By President John L. Hoffman
Published 4:49 pm on June 23, 2025
Hello Beavers,
As you're probably aware, our campus has been severely damaged by the devastating storm that blew through our community early Saturday morning. Thousands are still without power, and the city and county have declared a state of emergency.
With over 6,200 BSU alumni within a 30-mile radius of Bemidji, many of whom are faculty and staff, we want to let you all know that our hearts are with you as you recover. Our efforts in the coming weeks are focused on cleaning up the campus to ensure a safe return for staff, and for our students in the fall.
We sustained serious damage to our campus. Our facilities and public safety teams are tirelessly and humbly working in overdrive to remove fallen trees and debris. The damage is widespread and devastating.
While our focus right now is on campus recovery, it's important to remember that our institution represents just one section of our community. The entire city is trying to recover from this widespread devastation. I've received calls and texts from alumni, friends, city officials, elected officials and the system office. The number one question is: "How can we help?" This question is why I love the spirit of Minnesotans and our Beaver family.
You can help us in two ways:
- Please do not enter campus until further messaging is relayed. This is essential for the safety of everyone as cleanup efforts are underway.
- Donate to Bemidji State’s Lakeside Fund at bsualumni.org/lakeside or by clicking the button below. All funds donated beginning June 23 will be allocated to the greatest needs of campus recovery efforts, as well as student and faculty/staff relief.
For our alumni and friends in the area, Beltrami County Emergency Management has been providing consistent updates on Facebook; you can look for up-to-date information from the county there. To follow coverage of the storm’s impact and to stay up to date on other important safety announcements, visit the Bemidji Pioneer website.
One more update: Our Lakeside Light event, originally scheduled for June 24, has been postponed and moved to a virtual format. All alumni and friends are now invited to join me on a livestream on our Alumni & Foundation's Facebook page. The livestream will start at 6 p.m. Thursday, June 26, and I'll take some time to update you further and answer some of your questions. Now more than ever, your support is so important as we work to restore our campus and aim to assist those needing help in our community.
We are industrious, resourceful, and resilient — we are Beavers. I’ve been inspired to see how our community has already begun rebuilding, and this work will continue in earnest together. Thanks to all our supporters and friends.
Sincerely,
John L. Hoffman
President, BSU and NTC
