NDSU Entomology Club History

Entomology Club was conceptualized and established in 1994. There were about 15 active members at that time including the people working at USDA like Dr. Larry Charlet and Theresa Gross. In 1995, the club was recognized by the North Dakota State University Student Body Organization. Among the first officers were: Chris Locken, President; Ken Urlacher, Vice-President; Dana Pitzen, Secretary; and Tim Nowatzki, Treasurer under supervision of Dr. David A. Rider, faculty adviser.

During the early period, the members ratified the constitution and set-up the club’s checking account at the University Credit Union. The club first activities were insect collection at Buffalo River State Park, MN and Medora, ND and a photo competition.

1997-1998 School Year
The club considered short term goals such as bake sale in the union, cockroach race, larval fondue and a raffle. Part of the club long-term goals was to sell children coloring book for Child Development class and bee hive/ honey and to create NDSU Entomology Club web page.

Activities included participation in the Celebration of Nations at Moorhead State University (a festival fund-raiser where club members cooked insects in various ways and showed live insects), Market place for kids (an educational demonstration for kids from the Fargo-Moorhead area), spring picnic (a fun day in the park with lots of free food and drinks, insect photography, a dinner and a movie, and T-shirt sales.

1998-1999 School Year
The club members participated in Hug a Bug at Yunker Farm, Expanding Horizons, and Vet/ Microbiology Life Science Fair, and Union market. Club members also participated in College Bowl were we placed 6th out of 11 participating teams.

1999-2000 School Year
Activities included participation in Eco Camp on 14 September, homecoming parade on 14 October and T-shirt design contest.

2000-2001 School Year
Entomology club members, Marion Harris, Theresa Gross and Karin Gross participated in the Expanding Horizons on 21 April. Other members of the club like Karin, Erin, and Carl attended and displayed insect demonstration during the Market place for kids event. The club also had insect displays at Valley City during the Eco Camp of elementary students where Karin, Kirk, and John Fajardo participated.

2001-2002 School Year
Activities of the club included: 1) Marketplace for kids where John, Justin Knott, Inderjit Saini, Jennifer Alton, and Loida Tobias participated at Concordia College, Moorhead; 2) College for kids at Department of Entomology, North Dakota State University where Don Carey, John, Justin, Inderjit, and Jennifer; 3) Eco camp held at valley city where Karin, Kirk, Ankush displayed insects and other arthropods, 4) Expanding Horizons where Karin, Loida, Theresa had participated, and T-shirt sales, 5) Designing and sale of 2002 club T-shirts (annual activity).

2002-2003 School Year
This school year saw the Entomology Club’s greatest growth, as several new activities and members were added.

1) Entomology Club goes online: John Fajardo designed the first club website, which went online March 10.  We plan to continue this project in the future.  A list-serve was also set up to enhance the club’s communication with its diverse members.

2) Marketplace for Kids: Ayanava, John, Karin, and Loida volunteered in this annual activity held at Concordia College, Moorhead, MN.

3) Eco-camp: Don Carey, and Kirk and Karin Anderson participated in this annual activity in Valley City, ND.

4) Department Get-together: The club organized a get-together for all students, staff, and faculty members on March 2. It was well attended by both current and past club members.

5) Department Display Cases: Two new displays about the club and the department were completed in August.  They were designed and built by Ayanava, Evan, John, Justin, Karin, and Loida.

6) Awards to Past Members: The club recognized the services of its past members by issue of special certificates.  Dr. Gary Brewer and Luming Brewer were honored at an August picnic in recognition of their constant support.  Jenny was honored for her past commitment as an officer in the club.  The club will soon set up a permanent award committee.

7) Annual T-shirt sales: New club T-shirt was designed and sold across the NDSU campus.  The total sale jumped to double 2002 sales.  Over one hundred shirts were sold in all.  Sales took place in three batches as demand required.  The profits generated are used towards further expansion of club activities.

8) Advertising: The club is undertaking an advertising campaign, utilizing The Spectrum, (NDSU’s campus newspaper) and quick presentations to non-member students.  T-shirt sales became a great way to advertise the club.  An advertising pamphlet was also designed for campus-wide distribution.

1994-2002 history was compiled by John Fajardo with the help of Karin Gross, Gerry Fauske, and David Rider.

Site developed by John A. Fajardo
Maintained by Diane Pennington