Donor Impact Dragon Stories

Ellen and Paul Diederich's support of the arts is celebrated with a newly named art gallery at MSUM.

The MSUM Foundation proudly unveils its state-of-the-art Christianson Alumni Center, a vibrant hub designed to foster student and community relationships and serve as the anchor for alumni returning to campus.

From the first graduating class to today, MSUM Dragons have carried the torch of excellence, innovation, and leadership. Our alumni are more than graduates—they are part of a powerful network that spans the globe, influencing industries, communities, and the world at large.

The cost of education is on every student’s and parent’s mind. MSUM is making higher education more affordable for students not only in Minnesota, but also those from North Dakota and South Dakota.

Hasslen Construction Co., Inc. owner Brent Hasslen ‘94 is building a legacy that spans generations.

Blackhurst has served as president of Minnesota State University Moorhead since 2014, when she was named its 11^th president. She is now passing the torch onto the new president as she steps into retirement.

Meet Brad Shamla, one of the newest MSUM Foundation Board members. He learned valuable life lessons as co-captain of the Dragon Football team, which helped him throughout his successful career. He looks forward to supporting future generations of MSUM students and playing a role in their success.

This week, construction has started on the upcoming MSUM Foundation’s Alumni Center. Having been decades in the making, the Alumni Center will be complete by late summer in 2024.

The MSUM Foundation is proud to welcome four members to the MSUM Foundation Board. Their terms began July 1, 2022.

Corey Walther, 1993 finance graduate, joined the MSUM Foundation Board in July of 2022. As president of Allianz Financial Services, LLC, he reflects back on his MSUM experience, especially his time as an athlete on the Dragon Track & Field team.

Peter Geib’s family history at MSUM spans generations, and his impact on the university is also a great accomplishment. He has significantly impacted thousands of students as a management professor at MSUM. He hopes to support continuous learning and further his contributions to MSUM as a member of the Foundation Board.

Tara Baltes had a great experience as a student as MSUM, and is excited to give back as a member of the Foundation Board. She’s taken many of the things she’s learned as a Dragon, including the core values of grit, humility, and heart, and used them in her career as talent acquisition specialist at Bell Bank.