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Alumna of the Year

Melissa Gordon

Melissa Gordon is a highly accomplished artist and educator who has been professionally active since the age of 12, when she sold her first commissioned work. A 1993 graduate of Bismarck State College with an AAS in Commercial Art, she is the self-employed owner of Mel-Ink Studios. Her extensive portfolio includes the iconic 8-foot "Sitting Bull" mural in Bismarck, which was recognized by Parade Magazine as the best mural in North Dakota. Throughout her career, she has received numerous accolades, most notably the Governor’s Award for the Arts for Individual Achievement in 2021. In addition to her public murals and solo exhibitions, Gordon is an accomplished illustrator, known for her work on "Take a Walk in the Badlands of North Dakota" and the "Growing Up Rich in a Poor Family" series. Beyond her studio work, Gordon is a dedicated community leader and advocate for the arts in North Dakota. She has served on several boards, including the North Dakota Council on the Arts, the Dakota West Arts Council, and was a founding member of both the Bismarck Downtown Artist Cooperative and Arts for All. Her commitment to education is reflected in her roles as an art instructor for "Arts for Life" and "Arts for All," as well as her time as an artist-in-residence at Martin Luther School. Gordon also remains deeply connected to her alma mater, having served on the Bismarck State College Alumni Association Board and participated in the "Alumni in the Classroom" project.

Legacy Family of the Year

The Dr. A. James and Nadeane Silbernagel Family

Bismarck State College proudly recognizes the Silbernagel family as the 2026 Legacy Family of the Year. The Silbernagels’ connection to BSC spans three generations, creating a long-standing legacy of academic and professional excellence. At one point, three generations were even enrolled in the same course, an uncommon and meaningful testament to their deep roots at the college. Their commitment extends well beyond the classroom. The Silbernagel family remains a familiar presence on campus, actively supporting BSC and frequently attending campus events and theater productions. Donna (Silbernagel) Fricke further strengthens this connection through her service to the college. In her career as an educator, she was an employee of BSC for 12 years and received an ND Outstanding Educator Award. Donna has served multiple terms on the Alumni Association board and served as the board president in 2024-2025. The family’s influence resonates throughout the Bismarck community. Dr. A. James and Nadeane Silbernagel established a powerful legacy of faith, leadership, and service through their dedicated work at the Cathedral of the Holy Spirit and many other civic and charitable organizations. Subsequent generations continue this tradition through leadership in the Parkinson’s Support Group, youth programs including 4-H, Bismarck Horse Club, BMX, Hockey, and Boy Scouts, and volunteer efforts with organizations like the North Dakota Heritage Center and the Power of 100. Their commitment to community growth also extends to their family farm. As stewards of their approximately 1,200-acre homestead, the Silbernagel family is shaping Bismarck’s future through the Silver Ranch development. In partnership with Investcore, Inc., they have initiated a 30-year master plan to transform their land into a vibrant community hub, contributing to the region’s long-term growth and opportunity. The Silbernagel family truly embodies what it means to be a “Legacy Family”—rooted in stewardship, education, and a lasting devotion to the institution that helped shape their family’s story.

Rising Star

Jade Scherr 

Jade Scherr is a visionary entrepreneur and the CEO and founder of HexaHive, a marketing agency. Known for her ability to bring clarity and direction to growing businesses, she has built a team dedicated to helping organizations across North Dakota grow with intention. Her professional journey started at Bismarck State College, where she graduated in 2017 with an AAS in Graphic Design & Communications. She later earned a BS in Marketing from Minot State University with Summa Cum Laude honors. Her success has earned her significant recognition, including being named a Top 10 Employer in Bismarck-Mandan by the Young Professionals Network for four consecutive years, being honored as the 2023 Women-Owned Business of the Year by the Bismarck-Mandan Chamber EDC and being named one of Prairie Business Magazine’s Top 25 Women in Business in 2025. Beyond her business success, Scherr is a deeply committed community advocate who uses her platform to empower future leaders. She volunteers for causes including suicide prevention and the Girl Scouts and serves on numerous boards, such as the Marathon Petroleum Community Advisory Panel and the Greater North Dakota Chamber, where she chairs the Small Business Council. She remains dedicated to her alma mater by serving on the BSC Graphic Design and Communication Advisory Committee and mentoring several BSC students. Her commitment to ethics and community impact was honored with the Better Business Bureau’s Spark Award in 2023.

Athletics Hall of Fame Inductees
Lars Smeenk

Men’s Cross Country / Track & Field Lars Smeeenk is being honored as a Bismarck State College Athletic Hall of Fame inductee for being one of the most accomplished distance runners in Bismarck State College history, earning NJCAA All-American honors in 1985 and All-Region recognition in 1984. A standout for the Mystics, Smeenk made his mark on both the cross country course and the track, helping elevate BSC to national prominence. During the 1985 indoor track season, Smeenk became the first national champion in program history, capturing the NJCAA title in the 1,000-meter run with a time of 2:17.09 at the University of Arkansas. His performance led the Mystics to a seventh-place team finish at the national meet, alongside fellow All-Americans Al Beckert, Troy Nelson, and Mark Untescher. Outdoors, Smeenk set a school record in the mile with a time of 4:18, further cementing his legacy as one of the program’s elite competitors. In cross country, Smeenk was a key contributor to a Mystics team that qualified for the NJCAA National Championships in Idaho Falls. He led the team as its top finisher, placing 39th overall and helping BSC to an 11th-place team finish. Before his collegiate career, Smeenk built an exceptional résumé at Bismarck High School. He was a three-time All-State performer in cross country and a four-time state champion in track and field, winning titles in the 800 meters, 1,600 meters, and as a member of the 4x400 relay team, while also earning four runner-up finishes. Following high school, he spent a year in Denmark before continuing his academic and athletic career at BSC. Smeenk’s success extended beyond competition, as he also excelled in the classroom during his time at ‘Bismarck Junior College.’ His combination of athletic achievement, academic dedication and historic contributions to the Mystics program make him a deserving member of the BSC Athletic Hall of Fame.

Spencer Gillund

BSC Baseball (2016-18) Spencer Gillund is recognized as one of the most accomplished baseball players in Bismarck State College history, earning NJCAA Third Team All-American honors in 2017 and receiving All-Region recognition twice during his standout career with the Mystics. A native of Enderlin, North Dakota, Gillund played a key role in elevating the BSC baseball program through his consistency, leadership and all-around impact on the field. As an infielder, Gillund was known for his offensive production and defensive reliability, establishing himself as one of the top players in the region. His performance at BSC earned him opportunities to compete at higher levels, including summer play in the prestigious Northwoods League, where he continued to develop his game against elite competition. Following his time with the Mystics, Gillund continued his collegiate career at the University of Mary, where he further showcased his abilities at the NCAA level. His success at both institutions reflects his dedication to improvement and his ability to compete at a high level across multiple stages of his career. Gillund’s connection to Bismarck State College extends beyond his playing days. He later returned to the Mystics as a member of the coaching staff, continuing to invest in the growth and development of student-athletes and giving back to the program that helped shape his career. Through his achievements as a player and his continued contributions as a coach, Gillund has left a lasting legacy within Mystic baseball. His commitment to excellence, both on and off the field, makes him a deserving member of the Bismarck State College Athletic Hall of Fame.

Evonne Vaplon

Women's Cross Country / Track & Field Originally from Cayuga, North Dakota, Evonne Vaplon was recruited out of Sargent Central High School in Forman by Hall of Fame Coach Nancy Stavn Christensen. A trailblazer in the early era of Title IX, Evonne joined a powerhouse group of athletes at Bismarck Junior College (now BSC), including fellow Sargent Central teammates and Hall of Famers Deb Hoistad and Pam Imhels.   Evonne was a standout multi-sport athlete for BJC, competing in volleyball and basketball in addition to her legendary career in track and field. Under the guidance of throws coach Rockie Stavn, Evonne became one of the most dominant and versatile competitors in the program’s history. During the 1977 season, Evonne led the team to a state championship by winning individual titles in the shot put, discus, and javelin. Her performance helped propel the Mystics to a 3rd-place national finish at the NJCAA Championships in Dodge City, Kansas. A standout on the national stage, Evonne was named an All-American in the discus in both 1976 and 1977.   Following her record-breaking career at BJC, Evonne transitioned into a legendary coaching career. Since 1980, she has served as the throwers' coach at Concordia College in Moorhead, Minnesota. Over more than four decades, she has developed numerous National Champions and All-Americans, becoming one of the most respected figures in the sport. Notably, she coached Kris Kuehl, a standout athlete who would go on to become an Olympian in the discus. Evonne’s journey—from the early days of women’s collegiate athletics to mentoring elite athletes for over 40 years—embodies the spirit of excellence. We are proud to welcome her into the BSC Hall of Fame.

Jeni Walsh

BSC Volleyball Coach  Jeni Walsh is recognized as a Bismarck State College Athletic Hall of Fame inductee for her exceptional leadership, program-building success, and lasting impact on Mystic athletics. During her time at BSC, Walsh helped usher in one of the most successful eras in program history, setting multiple team records while establishing a culture rooted in accountability, growth, and excellence. Walsh never posted a losing season, accumulating 213 wins against 83 losses. A dedicated and influential leader, Walsh’s impact extended far beyond wins and records. She was deeply committed to the development of her student-athletes, fostering an environment that emphasized teamwork, resilience, and personal growth. Her ability to balance high expectations with genuine care left a lasting impression on those she coached. As one former student-athlete reflected, Walsh “pushed us to be our best while also creating an environment where we could enjoy the experience and grow together,” a testament to the positive and meaningful experience she created. Following her successful tenure at BSC, Walsh continued her career in collegiate athletics and currently serves as the Associate Director of Athletics at the University of Mary. In her role, she oversees Student-Athlete Services and compliance while also serving as the Senior Woman Administrator (SWA). She remains a respected leader and advocate for student-athlete success, carrying forward the same passion and commitment that defined her time with the Mystics. Beyond her professional accomplishments, Walsh values time with her family and maintains strong ties to the athletic community. Her legacy at Bismarck State College lives on through the sustained success of the program and the countless student-athletes she mentored and inspired.

2019 Bismarck State College Volleyball Team

NJCAA Division II – 4th Place National Finish The 2019 Bismarck State College volleyball team delivered one of the most historic seasons in program history, earning a fourth-place finish at the NJCAA Division II National Tournament and establishing themselves among the elite teams in the nation. Entering the tournament ranked No. 12, the Mystics rose to the occasion on the national stage, exceeding expectations and showcasing their resilience, talent, and competitive drive. Coached by fellow BSC Athletic Hall of Fame inductee Jeni Walsh, the Mystics were defined by a culture of accountability, unity, and belief. Under her leadership, the team not only achieved success on the court but also built a foundation centered on hard work, trust, and player development—hallmarks of Walsh’s lasting impact on the program. A defining characteristic of the 2019 team was its strong local and regional identity. Comprised largely of student-athletes from North Dakota and the surrounding region, the Mystics embodied the pride and spirit of their communities. Their success highlighted the strength of homegrown talent and demonstrated that a team built on local roots could compete—and thrive—on the national stage. Throughout the season, the Mystics consistently elevated their level of play, culminating in a standout performance at the national tournament. Their fourth-place finish remains one of the highest in program history and a testament to their determination and cohesion as a team. Beyond their accomplishments, the 2019 squad left a lasting legacy within the BSC community. They inspired future generations of Mystic volleyball players and set a standard of excellence that continues to shape the program today.