Giving Opportunities

Giving Opportunities

In my 12 years as a graduate faculty member at Minnesota State Mankato, I observed first hand the transformative power of graduate education. Virtually every student I advised was a testament to the ways in which graduate education literally changes lives–by broadening horizons, sharpening skills, fostering creativity, stimulating innovation, and inspiring confidence. It was a privilege to witness the many ways in which my students' personal and professional lives were enriched as a result of their graduate experience.

As Dean of Graduate Studies and Research, I am now a witness to the hundreds of success stories that take place every year on our campus. In the laboratory, the studio, the theatre, and the classroom, our graduate students are learning the knowledge and skills that will lead to important career opportunities and lay the groundwork for making valuable contributions to their professions. Just two examples of our many student success stories are featured in the most recent issue of DEVELOPMENTS: Joshua Jans, whose research recently earned a national award, and Leah Shanks, a graduate alumna and the first student officially admitted to a doctoral program at Minnesota State Mankato.

I think you will agree that Joshua and Leah's stories are compelling. Equally compelling, from my perspective, is the story of all those Minnesota State Mankato faculty members–past and present–who have dedicated their lives to the success of our students. If you are a graduate alumnus of Minnesota State Mankato, you undoubtedly have powerful memories of the faculty mentors who shaped your graduate experience. Mentors like Dr. Ken Pengelly, who is also featured in the most recent issue of DEVELOPMENTS, and who–as an emeritus faculty member–continues to shape graduate education through his generous donations to the Graduate College.

While these stories are inspiring, they are by no means rare. As a leading provider of graduate education in the state of Minnesota, we have a legacy of preparing outstanding leaders, artists, scientists, teachers, and health care professionals. We also have a legacy of preparing graduates who make important contributions to the state, the surrounding region, and the global community.

Please join me in celebrating the success of our graduate students, the legacy of our graduate programs, and the generosity of our donors. If, like Ken Pengelly, you wish to make a financial contribution that will directly support graduate studies and research, please consider Making A Gift Online. Who knows? Your gift may transform a graduate student's life.

Anne E. Blackhurst
Dean of Graduate Studies and Research