Debra M. Skarphol Bang

Melvin Skarphol was born September 18, 1918, in Souris, North Dakota to Mathias and Sigri Skarphol. He was one of eleven children. He passed away March 18, 1990, at the age 72. Melvin grew up on the Skarphol family farm in Bottineau County and attended high school in Souris, North Dakota. He dropped out after two years by his own admission and was drafted in 1940 into the Army and served in WW II 1940-1946 in the US 5th Army. After the army he moved to Fargo and worked with his brother Jacob Skarphol who had a Concrete Block Manufacturing and Wrought Iron Manufacturing
business. In 1949, he risked everything to try it on his own and started Twin City Construction with a few dollars in the bank, a couple of sawhorses and a pick-up truck. He started building homes and after 8 years he ventured into the commercial building business as well. Twin City Construction grew into 12 separate divisions: Administrative, Commercial building, Residential building, Realty, Mechanical, Municipal and utility lines, Electrical, Steel buildings, Design-Build, Components such as factory-made products, Millwork and cabinetry, and Highway construction. Twin City operated for 42 years.

Twin City Construction constructed projects throughout the continental United States and Hawaii. At its peak the company employed 1,000 people and was listed as one of the top 400 Construction Companies by the Engineering News-Record. Melvin served as president of Twin City Construction until 1976, when he took over as chairman of the board. Melvin married Violet M. Sandeen on August 14, 1948, and together they had 8 children. Charles, Steven, Paul, David, Debra, John, Mary, and Matthew.

Melvin and Violet wanted the endowment set up for scholarship tuition assistance for those seeking a Construction Management Major. By doing this they wanted to help those with a passion for construction management to get into the business to be able to do good works as evidenced by his key principles of (Quality, Fairness, Integrity and providing outstanding value).

He was involved in numerous other business activities, including Don’s Car Wash and Moorhead State Bank. He also was involved in many charitable organizations. He was past president of the F-M Homebuilders Association and FM Builders and Trade Exchange. He served on the board of regents for Concordia College and was on the board of directors of Oak Grove High School in Fargo, North Dakota, as well as other boards throughout the region.

Melvin’s NDSU campus construction project highlights include Askanase Hall, Dairy & Swine Building, Field Crops Research, Home Economic Building, Library, and the Power Plant. Melvin and NDSU President Laurel Loftsgard shared a close personal friendship and passion for growing NDSU.