Your generous support of Bemidji State University makes an incredible impact on our students, the community and the world.

President Faith, Neil Hensrud Donate Vintage Cadillac to Bemidji State University

A staple of Bemidji State University Homecoming parades during her six years as Bemidji State’s president, Dr. Faith Hensrud and her husband, Neil, donated their all-original 1976 Cadillac Eldorado convertible…

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Alumni Artist Thomas Paquette ’85 Donates Works to BSU Library

For nearly thirty years, Thomas Paquette ’85 has loaned five landscape paintings to Bemidji State University’s A.C. Clark Library. Now, that art will have a permanent home on campus for…

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Donors Support Students of Color by Growing George Floyd Scholarship

Following the nation’s emotional outpouring after the killing of George Floyd in May 2020, BSU alumni Betty (Fulton) Novotney ’79 felt a call to show her love and support for…

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Lwin Supports BSU Nursing Graduates in Fight Against Virus

One of BSU’s young alums has made the fight against COVID-19 a top priority, not only in his home country of Myanmar, but by investing in Bemidji State nursing students….

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BSU Alumna Creates George Floyd Scholarship at BSU

George Floyd Memorial Scholarship Created at BSU Like many across the country and around the world, Betty Fulton Novotney ’79 and her daughters were deeply saddened by the stories relating…

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Beavers Hockey super fan donates face mask profits

One of BSU Hockey’s biggest fans is using her talents to not only make her community safer in the wake of COVID-19, but raise money for one of her passions…

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Lwin supports BSU nursing graduates ready to fight COVID-19

A heartfelt gesture from one of Bemidji State’s committed young alumni has put future registered nurses from the BSU class of 2020 on the fast-track to making a difference in…

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It’s for the birds: BSU students take advantage of corporate support

New Nikon binoculars in hand, students in Dr. Elizabeth Rave’s ornithology course have been watching the university’s lakefront bird feeders from the comfort of Sattgast Hall and reporting bird species…

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534 donors build the dam for BSU students

7,200. That’s about how many miles Hong Kong, China is from Bemidji State University. Hong Kong is also where the furthest gift came from during Bemidji State University’s recent Day…

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Lakeside Fund
Athletic giving
Special projects
Planned giving
Donor impact

Why does BSU need money?

BSU’s Lakeside Fund allows us to keep BSU as affordable as possible by providing for student scholarships, as well as helping with general campus needs. This fund requires support on an annual basis, which is why it is referred to as an “annual fund.”

The Lakeside Fund is not tied to any specific project — it goes to the area of greatest need on campus, as determined by the president. But with over 82% of current students receiving financial aid, one of our greatest needs will always be to keep BSU affordable through scholarship support.

Here are a few more reasons:

State funds currently cover approximately 37% of BSU’s total operating budget. Combined with tuition, this is simply not enough to continue to provide a transformational education for our students. That is why philanthropy is so important!

Today, students cannot earn enough in an academic year, or during the summer, to support the full cost of tuition. Many of our students rely on scholarships, work study, family help and student loans to make an education possible. Annual support from alumni, faculty and staff, parents and friends of BSU helps reduce the burden for students trying to balance up to three jobs and keep up with academic studies.

Most gifts to the university are directed toward specific schools, programs or departments. Annual, expendable gifts provide the university with flexibility to address the greatest needs on campus, which includes admission scholarships.

BSU recognizes this importance of providing guidance, resources and services to ensure academic success for these students.

Federal support for university research is significant, but it's been on the decline for years. The current budget environments make this funding increasingly precarious.

The average gift to BSU is $100. Together these gifts add up to thousands of dollars in support. Your participation is incredibly important!

Make your gift today! ⟶