Title: Soren Olaf and Ralph Kolstoe Papers, 1920-2008

ID: OGLMC1623

Extent: 2.0 Linear Feet

Date Acquired: 10/15/2013

Subjects: University of North Dakota - Alumni, University of North Dakota - Faculty, Valley City State University

Languages: English

Dr. Soren Olaf Kolstoe was born in Norway and arrived in the Midwest in 1891. He attended the University of Minnesota and received his M.A. degree from the University of North Dakota (UND) on July 30, 1920. He earned a Ph.D. in Psychology from UND on August 6, 1931. Soren taught at Valley City State University for 27 years and was chair of the Education and Psychology Department. He was a recipient of the UND Sioux Award in 1973. He is also the author of "Lyrics of the Prairie," a collection of poetry largely inspired by North Dakota.

Soren's son, Dr. Ralph Kolstoe, was born in Valley City, North Dakota. He attended Valley City State University and earned a Bachelor of Science in Education. He went on to receive a Master of Science degree from UND in 1950 and his Ph.D. in Experimental Psychology from Washington State University in 1953. He became a faculty member at UND in 1957, remaining until 1990. Following closely in his father's footsteps, Ralph became the chair of the Department of Psychology at UND. His success at the University was widely recognized, indicated by the many awards he received.

Sources:

UND Alumni Review, April 1973; "UND Doctoral Candidate and Cap, Gown and Hood Have Long UND Family History"

UND News, "The Ralph Kolstoe Colloquium Endowment" (pamphlet)

University of North Dakota - Alumni
University of North Dakota - Faculty
Valley City State University

Repository: Elwyn B. Robinson Department of Special Collections

Access Restrictions: Open for inspection under the rules and regulations of the Elwyn B. Robinson Department of Special Collections.

Acquisition Source: Dr. Ralph and Carolyn Kolstoe, Grand Forks, North Dakota

Acquisition Method: Donation; 2013-3221

Related Publications: "Lyrics of the prairie." Soren Olaf Kolstoe. Valley City, 1969.

Preferred Citation: (Description of Item). Soren Olaf Kolstoe Papers. OGLMC 1623. Elwyn B. Robinson Department of Special Collections, Chester Fritz Library, University of North Dakota, Grand Forks.

Processing Information: Processed by Hannah Naylor, Special Collections volunteer, in May 2017.