By Micah Friez
Published 8:00 am on February 3, 2026
Every time Mike Roberge talks about philanthropy, there’s a sense of duty in his voice.
“I, myself, am a product of financial assistance. I wouldn’t be here without it,” the 1990 Bemidji State University alumnus said. “Others invested in me, and I just believe that I have an obligation to give back.”
Clear as day in Roberge’s tone is an appreciation for his alma mater. Roberge’s BSU degree prepared him for a successful career in finance, and he knows that who he is today is the byproduct of the generosity from those who came before him. Now in their shoes and sensing a similar calling to pay it forward, he’s taking the responsibility seriously — and with a deep understanding of what it can do.
“I don’t view it as donating money,” he said. “I view it as investing in people.”
Mike was a first-generation college student out of southern Minnesota and now serves as chair of the board of directors at MFS Investment Services, one of the world’s most successful investment firms. He previously served as MFS CEO, among other high-ranking roles, and was also BSU’s 2024 Distinguished Minnesotan.
But he’s not alone in his ventures. Mike’s wife, Tracy, has been there every step of the way and carries the same passion for philanthropy as her husband.
“If you were fortunate enough to receive a wonderful education at Bemidji State, and you’ve done well in life, why wouldn’t you give someone the same opportunity?” Tracy said. “And donating is your best way to do it.”
Mike and Tracy are the leading donors to the For the North fundraising campaign. Behind the generosity of their recent $2 million gift to the campaign is a testimony that’s similar to many of today’s college students: Financial aid is a crucial step in being able to earn a degree.
Their lead gift has been the bedrock for all the momentum that the campaign has garnered since. But it’s not about dollar figures to the Roberges. It’s about opportunity.
“An education is something you can never take away from a person,” Tracy said. “You can give them money, but when you actually educate them, they can help themselves and they can improve their lives.”
Now nearing the finish line of its $25 million goal, For the North can help students in transformational ways. Many of those opportunities come directly from the Roberges, who earmarked their donation for several key areas.
First, their contribution has gone toward scholarships for students. It has also funded a redevelopment of the university’s website infrastructure. And lastly, it has kept the doors open for the RISE Program (formerly the SUCCESS program), which pairs students with a coach or advisor to improve their ability to graduate and to do so on time. The program was renamed after the Roberges (and stands for “Roberge Inspiring Student Excellence”), and its students have a retention rate higher than the national average.
Karen Stish, coordinator of the RISE Program and the assistant director of the Advising Success Center, said the Roberges’ support means so much not only to her, but also to the students who benefit from the program.
“The fact that Mike and Tracy Roberge have donated to this program is tremendous. That’s the only reason why it still exists,” Stish said. “This program is working. Not only for retention, but also for the individual needs of each student. We’re just so thankful.”
Paying it forward with purpose
Mike and Tracy’s philanthropic impact was recently recognized at the 2025 Honors Gala, where the couple was named the Alumni & Foundation’s Philanthropists of the Year. The distinction is not something they set out to attain, but it’s nevertheless a heartfelt acknowledgement for many reasons.
“I’ve been fortunate to have received other awards, but this one means a lot to me because it’s not about success. It’s about what you were doing for other people,” Mike said. “I want to be remembered as someone who cared about others, gave back, and invested in people.”
Mike and Tracy are longtime residents of Massachusetts, but the Minnesotan “For the North” identity is still deeply rooted within them. And that makes sense for a BSU grad like Mike — yet it’s Tracy’s affection for Bemidji State that encapsulates why the university is so special to so many.
Tracy is not a BSU alumna herself, but because she married a Beaver and sees the institution’s impact, she’s grown into one of its leading ambassadors and most passionate supporters.
“Bemidji State is close to my heart because it’s very close to Michael’s heart,” she said. “We want to give kids the opportunity to get an amazing education at BSU. It gave my husband one, and if we can help and educate other people, I’m all for it.”
Mike doesn’t take that education for granted. He never has. So now more than anything, Mike and Tracy hope that fellow alumni and friends will step up and get involved with the same enthusiasm they feel.
“People should be ‘For the North’ whether they received financial assistance or not,” Mike said. “If you went to Bemidji State and have succeeded in life, I just believe you owe it back to the university and the students.”
This story was featured in the 2025-26 winter edition of the BSU Magazine. To view the entire magazine, click here.
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