Category Archives: News

Growing as a Jimmie – Ellie M. Michaletz

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Sir Jimmie Blog

As I look back on my time at University of Jamestown, I can’t believe the amount I’ve learned and grown in all aspects of my life. When I committed to UJ as a senior in high school, I didn’t realize how much Christ would transform my life.

Ellie Michaletz with a friend and a calf in a barn.

I came in with many different expectations, priorities, and a past I was excited to get away from…little did I know where God would take me 2.5 years later. I came in as a double major in biology and psychology for pre-med, but after a year, I felt called to switch my major in hopes of becoming a Christian Psychologist.

In a little over a week, I will be graduating from UJ with a Bachelor of Science degree in psychology, and then heading to the Twin Cities to start graduate school to get my degree in marriage and family counseling. I am so excited for the next season of my life, but I’m sad to leave the place that has been so exciting, memorable, and transformative. UJ will always hold a special place in my heart, and even though I’ll be graduating, I know I will always be a part of this Jimmie family.

A huge part of my life and story at Jamestown is how God has taken hold of my heart.

Whether it was through Cru, the ministry teams on campus, being a huddle leader at FCA camps, or the many relationships I’ve had with my brothers and sisters of Christ, God has pushed, challenged, and prepared me for much more than I could have ever imagined.

Ellie Michaletz posing with two volleyball friends in uniform.

I grew up in a Christian home, but I never knew what it truly meant to live and surrender my life for Christ until I came to UJ. My friends, family, coaches, volleyball team, and Candace have had such an impact on my faith, and I want to thank each and every one of them for pushing me out of my comfort zone and helping make me who I am today.

One of the biggest memories I’ll have is being on the Jimmie volleyball team.

Coming into a college team, it sometimes feels like you’re moving from a small pond as a big fish to a small fish in a big pond, but that couldn’t be more wrong. The Jimmie volleyball program isn’t just a team, but a family. Whatever your role may be, you are a part of something far greater than yourself.

I have learned so much from my teammates and coaches, and I wouldn’t have asked for a better family. Not only does this intimacy create lifelong bonds, but it also brings a success that isn’t explainable to the outside eye. To society, success comes from winning, but winning is a result of the relationships on our team. Being third in the nation is a testament to the strong bond of our Jimmie volleyball family. My last week of nationals was a time I will remember forever, not because of the wins, but because of the incredible experiences I got to share with my Jimmie sisters.

2019 UJ Women's Volleyball team photo.

The last thing that UJ has given me in the past 2.5 years is incredible relationships.

I have made connections and relationships with a vast variety of people, whether it was with my volleyball team, professors, A-Hall in Kroeze, my residents in Watson, classmates, ministry team members, or brothers and sisters of Christ. Looking back on my time at UJ, I will remember all the people who had late night-study sessions, nerf gun wars in Watson, sleepovers at the ministry house, and the people who would go to TCBY for waffle cones with me.

I’ve made relationships that have withstood many different trials and will persevere through many more to come; those are the relationships you can make at University of Jamestown, and I’m so grateful for all that UJ has given me. I only hope I could give back a glimpse of what I have received during my time here.

Ellie Michaletz posing with two friends in an outdoor winter setting.

History Club Spreading Knowledge, Podcast Planned

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By Josh Thompson

Here at the University of Jamestown, we have an organization known as the History Club.

This organization is comprised of a group of enthusiastic students who are passionate about learning our world’s history and having thoughtful discussions about its effects on the current world. A few examples of the topics that have been discussed are societal life during the 1900’s, religious development in the early United States, and even a discussion on historical technologies used in warfare.

However, when it comes to the History Club, the topics are endless.

On the other hand, the History Club is not only about discussing historical events with fellow history enthusiasts. One goal of the History Club is to spread the knowledge of fascinating events from the past to entertain and inform the public. Keep an eye out for the club’s information booths during major college events!

Lastly, the History Club also plans field trips around the state to help expand their knowledge about the history that is present all around us.

What makes the History Club so special? Is it the fascinating topics discussed in each meeting? Perhaps it is the fields trips and research projects that the club enjoys doing. Regardless of which era of history you are excited about, the History Club has something for everyone who finds history fascinating.

Recently, the History Club had set up an information booth at the Homecoming Street Fair here on campus to show off the amazing history of Jamestown’s campus. They had brochures of old building projects, photos of campus from the early days, and even some background history on the buildings the college students use every day! The members of History Club are always enthusiastic about history.

That is why any history buffs out there should keep an eye out for the newest addition to the History Club…The UJ History Buffs Podcast! This podcast is scheduled to start next semester and will include topics such as the origins of the University of Jamestown, global history, and more!

Be sure to tune in and be amazed.

Love, Mystery, and Murder: A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder opens Thursday

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By Stephanie Jorritsma

Photo: University of Jamestown Theatre Department

Are you in the mood for a dangerous tale?  The University of Jamestown Theatre Department will be presenting the musical comedy A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder Thursday through Saturday in the Reiland Fine Arts Center.

A Gentleman’s Guide has won a host of awards, including the 2014 Tony for Best Musical.  The show is set in 1907 England and follows the story of young Montague (Monty) Navarro.  Monty is a lower class Londoner who discovers he is eighth in the line of succession for an Earldom in the prestigious D’ysquith family.  After the family snubs him, Monty decides to murder his rivals and claim the title himself.  A Gentleman’s Guide is filled with laughs, intrigue, and surprises as the audience follows Monty’s journey to claim the title of ninth Earl of Highhurst.

A Gentleman’s Guide is a unique show due to its blend of modern and older influences.  According to director Mike McIntyre, one of the most unique aspects of A Gentleman’s Guide is the music.  The show’s music evokes early 1900s musical theatre and has a distinctive sound which is unlike many modern musicals.  Christian Gifford, who plays the Magistrate, adds that this style of music uniquely allows actors to combine their character choices with the music.

While the music may differ from other modern musicals, McIntyre feels that the cast has embraced the style and enjoys the unique sound that the music provides.

Along with its distinctive music, A Gentleman’s Guide also contains what McIntyre calls a “contemporary sense of humor”.  The show is filled with colorful characters, clever humor, and ridiculous deaths of the unfortunate D’ysquiths.  Even the show’s dance numbers, choreographed by senior Amanda Arvay, were created with humor in mind.  Amanda says that although the dance numbers are different, each one brings laughter to the audience. 

The characters, situations, and dances of A Gentleman’s Guideflow together into a hilarious and engaging story.  As Alex Delzer, who plays Monty, says about the show, “It delivers comedy in a way I’ve never experienced before! It’s so fun because it takes itself seriously while keeping moments [of] humor throughout.” 

A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder combines old and new styles into a show that is entertaining and appealing to all ages.  As Alivia Hoke, who plays Phoebe, states, “You have drama, you have humor, you have romance, you have action.”  She encourages audiences to come, since, “It’s not like anything[…]you’ll see anywhere else.”

So, if you find yourself in the mood for a hilarious story of love, adventure, and murder, get your tickets for A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder.  Performances will be November 7-9 at 7:30pm in DeNault auditorium.

  Tickets can be purchased in advance at the UJ box office by emailing tickets@uj.edu, calling 701-252-3467 (ext.5435), or by visiting the box office (open Mon-Fri 3-6pm in Reiland 135). 

Tickets are also available at the door.  UJ students and staff are admitted at no cost.

UJ Raises $61 Million for Capital Campaign

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By Jacob Just

The University of Jamestown revealed during a ceremony Saturday that through the Opening Doors, Transforming Lives campaign the school raised $61, 252,244 towards various building additions, renovations, and scholarship endowment since 2014.

The campaign raised money to build the Harold Newman Arena, renovation of the Hansen Center J-House game room and movie theatre, Voorhees Chapel restoration, and a renovation of the Larson Sports Center weight room.  The campaign also raised funds to support institutional scholarships.

UJ President Polly Peterson said the end result of the campaign has better positioned the university to serve students.

UJ administration, board of trustees, donors, and alumni gathered Saturday to celebrate the conclusion of the campaign and to reveal the total amount raised.  The ceremony concluded the 2019 homecoming events for the school.

As Seen on TV: Magician Ben Seidman to Stun UJ Thursday

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By Jacob Just

It’s not everyday that someone with a Neflix Original comes to Jamestown, but it’s happening Thursday March 21st.

Ben Seidman got his start in Las Vegas, where is performances are not uncommon.  He can be found performing in hotels and resorts across the country.  You could call him a magician but expect some comedy and storytelling to come with it. 

Ben has been featured on TV including The CW and the Travel Channel.  He even guest stars on the Netflix Original Brainchild.  He’s so good that he was a consultant for the TV show The Mentalist on CBS.

Check him out on Thursday March 21st at 9pm in the Reiland Fine Arts Center DeNault Auditorium. 

The event is FREE!

Check out some of his performances here:

Sir Jimmie Blog: The Influence of UJ

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By Maggie Erickson

After four years at the University of Jamestown, I’ve learned a lot about myself and grown in ways I never thought I would. My experience has not at all been what I expected going into college, but it has been amazing.

Initial plans
My senior year of high school, I decided to go to UJ where my parents worked as the director of financial aid and the head baseball coach (no, Tom Hager is not like that at home). My initial plan was to major in accounting, someday become a CPA, and lay low while in school.

If you know me, you know that is not at all what’s going on now.

Changing Majors
I am currently double majoring in Graphic Design and Business Administration with a concentration in Marketing. I did keep an Accounting minor and added Character in Leadership to the list as well.

New Activities
During my time at UJ, I’ve been involved in chapel choir, concert choir, Relay for Life, Alpha Chi, Omicron Delta Kappa, CIL, student senate, and probably a few other clubs or organizations that I’m forgetting. I’ve made great friendships, gotten to do things I love, travelled to Italy, gained amazing connections, and expanded my knowledge in a lot of different areas in the past four years.

Character in Leadership
During my senior year of high school, my mom convinced me to apply for the Wilson Scholarship (which I was not about at the time), where I ended up meeting Liz Hunt who convinced me to join the Character in Leadership program – probably the best decision of my life thus far. I also ended up winning the Wilson, so I guess mom was right about that one – shout out to Judy Hager for that and everything else she’s right about.

I honestly believe the Character in Leadership program is one of the best things this school has to offer; I have learned so much about myself and my beliefs in the past four years that I probably would not have explored otherwise. I have made wonderful friendships that started within the CIL program. I’ve also made numerous friendships through other campus organizations and classes that will all stick with me.

Why UJ is Unique
University of Jamestown has allowed me to get involved in things I care about and pursue a field of study that I’m passionate about. After deciding to switch majors, I thought I was going to have to transfer, but Mike Woodley convinced me otherwise. As you can tell, a lot of what I’ve done at UJ has been a result of other people convincing me to do things. The people at UJ are not afraid to get involved in your life and help out in any way they can, and that is unique and wonderful.

I’ve also had the chance to be taught by amazing professors like Liz Hunt, Mary Reed, Mort Sarabakhsh, Amie Aesoph, Chris Hoke, Teddi Jo Paulson, Vicki Greshik, and many others. There are far too many people at this school that have had a great impact on my life to name. My favorite thing about my experience at UJ by far has been the people I’ve met and gotten to know. The people at the University of Jamestown have taught me so much in and outside the classroom. I’ve gained connections with professors, staff members, and fellow students that will stay with me and continue to help me grow throughout my life.

The influence that University of Jamestown can have on a student like myself is great, it is memorable, it is beautiful, and it is important.

UJ Celebrates Jimmie Jive Week

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By: Jacob Just

Shortly after Spring Break, the home stretch for the school year has arrived.  The Jamestown Activities Board (JAB) is planning their annual Jimmie Jive Week, a full week of free events for students.

The week kicks off Saturday March 16th with the annual semi-formal dance from 9pm to 1am at the Gladstone Inn in Jamestown.  The theme is The Emerald Ball.  Shuttles will be provided to and from campus in front of the Badal Nafus Center.  Food and refreshments will be provided. 

On Monday March 18th, the monthly Trivia Knight will challenge your thinking with a full hour of trivia questions beginning at 9pm in the J-House.  Snacks will be provided.  Gather a team of friends (at least 3 people) and win some awesome prizes.  There are only two more trivia events after this, so it’s never too late to get started!

Tuesday brings a canvas painting night in the Reiland Fine Arts Center.  Snacks and supplies will be provided.  This is a relaxing time to focus on what painting whatever your heart desires.  The event begins at 9pm in the Reiland lobby.

Grocery Bag Bingo is always a much-anticipated event for students every semester, but Wednesday’s event gives the winners more “buying power” with their prizes.  Gift Card bingo will give participants an opportunity to win large gift cards to businesses college students use most.  Each gift card will be valued at $50, this is in addition to door prizes giving every participant a great chance at winning a prize!

Jamestown welcomes nationally acclaimed Magician Ben Seidman on Thursday for a performance that will have you stunned.  Ben has been featured on channels such as The CW and the Travel Channel.  He can also be seen on the Netflix original brainchild.  His performance will be held at 9pm in the Reiland Fine Arts Center.

Go Orange Friday closes out Jimmie Jive Week.  Students are encouraged to wear Jimmie gear.  JAB members will be walking around campus looking for those students.  If a JAB member sees you in Jimmie gear, you may just get a prize that will make your day. 

Be sure to follow JAB on Twitter and Instagram @UofJAB.

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