Cliff & Donna Hermes Family

When many of us think of a true NDSCS Wildcat and Science supporter we think of Cliff Hermes and the Hermes family,  so it is only fitting that Cliff be named as the 2009 Alumnus of the Year. Cliff, as well as 3 of his brothers all attended Science in the forties and 50’s, Donna, his wife of 52 years, attended Science and so did all five of their children, Brian, Wayne, Craig, Joel and Mary Beth along with 3 daughter-in-laws. Cliff and Donna are also proud grandparents of eleven grand children.

Cliff graduated from Wahpeton HS in 1947 and moved on to NDSCS. Cliff enjoyed great success as an NDSCS athlete and was a multiple year letterwinner, Captain and All-Conference selection in 48 & 49. Cliff is in the NDSCS Athletic Hall of Fame and the ND Officials Hall of Fame after 40 years of basketball and football officiating.

Cliff left NDSCS and moved on to Moorhead State University where he received his Bachelors Degree and eventually NDSU for his Masters degree. Cliff taught and coached at Campbell MN High School from 57-64, and at NDSCS from 64-90 serving as an instructor in the Business Division and stints as Assistant and Head Football Coach during 1964-1973, he also coached Wrestling during that timeframe.

In addition to his coaching, Cliff has been a long time supporter of NDSCS athletics and has been instrumental in keeping the NDSCS Letterwinner’s Club running for over 30 years and served as Secretary-Treasurer and the Board of Directors for all of those years. Cliff is also the Founder of the successful Steer for Science Fundraiser.  

Cliff is a member of the NDSCS 300 Club and has been involved in the American Legion where he served as  Commander and  Post Adjutant. He is a member of the Wahpeton Buffalo Club, Eagles, K of C, and served as the Richland County Community Service Director.

Cliff was also an honorary “part-time” historian for the NDSCS Alumni Foundation and was a wealth of knowledge on the college and its graduates. He willingly served as tour guide, host and escort to many alumni who have come back to Science to “Rekindle the Passion.”