Dragon Stories

Dragon alumni will soon have a place of their own. A groundbreaking ceremony for the long-awaited MSUM Alumni Center will be in April 2022. In addition to serving as the anchor for alumni returning to campus, the center will provide space for students and community members to interact.

​Tanya Dickinson '00, business administration graduate, is an adventurous and generous Dragon who gives back to MSUM to ensure that future students have many opportunities.

Former and current foundation board members are key supporters for the proposed Alumni Center, a place that will serve as an anchor for alumni returning to campus.

Rick Thoreson '81 (Business Administration, economics minor) has helped recognize outstanding alumni on the MSUM Foundation Board since 2016.

Meet Dayna Del Val, a proud Dragon with strong ties to MSUM and a passion for the arts in our community. The 1995 theatre graduate is the President & CEO of The Arts Partnership and has served on the MSUM Foundation board of directors since June 2020.

Directly across from the campus gates, at the site of the former Newman Center, the sign marks a spot for the future Alumni Center, which will be a hub for thousands of Dragons who call MSUM their alma mater.

In 1962, while attending a junior college in his hometown of Fergus Falls, Minn., Joseph Kise (of infamous MSUM fame) was a visiting professor in one of Hollis Nelson’s classes. Kise spoke of the opportunities at MSUM, including programs and scholarships, and after some conversation, Hollis decided to transfer to Moorhead.

Alumni Pete and Tanya Dickinson are strong advocates of the Dragon wrestling program.

Thomas Peter Von Bahr recognized that his three years at Moorhead State College (MSC) transformed his life. But it wasn’t until he learned his life was ending that he came to fully appreciate the impact of his Moorhead State education.

Helen Wussow is a lifelong educator who believes in the power of higher education. She’s also a recipient of a 2021 MSUM Distinguished Alumni Award.

Richard and Bonnie Swanson funnel their passion into teaching and science, and the MSUM Regional Science Center.

Michelle Olson is a notable business leader and entrepreneur with more than 30 years of experience in public relations and integrated marketing.