From The Past

Mesabi Range College Foundation’s mission of helping students get the right start remains the same today as it did when it was founded in 1970, a vehicle for the contribution of funds and assets for academic programs and scholarships not supported by traditional sources. A secondary, and vital mission, is to generate funds for the Foundation’s endowments and special needs of the college.

The Foundation is incorporated under the statutes of the State of Minnesota and operates with the sanction of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities System. Thus, all contributions may be claimed as tax deductible.

To The Present

Throughout its nearly four decades, the Foundation continues to expand its services as a challenge to the ever-increasing costs of a college education. Among the on-going projects:

• SPECIAL MAJOR PUBLIC EVENTS during the year assures a steady flow of revenue and helps inform the community of the Foundation’s relevance
• with increased support each year, the SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS PROGRAM has grown dramatically, from $50,000 annually five years ago to more than $100,000, including one full two-year and several full one-year awards
• Innovative donor programs have been launched, including the HONORS ANCHOR CLUB with many members contributing $1,000.00 or more
• ACULTY/STAFF PAYROLL DEDUCTION PLAN adds greatly to the Foundation revenue each year

In addition, the Foundation also embraces auxiliary initiatives that impact the College and its students. These activities include:

• EMERGENCY STUDENT LOAN PROGRAM helps students who run into a financial crunch
• INNOVATIVE THOUGHT AND ACTION FACULTY/STAFF AWARDS to develop special projects
• LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS for alumni of the College who have distinguished themselves in their careers
• SCHOLARSHIP RECOGNITION OBSERVANCE to honor recipients and donors
• LEGACY AWARDS DESIGNATION for donors of assets to the Foundation
• PROJECT DEMOCRACY AWARDS for achievements among area high school essayists on contemporary Americanism topics

And Into the Future

The horizons of the Mesabi Range College Foundation continue to broaden as the College enters the 21st century of educational and related services to the region. Priority agenda items include:

• the designation of a VISIONS IN PROGRESS unit within the Foundation to strengthen its planning and activities
• INCREASED DATA GATHERING commitment to keep in touch with college alumni and potential donors to bring our message to more than 5000 of our graduates
• INFORMATIONAL PROGRAM SERIES geared to the region's industries, businesses, organizations and the public designed to show how opportunities at the College have an impact on the economic and cultural well-being of the area