Beyond the Game

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. 

Dan, a 1990 graduate, worked in his family’s land development and property management business in Grand Forks. He currently serves as Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Edgewood Real Investment Trust, which has real estate holdings in 14 states. Jolene, a 1998 graduate, spent 20 years as a Pediatric Occupational Therapist at Altru. 

The gift will fund scholarships with the following breakdown: 

• $2 million to UND Hockey
•  $1 million to UND Football
• $1 million to UND Women’s Athletics
• $500,000 to the Nistler College of Business & Public Administration
• $500,000 to the Occupational Therapy program in the School of Medicine & Health Sciences

Dan and Jolene say they were inspired to give to their alma mater partly by their son’s interactions with student-athletes over the years. Tommy is a Special Olympian who has been impacted by student-athletes who volunteered as Special Olympics mentors. The entire family has enjoyed cheering for UND teams over the years as well. 

"It's heartening to see how the new generation, having grown up with special needs kids in their classrooms, is more accepting and inclusive,” said Jolene Mikkelson. “This shift is crucial, and I'm excited about the future. Supporting UND allows us to contribute to this progress and give back to a community that has given us so much. It's incredibly fulfilling to know that our gift will help future students achieve their dreams."

"We feel a responsibility to support the University of North Dakota because it benefits both the university and our community,” said Dan Mikkelson. “Athletics, in particular, serves as the face of the university, bringing people together and enhancing community spirit. By providing scholarships, we are investing in the future of deserving students and student-athletes, ensuring that UND continues to thrive and make a positive impact."

It’s incredibly fulfilling to know that our gift will help future students achieve their dreams.

The Mikkelsons signed a gift agreement during a private ceremony at Ralph Engelstad Arena in late May with  coaches, university leadership, and representatives of the UND Alumni Association & Foundation in attendance. 

“We can’t thank Dan and Jolene enough for their generous gift to UND and the different areas of UND Athletics,” said Bill Chaves, UND Athletics Director. “It is a continuous reminder to know that we have such tremendous alumni and friends that are part of our family. Just as their son, Tommy, gets the crowd pumped up at UND events, we are as excited to see the lasting impact this gift will have across our department and the University.”

“Both Dan and Jolene have strong family ties to UND, and it’s fun to think that, thanks to these scholarship endowments, they are creating a legacy that will last in perpetuity,” said DeAnna Carlson Zink, CEO of the UND Alumni Association & Foundation. “This is the essence of what we mean when we say “Forever UND.””