DICKINSON, N.D. – The DSU Heritage Foundation proudly announces its 2024 Alumni Honorees, recognized for exceptional contributions in their fields. Recipients will be celebrated on October 18 at the Alumni Honors Luncheon during DSU Homecoming week.
“The DSU Heritage Foundation is proud to honor these eight outstanding alumni and friends for their dedication to both their communities and the university,” said Ty Orton, Executive Director & DSU President. “Their contributions, along with those of others like them, enable Dickinson State University to fulfill its mission of preparing students to make a positive impact.”
The honorees will be recognized at a luncheon on Oct. 18 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Roosevelt Grand Dakota Lodge ballroom. Tickets are $35. Purchase here or contact Kierra Mathern at (701) 483-2486.
This year’s alumni honorees are:
Jami Arnold ’08 | School of Professional Studies
Jami (Arnold) Haynes earned a law degree from the University of North Dakota after attending Dickinson State University (DSU). She pursued a double major in Political Science
and Spanish while participating in numerous campus leadership roles, including the Theodore Roosevelt Honors Leadership Program, Student Senate, and serving as Student Body President. Haynes acquired the Haynes Melbye Law Office. She credits her success to her time at DSU and the strong family tradition of attending the university. Haynes enjoys traveling and spending time with her family.
Steve Merrigan ’92 | School of Applied Science
Originally from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and raised near Wheatland, North Dakota, Steve Merrigan graduated from Dickinson State University in 1992. He was involved in student
leadership, including four years on the Student Senate and as Student Body Treasurer. Merrigan also played football, contributing to teams inducted into DSU’s Athletic Hall of Fame. He earned a Ph.D. in Physical Organic Chemistry from Texas A&M University and currently works as a principal scientist at Procter & Gamble, where he co-invented FlexFoam. Merrigan has applied his expertise to developing sustainable and green processes. Outside of work, he enjoys sports and resides in Ohio with his wife, Mirna, and their son, Zak.
Gary Wilz ’85 | School of Education
A Richardton, North Dakota native, Gary Wilz graduated from Dickinson State University in
1985 with a Bachelor’s degree in Biology and Secondary Science Education. After teaching health sciences at Hettinger High School, Wilz earned a Master’s in School Administration and became superintendent of Killdeer High School. He also served over 20 years in the North Dakota Army National Guard, retiring as a major. Wilz’s contributions in education and military service have had a lasting impact on his community. He retired in 2020 after a career in both teaching and administration.
Tom Wyckoff ’87 | School of Business and Entrepreneurship
Tom Wyckoff graduated from DSU in 1987, double-majoring in Business Administration-
Finance and Computer Science. He began his career at Bravera Bank (formerly American Bank), where he currently serves as Chief Financial Officer. While at DSU, Wyckoff was active in the Homecoming Committee, Student Senate, and other leadership roles. He completed advanced banking programs and has been involved in various volunteer and board roles within the community. Wyckoff resides in Dickinson with his wife, Lynn, and daughter, Kaitlynn.
Matt Perdue ’16 | 2024 Young Hawk Award
Matt Perdue, a 2016 graduate of DSU, earned degrees in Secondary Education and Political Science. He was an accomplished scholar-athlete, serving as Student Senate president and a football player. Perdue later completed a Master’s in Agricultural Economics and an MBA and currently works as the Government Relations Director for North Dakota Farmers Union. He oversees state and federal policy initiatives and spearheads agricultural programs in North Dakota. Perdue remains active in his community and resides in Jamestown with his family.
Richard and Kayleen Wardner ’66| 2024 Golden Hawk Award
Richard and Kayleen Wardner have demonstrated long-term dedication to Dickinson State University. Richard graduated from DSU in 1966 with a degree in Biology and Physical Education and later served in the North Dakota Senate, where he held numerous leadership positions, including Senate Majority Leader. Kayleen graduated from DSU in 1966 with a degree in Elementary Education. Together, they have been active in education, politics, and community service, including founding Hope’s Landing, a nonprofit for individuals in recovery. The Wardners have earned many accolades for their efforts in both the public and private sectors.
Shirley Dukart | 2024 Blue Feather Award
A dedicated advocate for the Dickinson community, Shirley Dukart has spent decades serving in leadership roles, including as president of the Dickinson Area Chamber of Commerce and the Dickinson Rotary Club. Dukart co-founded Home and Land Company in 2003 and has been instrumental in real estate development throughout the region. She is the co-founder and co-chair of Power of 100 Women Who Care, a charitable organization that has grown to 250 members and has awarded $640,000 to local nonprofits.
Questions? Contact Kierra at kierra.mathern@dickinsonstate.edu or (701)483-2486. Purchase event tickets HERE.
By: Scooter Pursley, DSU Heritage Foundation Communication Specialist