Minnesota State Moorhead

Congratulations to double Dragon Osman Ali Baar (health services administration '16, MS in Counseling '22) on being named a Bush Fellow! Receiving this prestigious recognition comes with a $150,000 grant that will fund a self-designed leadership plan. Osman's plan will improve mental health access for New Americans and refugee communities, and expand the pipeline for mental health workers from these backgrounds. Congratulations again to Osman and all 30 recipients!

Local leaders Jennifer Illich, Osman Ali Baar named 2026 Bush Fellows Jennifer Illich of West Fargo and Osman Ali Baar of Moorhead each will receive a $150,000 Bush Fellowship grant to pursue a self-designed leadership plan.

We're counting down the days until Moorhead's Juneteenth celebration 🎉

The campus mall will be home to the family-friendly community celebration on Friday, June 19, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Juneteenth celebrates Black history, culture, and resilience. It marks the moment in U.S. history when all citizens were recognized as free.

Dragons took their learning global 🔥

From Edinburgh to London, students explored teaching practices across Scotland and England through school visits and collaboration with educators at Gracemount Primary School and Alec Reed Academy.

Along the way, they conducted individualized research projects, where they dove into the differences and connections between Scottish, English, and U.S. education systems. The experience sparked powerful insights into how culture and teaching practices shape learning around the world.

At the end of the school year, employees from all areas of campus came together for the Celebration of Dragon Employees. While the event recognizes retirees, anniversaries, and all the work done throughout the year, we also celebrate Dragons who go above and beyond with the Dragon Excellence Awards.

Pictured: Ralf Mehnert-Meland, Student Engagement; Dr. Julia Poplin, Academic Excellence & Innovation; Karen Qualey, Community Engagement; Dr. Boyd Bradbury, University Scholar

Not Pictured: Dr. Benjamin Druffel, Collaboration; Dr. Brandi Sillerud, University Scholar

Thank you to all the Dragons who make Minnesota State Moorhead a wonderful place to learn, work, and live. 🐉