GRAND FORKS, N.D.-- The University of North Dakota Alumni Association & Foundation (UNDAAF) has canceled in-person Homecoming events originally planned for October 5-10 due to the dangers presented by the coronavirus pandemic. Within that time frame is the UND Athletics Hall of Fame banquet, which was set for Oct. 9, 2020. The previously-announced class of six individuals and three teams will now be honored on Oct. 1, 2021. 

Mark Callahan (football, 1993-96), Travis O'Neel (football, 1998-2001), James Patrick (hockey, 1981-83), Dean Rudrud (1982-85, tennis), Marc Sondreal (track & field/cross country, 1996-99), Sandi (Walford) DeValkenaere (basketball, 1983-86) will be inducted as individuals, while the 1935-37 and 1973-74 men's basketball teams will be enshrined in the team category. Additionally, current Utah State head men's basketball coach Craig Smith will receive the Tom Clifford Award, while longtime UND superfans and supporters the Baumann family will be recognized with Honorary Letterwinner Awards in 2021.

"This was a difficult decision," said UNDAAF CEO DeAnna Carlson Zink about the cancellation of Homecoming events, "but the health and safety of our alumni and the community were the deciding factors. We know our alumni, students and the Grand Forks community love Homecoming, but we cannot safely give them the experience they've come to expect."

The decision was made after consultation with the UNDAAF Executive Committee, UND President Andrew Armacost, UND Athletics Director Bill Chaves and public health experts.

"Many Homecoming events, whether for students or alumni, involve large gatherings held inside, which makes social distancing nearly impossible." said Sara Garland, UNDAAF Board President and a 1968 and 1972 graduate of UND. "Given the restrictions recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and discussions with officials at UND, it seemed prudent to cancel those events to protect the well-being of our alumni family and the UND community."

Those scheduled to receive Sioux Awards and Young Alumni Achievement Awards at the annual Sioux Awards Banquet will instead also be honored at Homecoming 2021.  

While in-person events are canceled, the UNDAAF is looking at ways to host a virtual Homecoming. 

"We're excited for the opportunity to create new and innovative experiences as we adjust our Homecoming plan to stay connected with our alumni and friends across the country," said Brooke Conlin, UNDAAF Director of Events.
For more information, contact Milo Smith, Sr. Director of Public Relations, at milos@UNDalumni.net or 701.777.0831.