By Dr. Ray Nadolny, President of Williston State College                 Teton Thunder, January 2010

Educating students and preparing them for careers is what we do best. Like the five former students now employed at Murphy Motors, thousands have been trained and placed in lucrative jobs. It is why we are here.

Yet, economic realities have created a major stress on many. Did you know the average debt per borrower of college loans rose 18%, from $19,300 to $22,700, in 2008? And that was before the recession!

“The fact that vocational and academic dreams continue to be fulfilled at Williston State College for local students and those throughout the state is a credit to the Williston State College Foundation and loyal friends.” Your call, just a thought

Because of our Foundation, and your support, many students are bucking a national trend and leaving our college debt free.

In the midst of a slumping national economy, we are experiencing unbelievable economic growth in our state — and the Williston area appears to be the central hub for this growth. The state’s investment in a new Career and Tech Center being built even now on our grounds is their vote of confidence in Williston as the place to train future leaders.

The new residence hall you will read about in this issue will house many new waves of future students. Yet many new scholarships are needed to attract them to Williston State. There is no better time to invest in the future of our college and its training programs.

Our college is dedicated to making positive differences in the lives of students throughout our region and entire state in 2010 and beyond. But we cannot do it without the continued benevolent partnership of our community leaders, legislators, friends and donors.

Right now, no gift is too small to keep WSC on the road to excellence. But we need your investment.

I believe that our WSC Foundation Board members, donors, community leaders, as well as faculty, staff and students at WSC, are part of the strongest support network of any two-year college in the state of North Dakota. Join us in continuing to advance our college and community. And my thanks for recognizing and rewarding our outstanding students, faculty and staff in this way!

– Dr. Ray Nadolny