A funny thing happened to the freshman class on their way to the 2004-2005 academic year at Bemidji State University.

They got caught in a shift, and were swept down a path that no Minnesota student has had to traverse since the state began a historic commitment to public higher education many generationsago. For the first time, studenttuition will pay more of the cost for a public education than the state will appropriate to train its future work force, leaders, and community builders.

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For new incoming students, this is no joking matter. It marks a restatementof the traditional promiseby the state to provide access to quality educational programs at a cost affordable to all economic segments of Minnesota.

The shift finds BSU and other state higher education entities in a transition from publicly-funded to publicly-assisted institutions. The legislature once mandated support at 67 percent. Next year, it is estimated that student tuition will account for 53 percent of BSU's operating budget and 47 percent will come from legislative appropriation.

Recognizing the dire need for immediate assistance, the BSU Foundation has undertaken its most ambitious campaign ever with a plan to raise over $3.5 millionin just one year.

"Bemidji State University's purpose is to transform the lives of students and create a better future for citizens across Minnesota,"said Dr. Jon Quistgaard, BSU president. "Many students today find it increasingly difficult to pursue their dreams as they become burdened with multiple jobs and increasing debt.

"The University's Foundation is an avenue that is assisting students in realizing their dreams. The Foundation endeavors to provide all students with the opportunityto experience Bemidji State University, and it wants faculty and staff to have the resourcesnecessary to make a difference in people's lives."

The overall campaign goal is $3,525,000 in new dollars to seven areas (see list on this page). Over $1.5 million is targeted for scholarships and $780,000 for equipment. Other funds will support new faculty positions, research projects and special programs.

"One of the things our company did was study our competition," said Dave Odegaard, an alumnus who is president of the BSU Foundation and a retired partner with the international accountingfirm Deloitte. "It would tell where they were strong, expose our weaknesses, and tell us what we needed to do.

"Bemidji State's main competitionis Minnesota-Duluth to the east and the University of North Dakota to the west. UND raises over $10 million annually and gives 500 presidential scholarshipseach year. UMD is part of a system that just successfully completeda $1.6 billion fund-raising campaign.

"Our ability to attract top studentsin northern Minnesota is being challenged by smaller high school graduating classes and increasing scholarship offers from other universities. If Bemidji State doesn't respond quickly, it could be in a world of hurt betweentwo 500-pound gorillas.

"As an alumnus, I know BSU has had a significant impact on our lives and that we value a BemidjiState education," Odegaard commented. "We can extend this opportunity to transform students' lives, now and in the future, bycontributing to a scholarship or program fund."

The drive is structured with the 33 BSU Foundation board members working on committees for the seven areas. Foundationstaff is assigned to support each group, and faculty, staff or administration from BSU areprofessional advisors and committee members.

The yearlong effort is the first-stage of a multi-year campaign to offset declining revenue and assist students through scholarships.

"As an alumnus of Bemidji State University, I am proud of the commitment our Foundation board has made by establishinga $3,525,000 fund raising goal, as compared to $900,000 last year," said Dr. Ed McDunn, BSU graduate and executive director of the BSU Foundation. "That nearly 400% increase in goal recognizes the serious impact double digit increases in tuition cause our students.

"If BSU is going to continue to attract outstanding students and faculty in these difficult times for higher education, alumni and friends of BSU will be asked to give back to this outstandingUniversity. There has never been a greater need for a gift to BSU than right now.

"I sincerely hope that everyone who reads this article will consider making a major gift in recognition of what BSU has meant to them. Individuals can choose the college or program to receive the gift, which is tax deductible."

Individuals interested in becoming directly involved in, or contributingto, the campaign should contact the BSU Foundation.