Index of University Press Releases

Sept. 25, 2007

DWU Patrons’ Banquet set for Thursday night

MITCHELL – Dakota Wesleyan University will honor several donors who have contributed financially to the institution during the 12th annual Wesleyan Patrons’ Banquet set for Thursday, Sept. 27, on campus.

Topping the list of donors and receiving the William I. Graham Award for gifts totaling $500,000 or more is David Jackson of Napa, Calif. Jackson, a 1971 DWU graduate, donated the funds and helped create the design for the recently completed Jackson Plaza on the DWU campus. The William I. Graham Award is a limited edition print of a pen and ink drawing of Graham Hall.

Jackson Plaza will be dedicated at a public ceremony on campus at 1:30 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 28.

Receiving the Sacrifice or Service Award for gifts totaling $100,000 or more since 1986 are Ted and Chrystl Roman, Dakota Dunes. He is a 1956 DWU graduate and received an honorary doctorate in 1980. He was a cardiovascular surgeon until his retirement. 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.”

“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. “We are grateful for the faithful support our alumni and friends continue to provide for our students, and this is our opportunity to say thank you.”

Other awards being presented include the President’s Award, the Tumbleweed Award and the Scotchman Award.

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.

The Tumbleweed Award honors contributors who have given $25,000 or more to the university since 1986. The award is a piece of crystal that represents a tumbleweed and the prairie on which Dakota Wesleyan was founded.

The Scotchman 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.

The Patrons’ Banquet begins with a reception at 5 p.m. followed by dinner. For more information about the Patrons’ Banquet, contact the university’s institutional advancement office at 995-2603.