MADISON, SD (KELO-AM) Dakota State University announced today that T. Denny Sanford and Miles Beacom have pledged to donate $5 million to the University. The gift will be used to help renovate the current Madison Community Hospital into what will become the Beacom Institute for Technology building.
With the gift, Sanford and Beacom become the largest donors to the University. The generous donation not only helps to further the mission of the University, but it also holds true to the values of Sanford and Beacom. Both businessmen have a strong appreciation for technology in their own business and the amount of technology expertise DSU instills in their students and grads.
“DSU is recognized as one of the leaders in computer science and cyber security programs in the nation by many different industries including federal agencies, financial and healthcare industries, and information technology companies,” said Sanford, owner and founder of First Premier Bank. “My investment in DSU will further the success of the University and have a profound effect on the economic development growth of the state and region.”
For Beacom, the tie to DSU is also a personal one, as he graduated from Dakota State College (DSC) in 1981 with a Bachelor of Science degree in business with a minor in economics. Beacom credits his education at Dakota State for his success today as President and CEO of Premier Bankcard.
“I am excited to be making this gift to my alma mater,” Beacom said. “DSC provided me the tools to not only be successful but to far exceed any goals that I had set for myself upon my graduation. Dakota State provides such an incredible opportunity for students with a focus on Information Technology. Every business in America should be looking at these students and graduates to provide the technical expertise to help build and protect their businesses. Lisa, my wife, and I are thrilled to be able to give back to DSU.”
With the gift, the University plans to assist even more students in reaching their goals by providing them with a state-of-the-art technology facility. “The facility will include a SCIF (Secure Compartmented Information Facility) which will allow DSU faculty and students to do secure work for the Federal Government,” President David Borofsky said. “We will be one of only 20 such facilities at Universities around the country. The generous donation will allow Dakota State to continue its role as one of the premier information technology universities in the nation!”