Letter from the president northern today 3 The holidays are upon us, and fall semester 2012 is drawing to a close. What a semester it has been! Whether you live in Aberdeen or afar, you have probably already heard about all of the exciting news and success stories that have been taking place at Northern State University. This issue is full of examples of the forward momentum we are experiencing on campus — and forward is definitely the direction we are moving. This fall, Northern exceeded 3,600 students for the first time in more than 40 years. A large part of that increase is in off-campus students, as we continue to offer more courses and programs online – proving that Northern is meeting the changing needs of students all across the country. Actually, it’s more accurate to say that we are meeting the needs of students across the globe. NSU has become a “destination location” for international studies. As we attract more and more students from foreign lands, we remain committed to increasing the number of students we send abroad. The cultural experiences these students are exposed to are as valuable and vital, in today’s world, as is traditional classroom learning. It seems that it’s becoming almost commonplace to say that Northern has again been recognized as one of the top regional public colleges in the Midwest by U.S. News and World Report. That being said, we are still immensely proud of this prestigious honor – and proud that it has become such a common occurrence. Five years in a row is truly an amazing achievement. Another tremendous accomplishment I must mention here is the impressive ending of the Northern Impact capital campaign. The campaign — the largest in the university’s history – raised more than $29 million. That is $2 million more than the original goal – meaning quite a few more students will be able to receive our coveted WolfPACT, the highest guaranteed scholarship in South Dakota. The fantastic financial news continues: NSU will receive $15 million from the estate of Northern graduate Millicent M. Atkins, who earned her teaching degree with us in 1940. That’s the largest donation in the university’s history! The money will be used to enhance the School of Education – that includes student scholarships. Millicent’s amazing gift is humbling, as it shows just how important Northern was in her life. We are deeply grateful, and we hope to demonstrate that by naming the School of Education after her. With a new year and new semester just weeks away, I want to take this time to let you know what a crucial role you play in the success of our fine university. Collectively, our alumni, friends, students, faculty and staff make Northern an outstanding institution. Happy holidays, and we look forward to sharing more exciting news from NSU in 2013. Go Wolves! This fall, Northern exceeded 3,600 students for the first time in more than 40 years. president james m. smith The campaign — the largest in the university’s history – raised more than $29 million. That is $2 million more than the original goal – meaning quite a few more students will be able to receive our coveted WolfPACT, the highest guaranteed scholarship in South Dakota. Northern State University will receive $15 million from the estate of a late NSU graduate — the largest donation in the university’s history. The money from Millicent M. Atkins is earmarked and will be used to benefit the NSU School of Education. Atkins received a teaching degree from Northern in 1940. Northern plans to name the School of Education after Atkins, who passed away in July. Atkins, who attended high school in Columbia, taught school for a few years, but later moved on to tend to her greater passion in life, farming. The announcement about her gift to NSU was made Sat., Nov. 17. Northern State University receives $15 million gift
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