Since 1982, Dakota College at Bottineau (DCB) Alumni Association has hosted an Awards Recognition banquet that honors supportive community and alumni. The DCB Alumni Association accepts nominations for the Golden Service, Friend of the College, and Young Alumnus awards, which are awarded annually. The Alumni Association recipients were celebrated at the Awards Recognition Banquet, Saturday, October 11, 2025, in a semi-private event at the DCB campus. 

The Young Alumnus Award recipient must have attended Dakota College at Bottineau within the last 15 years, be successful and show growth and promise in their chosen career, contribute in a beneficial way to community and/or society in general, and set a good example in the community. Halle Serhienko exemplifies each of these qualities through her dedication to education, leadership, and service.

A 2014 graduate of DCB, Halle was an active member of the LadyJacks Volleyball team for two seasons and participated in numerous student activities during her time on campus. Her enthusiasm, teamwork, and academic excellence made her a standout student and a valued member of the DCB community.

Following her graduation, Halle earned her teaching degree and built a meaningful career as a high school English teacher at Bottineau Public School. Beyond the classroom, she contributed to student life through coaching and leading the Student Council in activities and fundraising efforts, helping to build school spirit and community engagement.

Halle also continues to make a positive impact at Dakota College. As a member of the Evergreen committee for the past three years, she has played an important role in ensuring the success of the DCB Foundation’s signature event—securing donations, organizing gifts, and managing activities that support scholarships and programs for current students. Halle has joined the DCB faculty this fall as an English Instructor.

The Golden Service Award is given annually to someone who attended DCB, is at or approaching traditional retirement age, and has had a successful career or exceptional achievement that benefited their community or society. Brian Kalk’s remarkable career exemplifies the purpose of this award.
A Bottineau native, Brian grew up hunting and fishing with his family, developing an early appreciation for North Dakota’s natural resources. His father’s 40-year career with North Central Electric also influenced Brian’s lifelong interest in energy and environmental stewardship. He began his higher education journey at NDSU-Bottineau Branch—now Dakota College at Bottineau—on a hockey scholarship that set the foundation for his future success.
After his freshman year, Brian’s desire to see the world led him to enlist in the U.S. Marine Corps, where he began a distinguished 21-year military career that took him to 48 countries. His service strengthened his dedication to energy security and natural resource preservation. While in the Marines, Brian earned a degree in Political Science from Campbell University, completed Officer School in Quantico, Virginia, and later received a Master’s in Environmental Engineering from North Dakota State University. He served as Environmental Officer at Camp Pendleton, California, and later as the Officer in Charge of the Military Entrance Processing Station in Fargo, North Dakota. During this time, he also completed a Ph.D. in Natural Resources Management from NDSU—an impressive achievement while still on active duty.

Following his retirement from the Marines, Brian continued his commitment to public service and education as a professor at NDSU, teaching Environmental Policy and Natural Resources courses. His leadership and expertise led him to serve eight years as a North Dakota Public Service Commissioner before joining the University of North Dakota’s Energy and Environmental Research Center (EERC) as Director. He later served as Executive Director of the NDSU Research and Technology Park before returning to the EERC, where he currently serves as Chief Research Officer, developing innovative solutions to today’s critical energy challenges.

Brian remains a proud supporter of Dakota College at Bottineau, frequently attending Evergreen and giving back to the institution where his journey began. 

The Friend of Dakota College at Bottineau Award is presented annually to an individual who, though not necessarily an alumnus, has demonstrated exceptional support for DCB through time, resources, and service that make a lasting impact on the college and community. Colonel (Ret.) Al Wondrasek embodies this spirit through his dedication to Dakota College, his service to veterans, and his leadership within the Bottineau community.

A proud alumnus of the North Dakota School of Forestry, Class of 1971, Al has been a longtime supporter of DCB and an active member of the DCB Logrollers, attending as many athletic events as possible. He played an integral role in the recent Old Main renovation project, visiting the building weekly to track its progress, sponsoring a room, and purchasing multiple tiles inside the facility. His commitment to the success of the college and its students has made him a true friend of the DCB family.

Al’s service extends far beyond the campus. A retired U.S. Army Colonel, he currently serves as the Director of Bottineau County Veterans, where he was instrumental in relocating and upgrading the Veterans Memorial Hall. He also designed more than 100 aluminum can collection sites across the area, a program that has recycled nearly six million cans to help sustain the Veterans Hall—a project that continues to benefit the entire community.

In addition to his veterans’ work, Al remains active in supporting civic and youth programs, including Boys and Girls State and local American Legion baseball. His leadership, generosity, and unwavering enthusiasm for both his community and Dakota College at Bottineau exemplify the values of service, dedication, and pride that this award honors.

Tina Webb, Foundation Director, is pleased with the turnout, “The DCB Alumni Awards ceremony was a wonderful event celebrating 3 incredible supporters of the college. It was fun to see how the honorees and their families hold so many memories of their time and at DCB close to their hearts. The event showed how a student's time here at DCB creates life-long connections and a family that will stand the test of time. That is just one of the many reasons to become a DCB Lumberjack!”