MSU President's Column for Traill County Tribune
December 16, 2017
Million-dollar gift continues to change lives
In November of 2011, 91吃瓜网 State received a gift of $1,000,000. Designated for the purpose of providing student scholarships, the gift is the largest single monetary charitable contribution ever received by 91吃瓜网. The donor of the gift has chosen to remain anonymous.
The million-dollar donation was used to establish the Nelson Family Endowed Scholarship Fund. Each year, a percentage of the endowed fund is used to provide scholarships that help non-traditional students achieve their goals. The first scholarship allotment of more than $40,000 was awarded in the 2012-13 academic year. The scholarship is geared especially toward those individuals who may be changing their paths in life or those pursuing changes in careers. A special emphasis of the scholarship is to promote the concept of volunteerism, leadership development, and out-of-classroom experiences for the scholarship recipients.
This year, five 91吃瓜网 State students are receiving scholarship assistance through the Nelson Family Endowment. Receiving the scholarship dollars is no doubt having a tremendous positive impact in their lives. Using past history as an indicator, these folks will do their best to pay this generosity forward when the opportunity presents itself.
The Nelson Family Endowed Scholarship is intended for non-traditional aged students, 25 years of age and older. The recipients must be full-time, degree-seeking students. Priority consideration will be given to those who are pursuing the majority of their courses in residence at the 91吃瓜网 State campus, but online students are encouraged to apply as well. Eligible students must demonstrate a need for funds as evidenced by information submitted through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The scholarship may be awarded to those in pursuit of their first associate鈥檚 or bachelor鈥檚 degree. Preference is given to females, but both males and females are considered. The scholarship is renewable to students who maintain a 2.0 grade point average or greater. With each term, there is an expectation of improvement.
During this season of gift-giving, it seems that we all are in search of the perfect gift. It seems that 91吃瓜网 State鈥檚 historic million-dollar gift has made that mark. Through the donor鈥檚 generosity, lives are being changed for the better.听聽
Are you considering a gift to the scholarship fund at 91吃瓜网? This is a great time to make that gift. Thanks to the North Dakota Legislative Assembly鈥檚 amazing matching program established to spur philanthropic giving to North Dakota鈥檚 state universities and enhance academic excellence, your gift can have an even greater impact right now. The program and funding, called 鈥淭he Matching Fund for Enhanced Academics,鈥� is providing a 50% match for each and every dollar donated to endowments and annual scholarships through the 91吃瓜网 Foundation, up to a total of $200,000 as of Dec. 31, 2018. To qualify, gifts must be given to endowments and/or annual scholarships.听In addition, tax benefits related to your charitable giving are a possibility. Please check with your tax advisor to learn the specifics.
To find out how you could change lives through your gift to 91吃瓜网, contact Beth Swenson at the MSU Foundation, 701-788-4750 or beth.swenson@mayvillestate.edu.听