The Perfect Palette

Arts from the Heart

My school days of raising and showing livestock and as a student-athlete have been documented in these pages. But like many, the arts also played an important role in my childhood.

Growing up in Warren, Minnesota, I was the kid who played piano from age 5, thanks to my grandmother, a music teacher who was my first instructor. When I outgrew her lessons, she lovingly nudged me toward another teacher, ensuring the music never stopped.

By high school, I was all in — jazz band, choir, jazz choir, musicals, and every music competition I could enter. I played trombone and piano, and I loved every minute of it.

One of my favorite memories is from our production of “Carousel,” where I played Carrie. Music wasn’t just something I did at school; it was part of our family. When my grandmother could no longer perform, I stepped in to accompany my father’s one-man comedy act as his pianist. He performed as “Sharlee, the Norwegian Farmer,” complete with bib overalls, a wig, and a flair for storytelling. We traveled to county fairs, churches, and community halls, where he’d sing made-up songs and deliver punchlines about his fictional wife, Lena, while I followed along on the piano. It was grassroots entertainment at its finest — and a cherished chapter in my life that deepened my love for performing and the ability for art to connect people.

Though I don’t play much anymore, music has remained a thread throughout my life. I accompanied my daughter during her vocal training and still find joy in those rare moments when I sit down at a piano. The arts have always been a part of my story, and they are a vital part of UND’s story, too. In this issue, we celebrate alumni who are shaping the world through creativity — whether it’s David Badman’s innovative art studio in downtown Grand Forks, visual artists who reach east to west, or a Shakespearean scholar who brings his talents behind bars.

Art, in all its forms, helps us understand who we are and where we come from. It connects generations, communities, and cultures. I’m proud to be part of a university that nurtures that spirit.

Homecoming 2025

Make plans now to attend Homecoming on Sept. 15-20. 
I hope to see you there!

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