Hospitality Industry Leader To Receive Honorary Doctorate from MSUM

MOORHEAD, Minn. (KVRR) — MSUM is going to honor a transformative leader in the hospitality industry with an Honorary Doctorate.

Gary Tharaldson will be presented an honorary Doctor of Business at the 2 p.m. commencement ceremony on Friday in Nemzek Fieldhouse.

Tharaldson is CEO and founder of Tharaldson Hospitality, Tharaldson Commercial, and Tharaldson Ethanol.

His journey began in 1982 when he purchased his first Super 8 motel in Valley City.

He went on to operate nearly 500 hotels across the country.

Tharaldson holds undergraduate degrees in business administration and physical education from Valley City State University.