Bismarck State College (BSC) is set to recognize several outstanding alumni and Hall of Fame inductees at its annual Alumni & Athletic Hall of Fame Awards Dinner on Thursday, May 14, 2026. A social begins at 5:15 p.m. (CDT), followed by dinner at 6 p.m. (CDT) in the Bavendick Stateroom, inside the BSC National Energy Center of Excellence, 1200 Schafer St., Bismarck.
The BSC National Alumni Association Board of Directors has named Melissa Gordon, ’93, as the 2026 Alumna of the Year and Jade Scherr, ’17, as this year’s Rising Star. The Silbernagel family has been selected as the 2026 Legacy Family of the Year. Lars Smeenk, Spencer Gillund, Evonne Vaplon, Jeni Walsh and the 2019 BSC volleyball team are being inducted into the BSC Athletic Hall of Fame.
Alumni Association Awards
2026 Alumna of the Year
Melissa Gordon is a highly accomplished artist and educator. A 1993 graduate of BSC with an Associate in Applied Science 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 “Parade Magazine” recognized as the best mural in North Dakota.
2026 Rising Star
Jade Scherr is a visionary entrepreneur as the CEO and founder of HexaHive, a marketing agency based in Bismarck. A 2017 graduate of BSC with an Associate in Applied Science in Graphic Design & Communications, 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.
2026 Legacy Family of the Year
The Dr. A James & Nadeane Silbernagel Family has a connection to BSC that spans three generations, creating a long-standing legacy of academic and professional excellence. As stewards of their 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.
Athletic Hall of Fame Inductees
Lars Smeenk is being honored as a BSC Athletic Hall of Fame inductee for being one of the most accomplished distance runners in BSC 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.
Spencer Gillund is recognized as one of the most accomplished baseball players in BSC 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, N.D., Gillund played a key role in elevating the BSC baseball program through his consistency, leadership and all-around impact on the field.
Evonne Vaplon is one of the most versatile and dominant athletes in the history of BSC (previously Bismarck Junior College) track and field. During the record-breaking 1977 season, Evonne led the team to a state championship by winning individual titles in three different events: the shot put, discus and javelin. Her powerhouse performance earned her a spot at the NJCAA National Championships and cemented her legacy as a legendary multi-event competitor.
Jeni Walsh is recognized for her exceptional leadership, program-building success, and lasting impact on Mystic athletics. During her time coaching at BSC, Walsh helped usher in one of the most successful eras in program history, setting multiple team records and establishing a culture rooted in accountability, growth and excellence. Walsh never posted a losing season, accumulating 213 wins against 83 losses.
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.