Two Northern State University history students were recognized last spring by the Brown County Historical Society for their outstanding research papers submitted to the organization’s annual Historical Research and Writing contest.

Bridget Fuhrmann earned first place for her paper titled “German-Russians in South Dakota.” Avery Kautz received second place for her paper, “Divisive Unity: The 1964 New York World’s Fair.”

Both students received a certificate and cash award for their work.

The Brown County Historical Society hosts the contest each year to encourage historical study and writing among local college students. Over the years, numerous Northern students have earned top recognition for their research, reflecting the university’s continued emphasis on critical inquiry and community engagement in the humanities.

TRAVELING CLASSROOM

Students in Northern State University’s Prisons and Penology course participated (October 2025) in an educational tour of the South Dakota State Penitentiary in Sioux Falls.

The trip was organized by Dr. Lucas Z. Wiscons, Assistant Professor of Criminal Justice in the College of Arts and Sciences, with support from Dr. Elizabeth Haller, Associate Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences and Professor of English. Fifteen students took part in the tour, including six enrolled in the online section of the course.

Prison officials led the group on a three-hour tour that included both the historic “Hill” facility—originally constructed in 1881—and the modern maximum-security Jameson Annex. According to penitentiary officials, this was the largest tour and the only university group to visit since the COVID-19 pandemic.

Officials commended the students for their professionalism, engagement, and thoughtful questions throughout the experience. Students also shared positive feedback, with one participant describing it as “one of the most informative experiences I’ve ever had.”

“We place high impact learning opportunities at the center of our teaching in the Criminology and Criminal Justice program. You cannot replicate the experience of visiting a prison in a classroom. We’re also in a historic moment. The Legislature has approved over $650 million for a new prison near Sioux Falls. It’s difficult to have an informed position on such a large investment of public money without seeing first-hand the facility that we are replacing,” said Dr. Lucas Wiscons, Assistant Professor of Criminal Justice at Northern State University.

The Prisons and Penology course is part of Northern’s Criminology and Criminal Justice program, housed within the College of Arts and Sciences. The program emphasizes hands-on learning that prepares students for a wide range of careers in the justice system.

“Traveling classrooms” to South Dakota and regional prisons were first initiated in the 1980s by the late sociology professor, Dr. Jerry Rosonke.