The University of North Dakota recently hosted its second annual Faculty Scholarship & Creative Works Celebration, an event recognizing over 1,500 scholarly and creative contributions made by faculty members in 2024. This took place on April 10 in the reading room of the Chester Fritz Library, with works displayed alongside catering arrangements by UND Catering.
Rebecca Bichel, dean of Libraries, opened the event by expressing gratitude to those who organized the event, including Randi Tanglen, vice provost of Faculty Affairs. Bichel stated, “The variety of creativity and scholarship that we have on display tonight is much good news for us to share.”
Among the works celebrated were 886 journal and invited review articles, 20 books, and numerous creative works in various artistic fields. UND faculty also received over 500 grants and were awarded five patents. The increased presence in media outlets such as The Conversation contributed to more than 380,000 reads for their articles in 2024, up significantly from 2023.
Justin Montigne, assistant professor of voice, highlighted the musical group’s formation from a partnership between the Department of Music and the School of Law, which performed during the event. Provost Eric Link shared insights from Roman philosopher Seneca, relating them to the pursuit of knowledge in contemporary times, saying, “I would argue, standing before you tonight, that that same sentiment is as true now as it was when Seneca wrote it in the first century.”
Adding humor to the evening, Link recounted an incident where a search for a forgotten book led to Google generating the opening for a science fiction novel based in Grand Forks.
President Andy Armacost later led a toast to celebrate the faculty’s achievements, emphasizing the spirit of inquiry at the university. Armacost affirmed: “Your research shapes the future. Your creative work captures the human experience, and your commitment fuels the minds of generations to come. Tonight, we raise our glasses to your curiosity, your courage and your brilliance.”
In conclusion, the event highlighted the diverse scholarly and creative accomplishments of UND faculty in 2024 and celebrated the spirit that drives their continued contributions to the university and the wider world.
