Fargo, N.D. — The North Dakota State University Foundation has announced the establishment of a Livestock Evaluation Faculty Fund endowment thanks to a lead gift of $1 million from a benefactor couple to support the department of animal science at NDSU.
With the gift, the donors and NDSU officials are issuing a challenge to others to match their gift – and then the Foundation will apply for up to $1 million in matching funds from the North Dakota Challenge Grant Program. A near-term goal of $3 million has been set to elevate teaching and coaching excellence for NDSU’s judging teams and program.
“We’re grateful to our lead benefactors in stepping up to offer this challenge to our alumni and friends who care greatly about judging teams excellence,” Greg Lardy, vice president of agricultural affairs, said. “Through the years, our judging teams have offered unparalleled experiences for our students, helping to prepare them for their professional work experiences that have made a difference in North Dakota and beyond.”
For the last few years, associate professor emeritus Paul Berg has spearheaded personal energy and effort to raise funds through the Animal Science Education Foundation (ASEF) in annual support of students, with an emphasis on involvement in judging activities. These efforts have enhanced funding for scholarships and judging team activities, as well as brought about increased awareness of the need to invest in and support the long-standing tradition of excellence in Animal Science.
The ASEF is making an initial commitment of $50,000 to the endowment to help launch matching gift efforts.
A $3 million endowment, when fully funded, will generate approximately $120,000 annually to directly support faculty/coaches, recruitment/marketing of students, teaching, travel, and other program activities.
Matching gift benefactors have until December 31, 2023, to make commitments of pledges and/or gifts to meet the benefactors’ challenge.
Those interested in getting involved can make their gift today or may contact the NDSU Foundation for more information.
ABOUT NDSU FOUNDATION
The NDSU Foundation builds enduring relationships that maximize advocacy and philanthropy to support North Dakota State University.
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CONTACT
John Glover
President/CEO
NDSU Foundation
(701) 231-6800