Dragons Always There to Answer the Call
There was much about Minnesota State Moorhead that generated a full measure of pride for longtime President Roland Dille. He was always proud of the role his faculty and staff played in transforming Moorhead State College into a highly respected liberal arts institution, but he also found real delight in the rich history of military participation by members of the Dragon athletic department, dating to the career of the legendary Alex J. (Sliv) Nemzek.
When MSU Moorhead puts the wraps on the 2014 football season on Saturday, all veterans will be admitted free with military ID. Dille, who died in June at age 89, would surely appreciate the gesture.
After all, the Dassel native and University of Minnesota graduate was always quick to point out the willingness of Dragon coaches to serve to their country, and Dille made his own sacrifice as well. After a year at the University of Minnesota, he was inducted into the U.S. infantry in 1943. During World War II, he served in England, France, and Germany, and, after the war, in Salzburg, Austria, during the Occupation before launching his career in higher education.
The seeds of patriotism at Moorhead State were sown long ago.
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