Third Largest Endowment created at DSU

Madison, SD -- The estate of Christian and Lucile Steiber has created the third largest endowment in the history of Dakota State University, with assets equaling slightly more than $500,000. Christian Steiber passed away in 1985, and Lucile Steiber passed away in 1999. After their deaths, Dakota State University was notified that the university was included in their final estate plan. It was not until after reviewing the estate document and the estate accounting that the University realized the significance of the gift.

“We were very surprised to learn of the magnitude of the Steiber’s gift to Dakota State University,” stated Mark Lee, Vice President for Administration and University Advancement. “It was particularly surprising to us since we had had little or no contact with the Steibers over the many years.”

“From the little we have learned about the Steibers, it became apparent that they were vitally interested in helping young people achieve their dreams in life, in particular through pursuit of a higher education degree,” added Lee.

The Steiber endowment is the third largest endowment in Dakota State University history, following endowments established by G. Donald Montgomery and William and Ida Brinker.

“It’s easy to measure in financial terms the impact of this type of endowment, but impossible to measure it in human terms,” stated Dr. Jerald Tunheim, President of DSU. “This type of gift will help hundreds of students, for years into the future, pursue their dreams at Dakota State University. We are deeply grateful for the Steiber’s foresight and their philanthropy.”

Scholarship endowments at Dakota State University are managed to ensure the principle of the endowment is held forever and only the earnings are spent for the donor’s designated purpose.

True to their work during their life, the Steibers directed that these funds be used for scholarships. Christian Steiber was a rural mail carrier in the Artesian-Fedora area, and Lucile Steiber was a homemaker and a piano teacher. Christian attended Dakota State University in the years prior to 1920, although exact records are not available. Prior to their deaths, the Steibers resided in Prescott, Arizona.

“The establishment of an endowment of any size is a visionary act,” added Lee. “These types of gifts forever change the face of this university and forever impact the opportunities for young people as they move to their next station in life. We cannot be more appreciative and we will most certainly use these funds in a fashion consistent with the wishes of Christian and Lucile Steiber.”