Bismarck State College - Markota Yearbook (Bismarck, ND)

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After 33 years: President Werner retires By Robb Boyd n |9 t was 1962 and Bismarck was taking on a new look. That big hill to the north, pre- viously barren prairie, had acquired a new building. It stood stark and alone. The large panels of glass shimmered with sunlight overlooking grasslands to the east and the Missouri River Valley to the west. This was Bismarck Junior Col- lege (BJC). It, too, had a new look, evolving from the third floor of Bismarck High School, to the State Office Building on 9th and Boulevard, and, finally, set- tling into that bold building over- looking Bismarck-Mandan. Not only was the setting new, but another change had taken place—especially exciting for Ralph E. Werner. The college’s leadership was new and he was it. Dean Sydney J. Lee had passed away and the reins of authority went to Mr. Werner. It has been said leadership gravitates to the shoulders of those who can best accept it; and accept it he did—as acting dean, then as dean, and with a title change a year later as president of BJC. The job was new but Werner was familiar with the school. In 1941 he came to BJC to teach

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 secretarial courses. I he draft called him away from 1943 to 1946. On his return to BJC, and until 1962 when he became president, Mr. Werner taught; was the business manager; reg- istrar; and assistant to the dean. Under President Werner's di- rection, BJC has grown from the Main Building in 1962, with approximately 500 students, to the complex we know with more than 1,900 students. A college presidency is not easy. Those who know Mr. Wer- ner will tell you he has the per- sonal integrity and ability io help him through the tough spots. With 15 years of responsi- bilities behind him, President Werner can look to BJC's past and the growth it has enjoyed, and be proud. The faculty Mr. Werner has worked with so long speak of him with warmth. They remark of the relaxed atmosphere with which he directs the college and his interest in students and teachers. President Werner says he will miss his job—and we will miss him. His plans include boating, hunting and fishing near his cabin at Lake Metigoshe, N.D. He is retiring; but, his effect on BJC will go on for a long, long time. It is, of course, im- possible to express the grati- tude due him. It would be diffi- cult to imagine the number of lives he has influenced. It is with appreciation that we dedicate the 1976-1977 Jay-Cee-An to President Ralph E. Werner knowing it is but a token of what is deserved.