By BSU Alumni & Foundation
Published 11:26 a.m. on Sept. 22, 2023
The numbers are in, and it's official: The summer of 2023 was a banner year of summer fundraisers for Bemidji State University.
Supporters came together for a multitude of events throughout the summer – eight golf tournaments and one fishing tournament – in the name of supporting various BSU athletic programs and causes. All told, nine events from June through September proved Beaver Territory continues to expand.
Participants and donors raised more than $208,000 combined in gross revenue throughout the summer. There were 750 participants and 330 event sponsors.
"The Bemidji community has a lot of Beaver pride," said Jesse Katz, the BSU Alumni & Foundation's director of annual giving for athletics. "The support we get from the community for these events is essential, and it shows their unwavering commitment to the success of our teams and student-athletes."
Gordy Skaar recap
What began with Gordy Skaar in the 1970s has now boomed into an annual tradition and an army of supporters who play a role in it.
Galen Nagle recap
The annual Galen Nagle Memorial Golf Tournament brought back BSU men’s hockey alumni of yesterday and yesteryear, plus all sorts of supporters.
Howe-Welle recap
All of BSU’s women’s sports programs are well equipped for more progress – thanks to Ruth Howe's trailblazing and now everyone beside her.
The summer tour features three premier events: the Gordy Skaar Memorial Golf Tournament; the Galen Nagle Memorial Golf Tournament; and the Howe-Welle Women's Athletics Golf Tournament. But all nine events helped raise necessary funds for the athletic department and individual programs to be most successful in 2023-24.
"Our athletic events allow us to welcome and help student-athletes in ways that cannot be done on an individual basis," said Allyssa Joseph, the Alumni & Foundation's executive director. "There’s power in numbers. Also, immense energy and excitement comes from participating in activities together as a community."
Coaches, student-athletes, volunteers and more banded together to make each event a hit. And because of that dedication, success is all the more attainable on the field, court, ice, track and course.
"These events all provide meaningful financial support for the BSU athletic department and our individual teams," Katz said. "All of the funds raised through these events represent greater scholarship opportunities for our student-athletes and operational capacities for our teams. The community's ongoing support ensures the best possible experiences for our student-athletes."
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