UND President Andrew Armacost praises "extraordinary class" and international scholarship recipient as fall semester winds down

(Fargo, ND) -- The president at UND says there are many highlights to celebrate from the current fall semester, which is quickly coming to a close. 

"We welcomed an extraordinary class. It was the most academically talented class that we've had in a long time," said Andrew Armacost.

Armacost says the average highschool GPA of incoming students was 3.58, and says the group included a record number of Presidential Scholars.  

One senior in particular is in the spotlight because of her academic progress at the university. 

Shoreview, Minnesota resident Sydney Menne has just been named as a recipient of the Marshall Scholarship. Established by the British Parliment in 1953, the award provides American scholars the chance to pursue up to three years of graduate study in any field at any university in the United Kingdom. This year, 40 winners were chosen from more than 950 applicants. Menne is double majoring in physics and mathematics.  

Armacost says another highlight for the semester was the opening of the new Nistler College of Business and Public Administration.  

"Nistler Hall is just a tremendous facility that really puts UND at the forefront of business and public administration education here in the state of North Dakota," said Armacost.

The university president also says 350 students are now trained volunteers serving in the Green Bandana Project. The students are trained to recommend resources and professional help to other students experiencing mental health issues. 

Armacost made the comments while appearing on "What's on Your Mind" on AM 1100 The Flag.