Index of University Press Releases

Sept. 28, 2007

Dakota Wesleyan leader praises alumni donors at Patrons’ Banquet
Ross Dolan - The Daily Republic

Ross Dolan/Republic - David Jackson, of Napa, Calif., admires the William I. Graham Award he received Thursday at the Dakota Wesleyan University Patrons’ Banquet, as Connie Duffett, wife of DWU President Bob Duffett, looks on. Jackson got the award for philanthropic gifts of more than $500,000 to the university.

Dakota Wesleyan University President Bob Duffett on Thursday told about 165 DWU alumni that their personal success and their generosity to their alma mater prove that they've discovered the "eternal verities" or truths of life.

"You've learned that when you give, you receive," said Duffett.

The Wesleyan Patrons' Banquet, held at DWU's Sherman Center, honored several donors who have contributed financially to the private Christian university.

Topping the list of donors was David Jackson of Napa, Calif., who was given the William I. Graham Award for gifts totaling $500,000.

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.

The plaza will be dedicated in a public ceremony at 1:30 p.m. today.

"I'm just happy to do this for Dakota Wesleyan and the community," said Jackson, who was accompanied by his son, Alexander, and his daughter, Ann Catherine.

"I enjoyed my time here and I've never forgotten South Dakota. I hope that in the future I can do more," Jackson said.

Among the recipients of the the Sacrifice or Service Award for gifts totaling $100,000 or more since 1986 were Ted and Chrystl Roman of Dakota Dunes.

A 1956 DWU graduate, Ted Roman received an honorary doctorate in 1980. He was a cardiovascular surgeon until his retirement. His career included work at the Public Health Services at Rosebud and time as a resident in general surgery at the Mayo Clinic.

"I am extremely pleased and grateful to be honored this way," said Roman. "My life has been a great experience and to me it all really started here at Dakota Wesleyan."

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 program also acknowledged more than $500,000 in scholarship donations.

"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, a replica of the bronze medallion worn by DWU's president as part of his academic regalia, was presented to contributors who have given gifts of $50,000 or more.

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.

Following is a list of winners:

William I. Graham Award: David Jackson, Napa, Calif.

Sacrifice or Service Award: Aramark Corp., Philadelphia, Pa.; Cassidy & Associates, Gerald Cassidy, Washington, D.C.; Ted and Chrystl Roman, Dakota Dunes; The Shalan Foundation; Harvey and Mavis Van Beek, Grand Rapids, Mich.; Herbert and EdytheKurz, Piermont, N.Y.

President's Award: Don and Gerry Bohning, Fort Lauderdale, Fla., Marwin and Karen Hofer, Aberdeen; Jill and Marlys Loomer, Mitchell; Vic Jr. and Kathy Sharp, Orland Park, Ill.; Lad Stacey, Berrien Springs, Mich.; Gladys Wait, Sioux Falls; Floyd House, Aberdeen.

Tumbleweed Award: Bob and Jan Bass, Rapid City; Joel and Linda Black, Falcon Heights, Minn.; Clinton Family Foundation, Bill and Sen. Hillary Clinton; Bruce and Barb Cutler, Aberdeen; Bob and Connie Duffett, Mitchell; Dan and Karrie Duffy, Rapid City; Jack and Cynthia Ewing, Lake Junaluska, N.C.; John and Joan Hartung, Indianola, Iowa;Brooke and Kathy Haurberg, Dahina, Ill.; Carol Lucas, Chapel Hill,N.C.; Melvin and Vera Price, Tulare; Jerry and Pat Walton, Sioux Falls;Ron and Sandy Williamson, Peachtree City, Ga.; Lauren and Carol Woods, Albany, Calif.

Scotchman Award: Donna Bauer, Mitchell; Don and Judy Blumenberg,Fulton; Boyd and Evelyn Blumer, Mitchell; Sylvia Callison, Sioux Falls; James Cochrane, Hackettstown, N.J.; Howard and Karen Grinager, Pierre; Jeff Jares, Sioux Falls; Doug and Mary Mason, Naperville, Ill.;Earl and Rowena Nebelsick, Howard; Randall and Marcia Nelson,Champaign, Ill.; Art and Rose Raymond, Grand Forks, N.D.; Don Rollins,Denver; Mildred Skogmo, Mitchell; Milton and Phyllis Stiegelmeier, Selby; Bill and Janet Thayer, McCook Lake; Lee and Joan Woodward, Camarillo, Calif.; Nancy Stark, Ramsey, N.J.; Wallace Stark, Woods Hole, Mass.; Edward Kent and Connie Thomas, Tecumseh, Okla.