Bunkhouse Bar donates earnings for Beaver Pride scholarships
When Bemidji’s new Bunkhouse Bar and restaurant opened near campus in February, they immediately began sharing 50 cents of every transaction over $10 with the Beaver Pride organization to help fund athletic scholarships. As of early June, the total raised was $4,000. The Bunkhouse is also contributing to the BSU Council of Indian Students to support their annual winter powwow.
New decals highlight Holt donation for aquatic biology pontoon boat
When a pontoon boat used by Bemidji State’s aquatic biology program was launched on Lake Bemidji May 4 for the 2017 season, it featured new decals highlighting donation of the boat by Lynne Holt in honor of her late husband, Dr. Charles Holt, who was an emeritus professor of biology at BSU. Over the past five years, the pontoon has been used for research and study by faculty and students in the aquatic biology program.
Lakeside Luncheon reinforces importance of annual giving
Alumni, donors and community partners gathered April 25 for the annual Lakeside Luncheon at the Sanford Center in Bemidji. The fund for annual giving is a key source of support for student scholarships. Attendees also watched a video interview with new graduate Jordan Morgan ’16, who this fall will begin pursuing a master’s degree in public policy as a DOVE scholar at the University of Minnesota. To learn more about becoming an annual donor, contact Director of Annual Giving Jana Wolff at jwolff@bemidjistate.edu or 218-755-2872.
2017 alumni award recipients to be honored at Honors Gala
Bemidji State University will present the 2017 Distinguished Alumni awards at the Honors Gala on Sept. 22 in the Sanford Center.
The four Outstanding Alumni are:
• Jason Edens ’07 of Backus, founder and executive director of the Rural Renewable Energy Alliance, a non-profit organization dedicated to making solar energy accessible to communities of all income levels.
• Dr. Dale Greenwalt ’75 of Washington, a volunteer research scientist with the Smithsonian National Museum of History.
• Brian Maciej ’86 of Mankato, president of Lime Valley Advertising.
• Dr. Gene Ness ’66 of Tampa, Fla., retired researcher and professor of molecular medicine at the University of South Florida College of Medicine.
The Young Alumni Award recipient is
Dr. Guylaine Haché ’04 of Chicago, patent litigation attorney, Rakoczy Molino Mazzochi Siwik LLP.
Dunn promoted to gift officer after two years in athletics role
Adrian Dunn ‘11 in June was promoted to the position of gift officer with the Bemidji State University Alumni & Foundation and will work with alumni and donors to support scholarships and programs at BSU. Since 2015, Dunn has served as director of annual giving, athletics, coordinating the Alumni B-Club, the Beaver Pride membership program and other athletic fundraising events and activities. “Adrian has been a great asset for our organization,” said Marla Patrias, executive director of university advancement.
“He will continue to ably serve the university and its students in this important role.” Jake Sobiek ’13, ’16 will replace Dunn in athletic giving.
Alumni survey shows growing favor and opportunities to raise awareness
Drawing on positive results from an alumni engagement study conducted in November, the BSU Alumni & Foundation will continue varied efforts to keep alums engaged with the university and well informed about its successes and plans.
The survey, distributed by email and completed by 687 alums, found that 84 percent have positive or very positive feelings toward BSU, with the university’s location (25 percent), affordable cost (18 percent), size (12 percent) and academic excellence (11 percent) ranked as its greatest strengths.
Responses also showed improving attitudes compared with a previous survey in 2013. For example, 49 percent of respondents in November said they believe BSU’s educational opportunities are better than those available at most Minnesota colleges and universities, compared to 38 percent who said that in 2013.
Interest was particularly high in the university’s outlook and new and emerging programs, with both identified by 43 percent of respondents.
One key indicator going forward will be the percentage of alumni willing to refer students to BSU and speak positively about it. In November, 52 percent said they would recommend the university without being asked, and 34 percent said they would do so if asked for their opinion.
The research, shared with the Alumni & Foundation Board of Trustees in February, was conducted and analyzed by the Minneapoli-based firm of Russell Herder.