Tilford Kroshus

Born in Spring Grove, Minn., Tilford Kroshus discovered his passion for music after moving to Valley City, where he attended Valley City College High School, a pioneering institution affiliated with a community college at the time. Following a brief period at Augsburg College, he returned to Valley City State College, where he majored in both music and history. It was there that Tilford met Mary, his “beautiful wife” and lifelong partner in education

After graduation, Tilford spent the first six years of his teaching career in Hannaford, N.D., where he taught music to students from grades 1 through 12. Shortly after their first year of teaching, Tilford and Mary tied the knot. After completing his master’s degree in Greeley, Colo., the couple embarked on their first major adventure, spending a year teaching in the village of Toquepala, Peru.

Upon returning to the United States, Tilford and Mary taught in LaMoure, N.D., where Tilford started a marching band program. They later moved to Ellendale, where he taught for three years at the junior college branch of the University of North Dakota.

In 1969, Tilford and Mary settled in Wahpeton when he accepted a position as a music teacher at North Dakota State College of Science. The college president at the time, Clair T. Blikre, offered him a challenge: “If you can get people involved, I’ll get you some help.”

Recognizing that the band and choir programs were struggling due to dwindling interest, Tilford undertook a significant recruitment effort. One hundred choir members and eighty band members later, Tilford had revived both programs by the mid-1970s. Perhaps his most significant achievement was mentoring Laurie Lekang, who would go on to shape the program by starting a jazz program and converting the other music classes into a comprehensive transfer program for Liberal Arts, a legacy that persists today.

During his time at NDSCS, Tilford also founded the choral group known as the Wildcat Singers. His enthusiasm and love for music were instrumental in increasing student enrollment, and the Wildcat Singers quickly became ambassadors for the college.

He dedicated 28 years to teaching choral and band students at NDSCS before retiring in 1996. Laurie Lekang continued to lead the program until 2016.

Even in retirement, Tilford has remained active in music, captivating thousands of listeners in the area with his performances. In 2024, he was honored as “Wahpeton’s Outstanding Citizen of the Year,” a testament to his lasting impact on the community.