UND Founders Day

Founders Day is the annual celebration of our history and a time to honor members of our campus community.

It marks the anniversary of the signing of the Dakota Territory legislation, establishing the University of North Dakota in Grand Forks. It is the official birthday of UND! The first celebration of Founders Day was held in 1904.

About the Founders Day Celebration

Those traditionally honored at an event include:

Retirees with 15 or more continuous, full-time, benefited years of service
Employees with 25 years of service
Outstanding faculty, departments, advisors, and researchers

FOUNDERS DAY HISTORY

2023 Founders Day Event

The 2023 UND Founders Day Celebration was held in the Memorial Union Ballroom on Thursday, February 16.

Download the 2023 Program

2023 Faculty and Departmental Awards

McDermott Faculty Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching

Whitney Berry, Teaching Associate Professor, Music, College of Arts & Sciences

Lydia & Arthur Saiki Award for Individual Excellence in Teaching

Nikki Berg Burin, Associate Professor, History & American Indian Studies & Gender Studies Program, College of Arts & Sciences

McDermott Faculty Award for Excellence in Graduate or Professional Teaching

Sean T. Hammond, Assistant Professor, Earth System Science & Policy, John D. Odegard School of Aerospace Sciences

McDermott Faculty Award for Excellence in Research and/or Creative Activity

Dr. Alexei V. Tulin, Department of Biomedical Sciences, SMHS

B.C. Gamble Faculty Award for Excellence in Teaching, Research or Creative Activity, and Service

Susan Felege, Professor, Biology, College of Arts & Sciences

UND Award for Departmental Excellence in Teaching

Philosophy & Religious Studies, College of Arts & Sciences

VPAA Award for Excellence in Assessment

Sven Egenhoff, Director & Professor, Department of Geology & Geological Engineering, College of Engineering & Mines

Karleen Home Rosaaen Award for Excellence in Academic Advising

Pamela Kalbfleisch, Charles R. “Chuck” Johnson Endowed Professor of Communication, Department of Communications, Arts & Sciences

VPAA Award for Outstanding Professional Academic Advising

Desi Anderson, Academic Advisor, College of Arts & Sciences, Student Academic Success & Career Engagement
Valerie Bauer, Academic Advisor, College of Nursing & Professional Disciplines
Katie Kucera, Education Specialist, Medical Lab Science, School of Medicine & Health Sciences
Amanda Peters, Academic Core Advisor, Student Academic Success & Career Engagement
Sarah Pike, Academic Advisor, College of Engineering & Mines, Student Academic Success & Career Services
Jackie Schofield, Academic Advisor Nistler College of Business & Public Administration, Student Academic Success & Career Engagement
Carla Spokely, Academic Advisor, John D. Odegard School of Aerospace Sciences

UND Award for Departmental Excellence in Research and Creative Activity

Institute for Energy Studies, College of Engineering & Mines

UND Award for Interdisciplinary Collaboration in Research and Creative Activity

Carenlee Barkdull, Social Work, College of Nursing & Professional Disciplines
Ashley Bayne,Assistant Director, Public Health Program, School of Medicine & Health Sciences
Isaac Karikari, Social Work, College of Nursing & Professional Disciplines
Tanis Walch, Associate Professor, Health & Behavior, College of Education & Human Development
Bret A. Weber, Professor, Social Work, College of Nursing & Professional Disciplines

UND Award for Excellence in Course Development & Innovative Teaching Strategies

Grace Karikari, Assistant Professor, Indigenous Health, School of Medicine & Health Sciences