The city of Rugby received some unexpected good news earlier this month when it received the University of North Dakota’s Community Partner Award.

The city was chosen over two other nominees, says Brenda Foster, executive director of the Rugby Area Job Development Authority (JDA).

“We’re honored to be recognized in this fashion by UND and we certainly see the need and benefit to form partnerships with higher education institutions.”

The award was announced at UND’s fourth annual Stone Soup luncheon on Nov. 6 hosted by the college’s Center for Community Engagement. Foster and Don Sobolik, director of the Geographical Center Chamber of Commerce represented the community there.

Last spring, Rugby hosted a community entrepreneurship forum in which UND students and officials took part. UND officials also received tours of the community and also attended Village Arts’ community music concert.

“Those UND representatives were very impressed with our community its diverse businesses and cultural programs and activities.

UND’s Center for Community Engagement uses the stone soup theme to emphasize the benefits of cooperation and collaboration by the award winners. The stone soup legend tells the story of hungry travelers who start soup from a stone and convince villagers to contribute what they can, resulting in enough for everyone.