Scholarship need is focus of 2020 DSU Gala

January 27, 2020

Since the late 1980s, college costs have increased an average of 2.6% a year, creating a burden for students who are trying to build a better future for themselves with a college degree. 

This is the reason for the theme of the 2020 DSU Gala, One Night – One Cause, which is being held February 21, 2020 at the District in Sioux Falls. 

“The Gala is all about people coming together to support students, people who know the value of higher education and know that scholarships can help students get into school and stay in school,” said Mark Millage, vice president of Institutional Advancement. 

There were $1.3 M in scholarships given out at Dakota State last year, helping alleviate students’ financial burdens and making college more feasible, he added, but “enrollment is rising, the achievement level of students at Dakota State is increasing, and the demand for financial assistance is growing for both academic and needs-based scholarships,” he stated. To meet these needs, the goal for the 32^nd annual event is to raise $150,000 for scholarships, which will help even more students earn that college degree and set out on a successful life.  

More than 300 attended the 2019 event, which raised $110,000 to support student scholarships. Organizers expect 400 to attend this year’s Gala, and options are available for online giving. Sponsors for the event include Sanford Health, Journey Group, D.A. Davidson Companies, Great Western Bank, JLG Architects, and Madison Lawn Care.