WILLISTON Williston artist and former UND-Williston student David Njos will receive Williston State College's first honorary degree at the college's graduation ceremony on May 13.
Njos, a Williston native, also attended the Colorado Institute of Art in Denver, Colo., and served one tour in Vietnam with the 101st Airborne Division.
His artwork includes sculpture and landscaping. He was commissioned by the Williston Centennial Committee to design and construct the 30-foot high wheat monument to honor the pioneers of agriculture in Williston, which stands in Davidson Park, across from the Williston Community Library.
Njos also created a community veteran's monument honoring the Korean and Vietnam War veterans, which is located on Ninth Avenue West on the eastern edge of St. Joseph Cemetery. He did an etched woodcarving that hangs at Williston State College, and created an iron sculpture of two life-sized coyotes for the Williston High School campus.
Njos was commissioned by the North Dakota Historical Society to do a sculpture of Sakakawea for the Lewis and Clark Bicentennial. His work has also been featured in the North Dakota Horizons Magazine.
Njos also designed the logo which is still featured on the floor of Williston State College's old gym and the recently completed college seal.
The State Board of Higher Education approved the awarding of the honorary degree in recognition of Njos's service to the college and community.
"Whenever he has been asked to serve in whatever way, he has agreed without hesitation," Williston state college president Raymond Nadolny said in a press release. "He involves himself 110 percent and because of what he has done for WSC, he's not only made the college a better place, but he has also strengthened our image in the community."
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MSU names student leadership
Max Bucholz, a nursing major from Minot, was elected president of Minot State University's Student Government Association for the upcoming 2011-2012 school year during student government elections last week.
Stetson Sannes, an international business, marketing and management major from Minot, was elected vice president.
Lisa Brule, an elementary education major from Spiritwood, Sask., was elected secretary.
Trey Welstad, an international business, marketing and management major from Upham and Minot, was elected treasurer.
New College of Business senators are Camila Oliveira, Sao Paulo, Brazil and Beulah, an international business, marketing and management manager; Fung "Desmond" Ho, Hong Kong, a management major; Amber Penrose, Bismarck, a management major; Eric Zitter, Eisenach, Germany, a marketing major; Anthony Anderson, Minot, a finance major.
New College of Arts and Sciences senators are Jordan Kluck, Minot, a criminal justice major; Braden Burckhard, Burlington, a chemistry major; Amy Olson, Minot, a broadcasting (public relations) major; Juan Vadell, Minot, a broadcasting (public relations) major.
New College of Education and Health Sciences senators are: Tara Kuntz, Rugby, an elementary education major; Alyson Parrill, Lander, Wyo., a social work major; Lindsey Nelson, Bainville, Mont., a communication disorders student; Phillip Streccius, Minot, a history education major.
Montana Carson, Inola, Okla., chemistry education was elected general studies senator.
New Residence Hall Association officers are Cameron Davis, a biology major from Turtle Lake, president; Jordan Crawford, a mathematics major from Deloraine, Man., vice president; Sarah Johnston, a general studies major from Ellendale, secretary/treasurer; and Christopher Capp, a history education major from Max, Clubs and student organizations officer.