introductory Chemistry and Chemistry in Art. She serves on the Curriculum Committee and Student Success Committee.

"I think for any employee to have the chance to improve themselves by attaining a higher degree level is an amazing opportunity," Knutson-Person says. "It also lessens the financial impact on an individual's family to go through this process. I'm honored that I've been selected to receive this fellowship."

The late Tom and Peg Jack, lead contributors to BSC's Jack Science Center, endowed the Jack Fellowship in 1999. A committee appointed by the BSC Foundation selects the recipients.]]> Thu, 03 Mar 2011 00:00:00 GMT Energy Corridor publishes new statistical guide http://www.bismarckstate.edu/news/detail.asp?newsID=44 A publication featuring statistics and information on North Dakota's energy sectors is now available through the Great Plains Energy Corridor.

"The 10-page '2010 Spotlight on Energy' features the latest statistics and information on all of our various energy industries," said Great Plains Energy Corridor Director Kim Christianson. "Our goal is to provide information on all of the energy sectors in an attractive, easy-to-read publication."

The "2010 Spotlight on Energy" includes detailed information on biomass, biofuels, energy efficiency, energy education and workforce, geothermal, hydroelectric, lignite and power generation, oil and natural gas, solar, wind, refining and transmission and pipelines.

Printed copies of the brochure can be requested by phone (701-224-5588) or e-mail (bsc.gpec@bsc.nodak.edu). The new publication is also available for download from the Great Plains Energy Corridor website.

Established in 2008 with funding and assistance from former U.S. Sen. Byron Dorgan, the Great Plains Energy Corridor works with partners in government, education and the private sector to promote the advancement of energy-related activities that will benefit North Dakota.]]> Tue, 01 Mar 2011 00:00:00 GMT Nuclear program is first for industry standard certification http://www.bismarckstate.edu/news/detail.asp?newsID=43 Bismarck State College's Nuclear Power Technology program was approved in January as the first online program to be approved by the Nuclear Uniform Curriculum Program (NUCP) for the non-licensed operator track. This will allow BSC students completing the associate degree in Nuclear Power to substitute education for training at a nuclear facility, since they will receive a nuclear industry standard certificate.

In 2007, the U.S. nuclear industry launched the NUCP, which is a standardized certificate program designed to ensure the workforce is trained and in place at the right time. By organizing industry partnerships with two-year education programs, resources are leveraged to provide the next generation of highly skilled workers. NUCP is managed by the Nuclear Energy Institute (NEI).

As part of the NUCP approval process, a college is required to obtain a Primary Utility Partner for the Nuclear Power program. BSC has partnered with Exelon Corp., the largest owner/operator of nuclear plants in the United States. Without a Primary Utility Partner, an institution's students would not be able to receive a nuclear industry standard certificate.

"The most important benefit of the new NUCP provision is that it allows prospective students and employees greater access to nuclear training," said John Lindsey, director, Fleet Support & Partnerships, Nuclear Training at Exelon Nuclear and member of the NUCP Ad Hoc Committee at the Institute of Nuclear Power Operations. "The online format is beneficial for those who live far from a plant and want to work at one, and also for those who are already busy with their current lives and would like to continue their education; this fits their needs and schedules," Lindsey said.

For the past two years Lindsey has been a member of BSC's Nuclear Power Technology Curriculum Advisory Committee working with other select industry representatives as part of the Energy Providers Coalition for Education (EPCE) to advance BSC's nuclear-related online educational programs. The nuclear industry representatives include American Electric Power, Constellation Energy, Dominion Nuclear Business Unit, Duke Energy, Exelon Corporation, Palo Verde Nuclear Generation Station, and South Texas Project nuclear power plant.

"The National Energy Center of Excellence at BSC is honored to tie the Nuclear Uniform Curriculum Program to its Nuclear Power Technology associate degree program," said Kevin Holmstrom, nuclear program manager at BSC. "The National Academy for Nuclear Training Certificate is a tremendous opportunity for students to now earn an industry-approved degree and certification to get them on the right path for a career in the nuclear industry."

Holmstrom and other BSC faculty members have been working with Exelon representatives and EPCE over the past year to revise BSC's Nuclear Power Technology curriculum to meet the requirements for BSC students to receive the National Academy for Nuclear Training Certificate. BSC has been approved by NEI as a Non-Licensed Operator program.

BSC's Nuclear Power Technology program is an online program and one of six BSC energy programs leading to an associate in applied science degree. BSC also offers a bachelor of applied science online degree in energy management.
]]> Tue, 22 Feb 2011 00:00:00 GMT BSC visiting writer rescheduled for Feb. 24 http://www.bismarckstate.edu/news/detail.asp?newsID=40 New York City author and screenwriter Doug Magee will be at Bismarck State College on Thursday, February 24, for a reading from his novel "Never Wave Goodbye."

His presentation for the BSC Visiting Writers Series had to be rescheduled from Tuesday because of weather-related travel delays.

The presentation begins at 7:30 p.m. in the BSC Student Union Prairie Room, lower level, and concludes with a book-signing. Magee speaks to English classes Thursday and Friday.

"Never Wave Goodbye," his first novel, follows publication of three children's books and two non-fiction titles - "Slow Coming Dark: Interviews on Death Row," and "What Murder Leaves Behind: The Victim's Family."

In "Never Wave Goodbye," readers see how an innocent rite of passage turns into a nightmare for four couples, exposing their secrets and risking the lives of their children. The children, off to a two-week camp for the first time, leave on a bus. When a second bus arrives to pick them up, no one seems to know anything about the first bus or its driver. Within hours, kidnappers demand $1 million.

Touchstone/Simon & Schuster will publish Magee's second novel, "Never to Return," in 2012.

Besides writing, Magee has spread his talent as a photojournalist, film producer and director, death penalty activist, war protester and amateur musician. He is a graduate of Amherst College and Union Theological Seminary.

His produced screenplays include the HBO film "Somebody Has To Shoot the Picture" starring Roy Scheider, and the Showtime film "Beyond the Call" starring Sissy Spacek and David Strathairn.

Though born and raised in New York State, Magee has ties to North Dakota through his 20-year marriage to Bismarck native, Mary Hedahl. They live in East Harlem and have three sons.

The English program of the Arts & Communications Department sponsors the Visiting Writers Series, funded in part by a grant from the Bismarck State College Foundation.]]> Mon, 14 Feb 2011 00:00:00 GMT BSC Foundation scholarship deadline March 1 http://www.bismarckstate.edu/news/detail.asp?newsID=41 More than 300 scholarships are available to Bismarck State College students for the 2011-12 academic year through the BSC Foundation. Students should apply by March 1, the priority deadline, for best consideration.

Amounts range from $500 to $2,000. In addition to academic scholarships, the BSC Foundation awards scholarships in journalism, band, chorus, theater, visual arts, and many other areas of study.

BSC Foundation scholarships are available to incoming freshmen and sophomores regardless of other scholarship awards. BSC must be listed as the student's home campus. Scholarships for part-time students enrolled in a degree program are available on a per-semester basis.

Details on eligibility are included on the application form available at www.bismarckstate.edu/scholarships.

Interested students can also contact Christina Burns, programs coordinator, at 701-224-2486, 800-272-2586, or e-mail Christina.Burns@bismarckstate.edu.]]> Mon, 14 Feb 2011 00:00:00 GMT Professional vocal ensemble teams with BSC Choir http://www.bismarckstate.edu/news/detail.asp?newsID=42 The Bismarck State College Choir presents a collaborative concert with From Age to Age, a professional, Minnesota-based vocal ensemble.

Andrew Miller directs the performance of "Sing Together!" at 3 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 27, in Bismarck's Cathedral of the Holy Spirit, 519 Raymond Street.

Miller, BSC's new director of choral activities, is founder and artistic director of From Age to Age. The 15-member ensemble is known for cutting edge interpretations and world-class performances of modern choral repertoire. Their signature sound has been described as velvet and angelic.

This highly trained ensemble performs an arrangement of "She'll be Comin' Round the Mountain" by Emma Lou Diemer and "Otche Nash" (Russian) by resident composer Joshua G. Nice.

Audience members also will hear several BSC chamber ensembles. The program opens with BSC students and From Age to Age singing music of the Renaissance by Tallis, Palestrina, des Prez and William Byrd. The BSC Chamber Singers join From Age to Age in Eric Barnum's "Hic Est Martinus" (Latin), while the BSC Men's Ensemble and From Age to Age men combine for Kurt Bestor's "The Prayer of the Children."

The concert concludes with a Mass Choir performance of three works: a modern arrangement of "Requiem," Eric Whitacre's "Lux Arumque," and "Elijah Rock" spiritual.

Special guests are Jubilate! of Central Dakota Children's Choir directed by Dawn Hagerott, BSC assistant professor of music. The BSC Women's Ensemble also performs.

Educational outreach forms an integral part of the From Age to Age mission. The day before the concert, members will conduct intense vocal education workshops with BSC choral students. This outreach, called The Art of Ensemble Singing," is funded in part by a grant from the BSC Foundation.

From Age to Age tours across the Upper Midwest singing in underserved rural communities and assisted living/nursing homes. The organization contributes a portion of its free-will offerings to build schools in the Middle East to promote peace through education.

General admission tickets are $8 and $4 for seniors and students. For advance tickets, contact Andrew Miller at Andrew.J.Miller.4@bismarckstate.edu.]]> Mon, 14 Feb 2011 00:00:00 GMT BSC posts record spring enrollment http://www.bismarckstate.edu/news/detail.asp?newsID=39 Bismarck State College reports a record spring enrollment for the 4th consecutive year, with 3,985 students. This is a two percent increase over last spring's total enrollment of 3,899.

The official fourth week enrollment report of Feb. 8 shows that of the total, 2,486 students are enrolled full time, and 1,499 are part-time students.

Dave Clark, BSC executive vice president, attributed BSC's continued growth to a number of factors, including the college's academic program mix of transfer courses and technical programs. "Our technical programs are geared to industry needs, so students know they are preparing for jobs that are in demand in the workplace," Clark said. "BSC's placement rate of 97% is an indication of their employability."

The tuition freeze at the state's two-year colleges, now in its second year, is helping students afford college and stay in college to complete their degree plans, he said. Clark also cited BSC's high-quality faculty, up-to-date facilities and technology, and the area's population growth as additional reasons for BSC's growth.]]> Tue, 08 Feb 2011 00:00:00 GMT BSC offers help filling out FAFSA http://www.bismarckstate.edu/news/detail.asp?newsID=38 High school students and adult learners entering college next fall must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) before they can access federal student loans.

Bismarck State College Financial Aid office representatives will offer free help during a series of "Fill Out Your FAFSA" sessions starting Feb. 15.

Prospective students and their parents can get this first step in the application process done between 5 and 7 p.m. in the BSC Library. No pre-registration is necessary.

Other "Fill Out Your FAFSA" dates are Feb. 22, March 1, 8 and 15 at the same time and location. Returning students can also be helped during these sessions. BSC's priority funding deadline for access to the most financial aid possible is March 15.

Filling out the FAFSA application requires certain documentation. Applicants should have their social security number, driver's license and federal tax and income information. If not an independent student, applicants need parents' social security numbers and 2010 federal income tax information.

For more information, contact the BSC Financial Aid office at 701-224-5494.]]> Mon, 07 Feb 2011 00:00:00 GMT Application Saturday provides head start http://www.bismarckstate.edu/news/detail.asp?newsID=37 Prospective Bismarck State College students can get help and a head start on college applications by attending Application Saturday, Feb. 12, at BSC.

Representatives from Admissions and Enrollment Services and other departments will be assembled from noon until 2 p.m. in the Student Union Prairie Room, lower level.

Attendees will receive information and counseling on completing the BSC admission form and applications for financial aid, housing, scholarships and cultural diversity tuition waiver. Parents are encouraged to attend. Transfer students are welcome, as well.

Application deadline for BSC scholarships is March 1. Deadline for financial aid priority is March 15.]]> Thu, 03 Feb 2011 00:00:00 GMT Who's Who students named http://www.bismarckstate.edu/news/detail.asp?newsID=36 Ten outstanding students from Bismarck State College have been selected as national campus leaders in the 2011 edition of "Who's Who Among Students in American Junior Colleges." Students were selected based on their academic achievement, service to the community, leadership in extracurricular activities and potential for continued success.

Trenton Bruner, DRAKE, is president and past vice president of the Postsecondary Agricultural Students Organization. He is a member of the BSC baseball team, the Christian Youth Organization and was named to the Mon-Dak Athletic Conference Academic Team. He was a volunteer at community health and career fairs, at the Drake Threshing Show and Breeder's Classic events, and was a blood drive organizer.

Cindy Buchholz, BISMARCK, is a member of the Energy Optimist Club where she has held the offices of project manager and secretary. She is involved in the Bismarck Kennel Club and is a member of Charity Lutheran Church.

Stacey Gerhardt, FLASHER, is fundraising treasurer for Phi Beta Lambda, a member of Phi Theta Kappa and a BSC Board of Governors representative. She was a volunteer for a March of Dimes fundraiser and as a Farmers Union Day School teacher.

Josh Gunter, WEBSTER, MINN., is a member of Phi Theta Kappa and serves as treasurer for the Energy Optimist Club. He conducted the induction ceremony for new Phi Theta Kappa members and was a member of the Boy Scouts for seven years.

Derek Harper, BISMARCK, is the president of the Board of Governors and a member of Drama Club, BSC Concert Choir and Men's Ensemble. He has acted in several BSC theatre productions and student directed a one-act play. He was an Irene Ryan Scholarship Nominee at the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival (KCACTF) in 2010 and was cast in the Director's Showcase at the KCACTF in 2011. He has been actively involved in Dakota Stage Ltd. and was children's theatre director for Shade Tree Players.

Dixie Miller, ELLENDALE, is a member of Phi Theta Kappa, Campus Crusade and Phi Beta Lambda and was named BSC Outstanding Student in General Administrative Assistant. She is a volunteer for Vacation Bible School, music volunteer for a nursing home and worded on a March of Dimes fundraiser.

Cody Nelson, BISMARCK, is a Phi Theta Kappa member and vice president of the Energy Optimist Club. He was named the Outstanding Student in Power Plant Technology. He has helped with toy drives for under-privileged children, and has served as a volunteer for BSC's recycling program.

Tyler Paul, BISMARCK, is president of the Engineering Technology Club and was named the 2010 Outstanding Student in Engineering. He is a member of and volunteer for the Bismarck Capital Curling Club.

Megan Toepke, NEW SALEM, is a member of Phi Theta Kappa and the BSC Women's Basketball team and was named to the Mon-Dak Athletic Conference Academic Team. She was a team leader for intramurals and a volunteer at Pee Wee Basketball Tournaments and at the New Salem Basketball Camp.

Kyle Weisbeck, HERREID, S.D., is team captain for the BSC Men's Basketball team, was named to the 3rd Team All-American Basketball and the Mon-Dak Academic Team. He served as a volunteer for the Herreid Fire Department and as a church lector.

These students join an elite group of students from more than 1,000 institutions of higher learning in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and several foreign nations.]]> Tue, 01 Feb 2011 00:00:00 GMT BookTalk delves into Indians divided by class http://www.bismarckstate.edu/news/detail.asp?newsID=32 The BookTalk discussion series at Bismarck State College carries on Sunday, Feb. 6, with "The Space Between Us" by Thrity Umrigar.

Dr. AnnMarie Kajencki, BSC professor of English, leads the discussion from 1 to 3 p.m. in the BSC Library. The book continues exploring topics within the "What Divides Us" series theme.

In this bestselling novel, the author looks at life in two Bombay households. She shows how India, even now, is ruled by class and social structure rooted in tradition and the perceived difference between the sexes.

Umrigar examines relationships in depth. While an upper-class Parsi homemaker and her female servant chat like close friends, the homemaker sits in a chair and the servant on the floor. Though separated by class, the women are united in their treatment by men, who consider all women inferior.

An Indian-American writer, Umrigar was born in Mumbai and immigrated to the United States at age 21. She is a journalist and author of three novels. Umrigar has written for the Washington Post, Cleveland Plain Dealer, Boston Globe and other newspapers. She holds a doctorate and teaches creative writing and literature at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland. Umrigar is recipient of the Nieman Fellowship to Harvard University.

BookTalk discussions are open to all. Refreshments will be served.]]> Tue, 25 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT 'Picture North Dakota!' exhibit displayed in Gannon Gallery http://www.bismarckstate.edu/news/detail.asp?newsID=33 Bismarck State College Gannon Gallery is showing photographs taken to archive life and culture for a State Historical Society of North Dakota (SHSND) project titled "Picture North Dakota!"

One hundred volunteers serving as Centennial Ambassadors coordinated the statewide project to document daily life in North Dakota the weekend of June 23-25, 1995. The project was organized to commemorate the SHSND's first 100 years.

The SHSND sent out 100 rolls of 35mm film to ambassadors, who took the pictures or arranged for a photographer. Picnics, living rooms, buildings, Main Street shopping, gardening, fieldwork and ball games were among the many subjects. One photograph from each participating county was selected for this exhibit, which runs through Feb. 15.

All photographs taken for the project are in three-ring binders accompanying the exhibit. Bob's Photo, Bismarck, donated photo enlargements. The Curtis Strand Memorial Fund through the North Dakota Heritage Foundation provided additional funding.]]> Tue, 25 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT Energy Generation Conference attracts 2,500 http://www.bismarckstate.edu/news/detail.asp?newsID=30 Bismarck's Energy Generation Conference opened its doors Jan. 25-27 to more than 2,500 energy workers, product manufacturers and service providers from 20 states and Canada.

The 32nd annual event offered the latest technology and innovation from industry leaders and experts throughout the country.

Activities began Jan. 25 when the 251 exhibitors previewed their showcase from 4:30 to 6 p.m. in the Bismarck Civic Center Exhibit Hall - the only conference event open to the public.

Keynoter Jason Makansi addressed the conference during two morning general sessions on the grand illusions and harsh realities of expanding America's electricity infrastructure. He'll did so in context of the recession, stimulus expenditures and nationwide energy crisis.

An independent consultant, Makansi has analyzed technology, business, environment and regulatory issues in electricity generation and delivery for 30 years. He has visited power plants and electrical installations around the globe. His findings have been published in countless industry magazines and three books. The most recent is titled "Lights Out: The Electricity Crisis, Global Economy, and What It Means to You."

Makansi delivered a free public program on the electricity crisis for the Visiting Scientists Series at Bismarck State College Wednesday, Jan. 26. He spoke at 7 p.m. in the BSC National Energy Center of Excellence auditorium, Room 304.

Pre-conference training sessions were scheduled all day Tuesday in electrical, engineering, and other core energy areas, plus personal and career development training. Rory Vaden, an expert in career advancement and public speaking, taught two informative sessions: "Next Generation Marketing - Making Social Media Work in 30 Minutes a Day" and "The Audience is Not in Their Underwear - The Discipline of Mastering Presentation Skills."

Professional development instruction filled Wednesday and Thursday afternoons.

BSC's Continuing Education, Training and Innovation Division (CETI) coordinates the conference, which continues to draw record attendance and train workers in key areas of energy generation, administration, and safety.

CETI receives planning assistance from an Energy Generation Conference's Executive Committee of 30 representatives from North Dakota energy-related businesses, cooperatives and agencies. For more information, visit http://info.bismarckstate.edu/ceti/energy/.]]> Mon, 24 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT BSC Theatre wins two regional awards http://www.bismarckstate.edu/news/detail.asp?newsID=31 Bismarck State College Theatre returned with two outstanding production awards from the regional Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival Jan. 18-22 at Iowa State University.

The cast of "Comic Potential" received an Award of Merit for ensemble acting from the festival selection team that viewed the play last fall. Erin Drevlow, guest dialect and movement coach, earned an Award of Merit for composing the "actoids" robotic gestures in Alan Ayckbourn's futuristic satire of television.

The BSC play was among several award-winning productions by two- and four-year colleges in a seven-state region.

Brittany Kuhn of Mandan and Mercer Sage of Bismarck performed in the Director's Showcase. They were selected by audition from a field of 300 students.

"Comic Potential" actors, Ashley Clooten and Derek Harper of Bismarck, performed prepared monologues for the Irene Ryan Audition contest. ACTF judges chose them last fall to vie for awards and scholarships.

For the first time, BSC fielded a technical team for the festival's Stage Crew Showdown. Theatre Director Dan Rogers said the crew "rocked the house and put BSC's technical theatre program on the map in a big way. The team consistently surprised judges and viewers."

Twelve colleges mounted stage crews, and BSC was the only two-year college that competed.

The Stage Crew Showdown is basically a stagehand Olympics, said Dean Bellin, technical theatre director. Students perform relays, place and strike sets and props, focus lights, tie knots and more in timed events for quality points.

Bellin has worked to expand BSC's technical theatre option the past three years. His four top students competed at ACTF: Tim Rosen, Jack Golden and Jesse Schumaker, all of Bismarck, and Chelsea Brown of Mandan.

"This was a big step in building the program and challenging our students with highly technical skills," Bellin said. "That's what technical theater is - practical hands-on engineering. It also involves a great deal of creativity."]]> Mon, 24 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT Visiting scientist analyzes electrical industry http://www.bismarckstate.edu/news/detail.asp?newsID=28 The 2011 Visiting Scientists Series at Bismarck State College presents "Lights Out - the Coming Electricity Crisis, " a public program set for Wednesday, Jan. 26, in the BSC National Energy Center of Excellence.

Guest scientist Jason Makansi begins his presentation at 7 p.m. in the Basin Electric Auditorium, Room 304.

Makansi is a chemical engineer and consultant to the energy industry. For 30 years, he has been analyzing the technological, environmental and regulatory issues of electricity production and delivery. He has visited power plants and infrastructure installations around the globe.

In his third book, "Lights Out: The Electricity Crisis, the Global Economy, and What It Means to You," Makansi discusses problems with the U.S. electrical transmission system. Where are we headed? Where should we be going? He covers roles from upper management and government to the individual consumer.

Makansi is president of Pearl Street, Inc. in St. Louis, principal of Pearl Street Liquidity Advisors, and executive director of the Coalition to Advance Renewable Energy through Bulk Storage. As an independent consultant, he has advised Fortune 500 companies and garage-based start-ups. He also has been interviewed on CNBC, NPR and has written countless articles for industry magazines.

The Visiting Scientists Series is sponsored by BSC, Bismarck Public Schools, Gateway to Science, Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, St. Mary's Central High School, U.S. Geological Survey, University of Mary, and North Dakota Society of Professional Engineers. Visit gatewaytoscience.org or call 701-258-1975 for more information.]]> Fri, 14 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT Energy Generation Conference set for Jan. 25-27 http://www.bismarckstate.edu/news/detail.asp?newsID=27 A short time remains to register for the Energy Generation Conference (EGC) in Bismarck, the upper Midwest's premier training and exhibitor event for people involved in the energy industry.

The conference runs Jan. 25-27 at the Bismarck Civic Center. Registrations should be in by Friday, Jan. 14, to avoid the $10 late fee.

Sponsored by Bismarck State College and coordinated by its Continuing Education, Training & Innovation (CETI) division, the 32nd annual conference will focus on "Electricity Infrastructure: Illusion Versus Reality."

All-day training on energy topics takes place Jan. 25. Professional development sessions are scheduled Jan. 26-27, along with keynote presenter Jason Makansi of Pearl Street Inc., St. Louis.

Makansi is an electrical industry consultant, engineer, author and editor. He has been analyzing the technological, business and regulatory issues in electricity production and delivery for more than 25 years.

Online registration forms can be filled out at http://info.bismarckstate.edu/ceti/energy/. For more information, call CETI at 877-846-9387.]]> Fri, 07 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT BookTalk begins Jan. 9 at BSC http://www.bismarckstate.edu/news/detail.asp?newsID=24 The BookTalk 2011 discussions at Bismarck State College begin Sunday, Jan. 9, with Hillary Jordan's "Mudbound."

The book series is organized around the theme, "What Divides Us" - race, religion, caste, class, gender, and more. Discussion takes place from 1 to 3 p.m. on selected Sundays in the BSC Library.

Dr. Janelle Masters, dean of academic affairs, leads participants through Jordan's award-winning debut novel set on a cotton farm in the Mississippi Delta during the 1940s. Readers see a world of racism, prejudice and hardship through the eyes of six characters, which take turns narrating the story.

"Mudbound" won the Bellwether Prize for Fiction in 2006. The award recognizes an author's first unpublished debut novel that addresses social justice issues. A page-turner spoken in unflinching prose, "Mudbound" mixes history, tragedy and love to create an indelible story of fierce survival.

BookTalk is open to all. Each session has a discussion leader and concludes with refreshments. Other books and dates in the series are "The Space Between Us" by Thrity Umrigar on Feb. 6 and "The Book of Dead Birds" by Gayle Brandeis on March 6.
]]> Tue, 04 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT Scholars discuss Custer battle legacy for Bismarck http://www.bismarckstate.edu/news/detail.asp?newsID=25 Conversations at BSC continues Sunday, Jan. 9, with a look at Lt. Col. George A. Custer's time at Fort Abraham Lincoln and Bismarck's legacy from the Battle of the Little Big Horn.

The conversation between humanities scholar Clay Jenkinson and BSC President Larry C. Skogen, a history specialist, begins at 3 p.m. in the Bismarck State College Sidney J. Lee Auditorium.

During this conversation, Jenkinson and Skogen will parse the events that led to Custer's departure for Montana with the Seventh Cavalry on May 17, 1876. Sunday's program also will continue discussions exchanged between the two scholars as they walked the battlefield together nearly two years ago.

"We in Bismarck have an intimate connection to the battle," Skogen said. "The expedition launched from here, this city received the first word of the encounter, and a Bismarck Tribune reporter was killed covering it."

Skogen, who had a 26-year military career, taught a Custer section in his western history course at the U.S. Air Force Academy. He said they plan to talk about Sitting Bull and other players to create an historical background for trying to make sense of why, 150 years later, the Battle of the Little Big Horn is such an emotive topic for people.

The program is free and open to the public and funded in part by the North Dakota Humanities Council. For more information on Conversations at BSC, visit http://www.bsctalk.com/ or call 224-5600.]]> Tue, 04 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT Family bluegrass band plays BSC http://www.bismarckstate.edu/news/detail.asp?newsID=22 The Chapmans of Missouri headline the sixth annual Bluegrass Blizzard Weekend Jan. 7-8 on the Bismarck State College campus.

Two evening concerts by the international bluegrass champions are scheduled Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m. in Sidney J. Lee Auditorium, Schafer Hall.

Opening Friday's show is Spiritwood Creek, a bluegrass-country-gospel group from Jamestown and Spiritwood Lake. Cotton Wood, a Washburn-based band, opens the Saturday concert.

The Chapmans are a family band in the tradition of the Whites, Stanleys and other bluegrass bloodlines. They've been touring together for nearly two decades and gained the national spotlight in 1998 by taking the Society for the Preservation of Bluegrass Music in America's (SPBGMA) international bluegrass band championship.

Three brothers - John, Jeremy and Jason - and dad Bill Chapman employ instrumental arrangements and vocals that enhance the song rather than overpower it. The band's artistic formula crosses several musical genres that appeal to a wide range of audiences.

Their critically acclaimed first independent album, "Love's Gonna' Live Here" led to a contract and four more recordings. "Grown Up, " the band's fifth album, debuts in February. Their second and third recordings received nominations for the SPBGMA Album of the Year and inspired their Emerging Artist of the Year honor from the International Bluegrass Music Association in 2002.

The Chapmans musical journey began when a teen-age John Chapman won a junior fiddle contest. Inspired by John's music interest, his dad, Bill, took up the banjo. The two started a bluegrass band with friends. John eventually switched to guitar and sang lead vocals. When his brothers Jeremy and Jason took up mandolin and bass, the family hobby turned full-time. Over the years John Chapman has received three awards as SPBGMA's Guitar Performer of the Year.

Bluegrass workshops with The Chapmans are scheduled Saturday, Jan. 8, from 2-4 p.m. in the BSC Leach Music Center. Cost is $5 with no pre-registration required. Bring your instruments for workshops in fiddle, guitar, mandolin, bass and banjo. Other activities include Harmony class and Song-writing class. Participants will learn a bluegrass song.

The Chapmans perform a free community concert Friday, Jan. 7, in New Salem from 10:15 to 11 a.m. at the high school.

General admission tickets for the BSC evening concerts are $15. They can be purchased in Bismarck at Eckroth Music, String Bean, Jacobsen Music, and Night Life Music; in Washburn at Chase Drug and Java Rose; in Center at Corner Express; or at the door, if available. For more information, contact Jill Wiese at 701-315-0017.]]> Fri, 17 Dec 2010 00:00:00 GMT BSC state Ag Roundup set for Jan. 8 http://www.bismarckstate.edu/news/detail.asp?newsID=23 The Bismarck State College Agriculture, Technology & Natural Resources program holds its statewide Ag Roundup for 4-H and Future Farmers of America members Saturday, Jan. 8.

Registration begins at 8:30 a.m. CST in the main lobby of the new Bismarck Public Schools Career Academy at 1221 College Drive on the BSC campus.

High school students from throughout North Dakota will hear presentations on how to judge crops and livestock and prepare for Ag sales. Leaders in the agriculture industry will lead the sessions that include current and future careers in agriculture.

Judging events run concurrently from 9 to 11 a.m. Visiting students also will tour the Career Academy, where Agriculture, Technology & Natural Resources and three other BSC programs now operate.

BSC Ag faculty members hold the Roundup to prepare young people for upcoming judging contests that take place every weekend until March. They culminate in the state Crop and Livestock Judging Contest at the Winter Show in Valley City.

For more information, contact Carmel Miller by e-mail, Carmel.Miller@bsc.nodak.edu, or by calling 701-224-5557.]]> Fri, 17 Dec 2010 00:00:00 GMT Adults 50 and better invited to OLLI@UND open house http://www.bismarckstate.edu/news/detail.asp?newsID=21 Bismarck area learners over 50 may join instructors for the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute of the University of North Dakota (OLLI@UND) in an open house and course preview Thursday, Jan. 6, at Bismarck State College.

BSC, in collaboration with UND, hosts the open house from 4 to 6 p.m. in Room 101 of the National Energy Center of Excellence on the BSC campus. OLLI@UND in Bismarck winter course information and registration will be available.

OLLI@UND is a membership organization for those 50 and over who want to experience cultural and social growth through learning and sharing ideas, opinions, and talents.

Classes begin Jan. 24. Topics include poetry, the Supreme Court, paleontology, genealogy research, energy development in North Dakota, and Abraham Lincoln. Programs are purely for enjoyment without tests, grades or need for prior college experience.

For information, call BSC Continuing Education, Training and Innovation at 224-5600. For a complete list of winter 2011 courses, instructor profiles, events and day trips, see http://olli.und.edu/bismarck/.]]> Wed, 15 Dec 2010 00:00:00 GMT Steinbeck program featured at BSC http://www.bismarckstate.edu/news/detail.asp?newsID=20 The Conversations at BSC series presents "John Steinbeck's America (and North Dakota)" Sunday, Dec. 12, on the Bismarck State College campus.

Scholar Clay Jenkinson and Bismarck State College President Larry C. Skogen will dialogue at 3 p.m. in Sidney J. Lee Auditorium, Schafer Hall.

Author John Steinbeck wrote about his visit through North Dakota in "Travels with Charley." The scholars will explore what Steinbeck said about his new impressions of the Midwest and the Missouri River bridge between Bismarck and Mandan.

"Travels with Charley" is a one-man one-dog account of a 10,000-mile expedition through 38 states in a truck fitted with a "house." In 1960, Steinbeck left the insularity of New York City to recapture his rugged experience of America. Passages recount his love for Montana and rediscovery of San Francisco and California, his home state.

More programs are scheduled Jan. 9, March 13 and May 15. Visit the Conversations at BSC website at bsctalk.com or contact BSC Continuing Education, Training and Innovation at 224-5600 for more information.]]> Wed, 08 Dec 2010 00:00:00 GMT Great River Energy honored for support of BSC http://www.bismarckstate.edu/news/detail.asp?newsID=19 Great River Energy received the Region VIII Benefactor Award for its support of Bismarck State College at an awards banquet in Washington D.C. Nov. 5.

The Community College Benefactor Award, given by the Council for Resource Development, is the only national recognition of philanthropists to two-year higher education institutions.

Gordon Binek, executive director of the BSC Foundation, said Great River
Energy's role as an industry partner to BSC is exemplary.

"They understand the importance of addressing current issues, trends and best practices in technical education," said Binek. "Their donations of equipment, job shadowing programs, post-secondary training and advisory committee involvement have made a dramatic impact on the quality of education here at BSC."

GRE has provided support to BSC through cash and equipment contributions, and countless hours of employee volunteer time. The company's Coal Creek and Stanton plants have worked closely with the college to ensure first-rate education for BSC students and training for GRE employees, he said.

"John Weeda, plant manager at Coal Creek Station, has told me a number of times he considers the partnership a great return on investment for GRE," Binek said.

This national award is given annually to donors from ten regions throughout the U.S. and Canada who make outstanding contributions to community college efforts. The Council for Resource Development is an affiliate of the American Association of Community Colleges. ]]> Wed, 01 Dec 2010 00:00:00 GMT BSC students can study in Norway http://www.bismarckstate.edu/news/detail.asp?newsID=18 Bismarck State College students have the opportunity to study in Norway during the 2011 fall semester.

Arranged in collaboration with the University of North Dakota, BSC's study abroad program began in 2007 under leadership of Dr. Amy Juhala, associate professor of English.

Juhala will hold an informational meeting at 3 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 2, in the BSC Library, Room 120. A student who participated in the program will speak about his experiences, and a UND study abroad adviser will answer questions.

Study takes place at American College of Norway in Moss, a city in southern Norway near the Swedish border. Students earn North Dakota University System credits and pay U.S. tuition, board and room. Classes are taught in English by UND faculty.

For more information contact Amy Juhala at 224-5760 or Amy.Juhala@bsc.nodak.edu. Visit americancollege.no/New/ to learn more about the American College of Norway.]]> Mon, 29 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMT BSC wins international award for adult education http://www.bismarckstate.edu/news/detail.asp?newsID=17 Bismarck State College received recognition from the Council for Adult and Experiential Learning (CAEL) at its international conference Nov. 11 in San Diego, Calif.

The college earned CAEL's 2010 Institutional Service Award for expansion of lifelong learning opportunities and innovation to improve access and quality of academic programs for adult learners. Larry C. Skogen, BSC president, accepted the award on behalf of BSC.

Accomplishments cited included BSC's development of education and training for the energy industry, online courses with interactive simulations to enhance learning, and development of the online bachelor's degree in energy management.

Other accomplishments noted were BSC's non-credit workforce training programs as part of Train ND and partnerships with other colleges for adults earning four-year degrees on the BSC campus.

BSC's affiliation with the CAEL-administered Energy Providers Coalition for Education (EPCE) also helped expand BSC's adult programs. Both BSC and EPCE shared the vision to find new ways to serve adult learners while serving needs of industry. BSC brought the coalition 24 years experience in energy education. The EPCE network gave BSC opportunity to expand into Electric Power and Nuclear Power markets and to provide curriculum to a national pool of energy industry employees.

CAEL is a nonprofit international organization whose services provide solutions for business, higher education and community and workforce development.]]> Wed, 24 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMT BSC Campus Read presents film event http://www.bismarckstate.edu/news/detail.asp?newsID=16
On Tuesday, Nov. 23, the campus and community can view a free showing of the movie "Bend It Like Beckham" at 6:30 p.m. in Sidney J. Lee Auditorium, Schafer Hall.

BSC students, faculty and staff are reading Warren St. John's "Outcasts United: An American Town, a Refugee Team, and One Woman's Quest to Make a Difference." St. John writes for the New York Times, the New Yorker, New York Observer, Wired and Slate. He will speak at BSC in April.

"Outcasts United" is the story of what happened when three disparate elements - a rancorous town, a team of refugee outcasts and a female Muslim coach - come together in a kind of impromptu social experiment. The book is about resilience, personal empowerment and creating community against all odds.

Luma Mufleh, the transforming coach of the refugee soccer team, spoke Nov. 9 at BSC on "Changing the World One Game at a Time."]]> Mon, 22 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMT BSC Alumni Association seeks nominations http://www.bismarckstate.edu/news/detail.asp?newsID=15 The Bismarck State College Alumni Association seeks nominations for the 2011 Alumni of the Year award and Rising Star award.

These awards honor alumni for distinguished service, career success and/or leadership. Recipients will be honored May 12 during the Alumni Recognition Dinner.

The nominee must be a BJC/BSC graduate, but anyone can make a nomination. Deadline for submitting nominations is Dec. 6. An awards committee will review nominations and forward finalist names to the alumni board.

Nomination forms are available online or by e-mailing Rita.Nodland@bsc.nodak.edu.]]> Fri, 19 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMT Phil Padgett named ND Professor of the Year http://www.bismarckstate.edu/news/detail.asp?newsID=14
Padgett was honored Nov. 18 with other state and national winners in Washington, D.C. at an awards luncheon and congressional reception.

U.S. Professors of the Year is the only national program to recognize excellence in undergraduate teaching and mentoring. Padgett was chosen from more than 300 top professors nationwide. Judges rated nominations by colleges in four areas:

• Impact on and involvement with students (25 percent)
• Scholarly approach to teaching and learning (25 percent)
• Contributions to education in the college, community and profession (25 percent)
• Support from colleagues and current and former students (25 percent).

Padgett was first hired in 2005 to design and develop online courses for launch of BSC's Nuclear Power Technology program. He also taught Nuclear Power courses and is now assistant professor, National Energy Center of Excellence (NECE) at BSC. Padgett additionally teaches Power Plant Technology courses on campus.

Testimonial letters from students, colleagues and NECE administrators supported Padgett's nomination. They describe his highly effective, innovative teaching methods, wide-ranging knowledge of the energy workplace, outstanding dedication to student learning, mentoring and coaching students on career topics, and hands-on approach that integrates "real life," one-on-one, role play and project-based teaching methods.

"Phil has been a key contributor to the success of BSC's energy programs," said Kari Knudson, vice president, NECE. "He has consistently engaged students and masterfully delivers instruction on technical topics."

With a colleague, Padgett used data from power plants and refineries coordinated with the U.S. government's Instructional Design System model, to standardize BSC's energy technology curriculum. The curriculum is now owned by BSC and directly supports people in the workplace.

Padgett had a 30-year career in the Navy. He graduated with a B.S. in marine engineering and naval architecture from the U.S. Naval Academy and has a master's degree in education from Idaho State University in human resource training and development. He has worked as a consultant in data base design and management and education curriculum. Padgett expects to complete a doctorate in teaching and learning in higher education at the University of North Dakota in 2011.

CASE and the Carnegie Foundation have offered the U.S. Professors of the Year awards program since 1981. This year, there are 46 state winners. ]]> Thu, 18 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMT