Earl Strinden, the former North Dakota House majority leader and longtime head of the UND Alumni Association, died Tuesday at the age of 90.
Strinden represented Grand Forks in the North Dakota House from 1967 until 1989. He was House leader from 1975 to 1988.
Strinden ran for U-S Senate in 1988, but was defeated by the incumbent, Quentin Burdick.
The Litchville, North Dakota, native also served as Executive Vice President and C-E-O of the UND Alumni Association from 1969 to 2000.
His wife Jan died earlier this year.
Funeral arrangements are pending,
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Statement from UND President Andy Armacost:
Earl Strinden epitomized both UND and the State of North Dakota. His contributions to our campus were ceaseless, and I was thrilled to speak with him shortly after I was appointed as UND’s President and quite a few times since. He was always kind and welcoming to me and Kathy in our time here at UND.
We celebrate his life of leadership and giving while we mourn his passing. We should all follow his example of commitment to others.
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UND Alumni Association and Foundation statement regarding the passing of Earl Strinden:
As an organization that owes so much to Earl Strinden, we are deeply saddened to learn of his passing. He was instrumental in our standing today as one of the most successful fundraising organizations in North Dakota.
Earl was the CEO of the UND Alumni Association from 1969 to 2000. He worked diligently for years to convince our Board of Directors and others in the value of starting the Foundation alongside the Alumni Association. His vision changed the trajectory of our organization and the University when the Foundation was formed in 1978 to act as the fundraising arm of UND (the
two organizations merged in 2014). Our mission to support UND students, faculty, alumni, and the greater community can be traced directly to the passion and dedication of Earl and his wife, Jan, who passed earlier this year.
Earl had such a strong belief in the power of a college degree and what it could do to propel students to live the American dream. He believed strongly that philanthropy could change lives and help grow the University. Every day he worked to build the University of North Dakota into an institution the entire state could be proud of. On a personal level, Earl was my mentor. As a fresh graduate of UND in 1986, I told him in an interview that I wanted his job someday, and he was a constant source of support as I took over as CEO eight years ago. I am eternally grateful for the mentorship I received from such a caring and dedicated servant leader. Earl would often say that our goal in life is to leave the woodpile higher for those that come after us. Earl did that in so many ways — he left the woodpile higher for all of us; and I guarantee that
our organization and I, personally, will continue to grow that woodpile going forward. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Earl’s family and friends.
— DeAnna Carlson Zink, CEO of the UND Alumni Association & Foundation and 1986
UND graduate
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Statement from Gov. Doug Burgum:
“Earl Strinden’s love for North Dakota and UND was legendary, shining through in his dedicated service and exceptional leadership in the Legislature, the UND Alumni Association and the UND Foundation,” Burgum said. “His efforts to promote our state and support the university he cherished will have lasting benefits for students and citizens alike for generations to come. Kathryn and I extend our deepest condolences and heartfelt prayers to his family, friends and the UND community.”
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Senator John Hoeven issued the following statement :
“A lifelong North Dakotan, Earl Strinden leaves a legacy of service, having dedicated decades of his life to bettering his community, state and nation,” said Hoeven. “From his role as House Majority Leader to his pivotal contributions to UND, Earl’s contributions to the growth and prosperity of Grand Forks and North Dakota will be felt for years to come. Mikey and I extend our appreciation for his tremendous work and offer our sincere condolences to his family and loved ones.”
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Statement from Sen. Kevin Cramer:
“Earl Strinden was a North Dakota political legend. He was a born leader who always sought the most pragmatic solution to an issue or problem. He earned the respect of his colleagues with his wry humor, skill at consensus building, and sincere interest in their lives. He influenced the political and public service careers of many people, myself included, and set a very high bar for future generations to follow. Kris and I send our deepest condolences to his family.”
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Statement from Congressman Kelly Armstrong:
“Earl Strinden’s legacy covers every corner of North Dakota. He dedicated his amazing life to his family, our state, and UND. So many lives have been made better because of his work. We are grateful for it.”
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