Your Impact Archive

From the runway to the classroom, one UND family carries forward a belief in education, discipline, and paying it forward.

From the rink to the State Capitol, the Strinden family has passed down leadership, service, and a simple rule: leave the woodpile higher.

Joe and Norma Peltier’s legacy gift supports what is now one of the largest scholarship funds at the School of Medicine and Health Sciences, as well as a new accelerated track to strengthen North Dakota’s rural healthcare workforce.

From a North Dakota farm to Citizen of the West, George Eidsness blends UND‑shaped business insight with a commitment to giving back through scholarships that support tomorrow’s business leaders.

From building a nationally respected senior living company to championing UND’s future, Werner, ’68, and Colleen Nistler live and lead by a clear set of values.

Former UND professor Sam Johnson transforms his UND experiences in culture, technology, literature, and music into a legacy, enriching generations of students through his award‑winning teaching and philanthropy.

From scholarships to statewide support, NDAD empowers UND special education students, extending a mission that helps North Dakotans overcome barriers and build brighter futures

Bjella siblings honor their parents' UND connection with Law School endowment.

Bruce and Shirley Johnson’s enduring commitment to the UND School of Law supports future students through scholarships and honoring the education that shaped their lives and legacy.

Jeff and Kim Vigen’s UND story began with a dance and grew into a legacy of family, career, and giving. Their enduring support spans scholarships, athletics, and named spaces across campus.

DeAnna Carlson Zink, Chief Executive Officer of the University of North Dakota Alumni Association & Foundation (UNDAAF), has been named a 2026 recipient of the prestigious CASE Commonfund College and University Foundation Award.

Alumni and friends of the University of North Dakota gave a record $119.9 million in donations in 2025. The fundraising record was announced at the annual State of the UND Alumni Association & Foundation Address on Thursday, Jan. 29, 2026.

UND's evolving Chester Fritz Library has a people-first vision.

Discover how UND students and staff brought 100 years of Alumni Magazine history online — uncovering family ties, forgotten stories, and a searchable legacy for generations.

The Schroeder family honors Grand Forks Superintendent Elroy H. Schroeder by supporting UND students through endowments that continue his lifelong mission to elevate education.

Grand Forks, North Dakota native reflects on his last 4 years at UND and becoming Captain of the football team.

Swiss tennis student-athlete is enjoying a great start to his UND career.

UND alumna Jacque Everson’s gift established the Delta Gamma Lectureship, bringing inspiring speakers to campus to foster honest conversations on values and ethics.

After Grant Dosser's tragic passing, his parents created a UND scholarship to honor his creative spirit and help future artists achieve their dreams.

UND Track & Field student-athlete gains leadership experience while helping his team reach new heights.

UND is shaping how humans will explore, live, and work off-world. Learn about our contributions to 3D-printed spacesuits, space agriculture, and more.

Elizabeth Howell, ’12, ’19, has spent two decades telling the story of space, with Canada always at the heart of her mission.

Daniel and JoEmily Nieuwsma met through a video dating service 35 years ago and bonded over their shared interest in space. Today, they leave a legacy as one of the only donors to support scholarships for UND’s Space Studies program.

Forever UND: The Campaign for the University of North Dakota meets fundraising goal and sets sights higher.

Accounting alumna’s battle with cancer inspires friends to start a scholarship fund in her memory.

Engineering graduate Brian Milne, ’78, has been a great friend of the North Dakota Champions Club, and has built a collection of UND Athletics memorabilia from winning bids at the Champions Ball.

UND’s first baseball diamond was named after him. Nearly two decades later, so was the University’s fieldhouse. Ken Hyslop’s legacy of generosity continues to shape UND Athletics as one of UND’s top benefactors and namesakes.

Geology Professor Dr. Doug Munski’s care for students is evident in his teaching and giving.

UND alumna Dr. Karen (Brekke) Hoelzer Vilcinskas splits legacy gift to benefit two universities that shaped her career.

Couple creates LGBTQ+ Endowment to build a legacy of inclusivity and connection.

Angie and Russ Freeman help create the confidence-building style of the Freeman Professional Closet.

The Champions Club is the largest private annual gift revenue source for UND Athletics. Over 3,600 members give generously to support our student-athletes, with the bulk of its fund going directly to scholarships.

UND graduate who excelled in track and field starts two successful companies and gives back.

Sally Hoey is not an alumna of the University of North Dakota and has no relatives in the state. But her father's love for his family farm in Sargent County and UND led her back to his roots for a planned gift.

UND Soccer star is achieving her goals in competition, medicine, and community service.

Alumni and friends of the University of North Dakota gave a record $100.5 million in donations during the fiscal year that ended June 30, 2024.The fundraising record was announced at the annual State of the UND Alumni Association & Foundation Address on Tuesday, August 27.

UND School of Medicine and Health Sciences Dean Joshua Wynne offers advice for staying healthy.

The Norman & Ann Hoffman Family Foundation provides a large gift that will help build a new STEM facility for collaborative learning and research.

UND Softball student-athlete serves as a Campus Captain to spread mental health awareness among her peers.

Lori (Barsness) Maurer’s roots run deep at the University of North Dakota. Ten years ago, she created a scholarship to benefit UND student-athletes and recently renewed her gift as the account grew.

Dan and Jolene Mikkelson of Grand Forks have made a $5 million gift to fund scholarships at their alma mater, the University of North Dakota. The gift will fund student scholarships.

Dr. Robert A. Kyle, ’48, made his first gift to the University of North Dakota in April 1962 and has become one of the longest living benefactors in the University's history at 62 years.

UND Volleyball student-athlete is excelling in the classroom while setting records on the hardwood.

Esports is one the fastest-growing industries in the world, and UND is playing a clutch role in North Dakota, launching the state’s first esports undergraduate degree in the fall of 2022.

Out-of-state student overcomes financial challenges in pursuit of higher education.

Kathy & Hal Gershman's commitment to preserving history and graduate education at the University of North Dakota promotes continued learning for future generation of UND students.

Alumni in Legacy Society contribute early to their testamentary endowments to see immediate impact on LGBTQ+ students or enrolled members of federally recognized Native American Tribes

Program supported by Clifford Circle member Chord Energy creates pathways for American Indian students at UND’s College of Nursing & Professional Disciplines.

UND professor who leads high-profile defense project demonstrates how giving can fuel discovery.

Alumna’s gift provides realistic simulators for future nurses.