The University of North Dakota (UND) has dedicated a new monument to honor its students and graduates who served in World War I. The ceremony took place on May 22, marking the dedication of the Memorial Stadium Monument at the site where Memorial Stadium once stood.
President Andrew Armacost highlighted stories of UND service members, including Lt. Colonel Fred E. Smith, Cpl. Philip E. Joos, and Lt. Ralph Dryden, during his remarks at the event. “Lt. Colonel Fred E. Smith, a Grand Forks resident and an 1894 UND graduate was posthumously awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor for attacking a German machine gun nest with his pistol during World War I,” Armacost said.
The monument features five stone pieces inscribed with “Loyalty,” “Respect,” “Service,” “Courage,” and “Honor.” Below these words is etched “Sacrifice.” It serves as a tribute to the 51 UND service members who died in the war, continuing the legacy of remembrance associated with Memorial Stadium.
Memorial Stadium was originally built in 1927 using funds raised by UND students, faculty, alumni, and local business owners under the slogan “Help the U that is helping you.” The stadium was taken down in 2021.
During the ceremony, colors were presented by members of the Grand Forks American Legion Post and Joel Ness from UND’s College of Engineering & Mines played both the national anthem and “Taps.”
Armacost expressed gratitude to those involved in creating the monument: Steve Burian from Burian and Associates; Craig Tweeten from Community Contractors; Mike Kuntz from Rise Design Group; and Kevin Ritterman from Dakota Commercial.
“In 2021, I promised that we would keep the intent of the original stadium alive,” Armacost stated. “With this new development that you see… today, that promise comes true.”
Steve Burian emphasized teamwork in bringing about this project: “We gather not only to dedicate a monument but to honor… University’s history.”
Tim Belmore noted donor contributions were vital for realizing this tribute: “Your support ensures that memory… remains visible.”
A time capsule will be installed later this summer containing items such as a letter from President Armacost to future leaders at UND along with historical memorabilia related to Memorial Stadium’s past events.
