Fifty-eight Dickinson State University (DSU) students presented their achievements in research, humanities, and the arts during the 2022 Celebration of Scholars event Saturday, April 30, at the Biesiot Activities Center and DSU Agriculture Building on the DSU campus. Students presented their scholarly work to an audience of peers, faculty, and community members through either an oral or poster presentation.
Duane Monlux ’99 graduated DSU with a double major, receiving degrees in composite science and physical education. Although he’s coaching another North Star Conference team, we’re proud he’ll forever be a member of the Blue Hawk family!
DSU lost a beloved former Professor Emeriti on Friday, Nov. 5, 2021, when Myron Freeman, 91, passed away at St. Luke’s Home, Dickinson. Professor Freeman taught in the science department for 30 years (1962-92) as an associate professor of biology and later as head of the math and science department.
One of Freeman’s former students, Thadd O’Donnell, now chair of DSU’s dept. of health & phys. ed. and head golf coach, said of Freeman, “He was one of the best teachers DSU has ever employed. He was a great teacher and a very kind person who cared deeply about teaching and his students. I remember taking an anatomy test where he put a pig humerus in a black bag to see if we could guess the bone just by feel. He also had a body builder come to class and jump on top of the table showing us different muscle groups. RIP Mr. Freeman.”
Freeman’s labs and field trips in and around western North Dakota were legendary. He positively impacted countless students throughout his career. Thank you for your contribution, Professor Freeman. We are proud to call you Blue Hawk family.
Read Professor Freeman’s full obituary at https://www.thedickinsonpress.com/obituaries/obits/7275292-Myron-L.-Freeman
Jeb Williams ’97 has been appointed the director of the North Dakota Game and Fish Department! This DSU alumnus was a Blue Hawk wrestler and earned his bachelor’s in biology in 1997.
A native of Beach, ND, Jeb has worked for Game and Fish since 1999 and was named chief of the department’s Wildlife Division in 2014.
The North Dakota Game and Fish Department oversees permitting for hunting, fishing, and boating with 165 full-time workers and a biannual budget of $92 million.
Congratulations, Jeb!
Sarah Dobitz and John McDaniel were named Dickinson State University’s (DSU) 2021 Outstanding Graduates, the highest honor bestowed on graduating seniors by the University. Both are Dickinson natives who graduated from DSU Saturday, May 15, Dobitz with a bachelor’s degree in elementary education and McDaniel with a bachelor’s degree in biology.
Angelica Meyer ’06, a graduate of the chemistry and mathematics programs at Dickinson State University (DSU), was recently featured in an article regarding her work with Aldevron in the fight against COVID-19.
Sarah Dobitz and John McDaniel were named Dickinson State University’s (DSU) 2021 Outstanding Graduates during the Outstanding Graduate awards ceremony held Friday, May 14, in Murphy Hall’s Thompson Auditorium.
Anticipated Graduation Semester & Year
Samantha Calkins (SC): Spring 2021
Kyle Heiser (KH): Spring 2021
Programs of Study
SC: Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science – Policy Option
KH: Associate in Science – Biology Option
Hometowns
SC: Glendive, Montana
KH: Dickinson, North Dakota
What are your plans after graduation?
SC: Once I graduate, I plan to continue working at my current job as a waitress and travel for a year or two. After that, I plan to begin looking for an entry level job related to environmental science and begin gaining experience.
KH: After I graduate with an associate’s degree from the Department of Natural Sciences at DSU, I plan on relocating to a different part of the United States to pursue opportunities in a developing fitness industry. I currently wish to continue my education to receive a bachelor’s degree in kinesiology.
Tell us about the capstone research project you are working on in the Department of Natural Sciences at DSU.
SC: Research Title: Public Perceptions of Soil
With the help of my advisors, Dr. Eric Brevik and Dr. Karen Hale Lewis, I chose to research how different demographics affect the perceptions humans have of soil. During some of the courses I’ve taken in the natural sciences department, I realized how important soil is to humans and how some people may lack that knowledge. I chose this research topic because I wanted to see if my hypothesis of this lacking knowledge was correct.
KH: A capstone research project isn’t a requirement for my degree.
What have you enjoyed most about studying in the Department of Natural Sciences?
SC: Since I was a little kid, science has always interested me, but when I first came to DSU, I was actually a business major for a year and quickly decided that wasn’t for me. Once I transferred to the natural sciences department, Dr. Eric Brevik became my advisor. He helped me figure out my interests and what degree would suit me the best in my future endeavors. Together, we decided I would get a degree in environmental science with the policy option, and once I figured out what degree I wanted to graduate with, learning became interesting again.
KH: My best experiences have involved the community in this department of DSU. All the students are incredibly friendly, and everyone helps motivate each other to be the best students they can be. All the professors are understanding, very intelligent, funny, and have a clear passion for what they are doing. I have not had any negative experiences with anyone in my time in this department.
A note from the professors:
Dr. Eric Brevik, professor of geology and soils: Sami is conducting research in an area that no one else has ever investigated. It is really exciting to have an undergraduate working on a project like this.
Dr. Corinne Brevik, professor of physics and co-chair of the Department of Natural Sciences: Kyle is very interested in the field of kinesiology, and it has been our great privilege to have him as a student as he began his undergraduate journey. He has completed many of our first- and second-year science classes, and I have no doubt that he will be very successful in the next phase of his education.
Anticipated Graduation Semester & Year
Spring 2021
Program of Study
Bachelor of Science in Biology – Pre-Medical Science Option
Hometown
Deadwood, South Dakota
Dickinson State University (DSU) students had the opportunity to showcase their achievements in research, humanities, and the arts during the 2021 Celebration of Scholars event Saturday, April 24, in Murphy Hall on the DSU campus. Students presented their scholarly work to an audience of peers, faculty, and community members through either an oral or poster presentation.
