Group of people standing on steps inside the state Capitol building

ABERDEEN, S.D. – For more than 30 years, members of the Northern State University campus community have benefited from a unique program that offers leadership training and team-building skills.

Forty NSU staff, faculty and students have graduated from the Aberdeen Area Chamber of Commerce’s Leadership Aberdeen program.

This annual program provides participants with a curriculum aimed at growing their skills by focusing on leadership attributes such as community building, advocacy, resilience, purpose, reason, gratitude and more. The class tours local businesses, hears from local leaders, and plans a community project or event as a way to give back to the community.

Along with campus community members participating in Leadership Aberdeen, Northern is also one of the program’s numerous community partners.

“Leadership Aberdeen is a tremendous program,” said NSU President Dr. Tim Downs. “We’re grateful that the university has been part of this community partnership, and that our students, faculty and staff have benefited from this outstanding community involvement opportunity.”

Chamber of Commerce President Gail Ochs said the Chamber and Northern have had a long-standing partnership with the Leadership Aberdeen program.

“Not only has NSU consistently offered the program to their employees, but NSU has hosted classes on campus, offered financial support for the program and facilitated interaction with students,” Ochs said. “Plus, the program has truly benefited through the years with NSU staff who have facilitated sessions, led discussion and offered campus tours. We are appreciative and fortunate to have NSU as a partner in this wonderful community leadership program.”

Below is a list of NSU campus community members who have participated in Leadership Aberdeen through the years:

  •          1988: Sam Gingerich
  •          1989-90 (two years combined into one): Kay Albright
  •          1991: Kristi Fischer-Wagner
  •          1992: Don Erlenbusch and Shannon Shaffer
  •          1993: Ellen Engelhart, Ron Pollworth and Rod Triplet
  •          1994: Diane Lerseth and Earl Weisenberger
  •          1995: Wayne Fischer and Phil Mulvaney
  •          1996: Mike Birgen
  •          1997: Perry Rettig
  •          1998: Lea Simon
  •          1999: Mike Mutziger and Dorothy Kryzanoski (NSU Foundation)
  •          2000: Greg Murley
  •          2001: Ethel Houge and Beverly Werner
  •          2002: Susan Landon-Arnold
  •          2004: Lisa Wagner
  •          2005: Mike Bockorny (Foundation)
  •          2006: Travis Sieber and Ann Vidoloff
  •          2008: Chris Hauck and Jen Wegleitner
  •          2010: Richelle Braun
  •          2012: Steve Rasmussen and Phillip Mittleider (student)
  •          2014: Travis Adney (student sponsored by Steven Lust Automotive)
  •          2015: Tara Arntsen
  •          2016: Sarah Botkin and Marty Sabolo
  •          2017: Jon Christenson
  •          2018: Janie Borkowski
  •          2019: Elissa Dickey
  •          2020: Dominika Blum, Josh VanLaecken and Bradley Wolfe

About Northern State University

Northern State University is a student-centered institution that provides an outstanding educational experience, preparing students through the liberal arts and professional education for their future endeavors. A regional university, Northern offers rigorous academics; diverse civic, social and cultural opportunities; and a commitment to building an inclusive environment for all points of view. Northern also offers a broad-based athletics program, sponsoring 15 NCAA Division II intercollegiate varsity sports that compete in the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (NSIC). The university strives to enrich the community through partnerships such as its Educational Impact Campaign, which opened a new South Dakota School for the Blind and Visually Impaired; new athletic and recreation fields; and, soon, an on-campus regional sports complex. With the $55 million campaign, NSU has been the recipient of more than $120 million in privately funded building projects and scholarships within a decade. To learn more, visit NSU Admissions

Photo caption: The 2020 Leadership Aberdeen class, pictured above, included NSU faculty and staff members Dominika Blum, Josh VanLaecken and Bradley Wolfe. (Photo courtesy of Aberdeen Area Chamber of Commerce)