MSUM hosts annual 24-hour online fundraiser to support scholarships and programs

MOORHEAD, Minn. (KVRR) — For twenty-four hours straight, MSUM is asking its community to help fundraise for many scholarships, programs, and campus initiatives.

“Giving Day is really a day for us to celebrate philanthropy at MSUM. We take some time both to lift up our donors, but also to remember why we’re doing what we’re doing, and that is all about the students. We’re here to make sure that no student is denied any access or no student doesn’t have the resources that they need to have a great experience at MSUM,” said Gary Haugo, Executive Director for MSUM Foundation.

This year’s goal is to raise $750,000 for Dragon Giving Day. Other fundraising needs include the Student Emergency Assistance Fund, the Livingston Lord Library, Olga and Palmer Berg First Generation Scholarship, and more.

“Most of our donors are donating to scholarships, and that’s a gift of time for our students. It’s a gift of allowing them to focus more deeply and intently on the work that they are trying to get done here. And we really try to lift that up and also to celebrate MSUM,” said Haugo.

Nearly 6,000 students attend MSUM every single day with over seventy undergraduate degrees and 14 graduate degrees. One alumnus explains how the school has pushed him forward in his career, and why he’s giving back.

“We’ve hired a number of students from this program, a number of alumni, and it’s been great for the growth of our organization. And they really do a great job of teaching the kids what they need to know when they’re out in the real world,” said Ben Meland, Co-Founder and CEO of Enclave.

Enclave donated $5,000 to MSUM, and a number of other organizations have presented checks to fundraise as well.