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Student Success

Student Success

Every story begins with someone who believes.

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At Bemidji State University, we know that getting into college is just the first step. A BSU degree is a powerful one, but it’s rarely a straight line. Unexpected financial emergencies, from a broken-down car to a medical crisis, can derail a student’s progress and threaten their dreams. And we know that to truly prepare students for life after graduation, we must provide them with more than just a classroom education. Our students deserve to gain hands-on experience and build professional connections that will launch their careers.

We at Bemidji State believe in a holistic approach to student success — one that addresses both immediate needs and long-term professional growth. Your gift to the Student Success Pillar is an investment in the heart of BSU. By supporting this pillar, you are directly impacting our ability to remove barriers, provide transformative learning opportunities, and ensure our students not only graduate, but thrive.

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Sponsorship and Naming Opportunities

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Here's a look at how you can put your dollars to work. Or, give at whatever amount you feel led with the giving form on this page.

2025.1015.BUCKY-FALL 24 Bucky and student
Total Needed: $50,000 / 100-200 donors at $250-$500 each

Random Acts of Kindness Fund

Life is unpredictable, and for a student, an unexpected financial emergency can be the difference between staying in school and dropping out. This fund provides a critical safety net for students facing everything from housing insecurity to the aftermath of a natural disaster. Your donation will directly help students overcome these challenges so they can stay focused on their education. When you give, you’re not just donating; you’re providing peace of mind and the chance for a student to get back on their feet.

2024 heroes - Trailcam (8)
Total Needed: $250,000 / 250 donors at $1,000 each

For the North Experiential Grant Fund

Learning doesn’t just happen in a lecture hall. It happens in the lab, in the field, and on the job. This fund will support life-changing, hands-on experiences for our students. From unpaid nonprofit internships and study abroad trips to field research in our renowned Tree Ring Lab or co-ops with industry partners like Polaris, these opportunities allow students to apply their knowledge and build the skills needed for the modern workforce. Your gift will help us expand these opportunities, lifting up future Beavers and extending our reach in the workforce for generations.

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Starting at $25,000 / Can be pledged over 5 years

Custom Endowment for Student Success

Endowment giving is a powerful way to leave legacy. A custom endowment allows you to create a lasting fund in your name or the name of a loved one that will touch the lives of Beavers forever. Your investment will provide sustained support for student scholarships and programs, strengthening our endowment fund as it approaches $50 million. Join the ranks of our most dedicated donors and be a part of a tradition that ensures student success for years to come.

Donate to Student Success

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Do you want your dollars deployed to the areas of greatest need? You can give to the pillar's general pool below to maximize your impact.

Ready to Make an Impact?

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Your gift can change the future of Bemidji State University. You can support the Student Success Pillar by choosing from the opportunities detailed here.

Or, for a more personalized conversation about how your donation can make a difference, contact pillar representative Gwenia Fiskevold Gould at gwenia.fiskevoldgould@bemidjistate.edu or 218-755-2294.

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Gwenia Fiskevold Gould

Director of Annual Giving