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CITY, ND – (NewsDakota.com) President Tisa Mason presented alumnus Phil Mueller with the Valley City State University Distinguished Service Award at the VCSU Foundation’s Donor Recognition Luncheon in the Student Center cafeteria on Monday, June 13.

“Phil has set a high standard with his work for and in support of the university, the community and the state,” said President Mason. “He epitomizes what we hope our graduates will become and is very deserving of this award.”

The VCSU Distinguished Service Award, the university’s highest honor, is given at the discretion of the president in recognition of exceptional contribution to the university’s vision. Since its 1975 inception, the award has been given to a total of 24 individuals and organizations, including Mueller.

Mueller currently serves on the VCSU Foundation Board of Directors. He graduated from Valley City State University in 1968 with majors in business education and English education, along with a minor in physical education. He also holds a master’s degree in school administration, awarded in 1972, from the University of North Dakota

From 1968 to 1971, Mueller taught English at Grand Forks Central High School; he then returned to Valley City State, where he served as director of the student center and student activities for four years. Mueller then worked at Eastern Montana College in Billings before returning to North Dakota to buy and run his grandfather’s farm, three miles east of Wimbledon, in 1979.

Mueller served as a state representative representing District 24 in the North Dakota Legislature from 1999 to 2012. In addition, he has served on many state and local boards and committees.

Now retired, Mueller and his wife, Darlene, live in Valley City. They are the parents of three adult children; their son, Markus, is now the fourth generation to run the family’s farm.