Living Your Best Life

Dear Alumni & Friends,

Living well is more than “the best revenge” (as English poet George Herbert wrote nearly 400 years ago). It’s a choice that will enrich your life. The theme of this issue of the UND Alumni Magazine is inspired by our alumni working to improve and extend lives.

Here, you’ll read about the Blue Zones Project, an initiative that brings the habits from the world’s regions where people live longer, healthier lives to communities across the U.S. The goal of the project is to make healthy choices the easy choices. Grand Forks stands out as the sole representative of the Blue Zones Project in North Dakota and is driven by UND alumni who are passionate about enhancing public health and longevity.

Healthy Hawks

A supportive environment can also help the well-being of our students. The UND Healthy Hawks initiative advocates that making healthy choices leads to personal and professional success. Healthy Hawks is just one of the programs tasked with fostering a welcoming and supportive environment on campus.

Reflecting on the importance of community and support, I am reminded of my own experience as a teenage exchange student in Japan.

Navigating a new environment where I didn’t know the language or culture, I was welcomed with open arms by my host family. They were so kind that they bought a bed for me to sleep on even though they all used rice mats. Even when alone with the non-English speaking members of the family, we found ways to communicate with smiles. Their kindness and willingness to ensure my comfort and well-being left a lasting impression.

Similarly, our alumni community plays a crucial role in supporting current students as they embark on their academic journeys. Programs like the UND Angel Fund, the Food for Thought Food Pantry, and the Career Closet are testaments to the generosity of our alumni and friends. These initiatives provide essential resources and support to students in need, embodying the spirit of giving back that defines our alumni family.

A New Chapter for Dean Josh Wynne

This marks the final chapter of Dean Josh Wynne’s illustrious tenure as Vice President for Health Affairs and Dean of the School of Medicine & Health Sciences.

Dr. Wynne’s dedication to promoting health and wellness, epitomized by his “Jogging with Josh” initiative, has left an indelible mark on our community. As he transitions from his role on October 1, we celebrate his contributions and leadership, particularly his guidance through the unprecedented challenges of the pandemic when he served as Interim President and then as trusted advisor to President Andy Armacost and North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum. Dr. Wynne will continue to serve our campus as a member of faculty. Read his prescription for well-being.

Thank You, Jonathan

I also want to thank Jonathan Holth for his time on the UND Alumni Association & Foundation Board of Directors. Jonathan is a well-known local restaurateur, managing director of Recovery Reinvented, and co-founder of the 1883 Collective. We have benefited greatly from Jonathan’s contributions during his time on the board.

Busy Summer

I want to extend a heartfelt “Thank you!” to our alumni and friends who participated in a busy summer of Alumni & Friends Gatherings across the United States. We had a great time sharing news about all the exciting things happening on the UND campus.

Add those events to the Champions Golf Tour scrambles and UND Night at Target Field and we had a summer full of fun and reconnection!

Come Home for Homecoming

As we look forward to Homecoming 2024, I invite all alumni to return to their alma mater on September 23-28. This is a time to celebrate our shared heritage, honor the achievements of our alumni at the Alumni Honors ceremony, and strengthen the bonds that make us 
“Forever UND.”

I hope to see you for Homecoming 2024.

Sincerely,
DeAnna Carlson Zink
CEO, UND Alumni Association & Foundation