Sanford Health establishes $1 million fund for academic excellence
October 16, 2026
MADISON, S.D. – Sanford Health has committed $1 million to establish the Miles and Lisa Beacom Fund for Academic Excellence at Dakota State University.
The endowed fund will support high-achieving students in The Beacom College of Computer & Cyber Sciences at DSU. In addition to scholarships, the fund will help students pursue internships, research, conferences, competitions, and project-based learning experiences that connect their academic work with professional opportunities.
The gift recognizes Miles '81 and Lisa Beacom and their commitment to education, student achievement, and Dakota State. It also extends a tradition of support connected to the Sanford name that has helped expand DSU’s capacity to educate students, conduct nationally relevant research, and contribute to South Dakota’s workforce.
“Few people have done more to strengthen the future of our state than Miles and Lisa Beacom. Through their unwavering support of Sanford Health’s mission and longstanding commitment to education and philanthropy, Miles and Lisa have created opportunities that will benefit generations of South Dakotans,” said Bill Gassen, president and CEO of Sanford Health. “I am honored to lend Sanford Health’s support to the Miles and Lisa Beacom Fund for Academic Excellence at Dakota State University. The endowment will help students pursue their dreams while also reinforcing Dakota State’s leadership in technology and cybersecurity and advancing Miles and Lisa’s remarkable legacy of investing in South Dakota’s future.”
Miles and Lisa Beacom have long supported Dakota State University through both philanthropy and leadership. Their generosity has helped advance academic programs, student opportunities, and facilities, including the Beacom Institute of Technology, which houses The Beacom College of Computer & Cyber Sciences, and the Beacom PREMIER Complex for athletics. They also co-chair the Trojans Unite Comprehensive Campaign, DSU’s first comprehensive fundraising campaign, helping build support for academic success, cyber research, and facilities that strengthen the student experience.
Miles Beacom, CEO of PREMIER Bankcard
“Lisa and I are honored by this gift from Sanford Health,” said Miles Beacom, CEO of PREMIER Bankcard. “We are deeply grateful for Sanford Health's support of DSU and for helping create opportunities that will benefit students, strengthen our workforce, and contribute to South Dakota's continued success. We were blown away by Sanford Health's generosity. I believe this gift also reflects Sanford Health's confidence in DSU's national leadership in computer and cyber sciences and these critical programs. It is another powerful example of Sanford Health's commitment not only to DSU, but to South Dakota.”
The fund is designed around a cohort model that will foster academic achievement, mentorship, engagement, and community among recipients. Up to four second-year students may be selected each academic year, and recipients may receive support for up to three consecutive years if they continue to meet the fund’s eligibility requirements. Once fully established, the cohort may include up to 12 scholarship recipients annually.
Eligible students must have a declared major in the Beacom College of Computer and Cyber Sciences and maintain a cumulative grade-point average of at least 3.5. Preference will be given first to graduates of South Dakota high schools, followed by graduates from Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska, and North Dakota.
“This fund reflects the lasting impact of philanthropy that is centered on students and their success,” said Jill Ruhd, senior director of philanthropy. “By combining scholarship support with opportunities for internships, research, conferences, competitions and applied learning, the Miles and Lisa Beacom Fund for Academic Excellence will help students make the most of their DSU experience and prepare to contribute in meaningful ways after graduation.”
The fund’s main purpose will be directed toward scholarships for students while also supporting student development opportunities as approved by the Dean of The Beacom College of Computer & Cyber Sciences. These opportunities may include expenses associated with competitive internships, research and innovation projects, professional conferences, industry certifications, computing and cyber competitions, and other structured applied-learning experiences.
The fund’s emphasis on experiences beyond the classroom is intended to reduce financial barriers that can prevent students from accepting an internship, presenting research, competing nationally, or pursuing professional credentials. It will also help students build portfolios, professional relationships, and practical skills that complement their academic preparation.
“Miles and Lisa Beacom live lives of positive purpose and consequence each day, modeling DSU’s mission, and we’re grateful to Sanford Health for honoring the Beacoms through an investment that will benefit DSU students for generations,” said Dakota State University President Dr. John R. Ballard. “Thanks to this generous gift, students in The Beacom College of Computer & Cyber Sciences will be better positioned to build their skills, contribute to South Dakota’s workforce, and address emerging challenges in cyber and technology.”
The endowment principal will be held in perpetuity, with annual distributions administered by the DSU Foundation in accordance with its investment and disbursement policies. The fund is open to additional contributions from individuals and organizations.
The Miles and Lisa Beacom Fund for Academic Excellence, available for students starting Fall 2027, builds on DSU’s broader commitment to attracting and developing talented students. By combining financial support with research, internships, competitions, and professional development, the fund will help students translate academic excellence into meaningful work and long-term impact.