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A president for today, a university for the future
½ñÈÕ³Ô¹ÏPresident Dave Cook has been on the job only a few months, but he has a mission to transform the University so that it may be successful today and well into the future

North ½ñÈÕ³Ô¹Ï University's 15th president, Dave Cook, has his eyes on the challenges and opportunities the University faces now and is committed to doing the right thing for the state's 1862 land-grant university and its students. President Cook envisions ½ñÈÕ³Ô¹Ïas a place where research, workforce, and industry intersect to create "global masterpieces."

"One big theme is going to be transforming. Not where we've been and not where we'll be tomorrow but how can we address these challenges and do things we haven't done before to reorganize, prioritize, and think about where we can go in the next 10 years and beyond," President Cook said, previewing what we can expect to hear in his upcoming inaugural State of the University Address during Homecoming 2022.

The president has spent months — even before officially taking office — in conversations with University leaders, legislators, and community members so that he can understand where ½ñÈÕ³Ô¹Ïhas been, where it is today, and possibilities for the future.

Learn more about President Cook's vision for the future of ½ñÈÕ³Ô¹Ïin the fall edition of the ½ñÈÕ³Ô¹ÏFoundation Digital Magazine.

Tucson Takeover
½ñÈÕ³Ô¹ÏBison at Arizona Wildcats

Get together with Bison Nation ahead of the ½ñÈÕ³Ô¹Ïat Arizona football game on Saturday, Sept. 17! Tailgating begins on the UA Mall at 2 p.m. MST with kickoff at 8 p.m. MST. Visit the ½ñÈÕ³Ô¹ÏFoundation Tucson Takeover event page for need-to-know information before you go.

Saturday, Oct. 1, 2022

Last chance to register! You're invited to the 41st annual Bison Bidders Bowl on Saturday, Oct. 1, 2022, at the Delta Hotels by Marriott Fargo. Join fellow ½ñÈÕ³Ô¹Ïalumni and friends to support academic scholarships for North ½ñÈÕ³Ô¹Ï University students during an elegant evening of philanthropy. The evening begins with cocktails and a silent auction at 5 p.m. followed by dinner and the live auction at 6:30 p.m.

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½ñÈÕ³Ô¹ÏHomecoming 2022

Join the fun and excitement of , scheduled for Sept. 26-Oct. 1. All students, ½ñÈÕ³Ô¹Ïpersonnel, alumni, and community members are encouraged to participate in the activities, including Friday's parade in downtown Fargo.

"½ñÈÕ³Ô¹ÏHomecoming is an annual highlight for everyone," Nicole Holden, Homecoming Committee co-chair and ½ñÈÕ³Ô¹ÏFoundation senior director of events and programs, said. "It's a chance for students to make memories, for alumni to connect with old friends and traditions, and for the community to show their Bison Pride. I encourage alumni to take some time during Homecoming week to retrace their steps through campus. It's an exciting way to reflect on the past while appreciating how campus has transformed over the years."

Visit the for more reunions and gatherings, as information will be updated frequently.

Philanthropy in action
A journey to inclusivity

Kwangsoo Park, the inaugural Anne Stegner Endowed Professor in the College of Human Sciences and Education, knows travel plays a pivotal role in quality of life for many people, but when he reflects on some of his most impactful travel experiences, he recognizes they weren't very accessible for people with disabilities. He hopes his research will lead to more inclusive and accessible experiences in the hospitality and tourism industries so that more people can enjoy traveling without any barriers. His research focuses on how society can be more universally accommodating versus how an individual with a disability can be medically treated or rehabilitated.

"As a scholar, I started to think, ‘I have to do something for those who aren't really well accommodated.' I started to strategically think about how I could use the Stegner Endowment to move forward with that research," Kwangsoo said.

His findings will be imperative for everyone. Not all disabilities are physical, visible, or disclosed. Plus, ability fluctuates. Throughout a person's lifetime, their cognitive and physical abilities can change due to injury, illness, lifestyle, or aging.

The Anne Stegner Endowed Professorship is one of 38 named positions at ½ñÈÕ³Ô¹Ïsupported by philanthropy. Learn more about Kwangsoo's research in the fall edition of the ½ñÈÕ³Ô¹ÏFoundation Digital Magazine.

Bison Athletic Hall of Fame class announced

½ñÈÕ³Ô¹Ïis set to induct seven new members into the Bison Athletic Hall of Fame on Friday, Sept. 30. This year's honorees will comprise the 50th annual class to be inducted. The 2022 inductees include trailblazing director of women's athletics Lynn Dorn; five-time NCAA champion track and field athlete Kinsey (Coles) Essler; seven-time All-American sprinter and football receiver Marques Johnson; national champion wrestler Mark Pazdernik; All-American linebacker and longtime NFL coach Jerry Rosburg; two-time All-American football center Brad Servais; and former faculty athletics representative and biochemistry professor Allan G. Fischer.

The event will be hosted at the Nodak Insurance Basketball Performance Center inside the Sanford Health Athletic Complex. Lunch begins at 11:30 a.m. with the induction ceremony to start at 12 p.m. For ticket information, visit the .