NDSU program provides real-world training for couple
Published August 15, 2016
Greg and Kathy Stompro remember shivering in the snow and cold on NDSU’s Dacotah Field as they worked football games as student athletic trainers.
NDSU has many hands-on experiences that help students compete and thrive as they move into the workforce. The Stompros experienced this first-hand as they studied in NDSU’s athletic training program.
“We had a lot of responsibility as students,” said Greg. “We had on-the-job training along with our classes.”
Many NDSU graduates live and work in the area. Alumni Greg and Kathy Stompro have developed long-standing careers at Sanford Health.
The Stompros and other athletic training classmates traveled with NDSU athletic teams throughout college. Their role was to ensure athletes remained in good physical condition.
Kathy graduated in 1986, Greg the year after, and they worked as athletic trainers in Fargo for three years.
They left Fargo while Greg pursued a physician assistant degree. They returned after he graduated and both joined Sanford Health. They are examples of NDSU graduates who live and work in the area.
“Jobs brought us back to Fargo and we’re glad,” said Kathy. “This is a great area to raise a family.”
Greg works as a clinical and surgical physician assistant. Kathy is an athletic trainer for area high schools and middle schools.
Kathy’s favorite part of her job is the students, noting that a few of the teams she works with have won state championships. Some of the former athletes she has helped are now athletic directors or coaches at the schools. She enjoys following their careers and seeing them succeed.
The couple is still involved with NDSU, attending sporting events with former classmates. Greg sometimes works as a physician assistant at the games.
They both credit NDSU for helping them adjust to the fast-paced environment and at times, long hours, of the field.
“We truly have the opportunity to meet some great people,” Kathy said. “They’ll remember you and how you helped them.”
