Giving for Green and White raises funds for BSU Athletics

Donors gave over $65,000 to support scholarships for student-athletes in April 2021 as part of the Giving for Green and White online campaign.

In response to COVID-19 restrictions surrounding in-person gatherings, BSU’s Green and White Dinner and Auction for BSU Athletics, originally planned for April 2020, was moved online. The virtual event included videos featuring current BSU athletes and alumni, an online auction and a build-a-scholarship opportunity. All gifts made to the campaign supported student-athlete scholarships at BSU.

The online campaign was sponsored by Sanford Health, First National Bank Bemidji and Security Bank.

To view the video series, visit bsualumni.org/give or the BSU Alumni & Foundation YouTube page.

Virtual 5K Walk/Run draws alumni from across the country

Over 40 BSU alumni, faculty, staff, community members and friends from around the world participated in the Beaver Virtual 5K Walk/Run on May 8.

Alumni represented every decade since the 1970s and five states, including California, New Orleans and Washington. International competitors submitted their results from Canada and Austria.

Participants submitted photos of their race times and selfies of themselves after the race on the BSU Alumni & Foundation website as proof of completion. Prizes were awarded in a random drawing to those who submitted their times.

View photos from the event at bsualumni.org.

Donors support their favorite programs during Day of Giving

Total raised: $181,609
Total donors: 861
Average gift:$210

Bemidji State’s third annual Day of Giving on February 23 saw 861 donors from 36 states and Canada donate more than $181,000 to their favorite campus causes. The 24-hour online campaign allowed donors to support more than 25 specific programs and initiatives for BSU students, including athletics, greatest-need scholarships, the music and nursing programs, a migrating butterfly rest stop and outdoor classroom, the George Floyd Memorial Scholarship, the naming of the BSU dance studio in honor of the late Marion Christianson and more.

BSU Outstanding Alumni to be recognized during Homecoming 2021

Five alumni will be recognized for their outstanding professional achievements and service to their communities at the 2021 Honors Gala, scheduled for Sept. 24 during Homecoming at Bemidji’s Sanford Center.

• Young Alumni Award – Megan (McCrady) Dahlen ’04
• Outstanding Alumni Award – Noel (Naegele) Clay ‘90 (posthumous) & Mike Maher Jr. ‘81
• Alumni Service Award – Virginia (Johnson) Deeds ‘72
• Professional Education Hall of Fame Award – Dr. David Kahl ‘61

Fraternity brothers visit historic David Park House

Alumni from the Lambda Alpha Beta/Tau Kappa Epsilon fraternity visited Bemidji State’s David Park House in early May. When returning to campus, alumni interested in visiting campus are encouraged to visit the historic house — the home of the BSU Alumni & Foundation — during their time in Bemidji.

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Donors support students of color by growing George Floyd Scholarship

Following the nation’s emotional outpouring after the killing of George Floyd in May 2020, BSU alumna Betty (Fulton) Novotney ’79 felt a call to show her love and support for students of color at Bemidji State University.

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In response, Novotney, along with her three daughters, created the George Floyd Memorial Scholarship to promote hope and encourage healing for students of color at BSU.

The George Floyd Memorial Scholarship was selected as one of several specific campus priorities available for donors to support during BSU’s Day of Giving in February. The online campaign drew donors from around the country who shared Novotney’s commitment to social justice and equality by donating over $9,000 to the endowment.

With this additional financial support, BSU Alumni & Foundation anticipates awarding $5,000 scholarships to deserving BSU students this coming academic year.

“My hope is that this scholarship serves as a catalyst to promote leadership in our student body,” Novotney said in a previous interview. “The experiences that this scholarship rewards will hopefully encourage hope, empathy and peaceful resolution to issues within the Bemidji State University community and beyond.”

The George Floyd Memorial Scholarship will be awarded to underrepresented minority students who have demonstrated a commitment to community service.

To learn more about the George Floyd Memorial Scholarship or to make a gift, visit bsualumni.org/george-floyd-memorial-scholarship or call (218) 755-3989.