REVITALIZATION OF CAMPUS AND SALUTE TO OUR DONORS
NORTHERN TODAY 3 SPECIAL I SSUE | Summer 2021 LET THE NSU FOUNDATION be the first to thank you. This was definitely an effort that involved the entire community, state and region. No matter your level of support, this campaign couldn’t have been done without you, so please know how grateful we are, as well as the campaign committee and everyone at NSU. In recognition of this accomplishment, we put together this special edition of the Northern Today alumni magazine. We wanted to devote an entire issue to you – the individuals, families, businesses and organizations that collectively made these projects possible. Because of your efforts, this collaboration between Northern and the School for the Blind and Visually Impaired came to fruition. Students at both schools now benefit. SDSBVI has its own brand-new facility, which was instrumental in keeping the school in Aberdeen. And the entire region will benefit from the Regional Sports Complex, which includes Dacotah Bank Stadium and Koehler Hall of Fame Softball Field. These projects will truly make an impact on students for generations to come. As Campaign Committee Co-chair Jim Thares says in his giving story: Six years ago, we asked you to dream with us. Now, please enjoy reading the stories about how this dream became a reality. Again, thank you all. Go Wolves! Zach Flakus President and CEO, NSU Foundation EDUCATIONAL IMPACT CAMPAIGN: FROM DREAM TO REALITY You did it. With the opening of the Regional Sports Complex this fall, the Educational Impact Campaign will officially be complete. Letter from the Foundation EDUCATIONAL IMPACT CAMPAIGN CO-CHAIRS AND COMMITTEE MEMBERS REVITAL IZATION OF CAMPUS | A SALUTE TO OUR DONORS Mike and Barb Evans Robert and Dr. Erin Fouberg Rod and Glenna Fouberg Jeff Lamont Michael Bockorny Dr. Marjorie Kaiser Jim and Jackie Koehler George Rahm Brett Rezatto Nathan and Jacquelyn Reede Art and Maggie Russo Joe and Cindy Senger Zach Flakus Becky Mehlhoff Todd Jordre Josh Moon Jon Olson Cathy Hall CO-CHAIRS Dr. Tim and Mary Downs Jim and Tracy Thares COMMITTEE MEMBERS
NORTHERN TODAY 4 SPECIAL I SSUE | Summer 2021 REVITAL IZATION OF CAMPUS | A SALUTE TO OUR DONORS JOHNSON FINE ARTS CENTER The Johnson Fine Arts Center reopened in August upon completion of a two-year, $15 million remodeling project that included an expanded lobby area; renovated main theater with improved acoustics; new seating, orchestra pit, shell system, and lighting; new black box theater; and new art gallery. REGIONAL SCIENCE EDUCATION CENTER The Regional Science Education Center was approved in March, with construction set to begin the following spring on the site of the former Wolves Football practice field. HARVEY C. JEWETT IV REGIONAL SCIENCE EDUCATION CENTER The Harvey C. Jewett IV Regional Science Education Center opened in August. The state-ofthe art facility, which enhanced research and science education, was named for the longtime South Dakota Board of Regents member who championed its construction. GREAT PLAINS EAST AND GREAT PLAINS WEST Great Plains East and Great Plains West residence halls both opened in August on the Northern campus. GREAT PLAINS EAST Great Plains East features a pod-style design and also includes a Provisions on Demand (POD) convenience store and Papa John’s Pizza. ATHLETIC AND RECREATION FIELDS The project provided a new competition field for Wolves Soccer, new practice field for Wolves Football, and recreation space for NSU Intramurals and SDSBVI students. 2019 2018 2018 2017 2016
NORTHERN TODAY 5 SPECIAL I SSUE | Summer 2021 REGIONAL SPORTS COMPLEX The NSU Regional Sports Complex, the third and final project of the Educational Impact Campaign, opens in September. Connected to the Barnett Center, the complex is home to Dacotah Bank Stadium and Koehler Hall of Fame Softball Field, including a new addition of locker rooms and Kessler’s Champions Club. REVITAL IZATION OF CAMPUS | A SALUTE TO OUR DONORS L INDBERG HALL Lindberg Hall was demolished in May; NSU celebrated J.C. Lindberg Day on April 30 to honor the residence hall, which first opened in 1953. SOUTH DAKOTA SCHOOL FOR THE BL IND AND VISUALLY IMPAIRED SDSBVI opened its brand-new school in January. Located at the former site of Jerde Hall, the two-story facility includes bigger classrooms and modern technology. GREAT PLAINS WEST Great Plains West, built at the former site of Lindberg Hall, includes suite-style rooms and a multi-purpose room used for game cleaning. JERDE HALL Jerde Hall was razed in July to make room for the new School for the Blind and Visually Impaired. ATHLETIC AND RECREATION FIELDS The NSU Athletic and Recreation Fields opened in August, with the pavilion opening shortly thereafter. NSU-SDSBVI EDUCATIONAL IMPACT CAMPAIGN The NSU-SDSBVI Educational Impact Campaign kicked off in November. This collaborative effort sought to construct a new South Dakota School for the Blind and Visually Impaired, athletic and recreation fields project, and an on-campus regional sports complex. WOLVES MEMORIAL SUITES Wolves Memorial Suites opened in August, providing suite-style housing for 144 students. 2018 2017 2020 2021
NORTHERN TODAY 6 SPECIAL I SSUE | Summer 2021 THAT MISSION WAS FULFILLED: The Harvey C. Jewett IV Regional Science Education Center opened in fall 2019, the first new academic building constructed on the Northern campus in 40 years, which involved the Great Plains Education Foundation. “It’s the only academic building that exists on the six campuses that neither the state nor the students have put one cent in,” Jewett said. “It’s the only one.” It’s also one project out of several new and restored facilities on the NSU campus in recent years. Northern has also constructed three new residence halls, two of which involved the Great Plains Education Foundation, of which Jewett is a board member. The NSU Educational Impact Campaign also involves the Athletic and Recreation Fields project, a new South Dakota School for the Blind and Visually Impaired, and the Regional Sports Complex. Jewett has been instrumental in the forward momentum on the NSU campus, and his commitment to Northern stems from a love of his hometown. Jewett’s family first came to the community in 1881. “I love Aberdeen; I think it’s a wonderful place to live, with a good business community,” he said. “Northern is a central part of that business community of Aberdeen.” Jewett also has a strong commitment to higher education. “It is the secret to success in life. It’s the secret to success in this state, and the secret ultimately to a contented life,” he said. “The more education you have, the more choices you have. The better you do in school, the more choices you have. Choices equal contentment.” Committed to Northern, Education Jewett’s commitment to Northern helps provide those choices for the people of Aberdeen and all of northeast South Dakota. “We have a modern education, delivered well by excellent faculty,” Jewett said. “Students get jobs, and 70 percent stay in the state of South Dakota to work.” Jewett’s passion for education led him to serve on the South Dakota Board of Regents. He was asked by close friend and former Gov. Bill Janklow, serving 20 years total on the board, including 10 years as president. He also served 20 years on the College of St. Benedict Board of Trustees in St. Joseph, Minnesota. Jewett’s commitment to Aberdeen helps move Northern State University forward Harvey Jewett left the South Dakota Board of Regents with a mission: The creation of a new science academic building for Northern State University. REVITAL IZATION OF CAMPUS | A SALUTE TO OUR DONORS During his time, the BOR accomplished $1.3 billion in capital improvements in the six Regental universities. But only $40 million of that came from the state of South Dakota, and very little went to Jewett’s hometown university. So on his last day with the Regents, he asked for $10 million to construct a science facility on the NSU campus. When the BOR decided to allocate those funds to a project at another university instead, Jewett’s mission to secure a science center for Northern was born. Proud of Privately Funded Projects Now, he’s extremely proud of the Jewett Regional Science Education Center, which was funded entirely by private donations. Likewise, Great Plains East, Great Plains West, and the Athletic and Recreation Fields project are 100 percent funded by alumni and other private donors. Once complete, the Regional Sports Complex will be as well. “Not a penny of state money. Not a penny of Regents money. Not a penny of student money,” Jewett said.
NORTHERN TODAY 7 SPECIAL I SSUE | Summer 2021 “I love Aberdeen; I think it’s a wonderful place to live, with a good business community. Northern is a central part of that business community of Aberdeen.” HARVEY C. JEWETT IV Pictured left to right: Olivia Jorgensen, Arthur Jorgensen (son of Olivia), Cynthia Jewett, Harvey Jewett, Chase Jewett and Taylor Jewett “That’s something Aberdeen and Northern ought to be very proud of.” During his time on the Regents, Jewett said he learned that being a Regent meant not only being a regulator of the state’s institutions, but also the promoter of the state’s institutions. Enrollment went up by 10,000 during his time on the BOR. Jewett and fellow former Regent Jim Abbott conducted a long-term study over the last 20 years that found that the state had cut about $250-275 million from the State budget for the university system since 2010. “It’s a frustration,” he said, particularly that so little attention has been given to this occurrence. Thankful for Governor’s Support Now, fortunately, Gov. Kristi Noem has started the ball rolling toward supporting education, Jewett said. In fact, Noem was the second of two governors to put a total of $5 million into the new South Dakota School for the Blind and Visually Impaired. The city of Aberdeen also put in $5 million to the Educational Impact Campaign over time, he said, though no money came from the Regents or Legislature. Jewett praised Noem’s leadership, saying it was instrumental in completing the Educational Impact Campaign projects. It was an example, he said, of the right person being in the right position at the right time. “This cannot succeed without our economy functioning,” he explained, adding, “It couldn’t have been done without her.” Campaign Had Strong Support Another example of having the right leadership in place, he said, is former NSU President Dr. Tim Downs. “He was the right person at the right time.” A lot of generous companies, corporations and individuals worked to make the campaign projects become a reality, Jewett said. The campaign had a good team behind it, including Jim Thares, Mike Evans, Jim Koehler, Rod and Robert Fouberg, Art Russo, Tim Kessler, Eldon Swingler and Jack Thompson to name some of the leaders. “Guys like that really led the way and stepped up and made things happen,” Jewett said. “They deserve a lot more recognition than they got.” Now that all campus projects are wrapping up, it’s nice to see it coming to fruition, ending with the Regional Sports Complex. “It’s such a dominating structure for a school that never had a football stadium on campus,” Jewett said. “I think it’ll be a pretty big deal. It’s an impressive-looking place.” These facilities now provide an opportunity for Northern, he said, which has to continue to attract students, keep modernizing its academics and hiring good faculty. “They’re set up to succeed.” REVITAL IZATION OF CAMPUS | A SALUTE TO OUR DONORS
NORTHERN TODAY 8 SPECIAL I SSUE | Summer 2021 REVITAL IZATION OF CAMPUS | A SALUTE TO OUR DONORS
NORTHERN TODAY 9 SPECIAL I SSUE | Summer 2021 “DACOTAH BANK has always been supportive of the university,” said Vice Chairman Joe Senger, a Northern alum. “That history was the beginning of being a major sponsor of the EIC.” NSU and Dacotah Bank are connected on multiple levels, said Bank President and CEO Robert Fouberg. That includes workforce, with Dacotah Bank employing nearly 150 Northern grads in senior management and throughout the ranks of the organization. “They’ve produced a lot of talent that’s really helped Dacotah Bank grow and succeed. We recently entered into a partnership with Northern whereby graduates of the banking and financial services program are guaranteed an interview with Dacotah Bank. We are optimistic the partnership will pay dividends for graduates as well as the bank,” Fouberg said. There’s also an entertainment aspect, as the university provides fine arts events and sporting events, as well as community viability. “Northern provides a number of jobs – good core jobs to families living and working in Aberdeen,” Fouberg said. Over the years, key individuals who have been instrumental in forging a connection between Northern and the community. That includes longtime Dean of Business Harry Jasinski, Senger said. “He was really instrumental in getting the banks to support Northern,” Senger said. Northern is also a center for teacher education in South Dakota, providing numerous educational opportunities for the entire region, said Fouberg. “Education is a big component, both that initial undergraduate education, but a number of master’s programs that are so important to educators today at all levels,” he said. “To have that master’s degree means a great deal in terms of their preparedness in the classroom and their ability to earn a living in their chosen profession.” Contributed to Campaign in Many Ways Dacotah Bank contributed to the Educational Impact Campaign in numerous ways, with support spread across the entire campaign. Many people from Dacotah Bank worked on the campaign, including serving on the committee, said retired chairman and CEO Rod Fouberg. The bank has also actively supported student scholarships for a long time. Senger said several Dacotah Bank campaign contributors chose to support scholarships and endowments for students rather than building projects, with the goal of enhancing Northern as a whole. Stadium Important for NSU, Students The bank’s numerous contributions to the campaign included support of the Regional Sports Complex. They’re happy to be part of a project that means a lot for Northern and its students, said Robert Fouberg. The fact that Northern’s new football facility is named Dacotah Bank Stadium further demonstrates the longtime connection between the two entities. “To me, that stadium is the billboard for the campus; it’s the billboard for the community and just really takes that university to the next level,” Senger said. “It’s really good for us with the roots of Dacotah Bank being here to be part of that.” The facility – the final project of the campaign – also makes the NSU campus stand out, Senger said. “You’re going to have to drive a long way, in my humble opinion, to find another campus once this is all completed that is any more attractive than Northern.” Dacotah Bank has been longtime supporter of Northern State University Dacotah Bank has been one of the biggest supporters of the Northern State University Educational Impact Campaign – but historically, supporting Northern is nothing new for the bank. “Northern provides a number of jobs – good core jobs to families living and working in Aberdeen,” ROBERT FOUBERG REVITAL IZATION OF CAMPUS | A SALUTE TO OUR DONORS
NORTHERN TODAY 10 SPECIAL I SSUE | Summer 2021 REVITAL IZATION OF CAMPUS | A SALUTE TO OUR DONORS FOUBERG remembers the swim team practicing in the pool in Spafford Hall – “all 20 yards of it,” he recalls fondly. His childhood also involved performing onstage in the Johnson Fine Arts Center, as a tap dancer and in theater performances. “Northern has just been part and parcel to a lot of what we’ve done as a family and I’ve done as an individual,” said Fouberg, Dacotah Bank president and CEO. Northern has also been important to his parents, Rod and the late Glenna Fouberg. Glenna played a major role in Robert’s childhood memories of NSU, from taking him to swim practice to taking the family to fine arts and athletic events at Northern. “My mother’s a graduate of Northern,” Robert said. “She was a longtime educator in the area and believed very strongly in education, and certainly in the university.” Today, Northern continues to be important for the family. Fouberg’s wife, Dr. Erin Fouberg, is the associate vice president for Academic Affairs, and also a longtime professor. Their kids have also benefited from educational opportunities through Northern. “It’s special to our family for a variety of reasons,” he said. It’s a source of workforce development, high-quality employees, entrepreneurs, educators, and community entertainment events, Fouberg said. “It’s a real important piece of our economy in the region,” he said. Rod Fouberg said recruitment and retention of students is a driver of success. “Universities are finding it necessary to compete for students regionally and nationally and not all universities will survive. We all need to do as much as we are able to assist Northern in its efforts to attract students from our region and beyond because we are getting fewer students out of the traditional catchment areas,” he said. Northern State University is special to the Fouberg family Northern State University has played a big part in Robert Fouberg’s life since childhood. “It’s special to our family for a variety of reasons.” ROBERT FOUBERG
NORTHERN TODAY 11 SPECIAL I SSUE | Summer 2021 REVITAL IZATION OF CAMPUS | A SALUTE TO OUR DONORS “IT WAS ALWAYS ABOUT NORTHERN,” said Senger, vice chairman of Dacotah Bank. When Senger graduated from high school in 1968, he attended a junior college for two years before transferring to Northern, graduating in 1972. “Really I’ve just been connected ever since,” he said. Senger taught and coached for a few years, which led to more Northern connections. One of his three children, daughter Michelle Azure, also graduated from Northern and now works as a teacher in Minnesota. Being in athletics, Senger fondly remembers watching basketball games in the Civic Arena when Bob Wachs coached, and going to Simmons Middle School to watch football games. That era during the 1970s was an amazing time for Wolves Athletics, he said, particularly the football team, with great athletes and undefeated seasons. “Those are nice memories,” he said. Senger is still connected to Northern through Dacotah Bank, where around a quarter of employees are fellow Northern alums. All of these employees, he said, are committed to Northern – not just financially, but through involvement on boards such as the Foundation Board and the Wolves Club. That speaks well for the university and the community’s commitment to it. “Northern’s been good for the community and the region, but the region and community have been good for Northern,” Senger said. “And I don’t think you always see that in other university towns.” Alum Senger has had longtime connection to NSU Growing up attending elementary and secondary school in Timber Lake and McLaughlin, South Dakota, Joe Senger recalls that Northern was the university you followed. “Northern’s been good for the community and the region, but the region and community have been good for Northern.” JOE SENGER GLENNA, who passed away in January 2021, was a proud Northern alumna, and she was also a champion for the success of students and educators. She earned a bachelor’s degree in secondary education from Northern in 1963 and a master’s degree in counseling from SDSU in 1968. A lifelong educator in and out of the classroom, Glenna taught at Eielson AFB-Alaska and in Sisseton, Bristol, Webster and Aberdeen. As dedicated as she was to education, she was even more passionate about her family, as well as helping people. Glenna had a strong mind and a stronger heart, seeing value in everyone and guiding them toward success. Everyone she met became a friend, and anyone who met Glenna was left a better person for it – especially her students. Today, Northern is seeking to honor her legacy through the proposed Glenna Fouberg Student Success Center. This campus facility would proudly promote her values, as a collaborative center aimed at helping every student succeed. Glenna Fouberg: An advocate for education For Northern State University and the entire region, there was no stronger advocate for education than Glenna Fouberg.
NORTHERN TODAY 12 SPECIAL I SSUE | Summer 2021 “LEADERS REALIZED it had been a long time since there had been much investment into the campus,” Thares said. “If they were going to stay viable and be able to compete to attract students, they needed to up their game.” Thus, the Educational Impact Campaign was begun, and Thares and his wife, Tracy, co-chaired the Campaign Committee. Now, after raising more than $60 million, the campaign has become the largest in Northern’s history, and the final project is nearing completion. The Regional Sports Complex will open this fall with the first NSU Wolves football game of the season. “The kick-off that first game will be a great day to finalize what has been six years in the making,” Thares said. The Educational Impact Campaign also included the Athletic and Recreation Fields and Pavilion, and a new South Dakota School for the Blind and Visually Impaired, a facility that was badly needed. The Regional Sports Complex is also an important addition to campus, as Northern was the only school in its conference that didn’t have a stadium on campus. “Not only is it important for recruiting athletes, but just students in general,” Thares said. Being able to attend games and walking to events in a safe, on-campus atmosphere is an important part of a campus collegiate experience. “Hopefully, the facilities that now are being finished will really help in the recruiting of all students to the Northern campus,” he said. Supporting NSU, Aberdeen When it came to supporting the campaign, the Thares family was thinking of both the campus and the community. “As much as our gift is to Northern, it’s giving back to the Aberdeen community,” Thares said. “Tracy and I are just a couple of kids from Ipswich that have been very fortunate in life. For us to be able to give back is rewarding.” It meant a lot to be able to give back to the community and region, he said. “And we believe Northern is the backbone of the Aberdeen community and northeast South Dakota.” They were able to raise their three daughters in Aberdeen – Sara Bonn, Jennifer Jurgens and Allison Thares – and they now have six grandchildren in the local school system. Sara Bonn went to NSU for a year, and her husband, Craig Bonn, is a Northern grad. “Giving back helps make our community better, and part of that’s Northern,” Thares said. Northern also has a huge impact on workforce development and the region’s economy. Thares’ company, Primrose Retirement Communities, employs about 25 Northern graduates, including several members of their leadership team. When the stadium opens this fall, the REVITAL IZATION OF CAMPUS | A SALUTE TO OUR DONORS Thares family supports Northern State, community and region Six years ago, Jim Thares was approached by Northern State University leaders about a campaign that would continue to build on the forward momentum occurring on campus. “Giving back helps make our community better, and part of that’s Northern.” JIM THARES
NORTHERN TODAY 13 SPECIAL I SSUE | Summer 2021 REVITAL IZATION OF CAMPUS | A SALUTE TO OUR DONORS Wolves will be playing on a football field named Thares Field in honor of the Thares family, the campaign’s largest individual donors. While Thares said that while naming is an honor, it isn’t the reason they supported the campaign. It’s about supporting Northern and the community. The Importance of Education Thares, who also serves on the South Dakota Board of Regents, stressed the importance of education for South Dakota. “I believe education and workforce development is critical to the future of our state,” he said. “The more educated our society, the more educated our workforce, the more success we’ll have as a community and state. So I believe by investing in education, you can never go wrong.” The more young people who have the opportunity to gain an education, the better society will be. “It’s just giving back to help educate our kids,” Thares said. “These will be our future leaders, our future workforce, and so the more educated, the better.” Another crucial component is ensuring Northern remains successful and viable because of its economic impact on the community. “Making sure they are successful helps make our community successful,” he said. Thankful for Donors Thares thanked all of the donors, both individual and corporate, that pledged to this campaign. “Six years ago, I asked everybody to dream with me – dream with us,” he said. “And a lot of them did. We are very fortunate, and I want to say thank you to all the donors that have been willing to make a financial gift to make all these projects happen.” Now, that dream has become a reality. “It truly is game-changing for Northern and for northeast South Dakota,” Thares said. “Hopefully, we’ll see the rewards of that.”
NORTHERN TODAY 14 SPECIAL I SSUE | Summer 2021 REVITAL IZATION OF CAMPUS | A SALUTE TO OUR DONORS New NSU softball field named after Hall of Fame alum When the on-campus Regional Sports Complex opens this fall, it’ll be home to Koehler Hall of Fame Softball Field. THE FIELD is named after the donor whose generosity made it possible: Jim “Ruby” Koehler of Aberdeen, a Northern alum who has a long history with the sport of softball. Koehler has played 12-inch, 14-inch and 16-inch slow-pitch softball for over 40 years. He is the driving force behind the Aberdeen Last Chance and Circus softball teams. Koehler, who hit for power and average, has played on state, regional and national championship teams. In 2015, Koehler was inducted into the NSU Hall of Fame. Now starting this fall, Koehler Hall of Fame Softball Field will provide a new home for NSU Wolves Softball. The field is located south of Dacotah Bank Stadium, and together, the two facilities make up the NSU Regional Sports Complex. The sports complex is the third and final project of the Educational Impact Campaign, which also included the Athletic and Recreation Fields and Pavilion and new South Dakota School for the Blind and Visually Impaired.
NORTHERN TODAY 15 SPECIAL I SSUE | Summer 2021 “AS THE CAMPAIGN metamorphosed, it was clear this campaign was going to be the most significant fundraising effort in the history of NSU and Aberdeen,” said Reede, president and CEO of Aberdeen’s Reede Construction Inc. Over his 15-plus years of service to the NSU Foundation, Reede was part of many discussions, ideas and strategies to grow NSU, Aberdeen and the region. “This campaign was something we all have to be a part of to successfully grow NSU,” he said. “Each member of our community can and should be an investor, without question!” Reede’s personal connection to Northern has several layers; first, he grew up in Aberdeen and has been a Wolves fan for as long as he can remember. “The memories of going to the Civic Arena with my late father to watch the NSU greats play; the tailgates at old Swisher Field under the Dennis Miller Wolves football and watching Landmark throw it all over the field; and playing tennis at the NSU tennis courts was a big part of my life growing up in Aberdeen,” he said. Also, his wife, Jackie Reede, is a graduate of NSU, and their oldest son, Augustin, is a member of the Wolves Basketball Team – “the best DII hoops squad in the country”! Lastly, his late father, Neil V. Reede, loved Wolves Athletics and was a donor. “Neil believed in NSU and demonstrated his passion by attending Wolves basketball and football games,” Reede said. “When Neil passed away, we were blessed to hold his funeral at Johnson Fine Arts Center and the Barnett Center. NSU has been a big part of our family and will be one of our most significant legacy pieces.” Reede said Northern is the biggest economic engine in Aberdeen and the region, and every community member needs to be an investor. “Our community is defined by NSU’s existence. It’s imperative that we ALL play our part to ensure today’s success and future successes of NSU,” Reede said. “We need NSU! NSU provides so much more than economics; it provides culture, entertainment, learning, growing and life.’” Reede: Educational Impact Campaign vital to NSU, community and region To Nathan Reede, the Educational Impact Campaign is vital to Northern State University, the community and region. “Our community is defined by NSU’s existence. It’s imperative that we ALL play our part to ensure today’s success and future successes of NSU.” NATHAN REEDE
NORTHERN TODAY 16 SPECIAL I SSUE | Summer 2021 BOTH FORMER Gov. Dennis Daugaard and current Gov. Kristi Noem approved funding for the new South Dakota School for the Blind and Visually Impaired, one of the three EIC projects. In 2019, Noem awarded a $2.5 million grant from the Governor’s Office of Economic Development Future Fund for construction of the new School for the Blind and Visually Impaired. A year prior, former Gov. Daugaard also approved a $2.5 million Future Fund grant for the SDSBVI project. Noem was also instrumental in the Regional Sports Complex project moving forward, as she signed House Bill 1037, authorizing the South Dakota Board of Regents to contract for the construction of the sports complex on the NSU campus. More recently, Noem announced the Premier Scholarship Fund, which aims to help students at Northern and South Dakota’s other public universities. It’s all evidence of the wide-ranging support the campaign – and Northern – has received from the governor’s office. “We’re so fortunate to have had support from both Gov. Noem and former Gov. Daugaard,” said former NSU President Dr. Tim Downs. “Northern continues to enjoy a strong educational partnership with Gov. Noem’s office, and for that we’re so grateful.” Support from two governors crucial to campaign’s success A crucial part of the Educational Impact Campaign’s success was support from not one but two South Dakota governors. “Northern continues to enjoy a strong educational partnership with Gov. Noem’s office, and for that we’re so grateful.” DR. TIM DOWNS Courtesy of Governor’s Office
NORTHERN TODAY 17 SPECIAL I SSUE | Summer 2021 MOST NOTABLY, in 2018, the city pledged $5 million toward the campaign, a collaborative effort between Northern and the South Dakota School for the Blind and Visually Impaired. That amount was then matched by two South Dakota governors – Dennis Daugaard and Kristi Noem each awarded $2.5 million from the Governor’s Office of Economic Development Future Fund. Mike Levsen, who was Aberdeen’s mayor at the time, said he supported the City Council’s substantial financial commitment and welcomed assistance from then-Gov. Daugaard. “NSU benefits this area as it educates our students, entertains us with sports and the arts, graduates quality people for local careers, enhances civic life with administrators and faculty participation, and generates a major economic boost to the area,” Levsen said. Aberdeen Mayor Travis Schaunaman said the campaign encourages growth and development in the community. “The new facilities are great new additions to the campus and they are visually stunning,” Schaunaman said. “Also, the new facilities will certainly bring in more students that provide a source for growth and new ideas. We hope each of them will become new longtime residents of Aberdeen.” Northern is an important asset for the community and region. “NSU has quality education available for young minds,” Schaunaman said. “Their graduates are learning amazing skills that are contributing to our community and region.” Schaunaman has a personal connection to Northern through his work, including assisting with video production and serving as guest speaker for the marketing department. “I really enjoy chatting with and meeting the students; they are full of bright ideas and an eagerness to learn,” Schaunaman said. “My mother is a Northern alum and my daughter is currently majoring in criminal justice at NSU. Also, my family and I enjoy basketball at the Wachs and can’t wait to enjoy football games this fall at the new Dacotah Bank Stadium.” Levsen has a personal connection to Northern as well, as he and his wife are both alums. “As NSU alumni, Stacy and I appreciate the efforts of all who are contributing to this campaign,” he said. REVITAL IZATION OF CAMPUS | A SALUTE TO OUR DONORS City of Aberdeen, big supporter of campaign The city of Aberdeen has been a huge supporter of the Northern State University Educational Impact Campaign since the campaign was first announced. “The new facilities are great new additions to the campus and they are visually stunning.” TRAVIS SCHAUNAMAN
NORTHERN TODAY 18 SPECIAL I SSUE | Summer 2021 ALONG WITH MAKING a generous donation to the campaign, Sanford also supports Northern through its athletic training agreement with NSU Athletics. To Ashley Erickson, supporting Northern and the campaign has longlasting impacts. “Sanford Health supports NSU’s Educational Impact Campaign because this investment has an impact on multiple generations of students and the community,” said Erickson, executive director of Sanford Aberdeen. Sanford Health’s partnership with NSU was fully established with the exclusive sports medicine agreement in 2015, Erickson said, but the roots of their connection run deeper – Sanford has various employees who are NSU alums or have had family attend NSU. Erickson said, “Sanford Health hopes its partnership with NSU helps develop student loyalty to and appreciation for Aberdeen and the surrounding area – with the goal of keeping students in the region after graduation.” REVITAL IZATION OF CAMPUS | A SALUTE TO OUR DONORS “Sanford Health supports NSU’s Educational Impact Campaign because this investment has an impact on multiple generations of students and the community.” ASHLEY ERICKSON Sanford Health has strong connection with Northern Sanford Health has a strong community partnership with Northern State University, which includes support of the Educational Impact Campaign. FORMER NSU PRESIDENT Dr. Timothy Downs said the university is thrilled with the generous gift. “This commitment to Northern and our students is overwhelming and provides resources that will impact multiple generations of students and our community,” Downs said. Sanford Health’s gift helped advance educational and research opportunities for the university and entire region. In addition, the gift included a $500,000 Sanford Health scholarship endowment for Northern students and a $200,000 Sanford Health faculty development endowment. Along with the endowed Sanford Health student scholarships, the donation included more than $200,000 a year in additional scholarships. These are expected to benefit students in a wide array of disciplines, including students preparing for advanced studies and careers in health care. Sanford Health presently assists Northern students and alumni with employment opportunities and summer research experiences. “Sanford Health is proud to invest in the communities we serve,” said Ashley Erickson, executive director of Sanford Aberdeen. “Sanford Health and Northern State have a strong history of supporting each other, and we are excited to continue that partnership.” Said Downs, “This gift from Sanford further affirms our mutual commitment to the development of students, with the intent of assisting students to identify and prepare themselves for careers. This gift confirms that Sanford Health is one of our primary stakeholders and partners in the success and future of our students.” As part of the ongoing partnership, Sanford Health is the exclusive sports medicine provider for Northern State University athletics through the 2034-2035 academic year. Sanford Health donates $5 million to Northern State University Sanford Health pledged $5 million to Northern State University’s Regional Science Education Center to support educational activities and create new student scholarships and permanent endowments.
NORTHERN TODAY 19 SPECIAL I SSUE | Summer 2021 REVITAL IZATION OF CAMPUS | A SALUTE TO OUR DONORS Schwan Financial Group supports Educational Impact Campaign For John and Laurie Schwan, there are many reasons to support Northern State University – on a personal, professional and community level. THAT’S WHY the Schwans, owners of Schwan Financial Group, have chosen to pledge $250,000 to the Educational Impact Campaign. John Schwan said NSU is achieving excellence in all avenues. “I believe Northern is critical to our region from a standpoint of what it provides economically,” Schwan said. “Students, employees, professors – what it supports is vital and it’ll keep this community vital for a long time.” The Educational Impact Campaign is a collaborative effort between Northern and the South Dakota School for the Blind and Visually Impaired. The campaign involves three projects: the new SDSBVI facility; the Athletic and Recreation Fields and Pavilion; and the NSU Regional Sports Complex, which includes Dacotah Bank Stadium and Koehler Hall of Fame Softball Field. Supported Family-Owned Business Schwan said NSU has supported their familyowned business. On a personal level, three of the Schwans’ children graduated from NSU: Kyle Schwan, who played basketball for the late coach Don Meyer; Katie Schwan; and Kory Schwan. All of them said the education at Northern was outstanding, Schwan said. NSU has also provided venues for numerous community events over the years. Growing up, his daughter’s dance studio recitals were held in the Johnson Fine Arts Center. “So it’s entertained us and been a great resource to the whole community,” he said. For all of those reasons, Schwan encourages others to support the campaign as well. “Too often residents take the university and all that it provides for granted. It’s vital for the community and it helps offer other services as well,” he said. Looking to the Future Schwan said he’s excited for the projects, but especially excited for what the improvements mean for the next 25 years. “It solidifies Northern to be here. It gives us a chance to be competitive,” he said. “If you don’t invest and keep investing and reinvesting, you lose your competitiveness. You have to have a place that attracts people.” The projects have been talked about for a long time, and Schwan said he’s glad it’s now turned to action. “And I’m excited about the business people here in town getting behind it and supporting it,” he said. “I think it makes a powerful statement.” “I believe Northern is critical to our region from a standpoint of what it provides economically.” JOHN SCHWAN Courtesy of the Schwan Family
NORTHERN TODAY 20 SPECIAL I SSUE | Summer 2021 REVITAL IZATION OF CAMPUS | A SALUTE TO OUR DONORS THE FOUNDATION provided significant funding for Northern’s Great Plains East and West residence halls, as well as the state-of-the-art Jewett Regional Science Education Center. “The foundation was critical to this,” Jewett said. “It was the central player without question.” The foundation also contributed to the rehabilitation of the Johnson Fine Arts Center and other projects. Jewett is a board member, along with Jack Thompson, Tim Kessler, Mike Evans and Eldon Swingler. Ron Wheeler was also a former board member, as were the late Curt Jones and Vi Stoia. Great Plains Education Foundation grew out of the former Student Loan Finance Corp. After a series of federal regulation changes, the nonprofit SLFC put all assets in a for-profit company, sold it, and changed the name to Great Plains. The foundation decided to invest in new buildings on the NSU campus due to the fact that other South Dakota universities were getting substantial Regents funding for projects, and NSU was not, Jewett said. It had been 50 years since an academic building was built on the NSU campus. “Part of it was a deep dissatisfaction with how Northern was being treated,” he said. Also, now Northern can say that all of its projects were completed using local funds. And, he said, Great Plains decided investing in NSU would be a wonderful use of that money. “It’s a great school, a great education and a great city,” Jewett said. “It’s an enduring commitment to the city of Aberdeen and the people that live here.” Great Plains a catalyst for positive momentum at Northern State University When it comes to moving the NSU campus forward, Great Plains Education Foundation has been one of the greatest catalysts for change. HARVEY C. JEWETT IV Harvey C. Jewett IV, of Aberdeen, has served as chair of the Great Plains Education Foundation Inc. since 1997. He is the president and chief operating officer of the Rivett Group LLC. From 1997 to 2017, Jewett was a member of the S.D. Board of Regents, serving as president from 1999 to 2009. He served as a trustee of the College of St. Benedict for 20 years ending in 2015, when he served as the audit chair. Jewett has also served as chair of former Governor Janklow’s Commission on K-12 Education in South Dakota, and he was inducted to the South Dakota Hall of Fame in 2005. He served on many statewide and regional boards of directors. MICHAEL EVANS Michael Evans, of Aberdeen, has served Great Plains Education Foundation Inc. since 2012. He is chairman and CEO of Centennial Management Inc. Evans has served as president of S.D. Manufactured Housing Association and board member of North Central Manufactured Housing Institute. He was elected to the National Manufactured Home Hall of Fame. A Northern State University alumnus, Evans has had various roles on the NSU Foundation Board, including president. MICHAEL EVANS HARVEY C. JEWETT IV CURT JONES TIM KESSLER
NORTHERN TODAY 21 SPECIAL I SSUE | Summer 2021 REVITAL IZATION OF CAMPUS | A SALUTE TO OUR DONORS CURT JONES Curt Jones, of Britton, served Great Plains Education Foundation Inc. from 1997 until his death in 2010. Jones and his brothers formed Penrhos Farms in 1965. Jones served on the South Dakota senate from 1971 until 1986 and was also a member of the S.D. Board of Regents from 1997 to 2003. Curt also served on the Britton Development Corp.; Britton Development Board; and as chairman of the Fort Sisseton Commission. TIM KESSLER Tim Kessler, of Aberdeen, has served Great Plains Education Foundation Inc. since 2008. He owns and manages Big Shot Pheasant Fields, a 1,040-acre pheasant hunting operation. A Northern alumnus, Kessler received South Dakota’s Distinguished Service Award for his conservation efforts. Tim has owned Aberdeen’s Kessler’s grocery store for many years; is a member of the National Pheasants Forever board of directors, serving as chairman since 2015; and was a Game, Fish and Parks commissioner from 1992 to 2004 and 2005 to 2010, serving as chairman for the majority of those years. ELDON SWINGLER Eldon Swingler, of Aberdeen, has served Great Plains Education Foundation Inc. since 2010. He is president of Aberdeen’s Insurance Plus. A Northern State University alumnus, Swingler serves on the Aspire Foundation Board of Directors. Eldon has also served on the NSU Foundation’s board of trustees, and as co-chairman of the Boys and Girls Club of Aberdeen Area Capital Campaign. VI STOIA Vi Stoia, of Aberdeen, served Great Plains Education Foundation Inc. from 1997 until his death in 2008. Stoia began his career with Northwestern Mutual in 1950, working as special agent, district agent and senior financial representative. A longtime civic activist and 1976 NSU Distinguished Alumnus, Stoia was instrumental in securing financing for regional projects including the Barnett Center. JACK THOMPSON Jack Thompson, of Aberdeen, has served Great Plains Education Foundation Inc. since 1997. He had a 30-year career with First Bank of South Dakota (now U.S. Bank) before retiring. In the last few years of his employment, he also served as Deputy CEO of First Bank of S.D. state wide. Jack has served on the Education Assistance Corporation board of directors and as treasurer for Aberdeen’s Spurs Therapeutic Riding Center. He has also served on numerous local and regional boards. Thompson is a past winner of the Aberdeen Area Chamber of Commerce Vitality Award. RON WHEELER Ron Wheeler, of Deadwood, served Great Plains Education Foundation Inc. from 1999 to 2012. He served as vice chairman of the board of directors of the South Dakota Science and Technology Authority. Wheeler, who has 28 years of experience running businesses and corporations, previously led the Sanford Underground Research Facility in Lead, S.D. Ron is also former secretary of the S.D. Department of Transportation and state commissioner of economic development. “It’s a great school, a great education and a great city. It’s an enduring commitment to the city of Aberdeen and the people that live here.” HARVEY C. JEWETT IV VI STOIA ELDON SWINGLER JACK THOMPSON RON WHEELER
NORTHERN TODAY 22 SPECIAL I SSUE | Summer 2021 REVITAL IZATION OF CAMPUS | A SALUTE TO OUR DONORS
NORTHERN TODAY 23 SPECIAL I SSUE | Summer 2021 REVITAL IZATION OF CAMPUS | A SALUTE TO OUR DONORS Northern students walking on campus in front of Great Plains East.
NORTHERN TODAY 24 SPECIAL I SSUE | Summer 2021 REVITAL IZATION OF CAMPUS | A SALUTE TO OUR DONORS Fiedler: ‘We are blessed to have NSU in our backyard’ For Northern State University alumnus and longtime local business owner Kevin Fiedler, it’s extremely important to support NSU and the Educational Impact Campaign. “I FEEL IT IS CRUCIAL for our community as individuals, businesses, and as alumni to continue to contribute to NSU and the campaign,” said Fiedler, owner of Ken’s SuperFair Foods. “The future of our state and community comes from our youth having the opportunity to get a quality education and lead our state and businesses in a positive direction.” Fiedler is a 1991 alum and Wolves football alum. He was also born, raised and owns a family business in Aberdeen. “NSU has always been an important part of continuing the success of this wonderful community,” he said. Fiedler pointed out that Aberdeen doesn’t have the advantage of being located on a major interstate, so having a state university located in northeast South Dakota is a big part of the community and region’s success. Area businesses and industries receive highly educated students and interns who become community members, raise families and further their careers here based on their experiences at NSU, he said. “To sum up, we are blessed to have NSU in our backyard and will continue to work hard and support all of the improvements with the added facilities and infrastructure that have taken place in the last five years,” Fiedler said. “Congratulations to all the 2021 graduates and good luck with all your future endeavors.” “NSU has always been an important part of continuing the success of this wonderful community.” KEVIN FIEDLER
NORTHERN TODAY 25 SPECIAL I SSUE | Summer 2021 REVITAL IZATION OF CAMPUS | A SALUTE TO OUR DONORS Avera is a longtime supporter, partner of Northern State Avera and Northern State University have strong, longtime ties that involve the Educational Impact Campaign – and so much more. “Avera is a long-standing, proud partner with Northern State University. We appreciate the vibrant educational environment that NSU offers. Many Avera employees are also NSU graduates. NSU offers a broad variety of educational offerings, from the arts to nursing. We depend on partnerships, such as with NSU, to develop a well-rounded and highly skilled workforce to care for our communities.” BOB SUTTON MOST RECENTLY, a significant gift from Avera led to the creation of the Bob Olson Strength and Conditioning Center in the NSU Barnett Center. This same gift also extended Avera’s agreement with NSU Health Services through 2034 and supported the Educational Impact Campaign. “Our health care system knows that investing in the future through our partners within the community are vital to the growth and sustainability of longstanding organizations like Avera and NSU,” said Todd Forkel, regional president and CEO of Avera St. Luke’s and Avera St. Mary’s hospitals. “Contributing to and supporting the Educational Impact Campaign fits within Avera’s mission to make a positive impact in the lives and health of persons and communities.” Forkel, a Northern alumnus, said many other Avera employees are also NSU alums. Others are fans; some of their children are currently enrolled. Avera is the official health care provider for Northern students. “NSU supports our workforce, which is key to treating our rural footprint,” he said. “We often look to hire nurses, social workers and counselors for addiction care. Many students gain medical experience seeking advanced degrees in medicine by working in our nursing assistant, patient care tech, pharmacy tech and lab tech roles.”
NORTHERN TODAY 26 SPECIAL I SSUE | Summer 2021 REVITAL IZATION OF CAMPUS | A SALUTE TO OUR DONORS “Northern State University is the heart and soul of Aberdeen and surrounding communities. Colleges in a real sense are businesses. To be successful and attract the best, they have to provide the best curriculum, the best instructors and the best facilities. Northern does all of that. That is why it is successful. I’m proud that I have been able to contribute to that success.” DAN CULEY CULEY: NSU ‘HEART AND SOUL’ OF COMMUNITY, REGION
NORTHERN TODAY 27 SPECIAL I SSUE | Summer 2021 3MDirector: Supporting NSU helps youth, community For Andy Rehder, it’s important to support Northern State University and the Educational Impact Campaign because it’s good for young people and also good for the community. REVITAL IZATION OF CAMPUS | A SALUTE TO OUR DONORS “Supporting NSU is important to continue to develop youth and support them as they move on to higher education.” ANDY REHDER “SUPPORTING NSU is important to continue to develop youth and support them as they move on to higher education,” said Rehder, Plant Director at 3M Aberdeen. “In addition, supporting NSU supports the growth and health of Aberdeen.” Rehder serves as a member of the Northern Foundation Board of Directors. “NSU is very important to the region,” he said. “It develops professionals for our community and also brings students to Aberdeen. Activities from Northern improve the quality of life in Aberdeen as well.” Lust: NSU immensely important to region For local business owner Steven Lust, it’s important to support Northern State University and the Educational Impact Campaign because it helps ensure students’ growth and success after graduation. LUST, owner of Steven Lust Automotive, has supported Northern in numerous ways, including serving on the Business Advisory Board and also through events such as Northern Night. Lust said Northern State University is immensely important not only to Aberdeen, but also the surrounding region. “The jobs that NSU creates are very important to the regional economy,” he said. “The students enrolled play a huge role in our community and offer great examples for the youth of Aberdeen to look up to. The arts and athletics that NSU offers are vital for entertainment options in the region. NSU is a big component to the pulse of Aberdeen!” “Northern State University is a driver of economic growth for the community of Aberdeen and the entire region. NSU’s ability to offer the latest educational opportunities and updated facilities to enhance the experience of current and future students is crucial. The Educational Impact Campaign offers a way for alumni and the community to support this effort. We are proud to support NSU!” RON AND SHARON RIVETT RIVETTS PROUD TO SUPPORT NORTHERN STATE UNIVERSITY “The students enrolled play a huge role in our community and offer great examples for the youth of Aberdeen to look up to.” STEVEN LUST
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