2021-2022 Foundation Annual Report

ANNUAL REPORT FOUNDATION

July 1, 2021 – June 30, 2022

SMSU FOUNDATION

Greetings, SMSU Alumni, Friends, and Community Members, After the extensive chaos brought on by the COVID pandemic over the last few years, 2022 saw the SMSU Foundation returning to a more normal operating rhythm on many fronts. Unfortunately, that normalcy was disrupted to some extent by the harsh realities of a down stock market and costly inflation, both of which impacted Foundation finances. But most importantly, there were many positive highlights to celebrate throughout the year, and signs of more great things to come! Here are a few examples:

• Overall support and revenue received by the Foundation increased in 2022 by a very healthy 25% to $5.7 million!

• The Foundation received gifts and commitments from 3,121 individuals and businesses this past year, including 103 gifts that exceeded $5,000.

• Two significant gifts especially worth noting include $500K from Sanford Health for a new scholarship endowment and $250K from the Lockwood family in support of creating our new Elizabeth Lockwood Alumni & Visitor Center. (The Foundation also proudly provided direct financial support for this new Center.)

• In continuing to fulfill the strategic priorities and goals of the Foundation, we provided close to $1.1 million for SMSU Academic and Program support. We are very excited to report that this represents nearly a five-fold increase over 2021!

• Student scholarship support from the foundation was just under $1.2 million for the year, close to even with last year and again reflecting our priority commitment to helping students afford their SMSU education.

As I mentioned the past two years, SMSU and SMSU Foundation leadership are deploying new, focused efforts on major giving, and the formula seems to be showing great promise so far! We have high confidence that even more significant gifts will be realized in the coming months. All of these efforts are in full support of critical strategic objectives set forth in recent years by SMSU’s strong leadership team and under the direction of President Jayasuriya.

On a slightly different note, allow me to point out that the many successes of the Foundation were achieved despite the fact that the Foundation was operating well below normal staffing levels. That forced our existing team to go “above and beyond” to deliver those successes. I want to offer very special thanks to Foundation Staff members Nathan Polfliet, Stacy Frost, Meredith (Hyatt) Swan, and Barb Berkenpas. We are pleased to be on course to have a full team back in place soon.

On behalf of the entire Foundation Board of Directors, allow me to thank all of you for your spirited, ongoing support of SMSU. With your help, the Foundation is able to continue to help empower SMSU’s focus to enhancing educational access and campus experiences for students. 2023 will provide exciting new opportunities for all of us to continue and grow that support.

So, in the Mustang spirit:

Let’s run together and imagine the impact! Sincerely,

Dave Werpy ‘79

SMSU Foundation Board President

2021-2022 BOARD OF DIRECTORS

President: David Werpy ’79

1st Vice President: Brian Knochenmus ‘00

2nd Vice President: Bradley Bacon ’92

Secretary/Treasurer: Kristi Mukomela ‘80

Past President: Jerald Bly ‘71

Executive Director: Nathan Polfliet ‘00/’11

Linda Baun ‘85

Julie Bleyhl ‘84

Tyler Bowen ‘95/‘08

Timothy Burns ‘72

Duane Carrow

Tina Cartwright ‘97

Lee French ‘72

Jim Fuhrmann

Robert Gunther ‘77

Jason Hoffman ‘99

Dorene Kronke-McCourt ‘73

Jefferson Lee IV ‘96/ ‘11

Kenneth Mukomela

Ann Roemen ‘84

Joe Roers ‘05

Diane Taylor ‘75

Cindy Verschaetse

Neal Wahlman ‘75

Brad Winkelman ‘91

SMSU Foundation Mission

We exist in order to engage alumni and friends of Southwest Minnesota State University (SMSU) in funding scholarships, projects and activities that benefit SMSU Students and support the strategic priorities of SMSU.

LEVERAGED EQUIPMENT Academic Program Equipment Supported by the Foundation

The SMSU Foundation, along with support from donors, was able to leverage funding to allow academic programs to improve the classroom experience with new equipment. SMSU dollars must be matched by donors to secure the equipment.

Purchases in the 2021-22 fiscal year included a virtual cadaver table for science and exercise science programs, a tractor and animal shelter

for use by the School of Agriculture, state-of-the-art microscopes and cold incubators for the science program, new laser technology for the Planetarium (facing page) and updated equipment for GIS and data science classes.

To learn more about ways to support academic programs and our students, visit www.SMSUFoundation.org.

Virtual Anatomy: New Technology Gives Students a Look Inside the Human Body

SMSU recently acquired a 3-D Anatomy and Physiology Simulation system, also known as a virtual cadaver table. The technology allows students to look inside the human body, as well as inside animals, in a life-like simulation experience. This hands-on experience will prepare them for careers and graduate school in health, wellness, agriculture, and more. Half of the equipment cost was provided by the SMSU Foundation’s leveraged equipment fund with support from donors.

“This virtual cadaver table raises the bar in our student’s education at SMSU,” said Dr. Kris Cleveland, professor of exercise science. “This table will be used in Anatomy and Physiology, Kinesiology, Exercise Physiology, and Animal Science classes as well as guest lectures for preprofessional students, even music and psychology students, whoever has an interest in the human body. The possibilities are endless.”

Next Level Microscopes Elevate the Science Lab Experience for SMSU Students

The Science Program is already utilizing some exciting new technology in the classroom labs. The SMSU Foundation provided funding support for leveraged equipment purchases of new Leica DM500 microscopes.

The new technology is the next level of innovation for university science lab use. The Leica DM500 microscope with “plug and play” capability is making biology courses efficient and fun for the professor and the students.

Student-friendly features such as the pre-focused, pre-centered condenser and preset diopter, which prevent incorrect adjustments,

provide more time for hands-on teaching. In addition to the ease of use, students can connect to the microscope on the wireless network allowing multiple users to connect to the camera and see the specimen in real time.

“The technology is an exciting way for all students to engage and interact with the subjects we’re studying in the microscopy lab,” said Dr. Alyssa Anderson, Biology Professor. “Everyone in the class can see exactly the same thing on their phone or iPad. It’s a great way to keep students interested and make the most of our lab time.”

Welcome

NATHAN POLFLIET

Executive Director for Advancement and Foundation

Nathan Polfliet joined the team at Southwest Minnesota State University as the Executive Director for Advancement and Foundation in October of 2021. Polfliet is a 2000 graduate of SMSU and brings over twenty years of experience working in higher education and nonprofit operations to his new role.

“Nathan has been a valuable addition to our team at SMSU,” said President Kumara Jayasuriya. “His experience and leadership have helped us develop partnerships that are providing new opportunities for students and faculty. It’s great to see the impact of this work across campus.”

Prior to joining SMSU, Nathan served as a consultant for nonprofit organizations across the Midwest as the owner and Chief Strategy Officer at 212 Strategies. From 2002 to 2012, he worked for the South Dakota State University Foundation serving on their leadership team during the comprehensive campaign that concluded in 2012. While at SDSU, Nathan returned to SMSU and received a master of business administration (MBA) degree in 2011.

“It’s great to be back at SMSU working with the Mustang Family to support our students, faculty, and staff,” he said. “My wife, Angel, and I met here, so it’s fun to look back and think about the opportunities we had and know that we are helping make an impact on the lives of current students.”

Nathan and his wife Angel have three children, Noah, Nicholas, and Alexis. Nicholas is currently a student at SMSU and will graduate with a degree in computer science in the spring of 2023.

Nathan enjoys every opportunity to connect with alumni and friends of SMSU. He can be reached at the SMSU Foundation office at 507-537-6266 or by email at Nathan.Polfliet@SMSU.edu. He looks forward to hearing from you.

Polfliet

SMSU Alumnus Mike Springman ’73 generously matched funds for new laser equipment in the planetarium. He helped set up the original planetarium and takes pride in the learning opportunities this facility provides both SMSU students and the community.

SMSU values the support of all of our donors who support our students and our mission. We thank all of the alumni, parents, and friends whose generosity makes our work possible. A complete honor roll of donors can be found on our website at

Honor Roll of Donors

Cumulative Giving: Presidential Benefactors Society

$1,000,000+ cumulative

Presidential Patrons Society

$500,000–$999,999 cumulative Presidential Fellows Society

$250,000–$499,999 cumulative Cornerstone Society

$100,000–$249,999 cumulative

Presidential Benefactors

Business & Organization

Schwan’s Company

Schwan’s Corporate Giving Foundation

Presidential Patrons

Individuals

Deeann Griebel ‘80

Clayton ‘77 and Paula Schwerin

Business & Organization

Barnes & Noble College Booksellers, LLC

CHS Foundation

Michael J. Bjerkesett Trust

Minnesota Corn Growers Association

Ralco Nutrition, Inc.

Ralph Manwarren Charitable Trust

Steven J. Williams Family Trust

Presidential Fellows Individuals

Marilyn McLaughlin

Business & Organization

Bremer Bank - Marshall

Bremer Bank, National Association

Minnesota Soybean Growers Association

R & G Construction

Sioux Falls Specialty

Hospital, LLP

US Bancorp Business EquipFinance Group

Cornerstone Individuals

Mark Edelmann ‘75

**Connie Gores

Brian & Kristin Gruhot ‘92

Margery & Sheldon J. Haaland

Thomas & Colette Lehrke

Robert Lockwood

Orian ‘75 & Sue Muecke

Thomas & Linda Sanders

Tim & Donna Swenson

Business & Organization Action Manufacturing

American Center for Philanthropy

Anna Fagerlie Trust

Avera Health

Avera Marshall Regional Medical Center

Carr Family Foundation

D & G Excavating

East River Electric Power Cooperative

Ecolab Inc

Edelmann Management Company

Hormel Food Corporation

Hy-Vee Food Store

KMHL Broadcasting Company

Lockwood Motors, Inc.

Landmark Society

$50,000–$99,999 cumulative Benefactors Society

$25,000–$50,000 cumulative University Society

$10,000–$24,999 cumulative President’s Society

$5,000–$9,999 cumulative

Marshall Public School District 413

Minnesota Soybean Research & Promotional Council

Orthopedic Institute

Sanford Health Foundation

Southwest Initiative Foundation

US Bancorp Foundation

US Bancorp Foundation Grants Program

Wells Fargo Foundation (Educational Matching Gift)

Western Print Group

Landmark

Individuals

Terrence ‘82 & Karen Fogarty

**Doug & JoAnne

Fraunfelder

Barbara Habstritt

**William Hezlep

Christopher ‘98 & Mary Jo

Hmielewski ‘04

*Brent & Mary Jeffers ‘02

Thomas McCourt & Dorene

Kronke-McCourt ‘73

**Robert & Premjit Larsen

Chet & Nicole

Lockwood ‘10

Burton Magnuson ‘04

James Moline

**Kenneth & Gwen

Mukomela

Annual Giving: Bellows Club

$1,000 - $4,999 annual Founders Club

$500 - $999 annual Century Club

$100 - $499 annual

*Bill ‘93 & *Stacie

Mulso ‘94

*Nathan ‘00 & Angel Polfliet

Bruce ‘89 & Linda Saugstad ‘90

**David & Marlys Simpson

**Dan & Mary Snobl ‘88

**Mary Jane Striegel

Jack ‘71 and Rosemary Suedbeck

Karen Sweetland

Jim & Teah Swenson

Michael & Jennifer Thomas ‘95

**Joseph & **Eileen VanWie

David ‘79 & Melissa Werpy

Darrel ‘75 & Karen Wiener ‘74

Ronald & Sandra Wood

Business & Organization

212 Strategies, LLC

Ace Hardware

Bank of the West - Marshall

Borch’s Sporting Goods

Cattoor Oil Company, Inc.

Chartwells

CHS Inc. - Marshall

Compass Group North America

Fidelity Charitable Gift Fund

Great Plains Natural Gas Company

Hoffman & Brobst, PLLP

KHC Construction, Inc.

Lyon-Lincoln Electric Cooperative Material Distributors, Inc. (MDI)

Midwest Ag Enterprises, Inc.

Minnesota Farm Bureau Foundation

Minnesota Pork Board

North Risk Partners

North Star Mutual Insurance Company

Pepsi Cola Bottling Company

Runnings

Slumberland of Marshall

Southwest Marketing Advisory Council

Southwest Tour and Travel

Subway

US Bancorp Vendor Services

Viking Coca Cola

Wells Fargo Foundation

Benefactor

Individuals

**Debra ‘76 & Frederick

Almer

Harvey Angel ‘73

Kevin ‘82 & Karla Anundson

Jim & Marge Badowski

*Daniel ‘83 & *Linda

Baun ‘85

This Honor Roll of Donors lists annual contributors of gifts of $100 or more for the period between July 1, 2021 and June 30, 2022, and cumulative gifts and pledges of $5,000 or more in the last five years. While gifts of any amount are very much appreciated, this report contains only those in the Century Club or higher. Great care has been taken to ensure the accuracy of this report. If you see any discrepancies, please contact the SMSU Foundation.

* Denotes SMSU employee **Denotes Retired SMSU Employee

William Sullivan

Laura ‘03 & Jamison Summer

Cory Sundell

James ‘71 & Patricia Super

Casey ‘12 & Brittany

Sussenguth

April Sutor ‘80

Christena Svoboda Ojeda ‘97 & Alejandro Ojeda

*Meredith ‘18 & Alec Swan

*Jennifer Swanson

Shannon Swanson

**James Swartz

Gary Sweet

Pam Synovec

*Sheila & *James Tabaka

Mary Ann Tauer

*Marilee Thomas

John ‘02 & Kristy Thomsen

Susan Tibbs

Cheryl Tietjens

Lucas ‘13 & Kassi Tietz ‘14

Matthew ‘03 & Kimary Tiffany

Gary Tigges ‘78

Terry ‘71 & Rebecca Timm

Bryan Timmerman ‘01

Troy Tipton

Michael ‘86 & Cindy Tobin ‘86

Grace Tofteland

Gene ‘71 & Lucy Tokheim ‘75

Suluoo Toomalatai

Wade ‘81 & Mary Tornquist

Thomas ‘78 & Lynn Trollen

Scot Trongard

Heritage Society ‡

Michelle Anderson ’88

Michael Bjerkesett ’71

John & Jean Brobst

Timothy ’72 & Julie Burns

Virginia Tubwell

*Joan & Steve Tutt

Adam Ulbricht

Nancy Van Heel

Karna VanBuskirk

Michael VanDrehle ‘08

Daniel ‘97 & Sara VanRider ‘98

Nancy ‘76 & Charlie Veilleux

Diane ‘73 & Michael

Viehauser

Becky Vogel

Richard Vogt ‘76 & Carol Brown

Dave Voigt

Elmo & Julie Volstad ‘77

*Charlotte & *Martin Wahle

Scott Waldner & Gail

Gilman-Waldner

Amanda & Matthew Waldoch

Kathy ‘81 & Gerald Waletzko

*Ronald Walker

Barb & Brett Wall

Brett Wall

Merle Wall

Joel Wallace ‘18

Everett Wallin

Eugene ‘83 & Nancy Walter

Jim ‘90 & Sharon Walters

Russell Ward

John Warian

Jack ‘73 & Jodi

Warnemunde

Gary Webb

*Tommie ‘98 & Gina Webb

Michael & Debra Weg

Harry & Jaen Weilage

Michael ‘94 & Rachelle

Weinand ‘93

Jane Welter-Nolan ‘91

Betty ‘76 & Dale Wendorff

Randy & Sima Wewetzer

Jodi White

Michael ‘08 & Deidre

Wierson ‘07

*Mara & John Wiggins

Viron Wildy

James ‘78 & Pamela Williams ‘03

Margo Williams

*Tom Williford

Marlin & Beverly Winkelman

Bradley ‘75 & Deborah Winn

Edward ‘06 & Lauren

Winn ‘06

Bruce Winter ‘79

Rex ‘71 & Kathleen Wohlhuter

Janet Wolf ‘91

*Alexander Wood

Joseph Wood

Teresa ‘79 & Mark Woodworth

Jenai ‘94 & James Wright

Frankie Yarbrough

Dana Yost ‘08 & Rae

Kruger

Jim Young ‘83

Ruth & Jeff Young

*Matthew Zabka

Deeann Griebel ’80

Chris Grosz ’82

Sheldon & Margery Haaland

Jason ’99 & Pam Hoffman

Richard ’72 & Barbara Jorgensen

Donald ‘77 & Barbara Zierke

Annette & Peter Zimmerman

*Joe Zimmerman

Michael & Susan Zins

Business & Organization

405 Loft

Barnes and Noble

Bauer Industrial Products, Inc.

Buffalo Ridge Resort & Business Center

California Agricultural Leadership Foundation (CALF)

Chanhassen Dinner

Theater

CL Photography

Cliff Viessman, Inc.

Cliff’s Mini Storage

Coco Avenue

Coleman Electric Company

Comparts Family Farm

Daktronics

Extra Innings

Feed Co. Inc

Frontline Ag Risk Management

Global Resources, Inc.

Greenwood Nursery

H&L Orthodontics, PLLC

HealthSource of Marshall

Kandi Land Farm, LLC

Kesteloot Enterprises

Kluksdal Piano Tuning

L.A. Photography

Sally & Burton Magnuson ’04

Marilyn McLaughlin

**Charles Myrbach

Doris Olson

Daniel Sumerfelt ’81

Mark Thomas Company

Marshall Aquatic Center

Marshall Area Stage Company

Marshall Golf Club

Midwest Country Feed LLC

Monogram Meat Snacks

MTSM Properties, LLC

Nichols Insurance Services, Inc.

Noble Woman Boutique

Patzer’s Hardware Hank

Pipestone Publishing Co. Inc.

Purfeerst Farms

Redwood River Farms

ReMax Town and Country Sears

Shell Oil Company Foundation

Sleep Inn and Suites

SMSU Planetarium

State Farm Insurance - Jason Vote

State Farm Insurance -Tyler Peschong

Sturm Funeral Homes, Inc

Three Sisters Furnishings LLC

Tracy Food Pride

Triple R Paving

Tri-State Veterinary Clinic

Vishay HiRel Systems, LLC

Webber Family Motors

Marylee ’94 & Dennis Dallmann

David & Cecelia Danahar

Donald & Phyllis Danielson

Mitch ’85 & Jane Glover ’84

Grant & Nancy Joy

Marilyn Kontz ’71

Thomas McCourt & Dorene Kronke-McCourt ‘73

David & Diane’75 Taylor

Jack & Linda Tolk

‡ Heritage Society was established to recognize and honor, during their lifetime, those persons whose vision and generosity move them to support SMSU through an estate plan gift.