As you prepare for a well-deserved break, I want to share my thanks for a truly productive and rewarding semester. I suspect you would agree that the past several months have flown by, mostly because we have been so busy getting things done.

One of those accomplishments is the new BSU Strategic Plan for 2018-2023, which I plan to outline on Wednesday, Jan. 3, in an all-campus meeting as part of Spring Start-Up. Shaped in large part by your input and that of community partners, the plan specifically focuses on enrollment growth and financial sustainability, combined with ensuring a diverse and welcoming campus environment. All of us will play a part in making it real and fine-tuning it as we go.

Along with strategic planning and the constant commitment to our students, recent weeks have been filled with milestone moments that showcase Bemidji State’s cultural vibrance. I’m thinking of the striking new “Northscape” sculptures in front of Memorial Hall, the opening of the BSU Harlow | Kleven Gallery in the fabulous new Watermark Art Center, the Madrigal Dinners in their new home at Concordia Language Villages, and many impressive concerts by our musical ensembles. Thank you to those who make such marvels happen and to all who share your enthusiasm about BSU with our students and the greater community.

My sincere wish for you and your families is a relaxing and meaningful holiday season. I look forward to the spring semester and beyond, but please take time to refuel and reflect on the difference you make in students’ lives.

Thank you all!

Faith C. Hensrud, Ed.D.
President

1. The Department of Music held its annual Jingle Pops concert Dec. 2, featuring the Wind Ensemble, Percussion Ensemble and Blue Ice.
2. Two historic art collections and the women who made them possible were honored at the BSU Harlow | Kleven Gallery in Bemidji’s new Watermark Art Center.
3. The Department of Music's 49th annual Madrigal Dinners — the first to be held off campus — sold out all five shows in a successful Nov. 30-Dec. 3 run.
4. Students in Dr. Janice Haworth’s World Music classes are making South American pan pipes for a class project.
5. Students in Dr. Angie Kovarik’s marketing classes held a trade show at Bemidji’s downtown LaunchPad on Nov. 29.