Many donors support private higher education for the long haul.  Year after year, they remain steadfast, consistently at our side.  In fact, for a growing number, the commitment has endured for 50 or even 60 years.  Donors reaching these milestones this year are:

50-year donor: WinCraft Incorporated

WinCraft, established in 1961, is a leading manufacturer of licensed and promotional products for retailers, professional sports teams, concessionaires, colleges, businesses, distributors, and schools. They offer a vast array of products for every retail selling season, hot market, and major event.  WinCraft understands the industry and works hard to deliver products that help their customers grow their businesses.

60-year donor: The Graco Foundation

Founded in 1926 as a local family business, Graco is now a global company with 3,500 employees.  Graco’s goal is to be the industry’s highest-quality manufacturer of fluid handling products cutting across several markets.  The goal of The Graco Foundation is to help organizations grow their ability to serve community needs through grants focused on capital projects, specific programs and technology needs.  The Foundation places a priority on organizations that have a proven track record of enabling people to become self-sufficient and more productive. The Graco Foundation places emphasis on educational programs, especially STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) programs; human service programs promoting workforce development; and youth development programs.

Donors who have been with us for more than 50 years

Generations of students have been helped by the generosity of these donors, and others who have met this milestone. The following donors have been with us for more than 50 years:

• 68 years – Xcel Energy
• 65 years – North Shore Bank
• 64 years – Otter Tail Corporation
• 63 years – BNSF Railway Foundation
• 63 years – Merchants Bank
• 62 years – WNB Financial
• 61 years – Faegre Drinker Foundation
• 61 years – Federated Insurance Companies
• 61 years – Goodin Company
• 60 years – The Graco Foundation
• 59 years – Cargill
• 59 years – Groves Foundation
• 57 years – The Hubbard Broadcasting Foundation
• 57 years – Securian Financial
• 56 years – Emerson
• 56 years – The Medtronic Foundation
• 55 years – Wenger Foundation
• 53 years – The Jay & Rose Phillips Family Foundation of Minnesota (Phillips Scholars Program and Eddie Phillips Scholarship for African-American Men)
• 53 years – Western Bank
• 52 years – WHV, Inc.
• 50 years – WinCraft Incorporated

In 2019-20, these donors have made the largest donations this fiscal year.  We welcome their critical support, which allows us to make a real difference for our colleges and their students

• Ciresi Walburn Foundation for Children
• The Council of Independent Colleges through its CIC/UPS Educational Endowment Fund
• Emerson
• The Graco Foundation
• Helen Harrington Charitable Trust
• The Hubbard Broadcasting Foundation
• Winton Jones Foundation
• Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research
• Medtronic Foundation Communities Fund
• John & Karen Meslow
• The Jay and Rose Phillips Family Foundation of Minnesota (Phillips Scholars Program & Eddie Phillips Scholarship for African American Men)
• Richard M. Schulze Family Foundation
• Securian Financial
• The Teagle Foundation
• US Bank Foundation
• Wenger Foundation
• Xcel Energy

• Thomas Fields – in memory of George Floyd
• David B. & Joanne Laird, Jr. – in memory of Doug Hennes
• David B. & Joanne Laird, Jr. – in memory of Sandy Lewis
• Reasor Family Foundation – in honor of Al Amatuzio