NDSU Magazine Spring 2015: Campus News - North Dakota State University

Campus news

Basketball team makes impression in tournament NDSU made it to the NCAA men’s tournament for the second straight year, competing as a No. 15 seed against No. 2 Gonzaga. Seeding didn’t matter to the Bison, especially NDSU sophomore forward Dexter Warner. There was no hesitation in the 6-foot 6-inch forward, who took it right at Gonzaga’s 7-footers all night, scored a career-high 22 points and was trending on social media. NDSU kept it competitive throughout, and while the score wasn’t in our favor at the final buzzer, we gained respect among fans of The Big Dance.

Four championships. Four championship rings.

It took a more than 80-yard drive with about a minute and a half left to overcome a 27-23 deficit against Illinois State for NDSU to win the Division I Football Championship Subdivision title. Freshman RJ Urzendowski made an amazing catch on a third and 10, and quarterback Carson Wentz punched in a touchdown from the 5-yard line to give NDSU a 29-27 lead. Still, less than a minute remained on the clock.

Head Coach Chris Klieman wasn’t worried. Later he told reporters, “With our guys, I never saw any doubt.” After linebacker Esley Thorton intercepted a pass with 45 seconds to go, no one else doubted it either.

NDSU is the first team in history to win four straight FCS national titles.

NDSU sophomore is a cultural ambassador for Native American tribes

Cheyenne Brady wants to empower and motivate Native American children, and she’s now in an excellent position to do it.

Brady is an NDSU senior in psychology and member of the Sac and Fox/Cheyenne/Tonkawa tribe. She was crowned 2015-16 Miss Indian World during the 32nd annual Gathering of Nations at the University of New Mexico on April 25. For the next year she will travel extensively and serve as a cultural ambassador for the Gathering of Nations.

“This is not about me,” Brady said. “I’m a vessel for all our tribes to get out there and raise awareness.”

Brady was selected from among 21 Native American contestants. Contestants for the title are judged on tribal knowledge, dancing ability, public speaking, an essay and personality.