Student Life Dragon Stories

Choosing a college is a big decision. Moorhead High School Senior Nathan Helgeson says MSUM had everything he was looking for—affordable and close to home. After being admitted to MSUM, Nathan received the University Scholarship, which totals $10,000 over four years.

Troy Nelson graduated from MSUM with a degree in finance in 1998. He credits MSUM with giving him resilience and the right tools needed to start his career amidst initial rejection.

Xavier Reed secured a corporate job before he graduated from MSUM. A year later, he quit and pursued his second career and first passion: education.

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.

Diane Miller graduated from MSUM in 2009 with a degree in music. Since then, she has been immersed in the music industry. Diane is now the host of The Local Show on The Current.

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.

McKenna Togstad participated in the National Student Exchange (NSE) program which gave her the opportunity to study in New Jersey for a semester.

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.

Dilworth native Peyton Schwer is in his first year at MSUM studying computer information systems.

Jim’s military service began with the U.S. Coast Guard, where he served aboard a cutter and at the Special Services unit in Yorktown, Va

Amy Leupp served four years in the U.S. Airforce station in a Combat Comm unit, which required staying under 24-hour deployment notice.