SMSU Foundation Annual Report 2023

SMSU FOUNDATION 2023

SMSU FOUNDATION

Greetings SMSU Alumni, Friends, and Community Members!

Another fiscal year has passed and, for the SMSU Foundation, it proved to be successful and encouraging on many fronts. In addition, the University itself has emerged as a true leader within the Minnesota State University System, leading the way this past fall with more than a 5% increase in degree-seeking students and almost an 11% increase in new first-year students. These are envious numbers for most any university in today’s environment. Thanks to the generous and enduring support of alumni and friends of the University, the Foundation is pleased to be providing meaningful support for this tremendous success!

During fiscal year 2023, total support and revenues for the Foundation topped $8.6 million, an exciting 51% increase over the year before. Two major gifts that you have likely read about- one from North Star Mutual Insurance and the other from the estate of SMSU alumnus, Michael Bjerksett - provided a big boost to our fundraising success. But we continue to receive and greatly appreciate contributions both big and small. More than 2,400 alumni and friends made gifts to the Foundation during the year! The backbone of our ongoing success is the breadth of our donor base, and the continued expansion of this base is helping us to sustain our positive momentum.

As a board of directors, our commitment to donors and the University remains focused on four broad categories of investment in support of SMSU’s continuing success, including:

• Enhancing academic opportunities

• Enriching on-campus experiences and resources

• Expanding scholarship initiatives

• Growing the Southwest Fund and support for Mustang Athletics

We also take our stewardship responsibilities very seriously to assure maximum benefits are derived from our entire portfolio of assets, both financial and otherwise. To that end, the board recently revamped our committee structure to further enhance our focus on fiduciary responsibilities and identify opportunistic fundraising and investment approaches.

The summary on the following page shows the impact made through the SMSU Foundation last year. With your help, we were able to support many great initiatives on campus. While overall scholarship support was down last year due to some of our athletic teams working to rebuild their rosters and focus available funding on the future, we expect scholarship needs to increase in the years ahead.

On behalf of the entire Foundation Board of Directors, allow me to thank all of you as alumni, friends, and community partners for your spirited, ongoing support of SMSU. With your help, the Foundation can continue to do our part to help empower SMSU’s success. In the Mustang spirit, let’s continue to RUN TOGETHER and IMAGINE THE IMPACTS that we can make!

Dave Werpy ’79 President of SMSU Foundation Board of Directors

2022-2023 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

Joe Roers ’05

Cindy Verschaetse

Neal Wahlman ’75

SMSU Foundation Mission

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

SCHOLAR

SUPPORT OF STUDENT SHIPS

FY 12 $625,499

FY 13 $806,093

FY 14 $737,384

FY 15 $817,309

FY 16 $711,302

FY 17 $991,279

FY 18 $1,008,030

FY 19 $1,167,188

FY 20 $1,204,119

FY 21 $1,224,719

FY 22 $1,169,781

FY 23 $1,003,349

$8,637,151 Support and Revenue

78 First-Time Alumni Donors

CLASS OF 1977 2020 Most First-Time Donors

July 1, 2022 to June 30, 2023 (Fiscal Year 2023) $3,014,732

1087 Scholarship Recipients

954 $1,003,349 Total Student Scholarships Alumni Class with Highest Giving Participation

Alumni Donors

ENHANCING

Academic Program Equipment Supported by the Foundation

The SMSU Foundation—with the generous support of donors—makes a significant impact the academic opportunities for students. In addition to the theatre lighting transportation and installation outlined in the story on the next page, funding from the SMSU Foundation made contributions to the academic experience in other programs during the past year.

The Music Program was able to purchase a 7-foot Yamaha grand piano. All but one piano in the existing inventory of grand pianos is more than 55 years old. With leveraged equipment funding, which pairs department dollars with donor support—including from the Southwest Minnesota Orchestra and Marshall resident, Lois Henkel—the program went from funding a six-foot grand and making the leap to a seven-foot grand piano.

“The piano is an incredible gift to the program,” said Dr. Daniel Rieppel, music professor and director of keyboard studies at SMSU. “This seven-foot piano is suitable for concertos with orchestra, chamber music, and serious solo recitals. The opportunity for us, for students, to play on a seven-foot piano is a game changer.”

This new piano made its debut on Monday, February 12, 2024 in a recital by Dr. Daniel Rieppel of concert-worthy pieces by Bach, Brahms, Chopin, Scriabin, and Rachmaninov. The new Yamaha grand piano not only enhances student learning but also concert-goer experiences.

Exercise Science was able to purchase two Theia markerless, motion capture systems that will allow students to analyze human movement using a combination of cameras and optical data processing software.

Residence Life focused on the Clapper Hall, Culinology Living and Learning Community and upgraded, state-of-the-art kitchen equipment for students in the academic-focused residence hall community. This summer additional improvements will be made to the common areas of one more residence hall complex, including air conditioning. The total of this four-year effort approaches $1 million in residence hall improvements.

Additional equipment purchased this fiscal year includes:

• Biology: Spectramax ABS microplate reader.

• Art: Easels, kilns, and potter’s wheel.

• Communication Studies: SL3 cameras, light kits, microphones for digital media production.

• Environmental Science: Streamflow meter system and water quality meters & probes.

• Chemistry: Hot plates, melting point apparatus, and polarimeter.

• Museum of Natural History: 55” Hands-on Touch Table.

• School of Business: COLAB (Collaboration Lab) furniture, 3-D printer.

ACADEMICS

Theatre Lighting Donation

The SMSU Theatre Program received a donation of stage lights, including 56 moving lights, also called intelligent lights, and a variety of Source Four LED spotlights providing beautiful lighting with less heat for a cooler performance space. The entire set of stage lights has a total value of approximately $120,000. In terms of lighting, this donation will make us the most well-equipped Theatre program in the Minnesota State System—and possibly the entire Upper Midwest region.

The SMSU community has a way of making things happen. One conversation leads to another, and another, which can lead to something quite amazing. For this project to come together, ideas were shared publicly. This one at a University Town Hall meeting when the needs of the SMSU Theatre were brought to the open forum.

After the Town Hall, Dr. Heather Rickgarn, a management professor, shared her personal connection in the Twin Cities theatre community. That connection suggested reaching out to private theatres, such as those that might be closing.

Theatre Professor Tetta Askeland connected with Cory Sprinkles of the New World Symphony of Miami, Florida. New World was in the process of upgrading their lighting

$725,813 Academic and Program Support

system and no longer needed these instruments. New World donated their ‘old’ lights, new to SMSU, and will provide many years of excellent use for the SMSU Theatre Program to enjoy.

Securing the donation and getting the lights to Marshall was a team effort across campus. Askeland and Rickgarn approached the administration for guidance. President Kumara Jayasuriya; Provost Ross Wastvedt; and Dean of Arts, Letters, and Sciences

Lori Baker provided key support and advocacy to ensure that the donation could move forward.

Askeland worked with the SMSU Foundation, including Director of Development Rustin Buysse, and Executive Director for Advancement and Foundation Nathan Polfliet. Buysse spearheaded the effort to arrange and fund the transportation of the lights from Miami to Marshall. The Foundation worked with local businesses and financial support from local donors to coordinate the necessary electrical work, lead by SMSU master electrician Tory Schreurs, to make the new equipment and technology compatible with SMSU’s 55-year-old facility.

SMSU Facilities staff including Joe Krogman, Daren Van Keulen, and Jackie Van Overbeke helped unload the delivery truck and move crates to the backstage area in Fine Arts. Theatre students in the Lighting and Sound class assisted with moving and adjusting lights that were installed for spring semester use. Thanks to generous donors, the SMSU Foundation purchased the new brains of the lighting system, allowing for fully-programmed lighting of a staged production.

“The lighting donation from the New World Symphony is going to essentially bring us into the 21st century. We will be completely on par with equipment currently used in theatres everywhere,” said Askeland. “Keep in mind, the newest equipment that we have now is from the 1980s. That’s 40 years old.”

This is an incredibly exciting upgrade that will enable SMSU students to learn with state-of-the-art equipment as they prepare for the professional world. Theatre audiences will also enjoy the visual and artistic enhancements these lights will provide for SMSU’s mainstage performances.

“The feedback that we were consistently receiving from our Theatre alumni was that some of their knowledge was outdated. We will be able to teach our students how to use modern equipment, which will make our students even more employable,” Askeland continued. “The installation of this new equipment will make our program the largest and best technical theatre program in the region because we will have the nicest and newest equipment. We could not be more excited about the opportunities this creates for our students.”

Individuals who are interested in supporting on-going improvements to the SMSU academic areas and campus experience are invited to contact the SMSU Foundation at 507-537-6266 or email rustin.buysse@SMSU.edu.

Professor Tetta Askeland with the donated lights

Scholarships can make a world of difference for students at all stages of their college journey. Whether it’s planning for college as a high school senior or preparing for what comes after a bachelor’s degree, the cost of their college education weighs heavily on the minds of students.

The SMSU Foundation plays an important role in the financial equation for student aid offers. Through scholarships, grants and other award programs, 90% of SMSU students receive some type of financial aid. It’s just one of the ways SMSU is providing students with a future they can afford.

The SMSU Foundation awarded 1,087 scholarships totaling $1,003,349 to students last year alone. With support from our incredible donors, the number of students and the financial impact only continues to grow.

We talked to two students at the opposite ends of their college experience. One is just starting this Fall and one is nearing the completion of a degree. Both students competed for and received fullride scholarships through the Southwest Regional Scholars program.

SCHOLARSHIPS MATTER

Incoming

student and 2024 Full-Ride Scholarship Recipient: Naomi Schroeder, Senior, Marshall, Minn.

Naomi is currently a senior at Marshall High School and plans to major in Culinology® at SMSU.

What did it feel like when you learned you were a candidate for the full-ride scholarship?

“It was unreal, to be honest. I was just excited to be in the running and have the opportunity. I never expected it would work out the way it did. I’m so grateful to everyone who helped me along the way and gave me belief in myself that I could do it.”

What went through your mind when you were surprised with the full-ride scholarship award?

“Just pure joy! And I was also so proud of myself, I’ve worked really hard for a long time and it was so exciting to know that it was all paying off.”

What does a full-ride scholarship mean to you and your college experience?

“It means that I’ll be able to have more options throughout college and beyond. My goal is to open a bakery someday so being able to go and get a degree without a lot of debt is going to help me on that journey to making my dreams come true. It’s an amazing opportunity and I’m so grateful.”

What are you looking forward to the most?

“I’m really looking forward to joining the Culinology® program, I’ve heard so many good things. I’m excited to attend SMSU with friends and be near my family. I can’t wait to start this next part of my life and I’m glad that SMSU is ahead of me.”

Why do you feel SMSU is the right place for you?

“SMSU is right for me because it has everything I want. It’s the only school in Minnesota with a full four-year Culinology® program. I’ve heard wonderful things about the class sizes and community. I’m excited that I’ll be going to a school that’s such a good fit and cares about its students as much as they do at SMSU.”

$1,003,349 Total Student Scholarships

A graduate of Westbrook Walnut Grove High School, Sam is a 3rd year senior majoring in data science and minoring in mathematics. He competes in Intercollegiate Esports on the Rocket League Team.

Do you remember what it felt like to know you were a candidate for the full-ride scholarship?

My school went to distance learning in the fall of 2020, and I remember receiving an email from my high school advisor saying that I qualified to interview for a chance at a full-ride scholarship. I couldn’t believe it. I immediately yelled at my brothers to hurry over and look at the email I had just received. Just knowing that I had a CHANCE at a full-ride was surreal to me.

What went through your mind when you were surprised with the full-ride scholarship award in 2021?

I was speechless. I was walking back to class after lunch, and the hallway was lined with people who started cheering for me as I got close, and there was a camera in my face. When I got into the classroom, I saw my parents and representatives from SMSU, and I just couldn’t believe it. When I was handed the certificate saying that I won a full-ride, it hit me and I was just super proud of myself.

What have you enjoyed most at SMSU?

The thing I’ve enjoyed most at SMSU has been meeting new people and hanging out with the new friends that I’ve met through classes and events.

What has the full-ride scholarship meant for you?

1087 Scholarship Recipients

Why did you feel SMSU was the right place for you?

I had visited SMSU many times before for both school events and athletics, so I was very familiar with the campus and the small-town feel that it had. I was confident knowing that SMSU was the school for me.

I appreciate all the people who support scholarships for students like me. Being blessed with the full-ride scholarship means a lot to me and my college experience. With paying for college off my mind, it helps me to focus more on school. I’m super grateful to SMSU for gifting me with this opportunity.

Upperclass student and 2021 Full-Ride Scholarship Recipient: Samuel Kleven, SMSU Senior, Walnut Grove, Minn.

HONOR ROLL OF DONORS

Cumulative Giving as of December 31, 2023

Cumulative Giving Societies

These Cumulative Giving Societies recognize donors who have made gifts and pledges totaling $5,000 or more to support SMSU students and programs. Gifts of any amount are very much appreciated and add to the overall impact made by alumni and friends of SMSU.

Presidential Benefactors

Michael J. Bjerkesett Trust

North Star Mutual Insurance Company

Schwan’s Company

Schwan’s Corporate Giving Foundation

*Sioux Falls Specialty Hospital, LLP

Steven J. Williams Family Trust

Presidential Patrons

Deeann Griebel ’80

Clayton ’77 and Paula Schwerin

*Tim & Donna Swenson

Barnes & Noble College Booksellers, LLC

CHS Foundation

Minnesota Corn Growers Association

Ralco Nutrition, Inc.

Ralph Manwarren

Charitable Trust

Sanford Health Foundation

Presidential Fellows

Mark Edelmann ’75

Robert Lockwood

Marilyn McLaughlin

Archer Daniels Midland

Bremer Bank - Marshall Bremer Bank, National Association

Minnesota Soybean Growers Association

*Hy-Vee Food Store

*Orthopedic Institute

R & G Construction

US Bancorp Business Equipment Finance Group

Cornerstone

*James & Gail Carr

Connie Gores

Brian & Kristin Gruhot ’92

Margery & Sheldon J. Haaland

Thomas & Colette Lehrke

Thomas McCourt & Dorene KronkeMcCourt ’73

Chet & Nicole Lockwood ’10

Orian ’75 & Sue Muecke

Charles Myrbach

Thomas & Linda Sanders

Presidential Benefactors Society

$1,000,000+ cumulative

Presidential Patrons Society

$500,000–$999,999 cumulative

Action Manufacturing

American Center for Philanthropy

Anna Fagerlie Trust

Avera Health

Avera Marshall

Regional Medical Center

Carr Family Foundation

D & G Excavating

Ecolab Inc

Edelmann Management Company

Hormel Food Corporation

KMHL Broadcasting Company

LeAnn Tolk Charitable Fund

Lockwood Motors, Inc.

Marshall Public School District 413

Minnesota Soybean

Research & Promotional Council

Southwest Initiative Foundation

Touchstone Energy Cooperatives

US Bancorp Foundation

Wells Fargo Foundation

Western Print Group

Presidential Fellows Society

$250,000–$499,999 cumulative

Cornerstone Society

$100,000–$249,999 cumulative

Landmark

*Kevin ’82 & Karla Anundson

*Daniel ’83 & Linda Baun ’85

Terrence ’82 & Karen Fogarty

Mike and Jessica Fox

Doug & JoAnne Fraunfelder

Neil ’93 & *Stacy Frost ’93

*David ’76 & Linda Grong

Barbara Habstritt

William Hezlep

Jack & Mary Hickerson

*Bill & Carolyn Hinks

Christopher ’98 & Mary Jo Hmielewski ’04

Brent & Mary Jeffers ’02

Robert & Premjit Larsen

Jan Loft & Doug Pilgrim

Burton Magnuson ’04

James Moline

Kenneth & Gwen Mukomela

Bill ’93 & Stacie Mulso ’94

Nathan ’00 & Angel Polfliet

Bruce ’89 & Linda Saugstad ’90

Keith & Lisa Schwingendorf

David & Marlys Simpson

Dan & Mary Snobl ’88

$8,637,151 2023 Donations

*Michael ’73 & Tracey Springman

Mary Jane Striegel

Jack ’71 and Rosemary Suedbeck

Karen Sweetland

Jim & Teah Swenson

Michael & Jennifer Thomas ’95

*Quinn Tierney ’73 & Gerald Huerth

Joseph & Eileen VanWie

Patrick Wands ’85

David ’79 & Melissa Werpy

Darrel ’75 & Karen Wiener ’74

Ronald & Sandra Wood

Ace Hardware

*Action Sports, Inc

Bank of the WestMarshall

Borch’s Sporting Goods

Cattoor Oil Company, Inc.

Chartwells

CHS Inc. - Marshall

Compass Group North America

FurnitureMART USA

Great Plains Natural Gas Company

Landmark Society

$50,000–$99,999 cumulative

Benefactors Society

$25,000–$50,000 cumulative

Hoffman & Brobst, PLLP

KHC Construction, Inc.

Lyon-Lincoln Electric Cooperative

Material Distributors, Inc.

Midwest Ag Enterprises

Minnesota Farm Bureau Foundation

Minnesota Pork Board

North Risk Partners

Pepsi Cola Bottling Company

Runnings

Schwab Charitable Fund

Slumberland of Marshall

Southwest Marketing Advisory Council

Southwest Tour and Travel Subway

US Bancorp Vendor Services

Viking Coca Cola

Wells Fargo Foundation

Benefactor

Tim’ 89 & Bobbie Alcorn

Debra ’76 & Frederick Almer

Michelle Anderson ’88

Harvey Angel ’73

Jim & Marge Badowski

University Society

$10,000–$24,999 cumulative

President’s Society

$5,000–$9,999 cumulative

Steven ’79 & Debbie

Binder

Jerald ’71 & Ricke Bly ’73

Tyler ’95 & Susan Bowen ’95

John Brobst

Leland ’73 & Pamela Bush ’72

Duane Carrow

*Tina ’97 & Chad Cartwright

Jim & Kim Christianson

Brenan ’01 & Laura Clark ’01

Scott & Laura Crowell

Sara ’93 & Bryan Fier

*Mark Goodenow

*Robert Gunther ’77 & Jill

McCartney

Timothy & Dianne Hahn

Tom & Sue Handeland

Lois A. Henkel ’72

James & Deb Hey

Keigh Hubel

*Kumara & Sal Jayasuriya

Sharon & Dave Kabes

Deb ’88 & James Kerkaert

Brian & Nancy Kor ’83

Jay & Nicole Layman

Gregory & Rebecca Lecy

Sandy & Peggy Ludeman

Eric & Karla Luther

Tom & Liz McLaughlin

*Howard & Joland Mohr

Sandy Mosch ’79

Kristi Mukomela ’80

Jan Nelson ’73

James Ness & Carole

Toft-Ness ’80

David Pichaske & Michelle

Payne Pichaske ’88

Ardella Quarnstrom

Lloyd & Linnea Raymond

Michael Rich

Kim & Carolyn Runholt

Steve & Juli Sanders

Michael & Karen Sterner

Dan & Kathy Sussner

Diane ’75 & David Taylor

Gerald & Mary Toland ’96

William ’94 & Traci Toulouse

*Pat & Karen VanKeulen ’87

Robert Jacobson & Jill Vroman

Chad & Sandy Wyffels

James & Marianne Zarzana

3M Foundation

AP Design

Bluebird Creek

Conservation Club

Bremer Wealth

Management

Buffalo Ridge Concrete

Business Impact Group

Compeer Financial

Doll Distributing LLC

*Farmward Cooperative

General Mills

Great River Energy

Heartland Corn Products

Henle Printing Company

Hitching Post of Marshall

InFaith Community Foundation

Jimmy John’s Gourmet Sandwiches

Jim’s Clothing & Sporting Goods

Land O’Lakes, Inc.

Marshall Convention and Visitors Bureau

Marshall Pizza Partners

MDU Resources Foundation

Meier Electric, Inc.

Merck Foundation

Midwest Dairy Association

Minneapolis Foundation

Minnesota Turkey Research & Promotion Council

NB Golf Cars, Inc.

Northern Sun

Intercollegiate Conference

Northwestern Mutual Life

Insurance Company

*Panka Insurance Agency

Prairie’s Edge Casino

Quarnstrom & Doering, P.A.

State Farm Companies

Foundation

State Farm InsuranceKevin Anundson

The Mattress Barn

Titan Machinery

*Troy Deutz - Edina Realty

US Bank

Wells Fargo Bank Minnesota, NA

University

*John ’89 & Susan Alcorn

Susan & James Anderson

Karl Porisch ’03 & Shirley

Anderson-Porisch

*Charles Aufenthie ’93

Robert Aufenthie & Ramona Nagel

Bonnie Babcock

Bradley ’92 & Renee Bacon

Lee Barrett ’83

Lawrence & Elizabeth

Baun

Noelle & James Beyer ’97

Thomas & Gayle Birath

Brian & Krista Bjella ’96

Paul & Nancy Blanchard

Michael ’77 & Louise Blum

Greg & Paula

Boerboom ’91

Charles & Katherine

Bonifas

Rhonda Bonnstetter ’96

Daniel Boris

John & Margaret Bornhoft

Patricia Brace

Carol Bragg

Brian & Kathy Brandt

Michael Kopp & Vicky

Glen ’85 & Mary Bruns ’75

*Don & Susan Buhl

Edward & Linda Carberry

Jay & Heather Cattoor

James Checkel

Paul ’82 & Julie

Choudek ’84

Chad ’72 & Marilyn Crow

Terrence ’78 & Sandra

Culhane ’78

Nathan ’98 & Cori

Dahlager ’98

Kevin & Nancy Dahlman

Fran & Syl DeBaere

Carmen DeKoster

Debbie Denbeck

Rick & Linda Dennis

Charles Kost &

Elizabeth Desy

John & *Stephanie

DeVos ’12

David & Carol Drown

Eric & Neenah Eben ’04

*Charles & Kari Ehlers ’99

Marcia Eckstrom

Curtis ’71 & Debra

Enestvedt

Bradley ’76 & Jill

Engebretson

Kevin & Cheryl Evans

Cameron & Joanne

Fanfulik

Robert & Sandra Fenske

William ’84 & Anne Fenske

Daniel Fischer & Jan

Nordin-Fischer

Mark Fokken

Shawn Foy

Gary & Mary Frandson ’71

B.C. & James Franson

Joann Fredrickson ’84

Lee ’72 & Joann

French ’75

Jan & Jim H. Fuhrmann

Vaughn Gehle ’82

Craig ’71 & Ann

Marie Gifford ’71

Pam ’95 & Jeffery

Gladis ’87

Denise Gochenouer ’02

*Aminu Gomos

Kory & Amy Grant

Peter ’84 & Joy Hellie ’88

*Barbara Henle

Mike & Jean Henle

Patrick & Sharon Hennen

Marvin & Jan Hey

*Michael ’74 & Sharon Hickman

Mark Hodder ’87 & Xunyu Qian

Diana Holmes ’12

*Todd & Kimberly Jeffers

Deb & Randy Johnson

Richard & Margaret Jolstad

Richard H. Jorgensen

Barbara Jorgenson

Lyn Kaczmarek Kienholz

Charles & Betty Kauffman

*Paula ’89 & John Kelly

John ’75 & Lynda Kern ’77

Donald & Karen Klinkner

Jeff Kolnick & Rosa Tock

George & Jane Korver

Michael ’94 & Alecia

Kramer ’94

David & Brittany Krull ’04

Robert & Donna Kruse

Ann Lanners ’08

Vincent & Anne LaPorte

Gene Lecy

Toni Lecy

*Kasey ’11 & Nicholas Linde

Kelly ’97 & Kari Loft ’96

David & Marlyce Logan

Max & Mary Lord

Joe & Kim Ludowese

Jon ’78 & Rhonda Maker

C. Paul & Carole A. Martin

Tanya McCoss-Yerigan ’92 & Tim Yerigan

Nancy Gerber-Meier & David Meier ’84

Diane Nagel ’73 & Gregory Posch

*Daniel Nesdahl ’97

Kenneth & Janice Noyes

James & Kelli O’Connor

Mark Overgaard

William & Pam Pavot

John ’71 & Kathy Paxton ’69

Les & Mary Jo Plumley ’81

Duke Pogatchnik

Craig Porter ’79

Thomas Quarnstrom ’75

Leland & Norma Raske

Daniel Reed ’76

Dennis and Adele Reed

Jean Replinger

Don Robertson ’84

Ann Roemen ’84 & Daniel Beacom

Joe ’05 & *Betty Roers ’05

Marsha Rose ’94

*James Rowe

Brian ’77 & Susan Rowell

James Smalley & Sara Runchey

Thomas ’83 & Cindy Sahlstrom

Elsa Scheie and Greg Holmes

Charles Freiss & Catherine Schlagel ’76

Matt & Amanda Schnoor ’09

Jordan Schuft ’16

Robert Schwoch ’02

Brandon & Lauri Skewes

Connie & Paul Smisek

Tim & Christy Steinbach ’15

Mike & *Elizabeth Struve

Daniel Sumerfelt ’81

Mark ’74 & Deborah Sunwall

Bruce & Debra Mitlyng ’85

Roger Mohr

Brockman ’82

Rolly ’85 & Charles Muller

Neil Sussenguth & Valerie Swanson ’76

Lonnie & Jeannie Swenson

Ronald W. Taintor

Kristina Taylor ’87

Eileen Thomas

William & Candace

Thomas ’08

Cathy Van Der Schans

Ronald VanLerberghe

Gene & Brenda Verschelde

Neal Wahlman ’75 & Debra JohnsonWahlman

Dwight Watson

Ross ’02 & Heather Webskowski ’98

Lorraine & Mike Weverka

Brad ’91 & Alison Winkelman ’91

*Mary C. Wojciak

*Terry ’87 & *Lori Wynia

Absolute Energy

Ag Country Farm Credit Services

Ag Plus Cooperative

AgCountry Farm Credit Services

Alden Merritt Enterprises

American Insurance

Administrators, Inc.

Avera TherapyBig Stone Therapies

Bladholm Construction

Buysse Roofing Systems & Sheet Metal Co.

Carlson & Stewart

Refrigeration

*Channel Partners

Chevron Humankind

Matching Gift Program

City of Marshall

Cottonwood Co-op Oil Company

Credit Service International

Edward Jones

F & M Bank MinnesotaClarkfield

Farmward Cooperative

First Independent Bank

First Interstate Bank

Floor to Ceiling Store

Granite Falls Bank

Helena Agri-Enterprises,

Hormel Foods Charitable Trust

Jackpot Junction Casino

Keith Boelter Revocable Trust

Keller Williams Preferred Realty

Kruse Motors

Kyle B. Petersen Farms

Larson’s Home Furnishings - Marshall

Lyon County

Lyon County Corn and Soybean Growers Association

Marco, Inc.

Marshall Area Chamber of Commerce

Marshall Area YMCA

McNeely Foundation

*Medtronic Foundation

Mightycause Charitable Foundation

Minnesota Community Foundation

Minnwest Bank, M.V

New Horizon Farms

Northwestern Farm Management

Northwestern Mutual

Perkin’s Family Restaurant

Pine Lake Wild Rice Farm

Pizza Ranch

Preferred Health

Chiropractic

Quality Inn

Round Lake Vineyards & Winery

Skewes Jewelry

Smile Designers

SMSU Faculty Association

South Central College - Mankato

Southwest Adult Basic Education - Marshall

Southwest MN Arts & Humanities Council

Southwest Pallets

State Farm Fire & Casualty Co.

State Farm Insurance

- Andrew Suby

State Farm Insurance

- Charles Aufenthie

Sussner Construction, Inc.

TPI Hospitality

President

Bruce ’76 & Lori Aamot

Jason ’94 & Kami

Adams ’95

Bruce & Mary Ahrendt

John ’89 & Susan Alcorn

Tony ’90 & Patricia Alcorn ’91

Douglas Anderson

Sheila ’95 and Steven Anderson

Joseph & Helen Andries

Debra ’75 & Richard Banks

Gregory & Mary Bartz

Gary & Marjory Becker

Rebecca A. Belmont

Dale ’78 & Dianne Berkner

Eli & Mary Berry

Brad ’02 & Heather

Bigler ’05

Greg Bladholm

Eric ’02 & Erica Bly ’02

Reuben & Judy Bode

Dennis & Dawn Boerboom

Thomas ’74 & Susan Boerboom

Greg & Carol Bossuyt ’15

Mark & Stacey Bosveld

Mark & Deborah Boulton ’93

Dale Bradtke ’85

Cal & Deb Brink

Melissa ’74 & Brian Bromen ’72

Olga Brouwer

Timothy ’72 & Julie Burns

Charles ’82 &

*Sharon Buysse

Alan ’72 & Anne

Carpenter ’75

David Caslavka ’91

John ’77 & Debra Chute

*Kris & Lon Cleveland

Stan & Katherine Claussen

Gustavo ’01 & Kari

Condezo

Bruce Cox & Constance

Smith-Cox

Steve & Melissa Crew

Hugh & Linda Curtler

*Mary Ellen Daniloff-Merrill

Jeremy Daberkow

Sara ’02 & Richard Deering

Dave ’93 & Kimberly

Deines ’95

William ’85 & Lori DeLay

Tim & Jennifer Deutz ’84

Cathy DeVos ’74

Melanie ’02 & Adam

Dickman

*Mary Dise

John & Patricia Drown ’71

Scott ’84 & Diane

Dubbelde ’87

Marlene & Tim Dufault

Brian ’01 & Shawna Ehlenbach

Gary ’73 & Joyce Eickhoff

Michael & Pamela Ellingson

David Engel ’72

*Jacob ’03 & Angela Fahl ’04

Lori & Cliff Feltis

John ’89 & Mary Fischer

*Quentin & Carla Fixen ’11

Robert & Liz Forget

Shawn Foy

Marc ’03 & Amanda

Fritz ’02

Stuart Galstad ’72

Everett Garlisch ’72

Brett ’00 & Anita Gaul

Pat & LaVern Gawarecki

John & Leanna Ginocchio

Joan Gittens

George & *Jenifer

Goblish ’99

Thomas ’73 & Annette Good

Forrest Gorter ’73 & Mary Ferron

Randy ’84 & Patty Groff

*Chris G. Grosz

Bradley ’98 & Karen Gruhot ’99

Mark ’74 & Marilyn Hacker ’77

*Michael Haig ’76

Dorothy Hamman ’93

*Carrie Hansen ’08

William ’77 & Jan Hanson ’75

Jonathan ’72 & Donna Harley

Josh & Michelle Hawkinson ’03

Gary Hay

Deb & Dan Hermann

Greg Higdem ’77

Jeffrey ’77 & Amy Hill

Sandy Hoffbeck ’74

Daniel & Ronaele Hoffman

Jason ’99 & Pam Hoffman

Cyndi ’79 & Ken Holm

Bryon ’72 & Laura Hotzler ’72

Marcia & Jerry Hubner

Peter & Tracy Imle

Dennis Jensen ’71

Owen ’71 & Darlene

Jensen

Ann John ’77

Brad ’73 & Deborah

Johnson

Sherwin Skar & *Kathryn Jones

Richard & Pam Jueneman

Ralph & Mena Kaehler

Randy & Susan Kamrath

Marc & Melissa Klaith

Dallas & Gale Kluksdal

Jean Knakmuhs

Scott & Julie Kuecker

Debra & Russ Labat

Bruce & Vicki Lamprecht

Carlton ’94 & Angela Lance ’92

*Rory Larson ’04 & Ericka Nieman ’05

Marilyn Leach

Steven Leaf ’76

Daniel Lee ’83 & Karolee Knudson-Lee

Erin ’01 & Matt Lind

Stephen & Mary Jane Lindholm ’83

Daniel & Kim Lippert

James ’86 & Julie Louwagie

David & Julie Marquardt

Joel Mathiowetz

Darlene Mattke ’74

Jeffrey ’78 & Lynn Mauland

Bruce Maus ’74

*David ’80 & Emilia Mbonu

Susan McLean

Susan & Paddy McNeely

Tony & *Jessica Mensink ’04

David ’76 & Karen Meulebroeck

Thomas ’73 & Vicki Meulebroeck

Perry & Lou Ann Meyer

Keith & Cheryl Miller ’89

Alan Miner ’84

Tim ’71 & Judy Moberg

Chris & Mindy Moede

Allison & Scott Monson

Mary Muchlinski

David & Judith Nass

Keith ’71 & Jane Nelsen ’88

Jesse & Julie Nelson

Linda ’92 & Jon Nelson

Rolf Nelson

Craig & Debra Norland

Gary & Sandra Nuytten

Donald ’74 & Arlene Ochocki ’71

Christine Olson

Marcy Olson ’93 & Ryan

Wendland ’02

Roger ’73 & Sherry

Olson ’65

Raphael & Lillian

Onyeaghala ’15

Steven ’79 & Teresa Otto

Todd ’77 & Debi Pack ’89

Diane Parnell

Girard Parnell ’71

Mary & George Peichel

Lloyd & Rennae

Petersen ’86

Jill & Gabriel Pieper

Alex Pirkl

Lynn & Kelly Plumley

MaJa Pogatchnik

James ’87 & Gail

Polejewski ’93

Steven ’71 & Linda Polkow

John & Kathy Pollock

Anne Pryor ’82

Brian & Lisa

Rademacher ’93

Christine Raso ’93

Dawn Reed ’74 & Doug Thiesen

Roger & Karen Reede

Paul & Marcia Rehkamp

Robert Reinhart ’75

*Roger ’81 & Linda Reuvers ’82

Timothy ’76 & Kristine Rignell

*Dean ’75 & Rebecca Risa

Richard Roesler

*Brendan Rokke ’04 & Gayra Ostgaard

Dolores Rysdahl ’71

Elaine Sandager ’74

Cory & Amy Sauter

Alan ’73 & Juliane Schafer

Shelly Schell

Larry & Dawn Schiavo

Terry Schleif ’76 & Robin Schleif

James ’79 & Joan Schlenner

Nadine & Karl Schmidt

*Tracy Schramm ’01

Steven & Loronda Schuler

Gregory & Joan Schwarz

Randy ’82 & Roxanne Serreyn ’82

Lew & Judith Shaver ’95

Laurie Shaw ’82 & Michael Qualls

Richard & Mary Shearer

Elain Silus

Douglas ’94 & Molly Simon ’07

Heritage Society

Julie & David Simonson

Randy & Elaine Sook

Cynthia Sorenson ’80

*Darlene ’05 & Brian Sparkman

Gary ’82 & Wendy St Aubin

Greg Stemen ’01

David ’75 & Vicki Strom ’75

*Andrew ’00 & Renee Suby ’01

Matthew ’13 & Deanna

Suby ’09

Jim ’83 & Terry Sullivan

Jerry & Linda Svoboda

James & Mary Tate

Leann & Randy Tatge

Alison & John Tauer

Loren ’73 & Janelle Tauer

Jeff ’72 & Chris Tetrick

Doug Theis

Christopher ’86 & Elisa

Theobald

Jeff & Colleen Thompson

Bruce & Ann Tiffany

Richard ’75 & Jeanne

Toews ’74

Paul & Cynthia Torkelson

Samuel ’71 & Peggy Tutt

Thomas ’77 & Janet

Vandendriessche

Mark & Rita Vandeputte

Debbie ’89 & Gary

VanOverbeke

Joseph & Shirley

VanOverbeke

David ’90 & Krista

Verkinderen

Sonya ’01 & Dustin

Vierstraete ’14

Timothy & Mary Jean

Waibel

Timothy Wands

Brady ’01 & Jennifer Webb

Ronald & Donna Weidauer

Lloyd & Kathleen White

Mark & Michelle Wilcox

Sandy ’82 & Timothy Wilcox

Adam ’05 & Heather Willert

Greg ’95 & Amy Wymer

Hans & Shana Zahrbock

AmericInn Motel & Suites

Ameriprise Financial

B & H Contractors, Inc. OSD

Beverage Wholesalers, Inc. - Fargo

*Boerboom Insurance Agency

Blandin Foundation

Bot Appliance & Electronics

*Christensen Farms

Culver ’s

Dental Health Center

District 5M-3 Lions International

Doom & Cuypers, Inc.

Edward Jones - Mike Snodgrass

Edward Jones - Neil Frost

Eickhoff Enterprises, Inc.

Fran’s Communications

Frederick Travel Waterloo

French Agricultural Research, Inc.

Garner Chiropractic Center

H2oZark LLC

Hay Dobbs, P.A.

Hennen Seed

Highwater Ethanol

IBM Matching Grants

Program

Jeffrey A. Bonnstetter

Revocable Living Trust

Johnson Family Dental Care

Ken & Stell Peterson Farm

Laleman Construction

Lockheed Martin Corporation

Lyon County Farm Service

Marcotte Jewelry LTD

Marshall Animal Clinic

Minnesota Valley Communications, Inc.

Mister Cool’s Clothing

Petersen Farms, Inc.

Pioneer

*Pulver Towing

R.A. Peterson Family Farm, LLP

Race Registration Online

Sherman Chiropractic & Rehabilitation

South Dakota Soybean Processors

Southwest Pro Painting

Southwest Sanitation

*UFP Industries- Minneota

SW Minnesota Stars LLC

Thalmann Seeds, Inc.

The Bike Shop

Twin Oak Acres

United Way of Southwest Minnesota

Varsity Pub

Wal-Mart

Wells Fargo Advisors

*Western Equipment Finance

Wood Lake Lumber and Trustworthy Hardware

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.

Michelle Anderson ’88

Timothy ’72 & Julie Burns

Marylee ’94 & Dennis Dallmann

David & Cecelia Danahar

Donald & Phyllis Danielson

Mitch ’85 & Jane Glover ’84

Deeann Griebel ’80

Chris Grosz ’82

Sheldon & Margery Haaland

Jason ’99 & Pam Hoffman

Richard ’72 & Barbara Jorgensen

Grant & Nancy Joy

Marilyn Kontz ’71

Thomas McCourt & Dorene Kronke-McCourt ’73

*Brian ’82 and Tamara Nelsen

Annual Giving Societies

These Annual Giving Societies recognize donors who have given $500 or more between January 1, 2023 and December 31, 2023 and have not yet given at a cumulative society level. Gifts of any amount are very much appreciated and add to the overall impact made by alumni and friends of SMSU.

Bellows ($1,000 - $4,999) Action Sports

Kola Balogun Bob’s Lumber & Supply

Tramel Barnes ’13

Cambria Company LLC

Wayne A. Cook Canby Lions Club

Founders ($500 - $999)

Michael Allex

Janelle Anderson

Eric Doise

Todd Eddington

Rita R. Evans

Clark D. Meyer

Tim Miles

Casey D. Sussenguth

April Sutor ’80

Jordan Miller ’13 & Rachel Shannon Swanson

Richard ’06 & *Bridget Arkell ’00Veronica Fischer ’11 Westby ’14

Richard ’81 & Helen CrumbChoate, Hall & Stewart, LLPLarry Balfanz ’75 & Mary

Mathew L. Ferris Coleman Electric CompanyLeopold

Braden French Cornerstone United Methodist Andrew ’09 & Samantha

Charles & Sharon GaffneyChurch Beilke ’08

Jennifer Flowers

John & Michelle Full

Gary Sweet

Richard ’73 & Nancy NoerTerry ’71 & Rebecca Timm

Kandy Noles-Stevens ’99 & Wade ’81 & Mary Tornquist

Betty ’72 & Willard GiffordDaniel Stevens ’03Michael ’85 & Cheryl Trobec

Melissa Greene

Kurt ’87 & Teresa GrenigerEva and Howard Nacht Adam ’01 & Suzanne BergrenBrant Groen

Luis Guerrero Foundation

Michael J. Howk Friends Of The Orchestra

Robert Berry

Brandon Blanco

Laura Jackson Limited Tyler Boddy ’14

Mary Jo Haaland

Blaine A. Patterson Scott Underwood

Douglas Patterson

Nichole R. Van Roekel

Angela & Duane PetersMichael V. Walker

Thomas ’81 & Diana HellmannJames & Vivian PietrickJack ’73 & Jodi Warnemunde

Thomas ’87 & Cheryl Hoff ’87Joshua D. Preusse Ross & Sonja Wastvedt

Steve Johnson Hodder Family Foundation - James ’85 & Ann Boegler ’84Angela M. Hoover OtternessJerry & Sara Priester ’86Gary Webb

Gregory J. Laughlin Agency Jeama Boerboom ’07Stacy ’11 & Kyle HubertChristine Quisley

Mary McConnell HomeServices Shared Success Eric ’93 & Danita BornChayse S. Jackson

Neil P. Miller Center Troy ’00 & Patty BrooksLaurie Johansen

Brian Nash Jeff Gladis Construction, LLCKerry Brosz

Alyssa A. Ricke

John ’06 & *Heather

Linda Kimber ’83 Rickgarn ’07

Andrew Peschong ’10Parsley Farms Cindy & Dean BullermanStephen & Maria KingsburyTerence Rider ’75

Mark Petchenik Peters Striping Michael Buseth

Corey Prins Slainte LLC

Derek ’12 & Audra KlinknerGeorge Russell

Robert & Brenda ByrnesMary E. Knetsch Terrance Ryan ’98

Daniel Rieppel Spencer/Butcher GroupSteve Chmielewski Todd Koering

Taylor Schafer ’19

Amy ’15 & Dane SchmiesingSwipe Out Hunger Alex Christianson Jefferson Lee IV ’96 & Kent ’85 & Shaneen Schmidt

George N. Taylor The Benevity Community Michelle Conlon Sarah Lee ’99

Monica Schoknecht

Jeremy VanKlompenburg ’08Impact Fund Michael ’97 & Amy CoyleDarwin ’79 & Virgean LeekTom C. Sedgeman

Brian D. Wiersma

Judy Wilson

507 Sauna

First Dakota National Bank

Fort Pierre Livestock Inc

Health Enhancement Centers

Hoffman & Associates, PLLC

MDU Resources Group Inc

Mustang Wrestling Program

Shaffer Auto Body

State Farm Life Insurance

Chuck Vasgaard The Richard M Schulze Family Matthew Crellin ’76 & Joan Todd ’86 & Karen MaddenJason Sharkey ’01 & Gretchen Company Foundation Cochran

Cheryl Mattke Vollrath-Sharkey

WM Mueller and Sons Inc Vanguard Charitable Shawn Dieken

Darrell & Kitty Mercie

Marlene M. Soupir Weber Survivor Trust Xcaliber Gunsmithing