Donor Impact
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.
A total of 441 donors banded together to make this incredible effort possible, and this year’s accomplishments reflect an ongoing upward trend in the Day of Giving’s year-to-year impact.
If you’re a part of For the North’s $24 million — meaning if you’ve given anytime since July 1, 2023 — it’s time to celebrate your why. Tell us why you’ve donated and what your gift means to you, and we may just feature you in an upcoming project.
The second major campaign in the history of BSU has officially eclipsed the $24 million checkpoint and is within reach of its $25 million goal. But right now, we need to celebrate our wins — and namely who’s behind them — because progress like this isn’t possible without an army of people who believe in the North.
If you missed the opportunity to donate on the day of, or if you woke up feeling energized to stay in the movement, there is still an opportunity to add your gift. We are keeping the giving portal open just for you.