Jim Hambrick ’87, ’88
The Distinguished Service Award recognizes an individual who has provided outstanding volunteer service for the benefit of the University or someone who has played a vital role as a volunteer fundraiser on behalf of the NDSU Foundation.
Hometown: Carrington, North Dakota
NDSU Degrees: BS ’87 Business Administration, MS ’88 Accounting
Throughout his 37-year career in community banking, Jim Hambrick ’87 ’88 has risen thorough the ranks serving several years as market president leading to his current role as business development officer for Cornerstone Bank in Fargo, Moorhead, and West Fargo. But what he counts as his greatest career accomplishment is helping businesses and families achieve their goals.
His passion for serving his community also extends to NDSU. Jim has held leadership roles with Team Makers, the College of Business Advisory Board, and numerous committees and groups in support of the University.
He also currently serves as an NDSU Foundation Trustee and chair of the Development Committee. Previously, he served on the NDSU Foundation’s Executive Governing Board and as a campaign ambassador for In Our Hands, which raised more than $586 million for NDSU students, programs, faculty, and facilities.
“He consistently opens doors,” Kathryn Birkeland, Ronald G. and Kaye S. Olson Dean of the NDSU College of Business and one of Jim’s nominators, said of his welcoming demeanor and consistent commitment to supporting the missions of NDSU and the NDSU Foundation.
In the years past graduation, NDSU continues to impact Jim’s life and career — he says that his exposure to “extraordinary leaders” at NDSU has made him the person he is today.
“I’ve learned so much from watching leaders like [NDSU] Presidents Bresciani and Cook, John Glover at the Foundation, and Gene Taylor and Matt Larsen with Athletics. The same is true for the College deans and the amazing Foundation Trustees,” he said. “It is very humbling to get to know these amazing leaders and consider them friends.”
Today, anything related to NDSU brings Jim joy. In addition to sporting events, he says there is “so much positive going on!” From new buildings to research awards and amazing student successes, he loves learning about alumni achievements from around the world — and sharing the good word of NDSU.