UND exhibit brings New American stories to the State Capitol
UND’s Constitution Day Project brings the stories and portraits of 15 New Americans to the North Dakota State Capitol
When the Constitution Day Project portraits were first hung on the walls of the UND Memorial Union Gallery, they were in a space of academic discovery. This summer, with the support of the North Dakota First Lady, Kjersti Armstrong, and in partnership with the North Dakota Council on the Arts, moving the portraits allowed those same faces to tell their story on a bigger stage.
Adorning the walls of North Dakota State Capitol’s 18th floor, months of research and dedication were displayed in a tribute to American democracy. Exactly a month before Constitution Day, UND faculty, students and project participants joined state leaders for the celebration of the 2025 Constitution Day Project exhibition.
From campus gallery to Capitol walls
The project, “From Many Places, One Community,” is an exploration of what it means to be a new American in the state of North Dakota. Fifteen participants from 14 countries were interviewed and photographed by student interns over the course of the 2024-25 academic year supported by UND CONNECT and partnered with the City of Grand Forks. After several months of editing and preparation, the project debuted in September of 2025 as both a photo exhibition and video showcase.
When the initial gallery run ended in Grand Forks, Project Director Joonghwa Lee knew the mission needed to extend beyond campus, “When I first envisioned this project, I hoped these stories could reach communities beyond Grand Forks,” shared Lee in his opening remarks, “Today, that vision has become a reality.”
Now at the heart of our state, the exhibit’s continued run honors those same 15 participants. Showcasing over 30 unique portraits paired with QR codes that link to each participant’s two-minute interview.
Stories shared statewide
Before formal speeches began, the 18th floor walls transformed into a vibrant space of connection between all guests. Smiles spread across the gallery as visitors watched videos and observed the student photography. Attendees clustered near displays, some participants even discussing their personal stories with viewers. Among those in attendance were showcase participant Agnes Carlson, Ell-Piret Multer and North Dakota’s first lady.
The physical transition from the university gallery to the State Capitol emphasizes the statewide impact of these personal journeys. University of North Dakota President Andy Armacost reflected on the broader message of bringing student journalism and naturalization stories to the state government.
“To have the stories of struggle, the stories of opportunity, the stories of new adventures and new careers happening here in our nation is a really powerful story to tell,” noted Armacost.
He continued his sentiment by stating “It’s bigger than just Grand Forks; it’s the entire state of North Dakota that has welcomed them.”
For student journalists who conducted interviews, edited videos and curated the media over the past year, seeing the exhibit inside the Capitol validated the long hours spent bringing these stories to the public. Co-director and photographer of the project, Lauren Huso, emphasized in her speech how the relocation fulfills the message of the work.
“We started this project at UND, but these stories were never meant to stay within the university,” Huso shared. “Moving [the exhibition] gives more people across North Dakota the opportunity to see, hear, and connect with the experiences of New Americans.”
From Many Places, One Community
Among those featured in the exhibition is Agnes Carlson, who made it to Bismarck to witness her story displayed in the Capitol. For Carlson, the exhibit serves as a bridge, connecting her with friends and acquaintances across the state.
“It is an extension of your community involvement, my community has been expanded to the state of North Dakota,” Carlson said. She recalled a time when an old friend stopped her to say she had seen her at the Capitol, a reminder of the community she built across North Dakota. “It is reaching out to more of the community. I feel special. Not everybody has this opportunity, and how did I get there?”
The pride in the room extended across generations. Chaiwat Carlson, Agnes’ son, who was unable to make it to the initial opening, spoke with pride about seeing his mother’s portrait take center stage at the Capitol.
“I’m just very proud of her,” he said. “She’s done a lot for me and a lot for everybody I can think of. She makes everyone’s life better… My mom is always the person who when she puts her mind to it, it’s going to happen.”
The significance of the project was further elevated by participation from state leaders, including First Lady Armstrong, who herself shares a naturalization story featured in the collection. Governor Kelly Armstrong, who followed the gallery viewing, opened up the Governor’s Residence for a reception to celebrate the project.
Inside the Governor’s residence, small circles of students, state officials, UND faculty and featured participants chatted over food, sharing personal memories and stories and celebrating the ongoing impact of the project’s storytelling efforts.
As visitors continue to walk through the Capitol’s 18th floor, “From Many Places, One Community” stands as a reminder that the promise of the U.S. Constitution is actively lived out in the faces, voices and contributions of North Dakota’s newest citizens.
