A new tradition on the University of North Dakota campus will begin on May 12.
For the first time, “legacy” students will be honored at spring commencement with a specific cord to recognize the connection they share with their family members who have graduated before them.
Katie Crook, Boulder, Colo., a third-generation graduate, sees the new tradition as a way to express the UND pride on which she was raised.
“I could not be more proud to be graduating from that college and becoming another member of my family to graduate from UND,” she said.
Students with UND graduates in their family history (parents, step-parents or grandparents) are considered legacies. Undergraduate and graduate students are eligible. (Professional degree graduates will be honored in different ways through their ceremonies.)
Katie’s father, Tim, ’71, ’73, is proud of Katie’s nursing degree, and also loves what the cords represent and the memories they bring back. His father, William E. Crook, graduated from UND in 1943, and Tim says he was “very proud of being a UND graduate.” While William was here, he lived at Camp Depression, free student housing for students willing to do manual labor.
William, Tim and Katie aren’t the only Crooks relatives to graduate from UND. Tim also has an aunt, uncle, brother and two sisters who have graduated from UND, with two master’s degrees in the mix.
“We’ve received a great response to the availability of the legacy cords,” said Sarah Kotelnicki, ’03, Director of Alumni Relations at UND Alumni Association & Foundation. “In several cases, alums, parents, grandparents and students themselves have become emotional about the opportunity to honor their family ties within their individual accomplishment.”
“A Year on the Plains” Solo Art Exhibit by Therese Masters Jacobson
Masters Jacobson’s acrylic paintings survey the landscape including its denizens as she interprets them. Her works may be found in collections throughout the Midwest and from coast to coast.
Through May 25th
Campbell Library
422 4th St NW
East Grand Forks, MN 56721
Contact:
218-773-9121
Cynthia Lindquist, Cankdeska Cikana Community College president, to receive UND alumni award
University of North Dakota alumna and president of Cankdeska Cikana Community College, Cynthia Lindquist, ’81, ’06, is being honored with an alumni achievement award her alma mater. The celebration is set for 6 p.m., Thursday, at Eagles Crest Grill in Grand Forks.
The award is being given by the Department of Educational Leadership in the College of Education and Human Development. To attend or send a note of congratulations, please contact Jena Pierce, director of Alumni Relations and Development at 701.777.0844, or e-mail to jena.pierce@email.und.edu.
“Dr. Lindquist has done so much for the Cankdeska Cikana Community College, Mni Wakan Oyate (Spirit Lake People), and American Indian educators and students that the Educational Leadership faculty, students and others wanted to honor her achievements, said Dr. Sherryl Houdek, professor and chair of the Department of Educational Leadership.
Lindquist earned her bachelor’s degree in Indian Studies and English at the University of North Dakota in 1981 and a master’s degree in public administration (Indian health systems emphasis) at the University of South Dakota in 1988. As a Bush Foundation Leadership Fellow, she earned a doctorate in educational leadership at the University of North Dakota in 2006. She began responsibilities as President of Cankdeska Cikana (Little Hoop) Community College in October 2003, which serves the Spirit Lake Dakota community and is her home reservation.
Lindquist is an adjunct faculty member in Community Medicine & Rural Health at the UND School of Medicine & Health Sciences. She is a founding member of the National Indian Women’s Health Resource Center, a nonprofit advocacy organization. Lindquist served as member of the Council of Public Representatives (COPR), an advisory council to the director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and is a former executive director of the North Dakota Indian Affairs Commission. She also was her Tribe’s health director/planner from 1981-1987.
“Cynthia’s dedication to Indian education was evident while she completed her UND degree,” continued Houdek, “and she continues to be an exceptional educational leader in the Spirit Lake Community, the state of North Dakota, and the nation. Cynthia’s vibrant personality, sensitivity, intelligence, and integrity — encourage and engage those around her! We are so proud of her.”
She currently serves on the Board of Trustees for the American Indian College Fund which is the scholarship fund raising organization for tribal colleges and universities. Dr. Lindquist was elected to a four year term on the Board of Trustees for the Higher Learning Commission, North Central Association of Colleges and Schools beginning fall 2008.
For more information please contact please contact Jena Pierce, Director of Alumni Relations and Development at (701) 777-0844 or e-mail jena.pierce@email.und.edu.