Dr. Andre DeLorme has been selected by the Valley City State University Alumni Board of Directors to become the 62nd recipient of the Distinguished Alumni Award.

DeLorme earned his Bachelor’s degree with a major in Biology and Chemistry in 1979 from Valley City State University. In 1982 he received his Master’s degree from Bemidji State University and followed with a Doctorate in 1998 from the University of Minnesota.

While DeLorme spent a few years teaching at the high school level, he returned to the Department of Science at VCSU in 1996. DeLorme taught many science classes and later served as the Chair of the Department. He was instrumental in establishing the Fisheries & Wildlife and Health Science programs of study.

As Professor to the Department of Science, DeLorme wrote a grant to fund the Prairie Waters Education and Research Center. The center provides education and research opportunities for teachers, students and professionals. Over 21,000 students have attended workshops or summer camps at Prairie Waters.

Dr. DeLorme was the leading force in setting up the Macroinvertebrate Lab in the Rhoades Science Center. The lab employs VCSU students to conduct research projects for the ND Department of Environmental Quality, the Army Corp. of Engineers, U.S. Forestry Services, etc. He has VCSU students working in the lab during the summers and school year, often taking these students to national conferences to present papers on their research.

“Dr. DeLorme quietly works behind the scenes,” stated Alice Beauchman ’73.“He does not look for attention, he works hard and accomplishes a great deal.”

When asked what does being a graduate of VCSU means, DeLorme responded, “When I think back to my time at VCSU, as a student and later a professor, the word that best describes my experience is opportunity. As a student I was able to take part in many different activities from playing sports to being in concert band and taking drum lessons. It gave me the opportunity to meet a wide variety of people and have a variety of experiences. As a faculty member the administration was always supportive of my ideas and endeavors. Although funding may have not been available, they supported me by providing lab space and encouragement. This gaveme the opportunity to pursue my goals of providing undergraduate research opportunities and starting the Prairie Waters Education and Research Center.”

Dr. DeLorme retired from teaching this past spring, receiving Professor Emeritus status at VCSU. He continues to be the Director of the Prairie Waters Education and Research Center, which moved this summer from Kathryn to the Valley City National Fish Hatchery. DeLorme lives in Valley City with his wife Marla. They have two grown children Marc and Marie.