Awards & Achievements Stories

GRIT Program Recognized with Equity Award

The GRIT Program at MSU Moorhead has been honored with the inaugural Devinder Malhotra Equity Award for its outstanding efforts in promoting student success and closing educational equity gaps. The award recognizes the program’s collaborative approach involving various departments and its significant impact on helping students of color, Pell-eligible, and first-generation students thrive in their college careers.

MSUM graduate, Jenessa Fillipi, is transforming houses into homes

Jenessa Fillippi, a proud MSUM alumna, has turned her passion into action through her nonprofit Down Home.

Daughter follows mother into the field of Construction Management

Inspired by her mother’s career, Audri Lagge ’19 also got her construction management degree at MSUM and quickly became a Senior Project Manager with a rapidly-growing construction company in Fargo, N.D., which led to her being recognized as one of Prairie Business’ Top 25 Women in Business in 2024.

BSN student finds purpose in public health

Henrietta Doe, a 2024 graduate from Liberia, commits to the reliable and needed work of a nurse.

Region's top educators are Dragons

Moorhead and Fargo Public Schools Teachers of the Year are former MSUM alumni.

First-generation student wins Sanford Scholarship

Social work student, Myrla Villa received the Sanford Health Equity in Education Scholarship for $5,000. As a home dialysis unit secretary for Sanford, Myrla’s heart for others shines in her interactions with patients and staff.

Third consecutive Dragon named MN DECA state president

Sophia Smith, a junior in finance, was named the 2024-2025 Minnesota Collegiate DECA president.

From Students to Experts: MSUM Students Present at Prestigious Conference

Minnesota State University Moorhead students Kseniia Gaidamukha and Brenda Correa-Mendez broke tradition by being the only student presenters at the prestigious 2023 ACUI/NIRSA Collegiate Marketing Institute, a professional conference for the advancement of recreation, sport, and wellness.

Alumni-owned bakery leads to sweet success

MSUM alumni Morgan Laite (’17) and Maggie Thoemke (’16, ’19) met when they found themselves working at a job neither of them enjoyed. Bonding over their shared experience at MSUM, similar personalities, and the fact that they were born nine days apart, they quickly became close friends.