Dakota State University unveils DSU Champions Scholarship Program

Madison, SD -- Dakota State University recently unveiled its newest scholarship program for incoming freshmen. The DSU Champions Scholarship program provides all new freshmen with an ACT of 24 or higher and a high school GPA of 3.0 or higher with $1,000 annually for four years. In addition, it begins a new “adopt-a-student” emphasis for university donors who join in to support the scholarship program.

The Champions Scholarship program is designed to establish a relationship between a donor and a talented high school student wanting to come to DSU. Throughout the four years the student is in college, donors and students will get together periodically to get to know one another better. Donors will also have the opportunity to act as a mentor to their student.

“We’re planning on having fifty of our DSU friends and alumni come on board as Champions by Christmas,” shared Rick Smith, Vice President for University Advancement at Dakota State University. “We’ve been having discussions over the last few weeks and the response has been outstanding. Over thirty have already said that they will make a gift of $1,000 a year for the next four years and sponsor a student.”

“We see this as an opportunity for donors to reach out to students and really mentor them throughout their college life,” said Dr. Jerald Tunheim, President of Dakota State University. “Many of our donors have gone far in life, and they will be able to share their experiences with their student scholars. We actually see this as a recruiting tool, along with the scholarship dollars.”

The scholarship program is part of a larger ongoing effort to capitalize on Dakota State’s success over the last decade. As more and more top students from across the Midwest see the university as a top school of technology and learning, attractive scholarship assistance is seen as something most leading schools offer. The Champions Scholarship will put DSU in a strong competitive position to attract those students.

Individuals interested in adopting a student by sponsoring their own Champions Scholar are encouraged to contact the DSU Advancement Office at 605-256-7328. Also, prospective students are encouraged to apply early to DSU to ensure their spot next Fall. The DSU Champions Scholarship deadline is February 1^st. Call 1-888-DSU-9988 for further information.