UND Homecoming is Oct. 2-7, will feature annual honors, ribbon-cuttings and more festivities

A tradition at the University of North Dakota since 1916, Homecoming Week 2023 is Oct. 2-7.

This year’s celebration of all things UND includes a Tuesday groundbreaking for Memorial Village II and Albrecht Field, a Wednesday pep rally in downtown Grand Forks, the annual Alumni Honors Banquet on Thursday, and a cavalcade of Friday gatherings, including ribbon cuttings for the new Experiential Learning Center and Wilkerson Quad.

On Saturday, Oct. 7, the Homecoming Parade starts at 9 a.m. on University Avenue. Then, at 1 p.m., UND’s Fighting Hawks football team will take on the Western Illinois Leathernecks at the Alerus Center.

Check out all the information below as well as the full list of events. Wear green and Go Hawks!

Alumni Honors Banquet – Thursday, Oct. 5

The 2023 Alumni Honors Banquet sponsored by United Valley Bank will honor five alumni with the Sioux Award for Distinguished Achievement & Leadership, the highest award given by the UND Alumni Association & Foundation.

Since its inception in 1962, this distinguished award has been presented to community leaders, accomplished professionals and devoted alumni who have dedicated their lives to serving others. This year’s recipients are Arlen Nordhagen, ’78, Dr. Robert Boyd, ’74, ’79, Don Schmid, ’61, Monica (Schmidt) Musich, ’82, and Marilyn (Koble) Vetter, ’88.

The banquet will also recognize two outstanding young alumni who have made a huge impact in the short time since their UND graduations. Josh Brandsted, ’08, and Sally (Opp) Miskavige, ’07, ’08 will be honored with the Young Alumni Achievement Award. Seating for this event is sold out.

Experiential Learning Center Ribbon Cutting & Open House – Friday, Oct. 6

UND’s new Experiential Learning Center, located in McCannel Hall’s Room 190, will house departments such as Career Services, Study Abroad and Undergraduate Research – a hub for connecting students with learning experiences outside of the classroom.

The community is invited to a ribbon cutting ceremony starting at 10:30 a.m., followed by an open house from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Refreshments will be served.

At the Experiential Learning Center, students will be able to find hands-on learning experiences that prepare them for the workforce – whether through internships and co-ops, research opportunities, study abroad experiences or pathways to graduate studies.

The open house will provide the community with an opportunity to view the new space, meet students who have participated in experiential learning programs and learn about the Center’s Career Closet initiative. Opening in October, the Career Closet will provide all UND students access to three professional clothing items or accessories each semester, at no extra cost. Students can keep their selected items and use them to prepare for career expos, networking events, interviews and internships.

Forever Starts Here: A Celebration for the Future – Friday, Oct. 6

On Friday, the University of North Dakota and the UND Alumni Association & Foundation will make a special announcement that will change the trajectory of our beloved alma mater. We will embark on a journey to build a UND for the future: a future where people are empowered to make a difference and where the torch of knowledge is passed on to those who will lead the way.

We invite you to be a part of this momentous occasion. The event will feature remarks from UND President Andrew Armacost, UND Alumni Association & Foundation CEO DeAnna Carlson Zink, ’86, and special alumni guests: namesake of Nistler Hall, Werner Nistler, ’68, HON ’23, former astronaut Dr. Karen Nyberg, ’94, and biomedical researcher and inventor Dr. Kathryn Uhrich, ’86.

You can register to attend in person or to receive a livestream link to the event.

A Conversation & Book Signing with Author Harold Hamm – Friday, Oct. 6

Harold Hamm, founder and executive chairman of Continental Resources, will be on-campus from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. at the Memorial Unions Social Staircase for a conversation about his book, “Game Changer: Our 50-Year Mission to Secure America’s Energy Independence.”

Hamm, who received an honorary degree from UND in 2020, gifted $10 million to UND to establish the Hamm School of Geology & Geological Engineering in the College of Engineering & Mines and has funded various scholarships and awards for education and research.

All are invited to learn about the American Energy Renaissance through the eyes of the man who led it. Attendees will receive a copy of “Game Changer” at the event. No registration is necessary.

UND Wilkerson Quad Grand Opening Celebration – Friday, Oct. 6

Years in the making, the grand opening of the Wilkerson Quad represents the culmination of renovations and rebuilds within the Wilkerson Complex of residence halls.

Brannon, McVey and West halls have all been reopened in the past year, with West being the latest to welcome UND’s student residents following its reconstruction. McVey is also newly built, and Brannon has been fully renovated.

The 3:30 p.m. ribbon-cutting ceremony will take place in the new central quad, situated between the three buildings. Attendees can check out the new amenities, including self-guided tours of the reopened residence halls and the new Landing Zone – an indoor lounge and connector to the Wilkerson Commons & Dining Center.

Also new are overground, interior walkways connecting the complex and replacing the underground tunnels of old.

Tours will start immediately following the ceremony, which will feature guest speakers such as President Andrew Armacost and Art Malloy, vice president for student affairs. Refreshments will be provided as well as yard games in the quad.

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