1999 Inductees

A native of Jamestown, ND, Don graduated from high school there in 1948; and he received a degree from Jamestown College in 1955, after service in the Korean Conflict.  He earned a Master's Degree from Colorado State College in 1959, and completed additional studies at NDSU and Creighton University in Omaha, NE. Don Began his career in Cogswell, ND, followed by nine years of teaching and coaching in Valley City, ND.  His 1960 basketball team won a state Championship.  In the fall of 1965, Don became a charter member of the teaching and coaching staff at the new North High School in Fargo.  He was a social studies teacher, head basketball coach, and an assistant football coach. In 1967, Don became the school's assistant principal and athletic director; and in 1975, he became principal, a post he held until retiring in 1990.  During his administrative career, he served as a member of the NDHSAA (1977-1984), National Federal of HS Assoc. (1974-1985), and director of the ND State Committee for NCA (1986-1989).  While serving on the Board of the NDHSAA, he was instrumental in the adoption of Volleyball as a sanctioned activity for girls in the state.

A 1971 graduate of North High School, Nick earned a degree from the University of Missouri in the field of journalism. He gained valuable experience and career insights through internships with The Belfast Telegraph newspaper in Belfast, Northern Ireland, in 1973; and with National Geographic Magazine in 1976. In 1977, Nick was recognized by the magazine, American Photographer, as "New Face of the Year". During the late 1970's and early 1980's, Nick served as a staff photographer for a number of newspapers in the U.S., including the Philadelphia Inquirer. In 1984, he became a co-founder of Kelsh- Wilson Design, Inc. in Philadelphia. Nick has earned national and international recognition for a number of photo books that he has authored, including From Us II U. Naked Babies. The Sense of Wonder. How to Photograph! Your Own Baby and co-author of Siblings. Media appearances on the Today Show, Oprah, and MSNBC with Katie Couric have furthered the acclaim of Nick Kelsh's photographic genius.

A 1970 graduate of North High School, Robert developed what would become life­long interests in the field of communications and forensics. He achieved exceptional levels of success in Student Congress, Speech, and Debate while participating at North High. Among the notable achievements were State Champion in Original Oratory, Best Speaker in House I (Student Congress), and participant in the National Forensic League Tournament. Robert was also an active member of North High's orchestra and vocal music programs. Robert earned his undergraduate degree with honors from Moorhead (MN) State University in 1974. He went on to study at North Dakota State University, earning an MA Degree in Speech and Drama in 1979. Robert was awarded a PhD Degree in Speech Communications and Political Science from the University of Minnesota in 1983. His professional life has been spent in various administrative and teaching assignments at NDSU in the departments of Speech and Theatre, Humanities and Social Sciences, and the Depart­ment of Communication. He has refereed numerous publications and presentations throughout his working career, and has authored or presented over 50 professional papers at various events. In the fall of 1999, his co-authored workbook series on building self-esteem and leadership training through communication training will be published. Robert is also considered one of the state's top supporters and advocates for high school forensics programs.

A 1968 graduate of North High School, Mark was very active in student government and club activities, along with being a three-sport athlete. Following three years of study at NDSU, he went to the University of North Dakota, where he earned a B.S. degree in Medicine. He earned a medical degree from the University of Texas Southwestern Medical School in 1975; and remained in Dallas to complete his internship in general surgery and residency in orthopedic surgery at Parkland Memorial Medical Center in Dallas. He has held teaching appointments with the Texas Women's University Dept. of Physical Therapy and the University of North Dakota School of Medicine. His staff positions have included service with Dakota Heartland, Meritcare Hospital and Neuro­Science Clinic in Fargo. Mark's special talents in orthopedic medicine have led to numerous publications and presentations on the subject of athletic-related injury/He has served as physician for the U.S. Ski Team and the U.S. Olympic Team. Locally, Mark has served area youth and sports programs through his Red River Valley Sports Medicine Institute and Orthopaedic Associates as a team physician and care-giver.

A 1969 graduate of North High School, Jim's athletic performances were among the School's best in its early history. As a football player, he set school records in 1968 which included most rushing yards in a game (186), most yards per carry in a season (8.9), and­ the most rushing yards for a season (1020). He was also selected Honorable Mention All American by the Scholastic Coach magazine; and was a unanimous selection for All­ Conference recognition. In addition to football, Jim was also involved with the basketball and track programs at North, and played American Legion baseball during the summer. He also went on to play amateur/semi-pro baseball for three years. His high school abilities led to a college scholarship at NDSU to play football, but an early injury resulted in a departure from that program and a move to baseball. Jim earned a B.S. degree from NDSU in 1974, with majors in Social Sciences and History. After some early work in the field of teaching, he pursued an interest in golf club management, which led him to work with major clubs in Fargo, ND, and Bozeman, MT. He is presently involved with restaurant management in Bozeman, MT.