The Dakota State University Foundation Gala set a new record for the amount raised at the annual event held in July.  Final tallies show more than 50-thousand dollars raised, surpassing last year’s record of 45-thousand dollars.  The money was raised through event sponsorships, ticket sales, live and silent auctions, donations, and a “Friend of the Trojan Carving” challenge.
Earlier this summer a windstorm swept through campus, toppling a large section of a tree located near the Trojan Center. Rather than remove the tree completely, a portion was retained, and carved by local artist Brad Hodne, into a likeness of the DSU Trojan mascot. At the Gala, Interim DSU President Doctor David Borofsky donated five-hundred dollars to become the first “Friend of the Trojan Carving” and challenged the attendees to match his gift. Twenty-five guests rose to the challenge that night, with several others not in attendance becoming friends since. Proceeds from the Friends of the Trojan Carving challenge are at 16-thousand dollars and rising.
The 2012 Gala was co-chaired by Allan and Julie Gross and Floyd and Megan Rummel of Madison.