Donor Impact
The Bemidji State University Alumni & Foundation is proud to recognize Tom and Joanne Heaviland as its 2026 Philanthropists of the Year. The two will be formally celebrated at the Honors Gala on Sept. 25.
We’re still hard at work tallying up every penny raised during this campaign, so stay tuned for more numbers soon. But I can tell you this right now: For the North has raised over $36.8 million, making it a university record and one of the largest higher education fundraisers in the history of northern Minnesota.
Bemidji State University Athletics officially begins renovations to the playing surface at Chet Anderson Stadium on Wednesday, marking a significant investment in the future of Beaver Athletics and the game-day experience for student-athletes and fans.
Behind every long drive, perfect putt, and overdue reunion at the Gordy Skaar Memorial Golf Tournament is a loud-and-clear commitment of support for Bemidji State Athletics.
Trent and Beth Baalke are the leading donors to a new renovation of the BSU Gymnasium as part of the Forth the North campaign. The finished product will feature new bleachers, a viewing room, accessibility upgrades, and the newly minted Buckingham-Baalke Court.
A renovation project for the BSU Gymnasium will provide upgraded experiences and a new era for Beaver Basketball, Beaver Volleyball, and the greater Bemidji community.
As Brent Larson delivered the Commencement address on behalf of the late R. Allen Sunderman, BSU’s 43rd Distinguished Minnesotan, looking back at him was the first graduating class of the Sunderman College of Creativity, Enterprise & Place.
Less than a year after BSU and the greater Bemidji area were struck by a devastating storm, alumni and friends who immediately stepped up to support were able to get their hands dirty and plant trees to replace those lost in the destruction.
After receiving $8.1 million from the trust of R. Allen Sunderman — the largest testamentary contribution ever gifted to BSU — the campaign has reached its goal several months ahead of schedule and now sits at $32.6 million raised by over 3,600 donors since July 1, 2023.
The gift — which is the largest testamentary contribution in Bemidji State’s 107-year history — will upgrade learning technology and create endowments, new student scholarship funds and an innovation fund to support regional partnerships.