Index of University Press Releases

June 12, 2006

11th annual Wesleyan Patrons’ Banquet set

MITCHELL, S.D. — Dakota Wesleyan University will honor several donors who have contributed financially to the institution during the 11th annual Wesleyan Patrons’ Banquet set for Thursday, June 15, on campus.

Topping the list of donors and receiving the John Wesley Award for gifts totaling $1 million or more is the Bush Foundation. The foundation strives to improve the quality of life for all by funding organizations in the areas of arts and humanities, health and human services, education, and ecological health in Minnesota, North Dakota and South Dakota. The John Wesley Award is patterned after the original sculpture that stands at the front of the campus. The cross, flame and seal, created by the late Darryl Patten, is set in a block of Sioux quartzite.

Receiving the William I. Graham Award for gifts totaling $500,000 or more are The Kresge Foundation and Keith Miller. The Kresge Foundation concentrates on capital campaigns, and their mission is to advance the well-being of humanity.

Miller graduated cum laude from DWU in 1947 and serves as an emeritus member of the DWU alumni board. He is a past president of the Pierre Chamber of Commerce and a former school board member. The William I. Graham Award is a limited edition print of a pen and ink drawing of Graham Hall.

The Sacrifice or Service Award recipients for gifts totaling $100,000 will be presented to Bob and Ree Ann Benson, Castle Rock, Colo.; and Duane Harms, Brookings. Others qualifying for this award are Herbert and Edythe Kurz and The Shalan Foundation.

The Sacrifice or Service Award is a Lucite structure inset with a hand drawing on one pillar from the campus gateway depicting the university motto, “Sacrifice or Service.”

DWU will present the President’s Award to Ted and Chrystl Roman, North Sioux City. The President’s Award is presented to contributors who have given gifts of $50,000 or more and is a replica of the bronze medallion the president of DWU wears during university events requiring academic regalia.

Others qualifying for the President’s Award include Luis Bared, Arden and Pat Brower, Cassidy and Associates, Floyd House, Ruth Rice, Miles and the Hon. Nancy Rubin, Vic Jr. and Kathy Sharp, Gladys Wait, and Katherine Wiper.

The Tumbleweed Award honors contributors who have given $25,000 or more to the university. The award is a piece of crystal that represents a tumbleweed and the prairie on which Dakota Wesleyan was founded. It will be presented to Wayne and Elaine Bouzek, Rapid City; Van and Barb Fishback, Brookings; Phil and Zodie Kaye, Lincoln, Neb.; Peter and Grace Moe, Rapid City; Marc and Lisa Pekas Rentschler, Savage, Minn.; Dean and Rita Sorenson, Sioux Falls; and Trail King Industries Inc., Mitchell.

Others qualifying include Robert and Janice Bass, Don and Gerry Bohning, Carroll O’Connor Foundation, Jack and Cynthia Ewing, Robert E. and Patricia Sebastian Fishback, Ken and Stephanie Haines, Brooke and Kathy Haurberg, Max Pasley, Bernard and Audre Rapoport, and South Dakota Community Foundation.

The Scotchman Award will be presented to George and Michele Bittner, Mitchell; Ron and Naomi Kaye Hull, Lincoln, Neb.; and Glenny Trimble Tays, Lincoln, Neb.

This award is a framed copy of the words to the school song and is presented to donors who have given $10,000 or more to DWU. Others qualifying for the Scotchman Award include Dean and Dorothy Berkley, Joel and Linda Black, Boyd and Evelyn Blumer, Adair and Sylvia Callison, Bruce and Barb Cutler, Howard Elrod, FedEx Corporation, Julian and Elinor Hartt, Jenzabar Inc., Leona Kauffman, Keppler Associates, KMIT, Luvern and Elsie Kunze, Leon Kuyper, Don and Dorothy Manzer, Doug and Sally Martin, Ron and Pam Martin, Donald and Susan Rollins, D. Bruce and Judith Schreiman, Wallace Stark, Edward Kent and Connie Thomas, and Lois Van Kirk.

Also being recognized for making provisions for the future of DWU through planned giving are the Heritage Roll of Honor inductees. They are Bob and Ree Ann Benson, Castle Rock, Colo.; and Doris Henneous, Sioux Falls. Also qualifying for the honor are Carrie Brown, Robert Knebel, Robert and Ann Lee, Jesse McGraw, Earl and Rowena Nebelsick, Mel Spinar, and Peary and Eileen Wilson.

John Wesley Society members, donors who give $1,000 or more for the annual Wesleyan Fund, and scholarship donors are also being recognized at the banquet.

“The Patrons’ Banquet is our way of publicly thanking and recognizing our alumni and friends for their generous support of Dakota Wesleyan University,” said Greg Christy, vice president for institutional advancement.

The banquet is the kick-off event for the 2006 Alumni Days.

For more information on Alumni Days or the Patrons’ Banquet, contact the university’s institutional advancement office at 995-2603.