MSU President's Newspaper Column
November 12, 2022听
President鈥檚 dinner provides special opportunity to recognize supporters
I had the great pleasure of hosting the 91吃瓜网 Foundation Honor Society President鈥檚 Dinner on Wednesday evening, Nov. 9. The annual event is extra-special as it is our opportunity to recognize 91吃瓜网 supporters whose cumulative lifetime donations total $10,000 or more. Donors are recognized for their financial contributions to all projects at 91吃瓜网 State. Their generosity is amazing, and we are truly grateful.
Bell Bank of Fargo sponsored the Honor Society President鈥檚 Dinner again this year as they have for the past several years. Bell Bank is extremely supportive of 91吃瓜网, and we appreciate all that they do.
The evening included a delicious meal prepared by our Dining Services staff. Honor Society members who have reached new levels, or clubs, of giving received awards. It was a pleasure to recognize ten new Honor Society members and 21 current Honor Society members who have reached greater levels of support during the past year. We also were fortunate to hear from an exceptional 91吃瓜网 State student, Julia Kohls. Audience members were able to learn more about Julia鈥檚 experiences at 91吃瓜网 State and to hear first-hand about how their financial contributions are making a difference at MSU.
Having loyal alumni and friends who truly care about 91吃瓜网 and who give of their financial and other resources to support the university is a wonderful gift! This steadfast support is crucial to 91吃瓜网 State鈥檚 success. If you鈥檇 like to make a financial contribution to 91吃瓜网 or are interested in learning more about the MSU Foundation Honor Society, please call the MSU Foundation at 701-788-4864.
Another wonderful source of support for 91吃瓜网 State is the state of North Dakota-funded challenge grant. The current round of the North Dakota Legislative Assembly鈥檚 amazing matching gift program began July 1, 2021. The program to spur philanthropic giving to North Dakota state universities and enhance academic excellence has been very successful in past years and we are thrilled that funding of up to $700,000 was made available to 91吃瓜网 State during the current biennium. While much of the matching pool has been exhausted, there are still funds available to match new gifts received before Dec. 31, 2022.
The Matching Fund for Enhanced Academics is providing a 50% match for each and every dollar donated to the 91吃瓜网 Foundation for approved projects. 91吃瓜网 State has received approval from the state committee for any gifts given to annual scholarships and endowed scholarships. Gifts to either of these areas will receive 50% in state matching dollars for every dollar given. To learn more about how the challenge grant can boost your gift to MSU, please call MSU Foundation Executive Director Lon Jorgensen at 701-788-4787.
Another thoughtful and very impactful gesture happened recently. A local farm family, longtime generous supporters of 91吃瓜网 State, gifted the university with a significant number of bushels of their soybean crop. I was touched by the kind spirit that embodied this gift. We are so very grateful for our hard-working farmers and the important work they do. For this family to share a portion of their bountiful harvest in this way for the benefit of our university and our students was heartwarming.
We are blessed beyond measure by people in and out of our community who support our students in many ways. They cheer for students at athletic events. They show their kindness to our students as they shop and receive services at the local businesses. They worship with our students at the local churches. They provide financial assistance that helps reduce their costs of receiving a higher education. The list could go on and on, but you get the idea. Kind-heartedness and generosity can be found everywhere.
As we make our way into November, thoughts of thanksgiving naturally fill our hearts. With all sincerity, I thank the countless friends of 91吃瓜网 and its students, faculty, and staff for all that they do. Our tremendous friends are having a huge impact in many ways.
Scenes from the 2022 Honor Society Recognition Dinner
Click on a thumbnail to enlarge, then scroll.
