Deng Foundation Night of Champions Graphic

ABERDEEN, S.D. – A Northern State University graduate is holding a Night of Champions to raise funds to fight malaria in his home country.

Night of Champions will take place starting at 5 p.m. Saturday, April 1, in the NSU Student Center. The fundraiser event will be hosted by the Deng Foundation and the NSU Office of International Programs.

All proceeds raised will be used by the Deng Foundation to build the first ever medical clinic in Aweil East, South Sudan, where a malaria outbreak is killing people daily.

The Deng Foundation was founded by William Deng, who left his home and family in South Sudan at age 14, walking for nine days through the jungle to escape civil war and to seek an education for himself. Deng endured numerous hardships on his walk from Aweil to the more advanced northern Sudan.

He eventually made his way to the U.S., and lived with his brother in Sioux Falls before moving to Aberdeen to attend NSU. Deng received a bachelor’s degree in international business in 2011 and a master’s degree in banking and financial services in 2014.

Deng will share his story and experiences from Aweil to Aberdeen during the Night of Champions. The event schedule is as follows:

5-5:30 p.m.: Dinner

5:30-6:15 p.m.: Keynote speech by Deng

6:15-6:40 p.m.: Silent auction

6:40-7:10 p.m.: Entertainment

Night of Champions is open to the public. Tickets are $20 per person or $35 for two and are available at the NSU International Office on the second floor of Lincoln Hall. For tickets or more information, contact Deng at william.deng@wolves.northern.edu or Stacey Schmidt, NSU international student coordinator, at stacey.schmidt@northern.edu.

About the Deng Foundation

William Deng created the Deng Foundation as a way to give back. The foundation seeks to develop educational and medical infrastructure in South Sudan. For more information, visit www.deng-foundation.org.

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. To learn more, visit NSU Admissions.