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M State Foundation and Alumni

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Empowering our resilient M State students

Welcome to the M State Foundation, where we ignite the spark of potential in every student! Our mission is to empower and uplift students throughout their educational experience here, ensuring they have the tools and support to soar to new heights.

With a rock-solid commitment to student success, M State Foundation works to ensure we offer essential resources tailored to the diverse needs of our students. Many M State students face significant challenges, including balancing financial pressures, time constraints, family responsibilities, and work commitments.

With the right support, they can overcome these hurdles and succeed. Through life-changing scholarships and initiatives like the Promise Fund, M State Foundation works to break down barriers like financial hardship and food insecurity, paving the way for every student to achieve their dreams and thrive both academically and personally.

In today’s rapidly evolving economy, a technical college education is more crucial than ever. Your support will help ensure future graduates are job-ready, adaptable, resilient and ready to live fuller lives and build stronger, more vibrant communities.

Join us in our passionate mission to create a brighter, more promising future for all students at M State! Your generous donation will make a difference.

Stories of Impact
Morris Gbalea
$300K+
in scholarships awarded annually by M State's Foundations
92%
student pass rate for AD Nursing and Radiologic Technology licensure exams
97%
student placement rate in their area of study
45%
of students attended tuition-free in the past five years

Our Priorities

Scholarships
M State Foundation and Alumni is proud to offer scholarship opportunities to students attending the Detroit Lakes, Moorhead and Wadena campuses. Scholarships provide critical financial support to students who meet criteria established by the donor and college. Your scholarship gift continues a tradition of support for the next generation.
Promise Fund
The Promise Fund supports students who face unexpected financial hardships that could derail their education. By helping cover rent, groceries, car repair emergencies, and more, the fund empowers students to focus on school with less financial stress. Your support for the Promise Fund means setbacks don't have to stop M State students from succeeding, thriving and building a brighter future.
Campus Cupboard
M State Campus Cupboard: a dedicated space on each campus providing healthy food in an atmosphere of community and encouragement. Without the distraction of food insecurity, students are better equipped to focus on their studies and excel, whether grabbing a quick snack between classes or stocking up for the week. Your gift will help ensure that no M State student need go hungry.

Alumni Events

April 3, 2025 | Detroit Lakes, Minn.

Pint Night

Help support M State student scholarships at Pint Night! M State Foundation and Alumni will host a pint night from 5:30-7:30 p.m. April 3 at Bucks Mill Brewing, 824 Washington Ave., Detroit Lakes, Minn. $1.50 for each beer sold goes to the M State Foundation, with proceeds benefiting the Alumni Scholarship Fund. Enjoy light appetizers and a chance to win M State swag!

For more information, email M State Executive Director of Advancement and Corporate Engagement LeAnn Mouw. 

June 18, 2025 |Hawley, Minn.

Join us for the annual Dan Sperling Golf Scramble, June 18 at Hawley Country Club, 301 U.S. 10, Hawley, Minn. Proceeds benefit the M State Dan Sperling Realize Your Dream Endowment.

1 p.m. shotgun start, 6 p.m. dinner and reception, $350 sponsor hole, $600 sponsor hole and four players, $85 per player of four-player team.

Register Now

 

July 18, 2025 | Wadena, Minn.

golf scramble

Calling all teams for the annual M State Foundation Golf Scramble, set for July 18 at Whitetail Run Golf Course, 13379 Leaf River Road, Wadena, Minn.

Four-person teams, $400 per team, price includes golf and cart, hot dog lunch, dinner after golfing, prices and swag bag for each golfer.

Register Now

M State Foundation Board of Directors

Josh Astrup, Bell Bank

Bob Beseman, Investment Center Advisor Group

Jill Brandt, Arvig

Sandra Buchholz, Sanford Health

Mike Gedde, '18, retired

Curt Kasper, National Electrical Contractors Association Dakotas Chapter 

Sabrina Kemmer, Cassia

Ashley McNally, Sunnyside Care Center

Wally Senyk, retired

Medley Shamp, '17, Astera Health

Tony Stensgard, Edward Jones

Melissa Watson, '04, Essentia Health

Chloe Wessler, '19, S&S Promotional Group
 

Contact Us
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Associate Director of Advancement and Development
M State Employee Image
Executive Director of Advancement and Corporate Engagement

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