Minnesota State Moorhead wraps up successful 2025 homecoming

Minnesota State Moorhead wraps up successful 2025 homecoming

Minnesota State Moorhead wrapped up a successful 2025 Homecoming by announcing a $5.5 million gift to establish the Nibbe School of Teaching & Learning and honoring a variety of individuals for their achievements.

Momentous Gift from Nibbe Family Foundation

A $5.5 million gift from the Nibbe Family Foundation, the largest in the university's history, included the public unveiling of the Nibbe School of Teaching & Learning. It will provide undergraduate scholarships beginning this fall, support innovative teaching initiatives (including learning technologies such as virtual reality and artificial intelligence), expand opportunities like study abroad and conference participation, and recognize excellence through innovation and lecture series programming.

"This is a proud day for our family," said Jay Nibbe '85 (accounting & finance). "We believe in the university, its faculty, and most importantly, its students. The Nibbe School of Teaching & Learning will make a lasting impact on the future of education."

The gift affirms Minnesota State Moorhead's long-standing commitment to preparing outstanding educators for the region and beyond.

"This gift builds on Moorhead's legacy, giving our future educators the tools, experiences, and confidence to be innovators in classrooms across the region," President Tim Downs said.

President Award Honorees

Kevin and Sandy Christianson, West Fargo, N.D., were honored as Philanthropic Leaders for their dedication and support of Minnesota State Moorhead. Their generosity and vision helped make the Christianson Alumni Center a reality, ensuring a lasting space for alumni to connect and celebrate their Dragon pride. Kevin, co-founder and president of Christianson Companies, has shaped the region as a leading developer. Together with Sandy, an active member of the MSUM Foundation Board, they continue to champion opportunities for future Dragons.

The university recognized Community Partner Moorhead Area Public Schools (MAPS) for its excellence and strong tradition of partnership. Its vibrant and caring community of teachers, staff, students, and families serves more than 7,000 learners. Minnesota State Moorhead is proud to partnerwith MAPS on the Moorhead Scholarsprogram, a transformative initiative thatensures high-achieving local graduates canpursue their college education tuition-freeright here in their hometown.

Recognized as Dragon Ambassadors were Bruce and Dea Iserman. Dea, nee Seim, is a 1968 education alumna who built her career as a teacher and lifelong advocate for children, while also serving as one of the Dragons' most spirited cheerleaders and champions. She and her husband, Bruce, have dedicated countless hours supporting Minnesota State Moorhead, community causes, and organizations like the Anne Carlsen Center and Golden Drive for Homeless Kids, earning recognition as Dragon Fire Legacy Award recipients and Fans of the Year. Together, Dea and Bruce embody what it means to be true Dragon Ambassadors - passionate, loyal, and tireless in their support of the university and its mission.

Dragon Athletics celebrated its Hall of Fame class for 2025. Seven individuals and a pair of teams comprised an illustrious group that was honored last week.

2025 Dragon Athletic Hall of Fame Inductees

Judy Bowers played a pivotal role in shaping women's athletics at Moorhead. In 1973, she became the head women's basketball coach shortly after Title IX, leading the Dragons into the AIAW and MAIAW. Known for her fast-paced style and full-court press, Bowers guided the team to four AIAW tournaments and a conference championship in 1976-77.

Paul Waskosky was a standout interior defensive lineman who helped shape Dragon football in the 1980s. As a true freshman in 1981, he contributed to the Dragons' 10-1-1 season and NIC championship, earning the Tim Londgren Award. Over the next three seasons, Waskosky remained a defensive force, helping the Dragons win multiple NIC titles and reach the NAIA Playoffs each year.

Jill Dixon exemplified Dragon grit by walking onto the volleyball team in 1998 and building one of the most impressive careers of the Division II era. As a junior in 2000, she earned All-NSIC First Team honors with 216 kills and a league-leading 1.53 blocks per set. Her .383 hitting percentage ranked second in the NSIC, helping secure a regular season title and a program-record 28 wins.

Craig Haukedahl was a cornerstone of Dragon football's defensive success in the early 1970s. A standout cornerback, he joined Moorhead in 1970 and quickly earned a varsity spot. His tackling helped the Dragons to a 4-4-1 record that season. In 1971, Haukedahl played a key role in the school's first NIC title in five years, as the team went 7-1-1 and remained undefeated in conference play.

Angie Jetvig, a dominant post player, is one of the Dragons' all-time basketball greats. A two-time All-NSIC First Team selection, she ranked 15th nationally in scoring in 2010-11, averaging 19.3 points and earning multiple All-America honors. That season, she posted 15 games with 20+ points and five double-doubles, helping the team to a record-setting 28-win season and NSIC title.

Derik Brugger is a legendary name in Moorhead track & field, especially in pole vault. Beginning his career in 2005, Brugger quickly rose to prominence, setting program records in both indoor (17-0) and outdoor (16-08) pole vault - marks that still stand. In 2006, he swept NSIC indoor and outdoor titles and earned NSIC Indoor Athlete of the Year and his first All-America honor.

Keith McCarty was a standout sprinter in the 1980s, particularly in the 400m dash. McCarty won back-to-back NIC indoor titles in 1983 and 1984 and earned All-America honors in the indoor 440-yard dash as a senior. He still holds the fifth-fastest indoor 400m time in program history (48.6).

2025 Dragon Athletic Hall of Champions Inductees

The 2004-05 women's basketball team left a legacy with a 24-7 record under head coach Karla Nelson. They became the first Dragon team in the NCAA era to qualify for a regional tournament and set a single-season school record with a 46% field goal percentage. They also won their third NSIC regular season title and reached the NSIC Tournament Championship.

The 1976 MSUM men's track & field team continued its dominant run under head coach Ron Masanz, winning both indoor and outdoor NIC championships. The indoor title marked the seventh straight, while the outdoor win was the fifth consecutive.

Read more about the 2025 Dragon Athletic Hall of Fame Inductees.