Driven in Every Direction

Where the Road Leads

Recently, I was asked how many miles I’ve traveled over my years with the UND Alumni Association & Foundation.

I looked it up: nearly 1.6 milion miles over the past couple of decades — enough to circle the globe more than 60 times.

When I began my career, I never imagined it would take me this far — not only in distance, but in the people I’ve met. At first, that part of the job could be intimidating. I remember traveling to meet Phil Jackson, ’67, HON ’08, early in my career. Even as someone who loves basketball, I wondered: How do you begin a conversation with a former NBA champion player and world champion coach?

And then the conversation starts — not with championships or accolades, but with memories of UND, of home, of the people and places that shaped them. The titles fade, and what remains is someone who’s proud of their ties to the University of North Dakota.

That realization has repeated itself countless times.
One recent night, I found myself at dinner with astronaut Karen Nyberg, ’94, HON ’14, and her husband, Doug Hurley, who had just returned from NASA work earlier that day. On paper, they are extraordinary. Across the table, they were kind, generous, and deeply interested in others.

During dinner, my 8-year-old grandson called. He dreams of becoming an astronaut, so I asked Karen, who grew up in Vining, Minnesota, if she would say hello.

Without hesitation, she took the call. I learned he ran into the house with tears of joy because someone who had been in space twice took a moment to encourage him.

That’s what stays with me.
Yes, this role means long days, early flights, late nights, and many miles. But at the end of every trip is a person who reminds me what makes the UND community so special. There is no single path after UND, and this issue of the magazine celebrates that.

Our alumni have become entrepreneurs, artists, engineers, physicians, educators, explorers, and more. Some are widely known. Many others quietly make a difference every day. 
This summer, we lost one of those remarkable alumni, Konnie Middleton, ’75.

Through her generosity, leadership, and enduring commitment to UND students, she helped create opportunities that will continue well into the future. Konnie’s life is a powerful reminder that the greatest impact our alumni make is often found in the opportunities they create for others.

No matter where our paths lead, a common thread connects us: the life-launching place that is the University of North Dakota.
I hope you see a bit of your own journey as you read these stories and are reminded of the many ways UND can shape a life.

With that in mind, consider coming home this fall for Homecoming 2026, Sept. 28 - Oct. 4. Share your story with old friends and experience this current, wonderful version of your University.look forward to welcoming you home! 

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