Mike Felling

Mike Felling is a born leader and we are proud to have him as our Parade Grand Marshall for Homecoming 2023. 

 Mike joined the Army after high school and served three years from 1957-1960. He was stationed in Ft. Sill, Oklahoma, and toured Germany while serving in the Army. In 1961, Mike enrolled at Dunwoody Institute in Minneapolis for Graphic Arts.  Two months after the paperwork and fees were paid, he was informed that the class was full and then was told to re-enroll in 1962. Another alumnus of NDSCS (and a Graphic Arts grad) convinced Mike into coming to Wahpeton. The alumnus said the Graphic Arts Program is better here–and that he’d enjoy the college atmosphere. 

 Mike did and the rest is history, it was a decision that has lasted a lifetime.  “Once a Wildcat, always a Wildcat!”

 Mike’s fondest adventure was a bike ride across Minnesota for a Multiple Sclerosis benefit. The ride started in Ortonville and ended a week later at the Minnesota border near Wisconsin. Mike’s goal was to make it without any injury or getting hit by a car. Mike participated in the M.S. Benefit Bike Ride for five years. Their team of four were called the “Slo-Spokes” and they raised more money than any of the other 25 teams.  Mike once shared, “I have never felt better and prouder about helping to find a cure for this disabling disease!”

 Mike has also led in the fundraising activities of his 1962 Wildcat Football Team. That team created the 1962 NDIAC Football Championship Endowment in 2020. Mike got over 50 people to donate to the endowment by writing letters and calling them.

 Mike truly loves NDSCS and has shared his stories at the Scholarship Luncheons that are held in the Hektner Student Center each year. 

Mike and his wife, Judy, live in Sauk Centre, Minnesota, near their children and grandchildren.