NE North Dakota News

The University of North Dakota (UND) has been committed to extending its resources and knowledge beyond the confines of its campus since its founding in 1883. This commitment is exemplified by the Service core value in the UND LEADS Strategic Plan, which emphasizes learning, equity, affinity, discovery, and service.

Amanda Curatti, a UND aviation student and NASA STEM Ambassador with the North Dakota Space Grant Consortium; Tom Dennis, associate director of Communications; and Daphne Pedersen, Chester Fritz Distinguished Professor of Sociology, introduce a special edition of UND Today focusing on this core value.

In 1883, Nehemiah Ordway, then territorial governor and a symbol of service commitment at UND, participated in events marking the construction of Old Main—the university's first building. Since then, UND has aimed to impact not just North Dakota but also the nation and world through various initiatives.

Webster Merrifield’s role as high school examiner highlights this dedication. As president of UND, he traveled extensively across North Dakota's secondary schools. His contributions were so significant that he was honored as “father of the state high school system.”

The School of Mines' establishment in 1890 initiated geological surveys identifying North Dakota’s lignite reserves. The state's Core and Sample Library remains housed at UND today.

UND’s participation in The Conversation—a nonprofit media outlet—illustrates how faculty members share their expertise widely. Articles by 36 faculty members have amassed over 1.1 million reads globally.

Daphne Pedersen shares her experience hosting Ngo Bao Linh from Vietnam as part of the Young Southeast Asian Leadership Initiative (YSEALI), which pairs professionals with American counterparts for cultural exchange. Hosting Linh proved life-changing for both parties involved.

Amanda Curatti's involvement as a STEM Ambassador demonstrates UND's outreach efforts in engaging young learners across North Dakota with STEM education. She leads after-school programs designed to inspire underrepresented groups like young girls to pursue careers in fields such as aviation and space exploration.

These stories highlight how service continues to be an integral part of life at UND today.