DSU Giving Day April 21

April 16, 2021

Dakota State University’s annual Giving Day is set for Wednesday, April 21. This year’s goal is to raise $75,000 and 250 donors/gifts for scholarships and programs.

“Giving Day is all about coming together and celebrating one DSU,” said Jon Schemmel, vice president for Institutional Advancement and director of the DSU Foundation and Alumni Association.

The platform of Giving Day enables every department on campus to have the opportunity to share their message and let donors decide where they would like to make an impact, he said.

Scholarship funding is essential for Dakota State’s students. That philanthropic support is vital to DSU’s Champion Scholars program. The goal is to offer as many scholarships as possible so all students can benefit. As DSU continues to grow the need for scholarships increases as well.

“Scholarships are the number one reason students choose where they go to school, and this is one area that donors can directly impact,” Schemmel said. It can be the difference in which school they select, or for many students it can be the deciding factor in whether they can afford to go to school.

“You can be the difference in a young person’s life,” he said. “You can help grow the workforce in South Dakota. You can enhance the Madison community and improve the student experience at DSU, all by making a gift on Giving Day.”

Carrie Slaathaug, director of Alumni and Family Engagement, encourages DSU alumni, friends, and supporters to share and talk about DSU Giving Day on social media using #DSURiseUp! and downloading graphics from the Giving Day site.

There will be fun challenges throughout the day, such as receiving a donation from each of the 50 states and matching gift challenges. Donating feels great any day of the year, but on Giving Day donors can see their donation doubled by the generosity of another donor or sponsor, she shared.

The fundraising doesn’t end with Giving Day. “The future has never been brighter for DSU and the Foundation,” Schemmel said. “We are embarking in the largest campaign in school history and the Foundation is going to deliver on our mission to support DSU and successfully unite all Trojans.”

The Trojans Unite campaign is designed to engage committed alumni, friends of Dakota State, and dedicated community leaders in raising private funds to advance DSU Athletics in the critical area of athletics facilities. The goal of the campaign is to raise $90 million for the three-phase project.

“New facilities, more than doubling our endowment, doubling annual funds are all goals we hope to accomplish in this campaign,” Schemmel said. “While I never guarantee results, I will guarantee a new culture and elevated expectations and results in the Foundation and Alumni Association. This will be different, bigger, and better in every way and we are going to do it together as one DSU.”