NDSCS News

Students Build Marathon Wheel Chair

Tue, 15 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT

North Dakota State College of Science students in Fargo have built a wheel chair specifically for the Fargo Marathon.

The wheel chair was built for Lindsey Hively who was injured in an accident several years ago. Her athletic background has kept her active through her long recovery process. Brittany Lorentz trains with Hively and is set to push the wheel chair this weekend.

Custom built to Lindsey and Brittany's modifications; the chair is lighter, faster, and can stand up to the marathon conditions that a normal wheel chair wouldn't be able to handle.

This is not the first time NDSCS students have built a special wheel chair for the marathon. They completed a chair for a Fargo fire fighter in 2009 that raced in the marathon.

Lindsey and Brittany have been training and are looking forward to Saturdays race. All though they have never been in a Marathon, they have finished previous races.

>>View full story

>>Additional Video

Wildcats hammer their way to Regionals

Tue, 08 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT

NDSCS counts 49 home runs, as they wrap up the regular season at Jenny Guyer Tournament and head to the Region XIII Tournament.

The Wildcats of NDCSCS finished with two wins and one loss at the Jen Guyer Tournament in Grand Rapids this Saturday, putting their record at 25-10 for the regular season. They defeated Hibbing Community College, 10-1 then lost to Northland by one run, 6-7 but then finished the day winning over Central Lakes, 5-0.

The Wildcats added 7 home runs to their season total, making for a possible DIII record. For the day, Stacey Braun was 5 of 8 with a home run while Kaylee Pender also went 5 of 8 with 7 RBI’s and two home runs. Alyssa Clift was 4 of 8 at bat with one home run and Laura Lindau also counted for a homer. Karlie Manton was 5 of 9 at the plate with two home runs and 5 RBI’s.

Manton also pitched the last game following Carmen Malmstrom pitching the first two games.

The Wildcats are now 25-10 for the season and next games will be at the Region XIII Tournament in Grand Rapids, Minnesota. The Wildcats will first take on Hibbing Community College the first round of the tournament, which will be at 10 am. If they win, they will play the winner of the game between Itasca Community College and Rainy River Community College following thier first game.

Cats keep winning, take down No. 6 Itasca CC

Mon, 30 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMT

The North Dakota College of Science fast pitch softball team has now pushed their record to 19-9 after the North-South Cross-Over tournament this past weekend. The Wildcats had a successful Sunday of three games going 3-0, against No. 6 Itasca Community College (6-1), Hibbing Community College (8-4), and Riverland Community College (8-0).

After the first day the tournament got cancelled with a rain delay, Karlie Manton, Fort Worth, TX, pitched all three games on Sunday for a total of 20 innings at the mound. Manton had 13 strikeouts and five walks and completed her day at the plate going 3-9 with 6 RBI’s and two home runs. Kaylee Pender, Glyndon, Minn., went 6-9 with 6 RBI’s and one home run.

Katie Goetzinger, Caledonia, Minn., as well as Laura Lindau, White Bear Lake, Minn., were 4-9 at the plate. Stacey Braun from Altona, MAN,Canada, was 3-8, as she counted for four RBI’s and three walks.

The Wildcats have a 9 game win streak going, one in which was against the number six nationally ranked Itasca CC. These games were big wins for NDSCS as they close in on Conference play. The next and final home games are on Wednesday, May 2 and Thursday, May 3 at 3pm, 5pm, 11am, and 1 pm.

Top 120 Community Colleges in Country includes NDSCS

Mon, 30 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMT

NDSCS President John Richman announced today that the College has been named as one of the nation’s top 120 community colleges by the Aspen Institute College Excellence Program. The College will now be eligible to compete for a $1 million fund for the 2013 Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence.

The Aspen Institute identified the 120 community colleges -- 10 percent of all institutions -- using a quantitative formula that assesses performance and improvement in four areas: graduation rates, degrees awarded, student retention rates, and equity in student outcomes. These colleges will now compete for the prestigious honor following a year-long research process into how well their students learn, complete degrees, and get jobs with competitive wages after graduating. A full list of the 120 community colleges is available at www.AspenCCPrize.org. Prize winners will be announced in March 2013.

“Through the remarkable efforts of the NDSCS faculty and staff, the College is honored to have been named as one of the top 120 community colleges in the country,” said John Richman, NDSCS president. “Student success is our priority when it comes to how well students learn, student retention, graduation rates, graduation placement with competitive salaries, and student outcomes; it is truly humbling to be honored for these measurable, quantifiable results.”

The first inaugural Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence was awarded to the 70,000-student Valencia College (Orlando, Florida) in December 2011. It was the first broad national recognition of extraordinary accomplishments at individual community colleges. Some seven million students – youth and adult learners – enroll in America’s nearly 1,200 public and private community colleges every year.

“The success of our nation’s community colleges is more important than ever before,” said Aspen Institute College Excellence Program Executive Director Josh Wyner, who recently announced the names of the 120 top community colleges at the annual convention of the American Association of Community Colleges in Orlando, Florida. “At a time when a college degree is essential to entering the middle class, community colleges like NDSCS offer the most promising path to education and employment for literally millions of Americans. This competition spotlights excellence and we encourage NDSCS to apply for the nation’s top community college prize to help raise the bar for all community colleges to improve student achievement and better prepare the next generation for the job market after college.”

North Dakota State College of Science and 119 other community colleges will be winnowed to eight-to-ten finalists in September based on how much students learn, how many complete their programs on time, and how well students do in the job market after graduating.

NDSCS is now eligible to submit an application containing detailed data on these criteria. It must demonstrate that it delivers exceptional student results, uses data to drive decisions, and continually improves over time.

The Aspen Institute will conduct site visits to each of the finalists in the fall. A distinguished Prize Jury co-chaired by John Engler, president of Business Roundtable, former Michigan Governor, and former president of the National Association of Manufacturers and Richard Riley, former South Carolina Governor and U.S. Secretary of Education, will select a grand prize winner and four runners-up, to be announced in March 2013.

“American employers have jobs open right now but lack enough skilled, educated workers to fill them,” Engler said. “The job training programs at community colleges must play a central role in filling those gaps and preparing the American workforce. Community colleges’ success will help determine whether and in what sectors America will continue to lead in the global economy.”

While every community college faces challenges, particularly in today’s economic climate, Secretary Riley underscored the importance of improving outcomes for community college students, the majority of whom are underrepresented minorities, “Many community colleges across this country are doing an excellent job of boosting student success, but we need to encourage all community colleges achieve excellence. When students learn more, graduate or transfer to four-year institutions, and get competitive-wage jobs after college, it helps everyone - students, employers and our nation’s economy as a whole.”

The Aspen Prize is funded by America Achieves, Bank of America Charitable Foundation, Bloomberg Philanthropies, Joyce Foundation, JPMorgan Chase Foundation, W.K. Kellogg Foundation, and Lumina Foundation for Education.



The Aspen College Excellence Program aims to identify and replicate campus-wide practices that significantly improve college student outcomes. Through the Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence, the New College Leadership Project and other initiatives, the College Excellence Program works to improve colleges’ understanding and capacity to teach and graduate students, especially the growing population of low-income and minority students on American campuses. For more information, visit http://www.aspeninstitute.org/policy-work/aspen-prize.



The Aspen Institute mission is twofold: to foster values-based leadership, encouraging individuals to reflect on the ideals and ideas that define a good society, and to provide a neutral and balanced venue for discussing and acting on critical issues. The Aspen Institute does this primarily in four ways: seminars, young-leader fellowships around the globe, policy programs, and public conferences and events. The Institute is based in Washington, DC; Aspen, Colorado; and on the Wye River on Maryland's Eastern Shore. It also has an international network of partners. For more information, visit www.aspeninstitute.org.

Wildcat Softball on six game win streak

Fri, 27 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMT

The North Dakota State College of Science softball team is on a six game win streak as they blew through the competition on the weekend, April 21 and 22 taking on Dakota College at Bottineau (DCB) in back to back double headers at Bottineau, the Wildcats won 3 of 4 games (0-9, 5-0, 11-4, and 17-10). On Wednesday, April 25 the Cats put on a scoring clinic against Bismarck State College (BSC) and won all three games in 5 Innings (10-2, 26-1, and 19-0).

In the games against DCB, Laura Lindau led the Cats offensively going 8 for 14 with three home runs and 9 RBI’s. Stacey Braun was another contributor with the bats with three doubles while going 8 for 13. Kaylee Pender went 6 for 12 while Brandi Schammel and Karlie Manton both went 6 of 13.

Against BSC, the Wildcats took it to the Lady Mystics by only allowing them three runs on the day compared to their own 55 runs scored. Offense was not a problem with freshman Katie Goetzinger leading the team for the day going 6 -11, including three home runs, two doubles, and 7 RBI’s. Clean-up hitter batter Stacey Braun was busy with hits as well with three doubles, two home runs, and 6 RBI’s going 5-13. Kaylee Pender also showed her presence by going 6-13, with two doubles and four RBI’s. Brandi Schammel and Alysa Clift both hit one out of the park.

The Wildcats are now 16-9 on the season and have won six straight. NDSCS hopes to keep the streak alive this weekend as they travel to Austin, MN for a two day North-South Cross-Over tournament. The Cats are scheduled to face Vermillion CC, Northland CTC, Itasca CC (6), Hibbing CC, and Riverland CC.

Cats win four of six in past week

Mon, 23 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMT

The North Dakota State College of Science softball team played six games last week, a triple-header against Bismarck State College (BCC) and Dawson Community College (DCC). The Wildcats handled BSC in all three (16-4, 14-0 and 15-1) and won one of three against DCC (0-10, 1-13, and 3-1).

The Cats didn’t have much trouble taking down the BSC Mystics last Tuesday as they won all three games in five innings with the 8-run rule. The bats for the Wildcats were successful as they took on the Division II team. Leading for NDSCS was sophomore Stacey Braun, Altona, MAN, Canada, going 4-8 from the plate. Freshman catcher Kaylee Pender, Glyndon, Minn., helped with an impressive six RBI’s going 6-9. Alyssa Clift, a freshman from Breckenridge, Minn., had the single home run for the day, while going 2-6 at the plate.

The defense was consistent and only allowed five runs on the day, compared to their own 45. The following day was more of a challenge against the Divison I Dawson team.

Offensively in the games against DCC, leadoff batter and center fielder Laura Lindau, White Bear Lake, Minn., went 3-8 counting for two doubles. Braun had another productive day hitting and went 5-7.

DCC had some hard hitters, but freshman pitcher Karlie Manton, Fort Worth, Tex., had four strike-outs, and only gave up one run off of three hits, which the Wildcats won 3-1.

“[Manton] was great today. She pitched twice yesterday and got two wins, too,” Mattson said. “[Dawson] got used to [Game 1 and 2 starter] Brandi [Schammel] and getting used to a different pitcher helped us. Her change-up was really on.”

NDSCS (10-8) plays this Saturday, when they head west to face Dakota College of Bottineau in a conference set.

Irwin Signs with NDSCS women’s basketball team

Sun, 22 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Wahpeton High School senior and basketball standout Tawny Irwin signed her letter of intent Wednesday, committing to play for the North Dakota State College of Science women’s basketball team.

Irwin was joined at the signing by her parents, former NDSCS men’s basketball coach Craig Irwin and Darla Thimjon, NDSCS women’s basketball coach Paulette Stein and Wahpeton girls basketball coach Brian Watson.

“I’m really excited. I think it’s a good fit for me”, Irwin said of her decision to play right across the street at Science School. “I’m going to keep working hard, and hopefully that will get me a lot of playing time and help me move forward in basketball.”

A five-foot 10 guard, Irwin averaged 12 points and nearly three rebounds per game in her senior season, and led the Eastern Dakota Conference in free throw accuracy at 82 percent. She is a two-time All-EDC selection.

“I’m excited with what Tawny can bring to our Lady Wildcat basketball program," Stein said. “She has real basketball character, and how hard she plays is the most important thing. Those intangibles are big difference makers in my book.”

Irwin will also play in the upcoming North Dakota Lions All-Star game, a showdown between Class A and Class B’s best players.

Kaylin Sheets honored as All-American

Fri, 20 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMT

One of the most talented basketball players to play for the North Dakota State College of Science women’s basketball team has been awarded the prestigious National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) All-American honor. Kaylin Sheets, a guard out of Moffit, N.D., was recognized with the All-American Honorable Mention award this week.

In her stellar career at NDSCS, Kaylin Sheets wrapped up many significant accomplishments. As a freshman, Sheets was named to the All-Region XIII Team and also named Conference Player of the Week the week of January 30th. As a sophomore, Sheets was named to the All-Region XIII Tournament Team and again named to the All-Region XIII Team. Within the Mon-Dak Conference, Sheets earned First-Team honors and led the Lady Wildcats as the scoring leader with 15.6 points and 5.6 rebounds per game. After 31 games, Sheets was one of the top five scorers in the conference and number three in assists with 4.2 assists per game.

Sheets was able to show her brilliance in the classroom as well by becoming a two-time Mon-Dak Conference All-Academic recipient and a two-time President’s Honor Roll awardee. She will graduate this spring with an Associate of Arts degree in Liberal Arts.

Kaylin Sheets becomes the 14th women’s basketball player to have received the NJCAA Basketball All-American honor. She is the ninth All-American to be coached by Paulette Stein in her nine years at NDSCS.

Tommy Woolridge recieves All-American Honors

Fri, 20 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMT

NDSCS Men’s basketball player, Tommy Woolridge, has been named to the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) All-American Team. Woolridge, a sophomore at North Dakota State College of Science in Wahpeton, N.D., made the All-American Honorable Mention list this week. The award is the highest honor presented by the NJCAA.

Tommy Woolridge earned many accolades during the 2011-2012 season. He was named the Pre-Season Mon-Dak Tournament MVP, First-Team Mon-Dak All-Conference and was also named to the All-Region Team. Tommy led the Wildcats to the Region XIII Championship with 29 points. For his efforts he was named Region XIII Tournament MVP. The Chicago, Ill. native led the Wildcats in scoring, averaging 17.6 points per game while averaging 4.4 rebounds.

Woolridge is the 24th NDSCS player to receive an NJCAA Basketball All-American award. Tommy is the 12th All-American to be coached by NDSCS Scott Schumacher – his fourth while at NDSCS.

The Wildcats finished the season ranked No. 11 in the NJCAA polls with a 27-5 record and won their conference title for the 27th time in program history. They were also Region XIII champions for the 17th time.

Dorgan and Casad to be honored at commencement

Mon, 16 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Along with the 2012 graduating class, NDSCS will honor two North Dakotans at its annual commencement ceremony on May 11 in Wahpeton, N.D. U.S. Senator Byron Dorgan will receive an Honorary Associate Degree and Dr. Rodney Casad will receive the title of Department Chair Emeritus.

Senator Dorgan was raised in Regent, N.D., and served as a Congressman and Senator for North Dakota for 30 years before retiring from the U.S. Senate in 2011. He served in the Senate Leadership for 16 years, first as Assistant Democratic Floor Leader and then as Chairman of the Democratic Policy Committee. While in the Senate, he served on the Commerce, Energy, and Appropriations committees. He was chairman of Senate Committees and Subcommittees on the issues of Indian Affairs, Energy, Aviation, and Energy and Water Appropriations. He is now active in his post-senate life teaching, speaking, consulting, writing, and much more. He is a visiting professor at two universities lecturing on energy, economic policy, and political affairs. He works part-time as a senior policy advisor with the Washington, District of Columbia law firm Arent Fox. He is also a senior fellow with the Bipartisan Policy Center, working primarily on energy issues. He is chairing a new program at the Aspen Institute, which focuses on improving the lives of Native American children with an emphasis on teen suicide prevention.

Senator Dorgan is also the author of two books. The first is a New York Times bestseller, "Take this Job and Ship It"; and a second book, "Reckless…How Debt, Deregulation and Dark Money Nearly Bankrupted America (And How We Can Fix It". He has a bachelor’s degree from the University of North Dakota and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Denver.



Rodney Casad, D.D.S., is a native North Dakotan born and raised in McVille. Dr. Casad attended the University of North Dakota, and received his Bachelor of Science and Doctor of Dental Surgery degrees from the University of Minnesota in 1960. Upon graduation, he entered the United States Army Dental Corps, serving two years at Fort Knox, Ky. He began private practice in Elbow Lake, Minn. in 1962, and in 1966 he accepted a faculty appointment at what was then called the North Dakota State School of Science, as Director of the Dental Hygiene Program.



Dr. Casad served 28 years as the dental department’s supervising dentist and department chair, retiring in 1994. In the course of his 28 years, the dental department’s graduates dramatically changed the face of dental treatment in offices throughout North Dakota and its surrounding states. He was actively involved in his profession at the state and national level, holding membership in the North Dakota Dental Association, the American Dental Association, and Fellowship in the International College of Dentists. He served as a consultant for the ADA’s Commission on Dental Accreditation and as a member of the Dental Assisting Accreditation Review Committee. He was a research investigator for clinical trials held by Merck, Beecham, and Proctor & Gamble, among others.



The graduation ceremony honoring these two North Dakotans will be held on Friday, May 11, at 3 p.m. at the Clair T. Blikre Activities Center on the NDSCS campus in Wahpeton, N.D.