College of Saint Benedict senior Jeenah Archambault has participated in psychology research projects, plays intramural volleyball and has a work-study job at the dining hall. One reason she's been able to take full advantage of opportunities at Saint Ben's is her scholarships, including the Tennant Foundation Diversity Scholarship.

Ben Yawakie, a sophomore at Augsburg College, is working toward his dream of being a doctor. He does biology research with his professors and plans to shadow an emergency room doctor in the upcoming semester. Without the help of scholarships, he wouldn't be able to do either. "If I hadn't received the Galileo Scholarship, I wouldn't have been able to engage with my professors nearly as much, because I would have been working — a lot," he said.

Archambault and Yawakie were two of eight scholarship recipients who recently had the chance to express their gratitude in person. Along with college presidents and other members of the Council's board, they gathered with donors on Oct. 26 to thank them for their support.

MaryAnn Baenninger, president of the College of Saint Benedict and chair of the Council's board, was one of the speakers who thanked the donors: "Your gifts are strategic investments in students who are going to shape the future of our state." Baenninger also recognized eight organizations that recently joined the ranks of our 50-year donors.

Archambault and Yawakie were two of four students featured in a video shown at the event. The students shared their stories about how scholarships have made it possible to attend — and thrive at their institutions. (View profiles of the four students.)

A highlight of the event was the keynote speech by Alex Cirillo, retired vice president at 3M and a former Council board member. He shared some unexpected trivia about our institutions and their presidents, along with observations about success and education. "The purpose of all education, and particularly of a private college education, is to help create 'load-bearing' members of society — who understand the meaning of life, the meaning of success and the meaning of happiness," he said.

Cirillo said that he believes students and faculty at our institutions are experiencing access to both knowledge and wisdom. In closing, he told donors: "I applaud you all for your involvement in educating our kids; may they make the world a better place."

The Minnesota Private College Fund has a 60-year history of raising money from Minnesota foundations and businesses. Every dollar raised goes to our 17 member colleges and universities and their students for scholarships and general operating support. Donors value the opportunity to efficiently support all 17 schools with a single gift. Learn more about giving to the Fund.