Attending college in Bottineau is a tradition that Karen (Bohl) Brandvold married into, with her children among the third generation taking classes on the 118-year-old campus. Karen is a 1988 Elementary Education graduate of NDSU-Bottineau (NDSU-B) or Dakota College at Bottineau who was inducted into the school’s Athletic Hall of Fame in 2007. 

Recruited by NDSU-B as a senior at Towner High School, Karen received recruitment calls to play basketball at the college level. Donald Thompson, known as Coach D.T., reached out to her from NDSU-B.  “I got the opportunity to meet D.T., and he had the most endearing smile, and his blue eyes sparkled. I had a tough decision to make, but I knew after my visit that NDSU-Bottineau was going to be my new home and my new family,” explains Karen. “I really liked the idea that it was close to home and that it was a smaller campus.” 

Some of her fondest memories on campus are of her time playing with her fellow Ladyjacks. “Coach D.T. treated us like his own daughters. He always cared about us and pushed us to be the best on the court and in the classroom. My teammates were my best friends, and they always were encouraging and fun to be around,” says Karen. 

She was surprised and excited to be a freshman starter at the beginning of her two-year stint playing for NDSU-B. One of her most special memories happened while playing as a freshman, when the Ladyjacks beat Williston State College for the first time in the school's history in that division. Karen made 16/16 free throws during the game and set a conference record. “I don't know if my record is still standing or if somebody broke it. Williston was the other school that recruited me to play basketball. Winning that game was like winning a championship game,” she says with pride. 

Though she loved attending NDSU-B, Karen didn’t know the important role Bottineau would play in her future. As a sophomore, she met her future husband, Bob, who also attended NDSU-B. His parents, Marvin and Janis, attended the North Dakota School of Forestry in Bottineau or Dakota College at Bottineau (DCB) together. Bob’s aunts, Helen and Donna, also attended the North Dakota School of Forestry and met their spouses, Lee Taylor and Gary Molander, there. Bob and all seven of his siblings attended college in Bottineau. Ten of the Brandvold siblings’ children also attended Minot State University-Bottineau or Dakota College at Bottineau. Four out of five of Karen’s and Bob’s children are among the third generation to choose Bottineau. The fourth generation has already arrived at Dakota College at Bottineau. Josie Wintermute, a second cousin to Karen’s and Bob’s kids, plays basketball like several of her family members before her. 

Married for 36 years now, Karen and Bob have carried on the Brandvold tradition of welcoming local college students with home cooking and fellowship. “Bob’s family members and our family always invited students for meals, snacks, visiting, and various family activities. People still talk about all the delicious meals and fun they had at the Brandvold’s Farm,” Karen says with a smile. 

Though many things have changed since Karen attended NDSU-B, some things remain the same. Instead of the quarter system, DCB has semesters. Old Main is still a focal point of the campus, but instead of humanities, economics, and history classes, the renovated building is home to the DCB nursing program. There is a new cafeteria, and the dormitories have been updated. “When our daughter Whitney went to DCB, she stayed in the same dorm room I did when I went to NDSU-B. That was pretty cool,” says Karen. “Our children actually had some of the same instructors that were there when I attended college!”

The entire Brandvold family had great experiences at Bottineau. Karen and Bob’s son Jesse says of his time at DCB, “It was a good stepping stone. The smaller classes made you feel like you were important and not just a number. Teachers and professors knew who you were. Also, you could meet all the students at the college and get to know them on a personal level. For people who don’t know what their major is or are undecided, it is a great place to get the most out of your investment until you decide. It gives a person the opportunity to consider lifetime careers.”

Reflecting on her time at NDSU-B, Karen says her college experience led her to a career she loves and made Bottineau her home. “Playing basketball taught me about life. We shared laughter, tears, victories, disappointments, and lessons. My experience playing basketball at NDSU-B inspired me to become a teacher and coach.”

After graduating from NDSU-B, Karen earned a B.S. in Elementary Education from Minot State University. She began her career working part-time as a substitute teacher and helping Robert milk cows and farm. She spent six years teaching fifth grade at the Ojibwa Indian School, where she also coached 5th and 6th-grade girls’ basketball. In 2006, she focused on being a mother while helping on the farm and ranch. During this time, Karen began coaching junior varsity and varsity basketball at Bottineau High School. After 10 years, she transitioned to coaching at the 5th and 6th-grade level. For the past 16 years, Karen has taught in Bottineau Public Schools and has coached at the 5th and 6th-grade levels for more than 30 years. “I really enjoy living and working in Bottineau because it’s the most beautiful place, especially with the rolling hills and scenic view by Lake Metigoshe. The people are friendly and caring. Anytime people need a helping hand, everyone pitches in to help,” Karen says. The Brandvold family knows this firsthand, after losing their home to a fire in 1995. “The fire department, first responders, and people from the community and all around helped us to rebuild our lives again. Due to all their gifts and generosity, my family could move on from the tragic loss. We are so blessed and grateful to everyone who has continually touched our families’ lives. I wouldn’t want to live anywhere else. Everyone looks out for each other and takes care of each other. I feel so lucky and blessed to live in Bottineau.” 

Whether she’s talking to a former student or a member of her family who is considering what to do after high school graduation, Karen’s advice is, “open yourself to life’s opportunities no matter how ‘big’ or ‘small’ they may seem. Attending NDSU-B wasn’t part of my original plan, but it’s the best choice I ever made. I am so glad I followed my heart.” The rest of the Brandvold clan would likely agree, with 29 members and counting who chose Bottineau.