North Dakota
Governor Burgum announced the late Dr. Merton Utgaard as the 47th recipient of the North Dakota Theodore Roosevelt Rough Rider Award, the state’s highest commendation for its citizens
By 
Local Reporter
Minot, NORTH DAKOTA – State officials said that Dr. Merton Utgaard founded the International Music Camp in 1956 at the International Peace Garden along the U.S.-Canada border near Dunseith in north-central North Dakota.
Utgaard served as the camp’s full-time director for 28 years, overseeing tremendous growth and gaining international recognition for the music program, the International Peace Garden and North Dakota.
Utgaard died Dec. 19, 1998, at the age of 84. Burgum presented the Rough Rider Award, symbolized by a bust of President Theodore Roosevelt, to Utgaard’s three children before a concert performed tonight at the International Music Camp during this weekend’s celebration of the 90th anniversary of the International Peace Garden.
“With passion and vision, Dr. Utgaard founded the International Music Camp to provide a unique educational opportunity for young musicians in North Dakota, across the United States and around the world. For more than 60 years, performers at the International Music Camp have spent their summers developing their musical talents and making lasting memories. Under Dr. Utgaard’s guidance, the International Music Camp has grown into a nationally and internationally known program supporting arts and culture in our communities and sharing North Dakota with the world.”
Governor Burgum said:
“With passion and vision, Dr. Utgaard founded the International Music Camp to provide a unique educational opportunity for young musicians in North Dakota, across the United States and around the world.
For more than 60 years, performers at the International Music Camp have spent their summers developing their musical talents and making lasting memories. Under Dr. Utgaard’s guidance, the International Music Camp has grown into a nationally and internationally known program supporting arts and culture in our communities and sharing North Dakota with the world.”
