Fergus Area College Foundation was incorporated to provide a vehicle for citizen participation in the future of the Fergus Falls campus through charitable contributions and volunteer leadership. Foundation bylaws permit the establishment of scholarships, special purpose scholarships for students who excel in particular program areas and special purpose gifts for the general development and improvement of the college, the faculty and the facilities.

Fergus Area College Foundation remains true to its founding mission as a vehicle for citizen participation in the life of the college in Fergus Falls.

The Fergus Falls Chamber of Commerce's "Committee of 100" organized and worked to bring a two-year college to Fergus Falls in 1960. Many of the college founders took the next steps to incorporate a nonprofit to support the college's mission in 1963. Subsequently, Foundation board members went door-to-door in downtown Fergus Falls to tell the community about our college and their plans to organize the Foundation.

In 2011-12, this good work continues. Today's Foundation Board of Directors tells our story and shapes our vision in support of the Fergus Falls campus of M State - Fergus Falls.

We've been extraordinarily fortunate in receiving continued scholarship support for our students through local individuals and businesses. In May of 2011, we were honored to receive a gift of $319,000 from the state of Elizabeth and Henry Cowles, long-time Fergus Falls residents. This endowment is intended for engineering scholarships as well as scholarships for students studying in the health fields.

Fergus Falls resident Dorothy Malm established a $20,000 endowment in honor of her late husband, Donald Malm. Don's career as a CPA and their wonderful volunteer service in the Fergus Falls community will be long honored and remembered through the Donald and Dorothy Malm Scholarship, which will be awarded annually to an M State - Fergus Falls business student.

In February 2011 several of our scholarship recipients conducted a phone calling campaign to M State alumni generating additional funds for scholarships and other Foundation activities.

Pillar Pride, the Foundation magazine, was also reintroduced to the community, providing us an opportunity to showcase the many outstanding events and activities happening on the M State - Fergus Falls campus.

A member of the board of directors once called the Foundation "an affair of the heart." This is so right. Our relationships with our donors and our community keep us going through tough decisions, goals, fundraising calls, challenges and celebrations. Those very relationships are the most joyful aspect of our work, and we are always delighted to work with prospective donors in realizing their dreams.

As we revel in our successes and pursue our dreams for the future of our college, we will do as we always have. We will keep our feet firmly on the ground and support the Fergus Falls campus. Thank you to our community of supporters for helping to bring our dreams to life.