Honorees of the Year
Each year, we recognize three outstanding individuals for their generous contributions to Minnesota State University, Mankato. Their stories are proof that through giving, we can change the world for the better, give students opportunities they wouldn't have had otherwise, and make a powerful and positive impact.
Philanthropist of the Year
2022- Steve '79 and Mary Klick Foundation
“I would hope the students will gain two things from the gift—first of all, the education that they sought, and the ability to go out and see the world.”
2021- Dirk Derksen '67, '68 and Margaret Petersen
“Giving to the University makes us feel as if we are truly helping individuals. It’s such a reward to know that funds that we provide are going to a good cause.”
2020 – Tony Ulmen ‘79
“I’ll accept [this award] not so much for myself but for everybody else who works hard and contributes what they can. I always said if we all give a little, we can accomplish a lot.”
Volunteer of the Year
2022 - Carol Sletner '80 '93
“[Minnesota State Mankato] will always have a huge place in my heart. When I come on campus, I'm in my happy place. So, for me, it seemed very natural to give back.”
2021 - Jason Beal, '02
“The athletics at [Minnesota State Mankato] have shown so much success and I am so proud of the things that the coaches do. It is just a joy to participate.”
2020 – Heather Ludwig '87
“As a volunteer, I believe in helping students prepare for their career success. I enjoy giving the gift of my time to listen to their challenges and questions, to share tips for them to try out, to share work related insights, and to help them discover who they really want to be as they head out into their career. ”
Corporate Philanthropic Partner of the Year
2020 - Federated Insurance
“Our federated Insurance - Minnesota State Mankato partnership is decades old, and I believe it's really grounded in a set of common values. ”
-Lisa Hyland, '88, Senior Vice President - Director Human Resources
2020 - United Prairie Bank
“If our funding of the Integrated Business Experience program helps set the University apart and gives business students an edge, we’re all for that. It helps show off what a really solid, great university we have in Minnesota State Mankato.”
-Stuart Sneer, Bank President 2002-2020/Board Chair Emeritus
Previous Honorees
Volunteer of the Year
Larry Schnoor 2016
Randy Zellmer 2013
Dr. Winston and Shirley Grundmeier 2010
Margaret Robinson Preska, PhD, LhD, President Emerita 2009
KMSU Radio Hosts 2008
International Student Endowment Committee 2007
Garrison L. Hale 2006
Eddice B. Barber, Ph.D. 2005
Al and Erla Fallenstein 2004
Jon Rippke 2003
William Olszewski 2002
Kristine J. Connors & Judy Keltgen Mans 2001
Dale Johnson 2000
Bailey W. Blethen 1999
Alan Gerhardt & Jim Neilson 1998
Phyllis Rivard 1997
Marcia K. Copeland 1996
Charles Pennington 1995
Philanthropist of the Year
Dennis A. and Helen A. Klenz 2019
John and Anne Frey and Curt Stangler 2018
Al and Bobbie Hubbard 2016
Steve and Judy Legenhausen 2015
Rod Schmidt 2013
California Analytical Instruments/Environmental Testing Corporation 2010
Vivian B. and Harry D. Rippin Estate 2009
Glen and Becky Taylor 2008
David and Debbie Andreas 2007
Gerald and Marilu Bambery/McDonalds of Mankato 2006
Dr. Donald C. and Marjorie Meredith Foundation 2005
The Curtis Sampson Family 2004
Wells Fargo Banks 2003
Pamela and Wynn Kearney, Jr. 2002
B. H. and Betty Chesley 2001
George and Anne Haefner and Allen and Kathleen Lenzmeier 2000
William Bresnan 1999
Glen A. Taylor 1998
Consolidated Communications and the Consolidated Community Fund 1997
Lee and Loretta Snilsberg 1996
Lowell and Nadine Andreas 1995
Corporate Philanthropic Partner of the Year
Schwickert’s Tecta America 2018
The Orthopaedic & Fracture Clinic, PA 2016
Consolidated Communications and the Consolidated Community Fund 2014
