In 1920, the Alumni Association of the University was organized by the first graduating class at Dickinson Normal School.

As written in Osbourne T. Belsheim’s The Story of Dickinson State A History of Dickinson State College 1918 - 1968, “After the opening of the university, Maude Klinefelter took enough time out from her job to enable her to carry on some course work, so that in 1921 she received the diploma from the two-year curriculum. She was then instrumental in the work of the Alumni Association, and, in fact, was the dominating force in this organization until she retired, serving as president in 1924 and for many years as treasurer. A mite of a woman (she was barely five feet tall) she was, nonetheless, a powerful person on the campus during the 36 years that she was the college’s secretary-treasurer (business manager) and, in the early years, also the registrar.

President Brad Roshau, left and Kevin J. Thompson, right, present Jim Davis with a certificate of appreciation.

Her influence in that organization was such that she probably held it down to some extent, in that it was she who insisted upon the requirement that, in order to be a member of the association, one had to be a graduate of one of the curriculums - be it high school, one-year rural, two-year standard, or degree. In 1958, the Alumni Association’s constitution was finally revised so that any former student became eligible for membership. There is no doubt that the old rule has kept a number of potentially active members out of the association.”

The purposes for which the Alumni Association is organized are: to further the spirit of unity between the successive classes and nurturing the common love for their alma mater; to promote the best interests of the university as well as of the Model/Campus High School which is affiliated therewith; to aid in various ways, both materially and spiritually, the development and growth of Dickinson State; to cause all graduates and former students of the university to be better informed on the developments at Dickinson State and to encourage them, individually and collectively, to support the development and growth of Dickinson State University.

Today, the Alumni Association boasts 11,000-plus members with the common goal of “friend” raising. The association hosts events such as local and regional gatherings across the nation, the annual Alumni Honors Banquet at Homecoming, the Senior Dinner for the upcoming graduating class, and the Alumni Reunion which is usually held annually over the Fourth of July weekend. In addition to these events, the Alumni Association assists the University in the recruitment of students through the Alumni Student Recruitment Volunteers.

The Alumni Association is governed by a broad spectrum of members from across the region. They meet on a quarterly basis to conduct the business of the association and to hear an update on Dickinson State University. The Alumni Association has published a quarterly newsletter, Dickinson State University Alumni News, since 1960 to keep alumni and friends informed of the activities and events on campus. Give us a call today at 701-483-2004 to become involved in your Alumni Association.