Halli Heimbuch, who graduates with a master’s degree in exercise and nutrition science, was selected to speak at the 2 p.m. spring commencement ceremony on Saturday, May 17 at the Fargodome.
When reflecting on her NDSU experience over the past five years, Halli Heimbuch recalls the sense of belonging and strong community as one of the many factors that made her college years extraordinary.
To sum it all up, Heimbuch refers to her NDSU journey as a “heart-warming, old-fashioned potluck: bring what you have, try a little bit of everything and gather together to meet, greet, share and enjoy.”
These are themes Heimbuch will incorporate into her commencement speech that she will share with her fellow graduates, NDSU faculty, staff, families and alumni who will fill the Fargodome on May 17. Heimbuch, who graduates with a master’s degree in exercise and nutrition science, was selected to speak at the 2 p.m. ceremony, which is for graduates in the College of Agriculture, Food Systems and Natural Resources; College of Business; and College of Health and Human Sciences.
Heimbuch’s speech will address the idea of belonging and touch on giving thanks for what the NDSU community has done for her and her fellow students.
“Reflecting on my NDSU journey, I give thanks for the Bison community and for all the ways that they welcomed, believed in, championed and walked with me,” Heimbuch said when talking about why she chose the topic for her speech.
“I hope that the audience will see my story as one of many examples of how NDSU invests into their students and that they will remember the power of togetherness,” she said.
Heimbuch’s campus involvement and willingness to give back to others is an example of how deeply she cares about the NDSU community.
Throughout her time at NDSU, Heimbuch has been involved in several student organizations, including the Student Association of Nutrition and Dietetics, the Cantemus choir, University Chamber Singers and the Asian Student Organization.
Heimbuch said she chose to pursue a degree in exercise and nutrition science to reach her aspiration of becoming a registered dietitian nutritionist.
“Exercise and nutrition science are areas that combine my love for health science, education, creativity and community,” she said. “What is more, I appreciate that this field is an area of study and of practice that can benefit everyone and takes a preventative approach to health and wellness.”
Heimbuch’s passion for the field is evident even outside of her studies. This past year Heimbuch has had an instrumental role in NDSU’s Goods for the Herd Food Pantry. She’s
served as the pantry’s coordinator and helped with the mission of ending food insecurity on campus.
Heimbuch also has worked together with her nutrition science and dietetic peers to lead the 800 Café, worked with NDSU Extension, interned with Fargo Cass Public Health and Essentia Health, conducted research with the Healthy Aging North Dakota lab and shared that research in published journal articles, as well as at local, regional, state and national conferences.
Heimbuch said she is grateful for all the opportunities NDSU has provided her.
“Choosing to attend NDSU was one of the best decisions I have made. I see NDSU as the best of both worlds: a place with many opportunities for growth and a tight-knit community,” she said.
Following graduation Heimbuch will take the national registration exam to become a Registered Dietitian and will join the Sanford Health Fargo healthcare team as a clinical dietitian.
Heimbuch is from Moorhead, Minnesota. She is the daughter of Russell and Vicki Heimbuch.
