Burgum proclaims Navy Week in North Dakota
On Thursday, Gov. Burgum proclaimed July 22-28, 2024, Navy Week in the State of North Dakota. Burgum also welcomed North Dakota's own Admiral Stuart Munsch back to Fargo as part of the ceremony.
The U.S. Navy and over 50 of its sailors from across the nation visited Fargo over the weekend for the third annual Navy Week in conjunction with the Fargo AirSho, featuring the U.S. Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron, the Blue Angels.
The U.S. Navy also hosted special events and programs in the Fargo area to celebrate why the Navy matters to Fargo and increase community knowledge and understanding of the Navy and its global mission.
On Saturday, Lt. Gov. Tammy Miller joined in on the festivities by skydiving with the Sky Dive Fargo! team during the Fargo AirSho.
Inaugural Governor's Cup raises $125k for North Dakota workforce
The inaugural Governor's Cup golf and sport shooting tournament is in the books! The two-day event raised over $125,000 in matching funds for the North Dakota Career Builders Scholarship & Loan Repayment Program, designed to attract and retain talent in high-demand and emerging occupations.
The money, raised through the generous support of 38 sponsors and the participation of over 280 attendees, will provide a dollar-for-dollar match to state funds for recipients of the program, who can qualify for up to $17,000 in over 100 occupations including nursing, teaching, computer programming, electrical, welding, mechanical engineering and social work.
“The inaugural Governors Cup was a resounding success, raising $125,000 in private donations which, when matched with state funds through the ND Career Builders Scholarship & Loan Repayment Program, will represent a $250,000 investment in our efforts to attract and retain students and recent graduates in high-demand fields," Gov. Burgum said. “We’re deeply grateful to the event’s organizers, sponsors, vendors and donors, including the many golfers and competitive shooters who competed for a good cause.”
For more about the ND Career Builders program, including testimonials, visit ndus.edu/career-builders.
Registration now open for Recovery Reinvented
Registration for Recovery Reinvented is now open for the in-person event Oct. 30, 2024, at the Bismarck Event Center.
State and national addiction experts will share their insight into how to turn "Advocacy into Action" at the eighth annual Recovery Reinvented, an event dedicated to ending the shame and stigma surrounding the disease of addiction.
The experience will be hosted by Gov. Burgum and First Lady Kathryn Burgum and will be free for both in-person attendees and online via livestream broadcast on recoveryreinvented.com.
Recovery Reinvented is free and open to the public, but space is limited, and registration is required. Registrants will be asked to indicate if they will attend in-person or virtually for the day-of experience and may update their registration status at any point.
NASA astronaut James Buchli to be presented with Rough Rider Award on Tuesday at UND
Gov. Burgum announced that NASA astronaut James Buchli will be presented with the North Dakota Theodore Roosevelt Rough Rider Award during a ceremony July 30 at the University of North Dakota in Grand Forks.
Burgum announced Buchli as the 49th recipient of the Rough Rider Award, the state’s highest commendation for its citizens, on May 20. The award ceremony will take place at 10 a.m. July 30 in UND’s Robin Hall, 4275 University Ave., Grand Forks. A reception will follow.
Buchli (pronounced Buck-lee) was inducted into the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame in 2019, solidifying his legacy as one of the foremost figures in American space history. He has frequently returned to North Dakota, engaging with UND’s Space Studies program and inspiring future generations of aerospace professionals.
Born in New Rockford, Buchli became the first North Dakotan to fly in space and is a veteran of four space flights. He has orbited the Earth 319 times, traveled 7.74 million miles and spent more than 20 days in space. He was a distinguished Marine Corps aviator before becoming a NASA astronaut with a career marked by impeccable service and groundbreaking achievements.
In announcing him as a Rough Rider Award recipient, Burgum said Buchli’s distinguished career is a testament to perseverance, expertise and leadership.
“He flew on four space shuttle missions and participated in scientific experiments, satellite deployments and defense-related space operations of great importance to our country,” Burgum said. “An exceptional North Dakotan, Buchli is a great supporter of the UND Aerospace program and shares his experience and skills with aspiring students. As the first person born in North Dakota to visit space, he’s an example of just how far a North Dakotan can go.”
The Theodore Roosevelt Rough Rider Award recognizes present and former North Dakotans who have been influenced by the state in achieving national recognition in their fields of endeavor, thereby reflecting credit and honor upon North Dakota and its citizens. Established during the 1961 Dakota Territory Centennial, the award was initially given as an honorary rank of Colonel in the Theodore Roosevelt Rough Riders. North Dakota Secretary of State Michael Howe and State Historical Society Director Bill Peterson both concurred with Burgum’s selection of Buchli for the Rough Rider Award.
A portrait of Buchli will be displayed in the Theodore Roosevelt Rough Rider Hall of Fame on the ground floor of the State Capitol in Bismarck.
2024 Governor’s Photo Contest for Travel and Tourism Now Open
The North Dakota Governor's Photo Contest for Travel and Tourism is back, inviting residents to capture the beauty and excitement of our state for a chance to win cash prizes and statewide recognition. This year’s contest is a partnership between the Governor's Office, AAA of North Dakota, North Dakota Tourism and the North Dakota Council on the Arts.
“North Dakota is a state of extraordinary beauty and diverse experiences, and this photo contest is a wonderful opportunity for residents to showcase what makes our state special,” Gov. Burgum said. “We encourage everyone to participate, capture the magic of our seasons, and share their unique perspectives with the world. Let’s celebrate North Dakota’s beauty together and inspire others to discover our great state.”
This year's theme highlights North Dakota's diverse seasons, showcasing the unique appeal of our state throughout the year. Photographers can submit entries in eight categories:
- Winter Scenery & Winter Activities
- Fall Scenery & Fall Activities
- Spring Scenery & Spring Activities
- Summer Scenery & Summer Activities
The contest is open to all North Dakota residents. Photographers can submit their entries online through Instagram, the contest website, or Flickr, or by mail. The deadline for entries is Jan. 31, 2025.
Winners will be chosen in each category, with a grand prize winner receiving an additional cash prize and a free AAA membership. Winning photos will also be displayed in the State Capitol and used in promotional materials.
Full details and contest rules can be found at https://www.ndtourism.com/governors-photo-contest-entry.