Chadron State Foundation Announces more than $2 million in college support

The dinner, held in CSC’s Student Center Ballroom, brought together alumni, donors, Foundation Trustees, and College leadership to celebrate the generosity and service of those who support CSC. The event followed CSC President Dr. Jodi Kupper's inauguration earlier that day.

Foundation CEO Scott Kruger emphasized the organization's responsibility to connect philanthropic resources with the needs of the College and its students.

"The real measure of the Foundation's success is not simply what we raise. It is what those resources make possible for this College and its students," Kruger said.

Foundation Support Continues to Grow

The Foundation has allocated approximately $2.03 million in resources available to support Chadron State College during fiscal year 2027. During fiscal year 2026, the Foundation provided more than $1.6 million in actual support to the College through scholarships, academic programs, and other institutional investments.

Looking ahead, the Foundation Board of Directors approved a $292,157 Grant to Campus allocation for fiscal year 2028, an increase of $112,157, or approximately 62 percent over the FY27 allocation of $180,000. The annual Grant to Campus provides flexible funding to help Chadron State address student and institutional priorities, according to Kruger.

Recognizing the immediate financial challenges facing the College, the Board also authorized an early advance of up to $74,000 from the FY28 allocation to help address a FY27 funding shortfall affecting Career Scholarships and Rural Health Opportunities Program student aid following reductions in state support.

"This is an example of the Foundation responding to an immediate College need while continuing to build our capacity for the future," Kruger said.

Endowment Strengthens Long-Term Support

The Foundation reported approximately $45 million in total assets at the close of FY26, including $40.5 million in endowment net assets as of June 30, 2026.

The endowment increased from approximately $35.5 million a year earlier and consists of approximately 417 individual funds established to provide long-term support for Chadron State students and programs.

Endowed funds allow donor generosity to continue benefiting the College over time, providing a sustainable source of funding for scholarships, academic departments, and other donor-designated purposes.

The Foundation also reported $1,311,841 in charitable revenue received through 3,140 gifts during FY26. Annual Giving generated $592,702, exceeding its $485,000 goal by more than 22 percent.

Kruger noted that strengthening donor relationships, expanding endowed giving, and demonstrating the outcomes of philanthropic investments remain priorities for the Foundation.

Recognizing Philanthropic Leadership

The evening highlighted donors who reached new annual or lifetime giving milestones.

President's Club ($100,000 or more in lifetime giving)

CFE Solutions, Inc., and Sidney Harchelroad (recognized posthumously).

President's Guild ($50,000 or more in lifetime giving)

Judith Hiles; Alex and Lisa Laudenklos; and Rolland and Deloris Dewing, with Rolland recognized posthumously.

President's Society ($25,000 or more in lifetime giving)

Larry and Marcia Baumann, with Larry recognized posthumously; John Castek; Cheryll Christianson; Julie Hitt; Thomas and Angela Mason; Nebraska Big Game Society; Richard and LeAnn Robinson; and Kathleen and Rene Tomisser.

Annual Giving Club ($10,000 or more in a single fiscal year)

Terrence and Carolyn Brennan; Steve Sandberg; the Bonnie Szidon Estate; and The Slim Days Foundation.

These giving clubs recognize individuals, families, businesses, and organizations whose generosity creates opportunities for Chadron State students and strengthens the College.

The Foundation also highlighted several recent gifts supporting endowed scholarships, including the Larry R. Baumann Rural Law Opportunities Program Scholarship Endowment, additional support for the Franklin STEM Endowment and Fitzgibbon/Muller International Club Scholarship, and funding for the Dr. Tom Smith Memorial Endowed Scholarship, established to honor a Chadron State faculty member.

Honoring Board Leadership and Service

The Foundation recognized four outgoing Board of Directors members for their leadership and commitment to the organization.

Randy Cullers and John Smith each began their Board service in 2017, followed by Jim Grimes in 2018 and Dawson Brunswick in 2023.

The evening concluded with the Foundation's Annual Meeting of the Trustees, presided over by Board Chair Jen Barp, a 1996 Chadron State graduate.

The Foundation also welcomed Rob Bila, Duane Fritz, and Jim Gardner as incoming members of its Board of Directors.

President Kupper provided remarks on the College's current priorities and future direction, highlighting the importance of continued partnership among the College, Foundation, alumni, and donors.

Throughout the evening, the Foundation emphasized philanthropy's lasting value and the importance of ensuring donor investments produce meaningful results.

"Donors deserve more than a receipt and a thank-you," Kruger said. "They deserve an answer to a very reasonable question: What did my gift make possible?"

About the Chadron State Foundation

The Chadron State Foundation is an independent nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting the life of Chadron State College and the aspirations of its students. Through philanthropy, alumni engagement, and responsible stewardship, the Foundation connects donors and friends with opportunities to strengthen the College and support future generations of Eagles.