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Archived News
2008
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Dirksen House donated to DSU Foundation Madison -- In Circuit Court recently, the estate of Ed J. Dirksen transferred the title to the Dirksen house at 712 North Washington to the Dakota State University Foundation effective November 1, 1996. The estate's gift is the culmination of a lifetime of philanthropy by one of the most generous and visionary men in Madison's history. Ed Dirksen was a pillar of the Madison community for over 80 years. From the time of his family's settling in Lake County when he was just a boy, through his entire adult life—as businessman and as community leader—he remembered the dictum to leave the world a better place than you find it. “Dakota State University is extremely honored that Ed chose to leave DSU a final gift,” said Dr. Jerald Tunheim, President of DSU. “Through the years, Ed had been a prominent figure on campus. He was a mentor and financial supporter to several students who may not have been able to attend the university without his help.” Mr. Dirksen was one of the founders of the Dakota State Foundation in 1970. He also gave the university its first large gift when he set up the Freda Rasmussen Dirksen Scholarship Endowment in honor of his wife in 1972. Sadly, Mrs. Dirksen passed away in 1984. In 1991, the Ed Dirksen Endowed Scholarship was established in his honor. He has also received several awards from Dakota State University. In 1970, Mr. Dirksen was awarded the Certificate of Merit for his outstanding and dedicated service to DSU. He was also a recipient of one of the first President's Award selected by Dr. Tunheim for his personal contributions to the University. In 1991, Mr. Dirksen was awarded the Honorary Doctor of Public Service by Dakota State University for his service to the University, the Madison community, and the state of South Dakota. (end) Here today with us are the personal representatives of the Ed J. |
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