Sweet Journey to the Suite Life
How many fans can claim that their first UND Hockey game at Ralph Engelstad Arena was enjoyed from the comforts of their very own suite?
Dan Bauer holds that bragging right as a longtime fan and supporter of UND Athletics. When the arena was under construction, he joined the waitlist to purchase a suite. He secured a spot and has been enjoying the suite life ever since.
Dan sees this as a reward for the sweet journey of hard work to grow his beekeeping business, Bauer Honey, in Fertile, Minnesota. Beekeeping has been in the Bauer family since the 1950s when Dale Bauer, Dan’s father, moved to Fertile and purchased a local beekeeper’s operation.
Along with operating his Bauer Honey business, Dan Bauer also serves as a board member for Sioux Bee Honey, a company that utilizes the honey he produces.
Dan sees this as a reward for the sweet journey of hard work to grow his beekeeping business, Bauer Honey, in Fertile, Minnesota. Beekeeping has been in the Bauer family since the 1950s when Dale Bauer, Dan’s father, moved to Fertile and purchased a local beekeeper’s operation.
Dan spent most of his life working alongside his father. Shortly after his father passed away in 2017, the family sold the original business. A few years later, Dan revived the Bauer Honey name by starting a new company. He now manages over 3,600 beehives, transporting them between Minnesota and Texas to navigate the seasons.
Dan’s passion for UND Athletics has also grown. The proud Champions Club member started the Bauer Family Scholarship Endowment to support student-athletes. “Not everybody has the means to go to school, so if I can help somebody in any way, I would like to,” Dan said.
You want to give the next generation more than you had, and that's what I want for my sons. That’s the reason I keep thriving forward.Dan Bauer
Although Dan did not attend UND, he feels compelled to support the University that has brought him so much joy as a fan. This is his way of giving back. He remembers how a Fertile supermarket supported his father, providing him with groceries as he worked to achieve success with his beekeeping business.
He hopes to carry on the legacy his father started and pass it down to his children, Isaiah, a recent UND graduate, and Dominic, who is interested in attending UND after high school. Both help on the bee farm, and that makes Dan proud.
“You want to give the next generation more than you had, and that’s what I want for my sons. That’s the reason I keep thriving forward.”
SCHOLARSHIPS MAKE A DIFFERENCE
You can join Dan in supporting UND students through scholarships. Students are our #1 priority, and by contributing to scholarships, you ensure that UND is able to recruit and retain future leaders while providing life-changing financial support.