ABERDEEN, S.D. – A significant gift from Avera to Northern State University will strengthen the organizations’ ties – and honor a longtime NSU coach and athletic director.
Thanks to Avera’s recent donation, the fitness space on the top floor of the NSU Barnett Center will now be named the Bob Olson Strength and Conditioning Center. Olson, who retired in 2012 after a 37-year career at Northern, previously served on Avera’s Board of Directors.
The gift also extends Avera’s agreement with NSU Health Services through 2034. Health Services is housed in Northern’s Student Center, and this building will now be named the Avera Student Center.
“Bob was on our Board for eight years and helped lead us through challenging times. He is one of us and part of the Avera family. It’s an honor to recognize the impact he has made at both of our organizations with the Bob Olson Strength and Conditioning Center,” said Todd Forkel, Avera St. Luke’s CEO and Regional Vice President. “We look forward to continuing our relationship with Northern.”
In addition, the Avera gift includes support for the Educational Impact Campaign (EIC). The EIC includes the South Dakota School for the Blind and Visually Impaired, including the newly opened SDSBVI; the completed Athletic and Recreation Fields; and the NSU Regional Sports Complex, which began construction this spring.
NSU President Dr. Tim Downs said Northern and Avera are two of the region’s longest-running organizations, and he’s thrilled they can expand their community partnership. The partnership affirms a shared goal of assuring Aberdeen remains a strong and sustainable community.
“Avera, like Northern, is such an important asset for northeast South Dakota,” Downs said. “We appreciate all of the support Avera provides us, especially for our students.”
About Northern State University
Northern State University is a student-centered institution that provides an outstanding educational experience, preparing students through the liberal arts and professional education for their future endeavors. A regional university, Northern offers rigorous academics; diverse civic, social and cultural opportunities; and a commitment to building an inclusive environment for all points of view. Northern also offers a broad-based athletics program, sponsoring 15 NCAA Division II intercollegiate varsity sports that compete in the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (NSIC). The university strives to enrich the community through partnerships such as its Educational Impact Campaign, which opened a new South Dakota School for the Blind and Visually Impaired; new athletic and recreation fields; and, soon, an on-campus regional sports complex. With the $55 million campaign, NSU has been the recipient of more than $120 million in privately funded building projects and scholarships within a decade. To learn more, visit NSU Admissions.
About Avera Health
The Avera Health system has over 19,000 employees and physicians, serving more than 300 locations and 100 communities in a five-state region. Our ministry, our people and our superior value distinguish Avera. We carry on the health care legacy of the Benedictine and Presentation Sisters, delivering care in an environment guided by our values of compassion, hospitality and stewardship. For more information about Avera, see our website at Avera.org.