UND, Hoeven remember Earl Strinden

Photo by: UND Alumni Association and Foundation
Photo by: UND Alumni Association and Foundation

(Grand Forks, ND) -- Members of the University of North Dakota and the state's congressional delegation are remembering a former State House Majority Leader who is known for his passion for the Grand Forks community.

UND President Andy Armacost issuing a statement following the death of Earl Strinden, who served for 22 years in the state legislature and was a major factor in the growth of the college.

"Earl epitomized both UND and the State of North Dakota. His contributions to our campus were ceaseless, and I was thrilled to speak with him shortly after I was appointed as UND’s President and quite a few times since. He was always kind and welcoming to me and Kathy in our time here at UND," said Armacost in a statement released to WDAY Radio. "We celebrate his life of leadership and giving while we mourn his passing. We should all follow his example of commitment to others."

Senator John Hoeven also released a statement to us on Strinden, reading in part "A lifelong North Dakotan, Earl leaves a legacy of service, having dedicated decades of his life to bettering his community, state and nation. From his role as House Majority Leader to his pivotal contributions to UND, Earl’s contributions to the growth and prosperity of Grand Forks and North Dakota will be felt for years to come.”

Strinden, who was a Marine Corps veteran and former Grand Forks City Council member, founded the University of North Dakota Foundation and served as its EVP and CEO from 1969 to 2000.

The Litchville native was 90-years-old.