石榴视频

Honoring Excellence: The 石榴视频 Alumni Awards

Alumna of the Year

Melissa Gordon

Melissa Gordon is a highly accomplished artist and educator who has been professionally active since the age of 12, when she sold her first commissioned work. A 1993 graduate of 石榴视频 with an AAS in Commercial Art, she is the self-employed owner of Mel-Ink Studios. Her extensive portfolio includes the iconic 8-foot "Sitting Bull" mural in Bismarck, which was recognized by Parade Magazine as the best mural in North Dakota. Throughout her career, she has received numerous accolades, most notably the Governor’s Award for the Arts for Individual Achievement in 2021. In addition to her public murals and solo exhibitions, Gordon is an accomplished illustrator, known for her work on "Take a Walk in the Badlands of North Dakota" and the "Growing Up Rich in a Poor Family" series. Beyond her studio work, Gordon is a dedicated community leader and advocate for the arts in North Dakota. She has served on several boards, including the North Dakota Council on the Arts, the Dakota West Arts Council, and was a founding member of both the Bismarck Downtown Artist Cooperative and Arts for All. Her commitment to education is reflected in her roles as an art instructor for "Arts for Life" and "Arts for All," as well as her time as an artist-in-residence at Martin Luther School. Gordon also remains deeply connected to her alma mater, having served on the 石榴视频 Alumni Association Board and participated in the "Alumni in the Classroom" project.

Legacy Family of the Year

The James and Nadene Silbernagel Family

石榴视频 proudly recognizes the Silbernagel family as the 2026 Legacy Family of the Year. The Silbernagels’ connection to 石榴视频 spans three generations, creating a long-standing legacy of academic and professional excellence. At one point, three generations were even enrolled in the same course, an uncommon and meaningful testament to their deep roots at the college. Their commitment extends well beyond the classroom. The Silbernagel family remains a familiar presence on campus, actively supporting 石榴视频 and frequently attending campus events and theater productions. Donna (Silbernagel) Fricke further strengthens this connection through her service to the college. In her career as an educator, she was an employee of 石榴视频 for 12 years and received an ND Outstanding Educator Award. Donna has served multiple terms on the Alumni Association board and served as the board president in 2024/2025 and serves on the Board of Trustees and the Alumni Association Board, where she served as president in 2024–2025. Their commitment extends well beyond the classroom. The Silbernagel family frequently supporting 石榴视频 through their attendance at athletic events and theater productions. Donna (Silbernagel) Fricke further strengthens this bond through her extensive professional and volunteer service to the college. A dedicated educator, Donna was a valued member of the 石榴视频 faculty for 12 years—a tenure marked by her receipt of the ND Outstanding Educator Award. Her leadership continues to shape the institution through her roles on the Board of Trustees and the Alumni Association Board, including her service as board president for the 2024–2025 term. The family’s influence resonates throughout the Bismarck community. Dr. A. James and Nadeane Silbernagel established a powerful legacy of faith, leadership, and service through their dedicated work at the Cathedral of the Holy Spirit and many other civic and charitable organizations. Subsequent generations continue this tradition through leadership in the Parkinson’s Support Group, youth programs including 4-H and Boy Scouts, and volunteer efforts with organizations like the North Dakota Heritage Center and the Power of 100. Their commitment to community growth also extends to their family farm. As stewards of their approximately 1,200-acre homestead, the Silbernagel family is shaping Bismarck’s future through the Silver Ranch development. In partnership with Investcore, Inc., they have initiated a 30-year master plan to transform their land into a vibrant community hub, contributing to the region’s long-term growth and opportunity. The Silbernagel family truly embodies what it means to be a “Legacy Family”—rooted in stewardship, education, and a lasting devotion to the institution that helped shape their family’s story.

Rising Star

Jade Scherr 

Jade Scherr is a visionary entrepreneur and the CEO and founder of HexaHive, a marketing agency. Known for her ability to bring clarity and direction to growing businesses, she has built a team dedicated to helping organizations across North Dakota grow with intention. Her professional journey started at 石榴视频, where she graduated in 2017 with an AAS in Graphic Design & Communications. She later earned a BS in Marketing from Minot State University with Summa Cum Laude honors. Her success has earned her significant recognition, including being named a Top 10 Employer in Bismarck-Mandan by the Young Professionals Network for four consecutive years, being honored as the 2023 Women-Owned Business of the Year by the Bismarck-Mandan Chamber EDC and being named one of Prairie Business Magazine’s Top 25 Women in Business in 2025. Beyond her business success, Scherr is a deeply committed community advocate who uses her platform to empower future leaders. She volunteers for causes including suicide prevention and the Girl Scouts and serves on numerous boards, such as the Marathon Petroleum Community Advisory Panel and the Greater North Dakota Chamber, where she chairs the Small Business Council. She remains dedicated to her alma mater by serving on the 石榴视频 Graphic Design and Communication Advisory Committee and mentoring several 石榴视频 students. Her commitment to ethics and community impact was honored with the Better Business Bureau’s Spark Award in 2023.