Fargo, N.D. — Doosan Bobcat and Mortenson have announced significant philanthropic investments to launch fundraising efforts toward a new Center for Engineering and Computational Sciences at North Dakota State University. The gifts were revealed at a special event hosted by the NDSU Foundation on Friday, Oct. 27, 2023, which was attended by alumni, friends, state legislators, and University faculty, staff, and students.
Doosan Bobcat and Mortenson have both pledged $5 million, respectively, to boost early fundraising momentum and inspire others to get involved in the project that will transform NDSU’s College of Engineering.
“We are very pleased to be a lead investor in the new Center for Engineering and Computational Sciences that will establish a new benchmark in higher education throughout the region,” Dan Johnson, chief executive officer at Mortenson and an NDSU alumnus in construction management, said. “Engineers are a critical aspect of our workforce, and this new Center will attract and retain both students and faculty well into the future.”
Bobcat Company is one of the largest employers of NDSU graduates in North Dakota. More than 55% of its engineering staff are NDSU alumni, and 37% of its non-engineering hires are NDSU graduates.
“As a company built on decades of engineering advancements, Bobcat is committed to investing in and developing the talent pool that will shape the next century of innovation,” Mike Ballweber, president of Doosan Bobcat North America, said. “We are proud to support NDSU as they educate future engineers who are helping us transform how the world runs jobsites, builds cities, and thinks about a sustainable future.”
These dual gifts represent a landmark moment in the College of Engineering’s history and provide critical leadership gift support needed to pursue raising up to $30 million for the project. In total, $14.5 million has been raised to date. The private funds will be used to match the North Dakota Legislature’s appropriation of $59 million for the new Center. Renderings and preliminary floor plans were also unveiled at the celebration.
“We are immensely grateful to Doosan Bobcat and Mortenson, along with other philanthropic gifts from our alumni and industry partners, for their leadership and inspiration to kick off fundraising efforts,” John Glover, president and chief executive officer of the NDSU Foundation, said. “But we’re not finished yet. This moment is a call to action for all those that care about the future of NDSU and its College of Engineering to join our leadership benefactors by supporting this cutting-edge facility.”
The new Center will put engineering “on display” at NDSU, advancing hands-on, interdisciplinary engineering and computational sciences curriculum, research, and learning to develop technical talent for tomorrow’s workforce needs. The College of Engineering has not had a major expansion or transformation of its facilities since the $1.6 million Ehly Hall addition in 1999, with most of the College’s current buildings being constructed in the 1960s.
“The impact of these leadership investments will be felt across the entire NDSU community,” NDSU President Dave Cook said. “The College of Engineering plays a critical role in the state by educating the next generation of workforce, conducting research that matters to our economy, and engaging with communities to work on problems and identify solutions that advance our society. We are so grateful to Doosan Bobcat and Mortenson, as well as all other early benefactors, for their leadership investments.”
“The NDSU College of Engineering is committed to utilizing these generous investments to push the boundaries of what is possible in engineering education and facilities,” Alan Kallmeyer, interim dean of the College of Engineering, said. “The profound impact of these gifts will be seen in the form of innovative space utilization in teaching and research that transform the student experience and ultimately produce the best engineers and scientists for our state and region.”
NDSU and the NDSU Foundation are excited to embark on this journey towards a brighter future for the College of Engineering, and we invite you to join us in this transformative endeavor. Your support will make a profound impact, fueling innovation and shaping the next generation of engineers and innovators. Together, we can build a stronger, more vibrant College of Engineering that will continue to drive progress and change the world.
Please visit our website or contact Lisa Otterson (lisa.otterson@ndsufoundation.com or 701.561.8591) to learn how you can contribute and be a part of this exciting chapter in our history.
ABOUT MORTENSON
Mortenson is a U.S.-based, top-25 builder, developer, and engineering services provider serving the commercial, institutional, and energy sectors. Mortenson’s expanding portfolio of integrated services helps its customers move their strategies forward, ensuring their investments result in high-performing assets. The result is a turnkey partner, fully invested in the business success of its customers.
Founded in 1954, Mortenson has operations across the U.S. with offices in Chicago, Denver, Fargo, Iowa City, Milwaukee, Minneapolis, Nashville, Phoenix, Portland, Salt Lake City, San Antonio, Seattle, and Washington, D.C. For additional information, visit www.mortenson.com.
ABOUT BOBCAT COMPANY
Since 1958, Bobcat Company has been empowering people to accomplish more. As a leading global manufacturer of compact equipment, Bobcat has a proud legacy of innovation and a reputation based on delivering smart solutions to customers’ toughest challenges. Bobcat offers an extensive line of compact equipment, including loaders, excavators, compact tractors, utility products, telehandlers, mowers, attachments, implements, parts, and services. In 2024, Bobcat will expand its brand with the addition of portable power, industrial air, industrial vehicle, and turf renovation equipment offerings. Headquartered in West Fargo, North Dakota, Bobcat continues to lead the industry with its new and innovative offerings. The Bobcat brand is owned by Doosan Bobcat, Inc., a company within the Doosan Group. Committed to empowering people to accomplish more, Doosan Bobcat is dedicated to building stronger communities and a better tomorrow.
ABOUT THE NDSU COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING
The College of Engineering at NDSU is a leader in engineering education and research, with a strong commitment to innovation, sustainability, and excellence. It prepares the next generation of engineers to address the complex challenges of today’s world and shape a brighter future through cutting-edge research and education.
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
Bethany Hardwig
VP of Alumni and Donor Connections
NDSU Foundation
701-231-6806