NDSU international students have received welcome gifts of winter warmth, courtesy of “Chicks with Sticks,” a group of enthusiastic knitters with NDSU roots. The group delivered several bags full of hand-knit, winter wear to the Office of International Programs on Oct. 9, and the gifts were given to international students on Oct. 16.

Formed in the spring of 2012, “Chicks with Sticks” knit at their leisure and meet regularly to exchange ideas, techniques, patterns, yarns and to socialize over knitting projects.

Group members decided to focus on creating one-of-a-kind scarves, hats, cowls and mittens for NDSU’s international students, who often come from much warmer climates and are not prepared or equipped for North Dakota winters. Work on the coming year’s production has already begun, with the same focus.

“Chicks with Sticks” members include Bonnie Neas, retired vice president for information technology; Teri Grosz, Sponsored Programs Administration; Denise Roehl, NDSU Research Foundation and Technology Transfer Office; CeCe Rohwedder, Office of the Vice president for Information Technology; Lisa Gigler, Neas’ daughter, ArtCo Promotional Products Inc.; and Jodee Hanson, Neas’ sister, Job Service of North Dakota.

NDSU is recognized as one of the nation's top 108 public and private universities by the Carnegie Commission on Higher Education.