North Dakota Spirit is found in many ways in many people, but it's easy to sum up what it means to Janice Hoffarth.

"Pride. An overwhelming sense of pride," said Hoffarth, past president of both the UND Staff Senate and the North Dakota State Staff Senate.

Her day job is as administrative assistant in the music department, but her enthusiasm is spread all over campus. Part of that enthusiasm is for UND student-athletes who Janice supports as a Coaches Club member in the Fighting Sioux Club. Faculty and staff support for athletics is nothing new. She is one of over 250 faculty/staff members who are members of the Fighting Sioux Club.

"To have that kind of support from across campus is great and Janice is a great example of the passion our faculty and staff have for UND athletics," said director of athletics Brian Faison. "You don't see that everywhere across the country, but it's just one more thing that makes UND so special."

"Fighting Sioux Club allows us to be part of something we value, to be a part of excellence," Hoffarth said. "UND athletics is part of our life. It's very important. Our family makes choices. We don't go on big vacations. We support UND athletics with Fighting Sioux Club and buying season tickets, so it's a lifestyle."

Hoffarth, whose husband, Frank, and two children can be seen helping Janice with her "other job" on campus.

For 11 years she's also helped the Pride of the North Marching Band by feeding the group on football game days, helping set up and clean up. One of her favorite parts of game days are when the band plays in front of the Fighting Sioux Club Member Tailgate Tent.

"There's nothing like it," she says. "It's a blast!"

"Our members love that, and it's the perfect way to get everyone ready for a football game," said Josh Morton, executive director of the Fighting Sioux Club. "The band adds so much inside the Alerus Center, and when we are there setting up our tailgate tent, Janice and the band have been there for hours already getting ready. Her family is a great example of giving to your passion. The Hoffarths love UND Athletics, and they give generously."

Adds Hoffarth: "There are two seasons in our family: Sioux season and lake season."

Did you know that UND Faculty and Staff get a 20% discount on season ticket purchases? For more information go to Fighting Sioux Club page on www.fightingsioux.com.