ABERDEEN, S.D. – Northern State University School of Business student Taylor Ellingson of Warner was recently selected to attend the Clinton Global Initiative University (CGI U) which will take place at the University of Chicago in October.

An international management major and honors student, Ellingson was chosen to attend CGI U for her project entitled “Bridging the Gap: Understanding Perceptions of Immigrants and Refugees in South Dakota,” which is based on research gathered from her senior honors thesis

Ellingson has conducted two surveys of South Dakotan’s perceptions of immigrants and refugees in South Dakota communities (especially in the community of Aberdeen) over the past year. Her first survey received over 1,500 responses, with the second receiving nearly 1,000. Dr. Teresa Stallings, NSU associate professor of sociology, has served as Ellingson’s thesis advisor.

Ellingson’s name was recommended to CGI U by Dr. Erin Fouberg, NSU professor of geography/honors program director, and Dr. Joelle Lien, NSU association vice president for academic affairs/graduate studies director.

“I am incredibly honored to have been chosen to attend such a prestigious conference and am extremely grateful for the faculty who helped get me to this point,” mentioned Ellingson. “The people attending this conference are goal-driven and ambitious, and I can't wait to be surrounded by like-minded people ready to better the world!”

Ellingson will join 1,400 other students from across the country at the conference, which is hosted by former President of the United States Bill Clinton and his daughter Chelsea Clinton.

About Northern State University

Northern State University is a regional university that offers outstanding academics and exceptional extracurricular activities at an affordable price on a safe, welcoming campus. Northern State recently announced its Educational Impact Campaign, with a goal of raising $45 million for a new South Dakota School for the Blind and Visually Impaired, new athletic and recreation fields, and an on-campus regional sports complex. Once the campaign is complete, NSU will be the recipient of more than $100 million in privately funded building projects and scholarships within a decade. To learn more, visit NSU Admissions.