Dakota State University in Madison has adjusted its annual scholarship fundraising gala in light of the ongoing pandemic.  The university will celebrate its 140th anniversary with an online gala scheduled for March 5th at 7:00 p.m.

Jona Schmidt, director of major and planned gifts at DSU, said the goal of this year’s gala is to raise $200,000 for scholarships at DSU. The university has already raised just over 25% of that goal so far through donations and advance registration for the event.

In lieu of an event ticket this year, there is a suggested donation of $40. The amount was chosen in honor of the 140th anniversary of the founding of Dakota State.

Average attendance for the gala in a normal year is 300 people, but DSU was able to send out nearly ten-thousand invitations for this year’s online event. It will also enable people to attend the event from all over the country without traveling. 

The gala will feature pre-recorded messages from students talking about the impact of receiving scholarships.  It will also include speakers and presenters, a live demonstration and interaction, the Philanthropist of the Year presentation, and silent and live auctions.

To register for the event or make a donation visit dsu.edu/gala.