Dr. Robert and Mille MacLeod provide scholarship for female student-athletes

For more than half a century, Dr. Robert and Mildred "Millie" MacLeod poured their hearts into Minnesota State Moorhead - its students, its athletes, its mission, and its community. Their story is one of service, strength, and steadfast belief in the power of education and equality. Through the Dr. Robert and Millie MacLeod Women's Athletic Scholarship, their legacy continues to inspire new generations of women athletes to pursue excellence - on the field, in the classroom, and in life.

Robert: A Life of Service and Dedication

Robert N. MacLeod was born in Minneapolis in 1928 and grew up in Isle, Minnesota. After graduating from high school in 1946, he went on to earn his degree from the University of Minnesota. In 1956, he married Mildred Moen - a partnership that would become a lifelong example of teamwork, devotion, and quiet strength.

Robert's career spanned education and military service - two callings that reflected his deep sense of duty and leadership. He began his teaching and coaching career at Isle High School and later in Brainerd, before answering the call to serve in the U.S. Army. Over 35 years, he rose from private to full colonel, serving in a variety of roles including teaching at Fort Belvoir, Virginia, and Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, managing Missouri River flood control operations, and leading both Army Reserve and MSUM responsibilities simultaneously.

In 1965, Robert and Millie moved to Moorhead, where he joined the faculty at Minnesota State Moorhead. Over the years, he served as professor, graduate dean of physical education, registrar, and vice president of personnel services - representing MSUM for more than 50 years. He was a constant presence on campus: cheering at games, attending lectures, supporting the arts, championing students from every walk of life, and serving as assistant football coach.

"Dad treated all students the same," remembers their son, Robert. "Regardless of gender, skin color, or political philosophy - everyone deserved respect."

Millie: Strength, Spirit, and Grace

Mildred "Millie" MacLeod grew up on a North Dakota farm during the Great Depression, where resilience and resourcefulness were part of daily life. The lessons of those early years shaped her into a woman of incredible toughness - physically, mentally, and spiritually.

Millie brought that same spirit into everything she did. She played high school basketball back when girls' games were played half-court, and later became a fierce racquetball competitor, winning mixed doubles YMCA tournaments with her husband well into their 50s - often defeating players half their age.

She was sharp, witty, and persuasive - the kind of person who could get anyone to do what she wanted, and somehow make them believe it was their own idea. She was also a brilliant card player, mastering bridge, pinochle, poker, and more. "She even won one of my poker tournaments," son Robert laughs. In addition, Millie was a public servant, dedicating more than two decades to the Moorhead City Council.

And above all, Millie was a teacher at heart - patient, encouraging, and hands-on. When Robert was just four and burned a pan of eggs, she didn't scold him; she taught him how to cook. "I still use her teachings today," he says.

A Scholarship Born from Love

When Millie was diagnosed with inoperable cancer, son Robert met with family friend Donn Groth to finalize something they had long discussed - a scholarship to support female athletes at MSUM.

"Mom liked the idea of the scholarship," Robert recalls. "We had talked about it many times while traveling together."

At that meeting, Millie pulled out her checkbook and made the very first donation: $500. That gesture - simple but powerful - set the tone for what the Dr. Robert and Millie MacLeod Women's Athletic Scholarship would represent.

Donn suggested using Millie's donation as part of Robert's pledge. But he refused, wanting to begin his own pledge. "Mom's is separate," he said. When Donn suggested it go toward an athletic scholarship, Millie immediately said, "A ladies' scholarship."

The scholarship was born - honoring both Robert's lifelong devotion to MSUM and Millie's fierce belief in fairness, strength, and opportunity for women.

A Lasting Legacy

The MacLeods' values were simple yet profound: work hard, treat others with dignity, and never stop learning or giving. Whether Robert was flying his plane to cheer on the Dragons at playoff games or Millie was outplaying twenty-somethings on the racquetball court, they lived life with purpose and joy.

Through this scholarship, Robert and Millie's example will continue to inspire future generations of women athletes at MSUM - to lead with grace, play with heart, and live with integrity. As long as the Dragons take the field, their legacy will soar - just as surely as one of Robert's planes once did - carrying forward a love for learning, leadership, and the power of believing in others.