Glenn and Catherine Blumhardt knew South Dakota State University had changed greatly since graduating in 1975. A golf cart ride around campus before a football game this past fall gave them a greater appreciation for just how much. 

The Bowdle, SD, couple was motivated to establish a scholarship endowment benefitting South Dakota students enrolled in the Van D. and Barbara B. Fishback Honors College. They initiated it by gifting 8,800 bushels of grain to the SDSU Foundation through their local elevator. Glenn and Catherine did it before receiving the income, an important step to provide the tax advantage.

“The process of creating a scholarship with a gift of grain was very simple,” the Blumhardts said. “We hope others will think about creating their own scholarship funds at State using this style of gift to benefit deserving students.”  

The investment in South Dakota Jackrabbits at SDSU aligns with both their passion for the university and commitment to community engagement. Catherine’s child development family relations degree led her to a 37 1/2-year career in the Bowdle School District as the business manager. In addition to his farming operation, Glenn, a soil science major, has been on the local volunteer fire department for 47 years, the last 22 as Chief.