Fargo, N.D. — For generations, members of the Kirkeide family have helped advance North Dakota agriculture, Extension and 4-H, and the land-grant mission of North Dakota State University.
In 2024, siblings Tom Kirkeide, Paul Kirkeide, Catherine (Kirkeide) Larson ’85, and Karen (Kirkeide) Schindler ’86 established the Kirkeide Extension Fellowship and Jim Kirkeide Dry Bean Breeding Faculty Fellow in loving memory of their parents, LeVon ’54 and Pat Kirkeide, and brother, Jim Kirkeide ’92.
LeVon served as the NDSU Extension agent in Wells County from 1959 to 1986. He often sought the expertise of NDSU professors and Extension staff to bring continuing education and research to Wells County. He was also a proponent of youth development and 4-H.
LeVon and his wife, Pat, were both active in their children’s lives and helped their sons embark on farming careers. Their youngest son, Jim, farmed and owned and operated Kirkeide’s Northland Seed and Bean until his passing in 2019.
In addition to his bean plant and farming operation, Jim was a strong supporter of 4-H, FFA, and Bison football.
“The Kirkeide name is synonymous with agriculture in North Dakota. Their impact at NDSU and in the agriculture industry in our state goes back decades, and these endowments are the next chapter of that wonderful family story,” Justin Swanson ’06, ’07, vice president of development for the NDSU Foundation, said.
“The creation of these faculty fellowships will provide for continued world class research in dry bean breeding, something that meant so much to Jim Kirkeide,” Justin said. “The additional opportunities created in Extension, a place where Levon Kirkeide spent four decades, will continue building on a legacy that goes back generations. We couldn’t be more excited, and grateful, to see the Kirkeide Extension Fellowship and Jim Kirkeide Dry Bean Breeding Faculty Fellow making such a tremendous impact at NDSU.”
Named faculty and staff positions help NDSU recruit and retain skilled educators and researchers whose guidance and discoveries advance knowledge for NDSU students and the citizens of North Dakota.
Kirkeide Extension Fellowship
NDSU Extension 4-H youth development specialist Meagan Hoffman was named the inaugural Kirkeide Extension Fellow. The Kirkeide Extension Fellowship supports Extension initiatives that will contribute to a resilient, diverse, and capable workforce.
Through the fellowship, Meagan will enhance Careers in a Box and LaunchSkills Virtual Career Camp. Both initiatives are designed to raise awareness of career opportunities in food, agriculture, natural resources, and human sciences.
In alignment with the fellowship’s goals, these projects will focus on engaging parents and role models and fostering experiential learning and innovative teaching practices.
Jim Kirkeide Dry Bean Breeding Faculty Fellowship
NDSU professor of plant sciences Juan Osorno ’06 was named the inaugural Jim Kirkeide Dry Bean Breeding Faculty Fellow. The Jim Kirkeide Dry Bean Breeding Faculty Fellowship supports innovation in dry bean breeding, ensuring the continued success of the agriculture industry.
Juan utilizes advanced genotyping and phenotyping technologies to develop high-performing dry bean varieties to meet the needs of farmers and consumers. His use of a winter nursery allows for two growing seasons in a single year, accelerating the delivery of improved varieties and bolstering the region’s status as a leading producer of dry edible beans — an affordable, high-protein food source critical to global nutrition.
This recognition highlights Juan’s significant contributions to agriculture and his dedication to improving dry bean varieties for farmers locally and globally.
Juan and Meagan were recognized as fellows alongside the Kirkeide family on Friday, Nov. 15, 2024.
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CONTACT
Bethany Hardwig
Vice President of Alumni and Donor Connections
NDSU Foundation
412-477-9202
bethany.hardwig@ndsufoundation.com