Dr. Laurie Geller Vice President for Academic Affairs | Minot State University
Dr. Laurie Geller Vice President for Academic Affairs | Minot State University
Born and raised in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Gabrielle Dawyduk chose Minot State University for its welcoming atmosphere. Recalling her initial visit, she said, "I chose Minot State because it instantly felt like home. The girls on the softball team were incredibly welcoming."
Initially a criminal justice major, Dawyduk found her passion in American Sign Language and shifted to Communication Sciences and Disorders with a concentration in Deaf studies. She aims to become a speech-language pathologist.
Dawyduk described her time at Minot State as transformative: “These have been the best years of my life,” she stated. “I feel like I’ve found a second home here at Minot State, with the school, the people, and the community.”
Academically distinguished, Dawyduk was named to several honor rolls and received awards such as the NSIC Myles Brand All-Academic with Distinction Award in 2024. Athletically, she excelled as part of MSU’s softball program, achieving significant stats and accolades including second-team All-NSIC in 2024.
Her extracurricular activities include thriving as a member of the National Student Speech Language Hearing Association (NSSLHA). Looking ahead, Dawyduk plans to pursue a master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology at Minot State this fall. "After I finish grad school, I want to become a certified speech-language pathologist and work in a medical setting," she said.
Additionally, Dawyduk discovered an interest in coaching high school softball over the past two years: “Helping out with the team made me realize I also love coaching, and it’s something I could see myself doing alongside my career,” she shared.
Reflecting on her undergraduate experience as it concludes, Dawyduk expressed nostalgia: “I can’t believe my four years at Minot State are coming to an end. It feels like just yesterday I was moving into my dorm as a freshman.” Her advice to students is heartfelt: “Cherish your college years — they really are the best years of your life.”
Minot State University remains committed to excellence through rigorous academics and community engagement.
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