Dacotah Bank Stadium_50 yard line

ABERDEEN, S.D. – In two years, the Northern State University Educational Impact Campaign has raised more than $50 million—but that’s not the only fundraising success for the university and NSU Foundation.

During that same timeframe, $5 million has also been raised for student scholarships, officials announced Saturday, Nov. 16, at Northern Night.

“This just goes to show the unprecedented level of support Northern receives from our community and region,” said NSU President Dr. Tim Downs, co-chair of the Educational Impact Campaign Committee. “Whether it’s scholarship dollars or creating new programs and facilities, it’s all about enhancing the student experience, and we’re thrilled at the generosity the region has shown for the benefit of our students.”

The Educational Impact Campaign is now entering its last lap, said Campaign Co-Chair Jim Thares, and that support needs to continue.

“I’m proud of how far we’ve come and where we are,” said Thares, a member of the South Dakota Board of Regents. “But we need that momentum to keep going in order to see this campaign through.”

NSU Foundation President and CEO Todd Jordre agreed.

“We thank our donors for all their generosity, and for their continued support as we make our final fundraising push for this campaign,” Jordre said.

Campaign Project Updates

Northern is preparing to kick off construction on its Regional Sports Complex project, with final bid numbers expected in mid-December.

A groundbreaking ceremony will be held in spring 2020, with work on the complex beginning shortly thereafter, pending reaching the fundraising goal of $55 million.

The $55 million campaign also includes the completed Athletic and Recreation Fields and a new South Dakota School for the Blind and Visually Impaired. The new SDSBVI, currently under construction, is scheduled to open in January 2020.

Entering this homestretch of the campaign, Downs said he is grateful for continued support from regional businesses and individuals; the city of Aberdeen, including the current and former mayor; numerous state legislators; and the current and former governor.

“It’s wonderful to see everything we’ve been working on coming together, with just the final pieces of the puzzle needing to fall into place,” Downs said. “I’m so grateful to everyone who has supported this campaign and who continues to support our university and our students.”

For more information about campus improvement projects at Northern, visit NSU Master Plan.

About Northern State University

Northern State University is a regional university that offers outstanding academics and exceptional extracurricular activities at an affordable price on a safe, welcoming campus. Northern State recently announced its Educational Impact Campaign, with a goal of raising $55 million for a new South Dakota School for the Blind and Visually Impaired, new athletic and recreation fields, and an on-campus regional sports complex. Once the campaign is complete, NSU will be the recipient of more than $100 million in privately funded building projects and scholarships within a decade. To learn more, visit NSU Admissions.