Wenstrom Lectures Series
The annual Wenstrom Lecture focuses on issues current in North Dakota politics or public affairs.
Frank E. Wenstrom was known for his public service as state Senator, former Lieutenant Governor, and President of the second Constitutional Convention for the state of North Dakota.
About Frank E. Wenstrom
Frank A. Wenstrom (July 27,1903-May 12, 1997) was born and raised in Wells County,
North Dakota. He began his career in the private sector first working in the oil industry,
serving as secretary-manager of the Carrington, ND
Chamber of Commerce, and serving as a public relations officer for the First National
Bank of Williston.
From 1957 to 1960 he served as the North Dakota Senator for district 1. Hon. Frank Wenstrom served as the 28th Lieutenant Governor from 1963 to 1965 serving Governor William L. Guy. He then returned to the North Dakota Senate and served from 1967 to 1986.
He is also known for having chaired the Second Constitutional Convention of the state of North Dakota which began April 6, 1971 and ended on February 17, 1972. The new constitution was presented to the voters on April 28, 1972, and rejected by a vote of 107,643 to 64,073.
Recent Speakers
The Wenstrom Lecture is an endowed event held annually at University of North Dakota,
past
speakers have included:
- Luke Jones (2025) "Intergovernmental Approaches to Environmental Protection in Indian Country"
- Josh Tiegen (2024)
- Senator Heidi Heitkamp
- Senator Kevin Cramer
- Lt. Goveror Brent Sanford