Woody Caspers

The 2016 NDSCS Alumnus of the Year is no stranger to NDSCS. Woody Caspers is a proud alumnus, a former college athlete, a committed community volunteer and leader, and former Executive Director of the NDSCS Alumni Foundation.

Mr. Caspers is a native of Wahpeton, attended St. John’s Elementary School, and later graduated from Wahpeton High School in 1961 where he was a recipient of the Boumont Award. He lived with his parents and five brothers in Wahpeton where his father was the owner and president of Casper’s Furniture and Vertin Funeral Home.

Woody attended St. John’s University in Collegeville, Minn., for one year and then transferred to NDSSS where he was a member of a Region 13 champion basketball team–the first to qualify for nationals. That same team was recently inducted into the NDSCS Athletic Hall of Fame. After graduating from NDSSS in 1964 with an associate’s degree in Liberal Arts, he graduated from NDAC (now NDSU) with a degree in Business Economics in 1966. While at NDSU, Woody served as a scoutmaster for developmentally disabled children enrolled in scouting.

Upon graduating, he returned home to work in the family business, Casper’s Furniture, and Vertin-Munson Funeral home and later became president and served in this capacity until 1993.

Woody became the NDSSS Foundation Director in 1994, a position he held for fourteen years. Under Casper’s leadership and direction, the Foundation experienced significant visibility and growth. Many new and innovative events and programs were created during this tenure including the Dreams Auction, the Scholarship Banquets, the Blikre Society and more.

Woody, and his wife Connie’s dedication and service to NDSCS has been immeasurable. They initiated the DREAMS Auction, serving as chairs for 14 years. They have been members of the NDSCS Blikre Society, NDSCS 300 Club, and 100 Club and spent a considerable amount of time and energy supporting the growth and development of the Foundation through their travels as well as promoting the college to prospective students at every juncture.

Woody was both a leader at NDSCS and in the community he served spanning several decades: Wahpeton-Breckenridge Chamber (President), Wahpeton City Council (two terms), Wahpeton High School Booster Club (President), Jaycee’s (Vice President), Dakota Medical Foundation Director, Kiwanis Board, St. Francis Medical  Center Advisory Board, United Way Board of Directors, Red River Human Services Board, ND Retailers Board, St. John’s Eucharistic Minister/lector, the Three Rivers Art
Council and more. Woody’s service to NDSCS, prior to becoming the Executive Director, was extensive and included: NDSCS Alumni Board President, Foundation Board member, Catbacker Board, Community Council, and served on a Presidential Search Committee.

Woody has received honors from several organizations for his accomplishments and service. He was a recipient Chamber of Commerce Citizen of the Year Award, NDSCS Athletic Booster of the Year, and Woody and Connie were NDSCS Honorary Parade Grand Marshals.

Woody remarked, “My father instilled in me that his college was a precious gift benefitting students, college employees and area employers throughout our region and state. Just as it was then, it remains today.. the CROWN JEWEL of the upper Midwest. So very proud to be a part of the Wildcat legacy as a student, athlete, volunteer, Alumni Foundation Director and the recipient of this award.”  Woody’s father, Robert Caspers, was honored with the Alumnus of the Year award 48 years ago.

Woody and Connie reside at Otter Tail Lake where Woody is retired and Connie is a Realtor with Century 21 Vista. They are parents to three children; Corlyn Caspers (Rod Kolkow), Medford Ore., Jim Caspers (Cory Pope), Hudson Wis., and David (Staci) Caspers, Woodbury Minn. plus six grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.