Minnesota State Mankato Foundation Honors Donors at Annual Purple and Gold Gala
Mankato, Minn. – The Minnesota State University, Mankato Foundation presented three awards Friday, Sept. 30 at the annual Minnesota State Mankato Foundation Purple and Gold Gala—a black-tie reception and banquet in the University’s Centennial Student Union Hearth Lounge and Ballroom that celebrates the generosity of alumni and friends.
The Foundation honored Steve and Mary Klick as “Philanthropists of the Year,” Federated Mutual Insurance Company as “Corporate Partner of the Year” and Carol Sletner as “Volunteer of the Year.”
Through the Klick Foundation of Glenwood, Minn., the Klicks gave more than $1.16 million to provide scholarships to students in a variety of programs. Steve Klick is a 1979 alumnus of the University.
Federated Mutual Insurance has partnered with the University in a number of ways since the 1980s, including providing scholarships and athletic sponsorships. Most recently, Federated entered into a five-year partnership with the University that could be worth up to $1.2 million in consulting services and that provides computer information science students real-world experiences reviewing program code.
Sletner, the first female chief of police in Roseville, continues to mentor law enforcement students on campus and provides financial support through the Carol and Mark Sletner Scholarship. She earned bachelor’s degrees in law enforcement and sociology corrections in 1980 and a Master’s of Public Administration degree in 1993.
The Foundation also honored contributors at various levels that included Builders (lifetime giving of $1 million or more); Benefactors (lifetime giving of $500,000 or more); Partners (lifetime giving of $100,000 or more); President’s Circle (lifetime giving of $50,000 or more); and Dean’s Circle (lifetime giving of $25,000 or more).
The Minnesota State Mankato Foundation, chartered in 1958, is the oldest public institution foundation in Minnesota. It enhances the University by providing scholarship support and grants for student research, by supporting faculty professional development, and by helping to build facilities for learning. During the last fiscal year, the Foundation raised more than $12.3 million—the fourth highest total in Foundation history—and awarded more than $2.1 million in scholarships to students.
Minnesota State Mankato, a comprehensive university with 14,546 students, is part of the Minnesota State system, which includes 26 colleges and seven universities.
