100 Years, One Story

Connections That Build Community

As we mark 100 years of the UND Alumni Magazine, I’m reminded of its incredible role in sustaining our alumni community. For a century, it’s been more than just a magazine — it’s been a bridge connecting generations of graduates to each other and to the University we all cherish.  I’ve contributed to this magazine for decades. My first column was about annual giving — a topic I felt strongly about, even if I was nervous writing about it. We laid out each issue by hand with the Office of University Relations (OUR). It was a labor of love, by a small but passionate team. That same dedication continues today as our team  thoughtfully assembles each issue to reflect the heart of our alumni community.

One of my earliest contributions to what was then the Alumni Review featured my daughter Karissa in a tiny graduation gown for an annual giving campaign. Years later, Karissa earned two UND degrees — a full-circle moment that still brings me joy.

The magazine’s CEO column began in 1953 with the “Report from Campus” by the legendary J. Lloyd Stone. In my role as CEO, I’ve written about reunions, alumni awards, and the impact of every dollar on UND students. I’ve watched the magazine evolve from a monthly newspaper to the beautifully curated publication it is  today. Through it all, our commitment to connection and community remains.

That commitment began with UND’s first eight graduates, who believed in staying connected to each other and to the University. Their vision laid the foundation for our organization, and the Alumni Magazine picked up that torch in 1925.

Fittingly, UND President Andrew Armacost has declared this the “Year of Community.” Alumni who haven’t returned in decades often call the magazine a “dear friend keeping them connected.” It’s a testament to the role this publication plays in fostering community across time and distance. 
Thanks to the Chester Fritz Library, every issue dating back to 1925 is available online, preserving our history and making it accessible to alumni, students, and researchers around the world.

Dave Vorland

Speaking of the collaboration with the OUR, I want to pass on my condolences to the family and friends of Dave Vorland, ’65, longtime OUR director who also taught journalism classes on campus. I took classes from Dave and worked closely with him for years. His big laugh, great smile, and love for this University will be missed.

Homecoming

We celebrated another incredible Homecoming in mid-September, breaking ground on a new STEM complex, reopening Merrifield Hall, and enjoying Alumni Honors and Athletics Hall of Fame events, and a win over Valparaiso following the Homecoming Parade. That spirit of connection, whether through a handshake, a shared  memory, or the pages of this magazine, is what makes UND special.

Here’s to the next 100 years of stories and community.

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